from Project Write Now
Firefly is back and it’s bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever in its new home here at Two River Theater! Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or simply soaking it all in, Firefly invites you to experience the power of live, true, first-person storytelling. These are real stories of joy, heartbreak, humor, struggle, and triumph—told by everyday people, on stage, in front of a live audience. No judges. Just community and connection.
You will be redirected to the Project Write Now website for booking.
Elizabeth Jannuzzi — Elizabeth’s debut memoir, Sober Mom, will be published by She Writes Press in July 2026. Her work explores themes of loss, motherhood, and recovery from alcoholism. Her essays have been featured in Under the Gum Tree, The Rumpus, Memoir Monday, WOW! Women On Writing, The Brevity Blog, and more. Elizabeth earned a Best of the Net nomination in 2023. She is the program director at Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing organization. She engages with her audience through a weekly Substack newsletter.
Keaton DiBenedetto — Keaton (they/them) is an artist, actor, writer and many adjacent things. They are primarily a playwright, a lover of the spoken word and the intimacy of performance. To them, writing is outreach and connection, a tool to grow empathy. They’ve worked for Two River Theater for four years and hope to remain in theater for the rest of their life. For updates on their projects, follow their Instagram. They are so grateful for this chance to work with PWN!
Mannikka Rosa — Mannikka started The Educationalist Method (T.E.M.) because she kept seeing the same thing: amazing teenagers who didn’t have anywhere to just … be. Not perform academically, not build resumes, but actually explore who they are and what matters to them. So in December 2024, she opened T.E.M. Studio, which she calls a “third space.” TEM is a nonprofit in Red Bank, New Jersey, where teens lead service projects that genuinely matter to them. With 15+ years in education—special education, school administration, and now nonprofit leadership—Mannikka has learned that young people rise to the occasion when we create intentional environments and then get out of their way.
Come early if you want to throw your name in!
Bring your story and your whole self!
If you’d like to throw your name in the hat for a chance to share your story on the Firefly stage on March 24, come prepared with a true, five-minute story on the theme SPRING.
Need help finding your angle? Try one of these prompts—or bring your own interpretation:
Note: Stories must align with PWN’s mission to foster an inclusive, supportive environment.
Project Write Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming lives through the power of writing. Since 2014, we’ve created a vibrant, inclusive community through writing programs and literary events. At the heart of our mission are our community outreach programs, which empower people of all ages to develop essential writing and communication skills. Partnering with local schools and mission-driven nonprofits, we help participants build confidence, cultivate personal growth, and achieve academic and professional success.
