 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
WHAT IS RAPT? PERISHABLE THEATRE believes that artists must be in control of the work that they create. This control goes hand in hand with a responsibility to participate in all phases of their artistic projects from inception through all development stages to full production. The Resident Artists at Perishable Theatre (RAPT) program is a support network for that provides critical resources to artists in South Eastern New England (RI, MA, CT) working in the field of performance so that they can stay in control of the work they create. WHO CAN BE A RAPTor? The program is designed to assist individual artists or collaborative teams (writers, performers, composers, directors, designers, dramaturges, puppeteers, dancers, singers) working in the live performance arts who meet three criteria: * The artist or team find themselves at a crossroads in their career between the positions of "emerging artist" and "established artist" * The artist or team is developing a distinctive form/style/content of work, or is interested in stretching the previously accepted boundaries of their work by experimentation with form/style/content * The artist or team is interested in actively participating both in the community of Perishable Theatre and in a peer-based program aimed at exchanging resources, ideas, critique, and support. Additionally, RAPT believes that diversity is extremely important within the makeup of the residency program. RAPT actively seeks this diversity both from the work itself, and in the background of the artists. The artist’s or team’s residency can either be linked to a specific project in development, or to an exploration of ideas and processes intrinsic to their artistic growth. LENGTH OF RESIDENCY: Each Residency lasts a minimum of one year. At the end of the year, the artist and PERISHABLE THEATRE may mutually decide to extend the residency for up to 3 years. In 2008, residencies begin on June 15th. APPLICATIONS: Applications are due on May 1, 2008 (postmark or hand-delivery by 6pm). To apply for RAPT, please send
Send completed applications to RAPT After applications are reviewed, candidates will be interviewed by Vanessa and another RAPT artist. Final decisions will be announced by June 2, 2008. Questions can be addressed Vanessa Gilbert, Executive Artistic Director, 401-331-2695 or via e-mail at Vanessa@perishable.org RAPT has two primary components: Development and Production. DEVELOPMENT consists of
This component provides a working environment and community that gives artists an outlet for cross fertilization of ideas and exchange of resources. This crucial collaboration helps our resident artists solve problems artistically and administratively, exposes artists to new ways of working, and challenges the group to explore the full implications of their work. The Development component of RAPT also encourages artists to show new work in each stage of development. A number of work-in-progress showings, both public and private, allow members of RAPT to contribute to the growth of their peers. Through this component, we create a balance of practical and theoretical work that exposes the whole group to a comprehensive experience. At each monthly meeting, two to four artists show work. RAPT also includes hands-on administrative sessions to supplement our already strong artistic development process. We believe that in order for these artists to stay in the field, they must have the necessary skills to function as viable creative enterprises. RAPT offers advice on business issues such as tax preparation, grant writing, project planning, budgeting, marketing and non-profit incorporation. Administrative sessions are led either by a RAPT artist with the necessary skill, an appropriate PERISHABLE THEATRE staff member or an outside expert. Most important, frequent meetings provide community and address the needs of the whole artist. PRODUCTION Up to four projects from the Development component will be selected for the Production component of RAPT each year. Each selected artist participates in all Development activities, but also collaborates with PERISHABLE THEATRE to develop appropriate resources and support for their production. Projects will be produced at the scale appropriate to the work – there is no set formula for producing in the season. What is key to the Production component is that the integrity and clarity of the artist’s vision be supported. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF RESIDENCY: All Resident Artists receive free rehearsal space at Perishable Theatre (when available) as well as the use of Perishable Theatre’s sound and AV equipment. Resident Artists receive FREE tickets to all Perishable Theatre produced/presented shows. (excludes rentals and presentations of visiting companies) HISTORY- WHAT STARTED ALL THIS? In May 2006, PERISHABLE Theatre Executive Artistic Director Vanessa Gilbert invited 7 other artists to form the inaugural group of Resident Artists at Perishable Theatre or RAPTors. The RAPT program was born from Gilbert’s desire to create a community for performance artists and to create a venue for the creation of ground-breaking works for the stage. Based on the successful Here arts center Artist Residency Program (HARP,) RAPT intends to fill a specific void, that of artistic and administrative support for performing artists who are past “emerging.” In Rhode Island, this lack of support can cause talented artists, in the most fertile periods of their careers, to leave the field or to leave Rhode Island. RAPT started in 2006 to provide a much-needed forum to assist artists who are developing unique artistic voices and experimenting with new approaches to performance work. As Rhode Island’s Research & Development Theatre, PERISHABLE has developed, premiered, produced and/or toured over 50 new theatre pieces. Many playwrights who developed their craft through PERISHABLE’s Women’s Playwriting Festival and Mainstage, have moved on to numerous productions at other theatres and critical accolades. Playwrights Carson Kreitzer, Jordan Harrison, Bridget Carpenter, Quiara Hudes, Alice Tuan, Dan O’Brien, Aishah Rahman, Mickey Birnbaum, Christine Evans and Kathryn Walat have all developed works at PERISHABLE. Performer Lisa Kron (WELL, on Broadway) used her Perishable residency to work on what became her break-through piece 2.5 Minute Ride. Composers Alec K. Redfearn, Jed Marshall, and Matthew Everett have all written original music for PERISHABLE productions. Experimental company Theater of a Two-headed Calf was in residence in spring 2007 to premiere their newest work, Drum of the Waves of Horikawa. What attracts these artists to PERISHABLE is the theatre’s core belief in the power of artists. FUTURE PLANS RAPT would like to implement the following:
 |
 |
 |
 |