The Rulers: A Sneak Peek Into Rule of 7x7: The Holidays 2016 Edition

If you're looking to get your stocking stuffed, Rule of 7x7 has a holiday treat for you! This Thursday, December 15th, Rule of 7x7 will be gifting you with TWO performances at 7:00pm and 9:30pm! And without further ado, The Rulers!

The Rulers

Name: Brett Epstein


Hometown: Hamden, CT


Education: BA (Theatre, Writing) Providence College


What is your rule?: Each play begins with a character holding an item/prop in silence for 10 seconds. Then that character says "I think this is good" or "I think this is bad."


Why did you pick your rule?: Alex Gould told me it would be dope if all the plays had to start similarly and we see where they went from there. I totally agree.


Tell us about Holidays With Adam Driver: Adam Driver returns to his hometown to visit his two brothers who've never left their hometown. Inspired by my dear friend Cary Gitter who's reminded me of Adam Driver since I met him!


Why should people come to Rule of 7x7?: Different rules, different writers, different actors, different directors every time. But always a free beer!


New Year's Resolution for 2017?: Do a plank for 2.5 minutes.


For more on Brett, visit www.itsBrett.net



Name: Cary Gitter


Hometown: Leonia, NJ


Education: BFA and MA from NYU


What is your rule?: Somewhere in pages 8-10, the characters experience the tenderest moment of their lives.


Why did pick your rule?: Because I want to see more tenderness on the American stage.

Tell us about Big Date: Two college girls getting ready for a big double date. They're best friends. One's white, one's Latina. The night before Trump's inauguration.

Why should people come to Rule of 7x7?: Because it's the single greatest theatrical event ever conceived of, and it could have been dreamt up only by Brett Epstein.

New Year's Resolution for 2017?: Write better plays.

For more on Cary, visit https://newplayexchange.org/users/8520/cary-gitter

Name: Rosalind Grush


Hometown: Los Angeles


Education: BA from Columbia University


What is your rule?: A fart?


Why did pick your rule?: Well, the rules were due at 4pm on a Saturday. I work a lot during the week so I didn't have much time, and that particular Saturday morning, I was meeting some friends at a rugby bar because the brunch place next door was full. Turned out there was this Ireland vs New Zealand match on: Ireland hadn't won against New Zealand for 111 years and had finally beaten them the week before, and this was their first rematch after Ireland's victory. It was a shitshow. The place was packed and everyone was wasted. I sent in my rules blackout drunk, slightly before being asked if I wanted to be in a foursome with the folks at the table next to mine. To be fair to myself, farts are always funny.


Tell us about Not A Nativity Play, Part II Of Rosalind's Reproductive Cycle: I thought I would branch out from what I usually write about - abortion, which for the record I strongly support - and write about something else for a change. What's the opposite of abortion? Staying pregnant! America hates women in general, and REALLY hates pregnant women. I have known women offered almost no maternity leave (for places that even have maternity leave policies) and who haven't had jobs waiting for them on the other end of their pregnancies (or whose role is "reimagined" while they're gone and basically get forced out). Plus I've been having a lot of trouble with my health insurance and doctors lately, and odds seem pret-ty good that it's only going to get worse. And so Part II of my Reproductive Cycle was born. It's a comedy. An Odyssey comedy. A hero's journey comedy about pregnancy in America. 


Why should people come to Rule of 7x7?: It's always an incredible night with lots of great people on stage and in the audience, and I can't wait to see what my wildly talented fellow writers are cooking up! And I may be biased, but also The Tank is always doing something cool.


New Year's Resolution for 2017?: FLOSS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD


For more on Rosalind, visit www.thetanknyc.org



Name: David Jackson

Hometown: Denver, CO -> KY -> NYC

Education: Fordham University

What is your rule?: "We're not that different."

Why did pick your rule?: In this post election era, I want to write about Americans coming together. Since the country seems to be coming apart at the seams. Also while I was writing my rule suggestions, I was watching an interview with Michael Che re: his "Black Jeopardy" sketch on SNL with a Trump supporter on the panel, and he said the point was, "We're not that different."

Tell us about The Conversation Not Heard 'Round The World: Donald Trump meets Barack Obama at the White House. Barack begs him to consider his own legacy, while Donald asks if he can put a bust of himself in the Oval Office. Melania Trump meets Michelle Obama and asks for parenting advice since she says, "Barron keeps playing dress up like ISIS." Chaos ensues as the two conversations we never heard come through loud and clear.

Why should people come to Rule of 7x7?: It's a great place to see several short new plays in one night. Seven, in fact! Plus there's a bar essentially on stage.

New Year's Resolution for 2017?: Do better than 2016.

Name: Rachael Mason

Hometown: New York, New York

What is your rule?: Someone quotes a poem.

Why did you pick your rule?: I chose this rule because poetry is fun!

Tell us about The Test: The Test is about a couple being put through the ultimate test.

Why should people come to Rule of 7x7?: 7x7 is such a fun and lively theater experience. It really feels like a rollercoaster and everyone is on board!

New Year's Resolution for 2017?: To learn a new language

For more on Rachael, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClAwt8GaUxivVWplVBl_JCA

Name: Sam Perwin

Hometown: Miami Beach, FL

Education: B.A. in Literature from Harvard.

What is your rule?: Vitamins.

Why did pick your rule?: I wanted an everyday object that could be interpreted in many different ways: as a prop, as a moment, etc.

Tell us about Buried Treasure: It’s a strange little romp involving a dead grandfather, a skull, a long lost manuscript, and Keats. What do they all have to do with each other? Come find out!

Why should people come to Rule of 7x7?: This experience has been like putting a puzzle together, but it’s like everyone’s doing a different puzzle with the same pieces. Come see what we’ve put together!

New Year's Resolution for 2017?: More writing, more yoga.

For more on Sam, visit www.samperwin.com


Name: Lizzie Stern

Hometown: New York, NY

Education: BA: Williams College

What is your rule?: Snowman

Why did pick your rule?: Snowmen are underrepresented in the theatrical canon. My rule for next time will be snowwomen and non-binary snowpeople.

Tell us about Run Wild: Annie and Max go on a run in Prospect Park. They train for a 5K. Annie's single, mostly friendless, and dealing with an invisible mold infestation. She wants to win the race. But maybe the win she really wants isn’t the one she’s after.

Why should people come to Rule of 7x7?: You'll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll see seven brand new plays!

New Year's Resolution for 2017?: Take more action, big and small

For more on Lizzie, visit https://newplayexchange.org/users/10962/lizzie-stern

The Rulers: A Sneak Peek Into Rule of 7x7: A May One Show Stand!

You've got one night only for Rule of 7x7: A May One Show Stand on May 26th at 9:30pm at The Tank. To get you ready, here is another edition of The Rulers!

The Rulers

Name: Will Arbery

Hometown: Dallas, TX + Lander, WY

Education: BA: Kenyon College // MFA: Northwestern University

What is your rule?: "This exact line of dialogue: I don't believe you."

Why did you pick your rule?: You wouldn't believe me if I told you. I mean it's the craziest story. It would take at least five hours to tell the short version.

Tell us about Landline: It's about that light tight giddy feeling of talking to someone that you like on the phone. I'm also continuing my obsessive exploration of the theatrical vocabulary of phone calls. It's also about trying to tell someone about how weird your family is. Also, it's directed by the wonderful Kate Hopkins and starring the weirdo-geniuses Lilli Stein, Jack Plowe, and Rachel Lin.

What's your favorite thing about Rule of 7x7?: The audience! They're incredibly supportive and responsive.

MAY the ____ be with you: Guilt.

For more on Will, visit willarbery.com

Name: Matt Crowley

Hometown: Beverly, MA

Education: Kenyon College

What is your rule?: A terrible Southern accent.

Why did you pick your rule?: Terrible Southern accents abound, so why not include one that's intentionally bad?

Tell us about The Artists: I've been in LA for the last year and a half and I wanted to reflect on the NYC theater scene and a bit of my experiences with it. I also had a couple of half-formed play ideas kicking around in my brain, and a ten minute play is a great place to utilize them.

What's your favorite thing about Rule of 7x7?: This is my first one, so I'm looking forward to seeing the diversity of pieces springing from the same 7 rules.

MAY the ____ be with you: Borscht?

For more on Matt, visit http://mattcrowley.weebly.com/

Name: Brett Epstein

Hometown: Hamden, CT

Education: Theatre + Writing at Providence College

What is your rule?: After the halfway point of the play, a new character enters... accompanied by his/her own theme song or random sound cue.

Why did you pick your rule?: I wanted to a) see how a new presence would shake up the writers' plays halfway through and b) laugh at all the random sound cues they choose.

Tell us about Voicemail: Dan McCabe and I play writer-roommates. Tyler Gardella is sexy-and-weird. A voicemail has something to do with it, too.

What is your favorite thing about Rule of 7x7?: Literally every moment. Picking playwrights, allllllll the e-mails, the day the plays are due, teching all day, being with everyone all day, writing for it, watching the other plays, seating audience members on the floor, seating audience members on the stage, giving wacky house speeches, hanging out at The Tank after the show, riding the 1-train with Evan Maltby after the after-party. All of it! 7x7 is the NYC accomplishment of which I'm most proud. #RuleOf7x74Life

MAY the ____ be with you: You. May the you be with you. You do you. Is what I'm saying.

For more on Brett, visit www.itsbrett.net

Name: Cary Gitter

Hometown: Leonia, NJ

Education: BFA and MA from NYU

What is your rule?: Spasms

Why did you pick your rule?: Because there aren't enough spasms on the American stage.

Tell us about Donut Hell: Have you ever had a job you hated? A psychopathic boss bent on your destruction? Do you love donuts but hate them too? Have you ever been to New Jersey? Worn an apron in public? Then Donut Hell may just be your Long Day's Journey Into Night.

What's your favorite thing about Rule of 7x7?: The jam-packed, rowdy, inebriated, delightful, laughing audiences. And Brett's preshow speeches.

MAY the ____ be with you: Donut hole

Name: Anderson John Heinz

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Education: NYU BFA dramatic writing

What is your rule?: Celine Dion

Why did you pick your rule?: I’ve always been a fan of Celine Dion. I’ve recently, specifically, found myself listening to “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” more than any functioning human should. Not to get weird, but that video definitely scarred me as a child. I still cower whenever I see a man on a motorcycle. But in a fun way!! Celine’s voice is limitless.

Tell us about Frozen 2: Frozen 2 is a sequel to the highly popular film "Frozen", but as a play and super dirty. It concerns a darling gay couple and their desire to have a child of their very own.

What's your favorite thing about Rule of 7x7?: Writing plays with rules is fun because it makes my brain think about things in a different way and different is always fun! That's my favorite thing about it... so far!

MAY the ____ be with you: little fried chicken drumstick emoji

For more, visit www.andersonjohnheinz.com

Name: Charly Evon Simpson

Hometown: Born in Queens, but raised in Bergen County, NJ

Education: MFA (in progress): Hunter College, MSt: Oxford, BA: Brown

What is your rule?: Kiss on page 3

Why did you pick your rule?: Um. Honestly…because I think there should be more kissing in the world. Specifically there should be more people kissing me. Unfortunately I am not acting in any of the plays so this rule isn’t really helping me, but I might be helping someone else.

Tell us about House Rules: It is a little play about bringing a boy home to meet your sisters.

What's your favorite thing about Rule of 7x7?: The enthusiasm for it. I love that actors love to be a part of it, that writers love to be a part of it, and directors, etc.

MAY the ____ be with you: I mean, I’m a Star Wars nerd so it has to be force. Sorry I’m not more creative….

For more, visit www.charlyevonsimpson.com

Name: Sofya Weitz

Hometown: Los Angeles

Education: BA from Loyola Marymount University, MFA from Northwestern University (playwriting & screenwriting)

What is your rule?: the play must end in a physically compromising situation

Why did you pick your rule?: I think one of the keys of comedic short plays is really in the stage directions - something physical your characters can do that inform their dialogue/action - so putting them in a physically compromising situation is entertaining to me and also drives the action. And at the end of the play, it's a place to get to!

Tell us about I'm Alive: gender-based performance art, a harmonica & a cat?

What's your favorite thing about Rule of 7x7?: I love getting restrictions for my writing. It really forces out the creativity. Having the rules for all the shows brings everyone together - you're all in on the same jokes and you're keyed into the consistency during the performance.

MAY the _____ be with you: Free drinks.

For more on Sofya, visit www.sofyaweitz.com

The Rulers: A Sneak Peek into Rule of 7x7: April Edition

April is here and so is another Rule of 7x7 at The Tank! Rule of 7x7: April Edition also marks the return of Brett Epstein as host! Rule of 7x7: April Editions runs April 29th at 7:00pm and 9:30pm!

The Rulers

Name: Will Arbery

Hometown: Dallas, TX + Lander, WY

Education: B.A. at Kenyon College, MFA at Northwestern

What is your rule?: Page 5 must have the same question repeated 3 times.

Why did you pick your rule?: I just think people repeat themselves. And I like when people repeat themselves. I dunno, it's just that like when people repeat themselves.

Tell us about The Alignment System: It's based off of an element of Dungeons & Dragons, which I don't play, but which fascinates me. It's about people deciding where they fall on a grid. It's also about being drunk and honest, and about reality vs. escape.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: This is actually my first Rule of 7x7! When I got back to New York from grad school, everyone was telling me I should do it. I've heard such wonderful things. And there are so many great people involved.

April showers bring May _____: asthma attacks.

For more on Will, visit willarbery.com

Name: Sarah Elizabeth Bedard

Hometown: Boston, MA

Education: MFA Acting from Brandeis University, BA in Theatre and Philosophy from Providence College

What is your rule?: Something no one else is allowed to touch.

Why did you pick your rule?: It seemed like a fun challenge to have an object hold that much weight.

Tell us about Sometimes I’m Scared of You: Three women, lots of wine and a wild time.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Because it’s always a great time and an awesome way to see how seven different people challenge themselves to create new work.

April showers bring May _____: mud.

For more on Sarah, visit sarahelizabethbedard.com

Name: Cary Gitter

Hometown: Leonia, NJ

Education: NYU

What is your rule?: Tennis.

Why did you pick your rule?: Because I played first singles on, and was captain of, the Leonia High School varsity tennis team—my proudest achievement in life. Also, I own a tennis racket that can be used as a funny prop.

Tell us about Talk Dirty to Me: A guy and a girl are gonna sleep together for the first time. He's super nice. She wants some dirty sex stuff. It's a problem.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Because you can watch the suffering of seven playwrights constricted by seven arbitrary rules that inhibit their pure artistic expression. Also, it's cheap and fast and funny and awesome.

April showers bring May _____: Tears of Rage .

Name: Drew Lewis

Hometown: Hastings-on-Hudson (2 hyphens)

Education: Attended the same Undergrad as Will Arbery, but not his grad school

What is your rule?: Nudity.

Why did you pick your rule?: To get people naked.

Tell us about Friend Hug: I wrote it while flying JetBlue. It's about the blurred line that exists between friends and lovers. Nothing to do with airplanes. But now you know I was high when I wrote it.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: To see all the nudity

April showers bring May _____: Nudity.

For more on Drew, visit thedrewlewis.com

Name: Rachel Lin

Hometown: New York City (by way of the UK)

Education: NYU

What is your rule?: One character goes in for a ____ as another character goes in for a _____.

Why did you pick your rule?: I enjoy watching mistakes that aren't mistakes.

Tell us about Mixed Doubles: Inspired by the Pixie's "Hey" and my own upcoming high school reunion - it's about how we can't help but do things that we know are bad for us sometimes.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Sexy playwrights. Beautiful people. Brett returns.

April showers bring May _____: Anxiety that it's almost summer, and then Fall, and then 2017 before we know it.

For more on Rachel, visit www.rachelmlin.com

Name: Catya McMullen

Hometown: NYC

Education: UNC Chapel Hill

What is your rule?: Someone performs a heroic act on page 1.

Why did you pick your rule?: I like heroism!

Tell us about Batman's Poopy Pants: The play is about a toddler who only answers to "Batman," and his teenage babysitter who has snuck a girl in to do a science project and also...maybe...get it on. The rules were great for this one and this conceit, of the toddler coming out every few minutes and causing havoc works great with it. The play is insane and a lot of fun.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It's astronomical amounts of fun.

April showers bring May _____: Buttstuff.

For more on Catya, visit www.catyamcmullen.com

Name: Colin Waitt

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

Education: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Masters), University of Minnesota--Twin Cities (BA)

What is your rule?: Passive Aggression.

Why did you pick your rule?: I am from the midwest.  I like passive aggression.

Tell us about Bedbugs: Two roommates in the midst of a bedbug infestation prepare their apartment for fumigation when one of their boyfriends makes an unexpected visit.  Bedbugs are the worst, but our funny cast is the best.  The more I write, the more I realize that I enjoy laughter in the abyss.  This play continues that trend.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It's all about the neon palm tree right outside the building.  Also, the night is a lot of fun.  This month Brett is back in town.  If that's not enough to get you to The Tank, I don't know what is.

April showers bring May _____: Tourists.

For more on Colin, visit www.colinwaitt.com

The Rulers: A Sneak Peek into Rule of 7x7: All Hallow's Eve-dition

Halloween is just around the corner as is another edition of Rule of 7x7: All Hallow's Eve-dition. Before you head to The Tank, check out the writers for this month's edition!

The Rulers

Name: Jon Caren

Hometown: Los Angeles

Education: Vassar, Julliard

What is your rule?: A whisper on page 4.

Why did you pick your rule?: Because I hate when people talk loudly.

Tell us about BUSHWHACK SHARE, PRIVATE ROOM: Bushwhack Share, Private Room is a play about a guy who AirBNB’s his apartment to a couple from Sweden and we all know what happens when you AirBNB your apartment, right?

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Sex and violence.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Because you will leave feeling smarter, more cultured, and a humanitarian.

What is your Halloween costume this year?: The same as last year because I never wore it. Movie theater employee.  Stand near me if you like popcorn.

For more on Jon, visit www.jonathancaren.com

Name: Dylan Dawson

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Education: NYU Tisch School of the Arts

What is your rule?: A bathroom item is used as a weapon.

Why did you pick your rule?: I'm hoping someone gets creative with a plunger.

Tell us about HAUNTED PORNO: Theater is sacred. It can illuminate certain truths about what it means to be human and lift the curtain on those secret places where dreams are made. And that is why I wrote "Haunted Porno."

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: In my case, a boner.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Because theater is sacred, etc, etc, boners.

What is your Halloween costume this year?: I have an Italian Stallion boxing robe and a Mr. T doll, so probably "Rocky 3." Again.

For more on Dylan, visit www.dylanjdawson.com

Name: Brett Epstein

Hometown: Hamden, CT

Education: Providence College

What is your rule?: Someone is very, very, very scared on the last page.

Why did you pick your rule?: HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Tell us about I CAN FEEL YOU BREATHE: The title is based on that classic Faith Hill ballad. That's all I can legally say at this point in time.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: People dressed up, hanging out on the stage, a spooky drink (that we're still devising), rules. What you won't see is scripts. Because it's an #Off-Book affair.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It would mean a lot to ME.

What is your Halloween costume this year?: An NYC playwright. Just kidding. What if I was serious about that.

For more on Brett, visit www.itsbrett.net

Name: Ken Greller

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Education: NYU

What is your rule?: Real estate.

Why did you pick your rule?: I read Curbed and still get StreetEasy alerts even though I moved in July and never want to move again. I'm a sick individual.

Tell us about PIT CITY: It's about Baltimore, where I'm from, and - going off of my own rule (because theatre is about community but it's also about ME) these strange spaces in often marginalized parts of the city where (largely white) kids would gather for music shows. I don't really know anything about music, and I never have, but the Baltimore music scene is pretty substantial. Most of the members of Animal Collective and Yeasayer went to my high school, and I think I saw Beach House in a basement with a trashcan filled with beer before they were famous. My best friend for a while in high school was part of a "noise band," so my dad would begrudgingly drive me to these shows, and I never really understood a lot of it.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: I am honestly so bad at writing ten minute plays, and especially bad at writing "challenges" and things like that, but I think this set of rules is so enticing and funny and weird that I'd have to imagine you're going to see seven really fun, really different plays that don't feel like a bunch of "exercises."

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: You get to sample the work of seven playwrights and seven directors and god knows how many actors! It's like drinking a green juice but for theatrical consumption. Or getting an appetizer platter. Those are two different metaphors, it just sort of depends what you want to get out of it.

What is your Halloween costume this year?: I'm going as a "Verified" (someone whose existence is deemed, well, verifiable, by Twitter).

Name: Monet Hurst-Mendoza

Hometown: Pasadena, CA

Education: B.A. Theatre Arts, Marymount Manhattan College

What is your rule?: Someone recounts a childhood trauma that deeply affects them to this day

Why did you pick your rule?: I'm fascinated by how traumatic events shape humanity.

Tell us about STOCKHOLM SYNDROME: A LOVE STORY: The title comes from an actual One Direction song. It's kind of nutty that someone had an idea for this song with that title in mind, and then wrote corresponding lyrics for tweens (and girls like me who grew up on boy bands) to listen to. Also, I've always wanted to write a play about a secret society devoted to boy bands. The Skull & Bows is actually what my old roommates and I used to call the last apartment we all lived in together. We never sacrificed boy bands members, but I do recall being inebriated on several occasions and forcing them to learn N'SYNC choreography from me.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Witchcraft, Boyband hysteria, synchronized dance moves.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Because everyone who is working on 7x7 is magic. And everyone needs magic in their lives.

What is your Halloween costume this year?: I don't normally dress up for Halloween anymore. Call me lame, but I'd much rather be at home watching scary movies instead. But I do have Halloween pajamas - so maybe I'll just wear those and some kind of animal ears!

For more on Monet, visit http://risingcircle.org

Name: Sylvia Khoury

Hometown: Purchase, NY

Education: BA, Columbia University; MFA, New School for Drama; Currently: Medical School at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai

What is your rule?: Someone has to say "I would turn back if I were you."

Why did you pick your rule?: It's nice and creepy for Halloweentime.

Tell us about NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: I was always scared of the Egyptian Wing at the Met growing up. This play grew out of that!

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Proof that Brett Epstein should host the Oscars.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It's really, really exciting when you recognize a rule.

What is your Halloween costume this year?: I haven't committed to anything yet, but Bellatrix Lestrange is my forever backup.

For more on Sylivia, visit www.sylviakhoury.com

Name: Gianmarco Soresi

Hometown: Potomac, MD but I tell people DC to sound cool.

Education: Worthless.

What is your rule?: Faith.

Why did you pick your rule?: As adverse as I am to astrology, The Secret, and Pope visits, I unfortunately have my own faith(s), which I'd define as beliefs sans evidence, that if I ever was forced to articulate would probably sound equally ridiculous. I imagine we all have such beliefs, some more fleeting than others, only be verbalized by the extremest of circumstances or several strong beers. I hope my rule conjures the former in these plays and inspires the latter once they're done.

Tell us about ORIGINAL RITUAL: You never forget your first.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Given the impending holiday and Brett's rule ("someone is very, very, very scared on the last page"), some really fucked up shit.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Because everything Kristin McCarthy Parker touches turns to gold.

What is your Halloween costume this year?: Young Jeff Goldblum (Lies. Once as a child I went trick-or-treating dressed as a hippie. The resident at one home said to me, "Why hello there, are you supposed to be a boy?" I don't do costumes anymore.)

For more on Gianmarco, visit www.GianmarcoSoresi.com

The Rulers: A Sneak Peek into Best of Rule of 7x7

Rule of 7x7 is back, but this time it's a special Best of Edition! Featuring seven fan favorite plays, Best of Rule of 7x7 returns to The Tank on September 24th at 9:30pm. Early bird tickets are $10 or $12 at the door.

The Writers

Name: Chiara Atik

Hometown: San Diego, California

Education: NYU

What edition is your play from?: The very first 7x7 (May 2014)

What were the rules?: 
RULE #1: Somewhere within pages 7-10, a character must repeat a line that ANOTHER character has said within pages 1-4.
RULE #2: Bright sunshine.
RULE #3: At least five years pass between the start and end of the play.
RULE #4: A character has to be concerned with the taking or selecting of a new Facebook picture at some point during the play.
RULE #5: A character must have the name of a Rule of 7x7 playwright.
RULE #6: On page 4, a character gives a brief speech about masturbation.
RULE #7: "If [any celebrity, historical figure, great artist or author] were standing here right now, what do you think [s]he would say about what you just did?" 


Tell us about Chris Sullivan Goes on a Date: It's about a first date...and I don't remember exactly, but I think some of the rules were you had to talk about a Facebook picture (or take one?), and like, a time jump? Alex used my real phone during the show and I still have the picture he took onstage.

Can we expect to see anything different this time around?: I think when it was first performed, the actors were allowed to be on-book!

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: The MC and the popcorn.

Name: Brett Epstein

Hometown: Hamden, CT

Education: Providence College

What edition is your play from?: 7x7: February Edition (Feb 2015)

What were the rules?:
RULE #1: Somewhere on page one: a back-handed compliment, followed by ten seconds of silence.

RULE #2: A character is inappropriately dressed for the occasion.

RULE #3: Math.

RULE #4: At some point someone hugs someone, which has either a negative or positive impact.

RULE #5: Blizzard.

RULE #6: The internet is questioned.

RULE #7: "If you were a Disney character, you'd definitely be _____."

Tell us about Representation: Olivia Stoker and Max Reinhardsen go through an audition for two commercial agents (myself + Rory Kulz) in real-time. Also, you'll learn the name of many types of cats as Max sheds light on The Cat's Meow Tour.

Can we expect to see anything different this time around?: Hopefully we won't break on stage this time. But no promises.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: This reviewer said SNL scouts should stop by! Maybe this time they will!

For more on Brett, visit www.ItsBrett.net

Name: Dan McCabe

Hometown: NYC

Education: Current Writing Fellow at Juilliard

What edition is your play from?: 7x7 Spring Edition (April 2015)

What were the rules?:
RULE #1: Someone does something he/she has seen on YouTube.

RULE #2: Aliens.

RULE #3: Someone hits someone.

RULE #4: Each play must include a flashback.

RULE #5: The color red appears.

RULE #6: Sprinkles.

RULE #7: A list of seven somethings (people, places, adjectives, things to do, etc).

Tell us about Sprinkles & Lloyd: Sprinkles is a clown. Lloyd is an accountant. They're dating.

Can we expect to see anything different this time around?: Since all the rules will be different we can just expect 7 solid shows that stand on their own without a theme connecting them. I've seen all these plays before and I truly think they're great.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Cause Brett Epstein is the Irving Thalberg of fun theater evenings and this is sure to be the best one yet.

Name: Catya McMullen

Hometown: NYC

Education: UNC Chapel Hill

What edition is your play from?: 7x7: February Edition (Feb 2015)

What were the rules?:
RULE #1: Somewhere on page one: a back-handed compliment, followed by ten seconds of silence.

RULE #2: A character is inappropriately dressed for the occasion.

RULE #3: Math.

RULE #4: At some point someone hugs someone, which has either a negative or positive impact.

RULE #5: Blizzard.

RULE #6: The internet is questioned.

RULE #7: "If you were a Disney character, you'd definitely be _____."

Tell us about Dick Blizzard: Sadie's life has fallen apart so she's spending a little too much time watching Netflix in her underwear. Her roommate, Malcolm decides what she needs to rocket her out of her depression is sex. What results? A dick blizzard.

Can we expect to see anything different this time around?: A few members of the original Dick Blizzard team are doing other shows that conflict so Michael Raine, a director I work with a lot, is stepping in, as are Alex Haynes and Ariana Siegel-two of the funniest working actors I know. We'll miss the old team, but are excited about the new one.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It's really fun. What I love about events like Rule of is that the entire creative and producing team, along with the audience are completely enthusiastic. They're also all drunk, which helps.

For more on Catya, visit www.catyamcmullen.com


Name: Jenny Morris 


Hometown: Largo, Florida 


Education: FSU Theatre

What edition is your play from?: 7x7 Spring Edition (April 2015)

What were the rules?:
RULE #1: Someone does something he/she has seen on YouTube.

RULE #2: Aliens.

RULE #3: Someone hits someone.

RULE #4: Each play must include a flashback.

RULE #5: The color red appears.

RULE #6: Sprinkles.

RULE #7: A list of seven somethings (people, places, adjectives, things to do, etc).


Tell us about On My Honor: Four former girls scouts reunite at the wake of their troupe leader. 


Can we expect to see anything different this time around?: Yes, some shiny new faces! 


Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: There is a great deal of love and excitement that goes into each of these ten minutes, which makes for a great night of theatre. Like, really great. Like, bring-an-extra-pair-of-socks-cause-your-original-pair-might-be-knocked-off kind of great.



Name: Donaldo Prescod


Hometown: Boston


Education: MFA in Acting, BA in Cinema


What edition is your play from?: 7x7 Almost Summer Edition (June 2015)


What were the rules?:

RULE #1: The last line of the play must be identical to the first line.

RULE #2: Diane.

RULE #3: Jamboree.

RULE #4: During one line of dialogue, a single word must be repeated seven times.

RULE #5: "Her breasts felt like ____" OR "His penis looked like ____."

RULE #6: At some point, pills are taken.

RULE #7: The Hamptons.

FAN FAVORITE BONUS RULE: One character must attempt to tell a joke, but not be allowed to get to the punchline.


Tell us about Black People Are Dangerous: Black People Are Dangerous is a dark comedy about race and serial killers.


Can we expect to see anything different this time around?: Yes, this time the play is just a two-hander with a new ending.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: You should check out Rule of 7x7 because it never disappoints, and it's one of the more inventive theatrical festivals in NYC.

For more on Donaldo, visit www.DonaldoPrescod.com

Name: Colin Waitt

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

Education: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Masters), University of Minnestoa--Twin Cities (BA)

What edition is your play from?: 7x7 Spring Edition (April 2015)

What were the rules?:
RULE #1: Someone does something he/she has seen on YouTube.

RULE #2: Aliens.

RULE #3: Someone hits someone.

RULE #4: Each play must include a flashback.

RULE #5: The color red appears.

RULE #6: Sprinkles.

RULE #7: A list of seven somethings (people, places, adjectives, things to do, etc).

Tell us about Pilot Light: It's a comedic tragedy.  It concerns three grown brothers standing outside of their childhood home in rural Minnesota as they debate which one will go inside and blow out the pilot light in the furnace so they can collect the insurance money.

Can we expect to see anything different this time around?: I've made some tweaks that tailor things a little more to the work the actors (Ryan Stinnet, Zac Moon, Evan Maltby) did when this first performed in April.  I also think it's a little funnier.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?:  Great theater you can actually afford?  Yes please.  Also, before the show you can pay $5 to get your photo taken by an Elmo in Times Square, afterward you can get a cocktail at TGI Friday's, which is next to the theater.  Rule of is great, but the experience surrounding it is what makes it so unique.

For more on Colin, visit www.colinwaitt.com

The Rulers: A Sneak Peek into Rule of 7x7: Summer Edition

It's that time again! To prepare you for the latest edition of Rule of 7x7: Summer Edition, the 7 playwrights tell you a little bit about themselves and their rules! Check them out at The Tank on Friday, August 21st at 7:00pm and 9:30pm!

Meet the Writers 

Name: Brett Epstein

Hometown: Hamden, CT

Education: Providence College (BA; Theater & Writing)

What is your rule?: A prayer on page 2.

Why did you pick your rule?: I like rules that are specific (page 2) but that leave room for individual playwright flair (a prayer).

Tell us about Brett on Mars: Dan McCabe plays me. And I visit Mars.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Seven 10-minute plays (mostly comedies) that had 5-7 hours of rehearsal, and tech'ed for 35 minutes the day of the show. The 7pm show is like the SNL dress rehearsal, the 9:30pm show is the rowdy party. Plus you can expect a free beer. And to be surrounded by fun people.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: I mean. Why NOT. #Deep

For more on Brett, visit www.itsbrett.net

Name: Jack Horton Gilbert

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Education: BFA in Theatre Performance from Ohio University, 2010

What is your rule?: "You know what your problem is? _____"

Why did you pick your rule?: It's a device I see in a lot of film and stage but something I've never heard someone say in real life. I thought the writers could have a lot of fun with it and was curious what directions they could take an open ended prompt.

Tell us about Jack Midnight in: Les Liaisons Agacant: It's zany. And a bit absurd. But with the nature of finding a reasonable apartment in NYC and the lengths some people will go to for a deal not entirely outside the realm of possibility.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Some incredibly unique and original voices and a lot of very talented people having a really good time.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It's an absolute party and you get a free drink. Plus you support emerging playwrights and artists; what's not to love?

Name: Lia Romeo

Hometown: Boulder, CO

Education: Princeton (undergrad), Rutgers (MFA)

What is your rule?: 3 a.m.

Why did you pick your rule?: I feel like things that happen in the middle of the night are inherently more dramatic, even if they're things that could also happen during the day

Tell us about Criminal Intent: It's about a relationship that gets rekindled in a very unexpected way

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: I don't know!  It's my first time being involved.  But I can't wait to see how the other writers handle the rules... I think it's going to be a lot of fun.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Writing to the rules is a fun challenge... but I think it's also actually a way to end up with a better set of plays.  More specific writing is stronger writing, and we've all got seven specific elements that we have to include, so I think the plays are going to be great.

For more on Lia, visit https://newplayexchange.org/users/177/lia-romeo

Name: Jeff Ronan

Hometown: Holmdel, NJ

Education: Kean University and the Moscow Art Theatre School

What is your rule?: The play must end with the title of a Beatles song.

Why did you pick your rule?: I'd been working on a Fringe show where my character was a big Beatles nut and was right in the middle of my Beatles research for the role.

Tell us about Granny Sprinkles Solves a Crime: Granny Sprinkles Solves a Crime follows a young police officer forced to pair up with a 90-year-old amateur sleuth who happens to be part cat. In the grand tradition of "Murder She Wrot"e and Agatha Christie's "Miss Marple", Granny Sprinkles may be elderly but her sleuthing days are far from over.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Lots of cat puns. And perhaps...MURDER??

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: I've written for Rule of 7x7 twice before and both times have been amazing experiences. The shows are fast, funny, and seeing the many ways people can implement the rules is always a treat!

For more on Jeff, visit www.jeffronan.com

Name: Charly Evon Simpson

Hometown: Born in Queens, Raised in Northern NJ

Education: BA - Brown University, MSt - University of Oxford, New College, MFA - Hunter College (currently enrolled)

What is your rule?: Broken iPhone

Why did you pick your rule?: An hour after purchasing my iPhone 6, I dropped it on a city street while trying to open the box.

Tell us about Try Again: Try Again is about an ex-boyfriend showing up on my doorstep at 3am.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Actors, directors, and writers having a lot of fun.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It has been such a great experience to write a play with these rules and to work with some of my favorite artists. That excitement will be evident on the stage!

For more on Charly, visit www.charlyevonsimpson.com

Name: Colin Waitt

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

Education: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Masters), University of MN--Twin Cities (BA)

What is your rule?: Each playwright must be a character in their own play, though they do not have to act in it.

Why did you pick your rule?: I liked the meta-ness of it.  I'm very curious to see how each person portrays themselves in their writing.  I found it much stranger than anticipated.  I'm also curious who people will cast to play themselves.  My first choice--Glenn Close--was unavailable, but Sam Garber cleared his schedule and has made Colin Waitt his own.

Tell us about Lite Bites: It's a fake docu drama in the style of The Laramie Project or an Anna Deavere Smith play.  It's about the employees of a restaurant in Chelsea and an incident that went down in early August.  It is a valentine to people who make their living in the service industry.  It is also the weirdest thing I've written.  When I finished it, I thought, 'Where did that come from?'

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Like Forest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7: There'll be things you love and some things you hate, but by the end of the night you'll feel like you've been at a great party.  Also, you get a free beer.

For more on Colin, visit www.colinwaitt.com

Name: Natalie Zutter

Hometown: San Rafael, CA

Education: BA, Individualized Study, NYU's Gallatin School

What is your rule?: Spit-take or triple-take.

Why did you pick your rule?: My roommate (who's a writer and comedian) was helping me brainstorm, and I kept coming up with more existential rules. He got me thinking about the very simple but very satisfying physical comedy/slapstick kinds of constraints.

Tell us about Stealthy Starbucks: Over a year ago, I read a Washington Post article about the Starbucks located at CIA headquarters. While the article was filled with all sorts of rich details about the rhythms and rituals of this particular Starbucks, I kept getting stuck on the idea that the baristas were forbidden from knowing the names of their customers--from even coming up with aliases. It seemed so odd, to interact with these people once or several times a day and have it be very one-sided, where you don't know the most simple thing about them. A major theme in my work is female friendships, especially ones where there is some sort of power dynamic at play, which makes you question how sincere said friendship actually is.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Secrets, super-sweet drink orders, and a play that still turned out more existential than slapstick but also reflects that feeling of being super-punchy at 3 a.m.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: Because the brilliant writers are simultaneously constrained by the rules yet also freed up to write unique pieces that have very little in common with each other. And because everyone involved works their asses off to make this happen every other month!

For more on Natalie, visit http://zutsuitriot.tumblr.com/playwriting

The Rulers: A Sneak Peek into Rule of 7x7: (Almost) Summer Edition

To get you prepared for Rule of 7x7: (Almost) Summer Edition, take a little time and get to know the 7 playwrights and the 7 rules! Rule of 7x7: (Almost) Summer Edition plays The Tank, Monday, June 8th at 7:00pm and 9:30pm.

Meet the Writers

Name: Matt Barbot

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Education: Currently pursuing my MFA at Columbia

What is your rule?: "The last line of the play must be identical to the first line."

Why did you pick your rule?: I was interested in the challenge of returning to the start.

Tell us about Privacy: Privacy is a play about how two roommates negotiate their relationship after one is caught in a...compromising situation. Will they be able to move on?

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Lots of awkward pauses, probably.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: There's something to be said for what happens on stage after each playwright has contributed one unique way to make life difficult for the other six.

For more on Matt, follow him on Twitter @BarbotRobot

Name: Matt Cox

Hometown: Rowlett, Tx

Education: Stella Adler Studio of Acting, UCB Training Center, Tarleton State University.

What is your rule?: The Hamptons

Why did you pick your rule?: I wanted to make sure I included more of a 'where' rule.
The week of sending out the rules I happened to be going to the Hamptons with the Story Pirates, and well... I typed it out.

Tell us about The Madness of Captain Dread: I typically write adventure type stories but I've never managed to do a 10 minute version of one. This is my attempt at that. We follow the Pirate Captain known as Dread as he and his crew sail through the Sea of Madness. A sea known for making people go...mad. Can the captain hang on to his sanity? Or will he murder every member of his crew horribly? One of those happens.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: some real great interpretations of words.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It's 7 short plays by great people, full of great actors. That seems like a good reason.

For more Matt, visit http://www.kapowigogo.com/ for tickets to the Kapow-i GoGo marathon at the PIT.

Name: Brett Epstein

Hometown: Hamden, CT

Education: Providence College (BA-- Theatre, Writing)

What is your rule?: "Her breasts felt like ___" or "His penis looked like ___."

Why did you pick your rule?: I love rules where the playwrights fill in the blank. AND I gave them a choice of breast or penis. Can't wait to see seven different (and I'm sure thoughtful and inspired) responses to what a breast could feel like/a penis could look like.

Tell us about Now & Then: The Male Version: It's inspired by the 1995 gem Now & Then. This (brilliant-yet-overly-sentimental) movie is about four (female) childhood friends from Shelby, Indiana who are reunited as adults. I used to watch it literally all the time. In my play, the characters are male. BAM.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: A free beer in your hand.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: No Rule Of is like a prior Rule Of. Different rules, writers, plays & creative teams every single time. It's a fun, hilarious theater party.

For more on Brett, visit www.ItsBrett.net, www.vimeo.com/channels/notbrothers and follow him on Twitter @ItsBrettDotNet


Name: Dan McCabe

Hometown: NYC

Education: Some

What is your rule?: In one line of dialogue a single word must be repeated 7 times.

Why did you pick your rule?: I though it'd be fun to see how many different ways a single word could be spoken.

Tell us about Hard Time For Real Hamptonites: It's about a duo of Hampton locals, hanging on the beach.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Da Ruckus.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It's always such a blast; a fun, supportive community with laughs and beers.  Come check us out!

Name: Donaldo Prescod

Hometown: Boston, MA

Education: MFA in Acting from The New School for Drama

What is your rule?: At some point in the play someone has to take pills.

Why did you pick your rule?: People pop pills for so many reasons so it'll be fun to see what the other writers come up with.

Tell us about Black People Are Dangerous: It is a dark comedy about race and serial killers, those two things together are rarely addressed and should be more often.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Hilarity and camaraderie.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: It is always a good night of theater, and it's only getting stronger.

For more on Donaldo, visit www.donaldoprescod.com


Name: Jordan Swisher

Hometown: Lancaster, PA

Education: BA in Theatre

What is your rule?: "Jamboree"

Why did you pick your rule?: I love unusual or uncommon words. I haven't heard someone say Jamboree in a long time - so why not bring it back around and take it for a spin.

Tell us about Jamboree Jackson Joins the Circus: It's a goofy little piece about a 13 year old girl with aspirations to join the circus.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: You're going to see 7 tremendously different plays that all were formed from the same 7 ingredients. It's like going to a restaurant and having seven courses, but the restaurant only had seven things in their fridge but they had these 7 crazy brilliant chefs so the courses ended up being way different in unexpected and beautiful ways and then the restaurant gets a ton of buzz on blogs and Twitter and then it gets all the Michelin Stars and becomes the most famous restaurant in NYC and the world. So really, who knows exactly what you'll see, but I promise some of it will make you laugh and some of it will make you feel and all of it will leave you feeling satisfied...just like that restaurant.

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: See above restaurant analogy but also - Rule Of's bring in the most amazing up and coming writers, directors, and actors in the City. Come see these people before they end up living in mansions in LA in between filming their next big budget blockbusters, or before you have to wait an hour by the stage door to catch them after their hit Broadway show. Or maybe they are normally just really busy so it can be hard to get to see them but you know they're going to be at Rule Of 7x7 on Monday June 8th - so that's another reason!

For more on Jordan, visit JordanSwisher.com

Name: Stephanie Swirsky

Hometown: Lincroft, New Jersey

Education: BA: NYU, MFA: USC

What is your rule?: Diane

Why did you pick your rule?: The name "Diane" came to my mind, and I wrote it down.

Tell us about Lower: My play, Lower is about a 29-year-old (former) dancer trying to start up her own workout class in her hometown in New Jersey. She's holding a free class and only her younger sister shows up. It's about reframing failure.

What can we expect to see at Rule of 7x7?: Lots of talent

Why should we check out Rule of 7x7?: So much talent

For more on Stephanie, visit stephanieswirsky.com