WHAT IS THE BAKE-OFF?
Created by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, the Bake-Off is a community playwriting event in which participants (this could be YOU) are given a list of “ingredients” surrounding a theme to incorporate into their play (for example: a kitchen sink, a front porch, and a withheld secret) to inspire creativity. This year’s theme is Hudson Valley Harvest. In preparation, all are invited to attend free play-writing workshops at local libraries. Workshop attendees (from this year and prior) are eligible to submit their work to be read in the Bake-Off. Select plays will be read by professional actors at the Philipstown Depot Theatre for a free performance on Sunday, November 24.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
Christine Scarfuto will be leading the playwriting workshops for the Bake-Off. Scarfuto is Acting Director of the MFA playwriting program at Hunter College. Prior to her role with Hunter College she served as the Literary Manager at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, CT.
WORKSHOP DATES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Garrison, NY
Desmond Fish Library
10am – 12pm
Cold Spring, NY
Butterfield Library
2pm – 4pm
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Newburgh, NY
Newburgh Free Library
1pm – 3pm
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
Peekskill, NY
Field Library
2pm – 4pm
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
Beacon, NY
Howland Public Library
1pm – 3pm
THEME & INGREDIENTS
At each workshop participants will brainstorm a list of ingredients around the theme Hudson Valley Harvest. At the conclusion of the workshops, the ingredients will be sent to Bake-Off Creator Paula Vogel who will curate the list and send back a selection of ingredients. Workshop participants (from this year and prior) will be sent the list of ingredients. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to create ten-minute plays based on these themes, and, if they choose, submit them to HVSF for consideration for inclusion in the final Bake-Off performances.
DEADLINE & PERFORMANCE
Script submissions for the Bake-Off must be submitted to bakeoff (at) hvshakespeare.org by midnight on Sunday, October 27. Selected participants will be notified by Sunday, November 10. Selected plays will be read by professional actors at the Philipstown Depot Theatre for two (matinee and evening) free performances on Sunday, November 24. A total of 5-7 plays will be selected to be included in the final presentation.