Seattle's Intiman Theatre has begun its fourth season of "New Voices at Intiman," its popular play-reading series. "New Voices" gives audiences their first chance to hear the most recent projects from acclaimed and established playwrights, as well as new authors.

The next upcoming production will be Half Lives by Chay Yew, Monday, August 19, at 7 PM. Half Lives follows an absent Asian-American father, a determined mother and a willful son who journey into the American heartland in fierce pursuit of their dreams, liberation, and a place to call home.

"New Voices at Intiman" has produced work by William Mastrosimone, Constance Congdon, and Robert Schenkkan. Plays such as Michael Cristofer's Amazing Grace (American Theatre Critics Association Award) and Leslie Ayvazian's Nine Armenians (now headed to New York and Los Angeles) have also started at the reading. After each reading, the playwright, in attendance, discusses his or her work with the audience.

Admission to "New Voices at Intiman" is $6. Student and senior discounts are available. Tickets are available only through the Intiman Box Office, located at the Intiman Playhouse (Second Avenue North and Mercer Street at Seattle Center). For information: 206-269-1900

-- By Katie Webber