Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Success in the Arts Entertainment Conference Saturday, April 16th 10am - 5pm
Success in the Arts Entertainment Conference, Sheraton Laguardia East Hotel 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY. Saturday 4/16 from 10am-5pm
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
David Garrett - Walk this way - Dancing with the stars - Week 4 Results ...
David Garrett brought the house down playing his violin on DWTS. The dancing was on point too! This was a totally awesome moment when all the elements of great music and dancing came together to create a powerful exciting performance!
Interview with Michael Jones currently appearing in A Night With Pearl Cleage's Women at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Last Friday I had the pleasure of seeing one of our Alumni, Michael Jones in the play A Night With Pearl Cleage’s Women at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, located at 236 East 3rd Street in NYC. The show was presented by Juneteenth Legacy Theatre and Sugar Valley Theatricals. It was a delightful evening of theatre that takes you back in time to 1898, when freed slaves claimed the Kansas plains as their new home, and to 1930, when Harlem was the bastion for black artistic and intellectual freedom in A Night With Pearl Cleage’s Women, an adaptation of scenes from “Flyin West” and “Blues For an Alabama Sky”, that tells a story of love, betrayal, revenge and redemption. I had a moment to interview Michael about his experience working on the show.
Van: Michael, it was good to see you in a powerful and charming play Blues For an Alabama Sky. What was it like working on this play?
Van: Michael, it was good to see you in a powerful and charming play Blues For an Alabama Sky. What was it like working on this play?
Michael: It was great, especially the time period. Once I read the play, I was determined to get the part of Leland. It was great working with this cast and the director.
Van: How did you get involved with this production? Did you have to audition? If yes, what was the experience like?
Michael: I didn't have to audition initially. I was invited to the callback. This is my third production with Juneteenth Legacy Theatre. The audition was great! I got to read with Bryan Webster, who is also the co-producer, and our characters basically locked horns at the audition, which was a good thing for the play.
Van: I know the director Rome Neal is a multiple AUDELCO Award winner and you've also received an AUDELCO Award. What was it like to work with Rome?
Michael: This is my third production with Rome, second as a director, and first as also the lighting designer. Rome's style reflects his insight into characters and the meaning behind the play. I enjoyed the experience.
Van: The role of Leland, which you played with a smooth southern charm, was endearing. Leland comes from a strong religious background and some recent events that he's had to deal with in his life effect him greatly. How was it working on this role? Can you discuss a little bit about Leland beliefs and some of the things he's gone through that shaped his views?
Michael: I really enjoyed playing the character. I had to look at his values, his boundaries, and what he wants ultimately. Leland's the type of character that believes that a man should be with a woman-- no ifs, ands, or buts about it. He recently lost his wife and child during child-bearing and is hoping to fill that void with the main character, Angel. It was pretty intriguing. He's unlike me in many ways, yet his convictions to whatever he believes, we're the same in that way. However, I feel that we differ in that, he seems to have tunnel vision about certain issues that I don't.
Van: Did you have to work with a dialect coach or did the southern accent come easily to you?
Michael: I studied several Southern dialects pretty thoroughly. I started out with a Forrest Gump-type cadence to my speech. But eventually added more charm and poise to the character.
Van: The play takes place in the 1930s in Harlem and deals with the Prohibition Era, the Depressions, Planned Parenthood and Gay Bashing? How was it researching the time period and the various issues of the play?
Michael: It's funny cause I just finished a play called, "The Hunch" which was set in the same era. I enjoyed several things about that era; the clothing, the artists, and some of their ways. It was intriguing learning what was acceptable at the time, what was unlawful at the time, and people's mindsets.
Van: You're working with a wonderful cast: you have Patricia R. Floyd, who has extensive credits. Some people may remember her from her recurring role on Law & Order as Judge Rochelle Desmond, as well as T. Renee Mathis and Bryan Webster. What was it like working with the cast and what was your most memorable experience?
Michael: This cast is powerful. It's like playing basketball with Jordan or LeBron. Bryan and Pat are gonna bring it, so you gotta come ready. And T. Renee' is like a sister to me, so working with her was a blast. I think what I'll remember most is how Bryan and Pat came with their A-game early on in rehearsals.
Van: Lorna Littleway, who is the Founder/Producing Director for Juneteenth Legacy Theatre did a wonderful job with the adaptation of Pearl Cleage's women. I know the show is running until April 16th. Do you have any other projects lined up after that?
Michael: I currently have a play touring in New York schools called, "In My Skin,” that I want to film. And I just auditioned for a new project, Pat Moran and Associates, who are best known for casting the HBO show, "The Wire.”
Van: That’s great Michael and I wish you the best with those projects, but before we go, what advice can you give to actors working in the theatre?
Michael: My advice would be to work hard. If you respect the craft, continue to sharpen your tools, and persevere. And read a lot of plays, and watch a lot of great movies.
Van: Thank you Michael. Well you read it here. If you haven’t seen A Night With Pearl Cleage’s Women please run to the theatre. It closes April 16th.
Show times are Thursdays and Fridays, 7PM and Saturdays, 3PM. 
Tickets can be ordered online, Nuyorican or call 212-780-9386. Reserved prices are: $20.00, $15.00/seniors & students; at the door: $25.00. Thursday shows are $10.00.
Tickets can be ordered online, Nuyorican or call 212-780-9386. Reserved prices are: $20.00, $15.00/seniors & students; at the door: $25.00. Thursday shows are $10.00. This is the final weekend, April 14-16.
Nuyorican is located at 236 E. 3rd St., between Avenues
B and C. Travel directions available on Nuyorican website.
Cast: Joresa Blount as Minnie Dove and Miss Leah; *Bryan Webster (Standing rear) as Frank Charles and Guy Jacobs; *T. Renee Mathis (seated) as Angel Allen and Fannie Dove; Michael Jones as Leland Cunningham (Standing in the foreground); *Patricia R. Floyd (Standing rear) as Delia Patterson and Sophie Dove. (*AEA)
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Riant Theatre : The Youth Empowerment Awards
The Riant Theatre : The Youth Empowerment Awards
THE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AWARDS are given to Teenagers enrolled in college or participating in our Mentor/Internship Program.
Your Donation Can Make A Difference: If you would like to make a donation to be earmarked toward the Youth Empowerment Awards you can do so and your donation will be tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.
In addition, the Riant acknowledges an educator who has contributed to enhancing the lives of our youth.
Past Recipients of the EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD, which is given to an Educator who has demonstrated Outstanding Leadership in Educating our Youth are:
Dr. Suzanne D. Jones (June 19, 2010)
Dr. David A.G. Johnson (February 18, 2011)
TOURING OPPORTUNITIES:
The musical DREAM BABIES by Van Dirk Fisher, is about teenagers living in foster care while attending Royal Academy High School and their counselors, teachers and mentors who inspire them to achieve greatness. This show is an excellent musical that can be booked for Fundraising Events. If you are interested in booking DREAM BABIES contact us at RiantTheatre@gmail.com.
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They say, "It takes a Village to raise a child." Help us make a difference with a donation of as little as $5
THE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AWARDS are given to Teenagers enrolled in college or participating in our Mentor/Internship Program.
Your Donation Can Make A Difference: If you would like to make a donation to be earmarked toward the Youth Empowerment Awards you can do so and your donation will be tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.
In addition, the Riant acknowledges an educator who has contributed to enhancing the lives of our youth.
Past Recipients of the EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD, which is given to an Educator who has demonstrated Outstanding Leadership in Educating our Youth are:
Dr. Suzanne D. Jones (June 19, 2010)
Dr. David A.G. Johnson (February 18, 2011)
TOURING OPPORTUNITIES:
The musical DREAM BABIES by Van Dirk Fisher, is about teenagers living in foster care while attending Royal Academy High School and their counselors, teachers and mentors who inspire them to achieve greatness. This show is an excellent musical that can be booked for Fundraising Events. If you are interested in booking DREAM BABIES contact us at RiantTheatre@gmail.com.
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They say, "It takes a Village to raise a child." Help us make a difference with a donation of as little as $5
The Riant Theatre : ALLYNN SIMON Commercial Audition Workshop
ALLYNN SIMONS is a casting director at one of New York's top commercial casting offices, Kipperman Casting, Inc. She casts all type of commercials from on-camera to print to voice overs. Recent clients include: Ruby Tuesday, Sci-Fi, MTV's TRUTH campaign, Sony, First Response, Subway, Verizon and Old Spice. Allynn teaches all over New York City and loves meeting new actors who show a tremendous amount of passion for their craft.
Seeing: Cold readings of commercial copy provided at the workshop.
May 19, 2011 from 7pm - 9pm. To register click the link above.
May 19, 2011 from 7pm - 9pm. To register click the link above.
Feature Films, Commercials & Theatre Workshops
FEATURE FILM, COMMERICAL & THEATRE WORKSHOPS WITH RICHARD REED, ELLYN MARSHALL, LIZ ORTIZ-MACKES and LAWRENCE EVANS
REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR OUR AUDITION WORKSHOPS: These Casting Directors cast for film, tv, commercials and theatre. Richard Reed from Beth Melsky Casting; Liz Ortiz-Mackes from Casting Solutions; Ellyn Marshall from Orpheus Group Casting; and Lawrence Evans, a casting consultant who cast for theatre for the NY International Fringe Festival, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, The Negro Ensemble Company, New Federal Theatre, Black Spectrum Theatre and the Billie Holiday Theatre to name a few.
* May 19, 2011 from 7PM - 9PM. This is not a panel workshop. Actors will meet one on one with the Casting Directors in a separate studio and do cold readings from sides provided at the workshop and/or prepared monologues, receive feedback and career advice. Class size is limited to 14.
* Individual Workshop: $35
* All 4 Workshops: $102
* Registration must be done in advance online. You may call 2 days before the workshop for last minute registration inquiries.
Click here Register for the Workshops with Casting Directors.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Riant Theatre Mixer - Networking Event
Riant Theatre Mixer - Networking Event
The Riant Theatre Mixer - Networking Event
The Riant Theatre Mixer - Networking Event
DATE: May 19, 2011
TIME: 6PM - 9PM
ADMISSION: FREE before 7PM; $10 After 7PM (Cash Only at the Door)
LOCATION: 12 Debrosses Street, NYC. Between Hudson & Greenwich Streets. One block south of Canal Street.
DIRECTIONS: Trains: #1, A,C,E, Q,W,R to Canal St. Walk west to Hudson Street then 1 block South of Canal St.
Highlights:
- BUSINESS CARD and PICTURE & RESUME EXCHANGE
- MEET THE PLAYWRIGHTS AND DIRECTORS for the Strawberry One-Act Festival 2011 (July/August)
- FEATURE FILM, COMMERICAL & THEATRE WORKSHOPS WITH RICHARD REED, ELLYN MARSHALL, LIZ ORTIZ-MACKES and LAWRENCE EVANS
REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR OUR AUDITION WORKSHOPS: These Casting Directors cast for film, tv, commercials and theatre. Richard Reed from Beth Melsky Casting; Liz Ortiz-Mackes from Casting Solutions; Ellyn Marshall from Orpheus Group; and Lawrence Evans, a casting consultant who cast for theatre for the NY International Fringe Festival, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, The Negro Ensemble Company, New Federal Theatre, Black Spectrum Theatre and the Billie Holiday Theatre to name a few.
- May 19, 2011 from 7PM - 9PM. This is not a panel workshop. Actors will meet one on one with the Casting Directors in a separate studio and do cold readings from sides provided at the workshop and/or prepared monologues, receive feedback and career advice. Class size is limited to 14.
- Individual Workshop: $35
- All 4 Workshops: $102
- Registration must be done in advance online. You may call 2 days before the workshop for last minute registration inquiries.
- May 19, 2011 from 7PM - 9PM. This is not a panel workshop. Actors will meet one on one with the Casting Directors in a separate studio and do cold readings from sides provided at the workshop and/or prepared monologues, receive feedback and career advice. Class size is limited to 14.
- SIGN UP FOR OPEN MIC FOR SINGERS IN ADVANCE BY EMAILING US AT RiantTheatre@gmail.com You must email us a sample of you singing on an mp3 or a link to your website or YouTube video.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Writers & Theatre Companies Forum, Monday, April 25th - Save The Date!
I will be one of the guest speakers at the Writers & Theatre Companies Forum presented by the Harlem Arts Alliance on Monday, April 25, 2011 at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, 466 West 152nd Street, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. It's FREE and Open to the General Public.
Discover the Tools You Need to Get Produced
The Writers & Theatre Companies Forum
The Writers & Theatre Companies Forum
A forum and panel discussion for writers and theatre companies interested in having their work produced. The guests are Melody Brooks, Founder and Artistic Director of New Perspectives Theatre Company; Van Dirk Fisher, Founder and Artistic Director of The Riant Theatre; and Kathy Towson and Le Wilhelm, Co-Founders of RCL Playwrights Workshop. Towson is also the Founder and Managing Producer of Creative Voices Theatre Co. (15 years resident company in NYC) and Co-Founder (with Bob Blume - Executive Producer Drama Desk Awards) of Step Forward Entertainment (Management Co.). Wilhelm is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Love Creek Productions.
The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH), located at 466 West 152nd Street, Manhattan. DHT has studio space that is available for rent. A tour of the studios will take place at the beginning of the meeting. Please arrive on time so you will not miss the tour.
The meeting is free to attend and open to the general public.
You must RSVP to rsvp@harlemaa.org or call 347.735.4280 if you plan to attend this meeting.
Italian American Vocal Trio :: Tre Bella
Italian American Vocal Trio :: Tre Bella
Congratulations to Riant Alumni JoAnn Robertozzi who appeared in the Strawberry One-Act Festival in Table For Two in 2003. Her girl band Tre Bella is going on tour. They last appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Stage in Hollywood last year where they debut their latest single "Kisses in the Dark." Check them out.
Congratulations to Riant Alumni JoAnn Robertozzi who appeared in the Strawberry One-Act Festival in Table For Two in 2003. Her girl band Tre Bella is going on tour. They last appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Stage in Hollywood last year where they debut their latest single "Kisses in the Dark." Check them out.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Riant Theatre : LOVING YOU - The Novel
The Riant Theatre : LOVING YOU - The Novel
Thank you to all of my followers for buying my book.
Best to you!
Van Dirk Fisher
Thank you to all of my followers for buying my book.
Best to you!
Van Dirk Fisher
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