ART of WNY features one-acts by playwrights John F Kennedy and DonnaMarie Vaughan.

This week, American Repertory Theater of WNY begins its Local Playwrights One-Act Showcase featuring works by John F. Kennedy, DonnaMarie Vaughan, and Justin Karcher.

Kennedy’s “Peoples,” directed by April A. Jones, focuses on inner-city school kids and the challenges they face. DonnaMarie Vaughan’s “Spoiled” is the story of a mother sharing a nasty family secret with her daughter, directed by Michael Lodick; Vaughan’s “Amanda’s Explanation” is a monologue featuring Bonnie Jean Taylor, “detailing a woman’s thoughts on a missing child.” Justin Karcher’s “Death Poem,” directed by Drew McCabe, reflects upon friendship in the face of a sexually transmitted disease.

The series, which runs through June 2 at Buffalo East (1410 Main Street), further contributes the development of local talent and attests to the current vibrancy of the Buffalo theater scene. Call 634-1102 for tickets.