LOCALTheatreNY NEWS & UPDATES

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LocalTheatreNY.com to be media partner with John Chatterton and The Midtown International Theatre Festival's 

Second Annual Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival 

John Chatterton and The Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF) are pleased to announce the Second Annual Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival from February 13 through March 4, 2012.

The Festival will take place at Roy Arias Studios' Payan Theatre, 300 W. 43^rd St., 5^th fl. Tickets (at $14 and $17, depending on a play's length; no discounts for seniors or students) are available at www.SmartTix.com (search by play title) or by calling 212/868-4444.

"I have a passion for short plays. With the Short Play Lab throughout the season and the MITF's Short Subjects in the summer, and the Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival in the winter, it's all short play all year 'round!" said John Chatterton.

In addition to a tie-in with the MITF Short Subjects, the Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival also echoes the MITF with some international plays, notably CIRCO POEIRA ("Dust Circus"), a solo play with puppets all the way from Brazil (written and directed by Caio Stolai; produced by Milena Nascimento). ONE OUT OF TEN, a play about immigrants in Greece, (originally created by Laertis Vasiliou; translated and directed by Aktina Stathak). (For a complete list of plays CLICK HERE)

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"The Thing About Dan" to Open at IRT, February 9th, 2012

In celebration of the formation of Slightly Altered States Theater Company IRT premieres the original new play, The Thing About Dan, written by Sari Caine Glickstein, opening February 9th. Starring Louis Kornfeld, a renowned improviser, and Michael Hurst, a New York City-based actor and musician, The Thing About Dan is a warped and wistful play about two men, Paul and Zip, who are running as fast as they can away from themselves.  Paul and Zip are waiting for Dan, the friend who keeps their lives running smoothly. The thing is, he's sleeping with their wives.

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In part one of this Actors on Acting interview with three of the leading ladies of The Heights Players Production of Enchanted April by Michael Barber, now playing at the Heights Players through January 22nd, 2012, the actors introduce and describe their characters.

The play is directed by Susan Montez.

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Freckleface The Musical reviewed by LocalTheatreNY.com with a little help...

"If energy and talent could be harnassed, this is the cast you want to harnass it from. Not one performer in this staged version of the Juliane Moore children's book series, "Freckleface Strawberry" is lacking on any level. They sing catchy tunes that kids will remember and do so with enormous heart and enthusiasm.  You will walk out of the theatre feeling bright and and optimisitic." - Roger Gonzalez, LocalTheatreNY.com

(Click Here to go to our One-Minute Review Page to view and share reviews)

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INTRODUCING THE NEW LocalTheatreNY (LTNY) TV "1-Minute Review"

After a couple of years of no reviews on LocalTheatreNY.com, we have read and listened to our readers and viewers and reinstated critical reviews of local theatre productions in the form of what we call the "1-Minute Review." (Continued below)

(Photo Credits in Video: Carol Rosegg)

The new "1-Minute Review" is a simple concept in development that is being launched with the holiday production of "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at Queens Theatre In The Park and running until December 24th, 2011.

We hope you like our first installment and encourage you to comment or make suggestions. Please enjoy!

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ALEC BALDWIN ANNOUNCES FELLOWSHIP AT THE SINGERS FORUM

Alec Baldwin and Singers Forum are pleased to announce their partnership in the Alec Baldwin Fellowship at the Singers Forum. This unique program will support playwrights in the development and advancement of original theatrical works.

"In this age of digitized movie making, it is our duty to find a way to nurture the next generation of great theatrical storytellers," says Alec Baldwin. "I'm excited to lend my support and guidance to the Fellowship at the Singers Forum as it seeks to stimulate the community through unique voices and groundbreaking ideas." (For FULL STORY, LINK HERE)

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FIRE THIS TIME THEATRE FESTIVAL 2012

HORSE TRADE THEATER GROUP PRESENTS THE 2012 FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL

The African American experience is not represented solely by one voice or one style. For the third year in a row Horse Trade Theater Group will present The Fire This Time Festival, providing a platform for talented early-career playwrights of African and African-American descent to explore new voices, styles, and challenging new directions for 21st century performing arts in order to move beyond common misconceptions of what's possible in "black theater." The festival's core production is a short play festival, presenting new work by featured playwrights. Other festival programming includes panel discussions, staged readings, and concert events. JANUARY 16-25 @ THE KRAINE & THE RED ROOM(FOR FULL STORY, PLEASE LINK HERE)

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THE HUDSON VALLEY WRITERS’ CENTER ANNOUNCES ITS SETTING THE STAGE FOR A NEW PLAY READING SERIES/CONTEST

Judges include TONY Winning Producer, Jane Dubin and Drama Desk Award Winning Director Josh Hecht

The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center is pleased to announce the HVWC Setting the Stage New Play Reading Series for 2011, consisting of three new works presented at the Writers’ Center in Sleepy Hollow (Westchester), NY. Full submission guidelines and deadlines are available online at www.writerscenter.org or http://bit.ly/HVWCPlayReading or by calling the Writers’ Center.  Winners will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and a public reading at the historic Writers’ Center overlooking the Hudson River.(FOR FULL STORY, PLEASE LINK HERE)

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Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Timely Boost from a Musical Written 16 Years Ago; "THE BIG BANK - A MUSICAL FOR THE MOVEMENT"

December 2, 2011 - THE BIG BANK, by Daniel and Jacob Seligmann is aiming to become a musical for The Occupy Wall Street Movement.  

This Saturday it will be the only musical with a performance slot during the first "Occupy Broadway," protest which has been organized by the Arts and Culture Working Group of Occupy Wall Street. The event has been publicized as a form of "Creative Resistance." The sampling of songs will be performed at 3pm at the public plaza where Occupy Broadway will gather which, as of yet, is undisclosed.

Written 16 years ago, well before the financial crisis in America, The Seligmann Brothers wrote this amazingly timely musical about a bank that revels in the joys of foreclose with the tag line “Life is a Loan."  Soon after "Backstage" called THE BIG BANK, “A big, sassy, satirical musical comedy that’s more relevant than ever,” Occupy Wall Street took over Zuccotti Park. Having just ended its run in The NYMF, Jacob Seligmann, the composer, headed down to  Zuccotti Park with his accordion, for days at a time, and spread the joy and humor that THE BIG BANK has to offer and the response was overwhelming.

“Finally seeing The Big Bank on stage was amazing, but to perform a bit of the show at Zuccotti Park in front of the protesters, to make people laugh and feel a little joy was thrilling. When the financial crisis began in 2008, my brother and I knew that The Big Bank would be a great show for people to experience for some comic relief. This whole movement is about forging a new communal attitude in America and I can't think of a better way to get people together and feeling connected than in a theater filled with music and positive messages.  The Big Bank is a musical for the people and that's why we're going to the people to support the show and get it up and running again," said Seligmann

The Big Bank is the story of a bank in Brooklyn that revels in the joys of foreclosure and repossessing people's homes and dreams.

       "It's been an amazing journey for us, having written the musical 16 years ago. Me and Dan have lived our lives, built careers, I got married and had two kids. And now, the rebirth of The Big Bank in this amazing time in our country's history is a very moving experience. To have this happy loving message to offer in this very difficult time is a great honor for me and now there's a whole Big Bank Family dedicated to sharing it with as many people as we can.  We've changed the show a bit and included the Occupy Movement in it now. What's especially wonderful about the show is that this precocious eleven-year-old girl saves the day. My girls who are four and seven-years-old, love sitting through this show and are asking when they can see it again. The Big Bank is meaningful entertainment for the whole family. That's a good thing, especially now."

OCCUPY BROADWAY info is as follows:

EVENT:  Occupy Broadway (theatre/shopping district) with a 24-hour performance. WHEN:  From December 2nd starting at 6pm until December 3rd at 6pm.The Big Bank scheduled to perform at 3pm on Saturday. WHERE: Times Square by the red stairs, between 46th and 47th streets, along 7th Ave, NY, NY Location released at 6pm: occupybroadway.net @OccupyWallStNYC #OccupyBroadway

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PUBLIC THEATER'S AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS EXTENDED through 2012

December 1, 2011 – Due to extraordinary demand, The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Patrick Willingham) announced today that Mike Daisey’s critically acclaimed THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS will return in January for an additional five week run in the Martinson Theater. Created and performed by Mike Daisey and directed by Jean-Michele Gregory, THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS began previews at The Public on October 11, officially opened on October 17, and was originally scheduled to close on November 13. It was extended an additional three weeks to December 4. The return engagement will run January 31 to March 4, 2012. For more information: www.publictheater.org.

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LIFEBEAT - MUSIC FIGHTS AIDS Announces Massive Celebrity Auction

December 1, 2011 (World AIDS Day) -- Bidding began at noon EST on eBay for BID 2 BEAT AIDS, a massive annual auction of rare and autographed items from stars in music, film, Broadway, sports, and television. Proceeds benefit Lifebeat - Music Fights HIV to support its ongoing AIDS/HIV programs nationwide. Lifebeat has amassed nearly 500 items for BID 2 BEAT AIDS 2011 including Celebrity Experiences with Bernadette Peters (Follies tickets and a meet-and greet), Joan Rivers, Devo, Michael Feinstein, David Hyde Pierce, Nick Adams (Priscilla tickets and a meet-and-greet), Lisa Lampanelli, and Jerry Springer; signed Playbills from Book of Mormon, Sister Act, Bye Bye Birdie, Angels in America, God Of Carnage, The Scottsboro Boys, and Good People; CDs signed by Sutton Foster, Vanessa Williams, Lea Delaria, Sherie Rene Scott, and Patti LuPone, photos autographed by Liza Minnelli, Debbie Harry, Carol Channing, Sharon Gless, Chris Noth, Laura Linney, and Chita Rivera; and other memorabilia signed by the cast of Glee, the cast of Shrek, Madonna, Ricky Martin, Vanessa Williams, Hugh Jackman, and many others. New items are still coming in and being posted as well.

The centerpiece of the auction is a one-of-a-kind celebrity autographed "Lend-A-Hand to Lifebeat" card series. Over 150 stars -- including Brooke Shields, James Earl Jones, John Leguizamo, Kara DioGuardi, Jerry Springer, Annie Potts, Jake Shears, Beth Leavel, Harvey Fierstein, Elaine Paige, Bobby Cannavale, Richard Thomas, Mink Stole, Kristen Chenoweth, Jerry O'Connell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jonathan Groff, John Cameron Mitchell, and Alan Cumming -- have traced their hands on special paper, adding an artistic touch and signature.

Lifebeat - Music Fights HIV, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to reaching America's youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. Lifebeat mobilizes the talents and resources of the music industry to raise awareness and to provide support to the AIDS community. In 2007, Lifebeat observed fifteen years in the fight against AIDS. For more information visit: www.lifebeat.org

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LITTLE HOUSE ON THE FERRY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FIRE ISLAND FIRE.

In the aftermath of the devastating Fire Island Pines fire, Little House on the Ferry the Off Broadway musical, set in Fire Island Pines, is offering special ticket prices that will help make a donation to Pines Fire Department. Part of ticket proceeds will be for the benefit of the Pines Fire Department to help in the rebuilding process, the producers announced this week.

Little House on the Ferry is, at its club beating heart, a love story. It follows a group of friends in a share-house one early summer weekend. At the center of the story is Randall who is looking to take his relationship with his older boyfriend Timothy to the next level. Joining them at the house is Donnie, the doting and wise House Mom, the ever-popular Max the muscle boy (played by Colton Ford), and their wide-eyed house guest Antonio. When Randall’s old flame, Jake, turns up, hilarity and drama ensues. In the world of passionate affairs, meat racks, pain and vanity, what does it mean to be in love? Between Tea and sunrise, we might just find out with our Little House on the Ferry.

The musical runs through November 20^th, 2011.

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On November 11, the first annual ALL FOR ONE THEATER FESTIVAL will launch a ten-day event that will focus the national theatre community’s attention on the SOLO GENRE, a self-supporting, self-contained creative category of entertainment that is rapidly emerging into the lucrative glare of Bi-Coastal industry interest.
 
The ALL FOR ONE THEATER FESTIVAL will run every day, all day and into the evening, from Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 20 at THEATRE 80 ST. MARKS (80 St. Marks Place – just West of First Avenue – between 7th & 9th Streets – take the N or R to 8th Street/NYU stop; #6 to Astor Place Stop; L to 1st Avenue stop). 

For a full schedule of performances, please link HERE

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The First Annual Times Square International Theatre Festival (TSITF)

is officially accepting submissions for January 2012! TSITF will kick off the New Year with stimulating National and International theatrical performances in the most exciting city in the World; New York City! The Festival will foster reciprocal collaboration of art by encouraging its participants to join forces and learn from each other. Applications will be accepted through November 17th, 2011.
www.timessquareinternationaltheatrefestival.com 

On that page you will also find links to the rules & regulations and a link to download the application which you may print, fill out and send to us.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact us at: TSITF@royariasstudios.com

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John Chatterton presents In association with The Thirteenth Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival

The Second Annual Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival Script Submissions

John Chatterton and the Thirteenth Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival are pleased to request script submissions for the Second Annual Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival, which will be held at Roy Arias Studios from February 14 - March 4, 2012. (Click HERE for the FULL STORY)

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STEVE JOBS DIES

His contributions to the arts no small thing, Jobs is remembered widely across all fields.  LocalTheatreNY.com laments the loss of this great innovator and would like to share this video of his commencement speech at Stanford in 2005.  It's a revealing speech and a look at the man behind the genius.

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The first Annual Times Square International Theatre Festival (TSITF) in the heart of New York’s famed Times Square Theater District, is now accepting submissions for all genres of international theatre performances to be showcased in mid January in six Times Square Theaters located at the Roy Arias Studios and Theaters (http://royariasstudios.com) in the Times Square Arts Building. The festival will accept and consider submissions in two phases: the first deadline is October 17^th and a $20 application fee must accompany each submission.  The second deadline is November 17.

(Click HERE for the rest of this story)

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Back Stage will partner with NBC, Telemundo, mun2, and Grant Wilfley Casting to produce an open audition on October 23rd, 2011 during Actorfest—a one-day event for performers held at NY Metropolitan Pavilion. Basic admission is FREE.  (Click HERE for full story)

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True West By Sam Shepard opened for a limited engagement on Wednesday, September 21, closing on October 2, 2011 at the Michael Chekov Theatre (45th Street Theatre) 354 West 45th Street, 2nd floor. This production directed by Bill Barry is a LocalTheatreNY.com Pick of the week! The hours are Wednesday to Friday, 8pm nightly, Saturdays 9pm & Sundays 3pm. For ticket information visit our listings page or go directly to: http://jumboproductions.eventbrite.com/

One more chance to catch the FringeNYC Encore presenation of Scott Decker's play, Felony Friday, on September 26th.  Visit our listings page or link HERE for tickets! This play is a LocalTheatreNY.com Pick of The Week! 

Starting next week, LocalTheatreNY.com will be offering more pages dedicated to theatre arts training.  One of those pages will feature a regualr training blog dedicated to voice and singing.  Here is a preview of one the videos to be featured on the page.  In the video we explore how to get started with singing lessons.

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At the MITF (Midtown International Theatre Festival 2011) theatre awards on Friday night, nominees are interviewed about the experience as founder and executive producer John Chatterton talks about the festival with LocalTheatreNY.com

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AMUSE BOUCHE: A NY Clown Theatre Festival Hors d'Oveuvre

Opens in Williamsburg, Brooklyn's The Brick Theater from September 7 - 25th. In this video, LocalTheatreNY.com offers a glimpse at some of the top acts and interviews co-producer, Audrey Crabtree.

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In a NEW BLOG called "Working Actor," Peter James examines life and theatre while WAITING FOR IRENE. (Link HERE)

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The Heights Players open their new season this week with a gritty and shocking production of Bram Stoker's Dracula, written by Steven Dietz and directed by Robert G. Waring.  The show opens Friday, September 9th and LocalTheatreNY.com received an exclusive peek from Heights director, Robert G. Waring.

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TOP STORIES (& Festival Updates Galore)

If you missed any productions due to Hurricane Irene, some have been rescheduled:

Rockaway Theatre Company has rescheduled CROSSING DELANCEY (written by Susan Sandler and directed by Michael Wotypka).  The play stars Kim Simek, Selma Kleinman, Janet Miserandino, Susan Hartenstein, Cat McEntee, Brad Crownover and Stephen Ryan. The new dates are as follows: Thursday- Sept. 8 at 8PM, Friday- Sept. 9 at 8PM, Saturday- Sept. 10 at 8PM *Saturday- Sept. 10 at 2PM. (* The theatre is dark on Sunday, Sept 11th and there will be no matinee).

The FringeNYC show, THE WOMEN OF TU-NA HOUSE, has been rescheduled to play on Saturday, Sept.10th @ 3:30pm at Manhattan Theatre Source, 177 MacDougal St., near 8th St. to make up for the Saturday, August 27th show which was cancelled due to the hurricane. Tickets: $15 advance and $18 at the door.Advance tickets available online with no service charge at www.theatresource.org

 

A brand new theatre festival was announced this past week: The Times Square International Theatre Festival (TSIF). The TSITF is sponsored by Roy Arias Studios & Theatres and will run January 16th - January 22nd at The Times Square Arts Center in Times Square. The TSIF is currently looking for submissions with a deadline of November 17th.  For information, application guidelines and more, click HERE.

Midtown International Theatre Festival 2011, presented by John Chatterton, announced their awards ceremony to take place on Friday, September 9th at New World Stages.  To read more about the awards dinner and see the full list of 2011 Nominees, Click HERE.

New Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) tickets go on sale effective today, Sept 1st.  The festival, now in its eighth year, is the largest annual musical theatre event in America and is widely regarded as the essential source for new material and talent discovery. The NYMF runs from September 26th to October 16th.  For more information click HERE.

At The FringeNYC 2011, some shows that were cancelled on the last two days of the theatre festival were given a second chance by way of the FringeNYC Make-Up Series. Shows will be presented September 1 - 4 at The Laurie Beechman Theater, the venue that recently hosted the FringeBenefits Series.

Additionally, there is another chance to catch missed Fringe shows later in September whan FringeNYC presents its annual FringeNYC Encore Series, Now in its sixth year. This series gives theatre lovers another chance at seeing some of the Festival's favorite shows.

Beginning September 9th, the FringeNYC Encore Series will present nearly 20 works in rotating repertory at two downtown venues: SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street between 6th Avenue & Varick) and The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal, between Houston & West 3rd Street).  For morre information about this lineup, ticket availability and general information, click HERE.

After a critically praised run at this year's New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) - with national pickup in geek blogs such as Laughing Squid, Neatorama, Topless Robot and Gamma Squad - Theater of the Arcade: Five Classic Video Games Adapted for the Stage had its final performance canceled by the city's response to the onset of Hurricane Irene. However, in collaboration with Brooklyn's Brick Theater - where the show originated in 2010 - producing companies Piper McKenzie and The Fifth Wall are bringing the show back for one more performance on Saturday, September 3 at 8pm at the Brick Theatre. For details, Click HERE.

Also making one last round is Roy Arias' one-man show, Sex On The Beach, which was scheduled to close during Irene's visit on Saturday.  Sex On The Beach will close its run with one final perfoirmace this Friday, September 2, at 8PM at the Off Broadway Theatre in Times Square.  Special ticket price of $15 for this last performance are still available. Click HERE for more information.

As we receive more information on rescheduled shows, updates and more, we will post them.

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Hurricane Irene Shuts Down Most Theatre in the NYC Area; Monday Shows to Resume as Scheduled...for Now.

 

Sunday, August 28th - As Hurricane Irene barreled towards the New York area this past Friday, and Mayor Bloomberg announced the closing of all MTA services for the first time ever, Broadway, including all festivals and other stage productions throughout the city went dark Saturday and Sunday. The FringeNYC 2011 theatre festival which was scheduled to end its run today, Sunday August 28^th, instead was forced to cancel all final weekend performances of the festival, refunding hundreds of ticket holders in the process.

Elena K. Holy, Producing Artistic Director of FringeNYC, in an email, announced that the festival would instead announce its winners online.  For a complete list of the winners, click HERE.

An opportunity for those who missed some FringeNYC productions was announced almost immediately following the closure news in the form of The FringeNYC Encore Series as it gives theatre lovers another chance at seeing some of the Festival's favorite shows.

Beginning September 9th, the FringeNYC Encore Series will present nearly 20 works in rotating repertory at two downtown venues The 6th Annual FringeNYC Encore Series also announced dates & venues September 9 - 26 at The Players Theatre & SoHo Playhouse

Click HERE for more information.

The FringeNYC Encores Series is an annual showcase some of the critically acclaimed and most crowd-pleasing shows from the New York International Fringe Festival.  The 2011 series will include PigPen Presents the Mountain Song, The Legend of Julie Taymor, Fourteen Flights, The More Loving One, Facebook Me, Araby, Paper Cut, You Only Shoot the Ones You Love, Parker & Dizzy's Fabulous Journey to the End Of the Rainbow, Pearl's Gone Blue, Felony Friday, COBU, and several more shows yet to be determined (including the TheaterMania Audience Favorite Award Winner).

A complete schedule of performances and showtimes will be announced Sunday, August 28.

As for Monday's scheduled Broadway shows, the only information currently available was posted on the Broadway League's Facebook.  It simply stated, "As of now, Broadway performances will play on Monday as scheduled, unless government authorities request otherwise. Go to BroadwayLeague.com for updates."

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FringeNYC will soon wrap up.  Have you seen all the plays you want to see? 

 

In this interview with TV, Screen and Stage star, John Amos, and playwright Scott Decker of the FringeNYC hit Felony Friday, Amos talks about working with the show's talented ensemble cast.

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Theater Resources Unlimited announces 2011/2012 Program Directors for

TRU's Producer Development and Mentorship Program: Meredith Lucio and Christopher Massimine

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) announces that theater producers Meredith Lucio (The 39 Steps, Rooms: a rock romance) and Christopher Massimine (Shall We Dance, Civil War Voices, Operations Director at Origin Theatre) have been named as the 2011/2012 Program Directors for TRU'S re-envisioned Producer Development and Mentorship Program (PDMP), following the successful tenure of outgoing directors Jane Dubin (The Norman Conquests, 39 Steps, unFramed) and Tom Smedes (Next Fall, Title of Show, Naked Boys Singing).

 

As part of TRU's ongoing efforts to address the needs of the community in innovative ways, this year's PDMP has been restructured to include two separate but interacting divisions: Career Producers Group (CPG) and Self-Producing Artists (SPA), each with a curriculum geared to the specific needs of each. Mari Carras, creator and producer of the musical Opa! will serve as SPA Associate Director.

"The new SPA division primarily focuses on the goals of artists who produce themselves either as a method of getting their work noticed or as a means of building their own successful business. It's the only program of its kind," said Lucio. "Self Producing Artists are a key group in TRU's membership. Our goal in creating a dedicated SPA program is to focus on legal issues, budgeting, marketing and other theater business necessities from the perspective of a producer who must also maintain the artistic integrity of her work."

PDMP offers members, through a series of panels and one-on-one mentorships and consultations, dedicated opportunities to connect with theater professionals whose veteran knowledge and experience are aimed to help advance the understanding of producing theater. Previous panelists have included Broadway producers Cheryl Wiesenfeld, Harriet Leve, Jennifer Manocherian, Ken Waissman, Michael Alden, the late Randall L. Wreghitt and Ken Davenport; general managers Peter Bogyo and Carl White; and entertainment attorneys Donald Farber, Jean Ward and Ben Feldman.

"On the road to production it's not always easy moving from stage A to stage B," said Massimine, "especially if you don't have access to someone who may have already been down that road. Therein lies the importance of mentorships and consultations. CPG members will be given the opportunity to be mentored by some of the most-successful and innovative producers in the business. Likewise SPA members will have the opportunity to engage in consultations with top industry professionals who can advise them."

PDMP runs from September through July with new membership evaluated for selection on a rolling basis. Membership consists of producers at all levels - from newcomers to participants on current Broadway shows, which provides member opportunities for networking as well as education. For more about program requirements, or to apply, email Program Administrator Gary Hughes at trumentor@gmail.com.

 

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FringeNYC takes over NYC's Theatre Scene

 

The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC), the largest multi-arts festival in North America, opened its 15th Annual Festival on August 12 and will run until August 28, 2011.

This year, the festival will present programming by 192 of the world's best emerging theatre troupes and dance companies in 20 venues in Lower Manhattan. Attendance at last year’s festival topped 75,000 people, making it New York’s fifth largest cultural event (just behind New York International Auto Show, Tribeca Film Festival, New York City Marathon, and New York Comic Con). The festival presents works covering a wide range of disciplines including drama, comedy, dance, performance art, children's theater (FringeJr), outdoor theater (FringeAlFrecso), spoken word, puppetry, improv, and multimedia.

Thus far, advance sales are on par with last year. “At only $15 per ticket, FringeNYC is one of Manhattan’s few remaining bargains,” notes festival Producing Artistic Director Elena K. Holy.

Yeast Nation (a new musical by the Tony Award-winning team behind the FringeNYC-to-Broadway hit Urinetown) earlier in August, became the first show to sell out a performance. This is the earliest
a show has sold out in the 15-year history of the festival. In 2005, Silence! The Musical (which was co-produced by much of the same team behind Yeast Nation) became the first show in FringeNYC history to sell out before the opening day of the festival.

For more information, you can visit the website, FringeNYC.org or better, visit Fringe Central (45 Bleecker Street @ Lafayette) in Manhattan.

Check out our FringeNYC Page on LocalTheatreNY.com

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On Monday, August 1, 2011, The New York Innovative Theatre Foundation, the organization dedicated to celebrating Off-Off-Broadway, announced the 2011 nominees at its annual sold-out event at the Carmine Street Recreation Center.

Over the past seven years, the IT Awards has honored over 1,500 individual artists, over 400 productions, and 300 theatre companies; having collected over 23,000 ballots and disseminated more than 5,000 judges. The 2011 Nominees include 166 individual artists, 55 different productions and 45 OffOff-Broadway theatre companies.

"It is an honor to be recognized by the IT Awards, especially when you consider how many shows there are produced Off-Off-Broadway each year - I feel like I've already won,"”says nominee and producer Heather E. Cunningham

"I couldn't ask for a better show to have been a part of for my first production in New York,"”says Jake Mendez, a nominee for Outstanding Ensemble for Gallery Players production of The Drowsy Chaperone.

Double Nominee Jill Bianchini was a part of T. Schreiber Studio's production of OOB pioneer Lanford Wilson's Balm in Gilead said, "Being part of this amazing production and incredible ensemble, while having Lanford Wilson call my portrayal of Ann astonishing has been the thrill of my theatre experience."”

Astoria Performing Arts Center's production of The Human Comedy is nominated for Outstanding Production of a Musical, "APAC is thrilled to be included in this exciting event once again," says Artistic Director Tom Wojtunik.

For a full List of the Nominees, click HERE.

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Winners Announced for the  36th Annual Samuel French, Inc. Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival

This week, the 36th Annua Sameul French Short Play festival announced its winner!

Six plays were chosen by Samuel French, Inc. as the winning scripts from the 36th Annual Samuel French, Inc. Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival, which concluded Sunday, July 24th in The Lion Theatre at Theatre Row.

For a full list of the winners, please link HERE.

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First 7 Finalists Announced in 36th Annual SAMUEL FRENCH INC. OFF OFF BROADWAY SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL

Friday, July 22nd, 2011 - At the half-way mark of their 36th annual SAMUEL FRENCH INC. OFF OFF BROADWAY SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL, Samuel French, Inc. announces the first seven plays that have moved on to the Finals to be held on Sunday, July 24th in four sessions beginning at 1:00 pm in the Lion Theatre at Theatre Row: Create Me A Pegasus by Amy E. Witting, Hanksylvania by Travis Helwig, Mountain Song by Josh Beerman, Pluck & Tenacity by Daniella Shoshan, Chun Li by Camilla Maxwell, The Painter by Stacy Osei-Kuffour and Bubble & Squeak by Evan Twohy.

With first round performances remaining on Friday and Saturday, additional plays will be advanced to the Finals where the Samuel French Editorial staff will select six for publication and representation.

Attending the finals and making the announcement of the winning six plays of the 2011 Festival will be four of the winners from the 2010 Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival: Gabriel Dean, Josh Koenigsberg, Denis A. Allen III and Mary Lynn Dobson.

As of Friday morning, the schedule for the Finals on Sunday, July 24th is as follows (please note the order within the sessions is subject to change as more plays move on to the finals):
1:00 Create Me Pegasus, Hanksylvania TBA
2:30 Mountain Song, Pluck & Tenacity, TBA
4:00 Chun Li, TBA, TBA
5:30 The Painter, Bubble & Squeak, TBA

For the full schedule of remainging performances, please click HERE.

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MIDTOWN INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FEST 2011 is Now Playing!

The 12th Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival is now in full swing and running through July 31st, 2011.

Don't miss RIP! A Musical Odyssey and use LocalTheatreNY special code PIR for your discounted tickets! All are invited to the opening night presentation, July 22nd at 8:30, with after party sponsored by Samuel Adams. Get Rip! Tickets by clicking HERE.

Another featured production of The MITF2011 is THE ROYAL WEIGHT WATCHER - SARAH FERGUSON: A DUCHESS HUNGRY FOR LOVE, A New Play by Franziska Huber.  Just three performances are left, Friday, July 22nd @ 8pm, Saturday, July 23rd @ 5.30pm, Monday, July 25th @ 8pm (Runtime: 60 minutes, no intermission).  The shows play at the Jewel Box Theatre 312 W. 36 Street, 4th floor, NYC 10018.

Catch the video promo below!

Last but not least, there are four performances for SISTAS: The Musical is the story of African-American women told through popular music, from "God Bless the Child" to Destiny's Child.

The dates are July21 (Thursday) 8:30 pm, July 23 (Saturday) 1:45 pm, July 29 (Friday) 8:30 pm, July 31(Sunday)  3 pm. The Musical is playing at Abingdon Theatre Complex.  For Tickets Link HERE.

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Queens Theatre in the Park Announces CHASE 2011 Latino Cultural Festival

Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) this week announced the Chase 2011 Latino Cultural Festival, which will take place from July 20 - 24 at Queens Theatre in the Park.  This is the 15th year of the festival, which will feature 8 events including music, dance, comedy, spoken word, film, and family-friendly performances.  Highlights include  Afro-Cuban dance and music with OYU ORO; Colombian music with Folklore Urbano; multiple Grammy nominated drummer, percussionist, arranger, composer, and bandleader Bobby Sanabria; and Cuban pop diva Albita, performing songs from her new CD, Toda una Vida.  The Chase 2011 Latino Cultural Festival is sponsored by Chase and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, visit out Multicultural Theatre Listings page or contact QTP online at Online at www.queenstheatre.org

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CIVILIZATION!

A new play by the Altruistic Theatre Company is now playing through June 26th at The Roy Arias Studios & Theatres in Time Square. 

 

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ACTOR/PLAYWRIGHT Roy Arias talks to LocalTheatreNY.com about his Off Broadway play, SEX ON THE BEACH

In an exclusive interview, the playwright discuss what its like to act out his own words, not only in Spanish, but also in this new English version.

Roy Arias Sex On The Beach Interview from Roger Gonzalez on Vimeo.

 

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The Public Theater Announces Complete Casting For 2011 Shakespeare in the Park Repertory Company of

Measure for Measure & All’s Well That Ends Well

Performances Begin Monday, June 6 and
Run For Eight Continuous Weeks Thru Saturday, July 30
 
FREE TICKETS DISTRIBUTED DAY OF SHOW
 
May 24, 2011 – The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Interim Executive Director Joey Parnes) announced complete casting today for the 2011 Shakespeare in the Park summer season featuring MEASURE FOR MEASURE, directed by David Esbjornson, and ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, directed by Daniel Sullivan, running in repertory June 6 - July 30 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. MEASURE FOR MEASURE begins performances on Monday, June 6 and officially opens on Thursday, June 30.  ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL begins performances on Saturday, June 11 and officially opens on Saturday, June 25.  Tickets to both shows running in repertory are free and distributed the day of the performance. All performances are at 8:00 p.m. For ticket information and performance schedule, visit http://www.shakespeareinthepark.org/.
 
 
TICKET INFORMATION
 
Tickets to Shakespeare in the Park are FREE and are distributed, two per person, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park at 1:00 p.m. the day of the show. This summer, The Public Theater will again offer free tickets through our Virtual Ticketing, available at http://www.shakespeareinthepark.org/.
 
Virtual Ticketing will be the same as in past years where, on the day of a show, users can log on to http://www.shakespeareinthepark.org/ anytime between midnight and 1:00 p.m. to register for that evening’s performance.   After 1:00 p.m. that same day, users can log on to see if they have received tickets through Virtual Ticketing; recipients will also be sent a confirmation email by 5:00 p.m. if they have received tickets for that evening’s performance.  Virtual Ticketing recipients are chosen at random to receive tickets, not in the order requests are received.
 
Participants with a Virtual Ticketing confirmation can claim their tickets at the Delacorte Theater Box Office between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. that evening. Any tickets not picked up by 7:00 p.m. will be released to the standby line. A valid photo ID is required for all Virtual Ticketing pick-ups at the box office. 
Senior Virtual Ticketing will also return this year; it functions the same way as the regular virtual ticketing but registrants must be 65 or older to be eligible and must present valid photo ID with proof of age. 
Borough Distribution: In addition to the ticket line at the Delacorte Theater and Virtual Ticketing online, a limited number of vouchers for specific performances will be distributed, while supplies last, at locations throughout New York’s five boroughs. Each person in line is allowed two vouchers and each voucher is good for one ticket for that evening’s performance. Vouchers must be exchanged for tickets at the Delacorte Theater Box Office that day from 4:00-7:30 p.m.        
  
For MEASURE FOR MEASURE, ticket vouchers will be distributed, while supplies last, on Tuesday, June 7 in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (145 Brooklyn Avenue); Monday, June 13 in Queens at New York Hall of Science (47-01 111th Street); Wednesday, June 15 in The Bronx at Lehman Stages at Lehman College (250 Bedford Park Boulevard West); Saturday, June 18 in Staten Island at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center (100 Richmond Terrace); and Monday, June 27 in Manhattan at Harlem Stage at The Gatehouse (150 Convent Avenue at West 135th Street).
 
For ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL ticket vouchers will be distributed, while supplies last, on Saturday, June 11 in The Bronx at The Point (940 Garrison Avenue); Thursday, June 16 in Queens at The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (16104 Jamaica Avenue); Fiday, June 17 in Brooklyn at 651 Arts Center (651 Fulton Street); Thursday, June 23 in Manhattan at El Museo del Barrio (1230 5th Avenue); and Tuesday, July 5 in Staten Island at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center (100 Richmond Terrace).
 
In the tradition of Joe Papp, reserved seats for MEASURE FOR MEASURE and ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL are available through the Summer Supporter Program.  A fully tax-deductible contribution of $175 entitles each Supporter to one reserved seat for either production. A limited number of Summer Supporter seats are available to ensure that as many free seats as possible will be available to distribute to the general public on the day of the show.  Supporter contributions help to underwrite free Shakespeare in the Park. 
Summer Supporter donations can be made at The Public Theater Box Office at 425 Lafayette Street, by phone at (212) 967-7555, or online at http://www.publictheater.org/. Seating locations for Summer Supporters and Public Theater Partners will be allocated strictly by giving level.
 
For additional information about Shakespeare in the Park, please visit http://www.shakespeareinthepark.org/ or call 212-539-8750. The Delacorte Theater in Central Park is accessible by entering at 81 Street and Central Park West or at 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.

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QUEENS THEATRE IN THE PARK 2011 ANNUAL GALA - MAY 24th.

Queens Theatre in the Park announced that it will be holding its annual Gala 2011 on Tuesday evening, May 24th honoring Farrell Fritz, with special honoree, Jeffrey Rosenstock who is being honored for his 21 years of service to the theatre.  The evening's featured talent will be Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show, featuring the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and more. 

The Sandy Hackett Ratpack ShowQueens Theatre in the Park’s most prestigious annual event is its Annual Gala.  The event is an opportunity for the Theatre to recognize key individuals and organizations whose contributions strengthen and improve the greater community. 

The 2011 Annual Gala will take place on May 24, 2011 at Queens Theatre in the Park.  Their goal is to raise funds through sponsorships, ticket sales, journal ads and a silent auction for the theatre.  The Gala includes a cocktail party performance and post show dessert at the Theatre.

Ticket, sponsorship and other information can be found on their website (QueensTheatre.org) or by contacting Vanessa Bamber at vbamber@queenstheatre.org

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How to Cultivate Donors and Funds for Your Theatre Group

Theater Resources Unlimited in association with The Players Theatre and Back Stage Present the Industry Panel The Not-for-Profit Survival Kit: Cultivating Donors, Non-Traditional Funding, Diversified Revenue Streams.  The date is Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 7:30pm at The Players Theatre, 3rd Floor Loft Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (below W. 3rd Street), NYC.

Theatre Resources UnlimitedThe panel will include Shira Beckerman (Managing Director, Pearl Theatre Company); Tania Camargo (Executive Director, Soho Rep); Ryan Hallett (Development Database Coordinator, The Public Theatre, former Development Associate at Roundabout Theatre); Adam Turner (Manager of Individual Giving at Playwrights Horizons); and Jonathan Waller (Director of External Affairs, Vineyard Theatre).

Doors open at 7:00pm for networking and refreshments, panel starts promptly at 7:30pm. FREE for TRU members; $12 for non-members.  Please call at least a day in advance (or much sooner) for reservations: 212-714-7628; or e-mail Christopher Massimine, Programming Director, at ChrisM@truonline.org.

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"THE LITTLE CHAOS" to Open April 21st at The BRICK

April 8th, 2011 - Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

THE LITTLE CHAOS, based on the 1969 Rainer Werner Fassbinder film Love is Colder than Death opens April 21st at The Brick.  The Little Chaos is the story of "poor souls who didn't know what to do with themselves, who were simply set down, as they are, and who weren't given a chance" (as Fassbinder himself put it.)

Franz, Bruno and Johanna protect themselves against possible threats, growing syndicates and the police by forming a group of their own. Together they will fight boredom and conformance, and everything and everyone that comes in between...

Inspired by spaghetti westerns and Hollywood gangster films (in the vein of Raoul Walsh), the show depicts a Munich of chain-smokers, fat prostitutes and troubled youths and is directed by Stiven Luka. See the Promo below:

THE LITTLE CHAOS version #3 from Ven Luka on Vimeo.

 

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Hamlet to OPEN in Brooklyn Heights.

March 3rd, 2011 - Brooklyn Heights, NY

Directed by Robert J. Weinstein, Hamlet opens Friday, March 4th at the Heights Players in Brooklyn, at the same time allowing us an inside look at the making of this production with a webisode series to be featured exclusively on LocalTheatreNY.com, also produced and directed by Weinstein.

View Parts 1 - 3 by clicking HERE or stay up to date with part 3 below.  

For ticket information visit HeightsPlayers.org

PART 3 - Inner World of a Lonely Girl / Ophelia

 

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What's an Opening Night Feel Like? LocalTheatreNY.com stopped by BroadHollow Theatre and asked the Director Exactly that Question!

January, 2011 - Long Island

Click on the video link below to visit the BroadHollow Theatre Company on the ocassion of their opening night as we talk to Actor Frank Freeman and Director/Actor, Tommy Wallace about their opening night thoughts just minutes after their first performance of Noel Coward's BLITHE SPIRIT.

Blithe Spirit Opening Night at BroadHollow from Roger Gonzalez on Vimeo.

 

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It's Tech Week for "Women Behind Bars" at the Heights Players and LocalTheatreNY.com takes you backstage with its first ever Webisode Series, "The Making of Women Behind Bars."

January, 2011 -  

Catch Women Behind Bars by Tom Eyen and directed by Ted Thompson starting this Friday, Jauary 9th and running through the whole month of January in Brooklyn Heights. Then, go to LocalTheatreNY.com and go backstage as we follow the cast and crew during the production of this play.  In this first webisode, actress Jami Lea Cook ("Louise") talks about getting cast and character development.

The Making of Women Behind Bars from Roger Gonzalez on Vimeo.

 

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New Heights Director Talks to LocalTheatreNY.com about Her Directorial Debut at Heights.

December, 2010 -  

With just 48 hours to go until "Its a Wonderful Life" opens, LocalTheatreNY.com interviewed newbie director Kristen Keim, as she reflects on the challenges of directing her first full length play for the Heights Players of Brooklyn Heights. In this new Mini Interview with LocalTheatreNY.com, she discusses expectations, challenges and lessons learned. " It's a Wonderful Life" is playing December 3-19 at Brooklyn Heights.

Kristen Keim talks about her directorial debut from Roger Gonzalez on Vimeo.

CHECK OUT THE OTHER VIDEOS ON OUR SITE:

Ted Thompson on Auditioning

Steven Michael Walters Talks Playwriting

30 Years of The Parkside Players

Outrageous Fortune Company Looking for New Space

Odd Couple Interview (Rockaway)

The Schlep Sisters Talk about Burlesque

 

Or VISIT our YouTube LocalTheatreNY Channel and see all our videos!