Plays By Gubbins, Huff and Wells Explored in Steppenwolf's First Look Fest July 23-Aug. 10
Steppenwolf Theatre Company's 2008 First Look Repertory of New Work, featuring three developmental productions of new plays, begins July 23 in Chicago.
The works are presented in rotation and accompanied by a series of readings, lectures and events around the development of new plays.
First Look Repertory of New Work runs in The Merle Reskin Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted St., July 23-Aug. 10.
Steppenwolf has long been a champion of both ensemble acting and new works.
Fair Use by Sarah Gubbins, July 25-Aug. 10. "A plagiarism case involving a famous author is the backdrop for this romantic comedy set in a high-powered law firm. A series of questionable love letters fuel this breezy cross-examination of negotiating modern dating and relationships."
The designers for First Look are Kevin Depinet (sets), Debbie Baer (costumes), Keith Parham (lights) and Joseph Fosco (sound). Jonathan Templeton is the lead stage manager. Stage managers include Kathleen Petroziello and Cassie Wolgamott.
In the First Look developmental process, plays are seen in performance before an audience, rather than in a staged reading or workshop presentation. "Scripts undergo significant revision during the workshop/rehearsal process and may be revised even after being publicly presented during First Look Repertory of New Work," according to Steppenwolf. "They are presented with full, if minimal, design support because in our view, the design process is an integral aspect of developing the play. The intent is to develop the plays for future production at Steppenwolf and other theatres across the country."
Keith Huff, a resident playwright with Chicago Dramatists, is the author of A Steady Rain, currently running at The Royal George Theatre and slated to premiere Off-Broadway this fall.
Jason Wells' previous play, Men of Tortuga, was produced in First Look 2005, and subsequently at Asolo Rep in Sarasota, FL.
Sarah Gubbins recently completed her MFA in writing for the screen and stage at Northwestern University. Fair Use was named one of the finalists in this year's Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition.
Six of the nine plays presented during First Look's first three seasons have enjoyed subsequent productions at other theatres, including: Men of Tortuga by Jason Wells produced by Asolo Repertory Theatre in Florida; Butcher of Baraboo by Marisa Wegrzyn produced by Second Stage Theatre in New York; 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor produced by Playwrights Horizons in New York; Spare Change by Mia McCullough produced by Stage Left Theatre in Chicago; Gary by Melinda Lopez produced by Boston Playwrights' Theatre in Massachusetts; and When The Messenger is Hot by Laura Eason produced by 59E59 Theaters in New York.
For more information visit www.steppenwolf.org.
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