What is Downstage Left?

Downstage Left is Stage Left's new-work development program, created to shepherd plays from the conceptual stage toward production. Projects can be anything from an idea to a work already in progress but must be theatrically interesting and have strong potential to further Stage Left's aritstic mission:to raise debate and challenge perspectives on political and social issues.

The Toolbox Series
Every play is unique, as is each playwright's process. Our "toolbox" approach is designed to allow playwrights to identify those tools that will be most useful given theit project's current stage of development. These tool include:

Public Staged Reading
Explore your play on its feet and put it in front of an audience. Intended for full-length pieces

Public "Music Stand" Reading
Focus on the text by keeping the staging to a minimum. Intended for full-length pieces.

Private Table Reading
Explore your short, one-act or full-length play without the pressure of an audience. Best for early-stage projects.

Private Workshop Series
Focus on specific aspects of your play, or on the play as a whole through a series of rehearsals.

Dramaturgical Review
Receive a written analysis, based on questions and criteria you submit, from a Stage Left ensemble member

A note to out-of-town playwrights: At this time, Stage Left is unable to provide transportation to and from Chicago. For those who are unable to make their own travel arrangements, the Dramaturgical Review may be the most practical option in the Toolbox Series.

The Developmental Residency
From time to time, the Stage Left ensemble will select outstanding projects from those in the Toolbox Series to be awarded Developmental Residencies. Selected plays will receive eight months of uninterrupted development, culminating in the play's includion in LeapFest, Stage Left's annual new play festival. Projects must first be accepted to the Toolbox Series, before consideration for a Developmental Residency.

How to Apply

Calling playwrights, directors, actors and dramaturgs!
Join us as we craft stories about today's world.

Downstage Left is open to playwrights, directors, actors, dramaturgs and other artists who are interested in crafting theatrical stories that raise debate on political and social issues. Projects can be at any stage of development, from an initial idea to a completed manuscript.

To apply to Downstage Left, click the link above to download the application form, and send it -- along with the appropriate supporting materials -- to Stage Left by the applicable deadline. 

Tips for applying The core of our mission is the phrase "raise debate." Frankly, we are not excited about projects that simply provide a soapbox for venting fully formed opinions, or that present only one side of the story. On the other hand, the more your play poses questions, challenges beliefs, and inspires dialogue, the better.

Current Projects (June. 2009 - Sep. 2009)
All readings take place at Stage Left - 3408 N. Sheffield, Chicago
All DSL readings and events are FREE to subscribers.
The general public is asked for a $5 donation.
Reservations are not required or accepted.

If you are a producer and think any of the following plays may be of interest to your theatre, please contact our literary staff.

Beneath the Mango Moon by Jeff Augustin
Sunday, June 28 at 7:00 PM

Literary Contact

David Alan Moore
Interim Co-Artistic Director
david@stagelefttheatre.com

773-883-8830
3408 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657