Actors Theatre of Louisville Announces the 38th Humana Festival of New American Plays, 2/26-4/6

Artistic Director Les Waters and Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein are delighted to announce the 38th Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville, running February 26-April 6, 2014. This year's Festival program will feature (in order of opening):

Partners by Dorothy Fortenberry
directed by Lila Neugebauer

The Christians by Lucas Hnath
directed by Les Waters
commissioned by Actors Theatre of Louisville

The Grown-Up by Jordan Harrison
directed by Ken Rus Schmoll

brownsville song (b-side for tray) by Kimber Lee
directed by Meredith McDonough

Steel Hammer
directed by Anne Bogart
music and lyrics by Julia Wolfe
original text by Kia Corthron, Will Power, Carl Hancock Rux and ReGina Taylor
recorded music performed by Bang on a Can All-Stars and Trio Mediaeval
performed and created by Siti Company

Remix 38 by Jackie Sibblies Drury, Idris Goodwin, Basil Kreimendahl, Justin Kuritzkes and Amelia Roper
directed by Ian Frank
performed by the 2013-2014 Acting Apprentice Company
commissioned by Actors Theatre of Louisville

In addition, a bill of three ten-minute plays will also premiere as part of the scheduled lineup. Selected plays and playwrights will be announced in January.

"Actors Theatre continues to support the art and necessity of storytelling by providing a space for the playwright to create, innovate and thrive," said Les Waters, Actors Theatre of Louisville's Artistic Director. "I am proud that this year's Festival celebrates stories that represent the breadth and diversity of the American experience, and I am honored to champion these wonderful writers as their plays are fully realized in production for the first time."

Under the artistic leadership of Obie Award-winning director Les Waters, this year's lineup represents the work of sixteen writers and includes two new works commissioned by Actors Theatre, as well as the much-anticipated return of acclaimed director Anne Bogart and Siti Company. Now in its 50th Anniversary Season, Actors Theatre has built an incredible legacy of supporting the long-term vitality of the American theatre. The Theatre has fully produced nearly 450 plays throughout the Humana Festival's 38-year history, and continues to provide a vital launching pad for playwrights and new work-which has a lasting impact on the national and international stage through an impressive track record of numerous subsequent productions.

The plays will premiere in rotating repertory in three theatres located in Actors Theatre's downtown Louisville complex-the 633-seat Pamela Brown Auditorium, 318-seat Bingham Theatre and 159-seat Victor Jory Theatre.

"With the generous support of the Humana Foundation, the Humana Festival has transformed Actors Theatre and the city of Louisville into a premier cultural destination," said Jennifer Bielstein, Actors Theatre's Managing Director. "Last year we attracted visitors from 44 states and 8 countries, in addition to welcoming more than 33,000 attendees-further evidence that strong investment and visionary community support in the future of American theatre are vital to the economic and social prosperity of a city. As we reach an important milestone in Actors Theatre's history, we look forward to welcoming our extended network of artists, colleagues and friends to celebrate our 50th Season with us."

Weekend packages for the 2014 Humana Festival of New American Plays will go on sale on November 12 and single tickets are available starting November 14. For more information about College Days, New Play Getaway and Industry package options, which include networking opportunities, panel discussions and celebrations, please visit HumanaFestival.org.

Actors Theatre celebrates the 38th Humana Festival with its underwriter the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana, Inc. Additional support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust.

Ticket & Package Options

Single tickets for the 2014 Humana Festival of New American Plays go on sale onNovember 14.
For information or reservations call (502) 584-1205 or 800-4-ATL-TIX, or visit our website at ActorsTheatre.org.

Humana Festival Locals Passes are available to residents of Louisville and Southern Indiana for only $75. Humana Pass holders receive five Extra Seat Passes forbrownsville song (b-side for tray), The Christians, The Grown-Up, Partners and TheTen-Minute Plays. Benefits of being a Humana Pass holder include: 50% off any additional tickets to the Festival, priority placement in the Extra Seat Pass Line, and two additional vouchers good for any panel discussion. Restrictions apply. For more information call 502-584-1205 or visit HumanaFestival.org.

New Play Getaway packages offer you a unique opportunity to see a variety of Humana Festival plays over a weekend. Whether you are looking for a leisurely weekend in Louisville, a marathon of theatergoing or something in between, Actors Theatre has a package for you. For more information, contact Sarah Peters at (502) 585-1210 or SPeters@ActorsTheatre.org

College Days (March 21-23): An energizing opportunity to enjoy fresh new work during this educational weekend that hosts the theatre professionals of tomorrow. Get inspired by new work and new leaders. You can also take advantage of package perks such as guaranteed reserved seating and great hotel discounts. For more information, contact Sarah Peters at (502) 585-1210 or SPeters@ActorsTheatre.org.

Theatre Industry Weekends: Packages are tailored to industry professionals, press, producers, directors and agents. Receive the best available seats, exclusive benefits, and Actors Theatre of Louisville's exceptional hospitality. The Festival creates an atmosphere of exchange, stimulation and devotion to new writing that makes it one of the nation's great theatrical events.

Industry Weekend 1 (March 28-30): An engaging theatre retreat, this is an intimate weekend with theatre professionals and enthusiasts alike. Meet others who share your interest in great theatre and take advantage of the many exclusive Festival benefits, including networking events, panel discussions, shuttle service and discounted hotel rates.

Industry Weekend 2 (April 4-6): A marathon weekend of world premieres that attracts hundreds in the theatre industry. It's fast-paced playgoing at its finest, with Festival benefits that include networking events, panel discussions, shuttle service, discounted hotel rates and the closing Saturday night party.

For more information on Industry Weekend packages, contact Stephanie Spalding at(502) 584-1265 or SSpalding@ActorsTheatre.org.

If you are planning on attending an Industry Weekend, please note that The Ten-Minute Plays are running April 5 and 6 only.

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