NY Artists Unlimited
News from Downeast
Bulletin - Bulletin - Bulletin!


BIG DOWNEAST NEWS

We have word from the new owner of the building at 203 Avenue A that official occupancy papers 'may' be approved sometime in January. We could use help & ideas in preparation for this imminent return to Downeast Arts Center. Quarterly board meetings, as well as individual committee meetings (Planning & Development, PR & Marketing, Fundraising, Partnerships), are being held and anyone is welcome to jump in on this exciting venture!


JOB OPENING

There is currently a job opening in our offices for an Administrative Assistant/Booker. We are trying to settle this before the New Year, so work can commence on many projects that need attention right now. It's part-time/minimum wage, but there is a commission involved for the booking component. Email for info: NYartunltd@aol.com.


INTERNATIONAL CRINGE FESTIVAL '09
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. 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.


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!"
Check the website for a performance near you.




IETM in BRATISLAVA & VILNIUS

For those who would like to start dreaming now, the IETM International Theatre Conferences will next be held in Bratislava (spring) and Vilnius (fall). There are also satellite meetings in-between in Spain and other countries. Members of NY Artists Unlimited can attend for a token fee. These are 4-day conferences. You are responsible for air, hotel & meals, but the conference and all performances are virtually free for you.
       As a result of the last conference in Zurich, Melba LaRose and Tony Spinosa are talking to a couple of producers about bringing over their projects. These were the stand-outs at the conference and took us in a direction of really innovative theatre technology.


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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. TICKETS ONLY $5.00!!!


POTENTIAL PARTNERS

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.


UPDATES ON OUR FESTIVAL PLAYWRIGHTS

DESI MORENO-PENSON (Bad Plays Festival '05, Silver Tomato Winner)
I wanted the opportunity to send along two smashing reviews that I received for my play, Lazarus Disposed, which was recently produced as part of the 14th Annual Women’s Playwriting Festival at Perishable Theatre in Providence, RI. Here are excerpts…

Lazarus Disposed, a dark comedy that’s been folded, ironed & sluiced to perfection… It’s a skillfully written work that’s not to be missed. (Live Downcity, Providence)

Desi Moreno-Penson’s Lazarus Disposed is a wacky little romp, full of broad humor and larger-than-life emotions… The playwright has set us up to accept any concluding flight of fancy she can devise, and she doesn’t waste the opportunity to soar. (Boston Phoenix)

       My experience in Providence was truly amazing; my play received a lovely production and I had the opportunity to meet and work with some remarkable people! Even Paula Vogel came to see it; she sought me out after the show to tell me lovely things, and that she hoped we might have the chance to work together someday – needless to say, I was completely floored by her warmth, generosity of spirit, and kind support of my work.

       These days, it's right back to the writing board for me as usual…with two plays, as well as a commission from an L.A.–based organization called Enrichment Works to write a one-man show based on the life of baseball player Roberto Clemente. The play will tour throughout elementary schools in the LA and Valley Glen region starting September 2009. And I’m very happy to report that the role of Clemente will be played by a wonderful friend and actor, Jose Manuel Yenque! In addition, I was interviewed for a profile article for the Bronx Boro News section of the Daily News. Overall, I think it came out pretty cool.


WEBSITE

The NY Artists Unlimited website is currently being revamped. Keep checking in to see how the new layout works.


REVEREND JEN's anti-slam!

The Rev holds her Anti-Slam on the last Wednesday of every month starting at 10 p.m. at Bowery Poets Club. Come join this crazy bunch of East Village zanies (ArtStars) led by Jen and her devoted chihuahua Reverend Jen, Jr. The idea behind the Anti-Slam is that everyone gets a ten, no matter what -- a policy heartily endorsed by NY Artists Unlimited. Everyone is welcome – poets, performance artists, comedians, musicians, dancers -- and people who need therapy but can’t afford it. 6 minutes of stage time. $3 admission for all.


DOINGS DOWNEAST

The word from Lower East Side People's Mutual Housing Association and Mary Spink is that the workmen hope to finish 203 Avenue A by September/October. We'll keep you posted and could use help & ideas in preparation for the return to Downeast Arts Center. Quarterly board meetings are being held and anyone is welcome to attend. A meeting with select participants from the last festival(s) is scheduled for this Wednesday at our offices. Committees will be formed to handle all areas of the company's endeavors.

Special Discount For our Mailing List Members

SnowShow On Broadway

STRICTLY LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
DECEMBER 2, 2008 – JANUARY 4, 2009

“THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING I HAVE EVER SEEN IN A THEATRE IN MY LIFE!”
- Simon Callow, Sunday Express

It's SNOWING! Seen by audiences in over 80 cities around the world, SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW ON BROADWAY is a magical theatrical experience that is now thrilling New York audiences with unbridled hilarity - and unexpected poignancy - with spectacle and awe-inspiring visual images and fantasy.
It culminates in a stunning coup de theatre – a joyous, swirling snowstorm that sweeps across the stage, filling the theatre and engulfing the audience.

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER:
Tickets make great holiday gifts for your family and friends!
Get tickets for just $69.50* for performances December 2 – 12!
And $79.50* for performances December 16 - 21!
Click here to take advantage of this offer.

*Offer is subject to availability and prior sale; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Limit eight (8) tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees. Cast and performance schedule subject to change. Offer is valid for performances 12/2/08 - 12/21/08 only. Offer may be revoked at any time.



What's that Smell

Laughter is the best tonic for these times, and there’s a huge dose waiting for you at the new hit WHAT’S THAT SMELL: THE MUSIC OF JACOB STERLING.
       This new comedy about musical theater introduces the completely hilarious and completely imaginary songwriter Jacob Sterling as he shares songs from his oeuvre of unproduced shows that never saw the light of day … until now.
       Join two-time Tony Award-nominee David Pittu as the artist of questionable gifts and Peter Bartlett as his biggest fan as they do their best to keep musical theater alive and well in the 21st century.

www.WhatsThatSmellOffBway.com

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER: ALL SEATS JUST $39!*

Three Easy Ways to Purchase Your Discounted Tickets:
    1. ONLINE: CLICK HERE or visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code WSALSPK10
    2. BY PHONE: Call 212-947-8844 and use code: WSALSPK10
    3. IN PERSON: Print this offer and bring it to the New World Stages Box Office at 340 West 50th Street

Performance Schedule: Mondays at 8pm; Wednesdays-Fridays at 8pm;
Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm; Sundays at 3pm & 7pm
New World Stages: 340 West 50th St. betwn 8th and 9th Aves.

*Terms & Conditions: Offer valid for performances now through December 24, 2008. Regular ticket price is $65. Regular service charges apply to online and phone orders. Schedule subject to change. Offer subject to availability and prior sale. Offer is non-transferable and may be revoked at any time. No exchanges or refunds. All sales are final. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Not valid for prior purchases. Limit 10 tickets per order.


SPECIAL NOTE: If you have opted out but are still receiving this, please let us know. Otherwise, just send an email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Melba
NY Artists Unlimited