What is DSL?

Downstage Left (or DSL) is Stage Left's new play development program. The idea is to assist playwrights in breaking the development loop by shepherding plays from the conceptual stage toward production. Projects can start with as little as an idea and a proposal, and progress through a series of steps towards an eventual production at Stage Left or another theatre from Chicago or around the country interested in compelling, thought-provoking and topical new plays. All DSL projects must further Stage Left's aritstic mission: to raise debate and challenge perspectives on political and social issues.

There are three main areas of development in DSL:

The Toolbox Series
This is the entry point for most DSL projects. Artists can customize their approach by using one of the following tools DSL offers.
View the current Toolbox Series projects here.

• Public Staged Reading
  • Explore your piece on its feet and put it in front of an audience
  • Intended for full-length pieces
• Public "Music Stand" Reading
  • Focus on the text by keeping the staging to a minimum
  • Intended for full-length pieces
• Private Staging
  • Maximize your risk-level with a 45-minute private staging
  • Intended for early-stage projects
• Private Workshop Series
  • Focus on specific aspects of your piece, or on the play as a whole with a series of rehearsals in a safe environment that encourages risk
• Dramaturgical Review
  • Receive a written analysis, based on questions and criteria you submit, from a Stage Left ensemble member

The Developmental Residency
The Stage Left ensemble will select outstanding projects from the Toolbox Series to be awarded developmental residencies, for which writers will receive eight months of uninterrupted development, culminating in a slot in LeapFest.
View the current Developmental Residency project here.

LeapFest
Stage Left's annual festival of new, socially-charged plays. The festival is an opportunity for playwrights, actors, directors and dramaturgs to actively engage in a three to four week workshop intensive. The experience is capped by publicly staged performances and a concerted marketing effort to let other theatres know about the work.

Neither Toolbox Series nor Residency are required for LeapFest participants.
To submit a script for LeapFest, please see our submission guidelines.

Get Involved

Calling playwrights, directors, actors and dramaturgs!
Join us as we craft stories about today's world.

DSL is open to artists - not only playwrights - who have ideas for theatre that supports Stage Left's mission, to raise debate on political and social issues.

Tips for applying - The key to our mission is the phrase "raise debate." We're not interested in simply beating the drum or presenting fully formed opinions. Ask yourself if your play would spark debate between reasonable audience members. The more challenging (and relevant) the central question of your play, the better.

New Plays in Development (June. 2008 - Sep. 2008)
All readings take place at Stage Left - 3408 N. Sheffield, Chicago
All DSL readings and events are FREE to subscribers.
The general public is asked for a $5 donation.
Reservations are not required or accepted.

If you are a producer and think any of the following plays may be of interest to your theatre, please contact our literary staff.

Developmental Residency

There is no Residency scheduled during this round of DSL projects.

The Toolbox Series

Public Readings:

Winter Famine
by Ross Travis
directed by Kevin Heckman
Sunday, September 7 at 2:00pm
Set in a dark future age and rooted in "magical realism," Winter Famine follows two brothers, Susan and Bo, living in a secluded cabin in the Colorado woods, where dark secrets creak in the walls and floorboards around them. As the night progresses and their stories unfold, they try to find their way back to the right path in life; a path for the greater good of all.

Night Society
by Steve Spencer
directed by Christine Gatto
Sunday, September 21 at 2:00pm
Two thirty-somethings ponder our soulless consumer existence, the possibility of honesty in human interaction, and the end of civilization over Jager bombs at Chili's. Mr. Spencer is the author of the hit play, and DSL Graduate, Another Day in the Empire.

Private Workshops:
A look at the projects that Downstage Left is working on behind the scenes

Spin
by Penny Penniston

Ten Best-Loved Hymns
by SLT ensemble member David Rush

Literary Contact

David Alan Moore
Interim Co-Artistic Director
david@stagelefttheatre.com

773-883-8830
3408 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657