Andy Bayiates in rehearsal with director Kelly Stowell.

"No single workshop opportunity was more important to the development of The Lowell Offering than our work with The Forge. Its leaders’ dramaturgy in particular was hugely impactful, and continues to be as they’ve remained invested in the success of our show after the workshop. They care deeply about the development of new work and invest fully in a play from first rehearsal, through the public performance and beyond. It’s not a quick-and-dirty reading and then you’re forgotten. It’s more like your play is fostered by benevolent caretakers whom you’ll stay in touch with for years."
​
- Andy Bayiates and Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, co-authors of The Lowell Offering (world premiere in October at Merrimack Repertory Theater)

Mary Darling in rehearsal with director Noah Dawson.

"The Forge Theater Lab afforded me the opportunity to workshop and produce my writing, which was a huge turning point for my playwriting career. As a writer it can be challenging to find these opportunities and to feel creative freedom when exploring a collaborative approach to producing quality work. I was able to workshop my full length Good Grief, which allowed me to finally hear it out-loud, fill in huge gaps, rewrite problem areas, and to join an audience in watching a semi-finished product. The Forge also fully staged my play On Our Terms and encouraged me to workshop that throughout the early stages of the production, which once again aided tremendously in my development. I am forever grateful to this company and their mission to help artists thrive. I enjoyed the freedom to explore my work and to take a collaborative approach to a common goal: producing new work."
​
- Mary Darling

Ashley Lauren Rogers in rehearsal with director Samantha deManbey.

"The Forge Theater Lab was instrumental in the development of my play Chasing the Ghost. The Forge Theater Lab provided me space, collaborators, as well as professional and dramaturgical support to make edits and tighten the script into one of my own personal favorites.  They worked with me every step of the way to full production of Chasing The Ghost to be sure they were doing justice to the piece while making strong artistic decisions that enhanced the story."
​
- Ashley Lauren Rogers

Matt Cogswell at a production meeting with director Kathleen O'Connor.

"The Forge Theater Lab has staged both a very short play and full-length play of mine, as well as provided me with a playground to explore a version of my one-actor show. Through all these experiences, I was able to collaborate with talented and dedicated artists, who all shaped the presented works. The rehearsal process for Floating on Hope Ave gave me the impetus to cut what was not necessary and revise the stories that were being told. Hearing actors and directors interpret the content of my plays was beneficial in ensuring I was telling the stories I wanted to tell, within an appropriate playing time. The audience feedback sessions allowed me to hear which elements made an impact and which characters were considered less developed. The Forge also arranged rehearsal time for me to work on a solo piece and has continued to support me in my desire to present that show to other audiences."

- Matt Cogswell