The Vassar Drama Department hosts a staged reading and reception honoring the 2026 recipients of the Marilyn Swartz Seven ’69 Annual Playwriting Competition: Leila Stark ’26, for her play “Oranges Peel Oranges” and Honorable Mention presented to Cole Smith ’26 for his play “Blockheads”.

The event is open to the public, and reservations are required (boxoffice@vassar.edu).

About the Marilyn Swartz Seven ’69 Annual Playwriting Competition
The award is presented to a junior or senior in any discipline who submits the best full-length play. Established in 1999, this year marks the 26th anniversary of the competition. Past recipients have come from a range of majors, including English, Math, Science, and Drama. The winning playwright receives a $1,000 award, a certificate, a staged reading, and a catered reception hosted by the Drama Department.