A.C.T. Receives NEA Grant to Support STUCK ELEVATOR World Premiere, 4/4-28

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Rocco Landesman announced today that American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) is one of 832 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. A.C.T. is recommended for a $40,000 grant to support the world premiere of Stuck Elevator. With a libretto by Aaron Jafferis and music by Byron Au Yong, this music-theater work will make its debut at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater April 4–28, 2013.

Stuck Elevator is based on the true story of a Chinese restaurant deliveryman who was trapped in a Bronx elevator for 81 hours. Sounding the alarm will open the doors to freedom, but calling for help also means calling for attention-with dire consequences for this undocumented immigrant. Inventively staged by OBIE Award winner and internationally acclaimed artist Chay Yew-and introducing the prodigious work of a brilliant young composing team-Stuck Elevator unleashes an evocative collision of stories, sounds, instruments, and ideas. Stuck Elevator is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award.

"I'm proud to announce these 832 grants to the American public including American Conservatory Theater," said Chairman Landesman. "These projects offer extraordinary examples of creativity in our country, including the creation of new work, innovative ways of engaging audiences, and exemplary education programs."

In March 2012, the NEA received 1,509 eligible applications for Art Works grants requesting more than $74 million in funding. The 832 recommended NEA grants total $22.3 million, span 13 artistic disciplines and fields, and focus primarily on the creation of work and presentation of both new and existing works for the benefit of American audiences. Applications were reviewed by panels of outside experts convened by NEA staff and each project was judged on its artistic excellence and artistic merit.

For a complete list of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, visit the NEA website at arts.gov.

American Conservatory Theater nurtures the art of live theater through Dynamic Productions, intensive actor training in its conservatory, and an ongoing engagement with its community. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Carey Perloff and Executive Director Ellen Richard, A.C.T. embraces its responsibility to conserve, renew, and reinvent the rich theatrical traditions that are our collective legacy, while exploring new artistic forms and new communities. A commitment to the highest standards informs every aspect of A.C.T.'s creative work. For more information about A.C.T., go to www.act-sf.org.

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