Workhouse Theatre happenings
10/01/2013
Much has happened since Workhouse Theatre Company (WTC) teamed with the Flower Shop Project to produce Matthew A. Everett’s But Not For Love last fall. The happy collaboration of their organizations led to a merger of the two groups under the Workhouse Theatre Company brand, and the combination of resources has created a stronger theatre company.
WTC’s commitment to serving the Camden neighborhoods has been expanded to include all of North Minneapolis, and Flower Shop Project’s focus on developing new plays has been incorporated into that mission. Announcement of the season is on hold pending the location of a new performance venue. Their new 12 member board has identified a possible site for a permanent home and is currently searching for a temporary space to produce while they develop a proposal for the permanent home. Though their presentation of an exciting season (which includes an area premiere) remains in limbo for the time being, they have not been idle.
Beginning October 8, WTC will present readings of new plays on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. and will run through June 2014 in their former performance space at The Warren, 4400 Osseo Road. The first reading will feature Anne Bertram’s comedy, Let’s Be Real, with a discussion moderated by playwright-in-residence, Matthew A. Everett. The readings in 2013 will be new plays in development by established, locally produced playwrights.
Starting in January, play selections will be culled from submissions to their new play development program, the Greenhouse Project. The Greenhouse Project will provide an opportunity for playwrights with ties to Minnesota to have their scripts evaluated for possible inclusion in WTC’s Public Reading Series. Scripts with particular promise might be chosen for a Development Workshop and potentially a full scale production by WTC. Submissions are being accepted now through December 15. For eligibility/submission guidelines visit workhousetheatre.org/gp.htm.
Also beginning this fall, Workhouse Theatre Company returns to its educational roots offering three theatre classes in North Minneapolis. Playwrighting, with instructor Valerie Borey, starts September 10; Costuming for Halloween, with instructor Kat Pepmiller, on September 12; and Beginning Acting, on September 30. Classes cost $65 to $100. Info/enroll at workhousetheatre.org/education.htm or 612-216-1583.