Westchester Collaborative Theater Moves Into New Space, Announces March Production

Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT), whose mission is to develop new theatrical works for the stage and to bring new live theater to Westchester audiences, aims to amp up its commitment to the community. Now in its seventh year, the company is moving into a home of its own, at 23 Water Street in Ossining, and is dedicated to turning the location into a cultural home for area artists. “We hope that it will play into the revitalization of Ossining and will become a space for the whole community,” says WCT Executive Director Alan Lutwin, who plans to partner with local businesses, artists and organizations. The space provides new possibilities for set design and lighting; will allow the opportunity for WCT to offer classes and small-scale musical productions; and will also act as an intimate performing arts space.

The new space’s inaugural production will be Lot’s Wife, from March 3-25. The play, written by WCT member Albi Gorn, is a modern response to the biblical story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Taking place during biblical times, the play tells the story of Lot’s wife in a way that relates to a 20th century audience: using contemporary dialogue and universal themes of family and survival. The play was developed through WCT’s successful “lab approach,” which allows for new works to be nurtured through a process of readings, critiques, rewrites and, when the work is ready, a live production. Talkbacks with playwrights and cast members will take place after performances on March 12 and 25. For more info, visit: wctheater.org.

A version of this article first appeared in the March 2017 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.

Image above: Ron Schnittker and Julie Griffin rehearse a performance of Lot’s Wife (photo courtesy of Westchester Collaborative Theater)