Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre

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Guests:

  • Mary Wright – Education Director & Ensemble Member, Touchstone Theatre

  • Krista Metter – Local Actor, Teaching Artist, and Touchstone Collaborator

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Mary Wright and Krista Metter from Touchstone Theatre about the 20th Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival, taking place Sunday, May 18 at 3 PM at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem.

This unique festival brings to life a selection of original one-act plays written by local elementary and middle school students—performed onstage by professional actors and community volunteers.

The Young Playwrights’ Lab began more than 20 years ago as an after-school program designed to foster literacy, confidence, and creative expression. Today, it’s impacted over 2,000 students and remains one of the most joyful, collaborative, and heartfelt nights of theater in the region.

🎟 Learn more + get tickets: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/
🧠 Support the program through the Right to Future campaign at touchstone.org

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🧠 Episode Recap

Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre
What happens when you hand the script over to kids? You get mad scientists, Greek gods, talking sharks—and themes that hit surprisingly deep.

Mary Wright, who helped launch the program more than two decades ago, describes the festival as “a window into what kids care about right now.” With themes ranging from friendship and family to bullying and climate action, the work is wildly imaginative and undeniably heartfelt.

Touchstone’s Young Playwrights’ Lab uses improv games, writing exercises, and group collaboration to help students develop their own one-act plays. Each year, a handful of these are selected and professionally staged as part of the festival.

Krista Metter, who made her debut in last year’s production as a scene-stealing octopus, shares how being part of the cast made her feel “like a kid again”—and how the program builds deep community ties by giving young voices a real spotlight.

“It’s not just a performance,” says Mary. “It’s a celebration. A party. And the kids are at the center of it all.”

With over 100 plays written this year alone and countless community members stepping in to help with directing, costumes, and production—this event has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most treasured arts traditions.

🌐 Learn more: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/
🎧 Listen to the episode: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/youngplaywrights20
📲 Follow: @lvwithlove | @TouchstoneTheatre

Some of Lisa’s Favorite Cult Items | Lisa Joins a Cult at The Emmaus Theatre on February 23

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Guests:

  • Lisa Van Arsdale – Storyteller and Performer, “Lisa Joins a Cult”
LV with Love Partners

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Van Arsdale to discuss her upcoming show, Lisa Joins a Cult, happening February 23 at 6 p.m. at the Emmaus Theatre. Lisa shares her journey of exploring fringe religious communities and collecting fascinating artifacts—like a “Jesus First” pin from the Jerry Falwell Museum, a protective card from Father Divine followers, and a pamphlet predicting Judgment Day in 2011.

Far from mocking these beliefs, Lisa approaches these groups with curiosity and respect, offering a unique lens into their cultures. We dive into the stories behind these artifacts and how they’ve shaped her show. If you’ve ever been curious about fringe communities, this episode is for you!

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Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Allentown’s Proposed Transfer Tax Hike Explained

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Thank you to our Partners!

Lehigh Valley Health Network

WDIY

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate 

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast: Episode 017 (ArtsQuest’s Talent Buyer, Helen Smith!)

Have you ever wondered how ArtsQuest books all of their free stage acts for Musikfest? Wonder no more! On this episode, we have ArtsQuest Talent Buyer, Helen Smith. She gives us the ins and outs of Musikfest booking and even gives a few tips for your band.

She is also horrible at taking care of birds.

The Podcast is currently available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and Pocket Casts.

As always, you can listen to the podcast directly on our website and insert it into your favorite player via our podcast feed.

This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (www.sunsetsnorth.com)

Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast: Episode 004

In this episode, we talk about horrible Lehigh Valley weather, the Mayor of Allentown’s conviction, and some more depressing items. Oh, and we also talk about St. Patrick’s Day parades from here to Scranton.

We’re currently available on iTunesGoogle PlayStitcher, and Pocket Casts and you can listen to the podcast directly on our parent company website and insert it into your favorite player via our podcast feed.

This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (http://www.sunsetsnorth.com/)