You need to make sure you are protected!  You don't want to be left out in the summer sun without your SPF.  No - I am serious - you need your SPF.  SPF is important; if you don't have it you might have a boring old summer sittin' around doing nothing.  

Oh, I'm not referring to SPF lotion or Sun Protection Factor.  I'm referring to the Summer Play Festival (aka SPF).  It might be a bit early to be talking about summer fun (it is still freezing cold here in NYC), but I want to make sure your calendars are marked for when the temperatures start rising.  I don't want you to miss out on one of the best ways to beat the heat and enjoy some "summer theater" in NYC. 

We all know about "The Broadway" and how to see those shows, but there are some summer-only treats that you won't want to miss if you live in NYC or if you are planning a visit during the Summer.  One of those exciting events is SPF - The Summer Play Festival). Running from July 1st to July 27th (full dates and schedules HERE).

SPF is a play festival that happens every July (this is their fifth season) and features new work by emerging playwrights.  Founded by Broadway producer Arielle Tepper Madover in 2004 -  SPF has produced 450 performances and has provided an opportunity for 65 emerging writers as well as hundreds of directors, designers, actors, stage managers and interns to present their work in a protected environment.  This year SPF will feature 7 new plays and 1 new musical - selected from over 1,000 submissions.  Yikes!

SPF (the Summer Play Festival) is also committed to providing a low ticket price of only $10 in order to bring in new audience members and give as many people as possible the opportunity to experience theatre in New York City As a result, the Festival has sold out its four-week performance schedule for each of the past four years by attracting a diverse audience of over 9,000 theatre patrons, many under the age of 35!

What more could you ask for?  Hot new playwrights for only $10.00.   We [heart] SPF.  Ok, to be fair - I should reveal that one of my plays was selected to be presented at SPF last summer.  It was an amazing experience.  It was a great opportunity and it was a total blast.  The shows last year were all fresh, fun, exciting, hip and cool.  I was thrilled to be a part of SPF 2007, not only to have my show produced, but to be able to see all the other great works during the festival.

I am really looking forward to the 2008 line up.  SPF has teamed up with The Public Theater to present the plays and musical in their theaters in downtown NYC.  This is a really cool partnership and will help expose the plays and writers to tons of people.

We here at Yahoo! Broadway will be following SPF this summer and bringing you more info and videos through out the coming months.  Check out the fun new video we have from the "show announcement party" for SPF.  Click HERE to take a look.  For now I want to wet your appetite (or is it whet?) for the festival with a description of the shows coming up in July.  I look forward to seeing you at SPF; until then I will...

~ See You On The Aisle

The 2008 SPF Line Up

The Black Suits

music and lyrics by Joe Iconis

book by Joe Iconis and Robert Maddock

Haunted by the prospect of a dead-end life in working-class Long Island, this rock musical follows a group of teens in their struggle to make something of their band and of themselves. As they perform to escape, the music can't drown out what is imminent, and they face decisions that will shape the rest of their lives.

Esther Demsack

by Billy Finnegan

Esther Demsack finds herself accidentally employed as young Everette Brewster's governess. In this over-the-top comedy Everette tries desperately to turn her into his own Auntie Mame. While moving through their world of showtunes and movie stars, Esther digs deeper to find the dark secret haunting Everette and the entire Brewster family.

Future Me

by Stephen Brown

One irreparable mistake propels Peter from successful lawyer to prison inmate as his world gets turned upside down. In this powerful drama, Peter wrestles with his personal desires and societal taboos, as he copes with his choices and tries to re-build relationships.

Green Girl

by Sarah Hammond

A magic gift entwines the fates of two sets of sisters living over a hundred years apart. Each girl must endure the trials of growing up, but only one can master the gift inherited from her ancestors. A provocative, mystical drama where sisterhood is tested and time stands still.

Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom

by Jennifer Haley

Welcome to everyday suburbia where teens become completely obsessed with an unusual video game. As they advance to each new level, the lines between reality and virtual reality blur. In this sci-fi thriller, only those with a true ‘killer' instinct survive.

The Ones That Flutter

by Sylvia Reed

Roddy learned early in life that he was capable of completing tasks that others could not. Now retired, and with the fate of his family's home resting in his hands, this evocative drama follows Roddy as he grapples with the ghosts of his past, and seeks peace in a world where the morality of his job defines him.

Tell Out My Soul

by Jacquelyn Honess-Martin

The ultimate test of their relationship transpires when Thomas and his daughter Ruth have a young student with an unusual story enter their lives. Challenged by their own views on religion in a world of suffering, Ruth and her father seek understanding in this timely examination of identity and truth.

Tio Pepe

by Matthew Lopez

Dreaming of a life as Broadway gypsies, The Candelarias refuse to vacate their Manhattan apartment scheduled for demolition. Music, dance, and golden years of the Broadway musical all take center stage in this touching and funny play about the strength of family in the face of impending disaster.