Category: Fringe NYC

It’s a Festival A-Gogo and You’re Invited

theater-comedy-tragedyToday I finally took the first step in planning my summer-of-theatre viewing tour. Once there is acceptance that my life will be even more devoted to the theatre for this summer, I had to take the first step:

Look at the guides for the festivals! Oh my world. There are three festivals that are on my radar this summer because I’m directly working on them. I am the Marketing Director for:

However, that means I also need to find out what shows my friends are performing in and throw that into the schedule. I really do hope that you get a chance to support independent theatre this summer. You never know what your take away from a performance will be. And that’s exciting.

See you at the show!

 

by Categories: Fringe NYC, Independent Theatre, New York City, New York New Works Theatre Festival, NYC TheatreTags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The Experience is Sometimes Not Knowing 

Last night I spent the evening with a theatre company that produced a show of which I wasn’t familiar. I love seeing shows that I don’t know. I had seen a show earlier in the week in the same fashion. I received an invite and I didn’t ask what I was seeing. It was really pretty awesome. I walked into the both spaces as a visitor in a new locale. I stepped in and took it all in – the space, the seating, the set. Then I sat down and was curious about what was going to happen. Both spaces were not conventional. The audience was a part of the action, the story, and the show. Yet, not intrusive. Subtle. I had no preconceived notions and was not wearing any of my hats (producer, director, publicist). I was just an audience member there for the ride. 
However, once curtain came down (metaphorically) I was able to appreciate how it was produced, directed and promoted. I was also able to really appreciate artists telling stories. That’s why I love theater so much. Why do this if it isn’t going to move someone? Who knows who’s in the audience who really needed that inspiration. 

This summer is full with great theater. I am thrilled to be on the production team on some amazing shows. Continue creating and see you at the show!

by Categories: Beyond Broadway, Fringe NYC, Independent Theatre, New York City, New York New Works Theatre Festival, NYC Theatre, Queens, TheaterTags: , , , Leave a comment

Theatre Beyond Broadway: The Community – You’re Invited

Capture

Friends, you are officially invited to join Theatre Beyond Broadway: The Community! Click HERE now to join me and others.

One of my many goals when I created Theatre Beyond Broadway in 2012 was to build a community of passionate artists that would empower each other. Being in the arts is not the easiest road on which to travel but the reward, as you know, is beyond words. Even though I have been an active member in the theatre community for close to 20 years, I still am learning. For example, I had my first circus production experience this past weekend. I kicked off 2015 as a production assistant at Circus Now‘s inaugural awards ceremony at the Big Apple Circus. Amazing!

These experiences allows me to broaden my circle. I have met wonderful poets, musicians, solo performers, dancers, artists…the list goes on. I think it’s time for you to meet each other and share your art.

Why TBB: The Community? This is an open forum for the following:

  1. Support and advice;
  2. Upcoming auditions and performances;
  3. Information on conferences and networking opportunities;
  4. The opportunity to meet and expand your artistic circle.

I mention the circus opportunity as it came via a director for whom I did PR for two and half years ago at the Fringe. You never know what will come your way and when. It’s about being plugged in and sharing the resources. And with that, join me on the journey!

by Categories: Beyond Broadway, Fringe NYC, NYC Theatre, NYMF, Openings, PR & Marketing, TBB Mondays, TheaterTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

TBB: I Am Me, The Pawnbroker, Fountain of Youth, EstroGenius Festival

labor_day-rosieI am not sure how Labor Day just crept up on us but here it is. As summer slips into Indian Summer, I look back at the last 8 months in wonderment. How in the world did so much happen? Life in all its splendid glory truly blessed me with both great highs and deep lows. However, through all of it, I had you amazing people emailing me about your shows, emailing me about other people shows, following me on Twitter and liking the TBB FB page. I have worked on some great shows this year. No doubt. I have definitely seen some great work. Fantastic. I also have happened to work on female centric pieces this year. I did a recap of my year and each one of my clients have either been a one woman show or a production where there was a strong female lead(s). This means the world to me as I continue to work with The Pawnbroker in Fringe Encores, begin work with Nicole Kontolefa on her one woman site unspecific piece, I Am Me and return with EstroGenius for the their 15th year! It doesn’t get better than that.

As these women continue to rock our artistic worlds, the partnerships I have created with Cheryl King, Alice Shapiro, Heidi Russell and Qurrat Kadwani continue to be my manna.

I highly suggest that if you are interested in connecting with any of these women, let me know. All of them are fierce, inspiring and strong.

Have an amazing Labor Day and see you at the show!

by Categories: Estrogenius Festival, Fringe NYC, NYC Theatre, Openings, TBB Mondays, TheaterTags: , Leave a comment

TBB: Last Chance: The Pawnbroker, The Apple Tree; Free Ticket Giveaway to Donkey Punch

As one festival closes, more are opening. If you haven’t had the chance to see the Fringe, this is your last week to grab a few. I will be updating my tour as my schedule has shifted and, believe it or not, there is theatre outside of the Fringe Festival that I supported. It’s hard to be everywhere all the time. Stay tuned for info on the Women at Work Festival at Stage Left Studios and the EstroGenius Festival celebrates 15 years.

In honor of that, I am offering free tickets to Estro Alum’s Ivy Theatre and their production of Donkey Punch.

Uninhibited Kareena delves into monogamy while her uptight best friend, Sam, starts dating a pornographer. In the ultramodern world of sex, relationships and blurred lines, is it punch or be punched?

Question for you: What’s your favorite uninhibited play from the last decade and why?

by Categories: Fringe NYC, NYC Theatre, TBB Mondays, TheaterTags: , , Leave a comment

TBB: The Pawnbroker, The Apple Tree, Summer of Love

There’s no reason not to support independent theatre especially when one of these shows may be the next Rent or The Book of Mormon or even The Glass Menagerie. Also, all of us started somewhere, so if you are an artist or are one in the confines of your four walls or even someone who appreciates it, please support! The second best part of seeing these shows is talking to other audience members. That’s for the next blog. Go to http://www.theatrebeyondbroadway.com or visit my Facebook page and I’ll see you at the show!

by Categories: Fringe NYC, NYC Theatre, Random Musings, TBB Mondays, Theater Leave a comment

Guest Blogger Jennifer Curfman on Brecht and The Pawnbroker

Pawnbroker postcard mockupIt’s no secret that I have a soft spot for solo shows. I find them interesting and challenging at the same time I am usually in awe. As an actress, I have always done shows with multiple character rather than a show with one performer playing multiple characters. This time around I have the pleasure of working on the one woman show, The Pawnbroker, written and performed by Kaitlin Wilcox about the women in the life of Bertolt Brecht. I didn’t know Brecht’s back story rather just his work in the theatre and his plays. Today’s guest blogger, director Jennifer Curfman discusses her work.

When Katelin Wilcox first asked me to direct her one-woman play, The Pawnbroker, she had just finished its first public performance as a part of the United Solo Festival. Her wonderful director, Diana Buirski, was moving away, but The Pawnbroker’s professional life was just getting started, and it would still need a director. Katelin asked me to come along for the ride, and I jumped at the chance to work on this dynamic, compelling play, and to help it find its audience. Now, after two small workshops, a flurry of applications and emails, a dozen marathon rehearsals, and countless cups of coffee, we are poised to open The Pawnbroker at FringeNYC this weekend.
 
The first time I heard Katelin’s play, I was moved and angered by the stories of its five protagonists, women who loved and worked with legendary playwright Bertolt Brecht throughout his career, and who were instrumental in the creation of much of his body of work. Time and again, these women were each charmed, delighted, and inspired by Brecht, and also deeply wronged by him, personally, professionally, and artistically. They made extraordinary contributions to some of the world’s greatest theater and, until I encountered The Pawnbroker, I had never even heard of most of them.
 
The life of this play began years ago, when Katelin discovered the stories of Elisabeth Hauptmann, Helene Weigel, Marianne Zoff, Margarete Steffin and Ruth Berlau as she researched her college thesis. As a playwright, she has worked for years to give these women a voice, but it is her work onstage as an actor that truly brings The Pawnbroker, and these women, to life. Katelin is as smart and skilled an actress as she is a playwright, and I have the privilege of being in rehearsal with her, where I get to meet these five women every day. Together, we have worked to find what is unique about each of the women. It would be easy to think of that only in terms of the physical or vocal choices Katelin can make, but we also get to uncover what each woman most desperately wants, and how they each fight to get it. They each have their own charms and their own flaws, they are at once funny and tough and heartbreaking, and in every rehearsal I learn something new about one of them. And I want to fight for them too.
 
Katelin and I are thrilled to introduce these women to the FringeNYC audiences. As The Pawnbroker approaches its opening night, we’re in the thick of tech rehearsals and ticket sales, slide projectors and, yes, more coffee. But one thing cuts through it all. As Katelin recognized years ago, these women should be heard.
 
The Pawnbroker: Lies, Lovers, and Bertolt Brecht will be presented as part of the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival. For more info: www.YouDontKnowBrecht.com
 
Performance details:
 
Sat. 8/9 12:30pm
Sun. 8/10 7:45pm
Wed. 8/13 5:00pm
Sat. 8/16 8:45pm
Thu. 8/21 2:00pm
 
FringeNYC Venue #12: 64E4 UNDERGROUND – The Paradise Factory, located at 64 East 4th St. (between Bowery and 2nd Ave.), New York, NY 10003
10472698_727771650604294_844854479345166573_nJennifer Curfman (Director) is a Resident Artist and Associate Artistic Director of The CRY HAVOC Company. She directedthe world premiere of Peace, Love, and Cupcakes, The Musical (Vital Theatre), which reopened this summer for an extended run in NYC. Other directing credits include Party Girl and Good Enough by Kitt Lavoie, Caught by Sharon E. Cooper, and the upcoming (One) Acts of HAVOC (Manhattan Rep). Associate directing credits include Romeo and Juliet, Kitt Lavoie, Dir. (CRY HAVOC), and the concert staging of Bros and Dolls, Matt Cowart, Dir. (Joe’s Pub). Acting credits include NYC Opera (NYC premiere of Dead Man Walking, Leonard Foglia, Dir.), Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, and the NY Philharmonic (Stephen Sondheim’s 80th Birthday Concert, Lonny Price, Dir.). Jennifer is a member of Actors’ Equity, and she holds a BFA from NYU.
by Categories: Fringe NYC, Guest Blogger, TBB Wednesdays, TheaterTags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment

TBB: FringeNYC Opens: The Pawnbroker, The Lost Ones, A 1940s Comedy of Errors

This week marks the 3rd anniversary of Theatre Beyond Broadway. That initial newsletter was all I had to share with you about the handful of upcoming shows. Now TBB has grown to have it’s own website, FB page and even it’s own business.

This is my thank you for keeping with me all these years and continuing to support and create art. Last night, I was at Alvin Ailey celebrating with other artists. Planet Connections Theatre Festivity had their annual awards ceremony where they give out awards recognizing the achievements of artists and organizations. I was fortunate to be on the team of three shows that won awards last night (Pieces, The Quest of the Hero! and Allie’s Appendix) as well as have friends that were also recognized for their work (Tatyana Kot and  John Patrick Bray).

I guess I am saying that you never know what will come out of an idea. Especially if it’s from the heart. My love for theatre is not a secret. I just believe it unifies people through being vulnerable and  collaborative. And I believe it needs to be seen. On that note, the Fringe opens this week. Please join me on my tour.

Also, I will be making some changes to the site and the newsletter. Stay tuned by following me on Twitter or Facebook. Have an amazing August and…

See you at the show.

by Categories: Fringe NYC, Openings, TBB Mondays Leave a comment

A Festival of Fun (or Tears) or Producing 201

FestivalTruth be told, my upcoming article for The Write Teacher(s) is about participating in the many theatre festivals offered in our country. I wrote about the experiences of being in a festival and the benefits of having your show as part of it. Then Ken Davenport wrote an excellent blog on the many festivals around the world but went even further and listed them. I want to personally thank him for doing this because I had started the research.

This morning I sat down with a printout of the shows participating in FringeNYC. There’s no way I am going to be able to see all of them but I did highlight 45 of them including The Pawn Broker (I’m doing their PR). The next step is to then cull from those 45 what will fit in my schedule. When I did the Fringe tour last year, I think I saw about 15 because I didn’t fully plan the tour a month in advance. I was busy working on Naked In Alaska and See Jane Give Up Dick that I totally spread myself thin. I also was working with the EstroGenius Festival on their season. Festivals are great way to get your production in front of an audience. Like Ken says, you are definitely one in a million and you have to work 5 times as hard to get your piece to stand out. At the end of it, though, you come out ahead because you’ve learned how to produce a show.

Here’s the list:

Theater Festivals From Around The World

The Big Ones:

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh, Scotland

Festival of New Musicals, New York, NY

London International Festival of Theatre, London, England

New York Musical Theatre Festival, New York, NY

New York International Fringe Festival, New York, NY

Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown, MA

Other Awesome Ones:

Bard SummerScape, Annandate-on-Hudson, NY

Barrington Stage’s Musical Theatre Lab, Pittsfield, MA

Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge, MA

BSU Discovery New Musical Theatre Festival, Muncie, IN

Children’s Musical Theatre Festival, New York, NY

Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Shepherdstown, WV

Dorset Theatre Festival, Dorset, VT

Downtown Urban Theater Festival, New York, NY

Dream Up Festival, New York, NY

Dublin Theatre Festival, Dublin, Ireland

Estrogenius, New York, NY

Festival of New American Musicals, Los Angeles, CA

Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, Auburn, NY

Fresh Fruit Festival, New York, NY

Frigid Festival, New York, NY

Junior Theater Festival, New York, NY

KO Festival of Performance, Amherst, MA

Midtown International Theatre Festival, New York, NY

Minnesota Fringe Festival, Minneapolis, MN

National Black Theatre Festival, Winston-Salem, NC

The New York Children’s Theater Festival, New York, NY

Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, OR

Pacific Playwrights Festival, Costa Mesa, CA

Planet Connections Festivity, New York, NY

Revolutions International Theatre Festival, Albuquerque, NM

Rogue Festival, Fresno, CA

The Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival, New York, NY

Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston, SC

Strawberry One-Act Festival, New York, NY

Thespian Festival, Lincoln, NE

United Solo Theatre Festival, New York, NY

Village Theatre: Festival of New Musicals, Issaquah, WA

The West Village Musical Theatre Festival,  New York, NY

World Stages International Theater Festival, Washington, DC

by Categories: Fringe NYC, NYC Theatre, NYMF, TBB Wednesdays, The Write Teacher(s), TheaterTags: , , , , , , 1 Comment

TBB: Festival Season, Madame Infamy, They Call Me Q, Woman at the Funerals

FestivalWe are truly in the middle of New York City’s Festival season. There’s the Fringe Festival (FringeNYC), New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), The Strawberry Festival, The Brick Comic Book Theatre Festival, The West Village Musical Theatre Festival (WVMTF) and so much more. It’s hard to know which shows to see in which festival in addition to the myriad of shows that have runs over the summer. I have to sit with the months of July and August to balance it out. Luckily, since I do PR and have many friends in the shows, I can narrow them down. However, I do like to see a show in which I’m not connected.

So I’ll start off by saying that I will be seeing Pageant Princess on Friday night and They Call Me Q on Monday (see below for more info on a half off tickets for that performance).
Madame infamy is my NYMF show which, if you haven’t heard yet, I’m over the moon about it. It’s already been lauded as the show to see by the NYTimes this summer. You should definitely check it out.
The Pawn Broker is my FringeNYC show, which is an awesome one woman show about the women of Bertolt Brecht. More info on that to come.
Visit www.theatrebeyondbroadway.com for more info on upcoming shows.
And see you at the show!
They Call Me Q is offering a 50% ticket for the 6/30 show to my subscribers. The more the merrier. Join me and click HERE for more info.
I just joined The Write Teacher(s) as their contributing writer on Beyond Broadway. Click HERE to read my debut article on The Josephine Foundation.
by Categories: Fringe NYC, NYC Theatre, NYMF, TBB Mondays, The Write Teacher(s), TheaterTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment