Southern Rep Theatre Calls for Applications for 4D Program

On the heels of a successful inaugural year, Southern Rep's signature New Play Development program 4D will begin its second season in March 2018. Applications are now being accepted from local dramatists, directors, and dramaturgs interested in joining this year-long intensive program; the application period closes February 16, 2018.

4D is the next phase of Southern Rep's new play development programs for local artists. 4D-standing for Dramatists & Directors & Dramaturgs & Development-seeks to challenge and support the best new voices and new plays in New Orleans. Participants are selected through a competitive application process.

Building on the success of the 6×6 Play Slam and 3×3 One Act series, 4D groups Dramatists, Directors, and Dramaturgs into collaborative teams. Each team will meet twice a month to support the development of each dramatist's new full-length play over the course of a year. The program is a think-tank, a writer's group, and a theatrical lab whose goal is to nurture artists and support new work.

With a focus on process and training in new play writing and development, 4D will feature an invited works-in-progress reading in the summer of 2018 and two nights of staged readings in January/February 2019. Southern Rep will also work with teams to support additional reading and production opportunities for the developed plays.

Application details are available at southernrep.com/4D. All applicants must fill out an application form and cover letter for their proposed role in 4D (Dramatist, Director, or Dramaturg) and prepare the materials listed under their position of interest.

The 4D program is managed by Southern Rep Theatre National New Play Network Producer in Residence Helen Jaksch, with support from Literary Manager Jessica Podewell and Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes.

Jaksch, in her second year leading for 4D, says, "I was blown away by the energy, creativity, talent, and joy exhibited by our first 4D Teams. I'm so looking forward to a new batch of artists and to developing three more new plays. There is so much to be gained personally and artistically when you can make space to prioritize your craft. I hope prospective applicants are excited and ready to dig deep into their work, their hearts, and their theatrical imaginations."

All applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2018. Program will begin mid-March 2018. People of color, indigenous people, women, queer folks, trans* and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to the 4D program. Applications are now available at southernrep.com/apply.

More information is available at southernrep.com/4D, or contact helen@southernrep.com or the Southern Rep offices at 504-523-9857.

ABOUT HELEN JAKSCH, DIRECTOR OF ARTS EDUCATION/DRAMATURG

Helen Jaksch is a freelance dramaturg and arts educator. She received her MFA in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism from the Yale School of Drama and is currently working on her Doctorate of Fine Arts. Her research involves new play development with young people and Youth-Created Theatre in America. Her writings on theatre and performance have been featured in TDR, Theater, Performing Fiction, Kamihikouki, and the NOLA Defender. She has produced and served as dramaturg for new plays, devised performances, classic and modern texts, and youth playmaking programs in New York, Connecticut, Louisiana, and Texas. A passionate advocate for young voices and community artists, she is currently serving the company's NNPN Producer-in-Residence.

ABOUT AIMÉE HAYES, PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Since being named Producing Artistic Director in 2007, Hayes has focused on new play development, producing many writers during her tenure, including Andrew Hinderaker, John Biguenet, Eric Coble, Zayd Dohrn, Catherine Filloux, Jim Fitzmorris, Ross Maxwell, Tarell McCraney, Peter McElligott, Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, Joe Sutton, and Steve Yockey. As a member of the National New Play Network, Hayes has served on the Showcase of New Plays panel and directed in their MFA Playwright Showcase at the Kennedy Center. She has also overseen the incorporation of a new slate of new play development programs into Southern Rep's Lagniappe Series including 6×6, a new play slam, 3×3: THE ONE ACTS, New Orleans' only live, ongoing soap opera, DEBAUCHERY!, and THE NEW PLAY BACCHANAL, an annual two-day new play festival that includes honoring a new play by a female playwright of color with The Ruby Prize. Hayes has often appeared on the stage, most recently as She in Southern Rep's STAGE KISS, Hannah Jelkes in THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, and Blanche Dubois in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. In 2014, New Orleans Magazine named Hayes a Top Female Achiever, and in 2012 she was named Gambit Weekly's Theatre Person of the Year, and one of New Orleans Magazine's 2008 People to Watch. Hayes serves as Co-Chair of TCG's Alumni Board (Theatre Communications Group). In 2016, she was a finalist for the prestigious Zelda Fichandler Award presented by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation.

ABOUT JESSICA PODEWELL, LITERARY MANAGER

Originally from New Orleans, Podewell received her BFA from Webster University, and her MFA in Acting and New Works at the Ohio State University. She has worked professionally in theatres throughout Austin, Chicago, and New York, as well as New Orleans, and was most recently seen on stage in Southern Rep's DETROIT. She is a proud founding member of The Children's Theatre The Patchwork Players, and currently serves as Professor of Practice in Tulane University's Department of Theatre and Dance.

ABOUT SOUTHERN REP THEATRE

Now in its 31st Season, Southern Rep Theatre produces award-winning productions that are engaging, educational, and accessible for audiences of every socioeconomic background. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes, Southern Rep Theatre's Mainstage Season work includes bold World and Regional Premieres as well as the best of Broadway, off-Broadway, and classic plays. Southern Rep Theatre's Lagniappe Series and "School to Stage Pipeline" of Arts Education Programs reflect the company's ongoing commitment to new play development by providing resources for students and burgeoning theatre professionals and supporting a more diverse theatre community. A mainstay of New Orleans' arts community, Southern Rep Theatre continues to build on its unique position as a sector leader, creative force, and important resource for contemporary American theatre.

To post a comment, you must register and login.