ST. LOUIS - You may have heard people yelling “Stella!” in the Covenant Blu Grand Center Neighborhood. Don’t worry—no need to be alarmed.

It was just one of the many events marking the Tennessee Williams Festival in St. Louis.

Patrons of the arts were invited to participate in a Stella Shouting Contest, where contestants gave their best “Stella!” and were judged on charisma, vocal power and dramatic intent.

First place received two free tickets to a performance of "A Streetcar Named Desire," being performed at The Grandel theater off North Grand to help celebrate the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, which runs from Aug. 7 to Aug. 17.

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis is designed to honor the late playwright Tennessee Williams, who wrote "A Streetcar Named Desire," among other works.

Carrie Houk, executive artistic director of the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, told FOX 2 that Williams spent almost 20 years living in St. Louis. Williams came from a harsh upbringing that Houk feels is seen in his work.

“His time here comes up repeatedly in his work,” Houk explained. “Both in his plays and in his short stories and essays, communications.”

The director for this adaptation of "A Streetcar Named Desire," Michael James Reed, also recognized those rough elements woven in the story and chose not to shy away from them.

Rather, he wanted them presented more vividly. 

If you would like to purchase tickets to "A Streetcar Named Desire," or you would like more information on other activities planned during the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, click here.