Smiles And Frowns Playhouse

10/10/2026

Smiles and Frowns Playhouse invites youth in grades 3–12 to submit original, student‑written monologues inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
This competition highlights collaboration between young writers and young performers, and the overall winners in each grade division will have their monologue performed by our Monologue Performance Competition winners during the 40th Anniversary Weekend, November 13–14, 2026.

A $50 award will be given to the top playwright in each division: Elementary, Middle School, and High School. All students are welcome to submit. Student winners must be available for two in person rehearsals in the time frame of Nov. 1- Nov. 12th.

For more information and links for submission, visit our website at https://smilesandfrowns.org/40th-anniversary/ -contest
or email Maxine Ford at [email protected]

10/10/2026

Smiles and Frowns Playhouse invites youth in grades 3–12 to submit a filmed monologue performance for our 40th Anniversary celebrations.
This competition highlights collaboration between young writers and young performers, and the overall winners in each grade division will perform the winning youth‑written monologue from our Playwriting Competition during the 40th Anniversary Weekend, November 13–14, 2026.

One $50 winner will be selected in each division: Elementary, Middle School, and High School.

For more information and links for submission, visit our website at https://smilesandfrowns.org/40th-anniversary/ -contest
or email Maxine Ford at [email protected].

10/08/2026

What really happened after all the once upon a times? You’ll find out in this fun, fractured fairy tale! A substitute narrator is called in on short notice to present stories from a stack of fairy tale books. But just as each tale begins its ”once upon a time,” the main characters show up to interrupt and correct the newbie narrator’s telling of their story. The chaos continues until it’s up to the characters to explain what really happened after “once upon a time.”

AND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WHAT HAPPENED AFTER ONCE UPON A TIME:

Kids’ Talent Spotlight

Enjoy the performances of kid singers, dancers, jugglers, musicians, and more!

As Part 2 of this kids’ night, help us celebrate and support area kids ages 6-16 who have come together to perform their talent on stage.

Your $15 ticket buys you admittance to both shows!
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mac

10/08/2026

Our first Smiles and Frowns Playhouse Alumni Spotlight is Maxine Ford!
Maxine once lit up the Ayden Recreation Center, and now uses her light to assist prospective students at North Carolina A&T as an admissions counselor.

We invite alumni to join Maxine and other alumni on November 14th, 2026 at Ayden’s Second Street Community Building. Link in bio!

Tag an alum in the comments you’d like to receive a shout out!

10/07/2026

A fun, spooky show for the kids, and a great opportunity to support high-quality children's theatre in our region!

Beetlejuice JR is a frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new hou...

10/07/2026

✨Congratulations to our artwork contest winner, Audrey!✨

Audrey's playful depiction of the heroes of Oz will be featured on our programs, tee shirts, and all over our social media and our website as we get excited for our performances on November 13th and 14th!

Have you reserved your seat for our journey to the Land of Oz?
Get your tickets at the link below, and stay tuned for more excitement as we continue to celebrate 40 years of Smiles and Frowns!
https://smilesandfrowns.ludus.com/200532486

10/06/2026

Thank you so much for everyone who submitted their art to our artwork contest!
We want to celebrate everyone's creativity before announcing our winner.
Let us know in the comments who's piece is your favorite!

10/06/2026

October 3rd, 2026

Playwriting workshop with Regina YC Garcia

10/06/2026

Thank you everyone who came out on Saturday to our amazing playwriting workshop and made it such an incredible time of creativity and connection!
A special thank you to YC Garcia for sharing her wisdom and expertise with our students! Her contribution is truly invaluable.

Stay tuned to our social media for more workshop opportunities coming soon!