UCSB Department Of Theater And Dance Premieres NEW WORKS LAB

The UCSB Department of Theater and Dance will present New Works Lab at the Performing Arts Theater. The production is split into two programs, each with two original UCSB student-written plays. Program A will be presenTed May 11, 19, 20 at 8 PM, and May 13, 21 at 2 PM. Program B will be presenTed May 12, 13, 18, and 20 at 8 PM.

Program A showcases Gang Sines, written by Malique Guinn and directed by Rebecca Wear, as well as The Last Video Game, written and directed by Tristan Newcomb. Both plays highlight themes of aspiring fame and fortune. Program B presents The Couch, by Andalusia Kear, directed by Tyler X Koontz, and In His Hands, by Miriam Dance, directed by Sian Harden. These two plays explore the theme of human vulnerability, and the effects of exploiting the vulnerability of damaged souls.

The four pieces are the products of careful selection. The works have undergone rigorous and intensive revisions since their inception over a year ago, with continuous support from faculty and staff mentors. As part of a collaborative workshop, New Works Lab incorporates all parts of the production and promotion, student playwrights, directors, actors, designers, stage managers, and publicists working together to create these new and unique pieces.

Gang Sines takes place in a small town, and focuses on the unique endeavors of a mathlete. Carl is trying to solve a renowned equation worth half a million dollars. But an old bully resurfaces bringing obstacles to attaining Carl's goal that even a math genius struggles to work out.

The Last Video Game focuses on the remembrance of Ben, a good friend and a young hopeful game designer. The death of any young student is inherently tragic, but what if that death could bring everlasting fame and renown? In the crowded landscape of media products, a creator's death can be a major advantage.

The Couch tells the story of Wendy and Lucy, a young couple struggling with the internal battle of being perfect, happy and loving. In the living room of the couple's one bedroom apartment, the two mend and tear at their relationship. It is a touching and alarmingly relate-able story of human relationships.

In His Hands tells the story of a girl, Rose, who begins to question the church in which she has been raised. A brainwashed congregation surrounds Rose, who has put their faith in a man calling himself the apostle of God. At her very young age, she learns a hard truth that opens her eyes and forces her to make a dangerous decision.

The student playwrights provide the unique and eclectic voices behind these productions and have spearheaded their year-long transformation. Malique Guinn has been passionate about writing since the first grade, but back then didn't think of writing as a possible future. He now is an aspiring playwright, TV writer, and songwriter. Tristan Newcomb is a 3rd year PhD theater student, who makes peculiar full length feature films on the side. Andalusia Kear began her passion for playwriting at UCSB. Before coming here she was nominated for the Irene Ryans scholarship at the American College Theater Festival, and is currently pursuing masters playwriting programs in the UK. Miriam Dance discovered her love for theater in elementary school, and has been acting, directing, and writing ever since. She is concentrating in both playwriting and directing through the Department of Theater and Dance, and she works for the Santa Barbara School of Performing Arts.

In addition to student creative force, instrumental faculty mentors have supported this production throughout the process. Daniel Stein, a highly-acclaimed solo performer and professor of physical theater, has spearheaded the acting mentorship. Professor Stein has toured the world with his solo performances, he is a John Simon Guggenheim Fellow, and has taught masters courses at institutions throughout the world. Vickie J. Scott, the head of the lighting and design concentration at UCSB, has led the technical design process. Vickie has created lighting and scenic designs for highly acclaimed dance and Theater Productions throughout the U.S. and abroad. Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, the head of the UCSB playwriting concentration and a theater professor, has led the overall production process. Frances is a world-renown playwright; her most recent work was premiered in London by the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company. Several other distinguished theater companies have produced her work, and her plays have been awarded the Wasserstein Prize, the Yale Drama Series Award, an Edinburgh Fringe First Award, the David A. Callichio Award, and the Keene Prize for Literature.

Don't miss the opportunity to discover what Daniel Stein describes as, "a roller coaster of the human condition, that doesn't come without its responsibilities and consequences." Let your senses be amazed by our budding theatric artists, who will make you laugh, cry, and deeply ponder the complexity of the human condition.

General admission tickets are $17, and tickets for students, faculty, staff, alumni, seniors and children are $13. Tickets may be purchased at the A.S. Box Office Monday through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, over the phone (805) 893 - 3022 or online at our website, theaterdance.ucsb.edu.