Sachem East’s Victoria Lawrence Named Finalist in State Student Playwriting Competition

Sachem High School East student Victoria Lawrence has been named a finalist in the 2026 New York State Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA) Student Playwriting Competition, earning the opportunity to develop her original play with a mentor and perform it onstage.

A panel of theatre and theatre education readers selected Victoria's play. The committee recognized her work as a standout among the submissions.

As part of the recognition, Victoria will work with a playwriting mentor who will guide her through revisions to help bring her play to its full potential. 

The revised work will then receive its world premiere in a student performance during the Student Playwriting Showcase on Saturday, January 9, 2027.

The showcase is part of NYSTEA’s Student Conference, which will take place January 8–10 at the Villa Roma Resort. Fellow Sachem students attending the conference will have the opportunity to watch Victoria’s words come to life onstage.

The Sachem community congratulates Victoria on this achievement and looks forward to celebrating her creativity at the January showcase.