East West Players announces its fall Arts Education Programs
East West Players, the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, announces its 2005 fall arts education programs for emerging and professional artists. The programs – David Henry Hwang Writers Institute, Actors Conservatory, and Alliance of Creative Talent Services – allow artists to develop their talents in a supportive environment and encourage creative expression in the Asian Pacific Islander community.
“It is so rewarding to watch someone grow through the course of studying at East West Players and the confidence they leave with. You know that wherever their next stop, they’ll be ready,” said Arts Education Director Marilyn Tokuda. “East West Players’ arts educational programs are sensitive to the cultural differences of Asian Americans. Asian Americans are not encouraged to go into the arts, rock the boat, or speak up, so having a place like EWP where you don’t need to explain your cultural background is very positive and empowering.”
The David Henry Hwang Writers Institute is the nation’s most active Asian American play development program and has supported the careers of talented writers such as Noel Alumit (THE RICE ROOM), Sujata G. Bhatt (QUEEN OF THE REMOTE CONTROL), Lucy Kim (LEON AND CLARK) and Tim Toyoma’s VISAS AND VIRTUES, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning short film. The Institute was founded in 1991 with the support of its namesake, award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang (M. BUTTERFLY, GOLDEN CHILD, the new libretto of FLOWER DRUM SONG). This fall, the Writers Institute is offering a 15-week Playwriting Workshop with Doris Baizley designed to help new and experienced writers start or develop new plays into scripts that are ready to be put on stage. Participants will be provided with constant feedback on everyone’s work progress, reading and discussion of three or four works in progress, reading assignments to inspire writers with their work, and other exercises to further develop playwriting skills.
The year-round Actors Conservatory classes provide professional training in stage and film techniques to develop the skills of artists. With a lack of Asian Americans in the entertainment industry, the Actors Conservatory aims to create a comfortable environment in which actors can grow in skill and in confidence. This fall, three classes are being offered for those pursuing professional careers in arts and entertainment, as well as those simply wanting to explore their creative talents and seeking personal expression. Fundamentals of Acting with Leslie Ishii is an 8-week class geared toward providing a firm foundation for those with little or no acting experience. The class will cover improvisation, sensory, and character exercises as well as beginning monologue work. Scene Study with Heidi Helen Davis, for intermediate and advanced students only, focuses on character and script analysis and requires an audition to enroll. In Dialect Class, students will learn the International Phonetic Alphabet, and Korean and Cantonese Chinese accents with seasoned vocal coaches Esther K. Chae and Karen Huie. For a list of dates and fees, please visit www.eastwestplayers.org/conservatory.htm.
East West Players is also accepting renewal and new membership registration for its career development program, Alliance of Creative Talent Services (ACTS) from August 1 – September 12, 2005 at www.eastwestplayers.org/acts.htm. The program seeks to educate and enhance the visibility of Asian American artists by providing artists with valuable resources. In the past, ACTS members have participated in special events sponsored by the major television networks. ABC has held a talent showcase as well as CBS which also held three workshops exclusively for ACTS writers and actors. For an $80 membership fee, participants will receive benefits such as limited listings of credits, photo (if available) and contact information on the East West Players website and in the printed APA Talent Directory; casting notices sent directly to their e-mail box; free tickets to preview performances of East West Players mainstage productions and complimentary tickets to other Los Angeles theatres; discounts for other arts education classes; and opportunities to network with other APA artists.
Artistic Director Tim Dang expects this fall’s programs to generate similar results to ones seen in the past. “Our programs have always created more confidence in our artists, better skills in communication and movement, a better connection to the industry, and knowing that you are not alone in this sometimes grueling career,” said Dang.
For more information about any of East West Players Arts Education programs, please contact Marilyn Tokuda at (213) 625-7000 x15 or mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org.
