The Drama Book Shop presents, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, "Unlikely Japan and Other Plays" a conversation with Neil Labute and William Roth and a performance by Gia Crovatin - A talkback, signing, and live podcast recording.
About the book
Since 2014, St. Louis Actors’ Studio (STLAS) has worked with LaBute to produce the annual festival bearing his name celebrating new works by emerging professional and high school playwrights, as well as a new piece penned each year by LaBute himself.
In honor of a decade of this successful collaboration, the book features ten one-act plays by LaBute, created and staged exclusively each summer by STLAS at The Gaslight Theatre in St. Louis. The festival has also had successful runs in New York City at the 59E59 and Davenport Theatres.
“The ten shorts contained in this volume are quite diverse, from comedy to drama, from dialogue to monologue, and all written with a passion for the actors who would go on to breathe life into the many characters on display. It has been a great pleasure for me to work with William Roth and STLAS for ten years on this project and to spend time creating a collection of short plays, a form that is always a challenge but one that I both love and admire,” said Neil LaBute.
About the guests:
Neil LaBute's extensive theater credits include productions such as "Bash: Latter-Day Plays," "The Shape of Things," "The Distance from Here," "Fat Pig," "Some Girl(s)," "Reasons to be Pretty," and many others, performed at venues like Almeida Theatre, MCC Theatre, and Donmar Warehouse. He has also adapted works like "Miss Julie" and "Woyzeck" for the stage. LaBute's filmography features acclaimed titles like "In the Company of Men," "Your Friends & Neighbors," "Nurse Betty," "Possession," and "Lakeview Terrace."
William Roth is the Founder and Artistic Director of St. Louis Actors’ Studio, known for the LaBute New Theater Festival. With over 35 years of acting experience, he's graced stages with companies like The Classic Theater Company and the Orthwein Theatre Company. His notable roles at STLAS include Sir Thomas More in "A Man for All Seasons," Teach in "American Buffalo," and Charlie Aikin in "August: Osage County." William has been recognized as one of St. Louis's top actors by the Post-Dispatch. On screen, he's appeared in productions like "Fear The Night" and "Hungry Dog Blues." He's a proud member of Actors’ Equity and SAG/AFTRA, having produced over 80 shows, including New York premieres and ten seasons of the LaBute New Theater Festival.
Gia Crovatin recently appeared on Paramount+'s "EVIL" and Starz's "HIGHTOWN," with past TV roles including "FBI," "FBI: MOST WANTED," and "BILLIONS." She has also graced the stage in productions like "THE MONEY SHOT" at MCC and "PERICLES" at Theater for a New Audience. In film, she starred in Neil LaBute's "FEAR THE NIGHT" and has featured in titles like "I FEEL PRETTY" and "BEFORE/DURING/AFTER." Upcoming projects include lead roles in the psychological thriller "LADY OF THE LAKE" and Hal Hartley's "WHERE TO LAND." Crovatin is a Cornell University alumna.
About St. Louis Actors’ Studio
St. Louis Actors’ Studio was founded to bring a fresh vision to theatre in St. Louis. Housed in The Gaslight Theater in historic Gaslight Square, STLAS is committed to bringing engaging theatrical experiences to our community of actors, writers, producers, filmmakers and all patrons of the arts; and to provide a strong ensemble environment to foster learning and artistic expression. St. Louis Actors’ Studio, through the use of ensemble work, will explore the endless facets and various themes of the human condition by producing existing and original collaborative theatre. For more information, visit stlas.org.
About the event
We kindly ask that you review the following information before reserving your spot:
This Eventbrite ticket is your reservation for the event.
Please note that the purchase of “Unlikely Japan and Other Plays” is required for entry.
Upon arrival, our team will direct you to the register to obtain your copy and complete your admission.
The store will begin welcoming guests at 7:15 pm.
Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at rsvp@dramabookshop.com.
