Athena Theatre Announces 2018 Playwrights

Developing world premieres of off-beat and irreverent psychological dramas and dark comedies that challenge traditional stereotypes. Athena produces theatre that entertains, informs, enlightens, questions and deepens audience awareness of vital modern issues.

Athena Theatre's new playwright group, Athena Writes, selected eleven playwrights assembled for a one-year exploration of the theme: "Falling Forward," and centered on Athena Theatre's commitment to supporting new work which pushes at the boundaries of live theatre.

Flo Ankah
Nora Sørena Casey
Kathryn Funkhouser
Grant MacDermott
Isaac Allen Miller
Jeremy O'Brian
Martha Pichey
Marcus Scott
Judah Skoff
Leila Teitelman
Kate Thomas

Playwrights are asked to write a short, 10 minute play for production at the New Play Festival Spring 2018. FALLING FORWARD: an evening of ten minute plays

Playwrights are also working on a full-length piece on this year's theme.

The playwrights will also be considered for full production by Athena Theatre Company in its next season. The playwright group will be meeting twice a month, beginning in mid-January, for three hour sessions, to discuss the year's theme, share new work, talk playwriting and the business of theatre. The meetings also comprise of discussion about individual playwrights' projects, as well as readings of new work, where playwrights will cast (from the other writers) and hear their work read aloud. Athena Theatre believes that a play cannot be fully understood until the words hit the ear of an audience. This process allows playwrights to deepen their understanding of their own work, as well as glean ideas and approaches from their fellow playwrights.

In addition to closed sessions, some meetings will include dramaturges, directors and other industry professionals, to help deepen the understanding of specific works, as well as discuss industry concerns. Athena Theatre will also actively solicit opportunities for artists to submit their plays, to venues in New York City as well as around the country.

For more information please visit www.athenatheatre.com