Plays written by two Kansas University playwrights emerged as winners in the regional festival of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, held recently at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

The winners were “Attack of the Asians,” a 10-minute play by Tim Macy, a fall 2002 graduate from Topeka and Noel, Mo., and “Ketchup,” a 10-minute play by Kristin Soper, a senior from Amarillo, Texas.

Macy’s play was selected by a panel of regional judges for further competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

“Attack of the Asians” focuses on an older couple with debilitating illnesses whose children tend to disregard their parents once the children have financial and emotional independence.

The Kennedy Center festival will underwrite Macy’s weeklong internship at the Kennedy Center, where he will attend rehearsals of his play, featuring the national Irene Ryan acting nominees.

If Macy’s play wins in Washington, he will get a $2,500 prize, a two-week summer fellowship at the O’Neill Theatre Conference in Waterford, Conn., and his play will be published by Dramatic Publishing Co.

Soper’s play, “Ketchup,” won the Al Gore Popular Vote after the staged reading of eight 10-minute plays on Jan. 25. “Ketchup” is about an elderly man reflecting on his life.