Theatre News Wire

Steppenwolf Theatre announced that its 6th annual First Look Repertory of New Work will move from the summer to the fall.  This year's performances will be held October 30 - November 14, 2010.  This year's productions will be announced shortly.

"We decided to move First Look to the fall to join our commitment to new plays and new playwrights with the energy of the new theater season," comments Steppenwolf's Director of Artistic Development Polly Carl . "New play festivals are often relegated to summer fare, when people are on vacation.  The move provides better access to First Look for our existing patrons, new audiences and the industry professionals who follow this annual event," adds Carl.

First Look, now in its 6 th season, continues Steppenwolf's commitment to new plays for the American theater: three exciting productions presented in rotating repertory, accompanied by a series of readings, lectures and events around the development of new work. In its five seasons, First Look has produced fifteen plays.

Of the fifteen plays that have been in our First Look Repertory , eight of them have had productions at other theatres. These theatres have included 59E59 (When the Messenger is Hot ); Playwrights Horizions (100 Saints You Should Know); Second Stage (The Butcher of Baraboo); Chelsea Theatre Works ( Men of Tortuga ); Boston Playwrights Theatre (Gary); as well as Lark Development Center; Boston Playwrights Center; Actors Express; Curious Theater; Asolo Repertory Theatre; and Profiles Theatre.  In its 2010-2011 subscription season, Steppenwolf's line-up will include Sex with Strangers ; the first time a play developed and produced at First Look has transferred to the mainstage.

First Look 101, Steppenwolf's expanded programming for audiences, will continue this year concurrent with the festival.  First Look 101 is a unique experience that takes audience members on a backstage journey through all aspects of the new play development process – from the first rehearsal to the final performance. The program features three developmental productions of new plays presented in rotation, accompanied by a series of readings, lectures and events focused on the development of new work.