Stage Banter: The Arena Stage Blog

SPP is back!

by Amrita Ramanan, Literary Manager

It's the time of the year that I love the most. The leaves are changing color. Thanksgiving is around the corner. And the Student Playwrights Project (SPP) is accepting entries for the 12th Annual Student 10-minute Play Competition!

Here's how it works: 5th - 12th grade students in the DC-metro area are eligible to submit their ten-minute plays for review by the Arena Stage staff. From there, the winners will develop their scripts with professional playwrights, directors and dramaturgs and watch their work come to life through staged performances with professional actors at the Mead Center for American Theater in the Spring of 2012! In addition, winning playwrights will receive a $250.00 cash prize. 

If you're the future Eugene O'Neill or Lorraine Hansberry and reading this blog, get out your laptop and start typing! The deadline for submission is Friday, December 2, 2011! More information about the competition and guidelines can be found HERE.

Speaking from the perspective of one script reader, I can't wait to read your play.

(The 2010 winning playwrights)

Top Ten Things to Look For Next Season

by Amrita Ramanan, Literary Manager

My fearless leader, David Dower, always carries the mantra of replicating best practices throughout Arena Stage, whether it's learning how to integrate audiences in the new play development process with Theater 101 from a model shared generously with us by our friends at Steppenwolf Theatre Company or learning from you, our audience and blogosphere readers, what we should add to Sub/Text or the post show discussions. So with that guiding principle, I'm here to replicate a best practice from two Davids, Dower and Letterman, with my highlights of what's coming around the bend next season: 

1) Plays about art, and how we make it

As we've continued to explore the content and research for the plays in the 2011/2012 season here in the literary office, we've noticed a strong thematic connection of how they all interact with the process of developing and creating art. Plays within plays. Documentaries within plays. Plays about artists making art in a variety of ways (music, visual art, just to name a few). Plays about the political ramifications or commercialization of art. You'll see more blog posts from us that expound upon this idea, but it's definitely something to look for, dwell on, and talk about throughout the year as you go from show to show.

2) The Dr. is in

Many of you shared your congratulatory tweets when the news broke out that Dr. Polly Carl would be joining Arena Stage as the Director of the American Voices New Play Institute and she's going to be riding the tide with us starting this season! You'll mostly see her around the productions of The Book Club Play by Karen Zacarías and You, Nero  by Amy Freed (both are playwrights in residence), as well as Theater 101 and our upcoming round of convenings. She's a new play mover-and-shaker that's already bringing some great energy, wisdom, and kick-ass tatoos to Arena. 

3) OK! back at the ranch

Never thought I'd say this, but a second time around can be just as good, or even better than the first (and it looks like Peter Marks shares this opinion too). If you missed Oklahoma! the first time around, come see it. If you saw Oklahoma! and thought a second time around wouldn't have anything new to offer, come see it. New cast members and additional choreography add a bit of surprise to the musical that still leaves me humming the familiar tunes long after the performance. It's still got the magic of the inagural production, just with a little more pizazz.

4)  From Ashland to Arena

One of our core pillars in our programming is presentation; showcasing the best and brightest companies and productions from around the country in our nation's capital. We ended last year with a bang and are blessed with the arrival of some heavy hitters this year: Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Equivocation and the Goodman Theatre's Red. Artistic Directors Bill Rauch and Robert Falls will don the director's chair for each production respectively. With their talented casts and crews, they'll share two exquisite productions with us in the Kreeger Theater that you won't want to miss.

5) Mary Todd Lincoln's dresses in Mary T. and Lizzy K.

If you've ever seen one of dressmaker Elizabeth (Lizzy) Keckley's creations at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, it has the ability to take your breath away. Meticulous detail work and precise tailoring weave together in stunning harmony that fully validates fashion as art. Our stellar costume shop is already in the works of figuring out how to replicate these beautiful dresses on stage with playwright/director Tazewell Thompson and costume designer Merrily Murray-Walsh. Stay tuned for ways in which you can chart the costume build with us before seeing them adorn the actors on stage.

6) What's in a magic trick?

Confession time. Growing up in Las Vegas, I attended my fair share of magic shows with my folks. And while some of them may have involved tigers and disappearing acts while others toyed with card tricks, they all left me wondering the same question: how did they do it? It's still been a fascination of mine and made me super excited when I learned that the insanely talented ensemble RainPan 43 and actor-magician Steve Cuiffo were pairing up to create a show about the world of magic with Elephant Room. You can check out a sneak peek of the guys in action at the Philly Live Arts Festival in September before they head into the Kogod Cradle in January and conjure up a slew of tricks that will keep you guessing. Not to mention that these guys are freakin' hilarious and will wow you with their physical comedy.

7) The O'Neill and the sea

In celebration of this year's American Giant Eugene O'Neill, we're in the works of developing a festival that explores O'Neill's sea plays in conjunction with our productions of Long Day's Journey into Night and Ah, Wilderness!. A lot of this is still in the nascent stages, but there's the promise of exciting partnerships with organizations and universities in the DC-metro area and using our location by the Waterfront to evoke O'Neill's never-ending fascination with maritime themes. 

8) A new class of Allen Lee Hughes Fellows

The fellowship training program that I'm a proud graduate from will welcome a new class of fellows in a number of departments starting this August through next Spring and Summer, as well as mark a number of senior fellowships for fellows from this season (like dramaturgy fellow Aaron Malkin. Yay!). They always bring a determined work ethic and charisma that keep the wheels of the organization turning. We can't wait to have you on board!

9) Engaging and Educating Communities

Our Community Engagement department succeeded in the big move from 14th and T street to the Mead Center with flying colors and expanded upon their exciting programs with a Voices of Now Ensemble Festival, more Student Playwright's Project plays in submission than ever before, and the continuation of Camp Arena Stage and the Musical Theater Academy that Ado Annie's June Schreiner came from. If you missed the festivals and showcases last year, check out the CE webpage for updates this year. The work of these young artists is remarkable and fueled by passion, dedication, and persistence.

10) Some changes in the literary office

We've been thinking about how to better develop a dialogue between the art and audiences and plan to experiment with some new changes to SubText, the post show discussions, the lobby, and much more. Remember that we can only move forward with your feedback on what's working and what's not, so send in your thoughts to Stage Banter or find some time to chat with us by the concessions bar while you're in the building. 

What are you looking forward to next season? We'll post your highlights on Stage Banter and can't wait to see you back at Arena!

 

Student Playwright Program: The Process

by Jamil Jude, New Play Producing Fellow   

I've been blessed to have another chance to be a part of Arena Stage's Student Playwright Project produced by our dynamic Community Engagement department. Last year I served the program as the Casting Director and directed one of the staged readings but this year I served solely as a director. Both processes were rewarding but this one has been very special.

My play, written by the very bright David Fish (shown on the left), is a story about soldiers in the Afghanistan War. David's writing surpasses his age (he is only in 8th grade!) as he successfully captures the diversity amongst our nations soldiers as they fight for a better tomorrow. His play puts a humanizing touch on the men and women who serve in our armed forces. For me, the play was a chance to connect my father's world and my world in a meaningful way.

My father has been a member of the United States Army for over 25 years now. As Chief Warrant Officer 4, my father has spent many years away from the States, serving in a few conflicts, and most recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. As I began doing some research on the play (aided by my "Bestie" Dr. Stacey Stewart who served as the dramaturg for the play) I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to talk to my dad about his experience in the war and to ask for his help in crafting a real and honest portrayal of these soldiers.

Through the research and my conversations with my dad, I think we've come up with a solid frame to accentuate this young playwright's vision. With a couple of hours of rehearsal, the actors have really done a great job of emboding the spirit of these characters. I'm super excited for performance!

If you want a chance to see David's piece, as well as the other amazing stories, stop by Arena Stage's Kreeger theater on Monday, March 14, 2011. The performance has a 7:30 PM curtain and is FREE and open to the public . See you then!

Welcome back to the Casting Office: We've Missed You!!

by Jamil Jude, Allen Lee Hughes Casting Fellow

Welcome back! It is good to be back in the office! Our last update came quite some time ago so let me try to catch you back up to speed.

We are COMPLETELY CAST for the entire season! This is a huge milestone in our office. It is such an exhilarating feeling to see miniature headshots of all the actors on our big board in the office. A lot of hard work, time and energy was put into making that happen and it is good to see it all pay off. A special thanks to all of our NY casting directors who helped with our shows.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've had the opportunity to work on the amazing Student Playwright Project (SPP). The project, sponsored by our Community Engagement (CE) department, has truly been a rewarding experience. Not only have they let me direct a play (by an amazing playwright if I do say so myself) but they allowed me to cast the show. This was my first solo casting job and I must say, it was challenging and rewarding. It proved to be a "final exam" of sorts as my Fellowship year winds down. I thank CE for the opportunity; I truly feel honored. The cast for SPP 2010 is as follows:

• Catherine Presite
• Ariana Almajan
• Theodore Snead
• Felipe Cabezas
• Paige Hernandez
• Baye Harrell
• Daniel Kenner
• Brynn Tucker (Winning Plays)
• Wendy Nogales (Honorable Mentions)

Please come out and see this amazing ensemble perform our winning plays March 14-16!

The Head Honcho, Casting Director Dan Pruksarnukul, comes back from vacation March 4. I am starting to think I have bad body odor, or that I'm a horrible office mate, or I have a huge spot on my face because Dan and I haven't been in the office together in quite some time! Before his vacation, I went to Boston to work on Stick Fly. January and February were filled with mid-week auditions and events that either Dan or I had to attend. The experience, being the sole person in the office, has been "a trial by fire." I've learned a lot, but lost a few fingers and toes in the process!

Well that is all for now. We will start the casting process for next year's phenomenal season shortly. Like always, I'll keep you updated! Casting Office Out!

Cutting Off My Baby's Toes: Master Class with Student Playwrights

By Christin Siems, Dramaturgy/Literary Management Fellow

Eight fabulously talented young playwrights came together this past Monday for their second master class with Arena Stage's Student Playwright's Project.  (aka: SPP)

Arena Stage's dramaturg, Janine Sobeck, kicked off the class with words of inspiration and experience.  It was very cool for the playwrights to hear from a professional dramaturg, and cool for me to see my boss again (she lives and breathes LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA these days).  To the playwrights who have to cut down their scripts (they can only be ten minutes, and most are way over that), Janine provided the hope they needed to hear: Sometimes there's a "thread" that can just be pulled out... that doesn't affect the piece as a whole, and often strengthens it.

After that, the playwrights got to meet with their dramaturg and director.  I'm absolutely delighted this year to be the dramaturg for Forrest Penrod's play "The Epiphany"... a deliciously creepy psychological thriller.  Most of the playwrights are brand new at playwriting, but Forrest is a veteran: this is his third time to win SPP!  And Forrest is fourteen.  I think.  Which basically makes him a prodigy.

The young playwrights (or prodigies... as far as I'm concerned they're ALL brilliant) finished up the day by creating tableaus.  In groups, they were asked to come up with three tableaus for each of their plays: a beginning, a middle, and an ending tableau.  It was a great exercise for the playwrights to choose what was absolutely vital in their plays, and therefore see the "threads" that could be pulled out.

We'll have another master class today, Monday, where the playwrights will read their revisions and pared down scripts (10 MINUTES!!).  It's a tough process.  As one playwright remarked a couple years ago, that haunts the SPP playwrights each year: "I feel like I'm cutting off my baby's toes."

Yes.  Yes, you are.

But ironically, your baby's going to run better without those toes.... SO CUT 'EM!!!  And, uh, good luck, playwrights.

Snow Be Gone! March Roars In @arenastage

by David Dower

It's a big month around Arena Stage. Again. Throughout this whole period of diaspora, where we've been spread over five different locations while our new home gets built, we've been hard at work to "restage" the whole organization as a "center for American Theater dedicated to the production, presentation, development, and study of American work."

It's so close now we can see, feel, and taste it. We're less than six months away from moving back in!

And, like a horse charging to the barn, we're gathering speed on all aspects of our strategy. Just take a look at the things that are happening in March that you could plug in to:

Light in the Piazza begins performances. I heard the sitzprobe the other night. What a beautiful orchestration, and handled with such grace and precision by our musical director, Paul Sportelli, his players and singers. If you are following the "open dress rehearsals", this one will take place on Thursday, March 4th at 8pm. I expect the word of mouth on this to be explosive. It's one of the most romantic musicals ever written. Seeing it in such an intimate production and venue, sung and played at this level, the show is a completely different experience than what it's been in its earlier incarnations.

Sophisticated Ladies begins rehearsals. I was in the room last week for the final round of casting and I couldn't believe the energy in this show! It's an old marketing saw to say "don't wait-- get your tickets now", but truly: don't wait. This show has a heavy advance sale already and you ain't seen nothin' yet. If you snooze on this one, or wait for someone else to see it first, you're running the risk of not seeing it at all.

Our Student Playwrights Project will stage its winning plays. Come see what these high school students have written. Let's just say that reports of the demise of American theater are greatly exaggerated if this generation is already working at this level.

The Voices of Now Mentor Ensemble has a public performance of their original one-act play Encounter at the Intersections festival at the Atlas on Sunday March 7th at 2:30pm.  A product of five months of workshops, dialogue, inquiry and rehearsal, the students were asked to write, move and build this performance in reaction to their daily encounters.  This Intersections performance is part of the developmental process that will result in the final presentation this May.

The Bucky Convergence gets going in earnest. We'll start to see events like the screening/discussion at the National Building Museum on March 22nd, the event at the Crystal City theater on Monday night the 29th, and the Bucky Art show popping up all over Crystal City this month. In case you missed it, the show has become a centerpiece of a region-wide convergence of events and programs dedicated to the work of R. Buckminster Fuller. People will be gathering in DC beginning in early June-- coming from all over the world to be part of it. This month you can get sneak peeks at the show, the ideas, and the related events.

The New Play Institute has an ambitious agenda for the month as well. We are already at full throttle on this program. If you haven't yet caught up to it, take a scroll through the New Play Blog to catch up.

There will be months and months and months like this. I hope we'll see you around for as much of it as captures your imagination!

Status Update, Baggy Jeans, and more!

by Amrita Mangus, Institute Fellow

After tireless hours of perusing through play submissions for the 10th annual Student Playwrights Project, the Arena Stage Community Engagement team has declared the winners and honorable mention recipients!

10th Annual Student Playwrights Project Winners:

1) How to Talk Fish and Sing Pretty Songs by Diamante Dorsey, Duke Ellington School of the Arts

2) Status Update by Madison Hartke-Weber, Duke Ellington School of the Arts

3) Clean Up in Aisle Six by Bridget Kulesh, Gaithersburg High School

4) The Beauty of It by Laneisha McCauley, Cardozo Senior High School

5) Lip Stains on the Mirror and Cross-Eyed Space Aliens by Madeline Monk, Woodbridge Senior High School

6) Baggy Jeans by Sam Nottingham, Yorktown High School

7) The Epiphany by Forrest Penrod, Sitar Arts Center

8) A Skipped Breakfast by Eleanor Tolf, Capitol Hill Day School

Honorable Mentions:

Middle School

1) Two Steps Forward, One Step Back by Jena Al-Barzinji, Islamic Saudi Academy

2) Fireflies by Mia De Jesus-Martin, Stuart-Hobson Middle School

3) Tyranny, Tyranny, You Are My Enemy by Augustin Msellati,French International School

4) I, Werewolf by Eddie Perez, Carl Sandburg Middle School

5) Power by Sara Sacher, Rachel Carson Middle School

6) Daisies:  Beautiful Then Wilts by Edward Smith,Capitol Hill Day School

7) The Time Machine by Benjamin Wallace, Grace Episcopal Day School

8) The Big Red Button by Spencer Wallace, Rachel Carson Middle School

High School Honorable Mentions

1) The Pig and the Chicken by Marie Bouhour, French International School

2) The 13^th Floor by Kwasi Brooks, Duke Ellington School of the Arts

3) The Problem With Fathers by John Barton Haslach,Kingsbury Day School

4) Motivation by Madison Jennings, Falls Church High School

5) Bartleby’s Mission by Lucas Napier-Macdonald, French International School

6) Chekhov’s Dinner by Noa Lynn Nir, Yorktown High School

7) Robbie & Janet:  An Undead Love by Lindsey Reeves, Loudoun High School

8) A Sacrifice by Nicolas Trad, French International School

You can watch these wonderful plays come to life in staged readings with professional actors on February 22 and 23rd (for the honorable mentions) and March 14, 15, and 16 (for the winning plays)! Mark your calendars and check the blog for future updates.

And a special congrats to ALL of the students who submitted plays to SPP! Your plays were a joy to read.

 

Dashing Through the Snow. . . .With a Group of SPP Plays!

by Amrita Mangus, Institute Fellow

As many of you know by now, I lived on the West Coast for the majority of my life and thoroughly enjoyed the temperate, 70-degree winters. So naturally, when the snow and rain descended upon DC during the last few weeks, I spent a total of ten minutes outside and retreated to the comfort of my warm apartment or the equally warm office. What a perfect time to grab a cup of hot cocoa, curl up in a chair, and peruse through my large stack of SPP plays!

Ever since our community engagement team announced a call for submissions for the Student Playwrights Project (SPP), hundreds upon hundreds of plays have arrived at the office, eagerly awaiting a reader from the Arena team to pick them up. As I sat in my chair reading these plays, I encountered a plethora of fascinating concepts and characters. I journeyed through a world where four leftover hamburgers were desperately trying to escape the fridge and find their mecca in a trash can, away from the ravenous claws of the Burgerama employees who planned to eat them the next day. I met princes, princesses, 17th century colonists, superheroes, dancers, actresses and aliens. I read some beautiful dialogue, filled with metaphors, imagery, rhythm and lyricism. It was time well spent, and made me proud of all the aspiring playwrights who participated.

Stay tuned for an announcement of the winners in January. Till then, as the snowflakes fall, you know where I'll be!