The Forge Theater Lab, in residence at Fitchburg State University, develops new plays that ignite passionate conversations. Founded in 2018, the journey continues with Season Two, presenting new works by playwrights Mary Darling, Ashley Rogers, Matt Cogswell, and Erik Nikander.
Our Story
In 2018, Kelly Morgan invited alumni of Fitchburg State University’s theater program to join him in creating a new theater company that would give opportunities for students and graduates of all career stages to meet, improve their crafts, and start new projects together.
That summer, a “start-up group” met with Kelly to plan out this new company. A name was chosen—The Forge Theater Lab—and it was decided that it would focus on developing new plays, and work toward becoming a professional company in residence at Fitchburg State. The Theater Block building on Main Street of Fitchburg is currently being renovated by FSU, and we are excited for this company to grow and be part of the revitalization of the city’s downtown.
The Forge kicked off last December with Generations, a night of ten short plays written by FSU alumni and faculty. Including the writers, cast, and crew, 34 artists were involved in this inaugural production. This was followed up in the spring with Draft House, a series of four staged readings of new plays in progress. The company has already started making professional connections by having one of its staged readings, of The Lowell Offering by Andy Bayiates and Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, be part of that play’s development ahead of its premiere at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in 2020.
Why Your Donation Will Help Now
The next step in this company’s growth is happening now with a second season, which will include TWO full productions AND continue the Draft House series! This big leap forward is made possible by a team of people working together, including our board of directors and volunteer staff led by Artistic Director Samantha deManbey. But to make it happen, we need to build up some “seed money” that will allow this company to grow. That is why we are inviting you to join us now by making a donation. Your contribution will help this company get off the ground and put on a great second season.
Fitchburg State University has provided a valuable resource to make this company possible: the use of buildings on campus for our performances, rehearsals, and meetings. However, while The Forge Theater Lab is housed within the Communications Media department, we are a distinct organization that does not receive any funding from the university. That is why your donation is so crucial right now. The money we raise in this drive will allow the talents of our artists to shine through in high-quality productions that will bring in audiences, attract grants, and raise our profile in the New England theater community. And we hope each production and reading we do will help launch a new play toward productions at other theaters.
What We Need & What You Get
We are asking our community of FSU alumni, family, and friends to help us raise $3,000. This money will go directly to our operating fund at FSU to pay for sets, costumes, props, and printing. It will also help us move toward professionalism as we begin this season to pay some directors, designers, and technicians modest stipends for their work.
In return for this early support, we are offering some perks! All supporters will be thanked on our website and in our programs. At higher levels we are also offering free tickets, signed posters, or even a one-minute play written especially for you by Season Two’s Mary Darling!
Every donation helps, no matter how small! No matter how much you are able to give, you can also help us by sharing a link to this campaign on social media or by email to people you know. Thank you for your support!