Gorilla Theatre program nurtures young playwrights

It's no secret the Gorilla Theatre has been a haven for local actors since 1990. Co-founders Aubrey Hampton and Susan Hussey purposely created a world that welcomed theater folk of every age, level and ambition.

The Gorilla is synonymous with home and heart, providing artists and patrons with exceptional stage work in an intimate venue.

In 2000, the Gorilla furthered its commitment to youth and implemented the Young Dramatists' Project. The YDP is an annual playwriting competition open to all middle and high school-aged students in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Winners receive a $250 royalty, membership in the Dramatists' Guild and a professional production of their work.

Writers also have their plays workshopped and are mentored by dramaturge and YDP artistic director James Rayfield.

Though Hussey died in 2009 and Hampton passed away in May of this year, their allegiance to young talent carriers on.

"Susan and Aubrey were writers themselves," Rayfield said. "They wanted to encourage young people to write and to show them the rewards of having their play produced professionally. They cared about young people and playwriting and theater."

Now in its 11th year, the YDP has recognized six new playwrights for 2011: Ana Krsmanovic, Hannah Mribiha, Zach Mullen, Jaime O'Brien, Emily Pittman and Jennifer Van Gelder.

Northeast High School students Krsmanovic and Mribiha co-wrote "Waiting for Abigail," a play about people who come in and out of our lives. For Mribiha, 17, the experience reinforced her passion for writing and imparted the value of teamwork.

"I want to be a director, so I've had the chance to sit in with other directors and watch them rehearse. I've gotten insight into collaborating as a writer and a theater professional. So much collaboration goes on from pen to paper to the finished product," Mribiha said.

The 2011 finalists follow in the footsteps of nearly 50 YDP alumni. Rayfield said he's struck by how many have continued in theater.

"Chris Jackson and Chris Rutherford are both immersed completely in it. Zach Dorn submitted plays and graduated last year from the University of Connecticut. He is a puppeteer creating his own shows and writing scripts. Michael Kefeyalew went to Florida State University and was accepted into their film program, which is selective," Rayfield said.

Bill Leavengood, director of Shorecrest Preparatory School's drama department, has encouraged many of his students over the years to enter the competition. As a playwright and screenwriter who knows the challenges artists face, he's an admitted fan of the program's practical benefits.

"They give students full productions and the full experience of being a playwright. The royalty isn't going to change their life, but I so appreciate any theater that tries to honor rather than use artists. It's nice that they employ actors and directors to bring it all together," Leavengood said.

Though involvement in YDP doesn't guarantee a theater career, it does show kids the possibilities - a critical ingredient in the Gorilla's no-fail recipe. The full formula goes like this: possibility plus support equals success.