Elephant Run District has wanted to create an evening of developing works. I wanted to cross-pollinate groups working today and also get people from Off Off Broadway’s past in the same room. After the Living Theatre recently won the fight to keep in its space, we thought TLT would be the perfect location for this event. Often, we work alone and only know if what we’re doing is on the right track after the first weekend of a fully-mounted production. Or, there’s an endless amount of readings of plays.

We hope Stampede Lab will be a different path and pull people in our far-flung territory together. Each presentation is 15 minutes, followed by a quick Q&A/Trivia Contest hosted by me. Then we’re going to do something to honor the spirit of the Living Theatre.

Our first lab will include a tribute to Steve Ben Israel, a former member of the Living Theatre.

We’re going to do an overlapping reading of 3 of his poems, with a video of one of his signature pieces performed by Steve Ben.

Admission to Stampede Lab is free. Donations will be accepted at the end of the night for the Steve Ben Israel memorial. If you can’t attend, please give at www.indiegogo.com/stevebenisrael.

On Tuesday, June 19, 8 to 10 p.m.

Elephant Run District presents

Stampede Lab

a curated evening of indie theater works,
at The Living Theatre, 21 Clinton Street.
Where artists from Off Off’s heritage mix
with the people making it happen today.

3 downtown theater companies will each present up to 15 minutes of soon-to-be produced pieces. Smart, daring, funny, challenging, raw and focused. In between there will be short interviews, conversations and trivia. No lame talk-backs, no excruciating soap boxes and no rambling work.

Featured artists on June 19 will include: Ashlin Halfnight, Homunculus Mask Theater Company and Original Binding.