New Voices - Richmond, VA

Testimonials

This program gave me permission to channel a voice that had barely even broken yet, so young I didn't even know what to say. It compelled me to develop, giving me a stage to speak my mind -- and wouldn't you know it, but I kept going back to that program, summer after summer, hungry to speak volumes now. Because -- once that theatrical dam's broken, there's no patching it up again. And here I am -- having been raised in a program that I've watched grow up on its own, like watching a younger brother develop into an adult. I can't help but think of New Voices as family now -- which is why I absolutely refuse a summer to go by where I don't give back to the program in whatever shape or form. Because if I was just one out of a million kids in Virginia who ran the risk of slipping through the cracks, saved by the grace of playwriting -- then you better believe it's worth my time to ferry those up-and-coming writers towards their own voices, however I can. - Clay Chapman, 6-time New Voices winner, professional playwright, guest artist and two-time Playwright-in-Residence

I’ve made some of the greatest discoveries and memories about writing, people and life through this experience. – Hillary Ruddell, Playwright (Purcellville)

I got a chance to see something so special to me on stage. I got a chance to take an idea and turn it into something so magical. This was one of the happiest moments of my life. – Katy Turnage, Playwright (Richmond)

Thank you so much for this life-changing opportunity… I walked away with so much more knowledge about what I love to do, playwriting, but most importantly, I walked away knowing a network of other Virginia writers, who all became some of my best friends. - Haygen Walker, Playwright (Prince George)

Being able to work with professionals in the theatre industry who treat you as an equal is an immensely rewarding experience…I came away knowing that it’s not such a stretch for me to see myself becoming someone who does theatre professionally, and helped give me the confidence to know that I have the talent and am in the process of acquiring the knowledge to make that dream a reality. – Duncan Lyle, Playwright (Richmond)

I have learned more about writing in these three weeks than I have in all of high school – Helen Mittmann, Playwright (Williamsburg)

I had an amazing time. This is one of the most unique things I’ve ever experienced, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I feel like these three weeks have made me grow as both a writer and a person. Thank you all for everything! – Sara Katherine Rock, Playwright (Williamsburg)

The program itself is its greatest strength. What it offers to students is exactly what high school kids need: caring people who respect what they have to say but also teaches them to think critically about how they are saying it. – Callie Byron Donnelly, director

Introducing budding actors/writers to the professional process and involving them directly with seasoned directors/performers is invaluable. – Jennifer Massey, actor

I am, once again, impressed with this program and the collaborative efforts from all sides that work together and meet as one to produce a living, breathing rendition of the students pieces.– Melissa Rayford, stage manager

New Voices For The Theater • SPARC • 2106-A North Hamilton Street • Richmond, Virginia 23230 • 804-353-3393 • fax 359-9045