In Development
At Normal Ave, we understand that the journey from conception to full production is a transformative process. Our In Development program serves as an incubator, offering selected shows a platform for growth, exploration, and refinement. Through a series of internal readings, workshops, and collaborative engagements, we provide playwrights, directors, and creative teams the invaluable opportunity to delve deep into their work without the pressure of a final product.
Our Approach
Normal Ave's In Development is centered on collaboration, artistic freedom, and constructive feedback. We believe that great art is a result of continuous exploration and evolution. By fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue, experimentation, and mentorship, we empower creators to push boundaries, take risks, and embrace the evolution of their projects.
In Development acts as a launchpad for exceptional works, providing a pathway towards full production for projects that organically evolve and align with our artistic vision. When the time is right, selected shows have the opportunity to progress to the next stage, benefiting from our resources, expertise, and a platform to share their creations with a broader audience.
The Incubation Process
A platform for playwrights to hear their work come to life, gaining valuable insights from actors and peers.
Internal Readings
Collaborative sessions designed to refine and enhance various aspects of the production, including script, staging, and design.
Workshops
Facilitated discussions between creators, mentors, and our artistic team, fostering a space for constructive feedback and brainstorming.
Creative Dialogue
Tailored mentorship and guidance from industry experts, encouraging artistic exploration and growth.
Artistic Support
Current Projects
Pictured: Shannon Molly Flynn (left) and Taylor Pearlstein (right) featured writers of In Development
Photography by Sub/Urban Photography
Wake You Up, a new musical
Music & Lyrics by Taylor Pearlstein
Book by Shannon Molly Flynn
Synopsis
Through the friendship of Jordon and Avery, WAKE YOU UP examines the loss we must endure in this life and in what ways we carry each other through. While one clings to life in the hospital, we cascade in and out of their collective memories; the heartbreak of unexpected loss, the comfort of found family, and the harsh reality of our inability to take everyone through this physical life. However, Jordon and Avery ultimately discover that these collisions just might happen for a reason.
The Show
Wake You Up is a new musical unique in its ability to be a story any artist can tell. This narrative of loss is, at its core, a universal one, which is why we are excited to continue developing it as one of the first musicals with the ability for complete body-neutral casting. By stripping away the barriers of gender-specific casting and offering transcriptions of the songs in any key, we provide accessibility to storytelling that we rarely, if ever, see in musical theatre. I’m excited by how any decision and performance of gender in casting will tell its own unique perspective of this story. Jordon and Avery can belong to anyone. With our experimental goal of allowing these roles to be played by anybody, there is a pathway to a world-premiere workshop.