Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Layers, or “The Casserole Play” as a Semi-Finalist for the 2025 Premiere Play Festival. Layers rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 78 Semi-Finalists out of 805 submissions. The panel was impressed by the play’s genuine humor and satire. Our congratulations and thanks to Scott.

I needed a laugh, and this tasty comedy, which "layers" history, melodrama, and investigative journalism, hit the spot! This is the type of play you can't help but quote out loud to the unfortunate, disinterested people who are in the room! It's raucously hilarious, delightfully melodramatic, dazzlingly theatrical, and moves at a breakneck pace! It's not JUST silly, however - which, frankly, would have been enough. It has a deeper message (LAYERS!) about why the REAL truth matters! BRAVO!

Scott C. Sickles’ “LAYERS, OR ‘THE CASSEROLE PLAY’” is a theatrical gem. The dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of 1886 New Hampshire with authenticity and a modern twist. Characters are richly drawn, offering a diverse cast the chance to shine in multiple roles. The concept—tracing the casserole’s history through a journalist’s investigation—is both innovative and engaging, serving up a hearty blend of humor, history, and heart. A delightful, layered piece of theatre.