American Academy of Dramatic Arts to Present THE SHOTGUN MESSAGE Workshop

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts is pleased to announce the expansion of the Main Stage Live program for new play development with the presentation of a workshop production of The Shotgun Message by A. Rey Pamatmat, directed by Adam Fitzgerald.

Past playwrights who have presented readings with Main Stage Live include Douglas Carter Beane, Neil LaBute, John Cariani, and Daniel Goldfarb. A. Rey Pamatmat's The Shotgun Message represents an expansion of the program using a cast of all Academy alumni and presenting a fully staged workshop production. The program aims to pair alumni with working writers and directors and to give playwrights a safe and open space to workshop new plays while exposing the Academy students and recent graduates to industry professionals.

The Shotgun Message will have four performances (all at 7:00 PM) Wednesday thru Saturday, May 11th - 14th. The performances will take place at The Academy (120 Madison Ave at 30th Street) and are free and open to the public. Reservations can be made by emailing NYreservations@aada.edu. Those with a reservation will be given priority.

In The Shotgun Message, journalist Kent MacDonald is no saint and certainly no savior. At least he never meant to be until 17-year-old Jared - the primary source of his article on teenage camwhores - winds up missing after turning in his pedophile clients to the FBI. In a lurid world of online sex, naïve parents, and kids who know too much, it's up to Kent to find Jared, bring him home, and save both their souls in the process. The Shotgun Message was Developed by Victory Gardens Theater, Chicago, IL; Chay Yew, Artistic Director; As part of Ignition 2012.

The Shotgun Message will feature performances by Academy alumni Hugh Buller, Connor Delves, Marie Dinolan, Alexander Hodge, Emmy Tanzy, and Melody Vargas. The workshop will be directed by Adam Fitzgerald, with Scenic Design by CJ Howard, Lighting Design by Michael O'Connor, Costume Design by SteVen Daniel, Sound Design by Dan Buckland and Props Design by Yudelka Heyer.