‘Players by the Sea’ open to the public once again

Photos: Chelsea Black

Players by the Sea Community Theatre is bringing their New Voices Program back to the stage. Created in 2016 and inspired by new play development programs across the country, New Voices aims to develop the next wave of American voices right here in Jacksonville. In previous years, the program selected 1-2 established OR aspiring playwrights to embark on a yearlong developmental journey and pairs them with mentors who help guide the process from conception to final draft. The program culminates in a fully mounted production of their new play.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to take center stage, Players by the Sea reimagined New Voices and pivoted to a virtual process. This year’s theme is Voices Unheard. They selected 3 playwrights through a blind submission process and began a 12-week development and writing journey. Through mentorship, workshopping, and writing sessions, two of their selected playwrights are now ready to rehearse and showcase their 45-minute short plays that uplift and highlight the voices of the unheard.

The Space Between is written by Chelsea Black.
Nina is a young woman who just wants her mother Maria to accept her. When they find out her brother Kenneth’s spinal injury may be cured by a new medical breakthrough, Maria takes the opportunity to talk to her daughter about her weight. Mother and daughter must navigate their fraught relationship while also being there for Kenneth.

God's God written by Ken Pedersen.
Do you sometimes wonder about what really happens once you die? What if you arrived in the afterlife and you discovered that God himself was praying for a better life? That is the situation we encounter in "God's God." GG delivers an avantgarde exploration of what might happen once we ‘meet our maker.’ Its world is populated with a passive agnostic, a prickly non-believer, a deity overwhelmed by his day-today responsibilities, and the angels that run the place. God’s God examines the role of hope, belief, and purpose in a 30-minute package that seeks to get its audience to reconsider how their choices here on earth might best bring out the divinity in all us.

The third selection will be released later this Summer as a special presentation!

COVID-19 protocol is in place to secure the health and welfare of their patrons. Social distancing will be adhered to, masks will be required and hand sanitizing will be available according to the CDC guidelines.

New Voices Program: Voices Unheard
DATES/TIMES: May 15, 2021 8 p.m.
        May 16, 2 p.m. Matinee

TICKETS: Tickets are $20 and are available online at or by calling (904)-249-0289.

LOCATION:

Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289