LOS ANGELES -- A.S.K. Theatre Projects recently announced it is accepting applications for participation in Common Ground Festival 1999, June 20-27, 1999 on the UCLA campus.

The annual summer festival features works-in-progress by theatre artists creating innovative new work. Participating theatre ensembles are provided with production support, publicity and are awarded an honorarium.

"The festival offers theatre artists an opportunity to test-drive their works-in- progress and expand their audience base," said a company spokesperson.

Previous festivals have featured the work of such West Coast groups as Actors' Gang, Culture Clash, John Fleck, Fabulous Monsters, Cornerstone Theatre Company and the Mark Taper Forum's Other Voices.

A.S.K. Theatre Projects, a local and national resource for the theatre and its artists, facilitates the creation of new work through a broad range of artistic and educational programs. A.S.K. offers a year-round schedule of readings, practical labs, publications, on-line services and workshop productions. It also hosts symposia, festivals, caucuses and labs as forums for exploring issues vital to the theatre. Applications to the Common Ground Festival must be received by Jan. 14, 1999. For further information call (310) 478-3200. The organization's website is www.askplay.org.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent