Artistic Director Melba LaRose and Resident Director Tony Spinosa represented NY Artists Unlimited at the IETM International Theatre Conference in Zurich, Switzerland, November 5th - 9th 2008. This conference attracts professional theatre producers, directors, arts endowment directors, and creative believers in the growth of the arts on a global level.
The five-day conference presented panel discussions with topics ranging from the Economy and the Arts to discussions revolving around the European Identity and European Misunderstandings. The conference also included day trips to various parts of Zurich and tours of local theatres with shared insights from resident theatre Artistic Directors and actors. Evenings were generally filled with theatre productions, some of which were mounted specifically for the conference.
The purpose of the company's presence at the IETM Conference was revealed at the NEWSROUND session, a time set aside for any organization to present their three-minute pitch about new projects in development. At this session, LaRose and Spinosa invited playwrights, composers, and filmmakers from around the world to send submissions for the International Cringe Festival '09 - Bad Plays, Bad Musicals, and Bad Films. There was an unprecedented favorable response on the part of attendees from Scotland, Britain, Spain, Ireland and Canada. They were inspired to involve their local writers with this global event.
NY Artists Unlimited looks forward to their evolving relationship with IETM and the continued support of the international collaboration of the arts. Next stop: Bratislava!
INTERNATIONAL CRINGE FESTIVAL '09
INCLUDING
BAD PLAYS, BAD MUSICALS & BAD FILMS
THREE FESTIVALS, TWO LOCATIONS, ONE BIG EVENT -- THE INTERNATIONAL CRINGE FESTIVAL! Check the website for guidelines and application form: www.NYartists.org. On the heels of the great success of Bad Musicals Festival '08, we're stepping on up to the big leagues. Bad Plays and Bad Films will be presented at the newly renovated Downeast Arts Center in the East Village. We would love to return to the Producers' Club with the Bad Musicals Festival, but nothing is set as yet. The International Cringe will be July-August for 3 weeks.
"EBONY BLACK"
"Ebony Black," inspired by Snow White, recently performed for Henry St. Settlement in partnership with area after-school groups: October 31 (Halloween) at PS 134 for 2 school groups and November 11 at PS 20 for another 2 school groups. Written & directed by Melba LaRose, the beautiful score is by Rachel Kaufman, choreography by Francis J. Roach. The cast: Kubbi (as Ebony), Laura Nell Dubuisson, Jay Paranada, Ashleigh Awusie, Jenny Green, Lenin Alevante, and Melba LaRose. David Monroy has become our traveling sound man/ stage manager. Check the website for performances near you.
BRONZE FONDUE - Valentine's performance
NY Artists Unlimited will present Huck DeMilo (the Man in the Butterfly Fly) and Bronze Fondue sometime around or on Valentine's Day at St. Mark's Church, 131 E. 10th St. Currently, they are in the studio, recording, which is great news. Special guest bands will be surprises at this event -- and they are always winners. TICKETS ONLY $5.00!!! Come and party on down with us!
CREATIVE DRAMATICS WORKSHOP WITH SENIORS
We continue to work with the Schomburg Center in the Bronx, despite the fact that the Sm(ART)s grant from Department for the Aging has ended for this year. The Creative Dramatics Workshop is led by Court Sweeting, a Program Director from AHRC and VP of our Board of Directors.
"VOICES OF THE TOWN - A VAUDEVILLE SALUTE!"
Vaudeville is currently undergoing some cast changes, but will be back up and touring real soon. Keep tuned for a performance of the Vaudeville show near you.
MEETINGS WITH AREA NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
The campaign to meet personally with other nonprofit organizations continues, especially in the vicinity of the arts center, to form partnerships in presenting performances, discussions, and workshops for the community. In light of the gloomy State of the State and State of the Stock Market, this is an effort to make connections and find ways to support art for under-served audiences... much of which is being cut Right and Left.
UPDATES ON FESTIVAL PLAYWRIGHTS & DIRECTORS
LENORE BLUMENFELD (Bad Plays Festival '07)
"Cartoon with Caged Giraffe" (1-act) received staged reading in Hollywood. Producer said, "It was a howl!" "Doctor Octopus & the Suicide-Committer" (full-length) is yet another play play that presents the sunny side of suicide, like the one in the Bad Plays Festival '07 ("Don't Wait/ 'Til It's Too Late").
