A public reading and reception celebrating the Phillip Cook Aspiring Playwright Prize 2026, awarded to Avery Violet Epstein ’28 for her play “Deer Farm”. Reservations required.

Synopsis: Two students on a rooftop. The family frozen on their porch. It can be such a trial to remember. Directed by Ella Talerico ’25 – Guest Director/Drama Alumna. 

Cast: Miranda Fishkin ’27, Oliver Hollman ’27, Caitlin McDonough-Thayer, Jacob Knoll, Maria Shansonga ’27, Levi Srebalus ’26, Arthur Beaugeard ’26, Roman Shaheen ’27, and Norah Miller ’28.

The Phillip Cook Aspiring Playwright Prize

Demetra Takes ’72 recently established an endowed fund known as the Phillip Cook Aspiring Playwright Award. The Phillip Cook Aspiring Playwright Prize is awarded each spring to a sophomore, junior, or senior in any discipline who submits the best full-length play, pair of one-act plays, or musical theater work.

Sponsored by the Drama department and the Phillip Cook Aspiring Playwright Prize.

This event is free and open to the public. 

Reservations are required: boxoffice@vassar.edu