Photo features: Yvette Monique Clark* in Boulevard of Bold Dreams (2023) | * = Member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
New Play Development
Orlando shakes’ commitment to new works, new plays, and new stories begins here in the Office of New Play Development. From our PlayFest new play reading festival (on hiatus this season due to construction projects inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center) that partners with the National New Play Network, to rolling world premieres like “Welcome to Matteson!”, to the launch of “New Play Commission Program” (an exciting new commission-based initiative that supports and collaborates with playwrights on creating new plays), the Department of New Play Development at Orlando Shakes is helping to provide new and exciting opportunities for playwrights and actors alike! Watch for exciting news from the Department of New Play Development throughout the upcoming season regarding New Play Commission Program and PlayFest.
New Play Commission Program
The New Play Commission Program is a recently launched initiative by Orlando Shakes designed to nurture and develop new plays by prominent and emerging Playwrights in the American Theatre. Finding our generation’s next Shakespeare. The program aims to identify and support playwrights in creating original works, providing them with resources, guidance, and opportunities to bring their scripts to life.
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PlayFest
Orlando Shakes PlayFest is a two week long annual festival that provides a place for writers, theater professionals, and audiences to connect and share ideas that promote thought-provoking stories. Audiences experience staged readings of six new works over two weekends and participate in the development of new plays, conversing with playwrights, directors, and actors while absorbing groundbreaking new works.
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