TRU opp to pitch your work to producers! Deadline: 2/16 (NYC)

TRU Writer-Producer Speed Date (The Art of the Pitch)

No, it's not really a "date." It's a quick way to meet over a dozen producers - from beginner to Broadway level - and practice your pitching skills. (No, we're not talkin' baseball.)

Sunday evening March 1st at 5:30 and 6:30pm

The Players Theatre

115 Macdougal Street (below West 3rd)

You meet a producer at a party, and have two minutes to interest him in your work. Do you have the skill to sell yourself? Here's a chance to practice your pitching with real producers who are open to and looking for new work:

Paul Adams, of Emerging Artists Theatre

Jane Dubin, commercial producer

Anthony Francavilla, showcase, Fringe and festival producer

Roger Alan Gindi, Broadway/off-Broadway producer and general manager

Jeremy Handelman, Fringe and showcase producer

Bruce Lazarus, entertanment attorney, Broadway/off-Broadway producer

Michael LeLand, not-for-profit producer/director

Michael Nassar, dramaturg, producer, general manager

Michael Sgouros, owner Players Theatre

Randall Wreghitt, Broadway/off-Broadway producer

Shela Xoregos, producing artistic director Xoregos Performing Company
Preceded by a one-hour coaching with presentation coaches

Grace Riley and Karen Schadow.

To learn more, please click here.

Art Open Mic Night 1/31 (Nashville)

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PlayArt introduces AFFORDABLE art for playwrights and producers!

PlayArt is affordable eye-catching art for playwrights and producers wishing to give their work and productions a professional appearance. Founded by an award-winning artist and playwright, PlayArt is perfect for poster, program, and book design. And for those wishing an affordable web presence, PlayArt will for a small fee transfer your art/branding to the free Blogger application. To learn more and to see samples, please click here.

InnerAct Productions Open House 2/12 (NYC)

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To learn more, click here.

George Barthel's ALLEY OF MASKS at Wings Theatre Now thru 2/21 (NYC)

ALLEY OF MASKS
By George Barthel
Directed by L. J. Kleeman & Raymond O. Wagner

1877 - In a dark, misty alley of Old New York, a teenage gang leader robs a society man - and both learn that no one, including themselves, is quite what they appear.

January 24 - February 21, 2009, Mon, Thurs, Fri & Sat at 8, Sundays at 3:30
(No performance President's day, Feb 16)
Purchase Tickets On Line at http://wingstheatre.com

In 1871 in New York City's notorious Five Points slum, a gang of newsboys, bootblacks and homeless street urchins did an amazing thing - they started a theater company in the basement of an old run down tenement building. Their theater went on to thrive for 10 years, and was purportedly visited by Alexis, the Grand Duke of Russia (which gave the theater its' name, The Grand Dukes Opera House).
The theater's props, costumes and set designs were acquired by questionable means, and some of the boys may have funded their artistic endeavors by picking pockets. Yet, "The Grand Dukes" provided an important community service for this group of youngsters who otherwise lived lives of extreme poverty and hardship. It prevented them from getting involved in more serious crimes or from caving in to the hopelessness of their surroundings. The theater company was the only family many of them had.

Come join us for this amazing play -- true to history -- about a fascinating time long gone.
And remember, make online reservations and use your member number for a 20% discount for your entire party!

Roy W. Dean Film & Video Grants Call for Entries!

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Get up to $100,000 in goods and services for your film! For an application, please click here.

Red Harlem Readers

Hollywood South Music/Movie Showcase 2/19 (Atlanta)

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Jason Odell William's BALTIMORE IN BLACK & WHITE 2/7 (Baltimore)

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The Baltimore Playwrights Festival

presents
Baltimore in Black & White
a reading of a new play
by

Jason Odell Williams

Saturday February 7th @ 1:00 pm

The Barn Theater
CCBC Catonsville
800 S. Rolling Rd
Catonsville, MD 21228

MAP: www.ccbcmd.edu/directory/cat/catonsville.html
INFO: www.baltimoreplaywrightsfestival.org/calendar.htm

Admission is FREE

Running time 90 minutes (no intermission)
A brief talkback with the cast, playwright & director to follow.

About the play:
A young woman is about to marry an old friend of the family. The only problem: she's white and Jewish; he's black and not. This ensemble comedic-drama looks at how far we've come (and how far we haven't) over the past two decades by exploring two Baltimore family's relationships in 1987 and today.
The Play has had readings at The Culture Project, The Roy Arias Theatre, and The New School for Drama - all in New York City.

This marks the play's first reading in Jason's home state of Maryland.

For more about the playwright, director and some of the cast, you can visit the following links.
http://www.jasonodellwilliams.com/
http://www.charlottecohn.com/
http://www.kevinrfree.com/
http://www.shawnfagan.net/
http://www.christopherburris.com/
http://www.andrewrein.com/
http://www.judyjerome.com/
www.facebook.com/pages/Miz-Charlie-Parker/42996706315?ref=ts

Black History Blues & Jazz Celebration & Charity Concert 2/27 (Nashville)

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Call for Plays (Deadline: Open)

State of Play Theatre is now accepting scripts for the Winter ’09 Playground series! We are seeking innovative, incendiary works to develop to their fullest potential. We aim to expose both established and emerging playwrights to a broad audience and to bring exciting, quality newwork to the stage. Once a script is chosen, the playwright is assigned a “Play Group”: a producer and a team of director, dramaturg and actors. After a specified workshop rehearsal process, each selected work will be produced as a public staged reading. The event will be followed by a post-show moderated discussion, bringing the audience into the process. Scripts selected for development in a workshop may be considered for future full production. In a commitment to remove any unintended gender/racial/cultural bias from the initial script evaluation process, State of Play Theatre has adopted a Blind Submission policy for open submissions. We request that author name and biographical information be removed from the script file (including title page) so as to allow our staff to evaluate the text on its literary qualities and potential for production only. (DO remember to include your contact information in the body of the email and read the submission guidelines for proper formatting; a designated company member will keep your information on file for future reference.) Please go to http://www.stateofplaytheatre.com/ for complete submission details and F.A.Q.

DeeWorks Entertainment & AAPEX Present Gregory Carr's GIMME WINGS! 2/18 (Newark)

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Dee Spencer of DeeWorks Entertainment and NJ Performance Lab has teamed up with AAPEX and director Passion to bring Gregory Carr's GIMME WINGS! to a concourse near you! That's right, we're taking it to an airport near you. First stop: Newark International Airport, C3 Concourse, February 18th at 11:30 AM. If you would like us to bring it to your airport, school, church, or even your local theatre, please call 832-216-9481 or gimmewings@deeworksentertainment.com

AAPEX Interview with literary agent KATE NAVIN re Getting an Agent and Alice Childress

Literary Agent Kate Navin of the Abrams Artist Agency has, as one of her clients, the estate of renowned author Alice Childress. Navin is anxious for folks to know Ms. Childress' wonderful plays, so I asked her to tell us about them. And since I had the cahnce to talk to a real live AGENT, I queried her about what it takes to get one:

I started working for Flora Roberts, Inc., which represents Alice’s Estate and her works, about 5 and a half years ago. About three years ago, we were approached with the possibility of getting her adult novel, A SHORT WALK back into print. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with her writing and have been quite active in looking for opportunities for her work. We do many things on Alice’s behalf: contract negotiation, reprint requests, provide biographical material and actively pursue opportunities for her writing.

I truly think all of Alice Childress’ plays should be re-examined. She really tried to write honestly about her race – but also of all people that she referred to as the “have-nots” of society. Most plays aren’t extremely dated and all that I’ve read still have themes that hold up to today’s culture. She was also the first African American woman to have a play professionally produced and an important part of the history of theater.

That said, I think TROUBLE IN MIND is one most producers would find a good pick. It’s a really funny play that ends up taking you on a great emotional journey. Alice pulls in the drama in a very subtle way and a very real way. It tells the story of Wiletta Mayer, a seasoned black actress who has never been given a lead role. She’s now been cast as the lead in a Broadway production, directed by a white director, who reminds the entire cast how lucky they are that someone was willing to work on a “black play”. In the end, there is a plot point that doesn’t quite ring true to Wiletta and she asks for a re-write to make it more honest. The director refuses and she has a difficult choice to make because, as we all know, someone else will certainly do it.

Then there’s the drama behind the producing of TROUBLE. When the play originally opened Off-Broadway it was a huge success. Alice won the Obie award (first woman to do so) and it was optioned immediately for a commercial transfer. The Broadway producers then asked Alice to re-write the ending of the play to make it a bit more “upbeat” and to paint the director in a slightly better light. A very ironic request seeing as this was a play about staying true to life in the theater. When she couldn’t make the play work to their satisfaction, the option was dropped and the play did not transfer.

In addition, WEDDING BAND – a play about an interracial couple – is relevant for today’s conversation about tolerance. And WINE IN THE WILDERNESS, while the dialogue is somewhat dated, talks about class and the perception of women specifically. WEDDING BAND and WINE IN THE WILDERNESS have both been published and are available for licensing through stock and amateur companies – WEDDING BAND is with Samuel French and WINE is with Dramatists Play Service. TROUBLE IN MIND is not published and anyone interested could get in touch with me for more information, kate@dandkartists.com. Hopefully it will be published soon! And there are several others happy to go on to anyone interested.

Finding An Agent

Finding an agent is the million dollar question. I think the best way to find an agent is through personal connections – fellow writers that have representations, producers and lit managers. Lit Managers are often in contact with all the different agencies and I know that when I get a recommendation from them it’s because they know my taste and it makes sense. You should also have a canon ready – not just one play. Not every theater is right for every play and you should have a couple to choose from. That allows an agent to really think about a strategy to “introduce” you to the American Theater.

Then the timing should be right – and that’s the tricky part. Readings are a good idea but I know that personally, I don’t go to a ton of readings because my schedule doesn’t allow it. But, even though I prefer to read hard copies in my “free” time, a reading invitation will sometimes push me to ask for the script. Also, patience is really important. I know that it’s a frustrating process, but following up too many times or being too pushy might make you seem difficult to work with and turn someone off. If someone agrees to read the script, let that happen and let them get back in touch. Unless it’s been months and months and months – then a gentle follow up isn’t a bad idea.

Best,
Kate

Abrams Artists Agency
275 Seventh Avenue
26th Floor
New York, NY 10001

2nd Annual BLACK TIE POETRY 2/6 (Pittsburgh)

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Blackboard Reading Series Call For Black Playwrights To Submit Now! (NYC)

"WE HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT... SO NOW WHAT?"

New 10 minute Plays by Black Playwrights during Black History Month, reflecting upon our nations historic decision and the new color of The White House.

The second COMMUNITY EVENING at the Blackboard Reading Series, a monthly reading series for Black Playwrights at the cell, will take place on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 7:30pm. Black Playwrights are asked to submit a ten-minute play surrounding the theme, "We have a Black President, So now what…"

Blackboard Readings Series (http://www.blackboardplays.com/), began in September 2008 at the cell (http://www.thecelltheatre.org/), a new theatrical salon in Chelsea. Every 2nd Monday of the month, a new play by a Black playwright is read, followed by a twenty minute talk back.

Every third month of the series, there is a COMMUNITY EVENING, where any Black playwright can sign-up and bring an excerpt of a play up to ten pages. Their work is then cold-read by actors who attend the evening, giving the writer a chance to hear their work, maybe even for the first time. The audience is allowed one question after each reading at a COMMUNITY EVENING.

Blackboard Reading Series is still accepting Submissions for this evening of new and politically relevant work.

The GOALS of the Blackboard Reading Series:
1) To tell the stories of Black communities throughout the Diaspora.
2) To share the stories of Black communities throughout the Diaspora with a diverse audience.
3) To create a community of artists, producing new and challenging work that focuses on creating a canon for Black actors that leaves the actors wanting more and the audience wanting to discuss.

the cell
338 W. 23rd St. (b/t 8th and 9th Ave.)
New York, NY 10011
646-861-2253

Free Admission
Donations Greatly Appreciated

About the cell
Founded in 2007, the cell theatre company's mission is to present interpretations of human existence that mine the mind, pierce the heart and touch the soul. Located at 23rd between 8th and 9th Ave, the cell is a performance salon, containing a number of resident companies, including the Center for Contemporary Opera. Since opening the doors of its current space in 2008, the cell has been host to artists, allowing them the chance to focus on their art, and becoming a place where artists can find a home to create when they have none.

# # #

Contact: Garlia Cornelia Jones
586-747-2108
blackboardreadingseries@gmail.com.

-- BlackBoard Reading Series2nd Mondays

Thompson and Blank's LIBERTY CITY opens 2/18 (Miami)

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Co-written and directed by Jessica Blank. To order tickets, click here.

Call for Plays (Deadline: April 3rd)

Calling all playwrights! Last year something amazing happened one weekend in southern California. A happy scheduling accident placed several productions of original work in the same weekend at the end of fall quarter at UC Irvine. World Premiere Weekend was born.

The result? There was an excited buzz about new work throughout campus. We started thinking about theatre in new ways. We felt bold, wanting to create, innovate and provoke through art. The response was fantastic. We were inspired.

This year we're pleased to present the next generation of World Premiere Weekend, April 24-26, 2009. Our vision? A festival weekend, a smorgasbord and an extravaganza of new work on the UC Irvine campus. And we need your help. We're looking for original plays to be performed. You can write it for us or it can be something you've already written, as long as it can be considered a "world premiere." All playwrights in the world are encouraged to submit one play (and one play only) to the festival. This include's Tony winners as well as those who have never written a play before. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, political orientation, geographic location, talent level, eye color, shoe size, or anything else that contributes to one's uniqueness. We have several performance venues available, ranging from theaters to classrooms to sidewalks, but the sky is the limit. Feel free to write for whatever venue you want (or disregard the idea of a venue all together). Ever feel like writing a play that takes place in a public restroom? Do it! We will try our best to match your script with the appropriate venue. To submit a play, just head to http://www.worldpremiereweekend.com/ and click on the"playwrights" link at the top. It's as easy as that. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis through April 3 (but the sooner you get us a play, the more likely that we'll find someone to produce it). If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at jimknipple@worldpremiereweekend.com or bethgardiner@worldpremiereweekend.com.

This is a message from the Dramaturgy discussion list, a service of the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA). For information about LMDA, upcoming conferences, or to join our membership, go to: http://www.lmda.org/.

Hollywood South Music & A Movie Filmmakers' Showcase Call for Films (Atlanta)

Good day,

We are currently seeking submissions of short films (30 minutes and under), short-form documentaries and webisodes for viewing during our monthly mixer, Hollywood South Music & A Movie Filmmakers' Showcase. The first evening will take place Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Star Jazz & Blues, located at 177 Peters Street, Atlanta, GA 30313 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Every event will begin with music from a noted local musician such as founding A.C.T. member, Maria Howell (Mariahowell. com) and then progress to an exhibit of filmmakers' projects. Each evening will also feature a leader in the local film and entertainment market, whether a top executive or independent producer/director, actor or casting directer to speak about their path to the top. The mixers are designed to not only showcase local talent (and some from afar), but to connect the Atlanta indie-filmmaking community, create a network of artists whether in front of or behind the camera and inspire new ideas and purpose! All submissions, in DVD-format only, can be mailed to P.O. Box 7252, Atlanta, GA, 30357 (please include a SASE if you would like the disc returned.) We are seeking all genres: student to professional, dramatic to comedic, action to chick flicks and from every nationality. The Atlanta market is a dynamic, burgeoning new frontier in entertainment and we want to bring all of the disparate communities of filmmakers, technicians and actors together to engender new work and creativity. Thank you in advance for your submissions. (Submission is not a guarantee of screening).

Thank you,
Roman Johnson
romanacting@yahoo.com

AAPEX's GOD BLESS THE CHILD opens 2/16 at Vanderbilt U (Nashville)

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Madam C.J. Walker image courtesy of

A'Lelia Bundles/Walker Family/madamcjwalker.com

Red Harlem Readers (NYC)

Petronia Paley's I The Actor Showcase 1/25 (NYC)

Petronia Paley's "No Frills: Works In Progress" will feature a scene and monologue showcase by:

Maisha Asadi, Taron Benson, Gilbert Glenn Brown
Karina Fernandez, Greta Martin, Angela Mckee
Norman Small Jr., Thomasina Stallings,
Beverley Prentice

January 25th Sunday 2009
Place: Studio 353 2nd Fl.
353 West 48th ST (Between 8th & 9th Avenues)
Time: 3:00

For more information, please click here.

Call for AA ACTORS (Non Equity) NYC

Director: Arthur W. French III. The Riant Theatre presents Bitter Apples a one act play about strange things occuring when people try to hook up at a park bench. This play was a semi finalist in the Strawberry One-Act Festival, and was published. There will be a one show showcase Saturday February 21st 7pm or 9pm (TBD) and a three week run beginning April 20th through may 3rd (tentative). There is a car fare stipend. Auditions will be held sometime in the near future. Auditions by appointment only. Be prepared to read from script. Looking for African american Actors to audition (non equity). Please submit to aw_nick465%40yahoo.com.

So where are the scripts? (Ohio State University)

Sitting by the mail box, waiting, waiting, waiting.

Alan Woods
AAPEX Archives
Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute
The Ohio State University
1430 Lincoln Tower
1800 Cannon Drive
Columbus, OH 43210

Plans continue for the Lincoln Theatre revitalization; Artistic Director Maurice Hines will be in residence starting in May, setting up plans for a gala opening of the 1928 vaudeville theatre that's been restored by the Columbus Parks & Recreation Department, and will be an arts center in the heart of the Columbus African-American community.

Yes! Obama sworn in as 44th President of the United States!

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From a playwright's POV, these were the most eloquent words spoken today:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

NAACP Theatre Awards (Hollywood)

For more information, click here.

Damian Bailey's PRECIOUS opens 1/23 (NYC)

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RED HARLEM READERS (NYC)

OPEN CALL: HAITIAN MALE ACTORS (NYC)

OPEN CALL
For New York City Based, Haitian male Actors (any age)
Union/non-union.
CREOL-- speaking a plus!

WHEN:
TUESDAY 1/20/09
2:30-5:30pm
Workshop Theater Company
312 West 36th Street btw 8 and 9th Avenue
—Jewel Box Theater 4th floor.

There is an open call audition for a LaMaMa etc Concert reading (Sunday 2/15/09 2:30pm) of

THE HAITIANS
(how they got that way)
Written by Owa
Directed by Scottie Davis

Off-Off-Broadway Average Production Costs

Thinking about putting on a show in a small theatre Off-Off-Broadway? Perhaps your own show? Well, the New York Innovative Theatre Foundation has come up with some sobering stats. Based on information sent back by 73 responding OOB theatres (out of over 350) in 2007, the report published in April of 2008 suggests that the AVERAGE cost per production is $18,000. This dollar amount does not reflect in-kind services or donations.

• Approximately 36% of the budget is spent on performance space rental.
• The average cost for a space during a 4-week run is $6,600 or $1,650/week or $470/performance.
• The highest weekly rent reported was $4,000. The lowest $120.00.
• The average playwright fee was $460-- or 3% of the budget.
• 48% of the respondents pay the playwrights (royalties) while 52% do not.

You can read the full report here.

INSIDE URBAN HOLLYWOOD WITH TANYA KERSEY: Nikita S. Adams of Foxx/King Entertainment Interview

Hosted and produced by veteran entertainment journalist, commentator, author and film festival director Tanya Kersey, Inside Urban Hollywood airs live every Monday night at 6pm PST/9pm EST. This entertainment industry internet radio talk show features engaging, informative, compelling and up close and personal conversations with a wide range of Hollywood movers and shakers. The show is an interactive discussion that gives YOU, the audience, an inside look at Hollywood and the topics shaping the entertainment landscape. Listeners are welcome to call-in to ask questions at (646) 200-3290. Previous guests on Inside Urban Hollywood include talent manager/producer E. Brian Dobbins (Principato-Young Entertainment); Shelby Stone, Senior Vice President of Development and Production at Foxx-King Productions; Robyn Lattaker-Johnson, President, duBose Entertainment; producer/manager Lita Richardson; film financier/investor Steven Belser; distribution executives Brett Dismuke (One Village Entertainment), Angela Northington (Codeblack Entertainment) and Melvin Butters (Barnholtz Entertaiment), film financing consultant/author Louise Levison; film producer Effie T. Brown ("Real Women Have Curves"); distribution strategist Brian Dobbins (Principato-Young Entertainment); entertainment attorney Mychal Wilson; writer/director/producer Don B. Welch; film financier Kevin Kinsey, film distribution guru Stacey Parks; casting directors Twinkie Byrd and Pamela Station; filmmaker Dwayne Johnson-Cochran; Doreen Hamilton, head of the Cosby Program; Scilla Andreen, CEO of IndieFlix; and festival programmer Jacqueline Blaylock.

For those who want to follow the discussions on IUH, we have made a permanent click-through on the right side of our blog.

Crossroads Theatre Co intros RECESSION RELIEF RAFFLE! (New Brunswick)

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Ease Your Economic Woes! Enter Now and Win Recession Relief!GET TICKETS!
1 for $25
3 for $50
8 for $100
Get the Details NOW!Call 732-545-8100 or Visit www.CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org

A Symphonic Celebration of African American Culture 1/27 (Pittsburgh)

Join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for its third annual "Tribute" concert- a symphonic celebration of African American culture. This celebratory performance showcases a fusion of musical styles from the orchestral, jazz, gospel, and spiritual music traditions that reflect the diversity of American music. Hear the PSO with jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and his Trio perform James P. Johnson's "Yamekraw," as well as George Gershwin's famous Rhapsody in Blue as you've never heard it before - with a jazz trio twist! This special performance also features the amazing sounds of the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Mass Choir performing an arrangement of Richard Smallwood's "Bless the Lord" and the anthem "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing."

Arrive early at 7pm and stay after the concert to experience the Hill House Association's "Live at the Hurricane," a jazz combo performance accompanied by projected images by Pittsburgh photographer Teenie Harris in the Heinz Hall lobby.

Planet Connections Call For Plays (1/15 DEADLINE)

The 2009 Planet Connections Theater Festivity is now accepting musicals, one-acts and full length plays! DEADLINE for submissions is JANUARY 15TH. The festival's primary focus is to nurture and promote activism while providing a fun and professional atmosphere for the theater community. The festival will debut on June 8 and end on June 28, 2009 at the newly renovated 440 Theaters located across the street from The Public at Astor Place and Lafayette.

Besides using your theater talents/skills to do some good in the world, here are added benefits:

*Acceptance and participation in our festivity is a great opportunity to try out your new script, fine tune your existing production or get your finished product off the ground.
*Our financial deals are better than most of the festivals out there because unlike other festivals, were just looking to cover our costs. We aren't in this for the money!
*We offer services in casting, locating designers and stage managers. We even offer a workshop on "producing in a festival" in case you need to learn the ropes.
*Unlike other festivals, we don't allow our festival publicist to take on individual shows within our festival. This means, she will work with YOU and we will promote equal listings for ALL of our productions.
*We have a liberal policy of providing complimentary tickets to industry members. All participants in the festival can see any other production in the festival for free. In fact, we encourage this.
*By participating in the festivity, you are automatically entered into the upcoming awards presentation. The Festival and Spotlight On, will hold an awards ceremony shortly after the end of the festival.
*One of the Planet Connections perks is our parties - we love to throw receptions and parties before, during and after the festival. We allow plenty of time for schmoozing in our festival lounge which is located on the same floor as both of our theater spaces. You can also use our Festival Lounge for your opening night parties and benefits to support the community/charity of your choice, for free!
*Oh, and we also have an art gallery to promote artists in our community. These artists subject matters cover all sorts of social topics from animal rights issues to women's issues.

We hope you'll be inspired to use your skills to make a difference!

You can learn more here. Please note that there is a $25.00 application fee.

Source: Owa

Dr. Lewis V. Baldwin's MLK Vanderbilt U Lectures 1/26 & 2/2, 9, 16 (Nashville)

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Allan Harris' Black Cowboy Musical CROSS THAT RIVER 1/12 (NYC)

Allan Harris in Cross That River

On Monday, January 12, 2009 we are pleased to be presenting highlights of Allan Harris' concert/theatrical, CROSS THAT RIVER. After a sold-out performance at the Eugene O'Neill Theater and the Kennedy Center, Cross That River continues to garner acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Recipient of a Grant for 2006-07 from Chamber Music of America, Cross that River was recently viewed by children across America who were able to witness a live performance via satellite thanks to the Kennedy Center's Distance Learning Program.
Cross That River, a groundbreaking concert-theatre production based on the true history of the Black Cowboy in the American West, made its debut at the famed Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut. This dramatic song cycle was conceived by and stars acclaimed vocalist Allan Harris, who wrote the music and lyrics. The book is by Allan Harris & Pat Harris, and Andrew Carl Wilk. Cross That River is directed by Wilk, a multiple Emmy Award-winning television producer, director, writer, conductor, and media executive. Driven by historical images, this is an inspiring and patriotic story. Available in the full 90 minute version or as a 45 minute children's program, you won't want to miss Cross That River.

Listen to Allan's interview on NPR.

Monday, January 12 - 6:30 PM

Allan Harris

and

Cross That River

The Monkey

36 W. 27th St., 12th floor loft
at 6:30 PM
(wine and cheese served)

Make reservations by calling 917 623 7144 or
email: timura@allanharris.com.

Source: www.b2productions.xbuild.com.

Red Harlem Readers (NYC)

Sign Quincy Jones' Petition for SECRETARY OF THE ARTS

Quincy wants Barack to create a SECRETARY OF THE ARTS. Sign the petition here.

OBAMA PLAYS Saturday, January 17th (NYC)

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Call for Plays by Playwrights of Color (Deadline: 2/15)

CHICAGO DRAMATISTS’ 4TH ANNUAL MANY VOICES PROJECT (IL)
Deadline: 02-15-09 (postmark deadline)
Material: Full-Length Plays (at least 70mins) in English, from Playwrights of Color.

Chicago Dramatists’ 4th Annual Many Voices Project is a national playwriting contest and Developmental showcase that embraces all playwrights of color. The Project seeks out, develops and showcases unproduced, full-length plays in English (or primarily in English) by U.S.A. residents who are playwrights of color, including, for instance, playwrights of African, Latin, Caribbean, Pacific Island, Asian, East Indian, Arab, and Native American descent. The Many Voices Project brings together several of Chicago’s race and ethnic-specific theatres, and culminates in a week of development (July 6 – 15, 2009) and a weekend festival of staged readings (July 16 – 18, 2009), plus $500 cash awards for the four selected playwrights.

PURPOSE: The Many Voices Project was created in response to Chicago Dramatists’ desire to work with more playwrights of color. It also is intended to provide opportunities to playwrights of color for new play development and for professional networking that may lead to productions of their plays, and to expand Chicago Dramatists’ relationships with race and ethnic-specific theatres. The long-range impact hopefully will expand and deepen the theatre’s relationships with all artists of color for years to come.

THEATRE PARTNERS: Many of the city’s race and ethnic-specific theatres participate as Theatre Partners, providing endorsement of the Project, artists for the readings, and dramaturgical support. Past partners have included: Congo Square, Teatro Luna, Rasaka Theatre Company, Silk Road Theatre Project, MPAACT, Urban Theatre Company, and Teatro Vista. Each of the participating playwrights also will receive a dramaturgical meeting with one of Chicago’s larger theatres.

PLAY SELECTION: Play readers consist of Chicago Dramatists’ Resident and Network Playwrights and staff. The final selection of plays is determined by the Artistic Director and the Project Director, as informed by the readers’ scoring. The main criteria for selection is the quality of the work, with secondary consideration given to the diversity of the racial and ethnic makeup of the playwrights selected.

Participant playwrights will be announced by May 15, 2009. Cash prizes awarded on July 18, 2009.

SUBMISSION RULES AND GUIDELINES: Submissions that do not adhere to the rules and guidelines will not be considered.
1. The contest is open to all playwrights of color who are U.S.A. residents, including, for instance, artists of African, Latin, Caribbean, Pacific Island, Asian, East Indian, Arab, and Native American descent. Any type of play and topic will be welcome (plays do not have to be about race or ethnicity).
2. Plays must be in English or primarily in English, unproduced (though readings and workshops are fine), and full-length (minimum 70 minutes).
3. Submitted plays must be in standard industry format and include a standard list of character descriptions/ages and how many actors are needed. Plays must be submitted either not bound or with three hole punch-type binding, although e-mail submission is preferred.
4. Include a one-page synopsis.
5. No musicals (though plays with music are fine) and no adaptations of works by other authors.
6. Include a playwright’s bio or resume.
7. Individual playwrights may submit no more than one full-length play.
8. Include SASP if notice of receipt is desired.
9. Submissions must specify the playwrights’ name, race or ethnicity, address, e-mail, and all phone numbers.
10. Submissions will not be returned.
11. The theatre will provide a travel and housing stipend for out-of-town playwrights.
12. All plays will be read at least twice, by different judges.
13. There is no submission fee.
E-mail submissions are strongly encouraged. All e-mail submissions must be sent as a ".pdf" file.
Submit by February 15, 2009 to: mvp@chicagodramatists.org.
Or mail submissions by February 15, 2009, (postmark deadline) to:

Ms. Ilesa Duncan
Many Voices Project Director
Chicago Dramatists
1105 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622

Please address all inquiries or questions to Ms. Duncan at the above street address or email address or at (312) 633-0630 ext. 4#.

Source: The Loop

Call for One-Acts (Deadline: 1/31)

2ND ANNUAL COASTAL EMPIRE NEW PLAY FESTIVAL (GA)
Deadline: 01-31-09
Material: One Act Plays
The AASU AMT student theatre troupe, the Masquers, announces its call for original one-act plays for its inaugural Coastal Empire New Play Festival. Three works will be chosen by our jury to receive staged readings on the AASU campus and full productions in the newly renovated Jenkins Hall Black Box accompanied by the winners of our inaugural festival.

Please submit: * clean copy of the script * play synopsis * character breakdown * short biography of the playwright.

Electronic Submissions can be sent to: eric.kildow@armstrong.edu.

PDFs are the preferred format, but we also accept Word Documents. Hard copies can be mailed to:

Eric Kildow,
Festival Director
Department of Art, Music & Theatre
Armstrong Atlantic State University
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419

Playwrights may submit a maximum of 2 plays.
www.finearts.armstrong.edu

Source: The Loop

Call for One-Acts by Women (Deadline: 1/31)

NORA’S PLAYHOUSE
Deadline: 1-31-09 (NY)
Material: Full-Length and One-Act Plays, by women
Nora’s Playhouse, a theater company dedicated to developing and presenting the work of women playwrights, is calling for full-length and one-act plays for future readings. Scripts should have no more than five characters. Submissions may be sent via email or regular mail to the following addresses: norasplayhouse@gmail.com or to:

Caroline Reddick Lawson
Nora’s Playhouse
127 Pacific Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Deadline for all submissions is January 31, 2009. For further information visit Nora’s Playhouse at www.norasplayhouse.org.

Source: The Loop

OUTWORKS 2009 call for LGBTQ One-Acts (Deadline: 1/21)

OUTWORKS 2009 (Louisiana)
Deadline: 01-21-09
Material: LGBTQ themed One-Act Plays (10-20min’s)

After a successful Outworks 2006, 2007 and 2008, The Louisiana State University Department of Theatre in Baton Rouge is pleased to announce that we are now accepting submissions for Outworks 2009, a festival of new lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or queer (LGBTQ) themed one-act plays.

Submission Guidelines
*Submissions must be the author’s own original work. Each entry shall be free from copyright restrictions and the author agrees to hold LSU, its officers, and directors free and harmless from all copyright claims.
*Scripts must be LGBTQ-themed.
*Submissions must be one-act plays, ranging from (10) ten to (20) twenty minutes in length.
* There is a limit of two scripts per playwright.
*All Entries should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format via e-mail to outworksfestival@gmail.com.
*Scheduled production dates are April 28-May 3 of 2009.

Submissions will be read and scored by a faculty/student committee. The committee will select between three and six plays. There will be $250 in monetary compensation awarded to each playwright of the chosen scripts, each play selected will be guaranteed three staged performances and each playwright will receive a video of his/her production. Playwrights wishing to attend the festival are responsible for all travel expenses.

The LSU Theatre Studio season retains all rights and privileges concerning casting, production, and programming for Outworks. LSU Theatre reserves the right to:
a. Reproduce as many copies of the play as are necessary for distribution to the judges and participants in the production.
b. Videotape the performance for archival purposes.
c. Use the title, author’s name and images from the production for publicity purposes related to the Outworks Festival.

The final play list will be announced February 21, 2009.
Submissions sent via email are preferred. Please send submissions or inquiries to:
John Mabry, Outworks Festival Curator, at: outworksfestival@gmail.com.

Source: The Loop

WATERMELON SUSHI CASTING CALL!

Click Image to Enlarge

Casting for Feature Film
Watermelon Sushi

Principals

Female Asian, or mixed-Asian with predominately Asian features, can play 29, not too tall, slender to medium build, attractive, urbane, hip, familiar with African-American culture and street vernacular of the early 1980’s.

Female mixed-race with some obvious African features, can play 26, medium to tall, slender build, attractive, some familiarity with Japanese culture and able to learn to speak some Japanese credibly.

Female Asian can play 50 plus, not too tall, slender to medium build, attractive, familiarity with Japanese culture and nuances of traditional Japanese women, able to speak Japanese credibly.

Female Asian can play 70 plus, small, slender built, able to speak Japanese or learn to speak it credibly (character speaks no English).

Male, African American or mixed African American, can play 29, tall, nice build, attractive.

Male, African American, can play 50 plus, tall, slender to medium build.

Female, African American, can play 50 plus, HWP.

Producers currently accepting submissions nationally. Shooting location to be determined, therefore, principal cast must be willing to travel if necessary.

Please send DVD copy of reel or headshot and resume to:

Starwheels
Attn: Yayoi Winfrey
PMB 240
2701 California Avenue SW
Seattle WA 98116-2183

To learn more about this feature film, please click here.

Janine Nabers added to AAPEX Playwrights list

Janine Nabers hails from Houston, Texas. She holds a BA in Drama from Ithaca College, an MFA in playwriting from the New School for Drama, and is an alumna of the National Theater Institute. Janine's plays have been a finalist for: the Princess Grace Award, the Victory Garden's Ignition playwriting award, The Theodore Ward Playwriting prize, and the POPS TNT playwriting award. Her play WEST OF THE WILLOW TREE is MCC Theatre's 2008 nominee for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Last summer, her play JUNIPER; JUBILEE was the winner of the Samuel French one act play festival and will be published in January of 2009. A resident playwright of Odyssey Productions and a former Artistic intern at Naked Angels, Janine is a proud member of the Ars Nova play group, the Harlem Arts Alliance and the Dramatist Guild. She lives in Manhattan and is 26 years old.

I am a female playwright of Color. I have been writing plays since I was 19 years old. I write for a social cause and many of the works are historically based (as I often interview people). All of my plays are centered around strong and evocative women who are trapped inside a world they are trying desperately to break out of. The women in the pieces I write do not represent the stereotypes of black women in history: domesticated mammies or loose bodies. Instead, in my plays, they represent the air we breathe and the rain we feel. They move in slow motion and speak in tongues. They are unpredictable and fluid like Mother Nature itself. The Women in my plays are metaphors for hope and change and the strength it takes to let go and move forward.

--Janine Nabers

Janine's addition to the list of AAPEX playwrights brings the total to 95.

AAPEX Brings Hannah and the Madam to Vanderbilt U 2/16/09 (Nashville)

Click to Enlarge.

The African American Playwrights Exchange invites you to join us at The Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center at Vanderbilt University at 7 pm on Monday, February 16 for DISCOVER AMERICA - AN EVENING WITH HANNAH ELIAS AND MADAM C J WALKER. Starring Helen "Olaketi" Shute Petteway and Jewel Lucien. RSVP to Jaz Dorsey at jazmn47@aol.com or by phone at 615-915-0891.

Red Harlem Readers 1/4 & 1/11 (NYC)