Salt Lake Acting Company (SLAC) soars into its 45th season of brave contemporary theatre this fall. With a record number of season subscribers, new and exciting artistic collaborations and programs, and a season of plays set to ignite imagination and spark conversation, SLAC proudly announces its 45th season in flight.
BLACKBERRY WINTER by Steve Yockey | September 16 – October 25, 2015 |NNPN Rolling World Premiere
The 2015-2016 Season opens with the National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of BLACKBERRY WINTER by Steve Yockey. Years of success, meticulous planning, and an eye for detail have in no way prepared Vivienne Avery for her mother's slide into the grip of dementia. Initially hiding behind insomnia-fueled baking and a polite smile, stories about her mother leave Vivienne's inner turmoil quietly laid bare on stage. BLACKBERRY WINTER juxtaposes these stories, large theatrical gestures, and a childlike Alzheimer's "creation myth" to recount on woman's witnessing of the inevitable.
TRIBES by Nina Raine | October 21 – November 15, 2015 | Utah Premiere
TRIBES by Nina Raine won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play in 2012 and will receive its regional premiere at SLAC October 21 – November 15, 2015. Billy, born deaf into a hearing family, has adapted brilliantly to his family's unconventional ways, but they've never returned the favor. It's not until he meets Sylvia, a young woman on the brink of deafness, that he finally understands what it means to be understood.
ART DOG adapted for the stage by John Olive, composed by Susan Ennis, based on the book by Thatcher Hurd
December 4 – 23, 2015
SLAC will welcome its youngest audiences to ART DOG adapted for the stage by John Olive, composed by Susan Ennis, and based on the book by Thatcher Hurd. By day, Arthur Dog is a mild-mannered museum guard; by night, he is Art Dog – a mysterious artist who makes the city his canvas. However, when Leonardo Dog Vinci's Mona Woofa goes missing from the Dogopolis Museum of Art, Art Dog is a prime suspect.
STREETLIGHT WOODPECKER by Shawn Fisher | February 10 – March 6, 2016 | World Premiere
Exemplifying SLAC's commitment to new plays and local playwrights, STREETLIGHT WOODPECKER by Shawn Fisher will receive its world premiere February 10 – March 6, 2016 in the Upstairs Theatre. Developed in SLAC's 2013/14 New Play Sounding Series, STREETLIGHT WOODPECKER tells the story of Benji, a Marine who has returned to his Philadelphia neighborhood after being critically injured during battle. Bearing not only the medals he earned, but also the scars, Benji must now face the emotional wounds he avoided by going to war.
CLIMBING WITH TIGERS adapted for the stage by Troy Deutsch, based on the book by Nathan Glad and Dallas Graham, in collaboration with Flying Bobcat Theatrical Laboratory | March 4 – 26, 2016 | World Premiere
In an incredibly special addition to the season, SLAC proudly partners with Flying Bobcat Theatrical Laboratory and the Red Fred Project to present the world premiere of CLIMBING WITH TIGERS. Adapted for the stage by Troy Deutsch, CLIMBING WITH TIGERS is a story by 8-year-old Nathan Glad who was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bones disease) and Dallas Graham who founded the Red Fred Project, which Graham describes as "a silver-starred, magical collaboration through which I co-create original stories in the form of self-published books with 50 children with critical illnesses across the 50 states." Through a captivating combination of music, storytelling, animation, and film, CLIMBING WITH TIGERS tells the story of a little black bird named Blue who dreams of one day being able to fly.
STUPID F***ING BIRD by Aaron Posner | April 6 – May 1, 2016 | Utah Premiere
As the title may suggest, STUPID FUCKING BIRD by Aaron Posner is an irreverent and hilarious adaptation of Chekhov's THE SEAGULL. An aspiring young theatre artist rampages against the art created by his mother's generation; a nubile young actress wrestles with an aging Hollywood star for the affections of a renowned novelist; and everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art, and growing up can be.
SATURDAY'S VOYEUR 2016 by Allen Nevins and Nancy Borgenicht | June 22 – August 28, 2016 | World Premiere
Everyone's favorite summer party, SATURDAY'S VOYEUR 2016 by Allen Nevins and Nancy Borgenicht will close out the season with a bang. In its 37th year, this annual musical satire connects SLAC to the community like nothing else. Audiences pack their picnics and fill SLAC's Upstairs Theatre for a raucous, riotous cabaret that truly celebrates the comradery of being a Utah liberal.
Celebrating 45 years of bold, uncompromising theatre, SLAC will honor its mission to engage and enrich the community through its many diverse and impactful outreach programs. In addition to its mainstage season, SLAC plays a vital role in creating a culturally rich community through its educational programs and nonprofit partnerships. SLAC also makes significant contributions to the American theatre field through its innovative new play development programs and its commitment to local and emerging artists.
There is no better time to be part of the Salt Lake Acting Company. Celebrating 45 years in flight would not be possible without the brave, unyielding support of SLAC's Board, subscribers, donors, staff, and the incredible community SLAC is so proud to be part of.
Season tickets on sale now! Call 801-363-7522 or stop by the box office at 168 W. 500 N. in Salt Lake City.
