Sunshine Series

Epic Theatre Ensemble
is proud to have commissioned, developed, and premiered these award-winning new plays
PALACE OF THE END by Judith Thompson
NO CHILD… by Nilaja Sun
BEAUTY ON THE VINE by Zak Berkman,
HANNAH AND MARTIN by Kate Fodor *

More on Epic's Sunshine Series:

With this in mind, Epic Theatre Ensemble commissions and nurtures new socially-minded work by pre-professional, early-career, and well-established writers. Through a comprehensive script development process that includes readings, workshops, and retreats, Epic supports playwrights exploring timeless social, political, and ethical issues by providing extensive artistic resources while simultaneously cultivating a diverse and responsive audience eager to discuss the key themes and questions within each play.

The SUNSHINE SERIES is our flagship new play festival presented each spring and sponsored annually by Bill and Kumi Martin. The Series shines a light on important new political writing and plants the seed for future productions by Epic and other likeminded companies.

Highlights from past festivals include:

• Nilaja Sun's No Child…
  Commissioned by Epic and first developed during our 2005 inaugural Series, this astounding solo-piece about the problems in our public schools received critical acclaim and an extended Off-Broadway run before a commercial transfer and national tour.
• Beauty on the Vine by Zak Berkman
  Also developed during our inaugural Series, this dark fable about the fatal impact of our beauty culture received a successful Off-Broadway run in 2006. The script has been optioned to be turned into a film and will be published by Dramatist Play Services in 2008.
• Palace of the End by Judith Thompson
  Commissioned by Epic and developed during our 2006 Series, this outrageous and haunting exploration of three lives transformed by the wars in Iraq has received rave reviews for its productions in Toronto and Los Angeles. Epic will present the New York Premiere in Spring 2008.