why

Originally developed in 1998, Cherry Picking was established to provide a forum and an audience for both new writers cutting their teeth on the challenge of dramatic writing and visual artists who wanted the opportunity to have their work exhibited. In its first two years of inception, we asked writers to submit work they were in the process of writing or had already written. This was a wonderful way for their work to be heard, however we also discovered showcasing pieces of widely varying lengths, themes, and development a somewhat disjointed evening for the audience. In addition, established writers were looking for the same chance to access a no-pressure forum of development.

Things must evolve. And so they did. In our third year, Cherry Picking found its true form. Embracing our mission statement of fostering creativity, we asked each participating artist to create something entirely new strictly for the purpose of Cherry Picking and opened the event up to writers in all stages of their careers.