The Playroom Theatre
151 W. 46th Street, 8th floor
With panelists Darren Cole, owner/manager of The Soho Playhouse; Erika Feldman, general manager of Theatre Row Theatres; Ed Gaynes, producer and owner St. Luke's Theatre, booking manager at the Actors Temple; Josh Goodman, producer (Tony award winning Pippin and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, also Rocky and Come From Away; upcoming: When Pigs Fly); Meredith Lucio, producer (Tony award winning Porgy and Bess, Rooms: a rock romance, The 39 Steps, Bedlam Theatre's St. Joan/Hamlet; upcoming: Absolutely Filthy).
Off-Broadway was born in the 1950's to fill a perceived need in theater: it evolved as an alternative to the commercialism of Broadway, and a more affordable means of getting works (and artists) seen. Here was an incubator for new works with a less commercial bent, a home for the artsy, the odd and the edgy, as well as a training ground for generations of up-and-coming actors, playwrights and directors. Once upon a time off-Broadway was an affordable means to develop new works and has nurtured some of our greatest artists, but the financial realities of our business have challenged success and made off-Broadway seem financially unviable. Are there still ways to make use of this essential component of our theater culture? Can it still provide a useful step in a development plan for new works? What does it take to break even, and are there producing models that increase the odds of success? Today not-for-profits and regional theaters may be the pipeline of choice for both commercial and non-commercial works. Can off-Broadway reclaim its place in the food chain of New York theater? Or has it taken on a new purpose?
Doors open at 7:00pm for networking and refreshments, roundtable introductions of everyone in the room will start at 7:30pm - come prepared with your best one-minute summary of who you are, and what you need. Free for TRU members; $15 for non-members ($12.50 in advance). Please call at least a day in advance (or much sooner) for reservations: 212-714-7628; or e-mail TRUStaff1@gmail.com
