https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/ The latest news from Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, home of the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre. https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/remembering-terrence-mcnally/ Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:25:00 -0700 Center Theatre Group https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/remembering-terrence-mcnally/ <p>In 1969, McNally’s <em>Botticelli</em> was part of our <a href="https://www.centertheatregroup.org/about/timeline/1967-1977/#timeline-item-20">New Theatre for Now</a> season, the first iteration of new play development at Center Theatre Group. We also hosted his one-act play <em>Next</em>, which was an Off-Broadway hit for McNally, director Elaine May, and star James Coco.</p> <p>In 1988, the Taper hosted the West Coast premiere of McNally’s <em><a href='https://www.centertheatregroup.org/about/timeline/1988-1997/#timeline-item-231">Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune</a></em>, featuring Kathy Bates and Kenneth Welsh in the title roles. “We’ve waited too long to have a McNally play on our boards,” wrote Founding Artistic Director Gordon Davidson in the program. “A play about trust and commitment, <em>Frankie and Johnny</em> is also about the joy of an unexpected second chance. Having watched Terrence's career blossom over the years, it’s nice to be back at work with an old friend.”</p> <p>The wait for another McNally play was not long, as he was back at the Taper in 1990 with another West Coast premiere: <em><a href='https://www.centertheatregroup.org/about/timeline/1988-1997/#timeline-item-136">The Lisbon Traviata</em></a>, directed by John Tillinger and featuring Richard Thomas and Nathan Lane as friends and fellow opera lovers who are also gay. “‘The fact that the men are gay is a given,’” Lane told the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-11-28-ca-5054-story.html" target="_blank"><em>Los Angeles Times</em></a>. “‘The play is not a treatise about gays. It goes way beyond that. It’s about anybody living in these times.’”</p> <p>In 1992, McNally made his Ahmanson season debut with a hilarious look at a Broadway opening night in <em>It’s Only a Play</em>, also directed by Tillinger and produced at the Doolittle Theatre and featuring a revised script and a cast including David Hyde Pierce. McNally, Tillinger, and Lane converged at the Taper again for the 1993 production of McNally’s <em>Lips Together, Teeth Apart</em>, and in 1995 McNally returned to the Taper with the pre-Broadway production of <a href="https://www.centertheatregroup.org/about/timeline/1988-1997/#timeline-item-151"><em>Master Class</em></a>. Zoe Caldwell and Audra McDonald went on to win Tony Awards^&reg; for their portrayals of opera singer Maria Callas and a young student.</p> <p>Two musicals featuring McNally as book writer also appeared at the Ahmanson: the 1996 production of <em><a href="https://cms.centertheatregroup.org/about/timeline/1988-1997/#timeline-item-230">Kiss of the Spider Woman</a></em> starring Chita Rivera in the title role and the 2002 production of <em>The Fully Monty</em>. <p>We feel lucky to have been a part of so many important moments in a legendary career.</p> https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/art-goes-on-and-so-do-we/ Fri, 20 Mar 2020 16:49:00 -0700 Michael Ritchie & Meghan Pressman https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/art-goes-on-and-so-do-we/ <p>Great playwrights have a special gift that allows them, in extraordinary moments like this one, to help us make sense of the nonsensical and, ideally, shape our society for the future. And it is through the act of giving these ideas a platform that we as a theatre company have the power to inspire conversation and build community. Theatre gathers people together; the desire for this kind of deep connection is stronger right now than ever. In the absence of a shared physical space, it’s imperative to find new ways to bring our communities together. We all find ourselves in a moment of crisis, but also a moment of reflection and reimagination.</p> <p>The world has experienced moments of profound pain before, and often, from the darkness, life-affirming art has emerged. Such was the case during the AIDS crisis, when we helped bring the world Tony Kushner’s <em>Angels in America</em>. Tony’s words about confronting the horrors facing his community resonate deeply with us today: “The Great Question before us is: Are we doomed? The Great Question before us is: Will the Past release us? The Great Question before us is: Can we Change? In Time? And we all desire that Change will come.” Embracing both loss and change is how we as a theatre company will spin forward.</p> <h3>So, we have a few updates for you now.</h3> <ul> <li>In accordance with the latest government and public health orders that large venues remain closed through April 19, 2020, <strong>we are exploring all options for our previously scheduled production of <em>Once on This Island</em> at the Ahmanson Theatre, including the possibility of rescheduling.</strong> For all patrons currently holding tickets to this production, we ask that you please wait for us to contact you about your options. Our sales teams are set up remotely and working as quickly as possible to handle all ticketing needs resulting from the ongoing situation.</li> <li>Inspired by the idea to create community beyond a shared physical space, we are moving some of our education and community programming online. <strong>We encourage you to tune in for our <a href='https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/watch-the-college-and-career-fair">College &amp; Career Fair for the Arts</a> on Saturday, March 21, which we’ve transitioned to a completely virtual event that will be hosted on YouTube.</strong> Over 500 students and educators are planning to participate, and their excitement is giving us hope for the future of the arts. Please feel free to join us and share in this looking forward.</li> <li><strong>Our <a href='https://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/season-tickets/ahmanson-theatre/">Ahmanson season subscriptions</a> are currently on sale and we have an incredible roster of shows coming to Los Angeles.</strong> We have several options, including a monthly payment plan, to remain as flexible as possible in these quickly evolving circumstances. We are waiving our $10 payment plan fee at this time for additional ease and convenience. And if you are a renewing subscriber, we have extended your deadline until April 17. If you have any questions, please send them to <a href="mailto:tickets@ctgla.org">tickets@ctgla.org</a>. We will be monitoring and responding as quickly as possible. Thank you in advance.</li> <li>We know you’re excited to return to the theatre, so we want you to know that we continue to plan for our upcoming seasons at the Taper and Douglas and hope to share news with you in the coming weeks. <strong>We remain dedicated to delivering essential plays that provoke conversation and give voice to unique perspectives.</strong></li> </ul> <p>In this extraordinarily difficult moment, we want to ensure that theatre continues to play an important role in all our lives. Imagine the art that is being and will be created that will help us better understand this moment in time. Please consider donating to Center Theatre Group to ensure that there is support and space for the world to experience that art.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://give.ctgla.org/campaign/fy21-ctg-emergency-giving-fund/c295382" class="btn btn-primary" style="font-size:16px !important; background-color:#92368e;" target="_blank">Support Center Theatre Group</a></p> <p>This is just the beginning. Center Theatre Group is already dreaming big. Art goes on. And so do we. I hope you’ll join us at each step of the way. We’re all in this together, now more than ever.</p> https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/watch-the-college-and-career-fair/ Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:25:00 -0700 Center Theatre Group https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/watch-the-college-and-career-fair/ <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLJWEWZtroDyEBrmn4TtanMtxwkgdDHB0O" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>Watch the video playlist embedded above or on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJWEWZtroDyEBrmn4TtanMtxwkgdDHB0O" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. If you are watching in real time, a live chat stream, moderated by Center Theatre Group staff, is happening on Saturday, March 21 from 9am &ndash; 1pm at the bottom of this page. Click “Show Comments” to see the live chat. You can log in with a Disqus account if you have one already, create an account, or log in with Facebook, Twitter, or Google to comment. We’d love for you to contribute to the conversation, and ask any questions you have about working in the arts. We’ll do our best to answer them! The artists and professional guests will also be taking questions from all of you throughout the day on their YouTube channels.</p> <!-- <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/live_chat?v=JXOpq2dOPLQ&embed_domain=www.centertheatregroup.org" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> --> https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/college-and-career-fair-schedule/ Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:25:00 -0700 Center Theatre Group https://www.centertheatregroup.org/news-and-blogs/news/2020/march/college-and-career-fair-schedule/ <h2>Introduction</h2> <p>Our host <strong>Nina Rose Carlin</strong> is a writer, actress, and host based in Los Angeles. Nina has had plays produced at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Dixon Place, and The San Francisco New Works Festival. Her new play, <em>Jack Courage In The Land Of Olives</em>, received a staged-reading at The Habima Theatre in Tel Aviv as part of their initiative for emerging female playwrights. Nina is an ABC Discovers: Talent Showcase writer (2018), and currently studies improv at The Groundlings and UCB!</p> <h2>Morning Warm-Up</h2> <p><strong>Francisco Macedo</strong> is a Teaching Artist born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He is a trained actor and fight choreographer. Frankie trained at Passado Action Theatre in Glendale, California, where he now works and teaches alongside fellow artists. He has worked on multiple productions throughout the city in various roles both on and off the stage. Frankie also works with the next generation of artists as a Community Liaison with Center Theatre Group.</p> <h2>Being a Director</h2> <p><strong>Jessica Hanna</strong> is a freelance director, based in Los Angeles, focused on developing new plays.</p> <h2>Being an Actor</h2> <p><strong>Tania Verafield</strong>, a Los Angeles native, has been acting since the age of 5, primarily in theatre and independent film, and is most recently back from a World premiere play at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and with a 2019 Sundance Award-winning film, <em>Ms. Purple</em>, now available online.</p> <h2>Being a Stage Manager</h2> <p><strong>Venice Yue Yang</strong> is a stage manager/event coordinator who’s active between North America and East Asia.</p> <h2>How COVID-19 Impacts College Admissions: What You Need to Know</h2> <p><strong>Arun Ponnusamy</strong> worked in admissions at UCLA, Caltech, and the University of Chicago (his alma mater) and now serves as Chief Academic Officer of Collegewise, America’s largest educational consulting company, where he has personally guided hundreds of students on their journey to the college of their dreams.</p> <h2>Audition Tips</h2> <p><strong>Ammy Ontiveros</strong> is a comedian and actress who finds the humor in everything and wants to world to laugh along with her. You can see what she's up to via Instagram @ammyavocado or ammyontiveros.com.</p> <h2>Choosing a Major</h2> <p>Before becoming a full-time volunteer on the board of directors of several not-for-profit organizations, <strong>Kiki Ramos Gindler</strong> practiced corporate law at a large national law firm, and also worked in the motion picture industry as a legal and business affairs executive; between college and law school, she worked in marketing, promotions and artist management in the music industry.</p> <h2>Online Resources for Creative Quarantines for Actors</h2> <p><strong>Alexandra Wright</strong> has a BA from the University of Southern California (recipient of Doolittle Award: Outstanding Female Performer of graduating class) and an MFA from the American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University. Acting has taken her to Paris, London, Scotland, and Moscow and has given her the opportunity to work with exceptional artists, such as Neil Patrick Harris, Neil Gaiman, Scott Zigler, and Kevin Bright. She teaches voice and speech, movement, Shakespeare, and acting at UCLA, Loyola Marymount University, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and Azusa Pacific University. She is proud company member of Sierra Madre Plahyhouse, InterACT theatre company, Skylight, and Theatricum Botanicum. Member of SAG and Women in Film. Over 100 theatre credits, more than 50 television, film, and commercial credits.</p> <h2>Monologue Tips</h2> <p><strong>Peter Mendoza</strong> is an actor from East Los Angeles who works onstage and in film and TV, while also choreographing combat scenes using weapons and hand to hand.</p> <h2>Being a Person of Color in the Theatre World</h2> <p><strong>Diana Burbano</strong>, a Colombian immigrant, is an Equity actor, a playwright, and a Teaching Artist at South Coast Repertory and Breath of Fire Latina Theatre Ensemble.</p> <h2>On-Camera Hosting</h2> <p>With <strong>Nina Rose Carlin</strong>.</p> <h2>Being a Designer</h2> <p><strong>Dianne K. Graebner</strong> is a Union costume designer who has designed over 100 productions internationally, and has originated the costumes for many new works and World premieres.</p> <h2>Tai Chi Mini-Workshop</h2> <p>With <strong>Frankie Macedo</strong>. <h2>Survival Skills for the Freelance Artist</h2> <p><strong>Ashley Steed</strong> is an all-around theatre maker (actor, director, producer), doing what she can to tell stories and play pretend.</p> <h2>College Financing for Artists (and Parents)</h2> <p>Dr. <strong>Sergio Ramirez</strong> has served the USC School of Dramatic Arts since 2006 including his most recent appointment as associate dean of admissions and student services. As associate dean, he provides oversight and leadership for projects and initiatives related to recruitment, admissions, and matriculation of both undergraduate and graduate students.</p> <h2>100% That Boss: Entrepreneurship</h2> <p>Upon graduating from CGU’s arts management program, <strong>Katrina Frye</strong> has had the privilege of fostering new conversations around art and business through her company Mischief Managed. For the last 10 years, she has worked to unveil the truths behind making money as an artist and creative. By lecturing at institutions like CBU Riverside, CSU Long Beach, CalArts, PCC and more, Katrina has been able to bring her years of experience to the next generation of artists and creatives. Along with being able to lead conversations at the United States of Women, Netflix, ArtCenter, Colburn School of Music and more, Katrina is thrilled to continue this message of hope to emerging artists and creatives in hopes to transform our nation.</p> <h2>Mini Breathing Workshop</h2> <p>With <strong>Frankie Macedo</strong>. <h2>Outro</h2> <p>With <strong>Nina Rose Carlin</strong>.</p>