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Lit Play Lab 2024: Hot Streaks

A new play workshop and reading series

Conceived by Bonnie Metzgar, playwright, professor at the UIC School of Theatre & Music, and former Artistic Director of About Face Theatre

Join us for the release of four hot new plays from inspiring LGBTQ+ artists working in theatre right now! Produced in partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago, this new works series includes vital development time and resources for crafting new queer plays and supporting queer artists. The development period will culminate in public staged readings of all of the new plays. Be the first to hear these new stories up close and personal.

All public events are free of charge and will be hosted by About Face Theatre in The Den Theatre.

View the online playbill

Lit Play Lab 2024 Public Events

Saturday, June 15 @ 3:00pm
Sunday, June 16 @ 3:00pm

The Leads: a queer disassembly of a very straight, critically acclaimed play

by Jesse Morgan Young and Matthew Sherbach
directed by Eric Hoff

“Coffee is for closers!” It’s a (very) rainy night and a dog-eat-dog sales team gets a last-minute ultimatum…but who really cares? In this play, the unseen characters are seen, they have ideas and desires different from the script and so off they go to create their own paradise! A queering of a Chicago classic that could never have been written by David Mamet. Disrespectful!

Thursday, June 20 @ 7:00pm

Estrellazo

by Nelson A. Rodriguez
directed by Xavier Custodio
co-presented with Subtext Studios

Manny is slated to be the next Latin urban music star. He has the looks, the talent, a budding fanbase, and a committed team made up of his father, sister, and best friend. Plus, a major record label is courting him to be their first openly gay guy to sing reggaeton. It seems like nothing can get in his way to global stardom. While he soundchecks his show at a small club in Miami, a series of events forces Manny to confront his own ideas of celebrity, manhood, and Latinidad. Through his songs and actions, we witness in real time what he could be and what he isn’t quite yet. Estrellazo is a celebration of urbano music and a cautionary tale about the importance of forgiving others and yourself.

Saturday, June 22 @ 2:00pm

Jump the Shark

by Bonnie Metzgar
directed by Mikael Burke

Donna will do anything to keep her daughter safe, including moving to a new town to start over again. Everyone in this small beachy tourist trap in New England has got problems – not enough work, fighting with their ex, staying sober. Until one day when their greatest fear of all comes true – there’s a shark in the water. A tale of how a great white shark and a pissed-off teenage trans activist join forces to save the world.

Saturday, June 22 @ 5:00pm

We Could Be: The Future of Sex-Ed

Conceived by & Creative Producer Dionne Addai
Written by Kirsten Baity and Teddy Thomas
Directed by Alyssa Vera Ramos

We know that knowledge is power and sex ed can save lives – so why isn’t healthy and inclusive sex ed available for everyone? This new play from About Face reflects on barriers and shame-based teachings in order to uncover a new narrative. Incorporating true stories from Illinoisians of all ages, two students dare to create the type of education they wish they’d received. Join us to help build this important new show that is set to start a regional tour next season.

Lit Play Lab 2024 Public Events

Saturday, June 15 @ 3:00pm
Sunday, June 16 @ 3:00pm

The Leads: a queer disassembly of a very straight, critically acclaimed play

by Jesse Morgan Young and Matthew Sherbach
directed by Eric Hoff

“Coffee is for closers!” It’s a (very) rainy night and a dog-eat-dog sales team gets a last-minute ultimatum…but who really cares? In this play, the unseen characters are seen, they have ideas and desires different from the script and so off they go to create their own paradise! A queering of a Chicago classic that could never have been written by David Mamet. Disrespectful!

Thursday, June 20 @ 7:00pm

Estrellazo

by Nelson A. Rodriguez
directed by Xavier Custodio
co-presented with Subtext Studios

Manny is slated to be the next Latin urban music star. He has the looks, the talent, a budding fanbase, and a committed team made up of his father, sister, and best friend. Plus, a major record label is courting him to be their first openly gay guy to sing reggaeton. It seems like nothing can get in his way to global stardom. While he soundchecks his show at a small club in Miami, a series of events forces Manny to confront his own ideas of celebrity, manhood, and Latinidad. Through his songs and actions, we witness in real time what he could be and what he isn’t quite yet. Estrellazo is a celebration of urbano music and a cautionary tale about the importance of forgiving others and yourself.

Saturday, June 22 @ 2:00pm

Jump the Shark

by Bonnie Metzgar

Donna will do anything to keep her daughter safe, including moving to a new town to start over again. Everyone in this small beachy tourist trap in New England has got problems – not enough work, fighting with their ex, staying sober. Until one day when their greatest fear of all comes true – there’s a shark in the water. A tale of how a great white shark and a pissed-off teenage trans activist join forces to save the world.

Saturday, June 22 @ 2:00pm

We Could Be: The Future of Sex-Ed

Conceived by Dionne Addai
Directed by Alyssa Vera Ramos

Synopsis coming soon

Headshots: Dionne Addai & Alyssa Vera Ramos
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