About NOVA
NOVA (Nurturing Original Voices & Artists) is an initiative of Northern Sky Theater dedicated to supporting writers at every stage of their creative journey.
Rooted in Northern Sky’s commitment to developing new work, NOVA creates accessible, artist-centered spaces where writers can explore, experiment, and expand their voices without pressure, cost, or expectation.
All NOVA programming is free and open to writers of all levels, with majority of offerings held virtually to ensure access for artists both within and beyond Door County.
Our Mission –
NOVA exists to nurture storytellers by creating spaces where writers can:
- Begin without fear or financial barrier
- Deepen their craft through process-driven exploration
- Build confidence in their unique voice
- Connect in community with other artists
At its core, NOVA is about making space and supporting writers.
What We Offer –
NOVA programming is designed to meet writers where they are. Offerings include, but are not limited to:
- Writers’ Rooms – Generative sessions focused on prompts, craft, and shared writing
- Writing Circles – Multi-week cohorts centered on consistency and creative accountability
- Reading Circle – A space dedicated to engaging with scripts submitted for development at Northern Sky
Whether you are just beginning or actively developing a project, NOVA is a space to write, share, and grow in community throughout your process.
Our Impact –
Since its inception, NOVA has served over 130 writers through more than 25 program offerings, reflecting both a strong interest in and a deep need for the space it provides.
More than anything, NOVA has become a space where writers:
- Take creative risks
- Gain clarity
- Discover and trust their voice
- Build momentum in their work
- Find community in the process
Our Growth –
Building NOVA has been an intentional, evolving process.
In just a few years, the program has grown from a single offering into a dynamic initiative that continues to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and strengthen connections between Northern Sky and a new generation of storytellers.
As NOVA continues to grow, so does its ability to:
- Reach writers beyond traditional theater spaces
- Foster more inclusive and representative storytelling
- Build a sustainable pipeline of new voices for the future of Northern Sky and beyond
Leadership –
NOVA is led by Program Director Lachrisa Grandberry, whose work centers on building creative spaces where artists feel supported, challenged, and empowered to tell their stories.
To learn more about The NOVA Initiative or participate in upcoming programing, please reach out to lachrisa@northernskytheater.com. NOVA programming is offered throughout the year, with new opportunities announced regularly.
Explore Current Programming & Sign Up
WRITER ROOMS:
Two one-off Sunday sessions. Come for one or come for both.
Playing with New Ideas
Sunday, October 4
6:00 – 8:00 PM CST (via Zoom)
Bring the idea you can’t stop thinking about, the character who won’t leave you alone, or nothing at all. We’ll spend the evening generating, experimenting and following our curiosity before worrying about whether any of it is “good.”
Stakes: They Can Always Be Higher
Sunday, October 25
6:00 – 8:00 PM CST (via Zoom)
What does your character stand to lose, gain, expose, sacrifice, or become? We’ll explore how stronger stakes can deepen our characters, sharpen our stories and make an audience lean in.
WRITING CIRCLES:
Re-Writing the Re-Writes
Mondays, September 28-November 2
9:20 – 11:00 AM CST (via Zoom)
You’ve written the draft. Maybe you’ve even rewritten the draft.
Now what?
This six-week Writing Circle is about learning how to see our work again. How do we identify what isn’t working? What needs to be cut, deepened, moved, or left the hell alone? And how do we know when we’re making our work different versus making it better?
Using David Rush’s Building Your Play and Susan Bell’s The Artful Edit, we’ll explore the practice of revision through the lens of playwrights and musical theatre writers.