Backing New Talent

I wanted to write to you concerning your story and photo on Joe Hullet and the South Orange County Community Theatre NewPlay reading of his “Crossing the Line” as seen in The Times on Aug. 28.

It is especially encouraging to me both as artistic director and a playwright to see such work by you promoting fledgling talent. I am very concerned that new work be backed and local voices given a chance. My NewPlay program was established for precisely these reasons.

The staged reading was well-attended and many audience members brought in The Times article for the playwright’s portfolio. Needless to say, Joe was quite pleased to have been given such a lucid and enthusiastic profile. Hopefully, your work will have an impact on any future productions of his plays.

Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts with you on your provocative and entertaining article.

JILL FORBATH

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

SOCCT

Letters should be brief and must include the writer’s full name, address and phone number. No pseudonyms may be used. Letters are subject to editing and condensation. Please mention date of publication when referring to a specific article. Mail to Orange County Calendar Letters, Los Angeles Times, P.O. Box 2008, Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626, or fax to (714) 966-5663.