Theatre Nova’s Michigan Playwrights Festival (MPF) is an event devoted to showcasing new plays and playwrights. This year, it took place from August 21-25. Perfect for any theatre-lover or aspiring playwright, the MPF’s diverse and creative plays at affordable prices make it very popular in the Ann Arbor community each year.
“People who truly love theatre are drawn to the MPF, because they know they’ll be seeing plays that are fresh and hearing voices that they haven’t heard before,” Maureen Paraventi, playwright of “Cora Lynn Beauty can Change your Life,” said. “I’ve been in the audience in the past and have been surrounded by members of Theatre Nova’s loyal audience base as well as local actors, playwrights, and directors.”
Not only does the festival attract and entertain a wide audience, but it also serves as an excellent opportunity for playwrights on the rise. With Theatre Nova’s commitment to enhancing and refining plays through New Play Development Residency, as well as raising awareness for the fresh voices, the MPF can help playwrights get their work out there and jumpstart their careers.
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“Learning how to be a better storyteller is the goal I am always chasing,” Michael Alan Herman, playwright of Swamp Creatures, said. “MPF gives me the chance to see what part of my work audiences connect with in real-time and where I can still improve as an artist. This feedback is essential in the life cycle of a play and I am thrilled to experience this journey at MPF.”
Each of these original plays is brought to life by incredible directors and actors who have worked all over the world. For example, “Cora Lynn Beauty can Change your Life” is directed by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Sarah Elizabeth Brown, and performed by experienced actors such as Bréon LaDawn Canady and Lindsey Brown.
“As a writer, I have found that readings are instrumental in making sure dialogue is interesting, believable, non-repetitive and never tongue-twisting!” Joël Doty, playwright of “Shattered Pieces” said. “The Michigan Playwrights Festival requires actors to be rehearsed so they can adequately understand the play and give the characters life–even from a music stand.”
Keep an eye out next year for this Ann Arbor tradition. More information the Michigan Playwrights Festival can be found at theatrenova.org/michigan-playwrights-festival
