A macho man diagnosed with breast cancer, children reenacting a version of Shakespeare’s bloodiest play, and a one-man show about redemption are the focus of three new works presented at the Nevada Conservatory Theatre's Organic, Home Grown Playwright’s Festival on March 19 at the Paul Harris Theatre. The festival is free.
“When NCT was planning this season, we wanted to find a way to reach out to and include the vibrant theatre community we have here in Las Vegas,” said NCT artistic director Chris Edwards. “The Playwright’s Festival will feature three unique works that will premiere at UNLV. Each offers its own brand of drama and comedy and will engage audiences in the artistic process of developing new works.”
The festival schedule
- 10 a.m.-Noon — Playwriting Workshop led by Sean Clark, playwright/screenwriter and associate professor in the department of film. — The play’s the thing! Playwrights can brush up their skills and learn some writing exercises in this focused intensive on writing a new play. Clark wrote and or/produced for several television series including, Coach, Evening Shade, Northern Exposure and several others. He is also the winner of the Lorraine Hansberry Award for his play Eleven-Zulu.
- 1:15-2:15 p.m. — Panel discussion led by Richard Oberacker, music director of “Ka” — Join Oberacker as he talks about the new American musical. The author of 12 musicals, Oberacker knows a thing or two about writing and composing. His recent
- production of “The Bandstand” has been slated for Broadway this fall.
- 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. — “Bright Side” — a new musical by Ernie Curcio, Martin Kaye, and Jolana Sampson
- 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. — Post show talk back
- 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. — “Titus Andronicus Jr” by Troy Heard
- 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. — Post show talk back
- 7:45 – 9:00 p.m. — “Invention” by a redemptive one-man show by Brandon Burk
- 9:00 – 9:45 p.m. — Post show talk back
About Nevada Conservatory Theatre
The Nevada Conservatory Theatre (NCT) is the professional theatrical producing arm of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’s theater training program. We are committed to bringing to Southern Nevada the highest quality theatre by featuring professional artists and advanced students from around the country and locally. For more information, visit the NCT website.
About Bright Side
By Ernie Curcio, music by Martin Kay and Jolana Sampson, lyrics by Jolana Sampson
“Bright Side” is a new musical about finding hope while facing life’s greatest obstacles. Man’s man Richard has ignored the pain in his chest for months. When he is diagnosed with male breast cancer, Richard must face the gravity and embarrassment of his circumstance, and his wife and son must break through to teach him the true meaning of life and love.
About Titus Andronicus Jr.
By Troy Heard
A recently divorced middle school teacher finds himself at the end of his rope when he’s assigned to take over the spring play. He decides to exorcise his demons and win back his ex by staging Shakespeare’s goriest play: Titus Andronicus…with kids! Using a soundtrack of 90s power ballads, the scenario eventually flips as the kids take over the show and the teacher becomes the real student.
About Invention
By Brandon Burk
“Invention” is a redemptive one-man show based on the true life events of actor and co-author Brandon Burk. After killing a man in a drunk driving accident, Burk was sentenced to prison at the age of 25. Meet the characters who helped him salvage goodness from this tragic situation and turn his life around.
“Invention” is a redemptive one-man show based on the true life events of actor and co-author Brandon Burk. After killing a man in a drunk driving accident, Burk was sentenced to prison at the age of 25. Meet the characters who helped him salvage goodness from this tragic situation and turn his life around.
