Jobsite’s shows

Sticks of Fire spoke to Jobsite Theater Chair David Jenkins about the group’s beginnings and their future direction. This is the fourth in a short series.

Previous installments:
introduction
how it started
city of the arts

the shows
Jobsite’s mission statement includes a hope to inspire Tampa’s residents to become true citizens. Instead of going through life and allowing advertising to determine what’s important, Jobsite wants to shake us up a little with socially and politically relevant material. They encourage volunteering, philanthropy, as well as the simple (yet important) things, such as keeping your yard clean. They raise money and awareness for a myriad of local charitable groups, including Tampa Fire Rescue, the Hillsborough Alliance of Retarded Citizens, and others. They plan to partner with a food bank for one of next year’s productions.

Jobsite looks for five shows each season, at least one of which is a brand new script. One of Jobsite’s main areas of emphasis is the creation of new works and the exploration of material that is often overlooked in the hustle to produce the plays deemed “what’s hot” coming out of New York. The 2004 – 2005 season will mark the sixth year Jobsite has dedicated an entire production to the creation of new work by upcoming playwrights. Each season also hosts new, unpublished or under-produced works by writers from around the world. Jobsite seeks submissions for new plays on a year-round basis.

Coming next: the accolades

Don’t forget, March of the Kitefliers is still playing this weekend. I enjoyed the play, but don’t take my word for it. See what others have to say. Plus it’s a great way to support your Tampa artists.