Scene and Be Seen...

As a writer, or any type of artist for that matter, it is always wonderful to have our work validated.  One of my new short plays is getting validation next week.  My heroes at The Collective Theatre Company in New York City are presenting new work at their May Fundraiser called "Scene and Be Seen," including one of my latest pieces entitled This is Temporary.

If you are in the NYC area, and are looking for a great evening of entertainment, knowing that at the same time you are supporting the arts and this innovative company, here are the details:

WHAT:    

SCENE AND BE SCENE" - THE COLLECTIVE/CROSSHATCH THEATRE COMPANY'S MAY FUNDRAISER
Directed by Stephen Agosto and Emma Canalese

WHEN:

MAY 20TH & 21ST AT 8PM (7pm Cocktail Hour)
$10 AT THE DOOR (INCLUDES A SHOW AND YOUR FIRST DRINK, WHAT A DEAL!!!)

WHERE:
The Neighborhood Playhouse
340 E. 54th Street
NY, NY

It's a great deal at only 10 bucks a pop and is sure to be a fun night!  So go out and support theatre, playwrights, actors and have a lot of fun doing it!  If you get the chance to go, I'd love to hear from you!





Making A Difference: Supporting the Arts

There are amazing artists all over the world who create original, innovative pieces that the majority of us do not get to see.  Instead, most people get their entertainment from reality television or they pay an exorbitant amount of money to see an overproduced Broadway show that may or may not be putting the lives of the performers in danger.

Why is bigger better?  In my book, less is more.  There is so much great theatre in this country that gets ignored because it doesn't have a huge following, a celebrity endorsement or a $65 million dollar budget.  It makes me sad and angry because I know so many worthy artists who deserve to have their work produced.

This being said, I would like to endorse a wonderful theatre company in New York City known as The Collective Theatre Company.  I had the privilege of working with the four founding members of this company and they are artists in every sense of the word.  They have integrity, intelligence, creativity and most importantly, spunk.  I admire what they are doing as they strive to bring thoughtful, innovative and authentic pieces to the forefront of the New York City theatre community.

The Collective Theatre is currently conducting a Kickstarter Program campaign to gain funding for their world premiere production of Einstein & Mileva written by Caitlin Shannon.  It is the story of Albert Einstein, acclaimed physicist, and his first wife, scientist Mileva Maric; the rise of his career, the loss of their daughter, and the effects of ambition on a seemingly infallible relationship. It is a play worthy of public attention; it will not cost $65 million dollars to produce, but they do need help with the funding.

If you are interested in supporting the arts and interested in supporting a wonderful theatre company, please visit their website and donate what you can.  All donations, regardless of the amount, are greatly accepted.

I'm writing this blog in true support of the Collective Theatre Company because I believe in this project and I believe in these people.  I'm spreading the word and hope they will be able to see this project come to fruition.  Help out if you can, and thanks for reading!

A Theatrical November in New York

I am very happy to report that two of my plays will be produced in NYC this month.  It sure feels great to know that my work is getting out there.  Here's hoping that any of you who are reading this blog will be able to attend one or both of these shows. If you can, I would be very grateful!

First up is the Collective Theatre Company's staged reading of my play Triangle Logic. 

This play was originally produced in a fully-mounted version last December at the University of Central Florida and directed by my good friend Earl Weaver.  It was a wondrous experience for me and all those involved; both cast and crew were delightful to work with.  This time, Stephen Agosto will be holding down the directorial fort.  He is a consummate artist and I believe the play is in good hands!

By the way, the reading for Triangle Logic is FREE!  So if you're in NYC on November 19th, please go check it out at the Neighborhood Playhouse on New York's lovely Upper East Side.

And as previously mentioned on this blog, on November 27th for one-night only, The Second Fig Theatre Company will present a "Night of Sexy Shorts" which includes my sassy and sexy play Mind Control.

Lots of activity happening for me in the playwrighting department. November is certainly a month to be thankful! Here's wishing all of you a happy, healthy and bountiful Thanksgiving!