Lincoln Center New Initiative, LCT3, Produces Emerging Artists

This fall, Lincoln Center Theater will begin a new programming initiative  - LCT3 - which will be devoted to producing the work of emerging playwrights, directors and designers.  LCT3 will begin during the 2008/2009 season with two productions at the Duke Theatre (229 W. 42 Street).  The first, Clay, a one-man hip-hop musical written and performed by Matt Sax and directed by Eric Rosen, will begin a five week engagement in October at the Duke.  The second production will follow in early 2009.

Citing the need to develop strong relationships with a new generation of artists, and recognizing the frustrations that young playwrights have with the current system of readings and workshops, LCT3 will offer its artists full, modestly produced productions.  All tickets to LCT3 productions will be priced at an affordable $20.

Lincoln Center Theater's long term plans for LCT3 call for the creation of a permanent venue to present the work of these artists; to that end a 99-seat theater will be built in or near Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.  For the first three years, until its new theater is ready, LCT3 will present its productions each year at an off-site theater.

Paige Evans, former Associate Artistic Director/Programming at the Manhattan Theatre Club, has joined Lincoln Center Theater's Artistic Staff as Director of LCT3.  She will work with LCT Artistic Director Bishop in producing the new program.

"Clay tells the coming-of-age story of Clifford, a suburban boy who escapes his fractured family and finds a mentor in Sir John, a master of the spoken word. Clifford becomes hip-hop star Clay, but he discovers that he can't escape his past," describe press notes.

The U.S. Premiere of Clay was produced in 2006 by About Face Theatre and Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago, IL - and later premiered in New York City at Ars Nova in late 2007.

For additional information and details on LCT3 and its first production Clay, visit www.lct.org.