WOMEN'S WORK PROJECT

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Since its creation in 1994, NPTC and Women’s Work has had the goal of not only helping to develop specific plays, but to support residents’ growth as accomplished and skilled playwrights—to give writers added tools in the practice of their craft and to strengthen their individual voices. Our focus has always been on bringing scripts to production quality. And that hasn't changed.

Created in 2008 with the loss of our black box theatre space, the WOMEN’S WORK LAB retains all of the supportive features of the residency program—it extends the same nurturing environment to emerging and mid-career women playwrights and continues to provide one-on-one guidance in the development of new works. But this format allows us to serve more writers each year (4-6), and creates a larger collaborative group from which members can draw inspiration and energy. The LAB meets monthly (Sundays, 4-7pm), allowing for time in between sessions for writers to continue to develop and revise their work in response to feedback. Members are expected to bring work to each session beginning with the development of an original short play based upon an assigned theme. They also follow a schedule for presenting longer completed works and rough drafts. In this way, the LAB retains NPTC’s desire to develop full length scripts by women writers while still allowing for continuous creativity.

New works are presented in two public forums. The first, in August/September, features short works developed around a specific theme. The second, Off the Page! are individual "Bare-Bones" productions of full-length scripts that are deemed ready for public performances off-book. Artistic Director Melody Brooks leads the LAB and is assisted by guest directors and dramaturges, who attend on a regular basis as active collaborators with the writers.

Writers interested in being selected for membership in the WOMEN’S WORK LAB should send a resume, a 10-15 page writing sample, and a personal statement explaining why they wish to be a part of the LAB, including goals for their own development if selected. (Please note that ALL 3 items are required to be considered.)

Application Deadline January 15, 2012 Apply via email to contact@nptnyc.org with subject line: Women’s Work Application or by post to New Perspectives Theatre Company, 456 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018. A panel of NPTC playwrights and directors will review the applications. Finalists will be contacted for an interview sometime in February 2012 with new members notified shortly thereafter. The first session of the new LAB will begin late March 2012

NOTE: NPTC has a 20-year history of dedication to the development of writers-of-color and the Women’s Work Project is no exception. We strongly encourage women from all backgrounds to apply.

For more information about the Women's Work LAB, contact New Perspectives Theatre Company at 212-630-9945 contact@nptnyc.org