Columbia University School of the Arts Theatre Arts Program playwriting alumna Maria Alexandria Beech ('07SOA) won the Outstanding Playwriting for a New Script Award for her play What Are You Doing Here? at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity.
The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is New York’s premiere eco-friendly, socially-conscious theatre festival. It presents a diverse range of performances and seeks to inspire and form a community of like-minded artists. Nominees for the awards were selected by 24 staff members who voted independently, and winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Chelsea July 24.
Beech's play, directed by Michelle Bossy, is a two-person-show (featuring Maggie Surovell and Kelley Jackson Garcia) about an actress and the character she plays. As the actress performs a play about a woman’s relationship, she is unexpectedly confronted by her ex-boyfriend in the audience. As the actress struggles with her thoughts, both the actress and the character grapple with unresolved love.
The production was nominated for 6 additional awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play, Outstanding Use of Projections, Special Effects, AND/OR Multi-Media Event, and Outstanding Direction. Beech was nominated for Outstanding Playwright in 2009.
