Friday, November 19, 2010

APAP Changes

First of all, I have to say that Kayla and Cordelia are incredible women. Not only are they so supportive of this project, but they have plunged in head first and taken on these roles with a new energy that is delightful to watch. Their interpretations of the text are unlike anything that I are or the rest of the ladies could ever think of and it's wonderful to work off of them and see how things shift for the newer and deeper level.

Second of all, everything we thought we were doing for APAP has shifted. Don't worry, we're still doing it, but we're going to approach it a little differently than before. Instead of doing a full length production like we were planning (over ninety minutes in length), we've decided it will be more practical and beneficial to develop a twenty minute "trailer" to showcase at APAP. This way we can showcase the "trailer" many times during the time we have the venue and give people many opportunities to come and see us (rather than a limit of ONLY three shows). We made this decision because we wanted to maximize in numerous areas. For one, we wanted to make sure all of the highlights in our show were seen (Harpy, Goddesses, Storm scene - all of the physicality, etc). We also wanted to ensure that people could come and see the show at a time that is convenient for them and in a way that is enjoyable. I'm not saying that ninety plus minutes of Shakespeare won't be enjoyable, but because there are so many other showcases to be seen during APAP, we decided it's better that people come and see us for 20 minutes rather than no one coming to see us because we offer an overwhelming ninety minutes.

We have launched another Kickstarter and appreciate any donations that anyone can spare to help pay for our Presenters Booth (area designated for networking with potential touring companies) and our Off Broadway venue on 43rd Street.

Click here to check out our Kickstarter page, find out more about us and find out how you can help us get to APAP!

In other news, we're also looking to raise money with a Christmas party set in the 1920s at the Hotel Chelsea! Yes, it's cocktails, live entertainment and Hotel Chelsea history at the tips of your fingers for the low cover charge of $10. So if you're looking for fun on December 3rd - stop by the Hotel Chelsea between 9:30pm and 12:30am. Guaranteed - you won't regret it. ;)

That's where we stand and sway from side to side and physicalize the storm... we're very busy rehearsing.

Until next time, which should be sooner rather than later,

TTL

Sunday, November 7, 2010

The Plan

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to send out an update on our company and our process! We're pleased to announce that we will be attending the APAP festival here in NYC this coming January (the 7th to the 11th, 2011). This festival is a wonderful opportunity to network with casting directors and producers and is the best next step for our Tempest. We will be welcoming two new members into our company as two of our founding members have, peaceably, decided to step aside and pursue other projects. We, of course, wish them the very best. :) In the meantime, we've welcomed Syracuse University Drama alumna, Kayla Levitt, into our fold and continue to search for our sixth member with, thankfully, two potential candidates in sight. We are excited to get our new cast members plugged in and up to speed with the piece. We're also looking forward to seeing how the piece shifts with two new talents in place! We think it will grow and expand in the best possible way.

We are looking at a lot to accomplish between now and January. We have, gratefully, secured preliminary funding this week from our supporter and producer, Scott Griffin. His generosity continues to both astound and bless us.

We need to become members of APAP, book a new venue and get in touch with as many people as possible. What is so great about our show is just how transportable it is. It can literally be packed into a few suitcases - just a few hats and a canvas thrown in - and be flown anywhere. (We did travel to Edinburgh and back with it, after all). It's also a really wonderful way to introduce people to Shakespeare. Because it's physically based and visually clear, people who are unfamiliar with the text will have no problem following and enjoying the piece. We think it makes for a fantastic night at the theater for all audiences, too. This includes kids, families and adults of all ages. We're very excited to market our show as an easy and inexpensive piece to pick up and tour.

We are also very busy working on our photo advertising with James Bareham. He and Murray have been so helpful in helping us translate our piece to fit this new and experimental medium. We had a rehearsal on Wednesday in which James used his iphone to capture our movement and what he did on just his iphone was spectacular! We can't wait for you to see the finished product that will go up on our new website - so definitely stay tuned!

All in all we are doing well and thriving in the Big Apple. City life is fast paced and we certainly stay busy, but that's the way we like it.

Wishing you the best as the holiday season approaches - and we'll be in further touch soon!

TTLs