Steppenwolf Theatre Company offers behind-the-scenes look at new play development for theatergoers, practitioners
CHICAGO, IL – Steppenwolf Theatre Company is proud to host two initiatives giving behind-the-scenes looks at the process of developing and producing new plays for local theatergoers and theater professionals from around the country alike. As part of the eighth annual First Look Repertory of New Work, Steppenwolf continues First Look 101, a unique two-month experience from June 1 – August 10 that takes enrolled participants on a backstage journey through all aspects of the new play development process—from the first rehearsal to the final performance. In addition, Steppenwolf hosts a Professionals’ Weekend, August 8 – 11, during which theater practitioners join Steppenwolf in conversation about new plays, and attend First Look productions and readings in addition to special industry events. An important part of the company’s artistic mission, Steppenwolf has produced 21 developmental productions of new plays through First Look since 2005; twelve of these plays have enjoyed subsequent world premieres at theaters across the United States. Enrollment in First Look 101, and registration for Professionals’ Weekend is currently underway; visit steppenwolf.org/firstlook for more information.
First Look Repertory of New Work features three developmental productions of new plays presented in rotating repertory July 29 – August 25, 2013 in the Garage Theatre (1624 N Halsted St). First Look 2013 includes: Buena Vista by Edith Freni, The Gospel of Franklin by Aaron Carter and Annie Bosh is Missing by Janine Nabers. The 2013 festival also features readings of three new plays, including Tempo by Mike Batistick, Your Name Will Follow You Home by Carlos Murillo and BARBECUE by Robert O’Hara. Tickets to First Look Repertory of New Work ($20) are on sale now at steppenwolf.org, 1650 N Halsted St or at 312-335-1650.
First Look 101 Schedule
Kick-Off Event: Welcome & Script Boot Camp
Saturday, June 1 at 10 a.m.
Book Club Play Discussions
Wednesday, June 19 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m.
First Rehearsal & Design Presentations
Tuesday, July 2
Annie Bosh is Missing – Rehearsal Observation & Discussion
Saturday, July 13 at 10am and Tuesday, July 30 at 7pm
Buena Vista – Rehearsal Observation & Discussion
Sunday, July 14 at 5pm, Friday, July 19 at 7pm and Sunday, July 28 at 2pm
The Gospel of Franklin – Rehearsal Observation & Discussion
Wednesday, July 17 at 12 noon and Thursday, August 1 at 7 p.m.
Closing Event
Sunday, August 4 at 7:15 p.m.
Enrollment in First Look 101 ($100) is currently underway. Student enrollment ($45) is available with valid ID. Enrollment includes access to all First Look 101 events, plus tickets to all three First Look productions. To enroll, call Audience Services at 312-335-1650. Space is limited.
Professionals’ Weekend Schedule
Thursday, August 8
7:30 p.m. Â Â Â Â Â Slowgirl or Belleville (optional; available at discount)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
8 p.m.           The Gospel of Franklin*
Friday, August 9
10 a.m.         Welcome with Artistic Director Martha Lavey, and Playwright Discussion
11:30 a.m.     BARBECUE**
2:30 p.m. Â Â Â Â Â Your Name Will Follow You Home**
5:30 p.m.      Cocktail Reception                              Â
8 p.m .          Buena Vista*
Saturday, August 10
10am         Tours of Steppenwolf campus
11am         Tempo**                                  Â
1pm           Buena Vista*
2pm           Learning Groups: Best practices in new play developmentÂ
4:30pm      The Gospel of Franklin*
8pm           Annie Bosh is Missing*
Sunday, August 11
10am         Panel Discussion: The Steppenwolf Ensemble talks new plays              Â
*Â Developmental Production
** Reading
Registration for Professionals’ Weekend ($75) is currently underway and includes tickets to all productions, readings, industry events, lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. For more information or to sign up, e-mail firstlookinfo@steppenwolf.org or call 312-654-5610.
