Free Public Play Reading And Music Series Featuring Female Voices Announced at The Bridge Initiative

The Bridge Initiative launches its second season of free professional music and play readings, co-presented by the ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85253, Sundays at 4pm. The series of six events features both new and published work performed by top valley talent, and each concludes with an opportunity for audience talkback and engagement.

I Carry Your Heart by Georgette Kelly on September 23rd explores what what happens when two families are literally joined by one heart. On October 14th, Chicago playwright Dayle Ann Hunt will be present for the world premiere of a new draft of her play, The Trauma Brain Project, which delves into the effects of P.T.S.D. on survivors of childhood trauma and sexual assault. The 2018 offerings conclude on November 25th with The Violet Sisters by Gina Femia in which we meet two sisters in Brooklyn struggling to reconnect after their father's death in the aftermath of a hurricane. (2019 titles to be announced.)

In line with The Bridge Initiative's mission, local female directors helm every reading of the female-penned scripts. With a minimal rehearsal schedule, no sets or costumes, and scripts in hand, these readings require the Valley's top acting talent to bring the plays to life. Artistic Director Brenda Jean Foley states, "In this age of books on tape and podcasts, a play reading adds the visual element of a trained actor's expression to the playwright's words. The beautiful setting and phenomenal staff at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center serve as the ideal host for these intimate artistic adventures. We cannot wait to bring our new season of plays and continue to inspire, challenge, and excite our audiences."

The Bridge Initiative incubates and celebrates professional female theatre artists, promoting gender parity across all theatrical disciplines.