Cast Announced For Regional Premiere Of NOTES FROM THE FIELD

ZACH Theatre is proud to announce the cast for the regional premiere of Anna Deavere Smith's critically acclaimed play Notes From the Field, running February 27 - March 31, 2019 in The Kleberg. Not performed since the 2016 Off-Broadway Production, Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley will treat Austin audiences to another Texas premiere directing acclaimed writer and actor Anna Deavere Smith's latest work, Notes From the Field, a provocative, revelatory play that explores the lives of students, parents, teachers, and administrators caught in America's school-to-prison pipeline.

One of the most acclaimed and provocative theatre artists of our time, Tony and Pulitzer Prize nominee Anna Deavere Smith (Let Me Down Easy; "Nurse Jackie"), shares her "most ambitious and powerful work to date" (Variety). Incredibly timely and moving, Notes From the Field depicts the personal accounts of individuals caught in America's school-to-prison pipeline as they navigate inequities in their communities. Drawn from interviews with more than 200 people living and working within a challenged system, Notes shines a light on a lost generation of American youth.

ZACH's Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley explains why producing Notes From the Field is important to him and the community, "I was disheartened to learn I have actors on stage who are stars in the ZACH arena, entertaining thousands of people, who are also having a completely different experience outside the theatre in their daily lives for no discernable reason other than the color of their skin. This inequity prodded me to produce a play that will create conversation and promote advocacy and action on behalf of our friends and neighbors. Anna's play is right on time. I am honored to be the first to work on Notes From the Field, outside of the productions Anna has starred in, and I'm grateful for her trust in me and in ZACH to deliver this material with the same passion and conviction that led her on this journey."

Notes From the Field will star MICHELLE ALEXANDER; ZELL MILLER, III; CARLA NICKERSON; and KRISTON WOODREAUX

Directed by Dave Steakley, the production team also includes STEPHANIE BUSING as Scenic and Projection Designer, CHRISTINA MONTGOMERY as Costume Designer, SERRET JENSEN as Hair and Makeup Designer, RACHEL ATKINSON as Lighting Designer, SCOTT GROH as Properties Designer, and MEGAN BARRETT as Stage Manager.

Age recommendation: 12 and up for some strong language
Run time: Notes From the Field is performed in two acts with an intermission and facilitator-lead audience breakout discussions. Due to the interactive nature of this performance the actual run time may vary.

Tickets start at $25 and are available online at zachtheatre.org, by phone at 512-476-0541, or in person at the ZACH Theatre Box Office, in the Topfer Theatre, 202 South Lamar Boulevard (corner of Riverside Drive and South Lamar) Monday through Saturday, 12-5p.m. ZACH Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Student Rush Tickets are $20 one hour before show time (with valid ID). A limited amount of Pay-What-You-Will tickets are available the day of for Mainstage preview performances only. Groups of 8 or more may request reservations by calling 512-476-0594 x.245 or by emailing groupsales@zachtheatre.org