From left: “Draft/Pages” featured playwright Rogelio Martinez, “Solo Act” writer/performer Jessica Bashline, “In Process” playwright Ty Defoe and “Write Here” playwright Craig Thornton
Plays by Rogelio Martinez, Ty Defoe, Jessica Bashline and Craig Thornton highlight Syracuse Stage’s 2022/2023 Cold Read Festival of New Plays, Oct. 18-23.
Curated by Stage’s Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo, the festival features four readings performed live in the Archbold Theatre plus, for the particular first time, a series of panel discussions streamed live online and addressing various topics related to the creation of new work for the stage.
Started in 2017 by Kyle Bass, who at the time was associate artistic director, the particular festival saw in-person events until it was canceled or moved online due to COVID. This year’s festival marks the first return in order to in person psychic readings since 2019.
“Playwrights need a launchpad to create new function and I’m proud to continue what Kyle started, ” says Crespo.
The four readings are “The High Cost of Heating” simply by Thornton (Oct. 21, 7: 30 p. m. ), “Our Words Are Seeds” by Defoe (Oct. 22, 2 g. m. ), “Untitled” by Bashline (Oct. 22, seven: 30 l. m. ) and “The National Pastime” by Martinez (Oct. 23, 3 s. m. ). Tickets are $5 for each reading and available at www.SyracuseStage . org or at the Box Office (315-443-3275). Readings are usually free for Syracuse Stage subscribers.
Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paula Vogel (“How I Learned to Drive”) and playwright Sarah Mantell (“Everything that Never Happened”) joins Crespo and Stage’s resident playwright Kyle Largemouth bass for the first panel discussion “On the Future of New Takes on, ” April. 18. On Oct. 19, lyricist plus bookwriter Maggie-Kate Coleman and composer plus actor Robi Hager discuss “Creating Brand new Musicals” with producers Ben Holtzman and Sammy Lopez (“How in order to Dance in Ohio”) plus Syracuse University Department associated with Drama faculty member Kathleen Wrinn. A discussion of “New Work for Young Audiences” brings Defoe and Stage’s associate director of education Kate Laissle together along with playwrights Dwayne Hartford (“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”) and Karen Zacarías (“Native Gardens”) on March. 20. Upon Oct. 21, Eric Grode, the movie director of the S. I. Newhouse School associated with Public Communication’s Goldring Arts Journalism plus Communications Program, joins dramaturg Sarah Rose Leonard and writer Britanni Samuel, plus co-editors of 3Views, with regard to a panel “On Theatre & Criticism. ” All discussions stream live on the internet from noon to 1 p. m. (EST). Access is free of charge, advance registration required in www.syracusestage.org or even through the Package Office.
The particular Festival closes with a new event, an evening associated with free prose and poetry readings simply by writers from YMCA’s Downtown Writers Center at The Fitz on Salina St. (Oct. twenty three, 7: 30 p. meters. ).
The particular start of the Chilly Read Event of recent Has at Syracuse Stage signaled a heightened commitment to supporting and developing new work at Syracuse Stage. Since then, that dedication has led to five world premiere productions: “Possessing Harriet, ” “Thoughts of a Colored Man” (moved to Broadway in October 2021), “Somewhere Over the Border, ” “salt/city/blues” and this season’s acclaimed “How in order to Dance within Ohio. ” Later this particular season, Bass’ drama “Tender Rain” will add the sixth globe premiere.
The Cold Go through Festival gives audiences the particular opportunity to experience the playwright at the beginning of their creative journey, ” said Bob Hupp, Syracuse Phase artistic director. “This year’s expanded conversation series provides us a rare and exciting opportunity to hear through leading playwrights and artists from across the country. Together, the readings plus conversations are a perfect way to experience the particular playwright’s craft. ”
FESTIVAL EVENTS SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, OCT. 18, NOON
Live Streamed Panel Discussion: On the Future of New Plays
This live conversation offers a rare opportunity in order to witness how creative performers envision the future and develop new work. How do these writers generate new ideas? What will playwriting look like in a post-COVID-19 America? How will their own work impact the future of playwriting?
Panelists:
Kyle Bass , Resident Playwright, Syracuse Stage (“Tender Rain, ” “Possessing Harriet”)
Melissa Crespo, Associate Artistic Director, Syracuse Stage
Sarah Mantell , Playwright (“Everything That Never Happened, ” “The Good Guys”)
Paula Vogel , Playwright (“Indecent, ” “How I Learned to Drive, ” Pulitzer Prize Winner)
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, MIDDAY
Live Streamed Panel Discussion: Creating Brand new Musicals
What goes into making the new musical? From the classroom to Broadway, musical theatre creators talk about the trials and triumphs of exactly what it takes to make a musical.
Panelists:
Maggie-Kate Coleman , Artistic Movie director, Polyphone Celebration; Playwright; Lyricist; Bookwriter (Jonathan Larson Award Recipient)
Robi Hager , Composer (“Little Duende”); Performer (Original Broadway cast associated with “Spring Awakening”)
Ben Holtzman , Producer, Co-Founder of P3 Productions
Sammy Lopez . Maker, Co-Founder associated with P3 Shows
Kathleen Wrinn , Assistant Professor of Musical Theater, Syracuse College Department associated with Dram
THURSDAY, APRIL. 20, NOON
Live-streaming Panel Conversation: New Work for Young Audiences
What does it mean to create plus present theater for young audiences and families? Why is it important in order to engage young audiences from an early age? Join us for a live dialogue about the creation plus future of Theatre regarding Young Audiences.
Panelists:
Ity Defoe , Playwright (“Our Terms Are Seeds”); Performer; Composer
Dwayne Hartford , Playwright (“The Miraculous Trip of Edward cullen Tulane”); Creative Director, Childsplay
Kate Laissle, Affiliate Director associated with Education, Syracuse Phase
Karen Zacarías , Playwright (“Native Gardens”); Founding Artistic Director, Young Playwrights Theatre
FRIDAY, OCT. twenty one, MIDDAY
Reside Streamed Screen Discussion: On Theatre and Critique
Theatre has managed to scrape by inside our ongoing pandemic, but with all of the challenges facing live performance, where does criticism fit? Join our live debate about the particular state associated with theatre plus how critics navigate an ever-changing landscape.
Panelists:
Eric Grode , Director, Goldring Artistry Journalism and Communications System, Syracuse University’s S. We. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Sarah Flower, Leonard Freelance Dramaturg plus Co-Editor of 3Views
Brittani Samuel , Freelancer Writer and Co-Editor associated with 3Views
FRIDAY, MARCH. 21, 7: 30 p. m.
In Person Reading: Write Here – A reading of a new play by a local playwright
“The High Cost of Heating”
By Craig Thornton
Directed simply by Melissa Crespo
In this hilarious and chilling absurdist play, “The Higher Price of Heating, ” a seemingly affluent couple is disturbed by their large heating bill but quickly grow terrified as this starts to physically grow plus take over their particular home. Familiar class issues of function, marriage, and lifestyle are pushed aside as more primal needs—for heat, shelter and food—take over, in increasingly ridiculous and nightmarish ways. As a crypto-fascist army associated with marching salami sandwiches breaks into their home, the two are usually reduced to cawing like crows plus feeding off croutons, with only their own shared terror in the particular face of the unknown providing any sort associated with humanity… or hope.
Craig Thornton studied dramatic writing at New York University or college (BFA), The particular American Film Institute and Godard College (MFA). His first have fun with “Yoo-Hoo Sheila” was produced in New York City shortly after his graduation from Tisch School from the Arts. Other full shows include “Happy Birthday, Tina Marie” (LA and NYC), ” The Sweet Life, ” “We’re a Close Family, ” “Life upon the Lawn” (LA), “The Moment, ” “In My Shoes, ” productions or even staged blood pressure measurements have occurred in Phoenix; Kenosha, Wisconsin; Bangor, Maine; and upstate New You are able to: Watertown, Buffalo, Rochester plus Syracuse. Their docudrama “In My Shoes” telling true stories of teenagers whose parents were actively deployed during conflict in the Middle East was featured in a national story on CNN and referenced inside a congressional study upon military communities. Several associated with his plays have been finalists in nationally recognized playwriting contests, most notably, “The High Cost of Heating; ” The Brand new Works Festivity, The Northern Writes Happening, The Riva Shiner Honor, Screencraft Stageplay and runner-up for that Yale Drama Series prize; considered one of the most competitive and prestigious international play competitions. “What We Hold Onto” which was developed at the HBO workspace was a finalist at The O’Neil National Playwrights Conference. His career in television has been recognized with two New York State Broadcasters Association Awards, an AP award plus two Syracuse press Club Awards. Some other awards include NYSTA and TANYS plus a MacDowell Colony Fellowship. He will be a former artist in residence at Empire State University where he taught in the wounded warrior unit at Fort Drum guiding soldiers through memoirs. Also a screenwriter with several features optioned, he currently teaches screenwriting at the particular S. I actually. Newhouse College of General public Communications with Syracuse College or university.
SATURDAY, OCT. 22, 2 p. m.
In Person Reading: In-Process – A brand new play in-process that will premiere later this season
“Our Phrases Are Seeds”
By Ty Defoe
Directed by Joann Yarrow
“Our Words Are Seeds” explores the past, present and future of Shenandoah, a good Oneida Nation, non-binary plus self-proclaimed Indigi-nerd teenager, and their great-great-grandmother, who started their particular family calling of writing letters in order to the United States Government demanding land back. Watch as Shenandoah’s plus their ancestors’ struggles intersect, and because Shenandoah connects with the Water of Onondaga Lake to find their voice and create a call to action intended for their generation to protect, defend, and acknowledge the Haudenosaunee Country, their traditions, and the land we all share.
Ty Defoe (Giizhig) is usually from the Oneida and Ojibwe Nations. He is the Grammy award-winning composer, a librettist, interdisciplinary artist, actor, Broadway choreographer, eagle dancer and hoop dancer. Ity interweaves creative projects along with social justice, indigeneity, trans rights, Indigi-Queering and environmentalism. Awards, residencies and fellowships: 2022 The particular Kennedy Center’s “Next 50, ” 2021 Helen Merrill Award-winner, TransLab Fellow, Robert Rauschenberg Artist in Residence, Jonathan Larson Award, Cordillera International Movie Festival Finalist, 2021 Cultural Capital Fellow, Eugene O’Neill Theater Middle finalist as well as the ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop. Ty’s songs have been featured on: Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, Ars Nova, 54 Below, The Met, and The Kennedy Center. Ty’s theatrical work has been presented at: Guthrie Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Yale Institute of Music Theater, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Golf club, Native Voices in the Autry, The New Victory Theater, First Stage, The Millennium celebration in Cairo, Egypt; International Music Event in Ankara, Turkey; plus Festival associated with World Cultures in Dubai. Works: “TransWorld, ” “Red Pine, ” “The Way They Lived, ” “Ajijaak on Turtle Island, ” “Hear Me Say The Name, ” “Hart Island Requiem, ” “Clouds are Pillows to get the Moon, ” “Wind Changes Direction, ” “Before the Land Eroded, ” “BasketBall Is ‘War, Minus the Shooting’ Inside Sectarian Lebanon, ” “River of Stone, ” “Firebird Tattoo, ” “Trial and Tears” (with Dawn Avery) and “The Lesson” (with Nolan Doran and Avi Amon). Ty is the core member of All My Relations Collective, recent piece: “GIZHIBAA GIIZHIG | Revolving Sky
SATURDAY, APRIL. 22, seven: 30 g. m.
In Individual Reading: Solo Act– An intimate workshop production of a new item
“Untitled”
Written and performed by Jessica Bashline
Directed by Margaret Ledford
Almost 10 years ago Jessica found herself on a journey, discovering the particular truth about the history of reproductive rights in Pre-Roe Usa. Learning about the past allowed her to confront her own present, plus ask questions about our own future.
Jessica Bashline is an Assistant Professor of Movie theater at the University associated with Miami, where she teaches acting and theater development. She was the Creative Director plus co-founder of Strange Sun Cinema , a theater company in New York City dedicated in order to creating magical new theater that ignites in audiences and musicians, the power of possibility. In addition she was the particular Consulting Artistic Director associated with the Sheen Middle, when it opened in downtown Manhattan, curating a full season for 2 theaters. Before that will she served as the Creative Director of Wingspan Disciplines, an arts education organization in New York City.
Bashline works primarily as a freelance theater movie director specializing inside new perform and musical development, the girl favorite credits include; “Loving Repeating” (NYC Premiere), “Life of the Party” (NYU-Premiere Production of Larry O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin’s new musical), at NYU Steinhardt “Gypsy, ” “Midsummer Night’s Dream, ” “Twelfth Night, ” with Unusual Sun “Closer Than You Think” (World Premiere), “The Drowning Girls” (NYC Premiere).
As a playwright Bashline offers written 2 full length pieces. “Wickedest Woman, ” The story of Ann Lohman, midwife and abortionist in the 1800’s in NYC. Finalist, Scrap Mettle Arts Playwrights Festival, Manufacturing January 2019 NYC, and slated pertaining to publication Spring 2021. “Garden of Memories” the story associated with siblings dealing with the loss of their mother and the particular acceptance of their previous. Runner Up W. Keith Hedrick Prize at HRC Showcase Theater and Semi-Finalist, Trustus Brand new Playwrights Celebration 2016.
In addition to her work as a director and playwright, Bashline is definitely an accomplished acting coach, focusing primarily on audition coaching and music theater function. She also works with people in all professions to incorporate theater techniques into their own daily lives, as a means associated with self-expression plus empowerment.
Bashline has a BFA in Acting from Boston University and an MFA from Goddard College. Her practical focus continues to be upon theater creation, primarily directing. Her research focuses on both feminist theatre and progressive pedagogical approaches to teaching acting plus directing, on both the university and high school levels.
SUNDAY, MARCH. 23, 3 p. meters.
In Person Reading: Draft/Pages– A first-ever reading of the Syracuse Stage commission
“ The National Pastime”
Simply by Rogelio Martinez
Directed simply by Margarett Perry
In 2017 the Houston Astros had been stealing signs and banging on the garbage can. They would go on to win the World Series. Within 2017, a mysterious illness that came to be known as Havana Syndrome started to attack embassy officials in Havana. Havana Symptoms would lead to the emptying from the American embassy in Havana. In “The National Pastime, ” baseball and espionage come together in an atmosphere of secrets and paranoia.
Rogelio Martinez is an award-winning playwright in whose plays have been workshopped and manufactured in theaters across the nation and abroad. His play, “Born In East Berlin, ” was first performed on the Stasi Museum, Berlin in both English and German, and then premiered at San Francisco Playhouse within February 2020. More recently, Martinez worked on “The Seven Deadly Sins” project for Miami New Drama. It was the particular largest theatrical production allowed by equity during the pandemic. It won the particular Drama League Award – Outstanding Interactive or Socially-Distanced Theater. In 2021, Martinez labored on the new television project meant for Tom Fontana, based on the book, “Year of Dangerous Days. ” Their play, “Blind Date, ” was produced at the Goodman Theater under the direction of Tony nominee Robert Falls, with Tony Award winning actress Deanna Dunagan playing the particular role associated with Nancy Reagan, and has been awarded an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. Martinez is a recipient of a 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship, Princess Grace Award, and a Mid-Career Fellowship at the Lark Theatre Company. His work provides been workshopped and commissioned by various theaters across the country including the particular Public Movie theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Repertory, Atlantic Theater Company, Arden Cinema, Asolo Repertory, and Ojai Theater Company, and many more. Martinez’s plays consist of “Illuminating Veronica, ” “Arrivals and Departures, ” “All Eyes plus Ears, ” “Blind Date” (all published by Broadway Play Publishing). This year Broadway Play Publishing will publish “Born in East Bremen, ” and “I Regret She’s Made of Sugar” (Princess Grace Winner). He is an alumnus of New Dramatists. Martinez teaches undergraduate playwriting in NYU plus has also written designed for children’s tv. Martinez was born in Sancti-Spiritus, Cuba and came in order to this country on the Mariel boatlift.
SUNDAY, OCT. 23, 7: 30 l. m.
Personally Event: Open Mic Night – Festival Closing Celebration
Celebrate the end of the festival with Syracuse Stage partners at The particular Fitz in downtown Syracuse (321 S. Salina St. ) for an evening of poetry and prose with students from the writing community at the YMCA’s Downtown Writers Center.
