PTC to Launch New Play Reading Series PLAY-BY-PLAY

Pioneer Theatre Company Artistic Director Karen Azenberg and Managing Director Chris Lino announce a new play reading series for the University of Utah-based professional theatre company in Salt Lake City. Titled "Play-By-Play," the series will provide developmental rehearsal periods for three new plays, beginning on February 28, 2014, with the playwright working alongside a professional director and cast for a week-long residency, culminating in three public readings of each play available to theatregoers at a very modest cost. Pioneer Theatre Company has also just announced its lineup of all-female directors for the project.

The three plays announced for upcoming readings are:

True Art, written by Jessica Provenz and directed by Julie Kramer. Public readings on Friday, February 28 at 8:00 and Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm in the Babcock Theatre in the lower level of Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre.

A Public Education, written by Jeff Talbott and directed by Shana Gold. Public readings on Friday, March 14 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, March 15 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm in the Babcock Theatre.

Alabama Story, written by Kenneth Jones and directed by Karen Azenberg. Public readings on Friday, April 4 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, April 5 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm in the Dumke Auditorium of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

"Nothing is more important to the long-term vitality of American theatre as an art form than the nurturing of new voices and new work," said PTC Artistic Director Karen Azenberg. "I couldn't be more pleased to announce Pioneer Theatre Company's commitment to developing three new plays this coming year.

"In order to further focus on the script and keep costs down, the readings will be performed without a set or costumes." Azenberg explained, "These are bare-bones developmental presentations allowing the PTC audience a 'first look' at new works in progress. Theatre-going should always prompt conversation, and we're certain that this inaugural season of Play-By-Play readings and talkbacks will help lead to better plays that will find a wider stage in American theatre and more engaged playgoers here in Salt Lake City."

Current PTC season ticket holders may purchase tickets to the readings for $5.00 per ticket. Non-season ticket holders may purchase tickets to individual readings for $10.00 or may purchase all three readings in advance at the same time for $25.00. All tickets are general admission.

Individual tickets may be purchased through the PTC Box Office by calling 801-581-6961 or online at https://tickets.pioneertheatre.org.

A pass for all three readings may also be purchased; that pass must be purchased by calling the PTC Box Office at 801-581-6961.

Sponsors of Play-By-Play include Sandi Behnken, Lee and Audrey Hollaar, Mike and Jan Pazzi, The University of Utah Department of Theatre, and The Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

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