Cosson, Fried, Gwon & More Set For Weston Playhouse's Artists Retreat 4/26-5/3

The Weston Playhouse Theatre, Vermont's oldest professional theatre, will host its second annual Artists Retreat the week of April 26 - May 3, bringing a diverse and noteworthy group of theatre artists to Weston, Vermont to work on their latest projects.

The 2009 retreat participants include Steve Cosson, artistic director of the Obie-winning NY-based theatrical troupe, The Civilians; Stephen Fried, a director and adaptor who specializes in Shakespeare and the classics; Adam Gwon, an award-winning composer-lyricist; Dael Orlandersmith, a Pulitzer-nominated actress-poet-playwright; and Betty Shamieh, a playwright-author-screenwriter-actor whose work has been seen in New York and London.

The Winter Artists Retreat is part of the Weston Theatre's ambitious 5-year plan to create and fund a variety of programs to support the development of new work. The retreat participants were invited to spend a week in Vermont with transportation, housing, meals and work space provided by the company. On the last full day of their residency, the artists will share thoughts and material with Weston board members and sponsors in an informal salon reception.

"Vermont has a rich history as an artists' retreat," commented Weston Producing Director Steve Stettler. "From Robert Frost to David Mamet, from Martha Graham to Jamaica Kinkaid, from Rudolf Serkin to Jaime Laredo, artists have come to the Green Mountains to do some of their finest work. We are proud to carry on that tradition by providing a home for today's most promising theatre artists." Funding for the Weston Artists Retreat comes from members of the WPTC Producers Circle including Sam and Barbara Lloyd and Marguerite and Peter Mason, and the Shen Family Foundation.

The Weston retreat has already proven to be a good luck charm for its participating artists. The composing team of Aaron Jafferis and Ian Williams received the prestigious Richard Rodgers Award and the creative team of the musical (title of show) saw their musical move to Broadway just after taking part in the company's 2008 retreat. For more information about the non-profit Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, its 2009 season and its New Works programs, visit www.westonplayhouse.org.