Amazing works by NYC's talented up-and-comers! A competition, the first of its kind, specifically designed to showcase the best new talent and writers across the New York City area.
From the 15 semi-finalists, our audiences have chosen six finalists. Round 2 begins July 5! Each night is built as an eclectic and diverse experience with themes and performances ranging from drama to comedy, and everything in between. Come see tomorrow’s stars today!
GROUP 1
July 5-7
The Exit Interview
Written by Nina Kissinger and directed by Elena Cramer
Shortly after dying Sam finds himself in a void with Lenny, a somewhat competent afterlife employee, for his exit interview. Like many things in Sam’s life, this does not go as planned. The Exit Interview is a dark comedy about what it means to reflect on your life after death and, more frighteningly, for someone else to.
Toothy's Treasure: A New Musical Comedy
Book, lyrics and direction by Brayden Martino and music and music direction by John-William Gambrell
Toothy's Treasure is the musical adventure of a pirate crew pursuing their deceased captain’s riches, led by the heroism of their new rookie. When this “perfect protagonist” abruptly dies in the first scene, the crew seeks audience members with “main-character energy” to help guide their way to the treasure.
GROUP 2
July 12-14
Where Should We Put 'Em?
Written by Joy Lackey and directed by Drew Woodson
As an exhausted mother and a bitter grandmother discuss the fate of their growing black boy, their deep-seated hate for black men raises him up to be the very thing they despise.
(un)conditional
Written by Ali Keller and directed by Colleen Britt
Fantasies are harmless, right? But what happens when your spouse wants to take a dark fantasy from the realm of imagination firmly into your bedroom? For two couples, the boundaries of compromise, communication and unconditional love are tested to their breaking point, and seven-year-old Mia is getting caught in the crossfire.
GROUP 3
July 14-16
Furniture Boys
Written and performed by Emily Weitzman and directed by Rachel Resnik
In the absurd world of Furniture Boys, boyfriends are couches, chairs, lampshades and futons. Blending theater, comedy, clown, spoken word and furniture showroom, Furniture Boys examines the immortality of inanimate objects and the mortality of a woman determined to f**k the furniture before oblivion—or, at least, before the couch clearance.
Annie Brown's 5th Grade Science Presentation
Written by Matt Morse and directed by Abby Davis
Annie Brown is ready to KILL her science presentation on the food chain. But when the animals become a little too aware of their roles as predator and prey, the whole show is thrown off-kilter.
