newTACTics is a creative sanctuary for emerging as well as established playwrights to develop contemporary dramatic works of literary merit. Through collaboration with TACT‘s resident company of actors and communication between the artists and their audience, this initiative seeks to conceive alternative viewpoints for dramatic literature and cultivate the continued evolution of the language of the theatre.

Cultivation ; Collaboration ; Communication

Cultivation: newTACTics accepts electronic submissions of unproduced and unpublished new plays on an open basis to newTACTics@tactnyc.org. Scripts are evaluated by the artistic directors and newTACTics producer. Plays of particular interest are selected as semi-finalists for the New Play Festival. The playwrights receive a private table reading of their work with members of the TACT company of actors, followed by a discussion about future development. The newTACTics producers welcome revised drafts and are available to provide further feedback to the writers after these readings. This extended review process creates an invested relationship between the producers and playwrights, encouraging thoughtful consideration of the dramatic possibilities within the written word.

Collaboration: Four scripts are awarded 2 public performances each in the annual newTACTics New Play Festival in June. The readings are cast with TACT Company Members and invited guest artists. Rehearsals are held in accordance with the Actors’ Equity Association 29 Hour Staged Reading Guidelines. newTACTics prioritizes utilizing the maximum rehearsal time allowed by AEA, providing a process-focused environment for the writer, director, and actors to act in cooperation to support the script and influence one another’s work.

Communication: Readings in the newTACTics New Play Festival are free of charge and open to the public, including TACT‘s loyal subscribers and invited industry professionals. This audience is encouraged to participate in talk-back sessions after each performance to ask questions and provide feedback to the playwright. This open dialogue inspires further advancement for the script after the festival is over and creates opportunities for future production.