Jason Grote On New Play Development (Part XXV…)
Jason Grote takes on new play development/production. Again. His blog entry is fascinating and I agree with him on many points. I just don’t have the time, right now, to write a thoughtful response. But I agree. And share his frustrations.
I’ve been hearing that non-profit theater is entering another “New Play” craze. Theaters around the country are chomping at the bit to get in on the action (and limited funding). At least, that’s what we’ve been told. I don’t know if I believe it, though. But there do seem to be a lot of new play opportunities (e.g., lab development programs, playwriting fellowship, etc.). But, like in the business world, everything in the theater is cyclical. Let’s see how long this trend lasts. (I’m waiting for the largest non-profit in the country to get in on the game now. Won’t be long, I’m sure.)

February 13th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Thanks, guys. Obviously there are many positive developments recently, and it’s not all doom and gloom - but as Mike Daisey and others have pointed out, the problems are more deeply structural than having to do with anyone’s intentions…
But didn’t LCT announce that they were adding a small theater exclusively for new work? That’s great, of course, but - as much as I