Playwrights at Kennedy Center

Four Catholic University playwrights are set to present free readings from their plays at the Millennium Stage South, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, on Saturday, Sept. 1.

Drama playwriting graduate students Robert Montenegro, Matthew Buckley Smith, Katherine White, and Teri Gillmore will present their works from 1 to 4 p.m.

The readings are part of the Kennedy Center's 11th annual Page-to-Stage new play festival from Saturday, Sept. 1, to Monday, Sept. 3, featuring more than 40 theaters from the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. The readings are free and seating is first-come first-served; no tickets are required.

Plays and the performance times are as follows:

"Padre," by Robert Montenegro, 1 - 1:30 p.m. A panicky priest making his way through a bad part of town is accosted by a young female gang member with a bullet in her gut and a yearning for her one shot at final redemption. Drama. Recommended for mature audiences.

"The Laundryman," by Robert Montenegro, 1:30 - 2 p.m. When a young politician gets involved in a nasty hit-and-run, he seeks the help of a Senate veteran whose contact known as The Laundryman specializes in washing away political stains. Drama. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

"Nothing to Keep You," by Matthew Buckley Smith, 2 - 2:30 p.m. Two brothers meet in an airport terminal. They both need help, but only one will get it. Drama. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

"Love Birds," by Katherine White, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. When rare, endangered birds refuse to mate, scientists race to intervene and struggle with the ethical implications. How far should they go to save a species that won't save itself? Drama. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

"Beggars and Chooser," by Teri Gillmore, 3:30 - 4 p.m. Having fought with his girlfriend that morning, Mark waits for her at the train station with a bouquet of flowers, ready to apologize. But she's late - and Mark's growing anxieties are mocked by Harry, a homeless man, who is determined to prove to Mark just how much worse things could be. Drama. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance. Seating is limited and subject to availability. Age recommendations have been determined by the performing company or playwright. For more information about the festival, see www.kennedy-center.org .