LAUNCH PAD:
Nurturing Empathy through Theatre
What began as a professional introduction to Wendy Kout—one of our cherished Legacy Brands—has blossomed into a truly meaningful friendship. Her deep belief in theater as a force for empathy continues to inspire me.
As our connection grew, Wendy invited me to experience the brilliant work of Risa Brainin and her UCSB students. Each time, I was moved not just by the talent of these students, but by their kindness, respect, and emotional maturity.
Wendy continued to speak of Risa with such genuine admiration that I felt compelled to ask for an introduction—and doing so has been nothing short of heart-opening. Risa’s warmth, presence, and care are palpable. It’s no wonder her students shine so brightly—they are a beautiful reflection of her generous spirit.
ML: What is LAUNCH PAD, and what inspired you to create a Program that has endured for over 20 years?
RB: LAUNCH PAD is a new play development program housed in the Department of Theater and Dance at UC Santa Barbara where professional playwrights work side by side with students, faculty and guest artists on their new works. I started the program to provide a missing link in the process of new play development: giving writers the opportunity to see their new work fully produced with all the bells and whistles of design (scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, projections), but in a protected environment. We created the concept of a “Preview Production” where the playwright can continue developing the piece through all of the performances. There is no “opening night” and we don’t allow reviews. We are all about process so the playwright can see what they have in this early stage of work. And equally important is the benefit for our students: hands on, real world experience of working on new plays.
ML: What is your organizations vision and values?
RB: Our vision is to create a safe space for artists to do their very best work. We value collaboration, rigor and professionalism through respect, kindness, generosity, care and compassion. Most of all, we value empathy.
ML: Can you give us a couple examples of how you put those values into action?
RB: Everyone who works on the project from the professional playwrights and guest artists to the student actors, to the artisans who design and make the scenery and costumes, to the stage manager and the crew are treated with equal respect and professionalism by our LAUNCH PAD team. In creating a respectful environment, we find the students rise to the occasion and the interchange between the experienced artist and the emerging artist is electric and life-changing. They learn so much from each other.
The playwright is involved in every aspect of production: the design process, casting, rehearsals and performances. Their opinions and wishes are integrated into every conversation, and we ask them, in turn, to generously open the door for the other collaborators - director, designers and actors, to respond to their work. This makes for a rich exchange of ideas where every voice is heard and respected.
ML: How does what you do impact the students and their journey into the real world?
RB: One of the most exciting results of doing this work for 20 years is that our students enter the professional world with a rich repertoire of skills. They can walk into any new play development process with complete confidence. Whether or not our students go into the theatre professionally, this particular work, and theater training in general, engenders the most valuable life skills: empathy, kindness and a collaborative spirit.
ML: What is the function/purpose of theater, and can you share an example of how a play has had a positive impact on your students and the audience?
RB: In my view, theater is meant to provide a space for audiences to empathize and reflect on what it is to be human. Sometimes it is purely through uncomplicated laughter. Sometimes it is through exposure to a culture or story outside of one’s own experience. And sometimes, it is experiencing a story very close to home that allows the audience to contemplate their own lives. A great play is likely to have all of these elements!
In 2024, we produced James Still’s Everybody’s Favorite Mothers about the founding of PFLAG “the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.” The play was set in the 1970’s and centered around Jeanne and Morty Manford’s story of how they started the organization. I was most struck by the reaction of our students involved in the production and in our audience. They recognized the shoulders they were standing on in 2024, and were moved, thrilled, shocked and inspired to learn about the people who came well before them and their struggles for equality. I had students, faculty and community members come up to me with tears in their eyes and thank me for telling this story on stage. It was a profound experience for everyone involved.
ML: How do you see the next phase of LAUNCH PAD supporting/evolving the new-play development process?
RB: LAUNCH PAD is unique in the American theatre, and it shouldn’t be! Universities are the best incubators for new plays. We have the resources in terms of talented students, dedicated space and the luxury of time. We offer a safe place for dynamic experimentation and risk-taking. My next goal is to encourage other universities to experiment with the concept of “Preview Production” so that ultimately it will become a normal, typical part of how a play is developed in this country. Not the exception, but the rule!
To learn more visit: www.risabrainin.com, and to contact Risa, she can be reached at [email protected] or 805 453-2281
