Speak ART I Devised Theatre Production

Use (pronounced as the verb, to use) is a nonprofit theatre company that amplifies NYC artists through paid ensemble-devised projects, free skill-building workshops, and open mic nights for in-progress work. We remove the pay out of pay-to-play culture, fostering a community that uplifts historically underrepresented artists and encourages creative individuality both in and outside of our programs.

Speak ART: Our annual mainstage performance. This project empowers multidisciplinary artists to craft a new theatrical piece merging music, movement, and text. Artists use improvisation and experimental techniques to explore a culturally relevant theme and develop a piece reflective of their collective vision. This platform amplifies voices traditionally marginalized in professional arts spaces, fostering authentic narratives that provoke societal reflection and action. Together with mission-aligned community partners, Speak ART sparks dialogue and ignites change through the transformative power of newly devised theatre.

Seeking performing artists of all disciplines who are interested in and passionate about devising a new performance piece.

The expectations of the ensemble members are that you remain open to collaboration with other artists and backgrounds, stay true to the mission and the values of USE and follow the prompt that USE provides while devising.

To submit, please fill out our form at https://wkf.ms/4f21u9N


This is a Non Union production. Please submit if you are Non Union only, thank you.

Please review the schedule and compensation information and confirm you are comfortable with the process details and that you are available for all dates.

The total stipend for this process is $450 for each ensemble member.

As a Speak ART Ensemble member you will be compensated with half of your stipend $225 on the evening of the closed showing and the remainder $225 on October 13th, the date of our second performance.



Schedule

Development Phase

• September 20th
• Virtual Meet and Greet on Zoom
• 7-8:30pm
• Sept 21st
• 7-10pm In person
• Sept 22nd
• 7-10pm In person
• Sept 23rd
• 7-10pm In person
• Sept 24th
• 7-10pm In person
• Sept 25th
• 7pm start Invited Closed Showing for In progress Work In Person

Regroup for Speak ART Rehearsal Phase

• October 5
• 7-10pm In person
• October 8th
• 7-10pm In person
• One additional rehearsal in the 7-10pm window tbd for October 6th, 7th or 9th (will be firmly decided and communicated with ensemble before contracts are sent out and signed in August)
• October 10th
• Tech Rehearsal10am-2pm
• October 11th
• Dress Rehearsal 11am-2pm

Performance Night One

• October 12th
• 6:15pm call time- 9pm

Performance Night Two

October 13th
6:15pm call time-9pm