Take Ten pictures, workshop and Uprising

It's been a long time coming, but I finally do have pictures for our Take Ten festival in April. I was a wonderful success and we are so proud of all the artists we got the opportunity to meet, as well as those we got to work with again.

Dinner, Drinks and DNA written by Seth Freeman and directed by Noelle P. Wilson.
Finalist for Best Play, Finalist for Best Director,Winner for Best Actor, Brian Vaughan (pictured). 

Echo, written by Jessica Krause, directed by Craig Baldwin.
Finalist for Best Play, Winner for Best Director.

The Girls Night written and directed by Joette Spinelli, and
co-directed by Vicky Vasiloupolis.

Green Wedding by Sarah Chichester, directed by Rebecca Cunningham.

Hansen and Greta, written by Sander Gunisow, directed by Matthew Kreiner.
Winner for Best Play, Finalist for Best Director, Finalist for Best Actor (Christopher Payseur) and Winner for Best Actress (Sarah Penchoff, pictured, seated).

Hypotheticals, Written and directed by Mirielle Smith

Manere Fortis, written by Luke Wise,  directed by Sarah Jane Schostack
Semi-finalist for Best Play.

The Pheasant Plucker's Son,  written by David Munetti, directed by Gary Shackleford.

Phenomenals Anonymous, written by Rex McGregor, directed by Alex Keegan.

Push Up by Sam Graber, directed by Marcia Berry.

How Rapunzel Left Her Tower, written and directed by Brandon Monokian.
Finalist for Best Actress Caitlin Gutches (Pictured).

Soft and Shiny, written and directed by Lourdes Uno.

Sober Shower, written by Maria Decotis, directed by Antonia Lassar,
Semi-finalist for Best Play. 

Splits in the Alley by Graham Shelton, directed by Jennifer White,
Finalist for Best Play, Finalist for Best Director, Finalist for Best Actor (Ian Hunt, pictured).

Vultures, written by Greg Abbot, directed by Marcia Berry.
Finalist for Best Actor (pictured, also above in Push Up).

Waking Dream, written by Matt Russak, directed by Shannon Knapp,
Semi-Finalist for Best Play, Finalists for Best Actress, Joanna Getting and Moira Quigley (both pictured). 

There are many more pictures, and they may be shared on facebook or in other ways in the future so look out for that.

Right now we have several other projects coming up. We are having a workshop of another play for our Take Ten winner, Sander Gunisow, in late July. And in the first week of September at Shetler Studios, we are premiering Uprising, the original play/multimedia event by Samantha Manas and myself, about the labor movement. We have almost finished casting, so stay tuned for more on that!

Till next time (hope it's sooner)!

Parables Pics and Take Ten

Wow, it's been awhile. Sorry I haven't been keeping up with this. Well, first of all, here are some pictures from Parables for the One Percent, taken by Allie Trimboli.

Ari Vigoda and Casey Bartolucci

Tierney Nolan and Stephanie Alvarez

Cameran Hebb and David Weinheimer

We also got two some lovely reviews for the show here and here. All in all it was a lovely experience. The cast, crew and theatre were all people we would work with again, we were incredibly proud of the result and turn out and we know we will continue to move even higher.

Some sad news, however. Allie Trimboli and Brittany Remington are no longer official members of the company. We were very happy working with them however, and look forward to any opportunities to do so in the future.

Ok, now that we've covered the past on to what's currently going on. We have Take Ten coming up...next week! Yikes! The festival is running April 8th-13th at Roy Arias Stage II. Here is our official image.

Round 1: April 8th & 9th 7pm & 9pm
Round 2: April 10th & 11th 7pm & 9pm
Semi-Finals: April 12th 2pm and 8pm
Finals: April 13th 3pm

Roy Arias Studios, Stage II
300 W 43rd St, 4th Floor
Between 8th & 9th Avenues
New York, NY

The Competitors:

Phenomenals Anonymous by Rex McGregor
Soft and Shiny by Lourdes Natalie Uno
The Girls Night by Joette Spinelli
Push-Up by Sam Graber
Echo by Jessica Krause
Sober Shower by Maria DeCotis
Hansen and Greta by Sander Gusinow
Manere Fortis by Luke Wise
Green Wedding by Sarah Chichester
Splits in the Alley by Graham Shelton
How Persephone Learned to Listen by Brandon Monokian
Waking Dream by Matt Russak
Hypotheitcals by Miriam Smith
The Pheasant Plucker's Son by David Munetti
Vultures by Greg Abbott
Drinks, Dinner, and DNA by Seth Freeman

Tickets are available here, the website is here and the facebook event is here. 

And why don't I give you the schedule so far? 

April 8th 7pm
Series A

Green Wedding
Sober Shower
The Pheasant Plucker's Son
Waking Dream

April 8th 9pm
Series B

Echo
Push Up
Soft and Shiny
Phenomenal Anonymous

April 9th 7pm
Series C

Manere Fortis
The Girls Night
Splits in the Alley
Hansen and Greta

April 9th 9pm
Series D

Hypotheticals
Drinks, Dinner and DNA
Vultures
How Persephone Learned to Listen

April 10th 7pm
Series A

Green Wedding
Sober Shower
The Pheasant Plucker's Son
Waking Dream

April 10th 9pm
Series B

Echo
Push Up
Soft and Shiny
Phenomenal Anonymous

April 11th 7pm
Series D

Hypotheticals
Drinks, Dinner and DNA
Vultures
How Persephone Learned to Listen

April 11th 9pm
Series C

Manere Fortis
The Girls Night
Splits in the Alley
Hansen and Greta

Ok, I think that's enough stuffed into one entry. As always, don't hesitate to contact and ask questions!

Starting 2014 right with Parables for the One Percent!

Happy New Year, Between Us Friends and Fans!

           This is our year, guys! We mean it! WOO! *cue inspirational music*

No, but seriously, folks. This is a year with a lot going on for the Between Us crew and I am all for letting you guys know about it.

First of all, as some of you may know, we had a holiday bash at Traffic Bar and Grill. It was a really nice time to spend with some of actors, crew, friends and family. Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of the event to share at the moment.

Okay, so it's not that bad. Not quite as epic as I had hoped, but what can you do? At least you can see what a fun bunch we are and hopefully make it out next time to party with us!

But on to more important and pressing matters. Parables!

Yes, Parables for the One Percent got funded and we are all set for January 8-11. (Well, we were booked before, but the money is the part the makes it actually happen). We are so grateful to everyone who joined on to back us in this project, which is in some ways our most ambitious. Rest assured that you will see your rewards if you haven't soon!

So, okay, what's the deal with Parables? (You may be asking). Here is the whole deal! Every bit of the deal!

Parables for the One Percent is a satirical comedy that explores what we have never heard; the interior monologues of the richest people alive today. It's safe to laugh, but the facts are nothing but dire. For the first time, the richest in our world have bought a commodity we can't take back: our futures.

January 8-11: 8pm
January 11: 2pm
January 12: 3pm

Theatre Row - The Studio Theater
410/412 W 42nd St
New York, NY 10036

Tickets $18
Buy in advance:
Here

Parables for the One Percent
Written by Karl Custer
Directed by Samantha Lee Manas
Produced by Jasmine Brown, Graydon Gund, and Brittany Remington

Starring:
Stephanie Alvarez as Jackie
Casey Bartolucci as Pharaoh
Cameran Hebb as Ann
Tierney Nolen as Jaquelyn
Ari Vigoda as Slave
and
David Weinheimer as Robert

Costume Design by Carolann Voltarel
Lighting Design by Lauren Bremen

Between Us Productions Staff:
Co Artistic Directors: Samantha Lee Manas and Jasmine Brown
Associate Artistic Director: Graydon Gund
Associate Producer: Brittany Remington
Artistic/Literary Assistant: Karl Custer
Artistic/Marketing Assistant: Abby Rose Leigh
Graphic Designer: Allie Trimboli

Oh, yes and speaking of Allie...here is the final image for the show

I'm kind of crazy about it, I don't know about you guys. Like the last image, that is a quote from the show. This one gives a bit more of a peak into the characters and themes, though.

So, in short, come one, come all. It's going to be an incredible show, showcasing amazing talent and will make you laugh in some uncomfortably real ways (which are the best ways, in my opinion).

And stay tuned for more, because not only is Take Ten fast approaching with an insane batch of plays this year, but Sam and I are cooking up something extra special for later on...a full length historical drama!

But more of that later...

Thanks for reading, lots of love...


...and come see Parables! ;)

Catching up and pimping Parables

Hi, all!

Well, we've had a lot going on since we last updated you. First of all, we had a Halloween Variety Show party. Unfortunately, I wasn't there. I know, I know, awful, right? But luckily, my Co-Artistic Director, Sam, was and she was decked out in a fabulous Anne Boleyn costume.

Samantha Lee Manas in a costume designed by Irina Fialko, pictured with the incomparable Anna Stefanic.

There was stand up, bellydance, music, drinks...the works! You know Between Us has a good time, so don't forget to drop by next time we're having an event. We'll make it worth your while. 

Besides that, we also had a belated welcome party for the new staff at Traffic Bar and Grill in Hell's Kitchen. It was there that we officially met our new graphic designer, Allie Trimboli, though we've already met her through her fabulous work. Unfortunately, the other new staff members that are still working with us (Brittany Remington, our Associate Producer and Abby Rose Leigh, our Artistic/Marketing Intern) were not able to attend, but we hope to see them at our new Traffic Bar and Grill party, which will be a holiday bash on December 20th...but more on that later!

The big thing that's going on right now is our Indiegoo campaign for our winter production, Parables for the One Percent. Parables is written by Karl Custer Jr., aka Uncle Yo, our Literary/Artistic Assistant and I personally feel it's some of his best work, outrageously funny and desperately real, it really hits home in some uncomfortable ways. It's directed by the above pictured Samantha Lee Manas and the actors are some of our favorite artists, whose talents have inspired us over the past few years.

Allie drew us a sample ad for the show and even though it's not the finished design, we wanted to give you a peak to get an idea of the direction we're going in.

Kind of political cartoon feel, ya know? And yes, that's an actual line from the show.

But here's the thing, we really need support to produce this play. We have a beautiful space booked and really want to give this work the attention it deserves. We only have 10 days left on our Indiegogo campaign and we're not even halfway to our financial goal. Every little bit helps, so please donate and share! Click the link and watch the video!

Okay, so that's all for now, but stay tuned. Next update should be more about our holiday party, first updates on Take Ten 2014 and Parables, Parables, Parables! And maaaybe you'll hear about some of our other upcoming projects, who knows?

Oh, and of course, happy Channukah and Thanksgiving to anyone celebrating!

Halloween Party

Hello, friends!

      We're having another Halloween party this year and you're invited. And in case you don't remember how seriously we take this holiday, here's a pictoral reminder from last year.

The staff and some audience participants at last year Zombie vs. Vampires party. Look at some of the costumes people came up with!

So what are the details for this year? Well, it's all going down at 8pm on Saturday, October 26th at the Director's Studio, 311 W. 43rd St, 4th fl.

It will be a spooktacular evening of singing, dancing, improv, comedy, and other fantastic performances.

Tickets $20 and come with 2 free beverages of your choice!

Wear a costume because the Costume Contest winner will win a gift certificate to a nearby bar to continue the festivities!

Yep, that's right. Two drinks and excellent performances for only $20.

All proceeds will go toward paying for the 2013-2014 season.

Performances by:
Naomi Ekperigin
Benjamin Freeman
Kevin Froeliks
Anna Stefanic
Cynthia Vasquez
Jay Welch
Sarah White
Sharon Zaslaw
And Maybe More!

Look at the lovely flyer Allie Trimboli designed for us.

 So, check out our facebook event and come on down!

Other than that, we've been in meeting about all kinds of events, so stayed tune for more!

Pretty Pics and Rowdy Reading!

Ahoy thar, Between Us Fans (should I call you Betweenies? something about that sounds wrong...)! How is everything? Remember to reach out to us and let us know about your projects...and especially let us know if you would like us to advertise for you on our blog or facebook page.

Things have been going pretty great for us. We had a lovely afternoon in Washington Square Park a few weeks ago for our fundraising picnic (there were homemade brownies!), and I wanted share some pictures of the fabulous performances.

Cythia Vasquez belting out Whatever Happened to My Part

Our Artistic/Marketing Intern, Abby Leigh Rose, serenading us with I Wanna Hold your Hand

Shaqui and the Bellyjazz dolls leading a sample class after a performance (with some audience participants).
Recently featured actor, Sharon Zaslaw, is the instructor and I'm one of the Bellyjazz dolls (in green!)

The incomparable Anna Stefanic on keyboard, clearly getting a new, young admirer

Sad you missed all the fun? Well, guess what? We're having a reading this Saturday, October 5th, at 8pm! That's right!

Tickets are $10 per person and include one beverage of your choice.  Check it all out at The Directors Studio 311 W 43rd St, 4th Floor New York, NY 10036

The line up is as follows:

Though They May Be Parted
Written by: Patricia Milton
Directed by: Nick Saldivar

A Long Walk on the Beach
Written by: Matt Henderson
Directed by: Graydon Gund

Parables for the One Percent
Written by: Karl Custer
Directed by: Samantha Lee Manas

Starring:
Elise Baker
Casey Bartolucci
Claire Corddry
Kullan Edberg
Trent Fucci
Brooke Haney
Lesley Noyes
Anna Stefanic
Logan Sutton
Ari Vigoda
David Weinheimer
and
Samantha Jane Williams

This includes the Between Us directorial debut of our Directing Intern, Nick Saldivar, fabulous (as usual) directing efforts by Samantha Lee Manas, my Co-Artistic Director, and Graydon Gund, our Associate Artistic Director. It also includes some amazing acting from old and new faces as well as some wonderful new writing.

But the big thing is, this is including the first reading of Parables for the One Percent, by Karl Custer (aka Uncle Yo) our Literary/Artistic Assistant. This is leading up to our full production of it, this January. But more on that later. For now, just remember the insanity that is Karl's work with this picture from our last production of his.

Tierney Nolen, Casey Bartolucci and Ari Vigoda in St. Patrick Battles the Bearded Serpent

Again, this is all going on at 8pm, at the Director's Studio, October 5th. Check out the facebook event!

We even have a lovely graphic created for us by Allie Trimboli, just for the occasion!

So, come on down and join us! Hope to see you all soon!

After a busy few months, let's party in the park!

Hello, all!

A lot has happened since I last updated you and I want to give you the skinny on all of it! The short and sweet of it is, we are having a fundraiser, this Sunday, September 22nd in Washington Square Park from 3-6. But, I wanted to make sure everything we've done in the last few months is up here, so more on that later.

First of all, Behaving Badly was AMAZING! Here are some pictures from each of our plays, and you can of course, find more on our facebook page.

Millions & Millions & Millions by Cathy Earnest, directed by Graydon Gund
Alyssa Simon (courtesy of Actor's Equity), Catherine LaClair and Cain Duminski pictured

Inalienable Rights by Samantha Lee Manas, directed by Veronica Dang
Anna Stefanic, RG Lagonda and Wes Hager pictured

Three Bites from the Underworld written and directed by Jasmine Brown
Sharon Zaslaw and Molly Garbe pictured

St. Patrick Battles the Bearded Serpent by Karl Custer Jr., directed by Samantha Lee Manas
Tierny Nolan, Casey Bartolucci and Ari Vigoda pictured

Above photos courtesy of Vladimir Weinstein.

But all of that is old news. The big news is that of all the new staff we've added! Firstly, we'd like to welcome our interns for the season: Abby Leigh Rose for Artistic/Marketing, Nick Salidivar for Directing, Meghan Sullivan for Literary and Cresent Haynes for Sound Design. They are all super talented and you will be seeing a lot of work from them in the coming months.

Additionally, we've added Brittany Remington to the full position of Associate Producer. For her, I'm gonna add her headshot, because she's pretty big deal. She may be taking over this blog, at least partially, because we know the updates aren't exactly...consistent. But either way, she is truly great and we're very excited to be working with her.

It's Brittany!

Before I get to our final and most pressing announcement, I do want to go back in time and give you a few photos I promised. Yes, these are some looks are our Cinco de Mayo variety show from the spring. All of the rest (and there are a lot!) are up on facebook.

Anna Stefanic and Samantha Jane Williams

Karl Custer aka Uncle Yo

Calixta Star

Jeremy Rafal

So, now that you're reminded what kind of party we can throw, why not join for a Sunday in Washington Square park?

There will be sing, dancing, fun and even refreshing drinks for sale. Suggested donations are ten dollars, but stay as long as you like and give what you're able.

Again, it's 3-6 in Washington Square Park, September 22nd. We will be in Garibaldi Plaza.

The featured acts will be: Anna Stefanic, Abby Leigh Rose, Sharqui and the Bellyjazz Dolls (featuring me!), Art Brown, Cynthia Vasquez, Boogie Bogz and maybe some other surprises.

Come one, come all! 

Oh, and by the way, Washington Square Park has a special meaning to us because of our projects later in the season...but this post has been long enough. More updates much sooner next time, I promise!

Lots of love!