Welcome to LAUNCH PAD
A Letter from our Artistic Director...
Welcome to LAUNCH PAD!
LAUNCH PAD began in 2005 and we are proud to have supported so many talented playwrights and plays on their journey from incubation to professional world premiere.
Our 2023 started with the "LAUNCH PAD Amplify Reading Series Festival” on January 13 & 14, featuring the works of Yussef El Guindi, Jacqueline E. Lawton, Eric Reyes Loo, and Stephanie Kyung Sun Walters. In February/March, we presented the preview production of “SHE WOLF, Margaret of Anjou" written by Katie Bender.
The concept of a "Preview Production” is unique in the American theater: a fully realized and professionally designed and directed production that stays in previews throughout the run of the show allowing the writer to revise their work through the final performance. Bringing together talented students, faculty artists, and professional guest artists to work on these dynamic new plays is the hallmark of our program.
We closed out the season with our 2023 Summer Reading Series which featured new plays by E. M. Lewis, Melinda Lopez, and James Still. For those who were able to join us this season: thank you! We are so grateful to our donors and audiences for keeping new plays alive and well in Santa Barbara!
Stay tuned for the preview production of James Still's EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE MOTHERS in February/March of 2024.
If you have any questions about LAUNCH PAD, please reach out to LAUNCHPAD@theaterdance.ucsb
Happy New Year!
Risa
In loving memory...
It is with a very heavy heart that we share the devastating news that our dear friend and colleague, Shirley Jo Finney, passed away on October 10. Shirley Jo was a bright light in our lives. She first came to direct for the Theater/Dance Department in 2014. Over the next 8 years, she returned several times to teach and direct, most recently Candrice Jones' "A Medusa Thread." You can read more about her incredible career here. Shirley Jo was a wonderful teacher and gifted director. She brought out the best in absolutely everyone she came in contact with. She was a warm, generous friend and colleague. Honest and real. She signed most of her emails “Peace and Care” - and truly meant that. Those of us who had the honor of knowing Shirley Jo will miss her dearly. Her legacy lives on in each of us who she touched so deeply. So much love, Shirley Jo.
May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Shirley Jo Finney in rehearsal for
A Medusa Thread by Candrice Jones.
With Imani Alis. (photo credit: Jeff Liang)
Upcoming Events
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February/March 2024
Feb 22-24, 27, 29 / Mar 1, 2
all show times at 7:30pm
with additional matinee on March 2 at 2pm
Everybody's Favorite Mothers
by James Still
directed by Risa Brainin
BUY TICKETS
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In The News...
Congratulations Candrice!
Candrice Jones wins 2023 Kesselring Prize
Candrice Jones
Congratulations Kareem!
Playwright Kareem Fahmy
(with American Fast) is the
2022-23 Woodward/Newman Award Winner.
American Fast was featured in
LAUNCH PAD's 2021 BIPOC Reading Series Festival.
Dramatic Publishing: publisher
and exclusive licensing of
LAUNCH PAD’s Alone, Together Festival
of short plays and monologues!
If you are interested in licensing the Alone, Together compilation,
please contact CustomerService@dpcplays.com or visit their website.
For updates on the LAUNCH PAD Program like us on Facebook!
Take a moment to flip through the LAUNCH PAD brochure!
