Steppenwolf to Host FIRST LOOK 101 and PROFESSIONALS' WEEKEND Initiatives, Summer 2013

Steppenwolf Theatre Company will host two initiatives giving behind-the-scenes looks at the process of developing and producing new plays for local theatergoers and theater professionals from around the country alike. As part of the eighth annual First Look Repertory of New Work, Steppenwolf continues First Look 101, a unique two-month experience from June 1 - August 10 that takes enrolled participants on a backstage journey through all aspects of the new play development process-from the first rehearsal to the final performance. In addition, Steppenwolf hosts a Professionals' Weekend, August 8 - 11, during which theater practitioners join Steppenwolf in conversation about new plays, and attend First Look productions and readings in addition to special industry events.

An important part of the company's artistic mission, Steppenwolf has produced 21 developmental productions of new plays through First Look since 2005; twelve of these plays have enjoyed subsequent world premieres at theaters across the United States. Enrollment in First Look 101, and registration for Professionals' Weekend is currently underway; visit steppenwolf.org/firstlook for more information.

First Look Repertory of New Work features three developmental productions of new plays presented in rotating repertory July 29 - August 25, 2013 in the Garage Theatre (1624 N Halsted St). First Look 2013 includes: Buena Vista by Edith Freni, The Gospel of Franklin by Aaron Carter and Annie Bosh is Missing by Janine Nabers. The 2013 festival also features readings of three new plays, including Tempo by Mike Batistick, Your Name Will Follow You Home by Carlos Murillo and BARBECUE by Robert O'Hara. Tickets to First Look Repertory of New Work ($20) are on sale now at steppenwolf.org, 1650 N Halsted St or at 312-335-1650.

FIRST LOOK 101 SCHEDULE:

Kick-Off Event: Welcome & Script Boot Camp

Saturday, June 1 at 10am

Book Club Play Discussions

Wednesday, June 19 at 6pm and Saturday, June 22 at 10am

First Rehearsal & Design Presentations

Tuesday, July 2

Annie Bosh is Missing - Rehearsal Observation & Discussion

Saturday, July 13 at 10am and Tuesday, July 30 at 7pm

Buena Vista - Rehearsal Observation & Discussion

Sunday, July 14 at 5pm, Friday, July 19 at 7pm and Sunday, July 28 at 2pm

The Gospel of Franklin - Rehearsal Observation & Discussion

Wednesday, July 17 at 12 noon and Thursday, August 1 at 7pm

Closing Event

Sunday, August 4 at 7:15pm

Enrollment in First Look 101 ($100) is currently underway. Student enrollment ($45) is available with valid ID. Enrollment includes access to all First Look 101 events, plus tickets to all three First Look productions. To enroll, call Audience Services at 312-335-1650. Space is limited.

PROFESSIONALS' WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Thursday, August 8

7:30pm Slowgirl or Belleville (optional; available at discount)

8pm The Gospel of Franklin*

Friday, August 9

10am Welcome with Artistic Director Martha Lavey, and Playwright Discussion

11:30am BARBECUE**

2:30pm Your Name Will Follow You Home**

5:30pm Cocktail Reception

8pm Buena Vista*

Saturday, August 10

10am Tours of Steppenwolf campus

11am Tempo**

1pm Buena Vista*

2pm Learning Groups: Best practices in new play development

4:30pm The Gospel of Franklin*

8pm Annie Bosh is Missing*

Sunday, August 11

10am Panel Discussion: The Steppenwolf Ensemble talks new plays

* Developmental Production

** Reading

Registration for Professionals' Weekend ($75) is currently underway and includes tickets to all productions, readings, industry events, lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. For more information or to sign up, e-mail firstlookinfo@steppenwolf.org or call 312-654-5610.

The mission of First Look Repertory of New Work is to develop plays for future production at Steppenwolf and other theaters across the country. Since its inception, 12 of the 21 plays presented during First Look's first seven seasons have enjoyed subsequent world premieres at other theaters, including: Sarah Gubbins' Fair Use, produced by Actors' Express in Atlanta, Georgia; Jason Wells' Perfect Mendacity, produced by Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida; Wells's Men of Tortuga, also produced by Asolo, with a second production at Profiles Theater in Chicago; The Butcher of Baraboo by Marisa Wegrzyn, produced by 2econd Stage Theatre in New York, with a second production at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago; 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor, produced by Playwrights Horizons in New York; Spare Change by Mia McCullough, produced by Stage Left Theatre in Chicago; Gary by Melinda Lopez, produced by Boston Playwrights' Theatre in Massachusetts; When The Messenger is Hot by Laura Eason, produced by 59E59 Theaters in New York; Eason'sSex with Strangers, produced as part of Steppenwolf's 2010/11 subscription season; Pursued by Happiness by Keith Huff, produced by Road Theater Company in Los Angeles, California; The North Plan by Jason Wells, produced by Portland Center Stage, with a second production at Theater Wit in Chicago; and Oblivion by Carly Mensch is scheduled for Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut this fall.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is America's longest standing, most distinguished ensemble theater, producing nearly 700 performances and events annually in its three Chicago theater spaces-the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat Garage Theatre. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 43 actors, writers and directors. Artistic programming at Steppenwolf includes a five-play Subscription Season, a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season and three repertory series: First Look Repertory of New Work, Garage Rep and Next Up. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Off-Broadway, Broadway, London, Sydney and Dublin. Steppenwolf has the distinction of being the only theater to receive the National Medal of Arts, in addition to numerous other prestigious honors including an Illinois Arts Legend Award and nine Tony Awards. Martha Lavey is the Artistic Director and David Hawkanson is the Executive Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf's Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre and twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr.

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