NEW
WORKS
FESTIVAL
2025
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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Welcome to the 12th Producing Season of Cincinnati LAB Theatre!
Cincinnati LAB Theatre began in 2014 with a core set of ideas: to provide a collaborative workshop environment for theatre artists; to provide a place for playwrights, directors, and actors to develop their unique skills; and to provide a place where you, the audience, becomes the final collaborator. With these ideas in mind, we began with a single production titled Buckeye, later retitled Daughter of War. Since that first season, we have made huge steps forward. We have expanded from one new work over a three night run to three staged productions in repertory along with two staged readings over a 10 day festival; our play submission base has grown from local and regional artists to national and international artists; we have also increased our company members as well as the number of new artists working in our productions. During 2020 we established an educational program focused on helping young playwrights find their voice. In 2018 we sent our first production Led Thespian by Jason Podplesky to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by a second show, Four Horses by Mary Beringer, that was streamed to the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We sent a third production The Philosophy Of Cavemen by CL Byrd to the 2022 75TH Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by our fourth production at the Edinburgh Fringe The Relationship Play(s) by Charlie Schulman in 2023, and our fifth most recent show to traverse the ocean was Zelda & Hadley: Together At Last by Eileen Earnest. Since 2016 we have been presenting our New Works Festivals annually and are excited to share a new set of New Works this summer with you.
As we move forward with plans to enlarge our company of artists, expand our seasons, return to Edinburgh (2025) your continued support is very important to us. Our pledge to you is that we will continue to give you the "first look" at new works, new playwrights, and developing theater artists. Knowing the many activities you could choose to do tonight, we sincerely thank you for choosing to be here with us. Please enjoy the show.
Elizabeth a. Harris, Bob Allen, & Torie Pate
Co-Artistic Directors
Cincinnati LAB Theatre
SPECIAL THANKS
The Carnegie Arts Center Education Department, Trisha Cooper, Susan Gordy, Dennis Murphy, Paul Newstead, Shelbey Phillips, & Theatre Xavier.
A MESSAGE FROM ECAC DIRECTOR SUSAN GORDY
The Bell Tower Arts Pavilion stands as a distinctive addition to Cincinnati's cultural scene, housed in a charming mid-century modern building that's undergoing thoughtful renovations. The venue offers premium facilities including 140-seat capacity, professional sound equipment, and a versatile stage area, all while maintaining an intimate atmosphere that fosters meaningful connections between performers and audiences.
Under the experienced leadership of ECAC director Susan Gordy, the Pavilion has cultivated strong partnerships with organizations like Cincy Lab Theater, Playhouse in the Park, and Summermusik, while providing comprehensive support including marketing assistance and production expertise. This collaborative approach, combined with the venue's commitment to artistic excellence, has established the Bell Tower Arts Pavilion as more than just a performance space—it's become an active participant in bringing theatrical visions to life in the Cincinnati community.
The partnership with Cincy Lab Theatre has been particularly rewarding for us at the Bell Tower Arts Pavilion. Your innovative approach to theater and commitment to pushing creative boundaries aligns perfectly with our mission to foster artistic excellence in our community. We've been honored to host your annual summer New Works festival and witness the magic that happens when passionate artists find their ideal performance space.
What truly sets Cincy Lab Theater apart is the outstanding professionalism of your performers, crew, and production staff. Your dedication to theatrical excellence aligns perfectly with our vision for Bell Tower Arts Pavilion, making each collaboration a true highlight for our venue.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with Cincy Lab Theatre and supporting the incredible work you bring to our stage.
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Shelbey Phillips (she/her) [Festival Photographer] Shelbey Phillips is excited to be back for another show with Cincinnati LAB Theatre. She is currently working as the Digital Marketing Manager for the Cincinnati Arts Association as well as one half of the photography duo, Sun and Pom Studio. Shelbey is delighted to join the LAB team and to finally combine her love of live theatre and photography.