Phoenix Theatre Ensemble to Host 2nd Annual FIRST STORIES FESTIVAL, 5/2-24

Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, a resident theatre ensemble now in its 10th season, announces its 2nd Annual "FIRST STORIES FESTIVAL" to coincide with the company's May 2014 Spring Rep will take place at The Wild Project (195 East 3 Street, NY, NY) in New York's East Village from May 2nd through May 24, 2014.

The FIRST STORIES FESTIVAL is inviting submissions of productions (full productions, staged readings, dance, music, puppetry, etc.) of theatre productions that are based on, inspired by, the myths and tales of the past. Stories handed down to us by the ancients, by poets, playwrights, and elders from all lands, all peoples and all cultures as brought forth by creative interpretations, adaptations, and explorations of the vibrant characters and themes of the dramas, comedies, and stories of humanity and their relation to self, the natural world, the spirit world and to one another. This year, in an intentional decision to encourage universal inclusivity, the company is expanding the submissions process to include works from all over the world, from all peoples. Productions can be new to the stage or previously presented. We accept submissions of all genres and all disciplines, and encourage artists of all cultures, ethnicities, genders, and LGBT, to submit.

Festival coordinator and Artistic Director Elise Stone states "We were inspired by the creativity, passion, bravery and innovation of last year's Festival artists. We regretted having to turn away so many wonderful productions which had been inspired by sources that were not specifically from the early Greeks in origin, but from other original sources, and decided to widen the parameters to create a forum for all "First Stories" -- we are looking forward to the rich diversity of works this will bring to the Festival this season."

Information and Festival Guidelines may be obtained by emailing festival@PhoenixTheatreEnsemble.org or calling 212-465-3446.