The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) has announced the winners of its 2025 Young Playwrights in Process (YPiP) competition, an annual playwriting contest for Indiana students in grades 6-12. This year’s top honors go to Kelley Trowbridge and Maira Martin, whose compelling works stood out among more than 150 entries from across the state.
Maira Martin, an eighth grader from Columbus Central Middle School, won the middle school division with her play To Heal a Wilted Flower. Kelley Trowbridge, a senior at University High School, took the high school division title with You’re Pretty, I Swear. Their plays were selected for their originality, storytelling, and ability to challenge and reflect the world around them.
The YPiP program, founded in 2005 through the Margot L. and Robert S. Eccles Trust, encourages young playwrights to express their creativity and develop their voices. Over the past five months, all entries underwent review by a panel of theatre and writing professionals. Participants received individualized feedback, and the top six finalists attended a workshop with IRT’s new Playwright-in-Residence Jessica Huang, playwright and educator Noelle Viñas, and IRT’s Resident Dramaturg Richard Roberts.
As winners, Trowbridge and Martin will each receive a $1,000 cash prize, and their plays will be featured on the IRT website to inspire future young playwrights. High school finalists Kaila Gelback and Sammy Keller, along with middle school finalists Knox Hodges and Anzalna Sajid, will each receive a $250 prize in recognition of their exceptional work.
This coming season marks the 20th anniversary of YPiP, and the IRT plans to expand its celebration of young artists.
Applications for next year’s competition will open in the fall, providing another opportunity for Indiana students to showcase their storytelling talents.
For more information about YPiP and other educational programs, visit irtlive.com or contact the IRT Education Department at education@irtlive.com or 317.916.4841.
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS IN PROCESS WINNERS
Kelley Trowbridge
You’re Pretty, I Swear
University High School
Maira Martin
To Heal a Wilted FlowerColumbus Central Middle School
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS IN PROCESS FINALISTS
Knox Hodges All for the Bee Columbus Central Middle School
Anzalna Sajid
The Night Train
West Lafayette Junior Senior High School
Kaila Gelback
Parallel
Silver Creek High School
Sammy Keller
It’s a Daisy
Franklin Central High School
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