NEW PLAYS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
A development workshop series devoted to increasing the number of
quality scripts featuring fighting roles for women.

 

Many thanks to our 2010 selections:

Bo Thomas by Eric Simon

The Kidnappers by Keith Tadrowski

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2011 SELECTIONS:

 

Deeds Not Words by Anne Bertram

Public reading: October 22, 1pm

at The Second Stage (3408 N. Sheffield, Chicago)

 

Trash by Arthur M. Jolly

Public reading: TBD

Winner of Joining Sword & Pen 2011-12!

 

New Plays Development Program Details:

SCRIPTS ACCEPTED: Throughout the year.  Deadline for consideration for 2012 is August 1, 2011. Please note - we are not considering musical submissions at this time.

SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED: October, 2011.

Playwrights selected for the New Plays Development Program will receive a set of three readings to facilitate the development of their script. Each play will be assigned a director who will take part in the development process from the start. All readings and moderated talk backs are videotaped and given to the playwright to aid with rewrites.

The first reading is internal and is attended by company members and the director; the playwright is invited but not sponsored. The second reading is by invitation and is attended by company members, the director, industry professionals and other invited guests; the playwright is invited but not sponsored. The final reading is an advertised public reading with one choreographed fight and a reception following the moderated talk back; the playwright's travel expenses will be sponsored up to $400 to attend. The playwright is given approximately two months between drafts for revisions with a schedule provided at the time of selection.

BACKGROUND: Many scripts have completed the New Plays Development Program since its inception, and several have gone on to full productions with Babes With Blades. R.L. Nesvet's The Girl in the Iron Mask was selected for BWB’s 2006-07 season and was produced at the Raven Theatre, March - April 2007. Jennifer L. Mickelson’s The Last Daughter of Oedipus was produced at the Lincoln Square Theatre in August - September 2010, as the opening show in BWB’s 2010-11 season. Barbara Lhota’s The Double will launch BWB’s 2011-12 season with a production in fall 2011.

FEEDBACK: "I benefitted greatly from the experience with your company's play development program. As you know I've been involved with the Pirates Anne and Mary for over 30 years. I feel that the play, read so wonderfully by your group, came the closest to an authentic expression of their story." - Sandra Riley, Author of "Sisters of the Sea"

Got a script we should see? Want more info?  Contact newplays@BabesWithBlades.org!