Cortland High Student's Play Makes Waves at Syracuse Stage Young Playwrights Festival

Vicky Ramiza, a talented member of Cortland High
Theater, is celebrating a significant achievement. Her play, "Gambling with Grandma," originally showcased at last year's One Act Play Festival, has been selected as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Syracuse Stage Young Playwrights Festival. Ramiza's script stood out among over 200 submissions from across Central New York, earning her a spot among the top 16 chosen for this honor. One Act Play advisor Susie Carr and The Cortland High Theater community has expressed immense pride in her accomplishment. "I began both writing and theater at an early age," Ramiza shared. "I enjoyed expressing my creativity in these forms and would enjoy writing short stories for school. I've been an avid member of Cortland High Theater for many years, participating in shows as an actor and assistant/student director." She highlighted the One Act Festival as a particularly appealing outlet, allowing her to merge her passion for writing and theater. "This year, I decided to further my experience and enter into the Syracuse Stage Playwright’s Festival," Ramiza explained. As a semi-finalist, she will now attend a workshop to hone her writing skills and gain valuable experience. Looking ahead, Ramiza plans to continue her involvement in theater and aspires to work as a director. She also encourages other high school students with a passion for writing to explore their creativity through playwriting. "I hope that other high schoolers who enjoy writing use their skills to write a one-act play and combine their skills and interests to create an interesting and unique work," she said. Congratulations to Vicky Ramiza on this well-deserved recognition!