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

Congratulations to our 2010 selections:

 

Bo Thomas by Eric Simon
Public Reading July 10, 2010
at Prop Theatre (3502 N. Elston, Chicago)

&

The Kidnappers by Keith Tadrowski
Public Reading November 13, 2010, also at Prop Theatre

 

New Plays Development Program Details:

SCRIPTS ACCEPTED: Throughout the year.  Deadline for consideration for 2011 is August 1, 2010. Please note - we are not considering musical submissions at this time.

SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED: October, 2010.

Playwrights selected for the New Play 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: Several scripts have completed the New Play Development Program since its inception giving playwrights an opportunity to develop their scripts in partnership with an ensemble of trained actor combatants. After completing the series R.L. Nesvet's "The Girl in the Iron Mask" was selected for full production in Babes With Blades’ 2006-2007 season and was produced at the Raven Theatre, March and April 2007.  Ensemble member Jennifer L. Mickelson’s The Last Daughter of Oedipus will be produced in Fall 2010, as the opening show in Babes With Blades’ 2010-11 season.

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 our 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!