In a generous effort to save a small Northern New Jersey theater, John Guare, Eric Bogosian, Neil LaBute, Caridad Svich, Craig Lucas, and Paul Schrader have each given the opportunity to mount their new or under produced works. The contributions of these acclaimed artists will enable The Black Box Performing Arts Center to emerge from the pandemic with a key role to play in the tri-state area’s much anticipated theatrical renaissance come 2022.
When the shutdowns of March 2020 hit, NJ Blackbox PAC had just been approved for non-profit status in a three-story townhouse-style storefront space for just four months. Like many others, they pivoted to digital content, producing weekly online Shakespeare readings and virtual performances in partnership with The Englewood Public Library.
As soon as practicable, they launched a series of small-cast productions under strict health protocols that allowed for fifteen seats max per performance: Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman, Nicky Silver’s Fat Men In Skirts, and a rarely performed Sam Shepard One-Act Staged Reading Series. Info HERE.
Following was a bluntly honest email campaign, to establish connections with the impressive group of top tier writers that have entrusted their work to the little old-school-style theater, located just outside of NYC, just a bit off the beaten path. Black Box PAC is currently “incubating” the following works: Neil LaBute’s 10X10; Eric Bogosian’s 1+1 (see review); Ode To Joy by Craig Lucas; The Cleopatra Club by Paul Schrader; and short pieces by John Guare and Caridad Svich.
Now they need you – growing audiences to enjoy these fully-realized, intimate, highly-energized workshop and showcase productions! www.blackboxpac.com
