Jim Leonard News

The New Harmony Project announced today that it is now accepting applications for the 33rd annual conference to be held May 20 - June 1, 2019. Since 1986, the secluded town of New Harmony, Indiana has hosted artists from around the world for two-weeks of dedicated script development. Over the course of the conference, The New Harmony Project offers a retreat from the outside world and space for writers to fully immerse themselves in their work. The peaceful serenity of New Harmony, the site of two former utopian societies, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The New Harmony Project (Lori Wolter Hudson, Artistic Director; David Hudson, Executive Director), an organization dedicated to supporting writers whose work emanates hope, will kick off its 32nd annual spring conference on Monday, May 21 with ten writers in residence in the idyllic town of New Harmony, Indiana. 

'The Diviners' is packed with layered personalities leading toward unexpected emotions. The warmth of the play is found in its endearing characters and well thought out storyline. This high caliber production is worthy of a visit before the rain washes it away this weekend.

The New Harmony Project (Mead Hunter, Artistic Director; David Hudson, Executive Director; Lori Wolter Hudson, Incoming Artistic Director), an organization dedicated to supporting writers whose work emanates hope, is pleased to announce that ten writers will be in residence for their 2018 annual conference, which will take place from May 21-June 2 in the idyllic town of New Harmony, Indiana.

Circle X Theatre Co. announced today that Kate Jopson will become the new Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed theatre company effective May 1, 2018.

Austin Actors Studio, a professional theatre company dedicated to producing theatre and creating opportunities for young actors and technicians to work with professionals, will have its first production, The Diviners, by Jim Leonard Jr. and directed by Milton R. Zoth.

The New Harmony Project, which has been faithfully serving writers for over three decades, announces that David Hudson will join the organization as its executive director beginning October 1, 2017.

The New Harmony Project announced today that it is now accepting submissions for the 32nd annual conference in May of 2018. Since 1986, the secluded town of New Harmony, Indiana has hosted artists from around the world for two-weeks of dedicated script development. Over the course of the conference, The New Harmony Project offers a retreat from the outside world, and space for writers to fully immerse themselves in their work. The peaceful serenity of New Harmony, the site of two former utopian societies, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Birmingham Festival Theatre has just announced its 2017-18 season! Below are descriptions for each show. The website is currently under a redesign. Stay tuned for Season Ticket deals! 

National New Play Network, the country's alliance of nonprofit theaters that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays, will co-present the 12th annual MFA Playwright's Workshop (MFAPW) in association with the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and Stanford University's National Center for New Plays.

National New Play Network, the country's alliance of nonprofit theaters that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays, will co-present the 12th annual MFA Playwright's Workshop (MFAPW) in association with the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and Stanford University's National Center for New Plays.

THE 31ST ANNUAL NEW HARMONY PROJECT KICKS OFF MAY 23RD GATHERING IN THE QUAINT TOWN OF NEW HARMONY, INDIANA TO SUPPORT AND ELEVATE THE WORK OF WRITERS THAT EXPLORE AND CELEBRATE THE HUMAN SPIRIT

A well-kept secret in the Richmond Theatre Community, CAT has presented season-after-season of exciting, entertaining and thought-provoking theatre.  In its 54thseason audiences can expect much more of the same - comedy, drama and sheer fun!

Have you been wanting to see a poignant, funny and professional play without spending a lot of money? Look no further than ANATOMY OF GRAY by Jim Leonard. With nothing more than some hay bales and a projection backdrop, the Mountain View High School production takes us back to the 1800's.

The Lake Effect Fringe Festival kicks off its 5th season of bringing new theatre to West Michigan all through the month of February on Wednesday, February 1 and 2, 2017 at 8:00 pm with a performance by Shadblow Theatre, reprising their production of Anatomy of Gray, by Jim Leonard. A coming of age story that is relatable to all. Its themes of community, family, questioning faith, fear of the unknown, acceptance, and love speak to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The play's ensemble driven story-telling, sometimes delightful and sometimes devastating emotional depth, as well as its often presentational style allows this play to truly connect to its audiences. The story follows fifteen-year-old June Muldoon, her mother, the colorful townsfolk of Gray, Indiana, and the mysterious doctor who crash lands in the center of the "most boring town in the world." Seeking to raise questions about what it means to be a part of this incredibly diverse world, the heart of this play touches on themes relevant to all. Fast-paced clever staging, beautiful lyrical narration, and a small but talented nine person ensemble, this play offers a compelling story in an immersive setting that is sure to offer a lot of laughs and a few tears. 

Are there any taboo subjects for musicals anymore? I mean we've had shows about serial killers and assassins, drug addicts and prisoners, demons and super powered psychotic teens, and even oversexed puppets. So I don't know why anyone should be surprised by the new musical at ACT in conjunction with ArtsWest and Circle X Theatre Co., 'Bad Apples' which takes a look at one of our countries most disgraceful moments, the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. This in your face rock musical will definitely not be everyone's cup of tea and especially not for the kids. But if you can get past all the language, sex, and horrific images then what you're left with is a killer show that looks at how easily people in power can justify appalling acts.

National New Play Network, the country's alliance of nonprofit theaters that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays, is pleased to co-present the 11th annual MFA Playwright's Workshop (MFAPW) in association with the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and Stanford University's National Center for New Plays.

Bad Apples is the new rock musical inspired by the real-life prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Bad Apples seeks to answer the simple question: How in God's name did this happen? Two soldiers ended up pregnant by fellow soldier Charles Graner; both women wanted to marry him, competed with each other to win his love, and enthusiastically tortured prisoners together, documenting most of it in pictures that later leaked and shocked the world.

ArtsWest announces their 2016-2017 season, UNCHARTED. See full details below!

ArtsWest Artistic Director Mathew Wright has announced his second season, running September 2016 through July 2017. Opening with acclaimed dramatist Terrence McNally's MOTHERS AND SONS, the six production season will include the magical story telling of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER based on the novel by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson; an Olivier Award winning new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's GHOSTS; a piercing glimpse into the teen-age world in Kirsten Greenidge's MILK LIKE SUGAR; Byrony Lavery's unflinching drama FROZEN; and the Stephen Sondheim musical thriller SWEENEY TODD.