A.S.K. Theatre Projects has announced a major change of its fall reading series format. Instead of a weekly Monday night series, the eight 1999 readings will occur over two weekends, Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31. In addition, the series will move from the Skirball Cultural Center to Inside the Ford in Hollywood.

"We felt playwrights would be better served by a weekend festival," said Mead Hunter, Director of Literary programs at A.S.K. "In the new format, it will be easier for artists to see each other's work, and also easier for audience members and potential producers to enjoy a wide range of plays in a short time. This furthers our mission of fostering community between artists, producers and audiences."

The series include new works by such writers as Lisa D'Amour, Carter Lewis, Kia Corthron, Christopher Shinn, Daniel Cariaga, Naomi Iizuka, Kelly Stuart and Jeffrey Jones. Among the directors are David Schweizer, Robert Egan, Kirsten Brandt and Frank Dwyer.

Inside the Ford is located at 2580 Cahunega Blvd, just off the 101 Freeway. Admission to all readings is free, but reservations are required. Call (310) 478-9ASK.

A.S.K. also recently announced a Fall series of three-day professional labs. One, entitled "Reading the Greeks" (Oct. 13-15), features Charles Mee, Jr. leading a hands-on examination of Euripides and other fundamental texts of Western civilization. The second, "Crafting Ancestral Stories" (Nov 17-20), will be led by Corey Fischer and Naomi Newman, co-founders of San Francisco's A Traveling Jewish Theatre. Call (310) 478-9ASK for information and applications. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent