“Inclusivity” was another common theme. Vicky Tebbets
of Highland Center for The Arts in Greensboro explained,
“Vermont’s seasons are dramatic, and our communities are
strong — producing an art culture that is vibrant and en-
during. As a lively hub for performance and visual arts in
the Northeast Kingdom, when artists showcase new work,
participating in art becomes accessible to everyone, and we
all benefit.”
Young Playwrights Competition 2017 Photo provided by DTF
Andrea Syglowski as Megan and Jeffrey Bean as Roger in DIG by Theresa Rebeck.
Photo by Joey Moro
Steve MacQueen, Artistic Director of The Flynn Center
in Burlington, expanded, “Vermont is a great place to
develop new works, because we have curious,
open-minded audiences who enjoy both the cre-
ative process and the finished piece. When audienc-
es see work at different stages, there’s a sense of own-
ership, a sense in taking part in the direction and life
of the art.” Hallie Flower, Executive Director of New
England Youth Theatre in Brattleboro, VT echoed that
comment, “It really feels like art matters to Vermonters.”
Several producers noted the impressive projects that
started in Vermont and are now recognized nationally and
internationally.
Since 2009, Dorset Theatre Festival (DTF) has developed 7
World Premieres, over 15 Regional Premieres, and at any
given time, have close to 100 new plays in development
through their writing retreats and acclaimed Pipeline
Series. Broadway playwright Theresa Rebeck (who lives
in Dorset) regularly premieres her works at DTF. In 2017,
Tim and Tyne Daly starred in the world-premiere of Down-
stairs by Rebeck before it headed to NYC. Rebeck’s new-
est work, Dig, premiered at DTF this summer, as did Heidi
Armbruster’s Mrs. Christie. The fact that Heidi developed
this play as part of DTF’s Women Artists Writing Group
represents a true milestone for the company. Both plays
are already getting attention from theaters across the coun-
try, all interested in giving them their next productions.
Women Artists Writing Group Dorset Retreat (2018) Photo provided by DTF
New Play Reading Series 2017. Photo by Mairi McCormick.
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Eric Peterson of Old Castle Theatre in Bennington shared,
“Vermont attracts great talent. Oldcastle has developed
numerous new plays during its 48 year history, often with
themes connected to the New England region, such as
Civil Union about the Vermont law which preceded same
sex marriage laws in the US. This season Oldcastle is
presenting David Budbill’s extraordinary Vermont play
Jude Vine for the fifth time. The play which was partly
developed by Oldcastle has been produced all over the
country. In June 2019, we presented a workshop for a new
musical by the lyricist, Amanda Yesnowitz, winner of both
the Jonathan Larson and Edward Kleban Awards for “Most
Promising Lyricist”. Our plan is to workshop the musical
as Amanda and composer, Emmy® Winner Doug Katsaros,
continue to develop it.