Local theater company Asheville Creative Arts announces a new incubator series. A staged reading of Journeying Jack, by David and Jack Novak, takes place at NC Stage Saturday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m.
Press release from event organizers:
Co-Founders Abby Felder and Robbie Jaeger announce JOURNEYING JACK, a script-in-hand staged reading that kicks off Asheville Creative Arts’ brand new INCUBATOR Series, a program designed to develop and nurture new works for multi-generational audiences. This first look at a new play from acclaimed storyteller David Novak and his son, award-winning playwright Jack Novak, will be directed by Robbie Jaeger, and feature original music composed by Jonesalee’s Gina Stewart and Brenda Lee Gambill, performed live. The event will be held at NC Stage (15 Stage Lane) on September 19 at 4:00pm, and suggested donation of $10 per person is collected at the door.
JOURNEYING JACK is a moving and heartfelt piece about a father and son’s nighttime ritual, where the bedroom comes alive with stories in which young Jack is the hero. In addition to Jonesalee, the staged-reading will feature performances from Kelli Cayman Cozlin and Willie Repoley. The reading is open to all ages, and will be followed by a q&a session and light refreshments.
INCUBATOR Series is a new program that will occur annually, in which, under the guidance of Artistic Director Robbie Jaeger, Producing Director Abby Felder, and Resident Artists Gina Stewart and Brenda Gambill of Jonesalee, artists will receive dramaturgical and artistic support during intensive rehearsals, culminating in a staged-reading for public audiences.
According to Artistic Director Robbie Jaeger, “JOURNEYING JACK is the result of a wonderful creative collaboration between father and son, about a father and son connecting through stories. The style draws beautifully from the playwrights’ disparate backgrounds: David is a veteran storyteller whose work has been seen locally, nationally and internationally; Jack is a graduate of Northwestern University where he studied acting and playwriting and is a fixture on the theater scene in Washington, DC.” Continues Producing Director Abby Felder, “the goal of this program is to provide a safe and creative place for artists to develop work aligned with our mission, work that is sophisticated and challenging and has content both for kids and parents, and this is the perfect piece to launch this exciting series!”
ACA’s work has been called “Dazzling!” by the Mountain Xpress and “Excellent!” by the Asheville Citizen Times, and through the INCUBATOR Series, the company is laying the groundwork for developing original theatrical productions that represent the signature style the company is known for, such as past productions A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and most recently, MISS NELSON IS MISSING!.
To reserve seats, RSVP in advance by emailing ashevillecreativearts@gmail.com. Questions call 914/830-3000.
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