October 14, 2021   by Gaven Trinidad, NYTW Community Engagement Associate

If you’re new to our community, you may be puzzled at first by some of the jargon you frequently encounter in conversations and our media. We’ve taken familiar words and adapted them in unique ways that have become a part of our culture! So, we thought we’d take a minute to loop you in!

Usual Suspects

At the heart of our Artist Workshop activities are the Usual Suspects, a community of over 500 affiliated theatre artists comprised of actors, playwrights, dramaturgs, designers and directors. Periodically, artists committed to creating boundary pushing work are invited to become Usual Suspects by NYTW’s artistic leadership and empowered to make their own pathway within our community. We strive to support and encourage these artists by providing opportunities for the creation of new work, allowing for Suspects to commune with and learn from each other, and creating space for them to grow both personally and artistically.

Repeat Defenders, aka “RDs”

NYTW’s most committed patrons are part of a group called The Society of Repeat Defenders. RD’s have a passion for boundary pushing theatre and nurturing artists who explore new ideas, from new perspectives. As advocates for NYTW’s 40-year legacy of bold theatre-making, they help us foster the next generation of theatre patrons. Members enjoy all sorts of exclusive benefits and special acknowledgment in our programs. Most importantly, Repeat Defenders get the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts are helping us push the boundaries of what theatre can be and what it can do. 

4th Street Bar Association, aka “4SBA”

Our young patrons are an essential part of the dynamic community that supports NYTW. With organized 4SBA nights, members take advantage of exciting social and cultural experiences while supporting NYTW. Another exciting aspect of their membership is the access they receive to NYTW’s artistic programming. 4SBA members are also invited to exclusive social events and professional networking opportunities with the best and brightest of New York City’s artists and young philanthropic leaders. They are able to deepen their connection with the theatre industry and are recognized as supporters of NYTW’s values.   

AfterWords

Our popular post-performance discussion series is designed to enhance an audience’s relationship to the work seen on our stages. Discussions feature members of the cast, creative team, panelists and scholars in conversation to explore the plays’ aesthetic, historical and/or political context. 

ShopTalk

Designed to provoke further thought and dialogue about the production, ShopTalks are a book club style conversation that aim to give audience members the chance to ask questions and respond to thoughts from other audience members to more fully engage with the aesthetics & themes of the play. These are scheduled for a couple of performances per run and moderated by an NYTW staff member.

Casebook

Casebook is a masterclass series that allows audiences unprecedented access to the artists involved in the creation of a new work from rehearsal to production. Each year, we designate one of our productions as a case study and host a class designed to provide theatre lovers of all experience levels with a true insider’s view of the life of a theatre artist and the process of realizing a full professional production.

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Categories: Education.