Minnesota Update

Hi all,

It's been awhile since I've written one of these.

2016 has gotten off to a busy start.

Probably the biggest news is that I've been hired by the University of Minnesota to teach an upper level theater/African-American studies course this semester. I'm three weeks in and loving it!

I've also been named the Playwright-in-Residence at the Williamstown Theatre Festival this summer (http://wtfestival.org/). Williamstown has also committed to producing my play WHERE STORMS ARE BORN in the summer of 2017.

Additionally, I've been named a semi-finalist for the O'Neill National Playwrights' Conference with my play AND ALL THE DEAD LIE DOWN, a semi-finalist for the O'Neill Musical Theater Conference with FIVE POINTS, a finalist for the NEXT: New Musicals in the Making Festival at Theatre Latte Da (here in Minnesota) with FIVE POINTS and a finalist (with my LAST QUEEN OF CANAAN team) for a Jonathan Larson grant.

My play WHERE STORMS ARE BORN has also been selected for Stage Left's LeapFest in Chicago this summer and Kenyon College (my alma mater) has expressed interest in producing THE LAST QUEEN OF CANAAN on the Bolton Stage next Spring.

I am currently working on commissions from the History Theater and Savage Umbrella (here in St. Paul) and the New Conservatory Theatre Center (in San Francisco).

In other news:

I recently sprained my ankle (on my way to a meeting with a theater no less). Things were touch and go there for a bit, but I am now navigating the mean streets of St. Paul sans crutches! I'm slow, but assured.

Christopher is doing well. He recently joined the board of the Minnesota Fringe Festival and is excited to put his fundraising expertise to work for them.

I think that's everything.

I hope all is well in Houston, Junction City, Wichita and Manhattan!

Much love to you all,
H