First of all, if you’re not already familiar with HowlRound, you should check them out. It’s an online center for theater commons designed to promote the health and impact of non-profit theater.

One very cool tool they’ve been working with others to set up is an open-source, interactive map of all new works being produced across the country.

Needless to say, the value and applications of such a tool are deep and diverse.  A feedback gathering about the project recently hosted at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., identified just some of the potential uses, including:

A Scouting/Discovery/Learning Tool : Follow specific projects/artists/orgs by email alerts, and RSS feeds. See an Event Calendar.)

A Demonstrate Your Impact Tool : Play, playwright, organization showing what she/he/it has done. Exporting and sharing play journeys outside of the website—online and printed.

An Artistic Development/Dramaturgy Tool: Artistic process tracking on the Journey, production notebooks, patching in feeds, uploading dramaturgy.

A Matching Need to Opportunity/Resource Tool: Resource filter, mapping resources, I have rehearsal space, residency opportunity and you need what I have. I want to champion this play and am seeking partners. I want to broadcast what show I’m looking for.

You can find the New Play Map here and click here to learn about the project in greater depth. Add your own project, find out what’s happening near you or within your professional circle, and much more.