(briŋk) n. a critical point beyondwhich something will occur

NEW PLAY FESTIVAL

PRESENTS THE SEVENTH ANNUAL

Advancing the new work of women playwrights in the Midwest

SEPTEMBER 9, 11, 12, 13 2020Virtual play readings via Zoom

28 Light Years From NowBy Rachel BykowskiDirected by Elliott PucketteSeptember 9 & September 127:00 pm (CST) on Zoom

A play about mothers, daughters and lost love.In 1942, Josie and Fran meet at their secret rendezvous point to talk of the stars, love, and their future together. Their love is tested when Fran reveals that she is leaving to help the War effort with the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. Josie, unable to move past her family’s painful history with war, deserts Fran. Josie hears of Fran’s death in the War. 28 years later, a letter prompts Josie to revisit the past.

Rachel Bykowski, a Chicago playwright, writes to explore the many facets of the female identity. Her full-length, 28 LIGHT YEARS FROM NOW, is the winner of 2020 Getchell New Play Award. Her full-length play, REV, was the runner-up for the 2018 Todd McNerney Playwriting Award, the winner of the 2019 SETC/Stage Rights Ready to Publish Award, and is now available for purchase on Amazon or through her publisher, Stage Rights. Her full-length play, TIGHT END, has been featured with The National New Play Network (NNPN) in a workshop at the Kennedy Center for the MFA Playwrights’ Festival in 2016, was a top 20 finalist for CulturalDC’s Source Theatre Festival in 2017, and received Honorable Mention for the Jane Chambers 2017 Student Playwriting Award. Rachel’s other plays have been produced and featured in festivals across the United States. Rachel is a playwriting alumna with NNPN and a member of the Dramatists Guild. She received her BFA in playwriting from the Theatre School at DePaul University and her MFA from Ohio University.

ARTISTIC TEAM Playwright....................................................................................................................Rachel BykowskiDirector...........................................................................................................................Elliott PucketteDramaturg.................................................................................................................Bridget AndersonStage Manager................................................................................................................Bailey WegnerMaddie/Josie................................................................................................................Rayne KleinofenAnnabelle/Fran..........................................................................................................Ashley RodriguezJosie.....................................................................................................................................Libby AmatoStage Directions.............................................................................................................Shayne Steliga

What is Br!NK?Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee’s only professional theater company dedicated to promoting the work of women onstage and off, presents the Br!NK Award annually to two Midwestern women playwrights to help them develop and advance their work. This year’s award-winners – selected from over 50 submissions – are 28 LIGHT YEARS FROM NOW, by Rachel Bykowski, and TO SAINTS AND STARS, by Jordan Ramirez Puckett.

Each year, the Br!NK playwrights spend a week in workshops developing their respective plays with the help of a director, cast, and dramaturg – a professional team dedicated to researching and considering the play from every angle. The goal is to bring the play closer to the playwright’s vision. This year, the workshops happened virtually and the plays are produced as virtual readings via Zoom.

(briŋk) n. a critical point beyondwhich something will occur

The Br!NK Festival expands opportunities for women with the Br!NK Br!efs, a collection of fully-staged 10-minute plays. Unfortunately, the Br!NK Br!efs will not be produced this season due to the challenges of COVID-19.

Immediately following the readings, we invite you to participate in a guided talkback session with the playwright and the artistic team. Audience feedback is essential to the Br!NK process. Feedback can be given at the talkbacks or submitted online here.

Bridget Anderson (Dramaturg) is a doctoral student in Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds an MA in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism from Catholic University of America and a BA in Drama from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Recently, she served as the Literary Manager of Transformation Theatre, and as the research assistant to Mark Horowitz at the Library of Congress for his work on a new book of selected correspondence of Oscar Hammerstein II. Dramaturg: DISRUPTIONS OF THE BODY SAROS, CHAI, THESE ARMS OF MINE (Transformation Theatre), AS EVER, OSCAR (The Library of Congress), GAS/FOOD/LODGING (Kennedy Center Page to Stage), THE LAST CATASTROPHIST (Transformation Theatre), ANTIGONE (Catholic University of America), THE SPOKEN WORD (Signature Theatre, Joe Calarco), NEVERLANDING (Catholic University of America), THE TEMPEST (Three Spirits Theatre Company), THEATRE GAMES (Voices Found Repertory Theatre). Directing: THE BROWNING VERSION (Anathan Theatre). Acting: TITUS ANDRONICUS (Burbage Theatre Company), GYPSY (The Snug Theatre), THE BACCHAE, TAMING OF THE SHREW, LOVE’S LABOURS LOST, THE HOLLOW (Anathan Theatre).

Shayne Steliga (Stage Directions) is honored to work with Renaissance Theaterworks once again! He previously played Caleb in 2019’s RAIN ON FIRE as well as multiple characters in the BR!NK Br!efs. An alumnus of UW-Green Bay’s theatre program, Shayne has had the privilege of collaborating on several wonderful projects over the years (including some songwriting). He was recently selected as Skylight’s 2020 Lee Dougherty Ross award winner for debut artist.

Elliott Puckette (Director) is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Internships: Directing at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (2019), Artistic at Forward Theater Company (2016-2017). Recent productions: assistant directing OTHELLO with Mad Rogues (2020), directing TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE by Emily Elliott (Renaissance Theaterworks’ Br!NK 2019), and dramaturging TWILIGHT BOWL (2019) with UW-Madison (Certificate of Merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival).

Rayne Kleinofen (Maddie/Josie) is so excited to be able to work on this year’s Br!NK Festival! In 2019, Rayne acted for Renaissance Theaterworks’ Br!NK in the staged reading STITCHED WITH A SICKLE AND A HAMMER (Aleksandra) and the ten-minute TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE (Jamie). She has also participated in two Door Shakespeare staged readings: RED VELVET and HOW SHAKESPEARE WON THE WEST. She loves getting to work with playwrights on new plays and particularly enjoys the Br!NK development process.

Ashley Rodriguez (Annabella/Fran) is excited and thankful to return back to the Br!NK Festival! She was last seen at Renaissance Theaterworks’ Br!NK as Ella in GLASS SLIPPER. She has also had the pleasure of working with Skylight Music Theatre as Hattie in KISS ME, KATE and as Ensemble/Understudy in URINETOWN.

Libby Amato (Josie) is excited to join Br!NK once again, after directing RAIN ON FIRE last year. Recent acting credits include THE COMEDY OF ERRORS (Optimist Theatre); TOP GIRLS (Renaissance Theaterworks); and CONSTELLATIONS (All In Productions). She’s inspired by the resilience of Milwaukee’s theatre community, and is ready to tackle the challenges of making art in new ways. Thanks to the wonderful women of Renaissance Theaterworks, and as always...love you, Mom!

(briŋk) n. a critical point beyondwhich something will occur

Br!NK 2021 submissions accepted until November 30, 2020!

Submit your work at www.r-t-w.com/brink/submit-your-work/

Rayne Kleinofen (Maddie/Josie) is so excited to be able to work on this year’s Br!NK Festival! In 2019, Rayne acted for Renaissance Theaterworks’ Br!NK in the staged reading STITCHED WITH A SICKLE AND A HAMMER (Aleksandra) and the ten-minute TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE (Jamie). She has also participated in two Door Shakespeare staged readings: RED VELVET and HOW SHAKESPEARE WON THE WEST. She loves getting to work with playwrights on new plays and particularly enjoys the Br!NK development process.

Beginning in January 2021, we’re moving our performances from the Studio Theater at the Broadway Theatre Center to a beautiful performance space at 255 S Water Street, also home to Next Act Theatre. We’re truly excited about being able to provide more more amenities and accessibility features. Join us in our new home!

To Saints and StarsBy Jordan Ramirez PuckettDirected by Grace DeWolffSeptember 11 & September 137:00 pm (CST) on Zoom

Two lifelong friends are divided by their beliefs on religion and science.Sofía, a NASA astronaut, and Zoe, the wife of a Greek Orthodox priest, have been friends since they were children and not a day has passed where they haven’t seen or spoken to each other. As their priorities drift further away from each other, their relationship begins to become strained and their lives are changed forever.

Jordan Ramirez Puckett is a Chicana playwright and lighting designer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She often writes about being caught between two identities and our intrinsic desire for human connection, no matter how brief. She has designed lights for the world premiere productions of BAUER by Lauren Gunderson, 77% by Rinne Groff, and 1 2 3 by Lila Rose Kaplan, among others. Her plays include EN LAS SOMBRAS, TO SAINTS AND STARS, A DRIVING BEAT, LAS PAJARITAS, RESTORE, and INEVITABLE. These works have been produced and/or developed by 2Cents Theatre Group (Los Angeles, CA), Abingdon Theatre Company (New York, NY), Custom Made Theatre Co. (San Francisco, CA), Goodman Theatre (Chicago, IL), Harold Clurman Laboratory Theatre Company (New York, NY), Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, National Winter Playwrights Retreat (Creede, CO), Playwrights Center of San Francisco, Playwrights Foundation (San Francisco, CA), Playwrights Realm (New York, NY), San Diego Repertory Theatre, San Francisco Playhouse, among others. She most recently participated in the 2020 Bay Area Playwrights Festival.

ARTISTIC TEAM Playwright........................................................................................................Jordan Ramirez PuckettDirector...........................................................................................................................Grace DeWolffDramaturg........................................................................................................Erika Kirkstein-ZastrowStage Manager................................................................................................................Bailey WegnerSofia Wilson................................................................................................................Andrea GonzalezZoe Cardenas.................................................................................................................. Cara JohnstonKen Roberts.................................................................................................................... Kenyon TerrellJohn Cardenas..............................................................................................................Adrian FelicianoStage Directions.................................................................................................................. Emily Elliott

Grace DeWolff (Director) is a Milwaukee born-and-raised actor, director, and theater educator. Most recent stage credits include Griselda/Kit/Shona in TOP GIRLS (Renaissance Theaterworks), Toria in BLOOD AT THE ROOT (Next Act Theatre), and various credits with Mad Rogues. She also directed Rachel Bykowski’s one-act BODIES for the Br!NK 2018 Festival. Thanks so much to the cast and team, and to you for supporting the arts in this unprecedented time.

Erika Kirkstein-Zastrow (Dramaturg) is a dramaturg and filmmaker who holds a BFA in Theatre and an MA in English. She has written/directed short films, theatre pieces, worked with film festivals and practiced dramaturgy for several years. Recent dramaturgical credits include STITCHED WITH A SICKLE AND HAMMER, NUBIAN STORIES (Renaissance Theaterworks); LOVE STORIES (intern, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre); THE CRUCIBLE (UWM Theatre Department); BENT, THE DUTCHMAN (The World’s Stage Theatre Co.) www.ErikaKZ.com

Andrea Gonzalez (Sofia Wilson) was born and raised in Wisconsin and got her start in the theater many years ago at First Stage in THE HOBBIT and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her cat and horse and is very excited to be “returning” to the Milwaukee theater scene with Renaissance Theaterworks. Other credits include, COLORS OF YOUTH, TONGUE OF A BIRD, DOES THIS WOMAN HAVE A NAME, and HAMLET.

Cara Johnson (Zoe Cardenas) is proud to return to Renaissance Theaterworks after three Br!NK Br!efs and THE VIOLET HOUR. A proud Texan, Cara relocated to Milwaukee with her husband, Dustin, and their pet bunny, Ozma. In August, 2021 Cara will be taking a play she wrote to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. For more info: www.glassslippershow.com.

Emily Elliott (Stage Directions) is thrilled to be working with Renaissance Theaterworks on their Br!NK shows once again. Her previous Br!NK work includes, a ten-minute play entitled TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE, and her role as production intern in 2018. While she loves acting, directing and writing, Emily is currently back at school for her Arts Administration license to potentially do theatre management one day. Please enjoy these wonderful Br!NK plays!

Kenyon Terrell (Ken Roberts) is a rising sophomore at Fordham University where he is receiving his BA in Theatre — Performance. Kenyon is ecstatic to be working with the team of dedicated creators he’s been blessed with on the Renaissance Theaterworks’ team. He hopes to inspire equity and mental health awareness through his artistry.

Adrian F. Feliciano (John Cardenas) is thrilled to be part of Renaissance Theaterworks’ Br!NK 2020. A native to Milwaukee, Feliciano grew up on the south side. After serving the Stars and Stripes in the Air Force, he returned to Wisconsin to attend UW-Milwaukee and earn a BFA in acting. Feliciano then worked the local theater scene a few years before setting off to chase his own stars, in Hollywood. His love to entertain has allowed opportunities on stage and film. Past credits include: OCTONAUTS Live National Tour, RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER National Tour, IN THE HEIGHTS (Skylight Music Theater), FREAKSHOW and SPIRITS TO ENFORCE (Youngblood Theatre), and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Please enjoy.

RENAISSANCE THEATERWORKS TEAMArtistic Director.....................................................................................................................Suzan Fete

Managing Director.......................................................................................................Lisa Rasmussen

Marketing & PR Director..................................................................................................Lucia Lozano

Development Manager...................................................................................................Dana Dossett

Production Manager......................................................................................................Bailey Wegner

Education Coordinator..................................................................................................Alea McHatten

SPECIAL THANKSRenaissance Theaterworks’ Play Selection Committee: Amanda Schumacher, Jayne Pink, Margaret Henningsen, Samantha Martinson, Molly Veh, James Carrington, Mallory Metoxen, Lisa Rasmussen, Lucia Lozano, Bailey Wegner, Dana Dossett, Alea McHatten and Suzan Fete.

Br!NK SPONSORS

DIGITAL SPONSOR

Bailey Wegner (Stage Manager for both plays) is also Renaissance Theaterworks’ Production Manager. She joined the company in the summer of 2017. Her Stage Manager credits with Renaissance Theaterworks include PHOTOGRAPH 51, ANNIE JUMP AND THE LIBRARY OF HEAVEN, and THE ROOMMATE, as well as four Br!NK New Play Festivals, and Young Playwrights Festival 2017 with Milwaukee Chamber Theater. Assistant Stage Manager credits include RUSSIAN TRANSPORT and TOP GIRLS (Renaissance Theaterworks) and THE FEW (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre). Bailey has also enjoyed Stage Managing for Kohl’s Wild Theater and Interim Production Managing with Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. She has completed a practicum with Theatre Bonn, Germany, and holds a BFA in Theatre from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Theater By Women For Everyone

IDENTITY • BELONGING • CONNECTION

Della, a sweet, God-fearing Christian, is also the best baker in North Carolina. Nothing would make Della happier than making a wedding cake for her best friend’s daughter, Jenny. Except that Della’s beloved Jenny is marrying a woman. A deliciously funny, multi-layered play about what divides us and brings us together, and the power of love – and cake.

By Bekah BrunstetterDirected by Jenny Wanasek

June 26 - July 8, 2021

March 12 - April 4, 2021

By Anna ZieglerDirected by Mary MacDonald Kerr

Tom and Amber are college freshmen at Princeton. They are overwhelmed, overstimulated, sleep-deprived, surrounded by strangers, uncertainty and alcohol. What could possibly go wrong? A smart, profound exploration of the culture of sexual consent. A perfectly complex tale for the #MeToo age.

WHAT REALLY MATTERS2020-2021 SEASON

January 8 - January 31, 2021A trip to her homeland forever changes the life of a young Indian-American woman. On her journey, she unearths family secrets, encounters a prophet, and discovers her voice within a culture of silence. A powerful, transformative story based on actual events.

Written and Performed by Minita GandhiDirected by Lavina Jadhwani