All readings in the Bare Essentials series are free and open to the public. Be sure to stay after for exciting conversation with the director, cast and playwright!
We’re happy to announce the three Bare Essentials Readings that will occur during the run of the 2016 Essential Theatre Play Festival. All readings will take place at the West End Performing Arts Center and will start at 7:30 p.m., followed by a discussion. Co-produced by Essential Theatre and Working Title Playwrights, all readings in the Bare Essentials series are free and open to the public. Playwrights whose work is featured in a Bare Essentials reading also receive a complimentary one-year membership to Working Title Playwrights. Be sure to stay after for exciting conversation with the director, cast and playwright, moderated by WTP Managing Artistic Director Amber Bradshaw.
*2016 Festival Bare Essentials readings produced in partnership with Working Title Playwrights.
2016 Bare Essentials Reading Selections:
Pete n’ Wendy by Erin Considine
Directed by A. Julian Verner
August 8th
Wendy stumbles off of a bus and out of her safe, secluded neighborhood into an inner city fairytale. Surrounded by punk/bohemian artists and petty thieves, Wendy wanders through the wild urban landscape discovering what it means to “Grow Up.” Also, there will be rats. Many, many rats.
Featuring the reading talents of Clint Thornton, Andrew Harrison, Chris Dixon, Dylan-Parker Singletary, Maggie Birgel, Lizzie Liu, Dre Camacho and Nancy Beers
The Memory Box by Laura King
Directed by James Donadio
August 15th
On the day of her mother Franny’s funeral, Lydia sorts through Franny’s memory box and is transported from the realities of her own life to Franny’s struggles during World War II. As Lydia journeys through the past, she searches to find the strength to face the future.
Featuring the reading talents ofJulie Skrzypek, Whitney Christopher, Joe Hardy, Rose Alexander, Ellen MacQueen, Maggie Birgel, Tony Larkin and Pat Young.
Never Been to Vienna by Gerry L. Bartholomai
Directed by Nichole Palmietto
August 24th
Living large in NYC, swinging gay couple Matt and Preston thought their lives were sweet. And then one day Grandma Anna moved in.
Featuring the reading talents of Edward McCreary, Judith Beasley, Joe Sykes, Rial Ellsworth and Jennifer Schottstaedt
