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The Forge Theater Lab, in residence at Fitchburg State University, develops new plays that ignite passionate conversations. |
Noah Dawson and Stephanie Bisono in "Corner" by Ian Vincent.
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Kevin Boudreau in ON OUR TERMS by Mary Darling.
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Our HistoryThe Forge Theater Lab was founded by a "start-up group" of Fitchburg State University alumni, convened by an open invitation from professor Kelly Morgan in April 2018. Over a series of six meetings, this group decided on the initial mission, vision, and core values for the company; wrote its bylaws; and selected the plays to be performed in the kickoff event Generations. This night of ten short plays, performed in December 2018, showcased the the wealth of writing, acting, directing, and technical talent that has been associated with the FSU theater program over the past 20+ years.
Season 1 continued in spring and summer 2019 with The Forge's first Draft House series of staged readings of new plays in progress by Ashley Lauren Rogers, Samantha deManbey, Mary Darling, Andy Bayiates, and Genevra Gallo-Bayiates. Throughout this series, writers worked with directors, dramaturgs, casts, and audiences to fine-tune their plays. Season 2 began in September 2019 with The Forge's first production of a full-length play, On Our Terms by Mary Darling. Next, the development process of Chasing the Ghost continued with a workshop and then a fully staged production. Season 2 continues with Draft House 2020, featuring Floating on Hope Ave and One Angry Gay Man by Matt Cogswell and LifeBlood by Erik Nikander. |
Nina DiRusso and Denise Alexander in THE LOWELL OFFERING by Andy Bayiates and Genevra Gallo-Bayiates.
Rachael Miles in ON OUR TERMS by Mary Darling. Lighting design by Phillip T. Smith.
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The Staff
Managing Director Jack Crory directed “Pipe Dream” by Samantha deManbey and “A Lap Dance for the Invisible Man” by Ashley Lauren Rogers for The Forge's kickoff event Generations. In the past he has directed shows for Playwrights' Platform ("The Sisters"), Boston Actors' Theater ("W4M"), Nashua Theatre Guild (Romeo and Juliet), The Cannon Theatre (Twelfth Night), Fitchburg Theater Company (Love's Labour's Lost, Autobahn, A Christmas Carol), and Theatre Omnibus (Proof, A Midsummer Night's Dream).
Marketing Manager Brittany Messuri graduated from FSU in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications Media and double concentration in photography and theater. She most recently played Patty in Chasing the Ghost and Mandi in Good Grief. In 2018 she played Madeline in The Women of Lockerbie at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. See Brittany's photography at brittanymessuri.com.
Production Associate Samantha deManbey was The Forge's Season 2 Artistic Director and continues to help with several aspects of running the company. She performed multiple roles backstage for Generations, her play Shadows in the Cave was developed as part of our first Draft House series, and she directed the staged reading and full production of Chasing the Ghost by Ashley Lauren Rogers. Samantha graduated from FSU in 2011 with a dual degree in theater and film. Her dark comedy Fausted premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2015.
Literary Manager Erik Nikander is a playwright, theater critic, director, and filmmaker who has been working with The Forge Theater Lab since its inception. He currently serves as the company’s Literary Manager, and is an active member of its board. His most recent credits with the company include a Draft House staged reading of his play LifeBlood and his contributions to Generations as a writer and director (for “27” and “Copley,” respectively). His ten-minute play “The Lady Killer” will be performed as part of the 2020 Boston Theater Marathon. Erik is also an Artistic Associate at NewYorkRep, and has worked as a dramaturg and script reader for local companies such as the Nora Theatre Company and Fresh Ink Theatre. His theater criticism can be read in The Arts Fuse and HowlRound.
Marketing Manager Brittany Messuri graduated from FSU in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications Media and double concentration in photography and theater. She most recently played Patty in Chasing the Ghost and Mandi in Good Grief. In 2018 she played Madeline in The Women of Lockerbie at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. See Brittany's photography at brittanymessuri.com.
Production Associate Samantha deManbey was The Forge's Season 2 Artistic Director and continues to help with several aspects of running the company. She performed multiple roles backstage for Generations, her play Shadows in the Cave was developed as part of our first Draft House series, and she directed the staged reading and full production of Chasing the Ghost by Ashley Lauren Rogers. Samantha graduated from FSU in 2011 with a dual degree in theater and film. Her dark comedy Fausted premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2015.
Literary Manager Erik Nikander is a playwright, theater critic, director, and filmmaker who has been working with The Forge Theater Lab since its inception. He currently serves as the company’s Literary Manager, and is an active member of its board. His most recent credits with the company include a Draft House staged reading of his play LifeBlood and his contributions to Generations as a writer and director (for “27” and “Copley,” respectively). His ten-minute play “The Lady Killer” will be performed as part of the 2020 Boston Theater Marathon. Erik is also an Artistic Associate at NewYorkRep, and has worked as a dramaturg and script reader for local companies such as the Nora Theatre Company and Fresh Ink Theatre. His theater criticism can be read in The Arts Fuse and HowlRound.
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Graphic Designer Monique Guthrie designed The Forge's logo and all of the graphics and posters for our Season 2. At FSU she studied graphic design and professional communication. Monique has created designs for the Fitchburg Art Museum, FSU Mainstage, Strong Style Coffee, and River Styx. She specializes in logos, t-shirts, tattoos, posters, and brand identity. A recent mural she painted is on display at Activate Mill Street in Fitchburg. Check out her digital portfolio at moniqueguthrie.com.
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Monique Guthrie
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Andy Bayiates and Kelly Stowell in rehearsal for THE LOWELL OFFERING by Genevra Gallo-Bayiates and Andy.
Joanna Karamanou in THE LOWELL OFFERING.
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The Start-up Group
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Denise Alexander
Charles Amaral Peter Anderegg Andy Bayiates Sharon Bernard Kevin Boudreau Matt Cogswell McKegg Collins Jack Crory, Moderator Noah Dawson Samantha deManbey, Secretary |
Amy DeMar-DuBois
Lindsay Flathers Friend Tommy Karner Jessica Killam Michael Knight Kelly Morgan, Founder Erik Nikander Erica Prance Angela Renzi Kelly Stowell |
Company Founder Kelly Morgan
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