Theatre Conspiracy recently announced the schedule of its 2009-2010 season.
This will be its 16th season in Fort Myers, yet this non-profit organization of theatrical productions may not be as well known as others sites of entertainment.
“We are kind of a hidden jewel in Southwest Florida,” said the Artistic Director Bill Taylor, who was a student at Fort Myers High School before earning a degree with a major in theater at the State University of New York at Geneseo. He later returned to the City of Palms by way of Georgia, first, and Delaware.
Theatre Conspiracy has a special mission, according to Taylor:
“We present mainly shows people have not seen before.”
Theatre Conspiracy produces and promotes “the work of the next generation of talented American playwrights.”
Breaking into show business is not an easy task for anyone, but it is particularly difficult for new playwrights, according to Taylor. The shows are performed at the Foulds Theatre of the Lee County Alliance of the Arts at 10091 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.
Local talent plays the roles, but there is an exception in the coming 2009-2010 Season. Taylor said “A Journey Through the Mind … Edgard Allan Poe” will be performed in January by Will Stutts, an actor in his 50s, who is a professor at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the Theater Department. He has performed at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and at the Berkshire Theatre Festival in New York, among other professional settings.
To uncover new talent among playwrights, Theatre Conspiracy holds international contests. The latest one brought 437 entries from all over the United States, Canada, England and even one from France — written in English.
“A number of people help me read them, and we pick one for production,” Taylor said.
Some years, two are selected. The plays are usually in two acts and last from an hour and a half to two hours.
Hopeful playwrights wishing to enter a contest can contact Taylor at (239)936-3269. The past winners can be found at: www.theatreconspiracy.org, and click on “New Play Contest.”
The most recent winner is Alan Brody. His “Time and Ina Meyerhoff,” entered in the 11th annual contest, is a romantic comedy to be shown in October.
Theatre Conspiracy also presents a series of independent foreign films. The first showing will be in October, Taylor said.