Garry Marshall Theatre’s NEW WORKS FESTIVAL: Virtual Presentations LIVE Sept. 23 - 25

The Garry Marshall Theatre is interested in new works that are uniquely theatrical, authentically voiced, and have a strong point of view. The 2022 New Works Festival will present five new plays in virtual readings to support the development process of the playwright. The New Works Festival is designed to allow these five playwright finalists to join forces with professional directors and actors in their development process.

The Garry Marshall Theatre employs a blind submission process to avoid unintentional bias on the part of our team of qualified readers. Scripts that move into the semi-final round are reviewed by the selection committee who have access to all information regarding the submitted play.

The Garry Marshall Theatre will present the five finalist playwrights in livestream virtual readings in a festival weekend September 23 to 25, 2022. Each of the five selected scripts will be paired with Los Angeles actors and directors for an 8 to 12 hour rehearsal process culminating in five virtual, concert-style readings. Additionally, finalist playwrights are invited to engage with the director prior to this period of exploration with actors. A moderated Q & A with our audience, playwright, director and producers will follow each virtual presentation. This element has proven to be effective for past finalists – a forum to dialogue with an audience at this stage in the play’s development.

Garry Marshall Theatre Producer: Joseph Leo Bwarie

Festival Producer: Kimberly Arnold

Festival Producer: Jonathan Muñoz-Proulx

THIS YEAR’S FINALISTS

The Garry Marshall Theatre is honored to welcome an array of esteemed directors and Los Angeles-based actors who have come together to build art and community, and to do so in a virtual manner. The five playwright finalists will be presented live virtually from September 23 to 25, and are available for viewing on the theatre’s YouTube channel. Here is the schedule for this year’s lineup of playwright finalists:

September 23 at 6 pm
We Are the Forgotten Beasts
by Christian St. Croix
directed by Claire Simba

September 24 at 2 pm
ABCD
by Lily Abha Cratsley
directed by Reena Dutt

September 24 at 6 pm
The Docent
by Donna Kaz
directed by Allison Bibicoff

September 25 at 2 pm
Waiting for Godínez
by Daniel A. Olivas
directed by Daphnie Sicre

September 25 at 6 pm
Driving Lessens
by Ally Lardner
directed by Julianna Stephanie Ojeda

You may watch each play reading HERE.

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An innovator in pop culture, writer/director, Garry Marshall believed that live, shared storytelling was one of the greatest human experiences. On this principle, and with an affinity for community and summer camp-like spirit, Mr. Marshall and his family built a live theatre space for all in 1997. Now part of his legacy, the nonprofit space is aptly called the Garry Marshall Theatre.

Garry and Barbara Marshall

The Garry Marshall Theatre is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating community. Our mission is to present innovative performances, offer educational opportunities, and champion connection and conversation through storytelling and cultural experiences. The theatre is located at 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505, where the heart of Burbank's Media district meets the village of Toluca Lake. The critically-acclaimed and Ovation Award-winning venue known originally as the Falcon Theatre had its ground breaking in 1995. After 20 years of Mr. Marshall funding the Falcon, the Garry Marshall Theatre is now only sustainable through donor support.