Actors Theatre

Opening January 26, 2012, Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids (www.atgr.org ) is proud to present the West Michigan Premiere of Next Fall, by playwright Geoffrey Nauffts. Next Fall will be presented Thursday through Saturday, January 26^th – February 4^th, 2012 at GRCC Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. All currently scheduled performances begin at 8:00PM.

Next Fall is a witty, provocative and thoroughly contemporary love story, exploring faith, commitment and unconditional love. Twenty-something Luke believes in God, forty-something Adam believes in everything else... When an accident changes everything, Adam is forced to turn to Luke's family and friends for support… and answers. Next Fall asks audiences what it means to "believe" and what it might cost not to… The New York Times had this to say about Next Fall in its 2010 review of the Broadway production[i]:

“There was a time when American plays like this — or at least works that aspired to this level — were as common on Broadway as street lamps... You could say that “Next Fall” is about religious faith, and how even in everyday life it separates people as much as it unites them. But the play doesn’t wear its theme like a merit badge. Instead it considers how the need to believe in something beyond other people tests relationships — among lovers, friends and family members.”

Next Fall is directed by veteran Tom Kaechele (The Little Dog Laughed, The Lieutenant of Inishmore) and features an award-winning cast comprised of Larry Young (Kiss of the Spider Woman), Dylan Harris (Mr. Marmalade), Amy Osborn (Rabbit Hole), Greg Rogers (Opus), Rob Karel (Mr. Marmalade) and Ellie Frances (The Sweetest Swing in Baseball).

Tickets are available for sale online now at www.atgr.org/next-fall and will be available beginning January 9, 2012 through the Spectrum Theater Box Office by calling (616) 234-3946.

Members of the media wishing to arrange interviews or photo access may feel free to contact Jon Clausen, Director of Development and Marketing, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling (616) 234-3817.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jonathan Clausen
616-234-3817

2012 marks the ninth installment of the Actors’ Theatre annual 10 minute play festival, Living on the Edge.  We cordially extend an invitation to interested Michigan writers to submit a script for consideration.

The deadline for scripts will be March 1, 2012. Actors’ Theatre Literary Manager Randy Wyatt, in conjunction with the Living on the Edge committee will read all scripts.  From the initial submission, twelve will be selected for a public reading, to be held in April of 2012. All writers whose work is not selected for public reading will receive written feedback on their work by April 5, 2012.

The reading of the fifteen scripts presented on a Saturday in April (Date/Time TBA) at Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain Street.  At the public reading playwrights will receive 5 minutes of verbal feedback on their piece. Based on audience response and feedback, the Living on the Edge committee will choose five finalists from the scripts read at the public reading.  These finalists will be presented in full production during June of 2012 in the “black box” performance space (Room 201 – Spectrum Theater Building).

The writers whose scripts are chosen for final production will receive $100. Everyone who submits a script for consideration will receive two complimentary tickets to any show during the Actors’ 2012-13 Season. The theme this year that writers are asked to respond to is “Evil Things”. Be sure to always keep in mind that the five scripts chosen will be performed before an audience. We always encourage writers to create pieces that will be dynamic and engaging when presented by performers on stage. We're excited to read your submission so choose any direction that is exciting and productive for you as a writer to craft a 10 minute play highlighting an aspect of the chosen theme.

Submit the play by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and include “LOTE IX” in the subject line. Submissions will also be accepted via U.S. mail to

Actors’ Theatre
Attn: LOTE IX
143 Bostwick NE
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

on or before March 1, 2012. To be considered, the playwright must currently reside in the state of Michigan, or have resided within the last twelve months.  All submissions must include a cover page that lists your name, address, phone number, email, title of play, total number of actors, and a brief synopsis of the work. Please do not list your name on any page other than your cover so that all plays may be read with anonymity by the committee.  Final production decisions will be based on originality, ability to cast and produce, and the way the plays chosen fit together for an evening of theatre.