Rapp, Rebeck and More to Serve on SPF Panels in July

On July 10th and July 24th, the Summer Play Festival will present a series of free panels addressing both practical and philosophical issues surrounding the theatre and will include an impressive line up of industry professionals. All panels are free, and open to the public.

Among the panelists are: Robyn Goodman (Producer, Avenue Q, Barefoot in the Park, Altar Boyz), Kenny Leon (Director, Gem of the Ocean; A Raisin in the Sun), Adam Rapp (Playwright, Red Light Winter), Theresa Rebeck (Playwright, Omnium Gatherum; The Water's Edge), Jenny Gersten (Artistic Director, Naked Angels), Tim Sanford (Artistic Director, Playwrights Horizons), Gordon Edelstein (Artistic Director, Long Wharf Theater), Neil Pepe (Artistic Director, Atlantic Theatre Company), Beverly MacKeen (Executive Director, New World Stages), Morgan Jenness (Agent, Abrams Artists Agency).

Descriptions on the panels follow.

"'Looking for the Perfect Match: A practical dialogue between artists and industry:' These practical panels – to be repeated on two Mondays with different panelists - will address the relationship between producers and producing organizations, and artists. It will offer practical advice and suggestions to artists on finding the "perfect match" to get a play read, developed, and produced."

"'Where Have All The Audiences Gone? The evolving world of off-Broadway:' This panel will focus on the changing audience and future direction of off-Broadway theatre. Why is it difficult, during one of the most successful Broadway seasons in history, for off-Broadway shows to enjoy success? The panel will be moderated by Adam Feldman, Theatre Critic, Time Out New York."

"'Is New York City Where It's At? (And, if not, where?):' This panel will address the role that New York City plays in the theatre. Is it still a hotbed of creativity, or just a marketplace for material developed elsewhere? The panel will be moderated by David Cote, Theatre Editor, Time Out New York."

The Panel Schedule is:

Monday, July 10

2:00pm- "Looking for the Perfect Match: A practical dialogue between artists and industry"

4:00pm- "Where Have All The Audiences Gone? The evolving world of off-Broadway"

Monday July 24

2:00pm - "Looking for the Perfect Match: A practical dialogue between artists and industry"

4:00pm - "Is New York City Where It's At? (And, if not, where?)"

Each panel will take place at the Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd St).

Please RSVP to info@spfnyc.com. All seats are complimentary on a first come, first serve basis. Visit www.spfnyc.com for more information on the Summer Play Festival.