The new developmental program will nurture the work of NYU alumni under the guidance of INTAR artistic director and playwright Eduardo Machado.

"'Behind the Scenes' is a way for NYU to continue to fulfill its commitment to the artistic life of its alumni," Machado said in a statement.

Currently, "Behind the Scenes" is accepting submissions of one-act plays from Tisch alumni that will be featured in the annual festival, which will be open to the public.

The first public reading will be A World Beneath, penned by Neena Beber. The 7 PM reading on Nov. 10 will feature Tony nominee Peter Frechette (The Odd Couple, Our Country's Good) and Jessica Hecht (Howard Katz). A World Beneath will be presented at the Cherry Lane Theater.

Beeber's plays include Italian Sojourn (Eugene O'Neill Theater Center), as well as Jump/Cut, Hard Feelings, The Dew Point, A Common Vision, Tomorrowland, The Brief but Exemplary Life of the Living Goddess, Thirst and Failure to Thrive. Limited seating is available for A World Beneath. For reservations e-mail [email protected].