Category: TBB Interviews

TBB Interviews

Meet Megan Minutillo & H

Photo by Tiffany FarleyName: Megan Minutillo

What is your current project?  H…

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

I wrote this play, and will be directing it as part of the JTD Lab at Guild Hall of East Hampton.

What’s next for you?

H at Guild Hall. After that? I can’t say YET, but it’ll be great!

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

Lin Manuel Miranda. He too started as a substitute teacher, but didn’t give up on his dream of creating. He expands and pushes the limits of theatre in a way that inspires generations of the past, present, and future.

Want More?

Website: www.meganminutillo.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/meganminutillo

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/meganminutillo

Megan Minutillo is a director, producer, writer, arts educator and founder of thewriteteachers.com. She studied theatre, political science, philosophy, and law at Binghamton University, and received an M.A. from NYU in Educational Theatre and English Education. Megan has directed and produced numerous productions in the tri-state area at Feinstein’s/54 Below, Guild Hall of East Hampton, Birdland Jazz, (le) poisson rouge, and Bay Street Theater. Additionally, she is a proud recipient of a Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Observership – this past November she had the pleasure of working at the Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City. Her writing can be found on I AM THAT GIRL, HelloGiggles.com, So Worth Loving, Glass Heel, and megan minutillo.com.

Show information (venue, dates, ticket info)

Guild Hall of East Hampton, September 13th at 7:30pm, tickets are free!

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Meet Laura Cetti & Imaginary

Laura Cetti (2)Name: Laura Cetti

What is your current project?

A selection from my good friend Nick Radu’s play “Imaginary” in the New York New Works Festival

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

We will be performing at The Elektra Theater in midtown. This festival is a great fit for me and Imaginary because it gives us the oppourtunity to show our work to industry professionals in hopes of getting their support and feedback.

What’s next for you?

I will be singing at Broadway Artists Connection at The Laurie Beechman Theatre on September 12th!

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?
My biggest inspiration now, as always, are my fellow actors. I just finished a new play in the Thespis Festival and I was so struck by the hard work and dedication of my castmates. We were putting in 7 hour days for 3 plus weeks and each and every one of these actors showed up ready to work and collaborate. Not one received any compensation for their time. They were all there for the satisfaction of the work and the growth and the art. That is what it’s all about and what inspires me to work hard every day.

Want More?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.cetti.5

Laura is a New York based Singer and Actor. Recent credits include: ‘We Were Children/ Thespis Festival Hudson Guild Theater, ‘Lady Parts’/ The AlphaNYC, ‘Pieces’/ Planet Connections Theater Festivity(Best Supporting Actress in a Musical).

Imaginary:  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2589068
Broadway Artists Connection:  http://www.broadwayconnects.org/

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Meet Heidi Russell and the International Women Artist’s Salon

Name: Heidi Russell

What is your current project?
International Women Artists’ Salon
Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

All over – the world is our oyster – always looking for partner venues anywhere in world.

What’s next for you?

Continuing current series and starting a film/video festival and building our custom designed web platform.

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

Women artists all over the world, all disciplines, doing amazing work

Want More?
Website: internationalwomenartistssalon.wordpress.com
Twitter: @womenartsalon
YouTube: International Women Artists Salon; womenartsalon.blogspot.com

Heidi Russell is a life-long, self-taught fine art photographer specializing in capturing the intersection of the various dimensions of cultural environs through full-frame, non-manipulated, in-camera technique using existing lighting. Russell is also an independent curator, publisher and founder of International Women Artists’ Salon. http://www.heidirussell.com (I have longer versions if needed)
Show information (venue, dates, ticket info)

Salon Lounge at Dixon Place – monthly multi-disciplinary showcase at Dixon Place,161A Chrystie Street (Rivington/Delancey), NYC, 7:30-8:30pm FREE – next up Aug 20th, Revolution curated by Marcina Zaccaria (Intl. Committee co-chair of LPTW) Salon Radio on City World Radio network, Thursdays 8-8:55pm EST – live listening on TuneIn.com or TuneIn app for smartphones – all shows archived on http://www.CityWorldRadio.com for on-demand listening.

Heidi Russell Headshot CWRN
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Meet Miranda Jonte and Easter at the Entree Gold

muumuuName: Miranda Jonte
What is your current project?

Directing and producing playwright John Minigan’s EASTER AT THE ENTREE GOLD, going up at the Sam French Off Off Broadway Fest on August 9th

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

John and I have been collaborating for two years now, and he said, ‘Hey, I’m going to submit this piece again (we did the fest last year too), and can I put you down as producer again, no pressure?’ Of course we said yes. To our surprise, it got in (as playwrights we’d both gotten so many ‘nos’ this year and just assumed we’d continue the trend), and that was that. Hey Jonte!’s director, Stephen, is out of state currently, so it was either find a new director, or approach it as an opportunity to build my professional resume. So I’m directing for the first time ever. It’s terrifying. Terrifying. As for the right fit, John’s plays are fraught with gorgeous language and gorgeous conflict. His pieces are layered and so demanding, and they capture the baseness of people with so much beauty- not easy to do! We’d be crazy not to produce his work.

What’s next for you?

Worst. Question. Ever. Because I never know the answer! I think a lot of people feel as if they never know if they’re going to work or create again. I’m going to buckle down and audition my face off for the next two years- theater, film, and TV. I *also* want to turn my play ST. FRANCIS (being published this December!) into a film and film in my hometown in Northern California. There’s another play brewing in my head as well, but it hasn’t made its way past pictures and single lines in my mind’s eye. Hopefully it’ll make its way down from my head into my hands and out onto the page. I never know.

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

HAHAHAHA Everyone who’s working. Or, Lake Bell, who wrote, directed, and starred in the little indie gem IN A WORLD, Joey Lauren Adams, who wrote a movie for herself, and upon realizing she needed to direct it, found an actor to replace her in the lead. (Ashley Judd starred in COME EARLY MORNING) People who create their own work, and who collaborate, and who make smart business decisions. Oh. And Ed Burns. He is the epitome of making work for himself and doing everything in his power to get it done- and being unafraid to ask for help.

Want More?
Website: www.heyjonte.com
Twitter: twitter.com/marasofar

Miranda Jonte was born & raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She received her MFA from the Actors Studio in New York, her BA in Theatre & German from Chico State, & studied at the University of Tuebingen, Germany. There, she played Suzanne (Picasso at the Lapin Agile), & Tracy (Seascape with Sharks and Dancer). Roles in the States include Mary (Mary Stuart), Mercy (I Am Yours), Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Madame (The Maids), Katherine (The Secret Rapture), Kim (This Isn’t Working): FringeNYC, Amy (Refuge), & mercenary killer Danielle Bosola in the new retelling of the Duchess of Malfi, Malfi, Inc. with Milk Can Theatre Company. She decided to try her hand at creating her own work, the result being the full-length play Greasemonkey, in which she originated the role of Mara in its world premiere in NYC, Winter 2013. Greasemonkey led her to a semi-finalist position for the Princess Grace Award in playwriting. Her next play, St. Francis, premiered successfully last Spring as a one-woman show; the expanded one-act had its first public reading in Fall 2014, was a semi-finalist again for Princess Grace in 2015, and in August of the same year, debuted at New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC). St. Francis was selected to be published in Applause Books’ THE BEST PLAYS FROM AMERICAN THEATRE FESTIVALS 2015. She has also written the ten minute play All in a White Trash Pie, directed by Stephen Brotebeck. She and Stephen helmed the professional production of John Minigan’s Breaking the Shakespeare Code at the Greenhouse Theater in Chicago in June 2014. They followed up with the New York premiere of Shakespeare Code with the New York International Fringe Festival, August 2014. She played Anna in both productions. In her spare time, she does road races & mud runs, eats junk food with fervor, & watches Netflix waaaayyyyy too much.

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Meet Abby Judd and the New York New Works Theatre Festival

NYNW 2016 POSTERName: Abby Judd

What is your current project?

General Manager – The New York New Works Theatre Festival 2016

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

The New York New Works Theatre Festival takes center stage from August 29th – October 5th, at the Times Square Arts Center. Exposing talented writers to enthralled audiences, and a panel of Broadway Producers, Emmy and Tony Award Winners, it was only natural to choose an Off-Broadway theatre in the heart of New York’s Theatre District, the theatre capital of the world!

What’s next for you?

My agency, Bear In Mind Creative, is working with an multi-award winning film writer to produce and brand his latest project!

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

I have two: My business partner, Melissa Gordon. Every time I present her with a challenge she comes back with something which exceeds anything I could have imagined. Her mind works beautifully. She is so creative and loving, it delights me every day. Kenny Bell, the booking manager at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. He genuinely cares about every performer who walks through his doors, and is so supportive of developing great art and talent. He’s made his theatre a home. Working with him is an honor.

Want More?

Website: http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/
Twitter: @NYNWTheatreFest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nynwtheatrefestival/

Abby Judd is a partner in Bear In Mind Creative, a boutique agency operating in both the USA and UK, specializing in branding, web design and marketing, as well as General Management and Production for Theatre, TV and Film: http://www.bearinmindcreative.com Abby is also the resident light/sound designer at the Laurie Beechman theatre on 42nd Street. She has stage managed and designed for numerous productions and festivals internationally, and was recently nominated for the MAC award for ‘Outstanding Technical Direction’. Some of her favorite projects include: Multiple events with the charity Lady Parts Justice; The Puppet Shakespeare Players ‘Titus Andronicus’; and ‘Hotel California’ at New York New Works Theatre Festival 2015.

Show information

PRELIMINARY ROUND: AUG 29, 30, 31 & SEP 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 | SEMI FINALS: SEP 19, 20, 21, 22, 26 | FINALS GALA: OCT 5 2016 Book Tickets Here – http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/book-tickets

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Meet Ali Kennedy Scott & Let Them Eat Cake

Ali Kennedy Scott Headshot 04 (digital) (1280x844)Name: Ali Kennedy Scott

What is your current project?

Let Them Eat Cake: An American Love Story It is a new immersive adaptation of the Greek Tragedy, Oedipus.

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

We’ll be doing 5 performances in Oklahoma City in October 2017, followed up by a longer season in NYC in May & June 2017. Locations are currently secret to add to the mystery and intrigue of the piece. Spaces have been chosen for their ability to convey opulence and decay. Living in NYC, excess and degradation are constantly found side by side and this is at the core of the play.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be playing the Prince of Darkness in Calderon’s Two Dreams at La Mama Theatre in February 2017. I’m also in the process of writing my new solo show examining women in leadership.

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

Right now in the wake of the Democratic Convention the people inspiring me are Hilary Clinton and Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama for giving the greatest speech I have ever heard. What an incredible and inspiring women! Listening to her made me excited to be alive at this time, hopeful for the future and proud to be part of the human race. And Hilary Clinton for incredible strength, tenacity, intelligence and ability to get things done. Her ability to take the knocks and keep going is something that all artists aspire to. A creative life is not necessarily an easy road, it’s a passion, it’s a calling. And it takes bravery and courage to follow it. And my goodness has Hilary Clinton been an example of bravery and courage. It staggers me that 50% of the population have never seen their gender in that level of leadership.The impact of Hilary’s nomination will be felt around the world for generations. She is changing what is possible for all of us.

WANT MORE?

Website: www.alikennedyscott.com
Twitter: @AliKennedyScott

Ali Kennedy Scott is an Australian actor, writer and theatre maker based in New York. She is a graduate of Anne Bogart’s SITI Company Conservatory and is a member of the SITI Company Board of Directors. She is also a member of Magis Theatre Company and recently performed in the Sara Copia Sulam Project alongside former Poet Laureate, Rita Dove. She is an associate of immersive theatre group ‘This is Not a Theatre Company’ where her work has included Gertrude Stein in A Serious Banquet, Pool Play, Ferry Play (a New York Times critics pick) & ReadyMade Cabaret. Ali has performed at a host of venues across New York including New York Theatre Workshop, Judson Church, the SoHo Playhouse, and The Barrow Group. Other credits include: Kennedy Scott’s award winning solo show The Day the Sky Turned Black, which toured throughout Australia, to Edinburgh and New York. Called “Enthralling” by The New York Times, Kennedy Scott’s accolades include ‘Excellence in Solo Performance’ at the New York International Fringe & Sydney Fringe Festivals, as well as People’s Choice for Best Play of the Sydney Fringe.

Kennedy Scott is an experienced puppeteer playing Blanche in the sold out season of the Avenue Q styled Thank You For Being A Friend (Darlinghurst Theatre, Sydney). Further international credits include: Agent 1 in Dream Plays- It Ended working alongside David Greig (Traverse Edinburgh), Sally Forth in Poppy (Factory Space), Japanese Waitress with a Mysterious Past in Playing the Victim (Tap Gallery). In 2013, Kennedy Scott created an artist-in residence program in Western Sydney in conjunction with the Australian Business and Community Network. Funded by JP Morgan, the program has seen her work with over 200 high school students in Western Sydney to create & direct 11 new theatre works inspired by the students’ lives and stories. The work entitled Parramatta Now has been nominated for a Zest award. Kennedy Scott holds a First Class Honors Degree in Economics from the University of Sydney and is a grateful recipient of grants from The Ian Potter Cultural Trust, Dame Joan Sutherland Fund, Cybec Foundation, ArtsNSW and the Australia Council. Training: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School UK.

Show information: http://www.marshallexperimental.org/

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Meet Michael Bradley Block & The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer

Michael Block Headshot 4Name: Michael Bradley Block

What is your current project? The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer will be presented as part of the 20th Annual New York International Fringe Festival! I’ve been dreaming to be a part of the festival for quite some time so getting this opportunity now is extraordinary. FringeNYC is a place where works that may not be able to see the light of day get the opportunity to experience life in front of an audience. My play is inspired by Ibsen’s Peer Gynt told through the lens of modern sexuality. The pitch is filled with buzzwords but to a regular audience, it may not be their cup of tea. Because of the structure of FringeNYC, not only are we getting friends and family to attend, we’re getting patrons of the festival which then brings word of mouth! This play at this time is important. And I’m thankful that FringeNYC will be a part of the adventure!

What’s next for you?

I am keeping up with my site Theater in the Now (theaterinthenow.com) as well as pushing for my musical, The Girls in White, to see life on its feet. So if anyone wants to produce a musical that is virtually “Orange is the New Black” meets “Chicago” with a country twang, I got the show for you!

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

I’ve said this a lot recently, but I truly mean it. Right now, my biggest inspiration right now is Chris Goodrich, the director of The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer. Not only is he an amazing friend but he’s pushed me in ways that have made me a stronger person and a stronger artist. I’m not going to lie, producing a play for FringeNYC is not easy. Chris has been such a wonderful support and is the reason why this play is happening. If it weren’t for him, I’d probably have pulled all my hair out! Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like him.

WANT MORE?

Website: dreamerplay.com, theaterinthenow.com
Twitter: @dreamerplay2016 @theaterinthenow
Facebook: facebook.com/dreamerplay2016, facebook.com/michaelbblock

Michael Bradley (Playwright): originally from Mahwah, New Jersey, Michael is a theater artist based in New York City. Most recently, his musical The Girls in White, written with Artie Sievers, received a concert at Feinstein’s/54 Below featuring two-time Tony winner Michael Cerveris. As a playwright, his work as been seen and heard throughout New York including TinyRhino, Less Than Rent, Dream Up Festival at Theater for the New City, PTP/NYC, and Rhapsody Collective, to name a few. He is the founder and artistic director of Rhapsody Collective. He is also the founder and lead critic of Theater in the Now (theaterinthenow.com), a leading source of theatrical criticism in the Indie and Off Broadway theater community. As a stage manager, Michael has worked on and off Broadway including Stick Fly, produced by Alicia Keys, Signature’s revival of Angels in America, and the original productions of Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris and Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker. Michael is a graduate of Boston University and a proud member of AEA.

Show Information

WHERE: Venue #1- Teatro Sea at The Clemente (107 Suffolk St.)

WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 @ 9:30; TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 @ 5+; MONDAY, AUGUST 22 @ 4:45; WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 @ 7; SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 @ 1:30

TICKETS: fringenyc.org

Dreamer Postcard Front
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Harvey: Meet Chris Martens

IMG_4099Name: Chris Martens

Character: E.J. Lofgren–The Taxi Driver

Why did you want to be a part of this production?
To work with Mary

What’s next for you?
Onwards and Upwards

What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
A gorilla named Donkey 

Chris Martens is a Drama graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music, Art and the Performing Arts. He has been a proud member of the First String Players since 2012, having performed in five shows over the last four years. He was last seen as Max in “Lend Me a Tenor” and the role he was born to play in “All In The Timing”. He would like to thank Mary for being luminescent; a pure joy to work with.

Chris: Chameleon, Comedian, Corinthian, Caricature

HARVEY by Mary Chase

Director: Mary Lynch

Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi

Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)

July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm

Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.

Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens

For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com

Flyer designed by Steve Morisi

Director: Mary Lynch

Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi

Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)

July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm

Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.

Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens

For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com

Flyer designed by Steve Morisi

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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Harvey: Meet Kevin Abernethy

Name: Kevin Abernethy

Character: Judge Gaffney

Why did you want to be a part of this production?
Acting is fun.

What’s next for you?
Summer vacation in Toronto

What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Cat – Tiger

HARVEY by Mary Chase

Director: Mary Lynch

Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi

Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)

July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm

Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.

Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens

For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com

Flyer designed by Steve Morisi

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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Harvey: Meet Michelle Ruggieri

20150504_161202Name: Michelle Ruggieri

Character: Betty Chumley

Why did you want to be a part of this production?
I wanted to be a part of the production because First String Players is such a great group. I have gotten the chance to work with some incredibly talented people and I just knew Harvey was going to be no different!

What’s next for you?
Don’t have a next project lined up yet but I’m sure I’ll be auditioning. I am also trying to squeeze time in my schedule for some sign language and/or some classes to brush up on my Italian.

What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
My favorite animal is a giraffe. Since they don’t exactly fit in house in Queens the closest I’ve been to naming one is the stuffed one my boyfriend hand made for me. We named him Eeyore.

Michelle is very happy to be working with her friends at First String Players once again. Favorite roles include: Lend Me a Tenor (Maria), Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit), An 80th Birthday Concert: The Music of Stephen Sondheim (Featured Performer), All My Sons (Lydia Lubey), Anne of a Thousand Days (Mary Boleyn), Putting it Together (Older Woman) and Wizard of Oz (Mrs. Gulch/Wicked Witch). A big thank you to Mary, the rest of the awesome production staff and the amazing cast for making this such a great way to spend the summer. Enjoy the show!

HARVEY by Mary Chase

Director: Mary Lynch

Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi

Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)

July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm

Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.

Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens

For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com

Flyer designed by Steve Morisi

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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