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.
Current Schedule, 2008
(Artists and dates are subject to change.)
May 2008
The Comedy Cornucopia I
RAWSTOCK: A showcase for raw, irreverent local filmmakers. The Spring Festival, featuring 'Show & Tell' with Kevin Hyder, is all about comedy and includes a riotous lineup of 10 envelope-pushing comedic shorts.
May 4, 8 p.m. (21+ event)
Bullitt Cabaret
Tickets: $10
Fathers and Sons - A Companion Piece
Black and Tan - A Juke Joint: This Poetry Slam will include readings of both new and published works of poetry about relationships among family members. Curated by Laura "piece" Kelley-Jahn.
May 3, 10, 16, 24; 10 p.m. or immediately following the mainstage production Fathers and Sons
Bullitt Cabaret
Tickets: $10
The Comedy Cornucopia II
Miss Mamie vs. Golden Robot Army: A night of musical madness, featuring the bands Golden Robot Army and Miss Mamie Lavona the Exotic Mulatta and her White Boy Band.
May 11, 8 p.m. (21+ event)
Bullitt Cabaret
Tickets: $10
The Comedy Cornucopia III
Dart Mondo: Standup and improv comedy collide in one sidesplitting evening of fun.
May 18, 8 p.m. (21+ event)
Bullitt Cabaret
Tickets: $10
The Comedy Cornucopia IV
Black Daisy: A Seattle-based comedy duo thing and night of crazy featuring local comedian, Andy Peters.
May 25, 8 p.m. (21+ event)
Bullitt Cabaret
Ticket Price: $10
Summer 2008
A Marvelous Party - A Companion Piece
The Closeted American Songbook: This exploration, presented in a Cabaret setting, will touch on the closeted lives of many of this country's most respected composers. It is curated by Wade Madsen.
June 20, 21, 27, 28; July 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 p.m., or immediately following the mainstage production, A Marvelous Party
Bullitt Cabaret
** Tickets on Sale in May; prices TBD
Fall 2008
Eurydice - A Companion Piece
Seattle Dance Project: Julie Tobiason and Timothy Lynch are returning to ACT after their sold out show, Project One. This production will use modern dance to examine Eurydice and other Greek myths.
Sept. 13, 19, 20, 26, 27; Oct. 3 & 4; 10 p.m., or immediately following the mainstage production, Eurydice
Bullitt Cabaret
** Tickets on Sale in August; prices TBD
Becky's New Car - A Companion Piece
The "Awesome" Cycle: Local theatrical band "Awesome" presents their latest performance. Just like Becky, The "Awesome" Cycle lets loose and celebrates life.
Oct. 24, 25, 31; Nov. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 p.m., or immediately following the mainstage production, Becky's New Car
Bullitt Cabaret
Tickets: $15 ** Tickets on Sale in September