May 24, 2012
Play by M.F.A. Playwriting candidate Gabriel Dean
Play by M.F.A. candidate Gabriel Jason Dean
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced its 12th New Visions/New Voices showcase to be held May 18 - 20, 2012 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. A biennial workshop dedicated to developing new plays and musicals written for young people and their families, New Visions/New Voices will present works from theater companies from New York, NY; Chicago, IL; Malvern, PA; La Jolla, CA; Glen Echo, MD; London, England; Toronto, Canada; and Melbourne, Australia.
The Transition of Doodle Pequeño, written by Michener Center for Writers candidate Gabriel Jason Dean, has been selected as one of eight plays for the Kennedy Center's prestigious showcase. Directed by department alumna and current People's Light & Theatre Producer Wendy Bable (M.F.A. 2009), Dean's story provides an inventive look at gender identity, difference, and discovering how things aren't always what they seem. It's Halloween with all the trimmings—oranges the size of pumpkins…vampires…tutus…an imaginary talking goat—and Doodle is the new kid in the quadruplex. When he and his new friend wear skirts, neighborhood bullies take notice.
Since its inception in 1991, New Visions/New Voices has assisted in the development of 80 new plays, musicals, and operas from 72 playwrights and 32 composers working with 51 American and seven international theater companies.
The Transition of Doodle Pequeño will be produced by the Department of Theatre and Dance November 30 - December 3, 2011 at the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre located in the F. Loren Winship Drama Building on The University of Texas at Austin campus.