After a couple years of rest and isolation, the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre is presenting a new iteration of the Emerging Playwrights Festival. Now known as the Playwrights and Poets Festival, this indoor theatre event will be held Friday and Saturday, January 27 and 28, 2023 at 7:00 pm. 

This year not only are there new short one-act plays written by area authors, but also new original poetry. This is a true celebration of the creative writing talent in the area.

Unlike past years, the judging has already taken place. A panel of judges has given their feedback, and these are the selected entries.

Featured authors include Phoebe Carmine, Maria Fischer, Allison Fradkin, Todd Hogan, Amy Jackson, Allison Pater, G William Zorn and more.

Admission is $5. Tickets may be purchased online, with no additional fees, through a link on the park’s website and social media. The lobby doors will open at 6:00 pm, with concessions and libations available to purchase. 

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432. For more information, visit www.bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761/ bipark@joliet.gov.