The San Diego-based Playwright’s Project chose The Spirits of the Bells, a play co-written by 12-year-olds Sydney Yockey, a Bishop's student, and Kaylin Greisen, as one of four winners in a statewide contest with more than 294 submissions. As part of the annual Plays by Young Writers Festival, professional actors will perform staged readings of the girls’ script from April 1-10.

“It stood out because it’s a marvelous script that’s mature and has a beautiful message about friendship,” said Aleta Barthell, director of the play and founder of Kids Act.

In the comedic play, an 18-year-old girl tries to prove that spirits are responsible for continuously ringing her town’s bell tower, creating a dilemma for spirits who are given the option of becoming human again.  

Citing the Ukrainian Bell Carol as a major influence, Sydney and Kaylin originally had a darker tone in mind when they began writing the play for a class project at The School of the Madeleine.

“We had this idea for a story with spirits that was serious and scary,” said Sydney, who now attends The Bishop’s School.

According to Kaylin: “The more we wrote, the more we decided to go with the theme about friendship, and it became more warm-hearted. But there are still some serious parts in there.”   

Not only do they possess an abundance of creativity, the girls also had acting experience to draw from when writing the script.

“We’ve both been in plays, so we knew what sounds good coming from the stage,” Sydney said. “It’s a lot different then something that people will just read in book.”

According to Barthell: “I was just amazed that they understand things like conflict and obstacles so well when writing—things that are crucial to any play.”  

In addition to acting and writing, directing is also on the girls’ resume. Before they received recognition from the Playwright’s Project, the girls rounded up their friends and held the play in Sydney’s backyard.

“We just wanted to put the play on, so it was really neat to find out we won a few months later,” said Sydney’s mom, Wyomi Yockey.

According to Kaylin’s mom, Melinda Greisen: “Honestly, I think Kaylin enjoys the behind the scenes stuff more than actually being in the play.”

At this rate, don’t be surprised to see the girls’ names on future playwright awards.

“I think we’re both going to keep writing plays—maybe something that involves greek mythology in the future,” Kaylin said. “We’re both really passionate about a lot of things.”

Click here for a schedule of the Plays by Young Writers Festival, including dates and times for The Spirits of the Bells.