ACT's innovative Central Heating Lab initiative is devoted to nurturing and supporting new works, new talent, and local artists spanning not only theatre, but also cabaret, music, dance, spoken word, film, and performance and visual art. Uniquely positioned to provide the space and resources to the development of new projects in a collaborative environment, ACT will partner with emerging and seasoned local artists, and give them the heat, sustenance and pressure required to experiment, grow and transform their work and reach new audiences.

"The Central Heating Lab serves as both a catalyst and an incubator for new works, new art, and new artists," said Director of New Works Carlo Scandiuzzi. "It thrives within ACT because ACT is a cultural engine that promotes new art, thought, and a higher degree of artistic excellence. And, aligned with our mission, The Central Heating Lab is dedicated to supporting the artistic community to which it belongs Seattle."

New Works Development
Commissions, workshops, readings, theatrical experiments, performance art, and one-time theatrical events that are both fully rehearsed and bare-bones produced. Projects include: the new commissioning program, New Works for the American Stage (where Becky's New Car by Steven Dietz originated); The ACT New Play Award program (where Mitzi's Abortion, The K of D and Language Rooms originated); and new works developed in partnership with the Icicle Creek Theatre Festival.

Long Term Projects
Developed by collaborative artist teams for ACT's mainstage season, as well as presenting national and international touring companies. These projects, developed over a number of years and possibly culminating into a mainstage production, take a variety of forms, such as literature adaptations, short film and theatre festivals, theatre derived from non-traditional sources and community histories. Projects include: The Pacific Hwy South/Highway 99 project, The Iliad, a dance residency project by Maureen Whiting, and ongoing collaborative partnerships with presenters RAWSTOCK and The Moisture Festival.

Companion Pieces
Produced in conjunction with each mainstage play, every nook and cranny of ACT's Kreielsheimer Place will be filled with companion pieces to those productions. Building off the success of 2007's pilot project The Roethke Readings: A Cabaret of Meter and Madness, these eclectic companion pieces will vary greatly and will incorporate elements of cabaret, live music, film, dance, installations, conversation cafes, bazaars and poetry slams. Projects will tap into and expand upon themes of each mainstage play.

2010 Productions

Artists and dates are subject to change. More Central Heating Lab programs are announced often!