December 2003
- New performing arts group in San Diego: Mo'olelo Hawaiian Performing Arts Comapny
Mo'olelo [mo-oh-Leh-low] means "story, legend, tale, or narrative" in Hawaiian.
There are three parts to their mission: CREATE, PRODUCE, & EDUCATE.
CREATE - to uncover and research stories within different communities and bring them to life on stage. An example is the play Remains. Written by Seema Sueko, this play tells the story of Laila Ahmed, an American college student, who turns up dead in Israel/Palestine. Her mother receives her journal through which she pieces together the last four months of her daughter's life and meets good, bad, beautiful, and ugly people on all sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This play was read publicly in October, and its next stop is Chicago where it will receive a public reading by Renegade Theatre Company. Mo'olelo hopes to raise funds to produce Remains as its inaugural show in 2004.
PRODUCE - produce original stories by contemporary playwrights and lesser-known stories by master playwrights, such Ibsen's The Master Builder. The Old Globe's Associate Director Brendon Fox has agreed to direct!
EDUCATE - educate youth in technical theatre and design, exposing them to potential careers and grooming this new generation of theatre artists so they can tell stories on stage with integrity. Under this part of our mission, Kim Palma leads the Mo'olelo to Joyce program, in which she teaches high school students the artistry of technical theatre and design throughout the academic year, and then leads them on a week-long internship working beside the professional crew at The Joyce Theatre in New York City in the summer. - Top Arts Group for AATC in SF
AsianWeek granted Asian American Theater Company the award for "Best Arts Organization" of 2003. Based on the votes of its readership, the AsianWeek award was among 50 categories for restaurants, businesses, community organizations and individuals relevant to the APA community. - Bindlestiff Family Reunion
"Calling all family. The moment has arrived.. it's Bindlestiff Studio's Family Reunion.
"If you've ever shared a laugh with us, you're family. If you've ever shed a tear with us,
you're family. If you know what it's like to be touched by the spirit of Bindlestiff, you are family
"..and we are inviting you all to come share our space with us one last time before we prepare for the next chapter of our journey.
"It all began 15 years or so ago, when some artistic souls planted the seeds right here on
6th street. Over the years, new faces have emerged, new voices have been heard, but the
spirit that started it all has stayed with us through the laughter, the tears, the triumphs,
and the struggles. For the next two weekends, we'll be bringing back some old friends to help us take the stage and share stories that explore the heart, mind, body, and soul of Bindlestiff.
"Riot Action Theater Company is in the house
8th Wonder is in the house.
Bindlestiff Pinay Collective
Overseas Artists are in the house.
The Bindlestiff Players are in the house.
"Make sure you're in the house, too.
"Isang Bagsak. Isang Mahal. Never Give Up.
"Thu-Sat, December 11-13, 18-20
All Shows start promptly @ 8 PM (it's a long one folks, so be on time!)
$7-$15 sliding scale
@ Bindlestiff Studio
185 6th Street (@ Howard)
San Francisco
www.bindlestiffstudio.org
- Cold Tofu offers improv classes in LA
Cold Tofu's Level I workshop in January 2004 is full. However, e-mail coldtofu@hotmail.com ASAP if you'd like to be put on the wait list. You will be notified no later than January 5 if a spot is available.
Cold Tofu's Level I workshop focuses on improv techniques and games used by the performing cast of Cold Tofu. It is geared to help performers and non-performers learn basic improvisation skills and gain confidence in a fun, nurturing environment. At the end of the eight weeks, the Level I class will perform at Cold Tofu's show on Thursday, February 26 at the Japanese American National Museum.
Schedule: Wednesday 7-10 pm, Jan. 7 - Feb. 25, 2004
Fee: $240 (full amount due on the first day of class)
Location: Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
For more information contact Cold Tofu's Artistic Director Helen Ota at coldtofu@hotmail.com. Cold Tofu is dedicated to promoting diverse images of Asian Pacific Americans through comedy and to develop multi-ethnic talent through education and performance. - Creative Capital Foundation offers grants for 2004-2005
Apply online now.... - Teada offers unique fundraiser
Los Angeles' Teada is offering an unusual fundraiser: a domain name fundraiser through the month of December only. The group get 33% profit on all the new domains bought through the following link....
http://www.serversnap.com/home/TEADA
The link makes no indication that it is a fundraiser, but don't worry, as long as you click through the link above, your purchase will benefit TeAda. Domains are $18/yr-- that's cheap for your own dotcom!
Consider buying a domain name for yourself or friend. The funds raised will help support TeAda's multi-cultural programming, arts education outreach and touring programs.
If you don't want to buy a new domain name, TeAda also takes tax deductible donations at https://Charge.ClickandPledge.com/Default.asp?EIN=954766870 - ABC & EWP opens New Talent Program
Developed to foster and nurture new writing, filmmaking and directing talent from diverse
backgrounds, ABC will provide grants/scholarships to selected individuals. Selected artists will receive a $20,000 grant to assist in developing new creative ideas or the completion of existing creative projects. Recipients also will be paired with a mentor for the program. At the program's conclusion, participants will take part in a 3-day workshop in Los Angeles at ABC Entertainment and Disney Studios.
The program is designed to assist high school (sophomore and junior applicants); college and graduate school students as well as artists who are current members of participating non-profit creative art organizations.
Through an internal selection process consisting of EWP staff and independent panelists, EWP will nominate two applicants to ABC Program Committee for review. The ABC Program Committee will be comprised of industry representatives and executives of ABC and Walt Disney Company. The ABC Talent and Scholarship Program will begin in the fall of 2004.
For application guidelines visit
www.eastwestplayers.org/literary.htm
- Casting call for East West!
East West Players, the nation's premier Asian American theatre organization, will be holding auditions for its 2004 Theatre for Youth touring production of ASIAN PACIFIC TALES, directed by Robert Shinso (director of Lodestone's WHEN TIGERS SMOKED LONG PIPES). This 45-minute show is scheduled to perform February 17 - March 5, 2004 (with a possible extension). Tour performs throughout Los Angeles County.
Looking for 5 male/female actors of all ages with strong movement skills.
This is a non-union production. Actors are paid $50 per show, plus a rehearsal fee. Rehearsals begin February 7 or 9. Pre-rehearsal movement classes will not be compensated. Own transportation to performance venues is required and will not be reimbursed by East West Players.
Please send photo and resume to:
East West Players
Attn: ASIAN PACIFIC TALES
120 Judge John Aiso St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Deadline for submissions is December 4. No phone calls.
- East West offers Winter Actors' Conservatory
FUNDAMENTAL OF ACTING - LEVEL II
Level II is for actors who have completed Fundamentals of Acting. This class continues to explore the creative process through exercises and monologue work. Students must have completed Fundamentals of Acting class or be approved to enroll based on previous experience.
Instructor: Glen Chin
Schedule: Tuesdays 7:30-10 pm, Jan. 20 - March 23
Fee: $375 (ACTS members $350)
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
BEGINNING VOICE
Beginning Voice is for actors/singers who want to develop a vocal foundation. Exercises will focus on breathing, tone and vocal quality. No previous experience required.
Instructor: Delcina Stevenson
Schedule: Mondays 7:30-10 pm, Jan. 19 - March 22
Fee: $300 (ACTS members $275)
Location: TBA
SCENE STUDY
This class focuses on character and script analysis. Intermediate and advanced students only. Audition is required.
Instructor: Heidi Helen Davis
Schedule: Saturdays 10 am-2 pm, Jan. 17 - March 20
Fee: $375 (ACTS members $350)
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
There is a one-time registration fee of $25 for new students.
For more information contact Marilyn Tokuda at mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org or (213) 625-7000 x15. - East West offers new classes in David Henry Hwang Writers' Institute
PLAYWRITING 101: The Fundamentals of Playwriting
Designed for novice playwrights, as well as writers from other genres, this 4-week intensive beginning workshop covers the basic building blocks of playwriting: dialogue, character, structure, etc.
Instructor: Prince Gomolvilas
Mondays 7-10 pm, January 12 - February 9, 2003
(No class January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
Fee: $165
Location: Studio City
PLAYWRITING 201: Intermediate Playwriting
Designed for writers who have had some playwriting experience, this 15-week intermediate workshop continues to explore the different elements of playwriting. Instructor: Prince Gomolvilas
Mondays 7-10 pm, February 23 - June 7, 2003
(No class May 31 in observance of Memorial Day)
Fee: $350
Location: Studio City
TAKE BOTH BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE PLAYWRITING FOR THE LOW PRICE OF $450.
MAKE DRAMATURGS WORK FOR YOU: An Introductory Workshop
What's a dramaturg? And what does dramaturgy have to do with your writing? In this workshop, participants will learn how to collaborate with dramaturgs to make their writing process even more dynamic and fulfilling. Dramaturgs use specific techniques to nurture artists and theaters to revise and maximize the potential of their work.
Instructor: Scott Horstein
Saturdays 10 am-1 pm, January 17 and 31, 2003
Fee: $100
Location: Studio City
SCREENWRITING: Develop an original feature length or short film script
Modeled after the UCLA M.F.A. Screenwriting program, this 12-week workshop will place emphasis on the pitching process, plot structure, character development, dialogue, and style via writing exercises, step outlines, and discussion of script pages.
Instructor: Weiko Lin
Tuesdays 7-10 pm, February 24 - May 11, 2003
Fee: $350
Location: Studio City
For more information contact Literary Manager Judy Soo Hoo at jsoohoo@eastwestplayers.org or (213) 625-7000 x27. - Playwright Henry Ong debuts new play
Los Angeles' only day school for the deaf, will be presenting The Old Lady Who Popped Out of the Sidewalk and Became a Christmas Tree, the latest play written by playwright Henry Ong...
November 2003
- AATC (SF, CA) announces New Artists
Please welcome the new class of AATC NewWorks Incubator members! K. Acosta, J. Asato, G. Ayers, J. Chin, M. Ching, Y. Cho, L. Goertzen, B. Lala, D. Leong, K. Lin, M. Renati, R.Shah, A. Shikina, G. Shastri, B. Wang, W. Yeung, W. Du, S. Rochanahusdin, C. Chen, A. Park, and F. Isidro. - 2g Productions presents Third Annual Concert of Excellence
So you thought Tia Carrere singing karaoke at Carnegie Hall was a fun night? Wait until you get a hold of this: Second Generation presents The Third Annual Concert of Excellence featuring the Remy X.O. Excellence Awards on December 3, 2003 at Lincoln Center's New York State Theater.
Featuring B.D. Wong, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bai Ling, Jadin Wong, with performances by the cast of Flower Drum Song, The Wedding Banquet, Mandarin Singer Tsai Chin, Jason Robert Brown, and 35 performers from Rent, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and other hit Broadway shows.
HONOREES
Golden Globe-nominated actor Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba, Courage Under Fire, Stand and Deliver)
Tony Award winner B.D. Wong (M. Butterfly, Law & Order SVU, Oz)
Acclaimed actor Bai Ling (Red Corner, Anna & the King, the upcoming Star Wars: Episode 3)
Legendary dancer and talent manager Jadin Wong (Forbidden City nightclub)
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are now on sale! Buy tickets for this gala benefit through the Second Generation website. Tickets* are $50, $75, $100, and $250. The $250 VIP tickets guarantee seating in the prime Orchestra seats or the First Ring Circle, and include exclusive invitations to the pre-show VIP cocktail party and post-concert reception in the New York State Theater Promenade, along with a membership to Second Generation.
Buy tickets online: www.2g.org
Buy tickets by phone: (212) 352-3101
For group sales and ticket information, please call (212) 252-3174 - New York's Indo-American Arts Council & The Lark Theatre Company Play Development Center Present
THE 2003 SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA
PLAYWRIGHTS' FESTIVAL
November 12-15, 2003
Staged Readings of Four New Plays
See Calendar for more details - Cold Tofu offers Level I improv class in January 2004
Cold Tofu's Level I workshop focuses on improv techniques and games used by the performing cast of Cold Tofu. It is geared to help performers and non-performers learn basic improvisation skills and gain confidence in a fun, nurturing environment. At the end of the eight weeks, the Level I class will perform at Cold Tofu's show on Thursday, February 26 at the Japanese American National Museum. There is a limit of 10 students.
Schedule: Wednesday 7-10 pm, Jan. 7 - Feb. 25, 2004
Fee: $240 (full amount due on the first day of class)
Location: Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
For more information contact Cold Tofu&Mac226;s Artistic Director Helen Ota at coldtofu@hotmail.com. Cold Tofu is dedicated to promoting diverse images of Asian Pacific Americans through comedy and to develop multi-ethnic talent through education and performance. - East West Players to open Masha No Home
- Holiday Spirit comes to AATC
It's time to sing out for the holiday spirit! The list is now open for singers, performers, and musicians to showcase your skills! Please contact info@asianamericantheater.org if you would like to sign up. December 13, 2003, 8PM, Location TBA - Sign up for EWP's Actors' Conservatory
FUNDAMENTAL OF ACTING - LEVEL II
Level II is for actors who have completed Fundamentals of Acting. This class continues to explore the creative process through exercises and monologue work. Students must have completed Fundamentals of Acting class or be approved to enroll based on previous experience.
Instructor: Glen Chin
Schedule: Tuesdays 7:30 - 10 pm, Jan. 20 - March 23
Fee: $375 (ACTS members $350)
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
BEGINNING VOICE
Beginning Voice is for actors/singers who want to develop a vocal foundation. Exercises will focus on breathing, tone and vocal quality. No previous experience required.
Instructor: Delcina Stevenson
Schedule: Mondays 7:30 - 10 pm, Jan. 19 - March 22
Fee: $300 (ACTS members $275)
Location: TBA
SCENE STUDY
This class focuses on character and script analysis. Intermediate and advanced students only. Audition is required.
Instructor: Heidi Helen Davis
Schedule: Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm, Jan. 17 - March 20
Fee: $375 (ACTS members $350)
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
There is a one-time registration fee of $25 for new students. For more information contact Marilyn Tokuda at mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org or (213) 625-7000 x15.
- Ovation for Asian American theatre artists in Southern California!
The Ovation Awards, given for theatre excellence in the Los Angeles area, will be awarded November 23. Asian American artists are represented, including:
* Alec Mapa (Solo Performance) in Drama! at Ivy Substation
* Alec Mapa (Solo Performance) in I Remember Mapa at Ivy Substation
* Songs for a New World (Best Musical, Smaller Theatre, produced by Asian American singer/actor Jennifer Paz), TDRZ Productions in association with Playwrights Arena
* Justin Huen and Jon Lawrence Rivera (Set Design, Smaller Theatre) for Songs for a New World, TDRZ Productions
* Kwang Sub Kim (Lighting Design, Larger Theatre), Dementia, Latino Theatre Company.
October 2003
- Call for submissions!
Seven.11 FRANCHISED - call for submissions!
Seeking plays for the sequel to last year's popular "Seven.11 Convenience Theatre." All scripts must be less than 11 pages, with a max of three characters, and set in a convenience store. Email submissions to franchised@desipina.org. Or mail your play to Desipina & Co, Attn: Rohi Mirza, Producing Director, 360 West 34th Street, #6V, New York, NY 10001. Deadline: December 31st, 2003 (must be received by, not postmarked!) A full production in downtown NYC, scheduled for April, and a modest, honorary stipend will be provided for chosen plays. For further details on last year's production, visit: www.desipina.org. - Tidbit!
Kristina Sheryl Wong's documentary, Beat the Bus, is available online at http://www.asianfetishonline.com/watch.html. Check it out! - Alice Tuan holds writing workshop in LA
Ever want to try something new? Here's a chance with two Saturday morning workshops to prompt new elements and launch new ideas &Mac195; all in the name of theater. Take a bounce out of that full-length masterwork, and tune the lens to new insight. Or, if turning a new leaf is what you need, come to this Generating New Texts workshop, and spend some actual time writing. All levels welcomed.
Instructor Alice Tuan
Saturday, Nov 1 & 8, 10-1 pm
Fee: $75 (ACTS members $50)
Location: Studio City
Alice Tuan is the author of Last of the Suns (Ma-yi, Berkeley Rep), Ikebana(East West), Ajax (Flea, Melbourne Fringe), Coastline (ASK), F.E.T.C.H. (ATL), The Hairy Tenor (Dad's Garage) and New Culture for a New Country (Taper ATW). She was featured on the cover of American Theater Magazine Nov. '02, as one of seven playwrights headed for breakout seasons. Her essay The Crisis of Label is part of Theater in Crisis, edited by Caridad Svich and Maria Delgado. Upcoming projects include Roaring Girl (Foundry), Hit (Public/Labyrinth), and 4 Days in Red Gulch (Taper). Tuan has conducted playwriting workshops at East Westand LATC, in high schools and also at the California Youth Authority. She has never worked at Macy's.
For more information, please contact Judy Soo Hoo, jsoohoo@eastwestplayers.org or (213) 625-7000, x 27. - AATC in SF to hold OpenCall AUDITIONS!
AATC OpenCall Auditions will take place:
Saturday, 11/8, 10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, 11/15, 10 AM - 5 PM
AATC Conference Room
690 Fifth Street, Suite 211, SF, CA 94107
Prepare1-2 monologues, headshot/picture, and resume. AATC is looking for all types of actors with a special spark for upcoming mainstage productions, staged readings, and the AATC NewWorks Incubator.
Call 415-543-5738 or email info@asianamericantheater.org for an audition. - AATC NewWorks Incubator
AATC is looking for 3-5 writers and 5-7 actors to form the AATC NewWorks Incubator. After a selective process, emerging theater artists will work together to create new works of theater in an on-going period of 9 months. Writers have immediate access to actors to test new work and actors provide artistic feedback to the writers after performing. Final products from the Incubator are presented by AATC or key theaters around the country.
Actors: Audition for the AATC NewWorks Incubator at the AATC OpenCall Auditions. Writers: Submit a resume and writing sample to AATC. - Tidbit!
On Friday, October 17, the film Better Luck Tomorrow was awarded the Prism Award as the Best Film of the Year by the Minorities in Business publication at their annual awards show honoring excellence in all fields of business, entertainment and community at the Regent Beverly Wilsire Hotel in Beverly Hills. - Hey! Didja know?
Think everyone knows that Brenda Wong Aoki has a CD out with some of her work. But didja know that it's available now on the iTunes Music Store? And that the Music Store is available now for Windows? Click the button and pick her CD up now, just $9.99!
- Chicago's Pintig reprises Alamat (Legend)
- Chicago's Stir-Friday Night in Chicago magazine
SFN is now booking for our 2004/2005 touring season, and we're in the process of recruiting people from the community to help further our organization!
Want to see this slightly odd-shaped body live, in person? There's two simple ways! Book Stir-Friday Night! for a performance on your campus, or check out Stir-Friday Night!'s newest sketch comedy revue, "disOriented." "disOriented" opens in a couple of weeks and touring begins in January. If you're interested in having Stir-Friday Night! perform on your campus or at your upcoming event, email stirfridaynight@hotmail.com. - SF Event!
October 26, 2003
"Save The Stiff"
Fundraiser event to help Bindlestiff Studio
CAFÉ DU NORD
2170 MARKET STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114
PHONE: 415.861.5016
http://www.cafedunord.com/
18+, $7 and up, $7:30pm
Whysall Lane, Charmin, The Clarendon Hills, La Plebe, + more TBA - Notice!
In early October, Backstage newspaper did a feature story, Stages in the City: Off- and Off-Off-Broadway Theatre Companies and SALAAM Theatre (NYC's South Asian American theatre group) was chosen to be included in list for the third year in a row (2001, 2002, 2003). Congrats from the Revue. Also, SALAAM celebrates its third anniversary October 20, with a reading of Elizabeth Shanahan's A Senseless Overture, n interpretation of al-Ghazali's Parable Of The Pen. - Sacramento's InterACT presents mainland premiere of Emmalehua
Set in Hawai’i in 1951 as Hawai’i prepares to become the 49th state, this play tells the story of a young Hawaiian woman struggling with her cultural heritage as she tries to embrace the American dream... - East West Players presents Masha No Home
September 2003
- Bindlestiff seeks volunteers
Bindlestiff Studio is currently seeking bright, enthusiastic,and energetic individuals to be a part of our volunteer staff. If you are intersted in being a part of our team, meeting new folks, and want to learn what it takes to run a show then we invite you to our Volunteer Workshop.
Volunteer Workshop
Monday Sept. 29th 7-8PM
Bindlestiff Studio
185 6th St. @ Howard in SF
(415)974.1167 - East West's Passion extended to October 19
East Players' critically acclaimed version of the Sondheim/Lapine musical is extended for two more weeks. - Call for TV Writers
Go to www.cbsdiversity.com for details. Click onto "Writers Mentoring Program" for more information. The deadline is October 1.,
Additional Information On CBS Writers Mentoring Program
ELIGIBILITY
The primary focus of CBS' Diversity Institute is to provide access and opportunities for talented and motivated writers of diverse backgrounds --especially writers of color. Aspiring writers of diverse backgrounds with a strong desire to write for CBS television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older to be eligible.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
All completed application materials must be postmarked no later than October 1, 2003. Any submissions received with a postmark after that date will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Semi-finalists will be notified the first week in December, followed by a personal interview. Those selected for the program will be notified by December 19, 2003 (or such later date as may be determined by CBS). The Program begins the first week of January, 2004 and runs through June 2004.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Application instructions and materials are available at www.cbsdiveristy.com.
Each submission must be complete in order to be considered. A completed application packet includes:
1) Application,
2)Letter of Interest,
3)Work Resume or Bio,
4) Two Writing Samples: one original piece of work which can be either a screenplay or a stage play (no other form of original work will be accepted) and one (1) half hour or hour episode based on a current television series that aired on any network or cable channel during the 2002/3 season,
5) Two Signed Submission Release forms, one for each writing sample. Contact information MUST INCLUDE an e-mail address for further communication from CBS. Unfortunately, if any of the above materials are missing, the submission will not be processed.
All writing samples will be destroyed once the selection process has been completed. - Item!
Pan Asian Rep has been invited to be the first professional American theatre to perform at the Havana Theatre Festival in Cuba, September 18 to 28, with its acclaimed production of Rashomon. Originally set to take place two years ago (but cancelled for obvious reasons), this landmark production joins a cross section of distinguished Cuban and international artists. - Call for plays
date: 10/15/2003
time: 7:00pm ~ (not fixed yet)
place: Bar in Manhattan (we're looking, still, but it will probablybe near the Columbia campus)
theme: Titled "Invisible Women," we plan to hold a readingof new works by Asian and African-American female writers. Monologues arepreferred, but short plays and short screenplays are also accepted. (each 5-15 minutes)By "new," we mean those works that have never been producedbefore. Full-length plays are also accepted if you let us use a part of it. If you're interested, please contact Izumi at :ia2112@columbia.edu
- AATC (SF) offers Fall Classes
- Visual Communications seeks Executive Director
- East West Players open Passion, by Sondheim and Lapine
Jacqueline Kim and Michael Dalager in the Los Angeles premiere of PASSION, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine, directed by Tim Dang, musical direction by Scott Nagatani.
August 2003
- By the way....
Keep an eye peeled in the movie theatres for Charlotte, Sometimes, a new indie film featuring an all Asian American cast and the messy relationships they get ensnared in. Directed by up and coming director Eric Byler, the film is just as deserving of attention as Better Luck Tomorrow (so don't let the studios think there can only be one Asian American film that can make it each year). This week, it opens in DC, but for more info, check the film's website, http://www.charlottesometimesthemovie.com/home.html. As the NY Times says, it's "a tiny film that reflects a large talent." - From the 2G Productions Newsletter:
The Karaoke Show has just been picked up by Broadway Producer Jordan Roth (The Rocky Horror Show, The Mambo Kings (upcoming), and Off-Broadway Hit The Donkey Show -- currently in its 5th smash year!).
The Karaoke Show is set to end its current limited run next week on August 28, but will reopen in October bigger and better than ever! BUT for the next two shows (August 21st and 28th), 2G supporters get a chance to catch the show with a special promotion! Get $10 OFF on General Admission tickets ($15/ticket instead of regular price of $25/ticket) using the special discount code 2GK. And if you bring a group (min. 4 people), you can get extra FREE tickets to your party "on the house" and maybe even a table. Purchase tickets online at http://www.smarttix.com/ or on the phone at 212-868-4444. Get a final look at this cool, underground show before it goes on hiatus (and before prices go through the roof)! - Deadline extended for South Asian plays
The deadline for script submissions has been extended to September 5 for the third annual South Asian Diaspora Playwrights' Festival that will be held November 9 to 16 in New York City.... - EWP now open for Fall Conservatory for Actors
Scene Study
This class focuses on character and script analysis. Intermediate and advanced students only. Audition is required.
Instructor Heidi Helen Davis
Saturdays 10 am &Mac246; 2 pm, Sept. 6 &Mac246; Nov. 8, 2003
Fee: $375 (ACTS members $350)
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Fundamentals of Acting &Mac246; Level II
Level II is for actors who have completed the Fundamentals of Acting class. This class continues to explore the creative process through exercises and monologue work. Students must have completed Fundamentals of Acting class or be approved by instructor Glen Chin based on previous experience.
Instructor Glen Chin
Tuesdays 7:30 &Mac246; 10 pm, Sept. 9 &Mac246; Nov. 11, 2003
Fee: $375 (ACTS members $350)
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Acting for Non-Actors
This class is geared towards beginning actors or those who want to explore their inner creativity on a personal level. Exercises include improvisation, some object and sensory work as well as beginning monologue work.
Instructor TBA
Mondays 7:30 &Mac246; 10 pm, Sept. 8 &Mac246; Nov. 10, 2003
Fee: $375 (ACTS members $350)
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Audition/Marketing Class
Damona Resnick's six week class will show you how to go from an "aspiring actor" to a "working actor," covering everything from getting the right agent to knowing how to get your foot in the door, nailing the audition, the callback, and booking the job.
Instructor Damona Resnick
Thursdays 7:30 &Mac246; 10 pm, Oct. 9 &Mac246; Nov. 13, 2003
Fee: $275 (ACTS members $250)
Location: Studio City
For more information contact Marilyn Tokuda at (213) 625-7000 x15 or mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org - Join the Alliance of Creative Talent Services &Mac246; EWP's professional development program
From Aug. 1 to Sept. 12, East West Players will be accepting renewal and new membership applications for its career development program. Come be part of the growing APA artistic community by joining our program, which seeks to educate as well as heighten the visibility of Asian American actors, writers and directors. Your $75 membership fee includes announcement/submission to television network showcases, picture and contact information on the EWP website and Asian Pacific American Players Directory, casting notices, free tickets to previews of EWP mainstage performances, discounts to Conservatory and David Henry Hwang Writers Institute classes, invitations to EWP events and the opportunity to network with other API artists.
Applications will be online at www.2b3pro.com/ewpacts starting August 1. (Applications will be accepted online only.)
For more information contact Marilyn Tokuda at (213) 625-7000 x15 or mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org - Fall David Henry Hwang Writers Institute classes now available
SCREENWRITING: DEVELOPING AND WRITING AN ORIGINAL FEATURE LENGTH SCREENPLAY OR SHORT FILM
This workshop will place emphasis on the pitching process, plot structure, character development, dialogue, and style via writing exercises, step outlines, and discussion of script pages. The chief objective is to develop the students' own unique voices as storytellers in the screenplay medium. With refinements based upon workshop-oriented discussion and table readings, students will complete the first draft of a feature length screenplay or a ready-to-shoot short film script. In addition, the class will also study the structure of critically acclaimed films. Actors and writers of all levels welcome.
Instructor Weiko Lin
Wednesdays, Sept 17 &Mac246; Dec 10, 7-10 pm
Fee: $395 (ACTS members $370)
Location: Studio City
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PLAYWRITING
Award-winning playwright Prince Gomolvilas invites you to take your neophyte status and beginner's luck out of the house and into the classroom for a four-week workshop that covers the basic building blocks of playwriting. Why flail alone when you can do so with the support of a group? Put pen to paper with fun writing exercises that will ultimately reveal how fundamental elements like monologues, dialogue, and setting reveal character, plot, tone, and structure. If you've always wanted to write The Great American Play, or if you're interested in crossing over from another writing genre, or if you already write plays and they are not working, and you need to go back to basics, then this workshop is for you.
Instructor Prince Gomolvilas
Tuesdays, Oct 21 &Mac246; Nov 11, 7-10 pm
Fee: $150 (ACTS members $125)
Location: Studio City
GENERATING NEW TEXTS
Ever want to try something new? Here's a chance with two Saturday morning workshops to prompt new elements and launch new ideas &Mac246; all in the name of theater. Take a bounce out of that full-length masterwork, and tune the lens to new insight. Or, if turning a new leaf is what you need, come to this Generating New Texts workshop, and spend some actual time writing. All levels welcomed.
Instructor Alice Tuan
Saturday, Nov 1 & 8, 10-1 pm
Fee: $75 (ACTS members $50)
Location: Studio City
Instructors, dates and prices subject to change. For more information, please contact Judy Soo Hoo, jsoohoo@eastwestplayers.org or (213) 625-7000, x 27. - CALL FOR API FEMALE ARTISTS:
Support NAPAWF (National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum), a nonprofit organization dedicated to forging a grassroots progressive movement for social and economic justice and the political empowerment of API women and girls.
PERFORMACE ARTISTS
NAPAWF is looking for API female performance artists to showcase at our 2nd Annual Creative Explosion Performance, an evening fundraiser to be held on Thursday, October 23, 2003 in Washington, DC. Whether your art is dancing, beatboxing, singing, rapping, acting, slamming, or spoken word we offer an opportunity to showcase your work in an intimate venue to an estimated crowd of 350. We welcome all API female performers to contact us, particularly inspiring API sisters with a political/social/feminist tip/edge to their pieces.
OTHER ARTISTS
In addition, we welcome the donation of paintings, jewelry, pottery, drawings, photographs or other forms of art from API female artists for a silent auction to be held the same evening prior to the live performances.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
* All interested performers or artists and donators for the silent auction, please contact Michelle Abrenilla at mtabrenilla@yahoo.com
* For more information about NAPAWF, please visit our website at www.napawf.org
Note: Due to limited resources, NAPAWF can only pay the transportation costs for the performers.
July 2003
- East West presents Passion
East West Players, the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, begins its 38th Anniversary Season – Politics of Passion – with the haunting and intensely emotional one-act chamber opera PASSION, book by James Lapine, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim... - One Night Only at East West
East West Players celebrates Tim Dang on his 10th anniversary as the Producing Artistic Director of the nation’s premier Asian American theatre - In memoriam: Forbidden City's "Chinese Frank Sinatra" passes away
The San Jose Mercury News reports on Monday July 14, that a true pioneer in Asian American theatre, Larry Ching (the "Chinese Frank Sinatra" of the fabled Forbidden City) just passed away.
After releasing his first album at 82, he died of a brain aneurysm July 5.
A week before his death, 150 friends, relatives and fans gathered for a CD release party at San Francisco's Chinese Historical Society of America Museum. San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown even issued a proclamation, declaring June 28 Larry Ching Day.
In the 1940s, Mr. Ching was a mainstay at San Francisco's Forbidden City, a novelty nightclub whose main acts were Chinese versions of such mainstream performers as Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
"He was a shy Hawaiian boy who loved to sing,'' said Frances Chun Kan, who sang with Mr. Ching at the Forbidden City. "He brought nothing but pleasure to people and left quite a legacy of Chinese-American entertainers.''
"It was a novelty to have a couple of Chinese people singing,'' Mr. Ching said. "There was nothing else for us.''
As a pioneer among Chinese-Americans in music, he often confronted racism. His response was: "I would go right up to them and punch them in the mouth.''
For more information on Larry Ching, see this Mercury News feature.
No finer tribute would be to bop on over to www.asianconnections.com or to www.larryching.com and go buy Larry Ching's CD....
- AATC Seeks Development Manager
- Join the Alliance for Creative Talent Services -- EWP's professional development program
From Aug. 1 Sept. 12, East West Players will be accepting renewal and new membership applications for its career development program. Come be part of the growing APA artistic community by joining our program, which seeks to educate as well as heighten the visibility of Asian American actors, writers and directors. Your $75 membership fee includes announcement/submission to television network showcases, picture and contact information on the EWP website and Asian Pacific American Players Directory, casting notices, free tickets to previews of EWP mainstage performances, discounts to Conservatory and David Henry Hwang Writers Institute classes, invitations to EWP events and the opportunity to network with other API artists.
Applications will be online at www.2b3pro.com/ewpacts starting August 1. (Applications will be accepted online only.)
For more information contact Marilyn Tokuda at (213) 625-7000 x15 or mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org - Positions open at East West Players
East West Players, the nation's premier Asian Pacific American theatre announces job opportunities:
General Manager
Oversees and implements the administrative aspects of the organization in business development, finance, fundraising and pr/marketing according to the long-term strategic plan. Responsibilities include, but not limited to: contractual agreements with personnel staff and artists; approving all copy for press; coordinating fundraising plans with development manager; maintaining cash flow; managing day to day operations of the organization; and reports activities to the board of directors.
Seeking detail oriented individual with minimum three years management experience (arts management preferred), excellent computer skills, and able to work well in a fast paced environment. Strong organizational and human resource skills a plus. Salary dependent on qualifications. Full time w/benefits. Send cover letter and resume via email to info@eastwestplayers.org or by mail to Tim Dang, East West Players 120 Judge John Aiso Street, LA, CA 90012.
Please send inquiries by July 15, 2003. No telephone calls please. - Call for Playwrights!
The Stanford Asian American Theater Project (AATP) is currently searching for a script for its annual Autumn production! Specifically, SAATP is looking for a modern, hip comedy touching (but not dwelling) upon Asian American issues. Please attach via e-mail by July 30, 2003 to aatp@yahoo.com with the title of the play as the subject heading. Please include your name and e-mail address as well. The scripts will be kept in complete confidentiality and will only be viewed by members of the AATP board.
Questions or problems? Please e-mail James Kung at
kingkung@stanford.edu.
- 2nd ASIA Spoken Word and Poetry Summit in Chicago
- Awp!
According to the June 27 LA Times, the international tour of Flower Drum Song was called off, due to the SARS virus; stops in Singapore, Manila, Hong Kong and mainland China were wiped out. In turn, this forced cancellation of much of the US tour. However, Dallas Summer Musicals, which provided some of the money for the revised revival of the musical, is planning to mount its own production, elements of which are expected to be used for additional productions in Seattle and Sacramento. And the door is still open for further productions of this new revision of this Chinese American theatre classic. - East West Announces M. Butterfly
- East West annoucnes Got Laughs contest
East West Players, the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, will hold GOT LAUGHS! Comedy Playwriting Contest as part of a three-year, $200,000 grant from The James Irvine Foundation.
“By training writers, developing their plays, and presenting the works on stage, our goal is to advance our artistic mission as well as better represent our diversifying audience. Holding this competition allows us to guide a piece from start to finish so we can create thought-provoking and humorous work that successfully meets the needs of the Asian Pacific American community,” says East West Players Artistic Director Tim Dang.
The GOT LAUGHS! playwriting competition is looking for full-length plays, musical or solo pieces with predominantly Asian Pacific casts and/or themes and is encouraging works that address social issues in a comedic way. All submissions must be postmarked by June 30, 2004. First place will receive $4000, second place $3000 and third place $2000. All First, Second and Third Place winners will receive readings by EWP. All winners will be considered for workshop and/or production; and must give EWP first option to produce. Our literary committee will screen submissions and the finalists read by a panel of established playwrights. Playwrights David Henry Hwang, Philip Kan Gotanda and Wakako Yamauchi judged our Y2K playwriting competition.
For more information about the GOT LAUGHS! comedy playwriting competition contact EWP’s Literary Manager Judy Soo Hoo at (213) 625-7000 x27 or jsoohoo@eastwestplayers.org. - Casting Notice!
Desipina and Company is looking to cast the following roles for the West Coast Premiere of "Barriers," an original stage play by Rehana Mirza that addresses a multi-ethnic, Muslim family's experiences of loss, dysfunction and backlash post 9/11. Directed by Ravi Kapoor.
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KHALIL: (late 40s/early 50s, Male) - A Pakistani, Muslim man who immigrated to the US in the 1970s and married a Chinese woman.
NAIMA: (late 40s/early 50s, Female) - An East Asian/ Pacific Islander woman who converted to Islam upon her marriage to her Pakistani husband.
SUNIMA: (28, Female) - A South Asian woman pursuing a Liberal Arts PhD in New York City. The middle child/only daughter.
SHEHRIAR: (17, Male) - A South Asian/East Asian/Pacific Islander, 17 year old boy, youngest son.
NABHIL: (29, Male) - A South Asian business man. The oldest prodigal son.
ROGER: (31, Male) - A Caucasian man/ teacher in Brooklyn public school.
Auditions by appointment only. Please email casting@desipina.org with role, contact info, and preferred audition time and date. Please bring two copies of your headshot and resume to the audition. Sides will be emailed to you on July 9th or before.
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AUDITION DATES:
Tuesday 7/15/03 from 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday 7/16/03 from 4:30pm - 10:00pm
AUDITION LOCATION:
at IACC, 2210 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
1 block North of Venice Blvd. @Lincoln and Victoria
Big Yellow Bldg.
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Production will take place for 12 performances in San Francisco (two weeks) and also, for approx. 2-3 performances in Los Angeles. Flight travel will be provided for actors between LA and SF (one round trip ticket). In addition, actors will have a choice of receiving a bulk stipend or being provided housing and food for the non-local city.
Rehearsals begin in Los Angeles on August 4th and run thru end of August. Tech begins in San Francisco on September 1st. The play will run in San Francisco at the Noh Space (of the Theatre Artaud) from September 4th - 14th, Thursday - Sunday, for a total of 12 performances (8 evenings, 4 matinees on Saturday & Sunday). The L.A. workshop production details are TBD.
The play premiered in NYC, as directed by Ashok Sinha, in 2002 at the HERE Arts Center and went on to be featured in Newsday, NYtheatre.com, The New York Times, News-India Express, and countless other publications. We look forward to continuing its success on the West Coast. For more info on the NY production, visit www.desipina.org.
Questions? Email gwangung@u.washington.edu