Off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre has announced a new series of artistic initiatives designed to expand the company's reach in the artistic development sphere. Four programs are now in action, including the 121 Project, a bespoke development program for new musicals; a new round of micro-commissions for new plays; two digital play readings; and a new online interview series with playwrights.
News of the new initiatives follows the appointment of Michael Heitzman and Caridad Svich as co-artistic directors of new work for the company, as well as the purchase of a new theatre space in Chelsea.
Under the guidance of Heitzman, the 121 Project recognizes that the unique creative journey of new musicals, providing up to $10,000 of tailored support for the specific needs of a project. Applications for the 121 Project are due on October 31.
Svich's micro-commission program, called The Alcove at the Lortel, awards micro funding in addition to work sessions, mentorship, and readings for new plays and upcoming playwrights.
This round of commissioned playwrights includes Kristen Adele Calhoun, Amy Berryman, Andy Bragen, Diane Exavier, Exal Iraheta, Jennifer Maisel, Preston Max Allen, Ramiz Monsef, Azure D. Osborne-Lee, Iraisa Ann Reilly, and Annie Siddons. They join a cohort of dramaturgs and directors including Zi Alikhan, Tommo Fowler, Jackson Gay, Paul Notice, Meropi Peponides, Peter Jacob Ruiz, Martine Kei Green Rogers, Leigh Silverman, and Divinia Shorter.
Greenidge serves as the Alcove's first artist in virtual residence, who, in addition to developing her new play Mathilde, will advise The Alcove throughout the year with artist recommendations and projects.
In October, The Alcove will host two digital readings: Racist Actor by Daniel York Loh on October 16, and The Deodand, Or: The Rat Play by Justice Hehir on October 23. Both readings are free with prior registration, and will be available on demand for 10 days following the premiere.
In the late fall, The Alcove will collaborate with The Playwrights Guild of Canada to support two previous micro-commission playwrights, ruth tang and Terence Anthony, in the Craft Bites International. That support will coincide with The Alcove's fall and spring research and development sessions, with this session's playwrights including Lisa Dring, Minita Gandhi, matthew paul olmos, a.k. payne, Justin Sherin, Vickie Ramirez, and Tristan B. Willis.
Lastly, January 2024 will see The Alcove begin the first season of its Conversations from the Alcove, an online series featuring conversations with playwrights on arts, ideas, craft, and the world. The season will include discussions with 10 to be announced playwrights, with new episodes broadcasting twice a month.
Visit Lortel.org for more information.
