The Flea Announces Writers Residency Initiative; Applications Due Feb. 26

The Flea Theater, Niegel Smith, Artistic Director and Carol Ostrow, Producing Director announced today the expansion of their resident artist program which will now include playwrights. Says Smith, "We are looking for ten adventurous artists from diverse backgrounds to form a writer's room for SERIALS, our raucous late night play competition featuring The Bats." One of The Flea's hallmarks, SERIALS provides playwrights the unique opportunity to participate in a fast paced play writing contest. Each week five 10 minutes plays are written, rehearsed and performed. The audience votes for their favorite three which are given the opportunity to return with a new episode. The other two groups start afresh with a new playwright and a new idea.

The SERIALS Writers' Room will be a year-long commitment. Writers will be assigned to a SERIALS team, featuring a director and a group of Bats, The Flea's resident acting company. Over the course of the year there will be eight cycles of SERIALS. Playwrights will write on a rotating basis: if your play is not voted back, you will get a few cycles off until it is your turn to launch another series with a new pilot. Says Ostrow, "In the past, hilarious and award winning SERIALS have gone on to become full blown plays. We are hopeful that that will be true of our writers' room too."

The Flea is looking for writers from diverse backgrounds who are excited to write in a fast paced environment for young, energetic performers. Writers with a playful, downtown aesthetic and a burning need to confront pressing social issues are encouraged to apply. We are looking for writers who are keen to explore the form and push the boundaries of episodic theater. The selection committee will be comprised of Niegel Smith, Carol Ostrow, Matt Stango, SERIALS Producer; Emilie Pass, Company Manager; and Drayton Hiers, Literary Assistant.

The application deadline is Monday, February 26 at 12:00 a.m. For more information , please go to www.theflea.org