November 24, 2008

teaching the arts

* Multiple Positions
New Jersey City University (New Jersey)
(date posted: 11/24/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000584049-01&pg=e

* Costume Shop Supervisor (Lecturer) - Theater
Hunter College of the City University of New York (New York)
(date posted: 11/19/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000584392-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor - Theater
Hunter College of the City University of New York (New York)
(date posted: 11/19/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000584369-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor - Dance Program
Hunter College of the City University of New York (New York)
(date posted: 11/19/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000584394-01&pg=e

* Director of Performing Arts
Southern Oregon University (Oregon)
(date posted: 11/20/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000584526-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor of Theatre
Lander University (South Carolina)
(date posted: 11/20/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000584427-01&pg=e

* Open Faculty Positions
University of Texas-Pan American (Texas)
(date posted: 11/24/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000584254-01&pg=e

November 21, 2008

grant for washington state artists

Artist Trust Invites Washington State Artists to Apply for Project Grants

Deadline: February 20, 2009

Artist Trust ( http://www.artisttrust.org/) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting Washington State artists working in all creative disciplines.

The trust's Grants for Artist Projects Program provides support for artist-generated projects, which can include (but are not limited to) the development, completion, and presentation of new
work. GAP awards are open to artists of all disciplines and offer a maximum of $1,500 each. An interdisciplinary panel of artists and arts professionals selected from around Washington State will select the recipients.

Applicants must be individual artists who are Washington State residents and are 18 years of age or older. Matriculated students are not eligible.

GAP applications will be available in early December. Visit the Artist Trust Web site for complete program information.

RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15015935/artisttrust

For additional RFPs in Arts/Culture, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml

faux baby on strike tv

November 18, 2008

Submissions requested

DOWNTOWN URBAN THEATER FESTIVAL IS NOW ACCEPTING NEW WORKS

NEW YORK— After another successful summer, the Downtown Urban Theater Festival (DUTF) returns for its seventh season to accept new works from playwrights. Although the dates of the festival are yet to be determined, this annual event will showcase a two-week celebration of urban theatrical expression by a cross-section of emerging playwrights whose work is underrepresented in American Theatre in NYC. For the past three years, the legendary Cherry Lane Theatre in Greenwich Village, has been the venue of choice to host the festival, however, for DUTF 2009, the staff will be considering other venues. Below are submission details.

For DUTF 2009, the staff will accept 12 theatrical works; six full-length productions (60-90 minutes) and six shorts (30-45 minutes). Each work is performed only once during the festival. Three of the outstanding works produced during the festival will receive $1,000 in cash in the following categories of Best Play, Best Short and Audience Awards.

Please forward all materials to Marie Denise Jean-Louis, mjeanlouis@arcos-ny.com by 5pm on Friday, December 19, 2008 or via mail at Downtown Urban Theater Festival, C/O Arcos Communications, 341 West 38th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

Must include the following:
Biography with contact information of the playwright’s name, address, telephone number and email address, and photo
Synopsis of theatrical work
Complete script of theatrical work
Biographies of actors, director, and crew, if available
Description of stage set (if any) and production needs (i.e. sound and lighting)

###

About DUTF
Downtown Urban Theater Festival (DUTF) has been recognized as one of the world’s best festivals for new works and described as “not only prestigious, but a slice of heaven for playwrights who want the chance to freely express themselves.” (Theater Festivals, 2005) From an inclusive, multicultural perspective, DUTF presents works that echo the true spirit of urban life and speak to a whole new generation whose lives defy categorizing along conventional lines. It has been a catalyst and an outlet for some of NYC’s most vibrant and creative playwrights and has presented 64 original theatricalworks for more than 7,000 urban theatre-goers.

November 17, 2008

The WGA Presents

WRITERS ON WRITING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008
7:30pm

Lorene Scafaria in conversation with Dana Fox (What Happens In Vegas).

Red-hot young writer Scafaria wrote the screenplay for Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist and Scafaria and Fox make up two thirds of the trio they call The Fempire (the third is Diablo Cody). Hear them talk about their plans, their careers to date and what's coming down the pike for them.

Proceeds go to the Writers Guild Foundation Shavelson-Webb Library and other Foundation programs. WGA & Women In Film member cost is $15. Includes dessert reception to follow.

You must indicate you are a member of Women In Film when you RSVP.
Info/RSVP to www.wgfoundation.org
or call (800) 838-3006


Writers on Writing
WGAw Second Floor
7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

TONIGHT!!!

Monday, November 17th, 7 - 9 PM
The Stella Adler Theater

Master Class: Workshop with Roberta Gold

Laughter For The Health Of It -
A Serious Look At Fun And Healing

With the stress of the upcoming holidays, we could all use a little laughter in our lives!

If you want to find out where your "Humor Bone" is, then Roberta Gold can teach you! She is a Recreation Therapist by profession and a Humor Therapist by choice. She created her program, "Laughter for the Health of it" and presents it to business, medical, social, educational, parental, and other groups across the nation. Roberta has conducted training programs for family practice residents to learn how to use humor to improve patient/physician communication. She facilitates interactive, fun-filled staff retreats, key notes at conferences, and helps everyone find humorous ways to resolve conflicts. Her articles are published in several periodicals and she is currently completing work on a book. Roberta regularly provides on-going classes for caregivers, adult day care centers, and other senior groups around the greater LA area, as well as consulting to hospitals on ways to create Humor Carts and Humor Rooms to aide in patient's recovery. She is currently the media relations representative for the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (www.aath.org ). Check out Roberta's website www.laf4u.com

COST: Free for WIF Members; $15 for non-members
RSVP: Email Linda Weitzler

Where & When

The Stella Adler Theatre
6773 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood (One block east of the Kodak)
Click here for a MAP
November 17th
7:00PM-9:00PM

Parking available at the Hollywood & Highland structure for $2 with validation from the Stella Adler Theater.

WIF Actor's Group with Leslie Berger

Come and learn all about the "relationships" casting directors have with the directors and producers of projects as well as what to do and not do before, during, and after an audition. Learn ways to "Shine" in an audition from Award Winning Casting Director Jeanie Bacharach. Jeanie currently is the Casting Director of the hit ABC show "Brothers and Sisters!"

Leslie Berger will be moderating this event.
Headshots will be collected at the door and given to Ms. Bacharach.

COST: Members-No Charge (must show WIF ID)
Non Members-$15 (no credit cards)

*Special promptness drawing*

To reserve your seat: RSVP leslieberger2002@yahoo.com

Please include in your email the name of who will be attending and whether or not you are a Member of WIF

SEATS FILL UP QUICKLY SO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Leslie is celebrating her 6th Year Anniversary as the Chairperson of WIF Actors Group. You can read more about her at www.leslieberger.net

Call for submissions

SATSANG LOUNGE No. 3- HOLIDAY SHOW, will take place TUESDAY DECEMBER 16th!

Friends and Artists- we invite you to participate!

*Satsang Lounge new works performance series invites diverse talented Los Angeles based artists to exhibit, explore and workshop their newest works in the company of other artists and an audience.

SATSANG LOUNGE - had a fantastic Los Angeles debut at Theatre Theater on September 23 followed by an even more successful No. 2 on October 21! And we are putting the word out for SATSANG LOUNGE No. 3- Holiday Show, because we still have a few spots open and time is a ticking...

To begin, I want to formally introduce my S.L. business partner Liz Kent. Some of you may already know her but, for those who don’t, she is fantastic and has been an immense help in producing the shows.

The performances and film work in S.L. have been consistently good. Our artists are putting great ideas, creativity, energy and focus into their pieces and as a result the evenings are full of variety, talent and entertainment.

Audience members are leaving happy- some people who came to show No. 1 returned to see No. 2 and others have said to me- that the evenings have “that raw exciting New York Theater edge to them.”

As producers, we learn so much from one S.L. to the next and we want you to know that we are fully committed to making sure the quality and content of our evenings continues to improve with each show. This is a result of our careful selection process: all perspective performers and participants must submit, screen or audition their materials before being included in a S.L. evening line up.

**ATTENTION: actors, performers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, writers- storytellers of all kinds! YOU, who have been developing a new piece- here is your opportunity try it out! No age limit! Let’s go!

Performance info:

The No. 3 Holiday Show will be a bit different from our regular shows. We are going to have more acts and less time for each. There is one intermission.

There will be between 9 to11 ‘acts’ on this evening. If your piece can have a holiday theme or reference or connection of some kind great- and if not- that’s fine too!

Each act has a 10-12 minute maximum -depending on genre.

There is a short tech (only 20-25 minutes per performer) the weekend before the show.

*Each performer is asked to do their absolute best to bring at least 4 people to the show.

SATSANG LOUNGE is an artist collective and performers are welcome to watch one another perform during the show.

All performers & participants are required to stay for the entire show- to get to know, enjoy and support fellow artists/ performers.

And you are always welcome to return and perform in the future shows-with priority booking.
WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday DEC 16, 7:30pm @ Theatre Theater (5041 Pico Blvd. off La Brea). It is a big great traditional theater venue that comrades Jeff Murray & Nicolette Chaffrey have owned and run for years. www.theatretheater.net

*We have a great concessions situation—just like at a ball game or the circus- drinks and snack boxes are available for purchase before, during and after the show. Really, there is no need for your friends & family to eat dinner before the show!

Promotions & Business: We do our best to get listed in local papers- LA Times, LA weekly & LA City Beat. A press release will be sent out 2 weeks in advance, and each performer/participants gets a stack of postcards to invite and help promote- (your names will be on them-of course). And by all means we ask you to post/list & share the S.L. event on your Facebook & MySpace pages, websites, blogs, etc.!!!

If you are interested in participating in Satsang Lounge No. 3- Holiday Show- please contact us ASAP at: satsanglounge@gmail.com.

*Hello- past performers and SATSANG LOUNGE Artists Collective Members-- please pass this performance opportunity on to those you know would appreciate!

Myspace address --- www.myspace.com/SatsangLounge

*Satsang (is a Sanskrit word. sat = true, sanga = company): it describes an Indian philosophy (1) the company of the "highest truth," and (2) company of persons who listen to, talk about, and assimilate the truth. This typically involves listening to or reading scriptures, reflecting on, discussing and assimilating their meaning, meditating on the source of these words, and bringing their meaning into one’s daily life.

~I have taken this term and extended it to a company of artists- where discussing, sharing, witnessing, creating, and being in the company of other artists will inspire more creativity, feed our artistic spirits, and contribute to the realization of our life’s work.

With love. Misi Lopez Lecube & Liz Kent

teaching the arts

* Clinical Assistant Professor in Dance Education
Rutgers University at New Brunswick (New Jersey)
(date posted: 11/14/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000583808-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor, Theatre
Drexel University (Pennsylvania)
(date posted: 11/14/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000583920-01&pg=e

November 12, 2008

Straight Against H8

Call for Proposals: THEATRE METHODS 09. Between Tradition and Contemporaneity

International Festival-Fair

THEATRE METHODS 09
Between Tradition and Contemporaneity
July 6-12, 2009 Bovec, Slovenia

"Theatre Methods" is the annual professional festival-fair dedicated to the Bridge between Tradition and Contemporaneity in performing arts. The festival is an opportunity to demonstrate methods of training in traditional theatre and to present contemporary works created as the result of traditional theatre training techniques.

At the moment THEATRE METHODS 09 has been accepting presentation proposals.

Presentation format:

• performance (not requiring special technical conditions)
• workshop/master class
• work in progress
• reading/lecture
• any other way of demonstration to the presenter's discretion.

The festival is aimed at new international contacts, creative exchange and communication. "TM" does not imply opportunity of a one-day tour. Important condition of "TM" is that performers and theatres presenting works at the festival participate in the whole programme from the first to the last day - attending other festival events, workshops, performances, etc.

If you wish to present your work at TM09, please become familiar with Submission Guidelines before submitting your proposal:

http://www.iugte.com/projects/fest.reg.php
http://www.iugte.com/projects/TM09.php

The festival committee is considering proposals in appropriate standard only.
Links to web sites are not considered as the application.

November 10, 2008

teaching the arts

* Tenure-Track Positions
California State University at Long Beach (California)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582224-01&pg=e

* Biology; Management; Mathematics and Computer Science; Modern Languages; Spanish;
Sociology, Anthropology and Behavioral Science; Sociology; Anthropology; Teacher
Education; Theatre
Metropolitan State College of Denver (Colorado)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000581823-01&pg=e

* Theatre
Rollins College (Florida)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582196-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor of Contempory and World Music
University of Massachusetts at Boston (Massachusetts)
(date posted: 11/5/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582549-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor
University of Mississippi (Mississippi)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000581462-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor of Lighting and Sound Design
University of Southern Mississippi (Mississippi)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582030-01&pg=e

* Faculty - Theater
Ulster County Community College (New York)
(date posted: 11/7/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582948-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor: Costume Design
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (North Carolina)
(date posted: 11/7/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582945-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor of Acting/Movement
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (North Carolina)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582275-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor of Dance, Department of Dance
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (North Carolina)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000581664-01&pg=e

* Assistant or Associate Professor of Playwriting/Performance
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (North Carolina)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582281-01&pg=e

* Music Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pennsylvania)
(date posted: 11/6/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582409-01&pg=e

* Multiple Positions
University of Scranton (Pennsylvania)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582085-01&pg=e

* Behavioral Sciences; Criminal Justice; English; Fine Arts; Government; History; Speech;
Business Admin.; Business Tech.; Biology; Chemistry; Engineering; Physics and Astronomy;
Computer Information Sciences; Nursing Student Support Program
University of Texas at Brownsville (Texas)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582009-01&pg=e

* Musical Theatre Faculty, Shenandoah Conservatory
Shenandoah University (Virginia)
(date posted: 11/5/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582575-01&pg=e

* Dean; Student Services; Adjunct; Arts, Humanities/Social Sciences; English and
Philosophy; Speech Comm.; Education; Health and Human Services; Psychology; Food Science;
Counseling; Management; Science and Technology; Construction; Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Stout (Wisconsin)
(date posted: 11/10/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000582282-01&pg=e

November 07, 2008

grants

1) Do Something and Grammy Foundation Invite Young People to Use Music to Improve Communities

Deadline: December 15, 2008

Do Something ( http://www.dosomething.org ) and the Grammy Foundation ( http://www.grammyfoundation.com ) are offering a total of $25,000 in Key Change Grants to young people who have an idea or existing project that uses music to make a difference in their
local and/or global community.

To be eligible, the applicant must be 19 years of age or under, and must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen. The project must be youth-led and -driven, creative, and demonstrate an original idea for solving problems and creating change. Projects must also strive toward tangible results and measurable impact, focus on problems in communities, and -- whether one-time event or ongoing program -- must promote diversity and seek to make lasting change in the
target community.

Five Grand Prize Winners will receive a $3,000 community action grant and an all-expense paid trip to the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 8, 2009. Twenty first prize winners will receive community action grants of $500 each.

See the Do Something Web site for complete program guidelines.

RFP Link:
http://www.dosomething.org/grants/keychange

For additional RFPs in Arts/Culture, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml

--------------------------<<>>-----------------------------

2) Guidelines Available for IMLS Museum Grants for African American History and Culture

Deadline: January 15, 2009

The Institute of Museum and Library Services ( http://imls.gov) has announced the availability of guidelines and application forms for the 2009 Museum Grants for African American History and Culture, a grant program that enhances institutional capacity and sustainability in the nation's African-American museums through professional training, technical assistance, internships, outside expertise, and other assistance.

Successful applications will focus on developing or strengthening knowledge, skills, and other expertise of current staff at African-American museums; attracting and retaining professionals
with the skills needed to strengthen African-American museums; and attracting new staff to African-American museum practice and providing them with the expertise needed to sustain themselves in the museum field.

A two-week deadline extension is available to any institution in an area that has received either a "Major Disaster Declaration" or an "Emergency Declaration" by FEMA within twelve months prior to the grant deadline. For applicants to Museum Grants for African American History and Culture, this would mean that the museum must be in an area that received the "Major Disaster Declaration" or the "Emergency Declaration" after January 15, 2008.

Application guidelines and instructions are available at the IMLS Web site.

RFP Link:
http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/102308.shtm

For additional RFPs in Arts/Culture, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml

--------------------------<<>>-----------------------------

3) Kresge Arts in Detroit Invites Applications for Visual Arts Fellowships

Deadline: February 27, 2009

The Kresge Foundation's ( http://kresge.org) new Arts in Detroit ( http://www.kresge.org/content/displaycontent.aspx?CID=167) initiative will provide financial support for eighteen fellowships annually. The one-year fellowships will provide $25,000 and customized professional development opportunities to emerging and established metropolitan Detroit artists working in the visual, performing, and literary arts. The purpose of the fellowship is to enable the artist to devote time and resources to whatever is necessary to deepen their art form, to experiment, and to advance their artistic career.

Kresge Artist Fellowships in the Visual Arts will be awarded in odd years (2009, 2011, etc.); Kresge Artist Fellowships in the Performing and Literary Arts will be awarded in even years (2010, 2012, etc.).

Applications are now being accepted for the Visual Arts Fellowships. The Visual Arts category includes art and technology, book arts, ceramics, collage, drawing, fiber, video art, glass, in-
stallation, metalwork, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and interdisciplinary work that includes at least one of these arts disciplines. (Applications for the Performing and
Literary Arts will be invited beginning November 1, 2009.)

The fellowships are unrestricted and will be given to artists who have a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement and high quality work, are current legal residents of the metropolitan Detroit tri-county area (Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb Counties), and have resided in the area for the past two years, and are expected to retain residence in one of the three counties during the fellowship period. Artists must work in one or more of the disciplines reviewed each year, have the potential to grow and advance in their artistic career during the fellowship period, and be at least 18 years old. Artists who collaborate with other artists,
and who have an ongoing demonstrated history of collaborative work, are permitted to apply under one collaborative application. Individuals who are working toward any degree program, arts or non-arts related at the time of application, or planning to work toward a degree during the course of the fellowship are not eligible to apply.

The Artist Fellowships are administered by the Detroit-based College for Creative Studies
( http://www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu). Visit the college's Web site for complete program information.

RFP Link:
http://kresge.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/

For additional RFPs in Arts/Culture, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml

--------------------------<<>>-----------------------------

4) Multi-Arts Production Fund Offers Support for New Work in Performing Arts

Deadline: January 20, 2009

The Multi-Arts Production Fund, a program of Creative Capital ( http://www.creative-capital.org), supports original new work in all disciplines and traditions of the live performing arts. The goal of the MAP Fund is "to assist artists who are exploring and challenging the dynamics of live performance within our changing society, thus reflecting our culture's innovation and growing diversity." MAP seeks especially to support work that brings insight and vibrant critique to the issue of cultural difference, be that in class, gender, generation, ethnicity, or tradition.

Applications for MAP support must come from organizations based in the United States that have current nonprofit federal tax status. Nonprofit artist-services organizations may apply as
fiscal sponsors on behalf of unincorporated artists or ensembles. The MAP Fund supports only artistic projects that contain or will contain a live-performance component. Support may be applied to any phase of a project, up to and including its premiere run. The touring of completed projects is not eligible for MAP funding. MAP is especially interested in providing support to work early in its development. Eligible projects must not have premiered in or outside the United States before September 1, 2009.

All proposals are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria, which are weighed equally: the artistic strength of the proposed project; how well a project aligns with the MAP Fund's goal
of supporting innovation in all traditions and disciplines of live performance, especially work that brings insight to the issue of cultural difference, be that in class, gender, generation, eth-
nicity, form, or tradition; and the viability of the project based on applicant's professional capabilities as demonstrated by their proposal.

Up to forty awards are given each year. Award amounts range from $10,000 to $45,000. The average award amount is $22,000. Guidelines will be available and the online application process will open on November 10, 2008.

RFP Link:
http://www.mapfund.org/apply.html

For additional RFPs in Arts/Culture, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml

--------------------------<<>>-----------------------------

5) Bayer and UN Environment Program Launch International Painting Competition in Elementary and Middle Schools

Deadline: January 15, 2009

To help raise environmental awareness and foster science literacy among elementary- and middle-school students, Bayer Corporation ( http://www.bayerus.com) and the United Nations Environment Program's Regional Office for North America have launched the second year of their partnership in the United States to bring the International Children's Painting Competition to schoolchildren nationwide.

With this year's theme, Climate Change - Our Challenge, UNEP and Bayer Corporation are inviting students ages six to 14 to learn more about climate change and express that knowledge creatively through art. The students' paintings are expected to focus on the impact of global warming on our planet, as well as concrete actions people can take, such as using renewable energy and eco-friendly light bulbs, planting trees, sharing vehicles and using
public transportation, among others. The free-style artwork for the ICPC must be submitted on either letter- or legal-size paper and can be done using crayons, colored pencils, watercolors, oils, or similar media.

The ICPC regional winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. First-place regional winners are selected from each UNEP region (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and West Asia).

This year, the ICPC North American first-prize winner will receive two fully-paid trips. The first trip will be to a World Environment Day celebration in North America on June 5, 2009; the
second, grand-prize trip will be to the 2009 Tunza International Children's Conference to be held during the summer. Tunza, which is held every two years, is a global forum that brings together youth from all over the world to share experiences on the environment.

For complete entry rules, please visit the Bayer Corporation Web site.

RFP Link:
http://www.bayerus.com/msms

For additional RFPs in Children and Youth, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_children.jhtml

more protest coverage in LA

los angeles is marching in the streets

November 06, 2008

Review in The Signal


‘How Cissy Grew’ is a one act with depth

By Michele E. Buttelman
Signal Features Editor
661-259-1234 x590

For those who adore the craft of acting as I do "How Cissy Grew" now playing at the El Portal Theatre in NoHo is an astonishing piece of theater. A character study drawn almost in pen and ink this powerful one act resonates - leaving the audience to ponder the implications of "nature versus nurture" long after exiting the theater.

The production stars James Denton, who is best known to audiences as Mike Delfino from ABC TV's "Desperate Housewives." Also starring are Denton's wife Erin J. O'Brien, Liz Vital and Stewart W. Calhoun.

"How Cissy Grew" begins with the uncomfortable premise of child abduction. Playwright Susan Johnston crafted the show from a single monologue written for a class project and expanded it into 70-minute one act that explores how a single moment, a single incident, can ripple through time and space like a stone thrown into a pond.

In West Virginia a baby girl named Cissy is kidnapped from a Kroger's grocery store while in the care of her father. She is swiftly returned to her family, but the experience haunts her family for the next 20 years.

"How Cissy Grew" explores the ramifications of those life-altering few days. As the actors move swiftly through the 35 scenes that comprise the one act, the story unfolds in a series of flashbacks alternating with "flash-forwards."

Denton portrays "Butch," a West Virginia "good old boy" trying to be the best dad, husband and man he knows how to be. O'Brien plays "Darla" tortured by the past, afraid to move past those few terrible days when her "miracle child" goes missing. Cissy is sassy and played with gusto by Vital. Her ability to move from careless child to careless young adult is enviable - and painfully authentic. Calhoun plays "The Guy" - by turns boys and young men - all trapped by Cissy's futile romantic dalliances.

Is the kidnapping the reason Cissy becomes a sexual promiscuous, fearless and callous young woman who follows in her parents footsteps of drug use? Would her life have unfolded in exactly the same way if she hadn't been kidnapped? Without the catalyst of the kidnapping would her parents relationship have foundered on the rocks of some other, more mundane, crisis or would they have lived happily ever after?

The questions aren't answered in this taut, thoughtful piece, only asked. It is up to the audience to draw its own conclusion, which is a delightful experience for playgoers tired of formulaic spoon-fed theater.

This is a play designed for those with a short attention span. With scenes so brief, some only seconds long, the actors must convey a mood, a time and a place in an instant. As the actors moved deftly from scene to scene, moving props and set pieces along the way, they made the transitions seem effortless and wore their characters easily, as if a second skin.

It is the small moments of this production that shine, the accents, the emotion, the intensity and the humor - all deftly directed by Casey Stangl - and all deftly played.

The play is performed in the El Portal's smaller and more intimate horseshoe-shaped Forum Theatre, the perfect venue for this small gem. With only 92 seats audiences are "up close and personal" with the actors who perform only inches away from the theater's front row of seats. Audiences can see the pain in Denton's eyes as he deals with his troubled daughter and his wife's accusations.

O'Brien, as Darla, is completely convincing in her role as Cissy's mom. The pain, heartache, hopes and dreams, all are brilliantly played. It is easy to walk away from this play hurting for "Darla" and her shattered life. She is flawed, but aren't we all?

Perhaps the answer to "How Cissy Grew" is a combination of nature and nurture. Cissy is too young to remember the kidnapping however the aftermath and how her parents handled the fallout certainly must have affected Cissy as a child, but what she has inherited from her parents makeup must also be factored into her personality. Perhaps the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

The El Portal Theatre, built as a vaudeville house in 1926, is a historic landmark on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood across the street from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The beautiful art deco marquee is one of the highly visible sites in the NoHo arts district.

From the Santa Clarita Valley the El Portal is a quick 25-minute drive, or less. Off the Hollywood freeway take the Magnolia exit, turn left, then drive a few blocks to turn left on Lankershim. Parking is available behind the theater a block up Lankershim on the left.

http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/5586

SPF 2009 Submissions close November 15th

Submissions are being accepted now through November 15 for the sixth annual Summer Play Festival (SPF), which will be presented at The Public Theater in New York City from July 7 through August 2, 2009.
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Submissions are open to all emerging writers of plays and musicals, with or without representation. There is no fee to submit.

For information, FAQs, submission guidelines and applications, visit www.spfnyc.com.

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Since its inception in 2004, SPF has produced over 70 original works, and has provided an opportunity for writers to present their material and craft in a protected environment, guided by established professionals, with full financial support. SPF has had tremendous success in helping to identify talented, emerging artists, and many of our writers have enjoyed Broadway, off-Broadway, international and regional productions. Others are now developing projects with film and television companies.

In the past year alone, several SPF alumni have had their work produced around the world, including Quiara Hudes, SPF 2005 (In The Heights, Broadway), John Bucchino, SPF 2004 (A Catered Affair, Broadway), Brooke Berman, SPF 2004 (Hunting & Gathering, Primary Stages), Jim Knable, SPF 2006 (Spain, MCC), Anton Dudly, SPF 2004 (Substitution, SOHO Playhouse), Catherine Trieshman, SPF 2005 (Crooked, Julia Miles Theater) and J.T. Rogers, SPF 2005 (The Overwhelming, Roundabout Theatre Company).

In the coming year SPF alumni will continue to be seen across the US and the world, including Noah Haidle, SPF 2004 (Saturn Returns, Lincoln Center), Beau Willimon, SPF 2007 (Farragut North, Atlantic Theater Company), Jacquelyn Honess-Martin, SPF 2008 (Smith, The British Museum in London, England) and Jamie Pachino, SPF 2006 (Splitting Infinity, San Jose Rep).