In order to be considered for development at the Theatre Lab, projects must be received no later than Dec. 15, 2003.  The 2004 Sundance Theater Lab takes place July 5-25, 2004, at Sundance Village in Utah.

Application forms are available online at www.sundance.org or by contacting Sundance Institute at (310) 360 1981 or (810) 328-3456.

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Through an open submissions process, the Sundance Theatre Lab annually selects seven to eight "original and compelling projects that reflect the independent vision of the theatre artist."  Submissions are open to established or emerging playwrights, directors, and choreographers, as well as artists making a transition from areas outside of theatre.

Beyond the traditional text-based projects, solo performers, projects for young audiences, dance/theatre pieces, and image-based works are also considered eligible for participation in the Sundance Theatre Lab.  Previous applicants may re-apply. Artists may submit only one application.  "Over the last seven years, the work developed at the Sundance Theatre Lab reflects a wide and eclectic range of projects," said Philip Himberg, producing artistic director of Sundance Institute Theatre Program, in a statement. "Recent examples of Sundance-supported plays include Dael Orlandersmith's Yellowman, Doug Wright's I Am My Own Wife and Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas' The Light in the Piazza."

The Sundance Theatre Laboratory is a three-week workshop which offers playwrights, directors, choreographers, composers, solo performers, and ensembles, the time, space, and support to develop new plays and musicals or to explore new approaches to existing scripts.

The Lab provides "a protected environment, without the pressure of production, and an ensemble of professional actors, dramaturges, and mentors to help shape work."  The process is tailored to the project's individual needs and stage of development, including readings, text analysis, blocking rehearsals, music rehearsals, meetings with artistic staff, and private presentations to the assembled artistic community.

  Under the artistic direction of Robert Blacker, artistic director of Sundance Theatre Lab, and the Sundance Institute's Himberg, the Sundance Theatre Lab "provides rehearsal space, artistic guidance, stage management, and accommodations for the collaborative team working on each of the projects."

Lab artists are supported by a team of creative advisors, comprised of resource directors, dramaturges, and other artists who provide feedback on the material and stage direction.

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Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, Sundance Institute is dedicated to the development of artists of independent vision and the exhibition of their new work.  Since its inception, the Institute has grown into an internationally recognized resource for filmmakers and other artists.  Sundance Institute conducts national and international labs for filmmakers, screenwriters, composers, writers, and theatre artists.  The annual Sundance Film Festival, a major program of Sundance Institute, is held each January and is considered the premier showcase for American and international independent film.  The Institute supports non-fiction filmmakers through the Documentary Film Program by providing year-round support through the Sundance Documentary Fund and a series of programs that nurture their growth, encourage the exploration of innovative nonfiction storytelling, and promote the exhibition of documentary films to a broader audience.  Through the Sundance Institute Theatre Program, the Institute is committed to invigorating the national theatre movement with original and creative work and to nurturing the diversity of artistic expression among theatre artists. The Institute also maintains The Sundance Collection at UCLA, a unique archive of independent film.