New work for the stage isn’t always created around a table. Ars Nova has a number of programs and performance series designed to provide opportunities for artists to see their work in front of an audience throughout the stages of a development process. More information is below, with links to submission details when applicable:

Get in the Door

Showgasm

Ars Nova’s rowdy (and free!) monthly variety show, designed to showcase fresh music, comedy, theater, burlesque, vaudeville and a whole lot more.  (Check out clips from Showgasms past)  Have a five-minute act we should see? We’re always looking for new talent; submission information can be found here.

ANT FEST

Ars Nova’s annual five-week festival of All New Talent is designed to give emerging artists an opportunity to bring a full evening of innovative new material to life in front of a NYC audience.  

The submission period for ANT FEST 2010 is now closed.  We are in the process of reviewing submissions and will announce the lineup at the end of the summer. In the meantime, rest up for the best Fest yet!  (Curious what to expect?  You can see the complete ANT FEST 2009 lineup here.

54/10 Summer Music Marathon

Ars Nova's two week celebration of musical innovation is designed to showcase the off-kilter, dynamic music acts we're known for.   The 2010 lineup can be found here.

Get to Know Each Other Better

Next Step
After taking part in one of our initial programs, many artists go on to participate in Next Step, which offers a process-oriented environment in which to create new work from the ground up. Condensed periods of exploration culminate in closed readings or a public performance. Next Step supports creative risk-taking and encourages emerging writers and performers to push the boundaries of live entertainment.

Uncharted
This music series provides a forum for burgeoning musical theater writers to showcase original work through public concerts. Utilizing the talents of leading directors and performers with support from the Ars Nova artistic staff, each concert offers the creative team vital resources in developing and debuting new material. Submission information can be found here.

Out Loud
This ongoing series supports promising emerging playwrights with public readings of exceptional new plays. Each reading provides essential resources for playwrights by drawing on the talents of leading directors and actors, and offering developmental feedback and support from the Ars Nova artistic staff. Submission information can be found here.

Take it to the Next Level

Residency Encores
Veteran Ars Nova artists are invited to develop works-in-process during three-month residencies culminating in a series of workshop performances. By providing space and resources for experimentation, artistic and production support, and the opportunity to refine new pieces in front of an audience over time, Ars Nova enables artists to develop new work on their feet.

Seriously Committed

Mainstage Productions
Fully-realized productions of projects conceived at Ars Nova and shaped through our development programs. These projects are often commissioned by Ars Nova specifically for our stage. Productions vary from unique theatrical events to traditional plays and musicals. The common thread is emerging artists creating work with an eye toward originality and innovation.

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