Downtown Urban Arts Festival Features Mel Nieves & Cost of Exposure

CapturePlaywright’s NameMel Nieves

Tell us about your latest project:

It’s a two character one act between a husband, who is a writer, and his wife, a former dancer. The play explores the fine line of “writing what you know” and “exploitation” when the husband decides to write a fictional account of a tragic moment in their relationship that has haunted both of them in different ways.

What excites you about being a part of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival?

T. Marc Newell has been such a supporter of my work over the years going back to when the festival was at the Cherry Lane Theatre that I truly feel that the Downtown Urban Theatre Festival along with the LAByrinth Theatre Company, Barefoot Theatre company and The Actors Studio Playwright-Director Unit/Workshop is one of my true artistic homes.

What’s your upcoming project after the Festival?

I will be shooting a film as an actor in April and I’m also currently working on a screenplay that I was hired to write which will be filmed in September in West palm Beach Florida.

Website: http://www.melnieves.com

SHOW INFO
Wednesday, March 23 at 7pm
HERE (145 Sixth Avenue – enter on Dominick Street)
Tickets are $18 at www.here.org or by calling 212-352-3101

Downtown Urban Artists Festival Features Jennifer Cendana Armas & Twist & A Bridge

Jennifer Cendaña ArmasBAMPlaywright’s Name: Jennifer Cendana Armas

Tell us about your latest project:

Twists & A Bridge is a short piece I have been developing for a year. It is a one woman piece looking at the effects immigration has had on relationships- both familial and romantic. The piece incorporates the use of Tagalog and Spanish to explore the journey of love, language, and immigration.

What excites you about being a part of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival?

It is the chance for me develop this new piece.

What’s your upcoming project after the Festival?

I will be performing at Brooklyn Academy of Music Apr. 8 & 9, sharing some new poetry I have created, and will be showing work at The Smithsonian in DC Memorial Day weekend

Website:  http://www.junipersupadupa.com

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/junipersupadupa/?fref=ts

Twitter:  @jcaposts

Downtown Urban Arts Festival Features Joe Gulla & The Bronx Queen

 

Joe Gulla, The Bronx Queen 1
Photo by Nicolaas Smit

 

Playwright’s Name: Joe Gulla

 

Tell us about your latest project: 
“The Bronx Queen” is the first chapter of my “Bronx Queen Trilogy”! It is the story of my young life as a gay boy growing up in an Italian working-class section of the Bronx. The title is not as simple as it may appear. Certainly, I AM a “Bronx Queen”. Ha! But, “The Bronx Queen” was also the name of a fishing charter boat that my Dad took me on as a youth. Ironically, he was taking me fishing on that boat to sorta “butch me up’! Put it this way, “branding” was not a hot concept in the 70’s!

What excites you about being a part of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival?
As soon as I heard about this festival, I knew “The Bronx Queen” would be a perfect fit. My show touches on my obsession with legendary graffiti artist, Jean Michel Basquiat and, obviously, it is set in The Bronx. I don’t think you can get more “Downtown” and “Urban” than that! Oh… and I am a Native New Yorker. It’s been a dream of mine to perform at Joe’s Pub! Look at what this “simple Bronx boy with a dream” gets to do! “Excited” doesn’t even come close!

What’s your upcoming project after the Festival?
A week after my performance at Joe”s Pub, I fly to Colorado Springs, CO for the opening of a play I wrote called, “Gayfever”. It is about a man who finds out he is allergic to gay people! Ha! Break out the Benadryl!

Website: http://www.joegulla.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBronxQueen/?fref=ts
Twitter: @joegulla

SHOW INFO

Directed by Brian Rardin

Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30pm
Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette Street)
Tickets are $20 at http://www.dutfnyc.com or by calling 212-967-7555


CREATIVE AMMO, INC.
PRESENTS THE
2016 DOWNTOWN
URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL

FEATURING THEATER, SOLO WORKS & FILM
MARCH 4 – APRIL 9

Now in its 14th year, the Downtown Urban Arts Festival (DUTF) is becoming New York’s premiere winter/spring theatre event showcasing independent theatre artists. The month-long festival, produced by Creative Ammo, Inc., provides writers and performance artists from America’s burgeoning multicultural landscape the opportunity to share their stories that interpret our history and our times.

The 2016 Downtown Urban Arts Festival will run March 4-April 2 with performances at Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette Street), Nuyorican Poets Café (236 East 3rd Street), HERE (145 Sixth Avenue – enter on Dominick Street), and the Tribeca Film Center (375 Greenwich Street). Tickets ($10-$30) may be purchased in advance at http://www.dutfnyc.com.

Meet Megan Minutillo

Name: Megan Minutillo

What’s your current project: thewriteteachers.com (ongoing), The Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree, LOVE SONGS for VDay, DUETS with The Write Teacher(s), H…

Why and how are you involved? I’m the founder of the website, I’m the producer/director of the three concerts, and I wrote H.

Website/Facebook/Twitter Handle: www.meganminutillo.com, no public Facebook page, but I’m on as Megan Minutillo, twitter + instagram @MeganMinutillo.

View More: http://tiffanyfarley.pass.us/meganminutillo

Meet Joan Becht Willette

 Name: Joan Becht Willette

What’s your current project: “The Enchanted Goddess: Literary Creative Arts Series” is my dream project come true! I believe that women are born creators and that we transform our lives in creative community.  There is a monthly “The Enchanted Goddess Writing Workshop” for new and emerging writers. This is where we gather and break bread, share life experiences and write in community. Also, there is a monthly “The Enchanted Goddess Reading Series,” where we meet at The Astoria Bookshop and read an inspirational book together and have lively transformational discussions.

Currently I am working on a collection of poetry and prose entitled “Soul Retrieval.” I just finished a QAI funded project by RPGA Studios titled, “The Poet Is In.” This was a community based project in Socrates Park, where I created personalized ” Poetry Portraits” on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I was just featured as a “Literary Artist” in the debut web TV series “ArtistSpace” produced by Empyre Media Productions. Currently, I am being featured in a QPTV Artist Interview show – airing in December 2015.

It has been exciting to have several pieces of my work published in various journals this year! I couldn’t have done all this, without my amazing supportive creative Queens Artists Community!

Going to weekly Open Mic’s helps hone my craft. Upcoming features: December 2015: “Women’s Poetry Showcase” at Inspired Word, January 2016: “Nature of the Muse at LIC Bar and February 2016: “Boundless Tales” at Astoria Bookshop.

Why and How You Are Involved: “Creativity is the portal to transformation!” Women are overworked, overcommitted and overwhelmed in their everyday lives. I am a Baby Boomer and sexism ran rampant for decades in my life. I am “A New Age Feminist,” Women were conditioned to put everybody’s needs first at home, in the workplace and in our communities. Creativity is the life force that fills our wells. Women naturally gather and support one another, and it has been my dream to combine women collaborating and creating together in a relaxed and creative venue. “The Enchanted Goddess: Literary Creative Arts Series” provides a space for women to have creative discourse and create the life they have always dreamed of! Writing is a voyage of self discovery and Reading unlocks secret chambers of the soul. This is where the “alchemy of transformation” happens!  I know this for sure. It has happened in my life and I want to share creative adventures with the women in my community and beyond!

Website: JoanBechtWillette.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theliterarygoddess or search by:The Enchaned Goddess: Literary Creative Arts Series.

Twitter: JoanofAstoria

 

 

NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet Sandhi Santini & Eartha – The Last Chanteuse

LOGO_BUG+TYPE-resized-2-1_blkbg (1)A dramatic solo performance work which highlights the lows, peaks and challenges endured by entertainer Eartha
Kitt during her journey from a South Carolina cotton plantation to international fame and stardom.

Born on Edisto, a remote barrier island situated between Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA, Sandhi Santini is a Gullah–a descendant of the storytelling griots of West Africa. A New York-based cabaret performer/playwright, she received her B.A. in Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications, Washington, DC. Subsequent studies were obtained in Human Rights from Columbia University’s Graduate School of International
and Public Affairs, NYC; The Playwriting Program at Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre, NYC; and Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), NYC. She is a member of The Society For The Preservation of Theatrical History; an Associate member of The League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW); Associate Artist of NY Live Arts Fiscal Sponsorship Program; and SAGAFTRA. Sandhi has performed as a cabaret singer throughout the USA, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa.

PERFORMANCE: August 25th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet Deanna Hartog & A Flicker of Light

LOGO_BUG+TYPE-resized-2-1_blkbg (1)“A Flicker of Light”, Deanna Hartog’s debut stage play, portrays a man’s life just prior to his death. Based on true experiences, this story depicts the honest and emotional interactions between a father and son as they attempt to mend their broken relationship. The inspiration for this play first came to Deanna as she was flipping through an old photo album, and came across a photograph of her grandfather, who led a life of pure generosity and great success. However, his success also forced him to make compromises in his life, which inevitably impacted his relationships with his family and friends. Deanna’s passion for writing began as a young child writing fictional stories, and has now evolved into a passion for playwriting. In her spare time, Deanna’s love for theatre continues on the stage, performing in many local theatrical productions.

What is your hometown? Westport, Connecticut.

What was the last show that you worked on and where? I am currently performing in Irena’s Vow as Fanka Silberstein, which is being performed in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Why submit to a Festival like this? As a young and aspiring writer, it is so important to gain exposure to my writing and allow myself to make connections with both other writers and people in the business. My goal in participating in this festival is to build these relationships and allow my work to be seen. Plus, seeing my writing come to life on stage and hearing my words spoken aloud is something that every writer dreams of.

PERFORMANCE: August 25th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet David Hersh & Going UP?!

LOGO_BUG+TYPE-resized-2-1_blkbg (1)We all ride elevators. Some of us multiple times a day. And every time we get inside, trapped in the corner, or squished next to the huge-summer-sweaty-guy, our bubble space invaded, while listening to the Muzak drone on we think, even if it is just a flash through our minds we think, “Is this the time I’m going to get stuck?” And we scan the elevator to see who our fellow ragtag inmates will be. And we wonder if we might escape through the trapdoor in the ceiling. And we wonder if we have anything to eat because we missed breakfast. And we pray to God that we won’t have to pee. Or worse. And what about the overly pregnant woman by the buttons? Is she going to blow? Going Up?! is a musical comedy that plays on our collective thoughts and fears; a musical that takes place entirely within a seven by seven space

What is your hometown? I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. My parents grew up in Worcester, MA and moved to Canada before I was born. I moved to the United States a year and half ago and I’ve been living in Brooklyn since.

What was the last show that you worked on and where?  I directed Death of the Dollar in last year’s New York New Works Festival. The show made it all the way to the finals. It was a great show with a talented cast and terrific music.

Why submit to a Festival like this? I’m thrilled that Going Up will be premiering at the Festival this year. The Festival is a fantastic opportunity for new works to be seen by prominent producers. I had an amazing experience last year. Gene Fisch and the entire Festival crew were welcoming and supportive. I also got to see many of the shows which were all entertaining. Some of them were quite inspiring and I appreciated the hard work and talent that went into their productions.

PERFORMANCE: August 25th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet Joe Minchik & With This Ring

Since announcing the debut of his first one-act play, “With This Ring” Joe Minchik has overwhelmingly been asked one question: “Does this mean you are FINALLY proposing to your girlfriend?!” Minchik can’t refute the uncanny resemblance he shares with the play’s main character, Josh Kavanagh, (played by Minchik), a New York City dwelling 29-year old, who after five years of dating his girlfriend, Harper Boston (played by Sarah Burkhalter), attempts to pop the question.

Where is your hometown? Westminster, MD

What was the last show that you worked on and where? I’ve been acting and improvising in NYC since 2008. “With This Ring” is the first play I’ve written.

Why submit to a festival like this? I submitted to the NYNW festival to have a unique opportunity at developing a new piece of writing and the chance to network with industry professionals.

PERFORMANCE: August 25th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet CT Marie and Ideal Lights

LOGO_BUG+TYPE-resized-2-1_blkbg (1)CT Marie is thrilled to be part of this year’s NYNW Theatre Festival. Originally from New York City, she is well acquainted with the NYC theater scene. Just this past January, she produced, wrote, and starred in “A(MUSE)” that was presented by The Venus/Adonis Theatre Festival at The Robert Moss Theater. As a young and active new voice, CT Marie is proud to produce “Ideal Lights” in a festival that honors and provides significant exposure for emerging playwrights.

PERFORMANCE: August 24th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/