Philadelphia Live Arts Launches JUMPSTART, Now thru 6/2

Philadelphia Live Arts announces the launch of Jumpstart, a new series designed to identify new and emerging talent in the field of live performance. The series kicks off today, May 31 and runs through June 2 with a showcase of six artists performing original, completed works of 4–15 minutes each night. As part of the organization's expanding year-round programming at the Live Arts Studio, the program provides artists at earlier stages in their career the opportunity to show their work with the support of Live Arts' audiences and staff.

"This new program is an opportunity for us to discover the next wave of new great talent in Philadelphia," says Philadelphia Live Arts Producing Director Nick Stuccio. For Philadelphia Live Arts Brewery (LAB) and Philly Fringe Director Craig Peterson, that opportunity couldn't come at a better time: "As we become a year-round presenting presence, we feel it is our duty to mine the community for a new generation of talent. It is our hope that programs like Jumpstart can become a platform for these artists and their audiences."

This year's selected works will be presented by Jamarr Hall; Sahar Javedani; Jessica Morgan; The Brothers Beffa (Justin Rose and Scott Sheppard); The Naked Stark (Katherine Kiefer Stark, Megan Stern and Barbara Tait); and Ilse Zoerb. [Performance descriptions and artist bios are included below.]

The artist selection process brought together a panel of artists and arts professionals, including Nichole Canuso, Jumatatu Poe, Sarah Anton, Carolyn Schlecker (Live Arts Managing Director) and Craig Peterson (Live Arts LAB and Philly Fringe Director). During auditions at the Live Arts Studio, the panel viewed 44 pieces, randomly selected from a pool of 85 submissions, in search of highly original, engaging works that demonstrate a commitment to forward-thinking ideas and aesthetics. All live performance genres were accepted, but the submitted works were required to be compete, finished work ready for presentation and no longer than 15 minutes in length. The six selected artists each received a stipend of $500 and five hours of rehearsal time in the Live Arts Studio.

Jumpstart will be held tonight, May 31 through June 2 at 7 p.m. at the Live Arts Studio, 919 North 5^th St., Philadelphia, PA 19123. Admission is $18 for adults; $12 for students and audience members 25-and-under. Tickets are available now at http://www.livearts-fringe.org/jumpstart.cfmor by calling 215-413-1318.