Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival

Each spring, PS•YPF invites elementary, middle, and high school students to submit original short plays, offering winning playwrights the opportunity to receive mentorship from seasoned theatre professionals, see their work brought to life by professional actors and directors, and receive a $500 scholarship to support their future in the arts.

Each year, the winning plays are presented in a public staged reading at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, where student writers experience the excitement and validation of hearing their words performed before a live audience. Past winning plays, including The Rats of Broadway by Jason Bulanek and Look At Me, I Exist by Ryleigh Sanchez, reflect the imagination, humor, courage, and emotional depth of the next generation of storytellers.

Beyond the annual festival, PS•YPF continues to nurture young artists through alumni engagement, mentorship, media outreach, and community connection. Our alumni advisory board helps keep past playwrights involved while encouraging ongoing support, networking, and creative growth long after their festival experience. Over the years, PS•YPF has also partnered with accomplished actors, directors, writers, educators, and arts organizations who guide students in refining their scripts and understanding the collaborative nature of professional theatre.

As we enter our 10th year, PS•YPF remains committed to creating a vibrant, year-round environment where young writers can develop their craft, build confidence, and recognize the power of their unique voices. By transforming student ideas into professional theatrical experiences, the festival gives young playwrights a profound sense of purpose, joy, and validation — inspiring them to continue growing as artists, collaborators, and individuals.