Tom Fontana And Francesca Zambello Endorse WRITE-ON! 10/3-11/7

Write-On!, a series of new plays written by Acting Company Alumni will be performed as staged readings at 7 pm on October 3, 10, 17, 31 and November 7 at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. Tom Fontana, Emmy and Peabody Award winning writer of OZ, Homicide and St. Elsewhere, says, "The Acting Company Alumni are some of the most talented people I've worked with. I am proud to serve on The Acting Company Board and recommend this series." Tickets are just $10 through Telecharge.com or 212-239-6200.

In announcing the series, Ian Belknap, Associate Artistic Director of The Acting Company, noted that "Our Alumni are not only fine actors but many have proven their talents writing, directing and in other facets of the performing arts. Actor-playwright Matthew Hoverman, featured in this series, will have his first play produced on Broadway later this season. We have often presented works of our Alumni but this is the first time we've done so as a series. These simple and poignant plays in an array of theatrical styles showcase the voices of our alumni turned writers and directors. "

Francesca Zambello, internationally recognized opera and theater director and Artistic Director of the Glimmerglass Festival, is directing A Beautiful Building by Peter Macklin. "Peter and I have had a joyous collaboration. I read his play and was immediately taken by the complex and moving story. Since then we have had a chance to further develop it. I am excited to share in the development process with him as his world opens up from actor to playwright."

The series includes Walled In, Zack Fine's part fantasy, part mythology and part clown-show inspired by Thoreau's Walden; directed by Diane Buirski (October 3). Damascus is Andrew Weems' story of a trip to a beautiful place; directed by Ian Belknap (October 10). A Beautiful Building by Peter Macklin focuses on a priest, an actor and a long-ago affair; directed by Francesca Zambello (October 17). Searching for God in Suburbia is Matthew Hoverman's supernatural comedy about life on The Edge; directed by David Kennedy (October 31). In addition to these new works, Acting Company Alumnus Derek Smith will direct Tennessee Williams' The Two Character Play, a clamorous outcry from isolation, panic and fear (November 7).

Founded in 1972 by John Houseman and Margot Harley, The Acting Company has been honored with a TONY for Excellence in Theater, playing New York and touring the country for the past 38 seasons. Founding members Kevin Kline and Patti LuPone as well as Rainn Wilson, Jesse L. Martin, Harriet Harris, Frances Conroy, Keith David, David Ogden Stiers, Jeffrey Wright, Hamish Linklater and 300 others all began their careers on tour with The Acting Company.

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