Conceived, produced and directed by Artistic Associate Adam Goldstein, America Rising is BRT’s electrifying look at new and contemporary work. An innovative staged reading series celebrating plays and playwrights of today, American Rising is a celebration of culture and language. This new
series opens the door to the hottest new voices of the American theatre here at BRT.

While not a full production, staged readings provide an intimate “staging” of each play where the writer’s words can take center stage. This year’s AMERICA RISING also allows BRT to proudly announce a fantastic new University partnership with Temple University’s MFA graduate acting program, who will make up the professional actor’s company for each reading. Each evening will consist of live entertainment, food and drink, the reading itself and an extensive talkback with the cast, director and
in many cases the playwright themselves!

Please consider taking the leap and joining us as an AMERICA RISING series member today! Hurry and take advantage of the discounted subscriber rate now as seating is limited! All readings begin at 5PM, at St. James Parish Hall, 225 Walnut Street in Bristol.

BRT Members: $40 subscription add-on
America Rising Subscription only: $45
Individual Reading tickets: $10 adults, $5 Students

UP
By Bridget Carpenter Sunday, September 28, 2008

How high can our dreams take us? Walter Griffin was famous. A man, literally above all others as his lawn chair took to the skies years ago. Now the lawn chair sits quietly in the basement and Walter’s life and family begins to crumble around him following the loss of his job. The problem is, Walter doesn’t want his job or any job. He wants to invent, to create, to do something great. As his son goes through
teenage growing pains and his wife struggles to hold the family together, can Walter do the impossible and fly once again? UP is an extraordinary piece filled with humor and inspiration for all of us who have ever dared to dream.

LULLABY
By Michael Elyanow Sunday, November 16, 2008

Taking place during the 2000 election's Florida recount, LULLABY is a comedy/drama about a widowed mom whose two-year-old son won't go to sleep and the lesbian guitar tutor she hires to teach her lullabies. Thrown in the mix are her depressed father and late-husband's doctor (with whom she had an affair), all resulting in a meditation on powerlessness and betrayal during a time in our country when both reigned supreme.

SICK?
By Zakiyyah Alexander Sunday, February 15, 2009

Tasha’s father is dying. She has been through the medical gamut dealing with his illness and is now suffering from hypochondria. Or is she? Plagued by a series of symptoms and unable to obtain adequate medical care, Tasha does something she would never do. She treats each day as if it were her last. In the process, she discovers the true meaning of love and re-connects with a father, long since lost to her. A potent and touching look at the healthcare situation in today’s world and how it affects us all.

HARMLESS
By Brett Neveu Sunday, March 29, 2009

A student in a typical college classroom has written a violently atypical paper. His professor has been summoned to meet with the University President to discuss how such a paper could have been written under his watch. This edgy comedy delves into the dark world of censorship in our society and forces us to re-think ideas of blame, responsibility and fear in our current sociological climate. HARMLESS is a
fast paced and sharp play that will leave the audience breathless.

ELLIOT, A SOLDIER’S FUGUE
By Quiara Allegría Hudes Sunday, May 3, 2009
2006 Pulitzer Prize finalist

A remarkable play by Philadelphia native and current Broadway librettist (In the Heights), Quiara Hudes’ play traces the legacy of war through three generations of a Puerto Rican family, ELLIOT, A SOLDIER’S FUGUE focuses on the tale of 19 year old Elliot, a boy who has found his strength and courage in his military service in Iraq. After returning home with a leg injury from the Iraq War, Elliot faces some difficult questions. Will he return to war or will he try to begin again at home? Told in “fugue” style, this play intertwines the story of Elliot in Iraq, his father in Vietnam and grandfather in Korea. This Pulitzer Prize Finalist shows us all how the past may not be so different from now and how courage is inside everyone.