Entitled LCT3, the program is Lincoln Center's answer to the frustrations emerging artists face within the standard system of readings and workshops.

"Opportunities create artists," LCT artistic director Andre Bishop said in a statement. "And it is essential that institutional theaters provide as many intelligent opportunities as possible because that is how theater artists grow – in production."

LCT3 intends to present fully produced, modest-sized productions of its selected works, with the hopes of creating a permanent 99-seat venue within or near the Lincoln Center complex. Until the intended venue comes to fruition, LCT3 will stage its productions at various off-site venues.

Paige Evans, former associate artistic director/programming at the Manhattan Theatre Club, has joined Lincoln Center Theater's artistic staff as director of LCT3.

LCT3 launches in October with its premiere production of the musical Clay, to be staged at the Duke Theatre on 42nd Street for a five-week engagement. The hip-hop musical is the first of two productions slated for the 2008-2009 season. Directed by Eric Rosen and written and performed by Matt Sax, Clay "tells the coming-of-age story of Clifford, a suburban boy who escapes his fractured family and finds a mentor in Sir John, a master of the spoken word. Clifford becomes hip-hop star Clay, but he discovers that he can't escape his past," LCT notes state.

All tickets for LCT3 productions will be priced $20. For further information visit www.lct.org.