Thursday – Sunday, February 23 – 26, 2017
Kennedy Family Theatre
One of the most rewarding activities theatre students and professionals have the opportunity to take part in is the development of new material. Each collaborative artist has a stake in the project and an enormous sense of responsibility to the process. Most successful plays and musicals are developed through this type of workshop. It can take years to be ready for professional-level production, but they all start someplace; and, this year, the Kennedy Family Theatre will host an exciting series of staged readings we’re calling the New Works Festival!
During February 23 – 26, we have three unique, new musicals by local and affiliated artists and alumni, as well as an intriguing performance, devised from the remarkable poetry of Sam Ragan. This piece, Sam Ragan, Inside the Poetry, is written and performed by his daughter Talmadge, along with other artists, and will be co-produced by Barton’s English Department.
We are seeking to be “an incubator of creativity.” Half of these pieces are being heard for the first time; the others have had previous readings and are in further development. Each performance will be followed by a “talk-back” session, in which the audience will be encouraged to share in the development and discuss the material with the writers and actors.
Performances Times
Thursday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
Together Again for the First Time
By Mark Steimer
Directed by Mark Steimer
Friday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.
Starboy
By Ray Shell
Directed by Adam Twiss
Saturday, February 25, 7:30 p.m.
Coop’s Homecoming
By Zackery Rayburn
Directed by Sherry Lee Allen
Saturday & Sunday, February 25 & 26, 2:00 p.m.
Sam Ragan, Inside the Poetry
By Sam Ragan and daughter, Talmadge
Directed by Worth Keeter