Capital Rep Launches NEXT ACT! New Play Summit

Capital Repertory Theatre announced today a call for entries for plays to be considered for its upcoming NEXT ACT! New Play Summit. The theatre is accepting manuscripts of plays now through end of day on Monday, July 16.

NEXT ACT! marks an expansion of Capital Rep’s commitment to the development of new work. The three-day forum is designed to complement the Upper Hudson Valley’s recent and future growth explosion in the fields of research and technology. NEXT ACT! directly reflects Capital Rep’s mission, “to create meaningful theatre generated from an authentic link to the community.” The summit takes place November 2 through 4, 2012 and will feature readings of two never-before produced plays and a musical, along with special events highlighting the playwriting process.

“The launch of NEXT ACT! marks more than just an exciting time for us,” says Capital Repertory Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director, Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill; “it also serves to signal that Capital Rep is growing – and with work that energizes the theatre at its core.

“Our partnership with Proctors over the past two years has strengthened our organization,” she adds, “and we now have the joint resources to expand our artistic horizons with the kind of work that places us right at the nucleus of creativity. When you work with playwrights, you’re working with the creative source: everything comes from that.”

According to Ms. Mancinelli-Cahill, Capital Rep is particularly interested in scripts that showcase world events as they impact the individual and society, highlighting The Common threads that bind the American culture together in a world that is defined more and more by diversity. The theatre will give preference to character-driven scripts that showcase technology’s impact on humanity. Multi-cultural and ethnically diverse plays are encouraged.

NEXT ACT! Eligibility Criteria
Eligible plays cannot have been previously produced, though previous readings are allowed. Plays can have no more than 7 characters. Playwrights are asked not to submit works in which actors play multiple roles, unless it is a device used to illuminate generations. Musicals are NOT being accepted. Agent and non-agent submissions will be accepted.

Playwrights should submit a synopsis, character descriptions and the first 10 pages of the play with a photo/resume and bio to Margaret Hall, Assistant to the Producing Artistic Director, at mhall@capitalrep.org with NEXT ACT PLAY SUBMISSION in the subject line. A small stipend and limited travel is available for playwrights selected. No calls please.

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