Seattle Rep invites audience members behind the virtual scenes with Plays in Process.

Have you ever wondered how a play ends up from page to stage? Well, wonder no more as Seattle Rep pulls back the curtain in a five-part series called Plays in Process.

During this pandemic pause, Seattle Rep is going virtual and behind-the-scenes. With Plays in Process, Seattle Rep provides audiences a rare look at the artistic decisions that go into mounting a show.

Monthly segments will feature leading actors including Uma Thurman, E. Faye Butler, David Strathairn, Taylor Schilling, and others.

Each month features a new play that is currently in development at Seattle Rep. Artists will join Seattle Rep’s Artistic Director Braden Abraham to discuss their role and creative process while working on that play. This is a unique way to learn first-hand the collaborative process it takes in creating a play.  

In a release, Abraham describes what audience members can expect:

“Typically, all crucial play development happens around desks and tables and in the rehearsal room—long before an actor makes it to the stage for their live performance—so ticket holders don’t often learn of the intricate and collaborative moments that lead to a final creative product. From the early readings and rehearsals, to the rewrites and the musical compositions, the process can be private and internal, and also very collaborative and engaging. With Plays in Process, we hope to pull the curtain back on some of that process.” 

Seattle Rep Artistic Director Braden Abraham

The first three titles for Plays in Process have been announced and include plenty of talent and star power. 

Kicking off Plays in Process on January 28 is “Fannie” with Seattle playwright Cheryl L. West and actor E. Faye Butler.

Next up in the series is Ghosts. This is a new translation of Henrik Ibsen’s work that includes actors Uma Thurman and David Strathairn. This Plays in Process will be presented on February 25.

Fans of Shakespeare will appreciate the third installment of Plays in Process. Erica Schmidt, the director/playwright behind Seattle Rep’s MAC BETH, will be on hand with actor Taylor Schilling to discuss this latest adaptation of Hamlet.

Additional titles in the five-part series will be announced in the coming months.

The full five-part series pass can be purchased at seattlerep.org. Suggested price for the series is $75, while individual event tickets will go on sale in coming months. Pay what you choose options will be available.

Dates, Times and Participants for Announced Plays in Process at Seattle Rep

Thursday, January 28, 7:30 p.m. PT

FANNIE
By Cheryl L. West
Directed by Henry Godinez
Music Direction by Felton Offard
A Seattle Rep co-commission with Goodman Theatre

Artists Participating:
Cheryl L. West, Playwright 
Henry Godinez, Director 
E. Faye Butler, Actor 
Felton Offard, Musician

Thursday, February 25, 7:30 p.m. PT

GHOSTS
A NEW TRANSLATION
By Henrik Ibsen
Translated from the Norwegian by Paul Walsh
Directed by Carey Perloff
Originally produced by the Williamstown Theatre Festival
Mandy Greenfield, Artistic Director

Artists Participating:
Carey Perloff, Director
Paul Walsh, Translator
Uma Thurman, Actor
David Strathairn, Actor

Thursday, April 1, 7:30 p.m. PT

HAMLET
By William Shakespeare
Directed and Adapted by Erica Schmidt

Artists Participating:
Erica Schmidt, Director & Adaptor
Taylor Schilling, Actor