Photo Flash: Center Theatre Group Presents the August Wilson Monologue Competition

Fifteen students from Henry J. Kaiser High School, Walnut High School, Fullerton Union High School, Los Angeles County High School for the Performing Arts, Notre Dame Academy and other high schools across southern California performed monologues from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson’s 10-play “Century Cycle" on Monday, March 26 at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum's August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals.

Celebrity judges included Paris Barclay, John Beasley, Dennis Haysbert, Stan Lathan and Charlayne Woodard. Master of Ceremonies is award-winning broadcast journalist and CBS 2 co-anchor Pat Harvey.

A singular achievement in American theatre, August Wilson’s “Century Cycle” dramatizes the African-American experience in the 20th century. The monologue competition is designed to help students from all backgrounds connect with a significant part of American history and to gain theatre and performance skills. The top three regional finalists from each participating city will receive $500, $250, and $100 scholarships, respectively, and a trip to New York with the opportunity to compete in the fifth annual AWMC national finals, to be held at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway on May 7.

Visit http://www.centertheatregroup.org/ for more information.

Photos by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

The audience during the August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals at Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum on March 26, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Students during the August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals at Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum .

The student finalists pose backstage during the August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals at Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum.

The student finalists pose during the August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals at Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum.

Student finalists Christopher Smith, Christie Owens, Tyler Edwards and Jeffery Sims pose during the August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals.

Student Dominique Thompson

Student Jeffery Sims

Student Jake Foulkes

Student Pablo Lopez

Student E.J. Cabasal

Student Rhyver White

Student Marcus Arellanes

Tyler Edwards

Student Nicole Julian

Second place finalist Jasmine Hogan

Student Kayla Matthews

Student Kara Royster

Student Christie Owens

Student Keanu Beausier

First place finalist Christopher Smith

CTG Artistic Director Michael Ritchie

Master of Ceremonies Pat Harvey

The student performers cheer the finalists during the August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals at Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum

The student finalists are recognized onstage during the August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals at Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum

Celebrity judges Dennis Haysbert (L) and Charlayne Woodard (R)

CTG Donors Joni Benickes and Miles Benickes pose with celebrity judge Dennis Haysbert

Celebrity judge Dennis Haysbert (L) and Leslie K. Johnson, Director of Education and Community Partnerships, CTG (R)

Celebrity judge Stan Lathan (L) and Attorney Nina Shaw (R)

Wells Fargo's Angel Zapata, daughter Carmen Zapata and celebrity judge Dennis Haysbert

Celebrity judge Dennis Haysbert (L) and actor Oliver Litondo (R)

Wells Fargo's Angel Zapata (L) and Master of Ceremonies Pat Harvey (R)

CTG Affiliate Jeri Nagelberg, CTG Board Member Dr. Steven Nagelberg and CTG Director of Development Yvonne Bell

Leslie K. Johnson, Director of Education and Community Partnerships, CTG (L) and Master of Ceremonies Pat Harvey (R)

Celebrity judge Paris Barclay, Attorney Nina Shaw and celebrity judge Stan Lathan

Celebrity judges John Beasley (L) and Dennis Haysbert (R)

Celebrity judges Paris Barclay, John Beasley, Dennis Haysbert and Stan Lathan

Student performer finalists Jasmine Hogan, Christopher Smith and Tyler Edwards

Celebrity judge John Beasley, finalists Jasmine Hogan, Christopher Smith, Tyler Edwards and celebrity judge Dennis Haysbert

The top three finalists Tyler Edwards, Jasmine Hogan and Christopher Smith accept their awards during the August Wilson Monologue Competition Regional Finals at Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum