Twisted Playfest
Redtwist's New Play Incubator
Twisted Playfest is a new play incubator at Redtwist Theatre that provides ongoing play readings and development for aspiring Chicago Playwrights. The centerpiece of this initiative is the Twisted Play Festival, hosted annually at Redtwist Theatre. The festival features ten plays at various stages of development. Keep reading to learn about each new work and the creatives involved.
Development Stages
Headline Production
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This fully realized play is the culmination of the Twisted PlayFest new work incubator. The Headliner is fully produced: led by a talented director; performed by a cast of professionals; and realized by a team of incredible designers. Plays at this stage are World Premieres and Redtwist strives to connect the playwright with theaters around the country and see their script produced nationally.
Staged Readings
These plays are in their final stages of development before receiving a full production. Staged readings allow for a deeper collaboration between playwrights and directors, exploring how the play evolves as the actors add movement. This level also includes designers, to consider how costumes, props, and visual elements can enhance the script. Each year, one Staged Reading will be selected for a year of development and become the next PlayFest's Headliner.
Top Girl
Timmy
Short Changed
Stand Readings
Scorpio
Re: Writing
Pvt. Molly
The Pardoned
Gnawbone
Fringe Sects
These represent the newest plays in the Twisted PlayFest, just beginning their development journey. Stand Readings pair playwrights with professional actors and directors to explore pacing and language of the script. Each year, three Stand Readings will be selected for a year of development and become the next PlayFest's Staged Readings.
Headline Production
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Deserted
Jodie and Emma don't want to live in the city any more, with dreams of a new life, a will to work hard, and a generous grant, they set out into a desertified landscape. They nurture their garden in a dying world, but between a scorching climate and a very hungry neighbor, farming provides more challenges than anticipated. The couple struggles to plant their own roots and comes to realize growing on dead land may be a bigger challenge than expected. Will a dying earth leave them deserted?
Staged Readings
Stand Readings
Our
Values
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This Project values Chicago Voices.
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This Project values diversity and representation, including diversity of race, gender, sexuality, age, and ability. We intend to express this value at every level, from producers and readers, to playwrights and directors, as well as the performers on our stage.
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This Project values playwrights as growing artists and commits to nurturing that growth through collaboration and feedback.
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This Project values stories for NOW. The ideal play should tell us about the world we live in, speak to how we should live in it, and do so in an entertaining and engaging way.
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This Project values Collaboration — the collective expression of the orchestra, over the singular effort of the soloist.