The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center has announced the schedules for its 57th Summer Season, the first under new executive director Tiffani Gavin. Events and classes will take place in a hybrid format — both online and in-person. Here are the conference schedules as well as special events and new features. For tickets or more information, call (860) 443-5378 or access theoneill.org.

NATIONAL MUSIC THEATER CONFERENCE

Alexander Gemignani, Artistic Director

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, staged readings will not be held. Selected from 289 submissions, the following new musicals will receive direct monetary and developmental support:

"Hatchetation" — books, music and lyrics by Amy Jo Jackson

"Little Duende" — book and yrics by Georgina Escobar, music and lyrics by Robi Hager

"Basic Witches" and "Silueta" — commissioned by Power Street Theatre Co.; creative teams to be announced.

NATIONAL PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE

Wendy C. Goldberg, Artistic Director

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, staged readings will not be held. These four plays were selected from 1,216 received through the O'Neill's open submissions process:

"Affinity Lunch Minutes" by Nick Malakhow

"EXOTIC DEADLY: Or The MSG Play" by Keiko Green

"Revenge Porn, or The Story of a Body" by Carla Ching

"Watch Me" by Dave Harris

CABARET & PERFORMANCE CONFERENCE

John McDaniel, Artistic Director

The Cabaret & Performance Conference will present seven shows under the stars August 5-14 in the O'Neill Amphitheater. Open to the public, this re-imagined programming in a COVID-responsible environment will bring headliners in solo performances as well as feature Cabaret Fellows and Junior Fellows in singular evenings of entertainment. Masks and social distancing are required. Tickets go on sale to members July 16 and the general public on July 29.

Aug. 5 — "Opening Night" with artistic director John McDaniel, our Junior Fellows director Brad Simmons, and returning Master Artist Teacher Lennie Watts.

Aug. 6 — "Natalie Douglas: A Very Special Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr."

Aug. 7 — "Telly Leung: In Concert"  

Aug. 11 — "Big Shot! Junior Fellows Sing Billy Joel"

Aug. 13 — "An Evening with Beth Leavel"

Aug. 14 — "The Farewell Show" featuring all conference artists including special guest L Morgan Lee.

BLUE GENE'S PUB

Opens June 12 and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with food trucks, happy hour specials, live local bands, brunch noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Masks and social distancing are required indoors and while ordering. Follow @BlueGenesPub for updates.

5 p.m. June 12 — Music by Evie Joy, food by Roadside Rob

Enjoy a free drink with your COVID-19 vaccine card.

Blue Gene's Brunch

5 p.m. June 26 — Pride Celebration with music by DJ Cookie Policy and food by Munchies

Live Music Every Friday Night in July with Ben Freiert (July 2), FrenkenPhil (July 9), Azalea Drive (July 16), Chris Gregor (July 23), and Dave Alves (July 30); food trucks will be on-site 

GARDEN GATHERINGS

New for 2021. Casual concerts featuring solo performances from O'Neill alumni in a COVID-responsible environment. Bring your beach blankets and chairs to a dedicated and distanced circle on the grass in the Sunken Garden. Each ticket provides space for up to six members of a household or bubble. Sponsored by Beer'd Brewing Co. Concessions available. No outside alcoholic beverages allowed. Masks and social distancing are required. Gates open 3 p.m.

4 p.m. June 13 — Michael R. Jackson (NMTC '18) with pianist Sean Cameron

4 p.m. June 20 — TBA

4 p.m. July 11 — Rebecca Hart (NPC '10, NMTC '11) & The Wrong Band

4 p.m. July 18 — Satya Chávez (NMTC '19) & Esco Jouléy (NMTC '19)

SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT

New for 2021. Four free on-campus events focusing on the O'Neill's national conferences through storytelling, interviews, and demonstrations. RSVP required. Masks and social distancing. Events start at 6 p.m.

June 26 — "The Evolution of a Song"

July 10 — "The NPC Effect"

July 24 — Bonnie Duncan presents "Squirrel Stole My Underpants" 

Aug. 7 — "NCI: Back on Broadway"

BEECH PARTY

July 31 — Fundraiser under the tent in the Sunken Garden features cocktails, live entertainment from

The Doo Wop Project.

NATIONAL PUPPETRY CONFERENCE MASTER CLASSES

June 7-11 — Under the leadership of Pam Arciero, a five-part master classthe conference will be held virtually June 6-11 with instruction from world-renowned puppeteers from all over the globe. Each session takes place via Zoom from 2-3 p.m. EST. Links will be sent to subscribers by 1 p.m. EST daily. Ticket-holders have access to a recording of the class on-demand throughout the month. Instructors:

June 7 — Kathryn Mullen (USA/Bermuda)

June 8 — Ping Chong (USA)

June 9 — Mervyn Millar (England)

June 10 — François Delarozière — La Machine (France)

June 11 — Chia-yin Cheng — Lìzé Puppet Colony (Taiwan)

PUPPETS IN THE PUB

Hosted by Tyler Bunch and Jonathan Little, the free and virtual "Puppetry Open Mic" events will be presented from 9-10 p.m. Mon. and Wed. and 10-11 p.m. Fri. RSVP required.

TECHNICAL THEATER TRAINING PROGRAM

Another new program that includes a 10-class online program designed to support college-aged/early career audio, lighting and stage management professionals. The live-taught classes will be held online from 7-9 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. June 22-July 22. Apply by June 11.