UK Theatre to Ring in the Holidays With 'New Works Now!'

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 24, 2015) — Before the curtain call for every great work of art, be it dance, drama or comedy, there is a young playwright or choreographer waiting for the chance to show off his or her creative talent. Feel the holiday cheer as the University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance's brightest and most creative minds stage this season's performances of "New Works Now!," running Dec. 4-6, at Guignol Theatre.

An array of past and present UK theatre and dance students will present their original works as a part of "New Works Now!" With holiday settings from Christmas to New Year's Eve and on to President's Day, the department showcase of plays, poetry, choreography and even a "choreopoem" will offer a glimpse into the future of the stage. This year's production marks the third appearance of "New Works Now!" and remains dedicated to showcasing the remarkable work of students and alumni as emerging playwrights, actors, directors and designers.

"Well, this is not your ordinary 'holiday' program," said Herman Farrell III, associate professor of playwriting at UK. "It certainly has a Santa Clause here and a North Pole there but as the audience will learn, this is a decidedly off-kilter, provocative, thought-provoking and completely entertaining holiday season show made up of seven short plays and dance works by five UK theatre and dance majors and two theatre alums."

A UK faculty jury of five theatre and dance professionals selected the seven works from a pool of 17 submissions for "New Works Now!" Student directors and design teams were assigned for each piece and then open auditions were held to cast each show. Directors and design teams worked closely with faculty mentors in the development, design, rehearsal, tech and production of each new work.

Taking center stage this December are the following productions: 

· "The D/s Auditions" by English and theatre junior Jenny Winstead, of Louisville, Kentucky, directed by theatre junior Maddy Williamson, of Norfolk, Virginia, a 10-minute study of psycho-sexual manipulation and the mundane holiday job search;

· "Paper People" by biology senior Olivia Grothaus, of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, a dance work inspired by a slam poem;

· "President’s Day" by English and theatre senior Abby Schroering, of Louisville, directed by theatre senior Katie Noble, of Corbin, Kentucky, two students use a holiday as an entrance point into matters of human dignity and mortality;

· "Bitch Goddess" by UK alumna and noted Kentucky-born, New York City poet and playwright Ellen Hagan, directed by theatre junior Sloan Gilbert, of Lexington, an exploration of womanhood and all the many roles and selves we embody  throughout our lives;

· "In the Midnight Hour" by alumna Madison McGhee, directed by theatre senior Alexis Slocum of Fort Knox, Kentucky, inspired by Samuel Beckett’s "Krapp’s Last Tape," an exploration of how far one can truly run from their demons and the clarity to be found in isolation;

· "Santa Baby" by theatre junior Kenny Hamilton, of Ludlow, Kentucky, directed by theater and secondary social studies education junior Curtis Lipsey, of Louisville, a play about a young Chris, on this first night as Santa Clause, caught delivering presents to a woman, his one night stand the night before; and

· "New World Eve" by theatre senior Rob Miller, of Hilliard, Ohio, directed by theatre senior Peter LaPrade, of Marietta, Georgia, the morning after New Year’s Eve, a young man makes a work of art in reflection of the night he just had.

"New Works Now!" hits the stage 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Guignol Theatre. Tickets for "New Works Now!" are $5 for students with a university ID and $10 for general admission. To purchase tickets, contact the Singletary Center ticket office at 859-257-4929, visit online at www.scfatickets.com, or visit the ticket office in person.

The UK Department of Theatre and Dance at UK College of Fine Arts has played an active role in the performance scene in Central Kentucky for more than 100 years. Students in the program get hands-on training and one-on-one mentorship from the renowned professional theatre faculty. The liberal arts focus of their bachelor's degree program is coupled with ongoing career counseling to ensure a successful transition from campus to professional life. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu