The Sycamore Rouge
Six Blocks Series

THE IDEA: Sycamore Rouge, Petersburg’s Professional Theatre for the Community, seeks to provide the opportunity to showcase new, innovative, and exceptional theatre that would otherwise not be a proper fit for their Main Stage Theatre Season. The Six Blocks Series has been designed to provide the means for such theatre productions, while balancing Sycamore Rouge’s expectations for high-quality entertainment with the need for limited technical and financial overhead. With only six acting blocks and basic lighting, artists will create art focused on the script and the actors’ talent, not on lavish costumes and scenery and lighting.

 All interested artists and production companies are welcome to submit an application for consideration. In the 2008-09 Season, Sycamore Rouge will agree to present three productions as part of the Six Blocks Series. Each production will receive a three-night, single-weekend run.

 All genres of theatre will be considered. Works proposed may either be original or established plays. Production proposals must detail anticipated cast size, artistic approach/concept, and rationale for production. Staged Readings are not eligible for the Six Blocks Series.

WHAT SYCAMORE ROUGE WILL PROVIDE:
-the Virginia A. Patton Auditorium at Sycamore Rouge for a three-night run of the chosen plays
-six acting blocks to serve as scenery for the production
-a general lighting wash for use during the entire performance
-assistance with securing Rights & Royalties
-marketing assistance, including press releases, local media advertising, and poster design & printing
-Box Office support for ticket reservations and sales

TERMS OF AGREEMENT WITH PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
-approved plays will be produced using only the six acting blocks provided by Sycamore Rouge as flexible scenery
-lighting for the production will be lights up/ lights down only
-participating artists & production companies will provide appropriate and timely materials and information to Sycamore Rouge staff for all marketing and publicity purposes
-participating artists & production companies will be responsible for their own casting, rehearsals, and run-throughs prior to their performance dates
-Sycamore Rouge representatives will be expected to observe rehearsals within two weeks of the production
-participating artists & production companies will earn 50% of all box office sales, with tickets selling at $10 each in a 110-seat house (If Sycamore Rouge agrees to cover the costs of Rights & Royalties, the participating artist will understand that they will earn 50% of box office sales remaining after royalty costs have been reimbursed to Sycamore Rouge.)

HOW TO APPLY: Any theatre artist or company who wishes to present a production at Sycamore Rouge must apply by submitting a cover letter detailing their proposal, the Six Blocks Series Application, and a copy of the proposed script via mail, no later than December 1, 2008, to kb saine, Producing Artistic Director at Sycamore Rouge, 21 West Old Street, Petersburg, VA 23803.(Please note that December 1 is a receipt deadline, not a postmark date.)