AJT MEMBERS!

Participate in an AJT Macher Lab!


Sunday afternoons (4:00-6:00 PM ET/1:00-3:00 PM PT) on: June 25, July 30, August 27, and September 10. 

Introducing the 2023 Macher Lab Artists: A.R. Cohen/Corwin, Hershel Blatt, Yael Gezentsvey, Tyler Herman, Alex Marcus, Izzy Salant, Elyssa Nicole Trust, and Catherine Weingarten.



The Macher Lab is back for a third year and launching on Sunday, June 25th, 4:00-6:00 PM ET (1:00-3:00 PM PT). The Macher Lab will meet monthly from June through September for two-hour sessions where we will explore two Theatremacher projects each month. Macher Lab Artists will workshop their project for 50 minutes, which includes reading an excerpt of their script and a moderated feedback session.

The Macher Lab will be meeting on Sunday afternoons (4:00-6:00 PM ET/1:00-3:00 PM PT) on the following dates: June 25, July 30, August 27, and September 10. Macher Lab Sessions will be led by Theatremacher Program Director Illana Stein.



The following projects were selected to be
workshopped in the Macher Lab:

 It’s God’s Fault! by A.R. Cohen/Corwin
“God” has upset the Council of Heaven – Level Vilon, so it’s time to pick a new ruler. Two siblings, the Simple Child and the Wicked Child, must battle it out to see who is worthy of leading the next generation.

Grandpa by Hershel Blatt
After the loss of his mother, a young Jewish man discovers the existence of his grandfather; a successful Queer man in his 60s, and tries to form a relationship with him. The play is a look at the Queer lineage in our families that may be closer than we think.

GLIMPSES by Yael Gezentsvey
Based on the biography ‘Maria Dronke: Glimpses of an Acting Life’ by Monica Tempian, this play is a transformative exploration of humanity, truth and hope over fear. Maria Dronke was a star of the European stage, and in 1938 she fled Nazi Germany for the safety of New Zealand. Her legacy changed the face of New Zealand Theatre.

Chalk Circles by Tyler Herman
A modern-day adaptation of Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle, the story centers on Ruth, a 25-year old career-driven diplomat-in-training. While she is forced to take care of a baby and quell an international crisis, Ruth wrestles with what it means to be a mother, a daughter, and how to live a life of your own design. (JUNE)

This Night by Alex Marcus
In the not-so-distant future, a Jewish family gathers for a Passover Seder in a nondescript detention facility.

Balagan by Izzy Salant
Abraham visits his estranged uncle Herschel and Alzheimer’s stricken grandmother Chava for Shabbat dinner before he moves to Los Angeles, only neither Hershel or Chava know he’s moving. When the secret is out, how will Abraham navigate betrayal, blackmail, and another course of roast chicken?

The Convert by Elyssa Nicole Trust
This play is about a woman who converts to Judaism at the behest of her long-time boyfriend. Along the way, she must face challenges within their relationship, tough questions about her identity, and complex family dynamics.

Bagels are Hot by Catherine Weingarten
A Jewish friendly rom-com about a woman in her 30s searching for love through too many outlets:Jswipe, a matchmaker, online bagels and bagels. But things take a turn when she takes a sexy bagel making class for single Jews…


Get to know the Theatremachers and join our
Macher Lab Community!


Looking for AJT Members to:

-Serve as Readers 

-Participant in sharing constructive feedback 

-Champion new projects.  


If you are interested in participating in Macher Lab sessions, please fill out the form: 2023 Macher Lab Participant Sign-Up. Questions?
 Please email: illana@alljewishtheatre.org


Macher Lab Sessions will be led by
Theatremacher Program Director Illana Stein.

 

 

May Playwrights &

Makers Group Gathering!


AJT Playwrights & Makers Group May Gathering
May 21st,  4pm-5pm ET/ 1pm-2pm PT

This monthly virtual drop-in group meets to discuss the craft of making theatre with a Jewish sensibility, and all the steps of the journey. Each month there is a different guest to contributetheir skills and tools.

May Guest Artist is Creative Consultant, Theatre Director and Community Organizer Avital Shira! Avital (she, her) is passionate about working at the intersection of community, story, and social impact. This session will explore the Entrepreneurial Mindset!




Avital is the Director of Strategy and Engagement for Creative Re/Frame, teaches Creativity, Entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneurial Mindset at Tufts, runs the Creative Arts Competition at MIT, and is the Strategic Director for IDEA Con, the largest student innovation and entrepreneurship conference in New England. Prior to graduate school, Avital worked for two years leading community engagement strategy on the ground in Colorado for the Markle Foundation’s Skillful initiative.  Avital holds a degree in Theatre Studies and English literature from Yale University, where she was awarded both the Branford Arts Prize and the James S. Metcalfe Prize for drama. Avital received her MFA in Directing and Arts Administration certificate programs from Boston University, where she was also a
Spark Grant award winner.

Avital is particularly drawn to language-rich, ensemble-driven work that encourages us to embrace the cultural traditions that preceded us, while crafting art that speaks to the here and now. Avital is a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab.  

To RSVP and receive the zoom link for this event, put ‘RSVP P&M’ in the subject line to admin@alljewishtheatre.org.

Event is free to AJT Members, and $18 for nonmembers.