The Young Playwrights' Theater will hold a Gala performance of the tour at Theater J on Monday, October 8 at 7 p.m. The evening will include excerpt performances of all eight plays and introductions of the authors and directors. Each playwright will receive a $100 award during the gala. The final performances and conclusion of the Youth or Dare Tour will be held on October 27 on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. The Millennium Stage performances will be held at 3 & 6 p.m.

World premier plays included in this year's tour are:

Seventeen-year-old Smooth thinks he can get any girl he wants and treat her badly to boot. But when Smooth moves in with his Dad and his fiancee Tracy, he gets a sharp lesson on the need to treat every woman with respect. A smart comedy for high school age and up.

"Shania's Cutting" by Sade Gree, Filmore Arts Center/Hardy Middle School; directed by Jennifer L. Nelson

Shania feels lost. She is doing poorly in school and her parents don't seem to understand he. Is hurting herself the only way she can call out for help? An important piece dealing with one teenager's desperation and attempts to be heard. From middle school and up.

"The Truth Amongst Three" by Max A. Roque, Bell Multicultural High School; directed by Tom Prewitt

Michael, angry and jealous, grabs a gun to scare his former girlfriend Brenda and her date at a high school dance with tragic results. Could this youth-on-youth violence have been prevented? A drama for high school and up.

"Leaving Home" by Mayer Mazariegos, Bell Multicultural High School; directed Hugo Medrano

When Carlos' Dad decides to help the family by immigrating from El Salvador to the United States, Carlos can't help but feel abandoned. Will Carlos ever hear from his Dad again? A family drama for fathers and sons.

"Peasant Revolt, the Play by Cameron Byrd, Filmore Arts Center/Hardy Middle School; directed by Nick Olcott.

Turn on your imagination and go back in time to a place of downtrodden peasants, greedy kings and the noble knights fighting for the justice of all. Who says one person can't make a difference in the world? For all ages.

"Conditional Love" by Chaunette L. Jones, Banneker High School; directed by Lee Mikohsa Gardner.

His parents, his preacher, his friends, all condemn homosexuality, yet MJ suspects he may be gay. When his friends decide to beat up a young gay man, MJ is forced to make a decision. A very sensitive, balanced account of a young man's struggle to communicate with his friends and family. Originally produced by YPT in 1998.

"Whatever You Do, Don't Say....!" By Helen Li, Higher Achievement Program; directed by Karen Zacarias.

Lauren is new at school and has just been sent to face the meanest principal in the world. Or is she? Will Lauren ever get out of detention? Will Ms. Sniperbutts stop writing in her diary while at school? And what is the one word Ms. Snipperbutts won't allow her students to say? Originally produced by YPT in 1998.

"Liar Man/Liar Parrot" by Jose Martinex, Bell Multicultural High School; directed by Nick Olcott.

A hilarious play written in classic 1930s farce style. Doctor Palm keeps getting in trouble with his wife, his mother-in-law, Miss Katty, and his best friend and he can't figure out how all these misunderstandings happen. Could it have anything to do with Lupe's annoying parrot? Originally produced by YPT in 1997.

Educator interested in bringing the Young Playwrights' Theater's 2001 "Youth or Dare" Tour to their school or anyone seeking additional information should call 202-387-9173.