Center for the Arts Nurtures Fresh Theater Voices in Southern Utah
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ivins, UT (July 22, 2024) Center for the Arts at Kayenta is proud to announce the return of the Kayenta New Play Lab, a vibrant showcase of new theatrical works from both local and national playwrights. This exciting event offers a unique opportunity for theater enthusiasts to witness the development of new works. Following a 10-day development residency, each play will be presented as a staged reading, followed by engaging discussions with the artists.
“Supporting the creation and development of new work is a vital piece of our vision at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta. Our New Play Lab aims to support artists – both locally and nationally – as they tell the stories of the past, present, and future, for the benefit of us all, as we continue to learn and grow into the ever-changing world around us,” said Miranda Wright, Executive Director of Center for the Arts at Kayenta.
The playwrights chosen for this year’s program represent a rich tapestry of talent and experience from across the United States. Among them is Joss Carlisle, a promising local fresh from graduation at Utah Tech University, working on their debut production. The selection also features accomplished professional writers Chelsea Sutton and Sarahjeen Francois from Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City-based Matthew Ivan Bennett, each bringing a track record of critically acclaimed works. Adding a distinctive voice to the mix is Debora Threedy, whose work has been supported by the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s programs for playwrights. We are also delighted to announce the return of Los Angeles-based Jami Brandli, whose work The Magician’s Sister – developed in part through last year’s Kayenta New Play Lab – is set for a full pre-premiere production this January at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta.
The Kayenta New Play Lab’s mission and process have been recognized with a distinguished grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. This marks a significant milestone, as the Center for the Arts at Kayenta becomes the first organization in Washington County to receive this esteemed honor. We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Endowment for the Arts for their support, which underscores the importance of our work in nurturing new theatrical voices.
Event Details
Dates: August 9-25, 2024
Venue: The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
Ticket Prices:
New Play Lab Package: 6 plays for $100
Individual tickets: $20 adult, $10 students
Tickets available at KayentaArts.org
Featured Plays
1. “Secondhand Stevie” by Joss Carlisle (Hurricane, UT)
Friday, August 9th at 7:30pm & Saturday, August 10th at 4:00pm
A poignant exploration of queer identity that challenges audiences to reflect on allyship and personal growth.
2. “The Abundance” by Chelsea Sutton (Los Angeles, CA)
Saturday, August 10th at 7:30pm & Sunday, August 11th at 4:00pm
A dark comedy exploring belonging and friendship through the absurd world of pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing.
3. “Mama’s Dresses/A Dress For Mama” by Sarahjeen Francois (Valencia,CA)
Friday, August 16th at 7:30pm & Saturday, August 17th at 4:00pm
Three sisters reconnect while preparing for their mother’s burial in this touching exploration of empathy and family bonds.
4. “Christmas is Canceled” by Matthew Ivan Bennett (Salt Lake City, UT)
Saturday, August 17th at 7:30pm & Sunday, August 18th at 4:00pm
A small town’s Christmas spirit is hilariously tested when their pageant falls victim to a holiday scam in this slapstick comedy.
5. “The Caregiver’s Guide” by Jami Brandli (Los Angeles, CA)
Friday, August 23rd at 7:30pm & Saturday, August 24th at 4:00pm
A poignant family drama showcasing resilience and unity in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.
6. “NEVER ASK” by Debora Threedy (Dammeron Valley, UT)
Saturday, August 24th at 7:30pm & Sunday, August 25th at 4:00pm
A mind-bending journey that questions the allure of the past versus the promise of the future.
Special Event
“UNLOCKING THE ARTS”: A pre-show discussion on Saturday, August 10, at 2:30pm, exploring the relationship between urgent social issues and new playwriting. Led by Scott Knowles, Assistant Professor of Theater Arts at Southern Utah University, PhD in Theatre Studies from the University of Kansas.
This event is made possible through a grant from Utah Humanities. Utah Humanities strengthens Utah communities by cultivating connections, deepening understanding, and exploring our complex human experience.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit KayentaArts.org or contact the box office at 435-674-2787.
About Center for the Arts at Kayenta
Center for the Arts at Kayenta (CFAK), built by the community through Kayenta Arts Foundation, hosts over 50 annual events with about 120 performances. These span theater, music, dance, storytelling, and lectures, serving audiences in Washington County and the American Southwest.
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Mary Shipley
Marketing ManagerCenter for The Arts at Kayenta
881 Coyote Gulch CourtIvins, UT 84738(435) 674-2787
kayentaarts.org
