‘Frog Splash’ and ‘St. Miles’ Get Texas Workshops

James Adams, Yolanda Williams, Rhonda Boutté, and Brian Gibson in Undermain Theatre’s workshop of St. Miles. Photo by Paul Semrad.

It’s been my own version of March Madness, as my plays Frog Splash and St. Miles were workshopped at performed at some venerable Texas theatre institutions over the last couple of weeks.

First up, Penfold Theatre in Austin presented a fresh version of Frog Splash, directed by Marcus McQuirter. The discoveries made in the rehearsal room with the two phenomenal actors and my A War of the Worlds director Marcus, combined with a post-reading feedback session with the audience, generated new insights to take into the next draft of the play.

Then a couple days later, I flew into Dallas, where I spent a week in rehearsals for St. Miles at Undermain Theatre. It had been about a year and a half since I fiddled with this draft, and I feel confident that the edits made will move the play forward toward being premiere-ready. Thanks to the incredible cast, my Box director Jiles, and the Undermain team for their generous support of playwrights. And a shout-out to incoming fellow Katherine Owens/Undermain Fund recipient Erin Malone Turner!

ST. MILES @ UNDERMAIN THEATRE

Opal Rhonda Boutté

Kevin Brian Gibson

Joan Yolanda Williams

Bill James Adams

Frankie Mar’laha White

Clarke Ben Bryant

Stage Directions David Huner

Director Jiles R. King II

Lighting Design Jamie Milligan

Stage Manager Julissa Hernandez

Karina Anton, Hollis Edwards III, and Dane Parker in Penfold Theatre’s workshop of Frog Splash. Photo by Marcus McQuirter.

FROG SPLASH @ PENFOLD THEATRE

Fleet Hollis Edwards III

Ray Dane Parker

Director Marcus McQuirter

Stage Directions/Stage Manager Karina Anton

It’s so important that these institutions have recognized the value of supporting new work and fresh voices, so that playwrights can continue to chronicle the times we’re all living in. And thank you to the audiences that come through to participate in plays in progress. You’re such a crucial part of the creative process.