LAByrinth Theater's Scott Hudson Receives 2009 Creative Spirit Award

Producer Daryl Roth has announced this year's recipient of the 2009 Creative Spirit Award: LAByrinth Theater Company member Scott Hudson. The Creative Spirit Award was founded 13 years ago to celebrate gifted theatre artists and provide them with support as they develop new work in an artistic residency.

At a recent presentation, Ms. Roth commented, "One of the unique and extraordinary things about LAByrinth is the encouragement they give members of their company to flex their artistic muscles in different areas as they explore various disciplines." She went on to add, "I first met a young and talented LAB actor in 2003 when he joined the cast of our Off-Broadway production of Stephen Adly Guirgis' Our Lady Of 121st Street. And now, with the supportive and nurturing environment of LAByrinth, this talented theatre artist is making his playwriting debut with his production of Sweet Storm. Hopefully I have played a small part in his creative development and I am so happy and honored to present Scott Hudson with the 2009 Creative Spirit Award. My wish is that Scott continues to experience fulfillment and success as an actor, playwright, and any area of theatre that may tempt this talented artist."

Scott Hudson has been a LAByrinth Company Member since 2003, joining the cast of Our Lady of 121st Street when it moved Off-Broadway. The following seasons he performed in Dutch Heart of Man and The Fairy Tale Project. Other NYC credits include BFE at Playwrights Horizons, The Glory of Living at MCC, Hot Keys at PS 122, and Wild Echinacea at Primary Stages. Regionally he has performed at La Jolla Playhouse, George Street Playhouse, The Caldwell and The Long Wharf. The first ten pages of Sweet Storm originated at LAB's 2004 Summer Intensive Open Project and received a developmental productions last June as part of the Public LAB Series. Scott is once again developing the first ten pages of a new play from last year's Summer Intensive Open Project. He is a graduate of FSU and holds a MFA in acting from Rutgers.

The Daryl Roth Creative Spirit Award, presented annually, honors a gifted theatre artist and provides them with support as they develop new work in an artistic residency. The first annual Creative Spirit Award was given to Michael Mayer in 1996. Since then, the award has been given to Mark Brokaw, 1997; Sinan Unel, 1998; Steven Williford, 1998; Sybille Pearson, 1998; G.W. Mercier, 1999; Edwin Sanchez, 2000; Debra Monk, 2000; Kia Corthron, 2001; Michael Wilson, 2002; New Dramatists, 2002; Karen Hartman, 2003; Musical Theatre Works, 2004; New Dramatists, 2004; New Dramatists, 2005; New Dramatists, 2006; New Dramatists, 2007; Bob Glaudini (LAByrinth), 2007; New Dramatists, 2008; and Brett C. Leonard (LAByrinth), 2008.

"Throughout my life I have been touched by quality in the theatre and that has inspired me to establish The Daryl Roth Creative Spirit Award. I am constantly in awe of the wealth of talent in the theatre community ... people who have extraordinary vision, dedication, energy and spirit for doing what they love, creating and bringing theatre to life for so many of us to enjoy. To be moved by an actor's performance, a playwright's words, a director's vision, a composer's score, a designer's conception - has the unique ability to enhance our lives, challenge the mind and nurture the soul. It is my wish to offer a worthy recipient the incentive, sustenance and encouragement to nurture their creative spirit."

The gift provides for a cash award to the honoree and creates an on-going relationship with a theatre company. The residency will be shaped in collaboration with the artistic director at the theatre to suit the specific needs of the artist. The theatre will provide a place to work allowing the artist to interact and become part of the life of the company.

The Alchemy Theatre, in association with LAByrinth Theater, will present "Sweet Storm" by Scott Hudson, at The Kirk Theatre /Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street). LAB member Padraic Lillis will direct the new play that features Jamie Dunn and Eric T. Miller. Previews begin Thursday, June 11th for a limited run through July 5th. Opening night is set for Wednesday, June 17th at 7 pm.

"Sweet Storm" by Scott Hudson is placed in 1960 Florida during a ferociously approaching storm. Ruthie and Bo, two newlyweds, enter their honeymoon suite in the sky, a treehouse, which is a romantic gesture from the young groom to his bride. Yet Bo's expectations of living happily ever after in the sky are soon grounded by Ruthie's realization that marriage comes with many unforeseen - and frightening - challenges. The two lovers struggle to fortify themselves against forces both inside and outside. This is a funny, powerful, and intimate love story to challenge our perceptions of marriage, faith, and love.

Performances are: Tuesday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm. Additional performances are: Sunday 6/14 at 7pm, Monday 6/15 at 8pm, Wednesday 7/1 at 2pm, and Sunday, 7/5 at 7pm. Unavailable performances Wednesday 6/17, Thursday 6/18, Friday 7/3 and Saturday 7/4. Tickets cost $26.25, with a preview discount at $21.25 for all performances through June 16. Students/seniors & rush tickets are $16.25. Tickets are available through Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com, or by visiting the Theater Row Box Office at 410 West 42nd Street.

LAByrinth Theater Company (John Ortiz - Artistic Director, Philip Seymour Hoffman - co-Artistic Director, John Gould Rubin - co-Artistic & Executive Director) was founded in 1992 by a group of actors who wanted to push their artistic limits, hone their craft, and create new plays that truly reflected their heritage and experience. Today, LAByrinth is comprised of 117 established and emerging theater artists from a wide array of cultural perspectives. The inclusive, multicultural ensemble encourages all members to write, act, direct, and design, and supports multidisciplinary growth and exploration in the creation of daring new work that celebrates the diversity of its New York City home. This season marks LAByrinth's sixth season in residence at The Public Theater. LAByrinth and the Sydney Theatre Company are Associate Companies of Trafalgar Studios in London (Ambassador Theatre Group), who aim to produce and exchange work on a regular basis, and to give LAByrinth's writers and actors a stage in London. Now in its seventeenth season, LAByrinth has developed over 300 new plays and staged 52 new productions, including The Little Flower of East Orange, Unconditional, A View from 151st Street, Jack Goes Boating, A Small, Melodramatic Story, School of The Americas, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Sailor's Song, Guinea Pig Solo, Dutch Heart of Man, Dirty Story, Our Lady of 121st Street, Where's My Money?, Jesus Hopped the ‘A' Train, and In Arabia, We'd All Be Kings. www.LABtheater.org