CAP21's Writers Residency Concludes
By: Kelsey Denette Jan. 24, 2013
The CAP21 Writers Residency - January 2013, concluded this past Friday in New York City. The residency provides 80 hours of free space, a stipend, and guidance from the Artistic Director, Eliza Ventura. Selected writers are chosen and given the opportunity to begin or further develop new musicals in a supportive and focused environment.
Composers/Librettists selected for the January 2013 session were Donna Kaz & Wayne Barker; John E. Citrone & Jennifer Chase; Lisa Heffter & Jean Witter; Christine Toy Johnson & Jason Ma; Nicky Phillips & Thomas Morgan Jones; Kevin Purcell & Victor Kazan; Ryan Scott Oliver; Kelly Izzo; and Adam Overett.
"What distinguishes the CAP21 Writers Residency from others is the opportunity for writers to get essential re-writes and creative goals accomplished with the libraries, museums, theatres and other resources of New York City at their fingertips," says Eliza Ventura, Artistic Director of CAP21.
During the residency, writers made significant advances in their work. Wayne Barker (Composer, Peter and the Starcatcher) and his writing partner Donna Kaz started a brand new musical, as did Ryan Scott Oliver (35 MM: A Musical Exhibition). Other writers had the time and space to restructure scenes and improve plot and continuity.
The CAP21 Writers Residency is just one of many platforms offered by the organization to support the creation of new musicals. Other programs designed to propel new work towards production are: The Artists Residency, The Roundtable Reading Series, The Monday Night Reading Series, and the production of new Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway plays and musicals.
The CAP21 Theatre Company is currently celebrating their 20th Anniversary. As part of the milestone anniversary, CAP21 is dedicated to supporting the development of at least 20 new musicals in the coming year through the rich programming that the Theatre Company offers. This past Writers Residency has already demonstrated that the goal can undoubtedly be reached.
Funding for the CAP21 Writers Residency is provided in part by The ASCAP Foundation Irving Caesar Fund, NEA, and The Dramatists Guild.
For more information, please visit www.CAP21.org.
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