Ars Nova (
Jason Eagan, Artistic Director;
Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director) will kick off its 2012 season with
The Urban Dictionary Plays, by
Ars Nova's Play Group. Set to play 10 performances only from February 1-11, this year's incarnation of
Ars Nova's annual Play Group production features original short plays and live music inspired by the irreverent entries on
urbandictionary.com.
Each year, members of
Ars Nova's vibrant and eclectic writers' group Play Group create an original evening of work related to a theme collaboratively devised by the group. This annual Play Group production kicked off with
The Wikipedia Plays, and was followed with
Playlist,
Missed Connections NYC, and last year's hit,
The Wii Plays. Play Group gathers twice a month at
Ars Nova to share new work and get peer feedback, affording its members the opportunity to develop their plays with peer support, form collaborative relationships, and build a strong sense of community within
Ars Nova.
The Urban Dictionary Plays features new works by Joshua Allen,
Chad Beckim, Rachel Bonds, Jenny Connell,
Kara Lee Corthron,
Jon Kern, Josh Koenigsberg,
Molly Smith Metzler,
Michael Mitnick,
Kim Rosenstock, Sharyn Rothstein and Joe Tracz. (Bios below)
Directed by
Oliver Butler,
Wes Grantom,
Kate Pines and
Laura Savia. (Bios below)
Costume Design is by Tilly Grimes. Lighting Design is by
Driscoll Otto. Projection Design is by
Dan Scully. Sound Design is by
Asa Wember. Music Direction is by
Arthur Lewis. The Production Stage Manager is E. Sarah Barnes.
The Urban Dictionary Plays are as follows (each evening features the full slate of plays):
Humble Brag by Josh Koenigsberg, directed by
Oliver ButlerBusiness Shower by
Kim Rosenstock, directed by
Laura SaviaGunt by
Jon Kern, directed by
Oliver ButlerOlympic Narcolepsy by Rachel Bonds, directed by
Wes GrantomTooth Fairy by Joshua Allen, directed by
Laura SaviaBlue Waffle by
Kara Lee Corthron, directed by
Kate PinesFood Douche by
Molly Smith Metzler, directed by
Wes GrantomThe Fluffer by
Chad Beckim, directed by
Laura SaviaBody Language by Jenny Connell, directed by
Kate PinesLunchblocked by Sharyn Rothstein, directed by
Kate PinesPorky Pig by Joe Tracz, directed by
Oliver ButlerSubway Gymnastics by
Michael Mitnick, directed by
Wes Grantom This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Art Works.
About Ars Nova:Ars Nova is committed to developing and producing theater, comedy and music artists in the
Early Stages of their professional careers. Its unique development programs are designed to support outside-the-box thinking and encourage innovative, genre-bending work. By providing a safe environment where risk-taking and collaboration are paramount,
Ars Nova gives voice to a new generation of artists and audiences, pushing the boundaries of live entertainment by nurturing creative ideas into smart, surprising new work.
Past producing credits include:
ANT Fest, The Lapsburgh Layover, Be a Good Little Widow, The Wii Plays, Now Circa Then, Bloodsong of Love, Missed Connections NYC, Sax & Dixon: We Thee Wed, Mel & El: Show & Tell, Two Girls for Five Bucks and the Ten Dollar Heartbreakers, Playlist, Jollyship the Whiz-Bang, boom, From Up Here, The Wikipedia Plays, Dixie?s Tupperware Party, At Least It?s Pink, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, Holy Cross Sucks!, Freestyle Love Supreme and
The Wau Wau Sisters.
For more information on
Ars Nova's programs, visit
www.arsnovanyc.com.
Ars Nova was founded in memory of Gabe Wiener.