Hedgebrook & ACT Present Sarah Jones for One Night Only, 8/18

In partnership with ACT, Hedgebrook, one of the few residency programs in the world exclusively dedicated to supporting the creative process of women writers, is producing a one night only performance of Broadway sensation Sarah Jones, August 18 at 7:30 p.m. as a benefit for Hedgebrook.

Seattle audiences will be the first to see the Tony® and Obie Award winning playwright and actress perform selections from her newest piece.

Jones is best known for her Broadway hit Bridge & Tunnel, the multi-character, one-person show produced by Meryl Streep. As her website notes, "Sarah is passionate about the humanity of all her characters and discovering the specific details that make each person unique." The Associated Press adds, "Bridge & Tunnel abounds in memorable, highly diverse characters. And that they are played by only one woman makes it all the more astonishing."

Jones' performances showcase a biting political awareness. In 2009, she presented a segment of Bridge & Tunnel at the annual TED® conference. Jones has received commissions from Equality Now, the Kellogg Foundation, and the National Immigration Forum to address issues of injustice and inequality. She is the official spokesperson on Violence Against Children for UNICEF, and performs globally to focus awareness on child abuse.

Jones will be in residency this summer at the Hedgebrook retreat, where she will be working on this extraordinary new material to debut with her newest characters. Hedgebrook is no stranger to supporting women playwrights. The annual Hedgebrook Women Playwrights Festival, which features some of the most exciting new plays and playwrights in the country, was launched in 1998 with ACT Theatre. The festival has presented work by more than 45 women-an impressive roster that reads like a who's who of American Playwrights. Proceeds from Sarah Jones' performance will go to support the Hedgebrook Women Playwrights Festival^TM.

"Sarah is a singular talent, and Hedgebrook is thrilled to be supporting her in the creation of her newest work. Our evening at ACT will give Seattle audiences a sneak preview of this exciting work-in-progress before Sarah takes New York by storm - again! And proceeds will make it possible for Hedgebrook to continue developing the work of some of the most extraordinary voices in the American theatre through our Women Playwrights Festival^TM," said Hedgebrook Executive Director Amy Wheeler.

For more information about Hedgebrook, including the Women Playwrights Festival, please www.hedgebrook.org.

Hedgebrook is located on Whidbey Island, about thirty-five miles northwest of Seattle. Situated on 48-acres of forest and meadow facing Puget Sound, it is one of the few residency programs in the world exclusively dedicated to supporting the creative process of women writers and bringing their literary work to the world through innovative programs. Founded in 1988, Hedgebrook's core residency programs host women writers at our Whidbey retreat, and our community programs connect the exemplary work of Hedgebrook alumnae to readers and audiences of all ages. For more information about Hedgebrook's programs including the Hedgebrook Women Playwrights Festival and upcoming events check out www.hedgebrook.org. Hedgebrook is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Located in the heart of downtown Seattle and serving a population of curious, open-minded, and brave audiences, ACT - A Contemporary Theatre is the only local theatre in Seattle dedicated to producing contemporary work with promising playwrights and local performing artists since 1965. A theatre of new ideas, ACT serves as a cultural engine that makes plays, dance, music, and film that touch us. Because contemporary life demands examination, ACT is driven to inspire and strengthen our diverse community through works that advance our understanding of human life. With more than 100,000 people who attend shows annually, ACT is an interactive community where artists and the public witness, contemplate, and engage in dialogue on today's thought-provoking issues, ideas and art, presented with intelligence, insight, and humor.

ACT gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Season Sponsors ArtsFund, ACT Foundation, The Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, and The Shubert Foundation, along with Producing Partners 4Culture, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, The Boeing Company, Microsoft Corporation, Nesholm Family Foundation, the Peg & Rick Young Foundation, and PONCHO.

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