Quakertown Community School District

Many famous playwrights throughout history have been known not only to write original plays but also to perform. Oscar Hammerstein, William Shakespeare, Moliere, Sam Shepard… and maybe someday, Quakertown’s Eddie Baniak, IV.

This past year, the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center held its first Bucks County Young Playwrights competition. Hammerstein, the collaborative writer of famous musicals such as “Oklahoma!,” and “The Sound of Music,” lived in Doylestown for 20 years. Students from grades 9 -12 were tasked with submitting an original one-act play for the regional competition, with the hope of being selected to perform their piece at the famous playwright’s home, now the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center. Quakertown’s Eddie Baniak IV's play, “Amidst the Ferry Halt,” was one of the two selected among multiple entries.

Described as “a midsummer fairy hall,” this one-act, Edgar Allan Poe-inspired play tapped into elements of Greek Mythology, as well as darker emotional tones. “It was a blend of personal interests and creative influences,” explained Baniak. The play follows a young woman named Beth, who struggles with regret.

Baniak, who recently starred as “Billy Flynn” in QCHS Theater’s production of CHICAGO, had the chance to see “Amidst the Ferry Halt,” come to life twice – once with his fellow classmate thespians and the second at a professional table read at the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center.

In January, Baniak had the opportunity to direct and stage his one-act play with his classmates at QCHS (to view this performance, click here). Then, in February, he was notified that he won the competition, giving him the opportunity to work on his one-act again, with professional actors.

On April 11th, Baniak participated in a workshop and table read with professional actors to revisit and elevate his one-act play at the Hammerstein Museum. Working with professionals, Baniak had the chance to further develop his play and see it performed as a staged reading in front of an audience, allowing him to experience his work come to life on another level.

*Photo provided by the Doylestown Observer

The Bucks County Young Playwrights Festival aimed to celebrate student creativity and the power of dramatic storytelling. Inspired by the mentorship of Oscar Hammerstein II and Stephen Sondheim, the program aims to guide the careers of aspiring playwrights.

When talking about his future, Baniak enthusiastically shared that he wants to pursue a career in theater and film. His goal is to attend Ithaca College and double major in Theatre Studies and Film, with a clear vision of combining both his love of stage and screen storytelling.

With his passion and drive to develop his skills in both theater and film, there is no doubt we will be hearing his name again.

Congratulations Eddie on this incredible achievement! We can’t wait to see what you do next year!

To learn more about the Bucks County Young Playwrights Festival, click here!