Theresa Rebeck, Ronan Noone, Jackie Reingold and More Attend Dorset's 2013 Writers Retreat

The Dorset Theatre Festival has just completed its 6th Annual Writers Retreat hosted by Theresa Rebeck in collaboration with The Lark New Play Development Center. This year's writers in attendance were Theresa Rebeck (Seminar/Broadway, Smash/NBC), Ronan Noone (Lepers of Baile Baiste/Kennedy Center & Irish Rep), Jackie Reingold (In Treatment/HBO, String Fever/EST), Neena Beber (Misreadings/Humana), Suzanne Bradbeer(Shakespeare in Vegas/Dreamcatcher Rep), Marisa Smith (Saving Kitty/W.H.A.T.) and Eric Holmes.

As part of DTF's New Play programs, the festival will also present readings of acclaimed playwright Adam's Rapp's The Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois on June 25th. On August 5th, the musical writing team of Tajlei Levis and John Mercurio will present their new musical, The Bootlegger and the Rabbi's Daughter. Finishing out the New Play Reading Series the Festival will present Samuel D. Hunter's new play, Rest. Adam Rapp is a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his acclaimed play Red Light Winter. Tajlei Levis, the daughter of Georgette and Albert Levis, owners of the Wilburton Inn in Manchester, and John Mercurio are well known for their jazz age musical Glimpses of the Moon. Samuel D. Hunter recently won this year's Special Drama Desk Award for his work as a "distinguished dramatist who depicts the human condition".

Over the past 6 years, DTF has become recognized for their commitment to New Play Development, as many of the plays that have found their first home in Dorset moved on to prestigious theatres nationwide. "There is nothing more exciting for me than being a host to such an incredible roster of the top writers in our nation, and then to watch as plays begun here in Vermont move on to some of the best theatres in the country, or even to Broadway," says Dina Janis, Artistic Director.

For more info on upcoming New Play events go to www.dorsettheatrefestival.org or call 802-867-2223.

Pictured: Alex Kilgore, Marisa Smith, Jackie Reingold, Eric Holmes, Theresa Rebeck, Ronan Noone and Suzanne Bradbeer.