August 2025
LHAT Conference & a Story Worth Sharing
Dear Friends of Flipping The Script Productions,
I’m back from Pittsburgh—and I’m still buzzing with inspiration. The League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) National Conference was everything I hoped it would be and more.
As a proud 1-Star Sponsor, it was an honor to be part of an event that honors both tradition and innovation. I found myself among so many experienced individuals who care deeply about theatre, and of course, in a beautiful setting. From casual conversations to the historic theatre tours to the packed Tools & Techniques sessions, it was all inspiring and enlightening.
To those of you who signed up for this newsletter: welcome! I’m so glad we connected. Whether you're a historic theatre steward, a fellow producer, or simply someone who loves the smell of an old velvet curtain, I hope you’ll find a kindred spirit in Flipping The Script Productions.
I had some truly meaningful conversations throughout the conference about what sustainability really looks like in theatre, about lifting up new voices, and about how even the most time-worn buildings are still full of room for reinvention. I’ll definitely be attending the next LHAT event, and I hope to see some of you there again, too.
For those new to our work, now is the perfect time to reintroduce Someone Close to You by Melissa Borgerding. This intimate family dramedy was Melissa’s very first play, and I came across it while serving as a reader for the Baltimore Playwrights Festival. I was immediately struck by the quiet, profound humanity of her writing. This story is thoughtful, touching, and in some ways universal.
The play centers around Helen, a fiercely independent woman living with her immigrant lover and looking forward to living her last years richly. As it becomes clear to her son, Ben, that she is nearing the end of her life, he begins to stress about how best to minimize risk.
Ben confronts Helen about moving in with him and his pregnant wife, Christine, which worsens tensions and causes old wounds to resurface. What unfolds is a deeply personal and at times funny exploration of mortality, commitments, and the complicated bonds of family.
At Flipping The Script Productions, our mission is to champion stories just like this. We value new and diverse voices and the fresh, human stories people have to share. Another tenet of our operation is the belief that creating space for plays doesn’t require big budgets or flash to make a lasting impact.
To all our longtime readers and new friends alike, thank you for being part of this growing community. More to come soon.
Warm regards,
Stephen Rourke
Founder, Flipping The Script Productions
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Our goal is to expand our reach as much as possible. If you know someone who would be interested in joining our dialogue regarding theatre, Broadway, and diverse voices, send them this email!
Someone Close to You
We are still working to mobilize Someone Close to You by Melissa Borgerding.
Scenes are available on YouTube: https://www.flippingthescriptshows.com/scty-video
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Flipping The Script Productions
6719 Old Pimlico Road, Baltimore, Maryland, 21209
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.flippingthescriptshows.com
CONTACT MR. ROURKE’S PRESS REPRESENTATIVE
Jay Michaels Global Communications, LLC
jay.michaels.theatricals@gmail.com
jaymichaelsarts.com
