Kelley Trowbridge and Maira Martin are the winners of the 2025 Young Playwrights in Process (YPiP).
The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s (IRT) annual playwriting competition was created through the Margot L. and Robert S. Eccles Trust in 2005 for Indiana students, grades 6-12. The YPiP program, which encourages middle and high school students to engage in playwriting and to create works that reflect the world they live in, according to a press release.
More than 150 entries were submitted and reviewed by a committee of theatre and writing professionals over the course of five months. Though only a one student is chosen as winner for the high school and middle school category, each student who entered will receive individualized feedback on their work.
Martin, an eighth grader at Columbus Central Middle School, won the middle school division with “To Heal a Wilted Flower.”
Trowbridge, a senior at University High School, won the high school division with “You’re Pretty, I Swear.”
Both Martin and Trowbridge will receive a $1,000 cash prize for their works and their plays will be on the IRT website as inspiration for the next cohort of young playwriters.
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In addition to the two winners, Kaila Gelback and Sammy Keller were selected as finalists in the high school division and Knox Hodges and Anzalna Sajid were selected as finalists for the middle school division. Each of the four finalists will receive a $250 cash prize.
All top six students attended a workshop with the IRT’s Playwright-in-Residence Jessica Huang, playwright and educator Noelle Vinas as well as resident dramaturg Richard Roberts.
Applications for the 2026 Young Playwrights in Process competition open in the fall. For more information or to view a full list of finalists, visit irtlive.com or contact the IRT’s education department at education@irtlive.com or 317-916-4841.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
 annual playwriting competition was created through the Margot L. and Robert S. Eccles Trust in 2005 for Indiana students, grades 6-12.){kind=link}