Judson's location in Cleveland's cultural hub, University Circle, makes it an ideal venue for First Mondays, a play-reading series run by local playwright Jean Seitter Cummins.

First Mondays kicked off its inaugural season at Judson Manor last night with Cummins' Archies Girl, a 1930s-style radio drama. Local actors transformed the Manor ballroom into a radio studio, complete with sounds effects designed by Stan Kozak and performed by Tim Keo.

Afterwards the audience of about 50 Judson residents and guests enjoyed a question and answer period with the troop, which gives local playwrights an opportunity to hear their work read before an audience.  Cummins recently explained the value of audience input to the playwright's creative process in an interview on WCPN 90.3 FM's "Around Noon."

Next up for First Mondays at Judson Manor:

One-on-One by Edward Walsh and Robert Noll
February 6, 7:30 p.m.
A basketball court is the site of racial tension in the Old Neighborhood. 

Lives of the Saints by Jean Seitter Cummins
March 5, 7:30 p.m.
An Irish sibling family of brothers and sisters in their 70s and 80s is challenged by the threat of change.

The schedule is still developing, so we will keep you posted!

For more information about First Mondays visit www.firstmondays.weebly.com. The readings are free for Judson residents and $5.00 for the public.