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Tri-State Theater

Let's discuss upcoming shows, secrets behind the scenes, things you never knew about the theater and why live theater is so darn entertaining.

Monday, June 06, 2011

Coming Soon: The New Works Project

Tonight was the first rehearsal for Marshall University's annual New Works Project, a great showcase for new plays and musicals.

It's theatre produced in a (more or less) minimal style, with actors reading off the scripts, with little in the way of special costumes or sets. I've attended most of them - this is the 5th year for the festival - and they're very entertaining. (And I'll definitely be there this year, for reasons I'll explain later.)

They have a great lineup of shows on tap - here's the initial press release will all the info:
The New Works Project is a contemporary theatre organization that develops, promotes and presents theatrical readings of plays in the earliest stages of development.

Currently in its 5th season, New Works has presented the writings of playwrights both locally and nationally and has presented works of all “shapes and sizes”, including: full-lengths, shorts, one-acts, musicals, children’s plays, screen plays and TV pilots.

The most unique feature of New Works is its audience collaboration session that takes place after each evening’s presentation, which offers audience members a chance to give feedback directly to the playwright and company in an effort to bring the play that much closer to full production.

This Season

June 16-18 at 7 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Call 304-696-ARTS for details and reservations.

Free to all - Donation Gratefully Accepted!


Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m.

The Student Playwright’s Project

The Marlboro Man by Chuck Herndon

A Last Supper by Erik Woods

Midnight Princess by Chelsea Sanders

In Progress by Rocky Scarbro

Burgle by Dylan Clark

Count Your Blessings by Jonathan Joy

An evening of five new short plays written, directed and performed by Marshall University students. This new addition to the New Works line up will kick-off the season of plays. Perennial New Works playwright and Marshall University Theatre Alumni Jonathan Joy will premiere his new work, Count Your Blessings.


Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m.

The Contemporary Theatre Project

WELL by Lisa Kron

This important new play takes a very unique and contemporary approach to story-telling. WELL paints a mother-and-daughter picture with rich and unusual artistry. The play’s central character (and playwright) Lisa, is depicted as an anxious performance artist who shares the journey of her mother’s pursuit (as well as her own) to “wellness” amidst the challenging current American health care crisis.


Saturday, June 18 at 7 p.m.

The Musical Theatre Project

COLLIS P! by Clint McElroy

Collis P! had its first reading in New Works’ first season in 2007. This original musical centers on the larger than life story of Huntington, West Virginia’s founding father - Collis P. Huntington. This presentation is being groomed for production with a thrilling new score of music by Danny Craig. You won’t want to miss this exciting presentation of what will sure to be a community classic in its final stages of development.

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