The Chelsea Rep Playwriting LAB is dedicated to discovering and developing new plays that challenge audiences and artists alike, setting the stage for bold, innovative theatrical collaborations.
Scripts are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. From these submissions, approximately up 24 plays per year are selected for LAB readings, forming the foundation for future Chelsea Repertory Company festivals of new work and mainstage consideration.
Artistic Leadership & Development
The search and development of new scripts is led by:
• Jeremy Kareken, Resident Playwright Instructor
• Edward Einhorn, Playwright Instructor
• John Grabowski, Chelsea Repertory Company Mainstage Director and Playwriting LAB Monitor
• Brian Henry, Playwriting LAB Monitor
Together, they guide selected playwrights through a rigorous artistic process, working one on one to bring each play to its fullest realization, from early draft to production ready script.
Monthly Reading Series
A central component of the LAB is our monthly reading series, where developed plays are:
• Shared with Artistic Directors
• Read by professional actors
• Evaluated for future festival or mainstage consideration
These readings provide playwrights with meaningful feedback, industry visibility, and a clear pathway toward production.
Dramaturgical Development
Plays identified as strong candidates for production receive further development through individualized dramaturgical sessions between the playwright and Mr. Kareken. This focused collaboration sharpens structure, deepens character, and strengthens theatrical impact.
Refined works are then presented to the Artistic Directors for final consideration.
Playwrights of particular interest to the theater are introduced and developed through the same structured process.
Annual Reading Series
In addition to the monthly readings, our annual reading series offers another opportunity to identify and advance new work. Directed and performed by
theater professionals, this series showcases emerging voices and strengthens the bridge from page to production.
2019: SPRINGFEST 2019: DIRECTORS CHOICE-UNXXXPURGATED
2019: e-Merging Artists One-act Play Festival 2019
2018: e-Merging Artists One-act Play Festival 2018
2017: e-Merging Artists One-act Play Festival 2017
2016: DIRECTOR’S CHOICE: SPRINGFEST 2016
2015: e-Merging Artists One-act Play Festival 2015
2014: e-Merging Artists One-act Play Festival 2014
2014: NEW PLAYS - NEW DIRECTORS SPRINGFEST 2014.
2014: CAFFE CINO RETROSPECTIVE: One-Act Plays
2013: e-Merging Artists: One-Act Play Festival 2013
2012: 2012 NY Fringe - ALMOST A FANTASY - by Michael Aguirre
2011: e-Merging Artists One-Act Play Festival of New Works
2009: Alive With Ives-The LAB Is BACK
1999: The Last Orange Dying, Trip Synch, The Love Talker; Last Chance Texaco; The Fairy Garden, Lynette at
1998: Slightly Off-off: Seven Plays of the Sixties
1997: THE ZOO STORY
1996: CAMINO REAL
1995: BLACK HOLE - by Greg Fensterman
1995: BEYOND THERAPY
1995: The Nature and Purpose of the Universe
1989: The Television Anesthesia
1989: SOMETHING UNSPOKEN
1989: Graceland
1989: Private Wars
