Tonight: Staged Reading of Her Little Prince by Katherine Craft, Poison Apple Initiative at the Blue Theatre

This past July marked the first ever Austin SLAM! A competition produced by Poison Apple Initiative in which local playwrights have five minutes to share their work and engage a mixed audience of theater professionals, theater lovers and generally enthusiastic people. Plus boyfriends.

Our congratulations go to Katherine Craft, who was declared winner of the first ever SLAM for her short play "Her Little Prince"! As winner, a collection of her short plays will be presented at a staged reading tonight, August 29, at the BLUE Theatre. Doors open at 7:30 and reading begins at 8 p.m..

Join us in celebrating the work of this talented local artist, and enjoy a romping good time with six short works which will have you pondering, chuckling and thoroughly creeped-the-fuck-out.

Featured in the works are local actors: Sam Mercer, Rachel Weise, Zac Carr, Elizabeth Bigger, Michael Kranes, Cassadie Petersen, Jessica Hughes, Spencer Driggers

Bring your friends. Bring your grandmother. Bring your love for new works on the Austin stage! $5 suggested donation; no one turned away.

Upcoming: Simprov by Laurence Kavan, Blue Theatre, August 26

SIMPROV by Laurence Kavan, staged reading, Blue Theatre, August 26, 8 p.m.
2012 NEW PLAYS SERIES: 1 – Evening Taped Live Staged Reading Performance 

ABOUT THE PLAY

Simprov is a serious and surreal comedy about technology, entertainment, and identity. Two couples are on contrasting journeys: Barbara and Alan, in middle age, are being pulled apart by her ever-increasing involvement in video and Internet experiences; Actor and Actress, early twenties, are suddenly fired from their TV series and thrown into a world of new technologies and plastic surgery. Their paths will cross in Simprov, a new live version of such video games as The Sims, using real and discardable people. They will meet again when they are unrecognizable even to themselves, before returning to completely altered lives.

NEW WORKS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT 

Simprov is presented as a taped staged reading performance, open to the public. Actors will perform with the script in their hand, simultaneously playing both to a live audience and to a camera. This project is a taped performance of a new play by an esteemed published playwright and is presented as a staged reading for developmental purposes. All footage is intended for developmental purposes unless otherwise approved by the playwright. More about the playwright: www.LaurenceKlavan.com

Open to the Public. Free to attend. Reception to Follow.

(Click to return to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Upcoming: The Bullfighter by Geraldo Olivo, staged reading at the Blue Theatre, July 29 - 31

presents as part of the Blue Theatre new works development program
a studio production of 

 

The Bullfighter

a full-length play

by Geraldo F. Olivo

at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)

July 29, 30 & 31 at 8 p.m.

A mathematical genius, homeless and delusional after the disappearance of his true love, becomes entangled in a shadow political group's attempt to sway a pivotal Presidential election in return for a chance to see her again.

3- Nights- Studio Production (work-in-progress)

Tickets $10 or $22 at

'The Bullfighter' received a formal, staged reading last year as part of the Blue Theatre's new plays series and returns for 3 evenings of performances with script, character, and theatrical additions. The Blue Theatre is pleased to welcome back, Geraldo Olivo and his play, 'The Bullfighter'.

Blue Theatre new plays program piloted in 2009, and launched in 2011, our goals are to grow and sustain Austin's cultural scene as a vibrant center for new plays. To provide resources for the pursuit of collaborative and creative productions and projects, including staged readings, workshops, and full-staged productions.

More info. on the award winning Blue Theatre: www.bluetheatre.org

Geraldo Olivo, playwright, poet and author, also formerly served as director of compliance for one of the top campaign finance and election law firms in Washington, D.C., alongside the attorneys who guided the political operations for some of the most influential and elite groups in American politics, including MoveOn.org and the Democratic National Committee. The law firm specialized in finding creative, legal avenues for hundreds of millions of dollars of campaign contributions to flow into political parties and elections, creating the orbit for a candidate for the White House to get elected President of the United States.

Click for an image and more information at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . . 

Upcoming: An Ordinary String by Hannah Bisewski, staged reading at the Blue Theatre, May 9

The Blue Theatre new plays series

presents

 

. . . . 'An Ordinary String'

...a new play by Hannah Bisewski

ONE NIGHT ONLY - Wednesday, May 9th at 8 pm

Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale

Blue Theatre hosts UT MFA playwriting graduate
Hannah Bisewski to present her newest play:
'An Ordinary String'

A mind-bending play within-a-play-within-a-play, in which stories encompass wandering theatre troupes, a steampunk turn-of-the-century magician, and an Old World cabaret. Bisewski originally developed and premiered 'An Ordinary String', co-directed by Melanie Scruggs and Hannah Bisewski, last fall during its earliest stages as part of the Plan II-affiliated Broccoli Project' at the University of Texas. Bisewski is a recent graduate of the University of Texas MFA Playwrighting Program and attends Columbia this Fall.

Blue Theatre Resident Director and Company of Actors are pleased to present a formal public staged reading of 'An Ordinary String', as part of our New Plays Series. Our Resident Artists support, develop, host and produce new works of multi-disciplinary art, performance and theatre. The New Plays Series/Writer Development Program is designed to give emerging playwrights an opportunity to develop these new works for the stage through open public staged readings held throughout the season. We encourage you to attend talk-backs with playwright, actors and director following each performance as feedback and open discussion play a fundamental part in the writer's creative process.

'An Ordinary String' will be presented at Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale, Austin, Texas 78702 on Wednesday, May 9th at 8 p.m.

Staged Reading FREE to attend. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and support ongoing new plays development at the Blue Theatre. Reception to Follow.

Auditions: Male Actor for Albatross at Sea by Leegrid Stevens, Blue Theatre, March 27

**Audition Notice** Seeking: (1) Man between the ages of 18 and 35. Experience with Viewpoints, Le Coq training, or some equivalent physical theatre background preferred.Performers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Equity contracts available under AEA Umbrella contract.All non union actors are paid.

Albatross at Sea by Leegrid Stevens, directed by Blue Theatre Producing Artistic Director Jen Gravenstein Run Time: 1 hr Synopsis: Strange experimental play

Characters: Y: Woman (already cast) & Plug Afloat Anchor: Man

Auditions: Tuesday, March 27th Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map). Callbacks: Wednesday, March 28th To set up a audition time, email Jenny@BlueTheatre.com

Sides will be emailed to you when you schedule your audition time. Please also bring only one copy of your headshot and resume. Be prepared to move.

Albatross at Sea will run 8 performances at the Blue Theatre SecondStage Studio, May 2012. Rehearsals will begin in late April.

Video Promo: Precious Little Talent, Capital T Theatre, January 25 - February 11

Found on-line:

presents the US premiere of

Precious Little Talent

by Ella Hickson - Directed by Scott Tipton
for FronteraFest at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)

Wed January 25th 7pm; Fri January 27th 9:15pm; Sun January 29th 2pm; Fri February 3rd 7pm; Wed February 8th 8pm; Thurs February 9th 8pm; Fri February 10th 8pm; Sat February 11th 8pm

[Apple users: can't see the video? Click to go to YouTube]

Click for additional information about the production

FronteraFest Announces Long Fringe Productions for January 24 - February 5

UPDATE: Lisa Scheps and Stuart Moulton interview organizers Ken Webster and Christi Moore, January 11

The FronteraFest Long Fringe schedule was published by the Hyde Park Theatre on December 20. FronteraFest Long Fringe shows are 45 to 90 minutes long and staged at the Blue Theatre and Salvage Vanguard Theatre. Click where indicated to purchase tickets

Precious Little Talent
by Ella Hickson (Capital T Theatre) (90 minutes) at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale
Precious Little Talent is a refreshing story of love's triumph over loss and what it means to arrive at adulthood during a time when the rules seem to be shifting and the ground is unsteady. Capital T is proud to present the US Premiere of the latest breakout hit from London penned by Britain's hottest young playwright, Ella Hickson, starring Joe Penrod, Joey Banks, and Melissa Drew, directed by Scott Tipton.
Jan 25th, Feb 3rd at 7:00pm; Jan 27th at 9:15pm; Jan 29th at 2:00pm
Click here to purchase tickets for Precious Little Talent


Akimbo Bubble Scuttle
by Topping Haggerty (Da Foundry) (60 minutes) at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre, 2803 Manor Road.
Akimbo Bubble Scuttle Ruckus is the dark adorable sketch comedy extravaganza you've been waiting for from DA Foundry. Do all puppets have a violent nature? What do rocks feel? Why are suicidal zombies so easy to empathize with? How did you really learn about sex? And why, oh, why is Evil so verbally incontinent? Come experience this hilariously touching, disturbing, raucous display of comedy-licious-ness.
Jan 29th at 6:45pm; Jan 31st at 7:00pm; Feb 4th at 1:00pm; Feb 5th at 3:00pm
Click here to purchase tickets for Akimbo Bubble Scuttle


The Alien Baby Play
written by Nicholas Walker Herbert, directed by Gary Jaffe
(Tutto Theatre) (90 minutes) at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre, 2803 Manor Road.
Bethany is 15 months pregnant with an alien baby, and she's invited you to the birth! Kathleen Fletcher returns to Austin for the world premiere of Nicholas Walker Herbert's The Alien Baby Play, an interactive theatrical experience from Tutto Theatre Company which will leave you clutching your womb with joy and terror. www.TuttoTheatre.org
Jan 24th at 7:00pm; Jan 28th at 1:00pm; Jan 29th at 8:45pm; Feb 5th at 7:15pm
Click here to purchase tickets for The Alien Baby Play

Click to go to AustinLiveTheatre.com to view full list of 17 productions for the FronteraFest Long Fringe . . . .

Upcoming: Earth Beat Life New Year's Eve, Blue Theatre, December 31

Found on-line:

Earth Beats Life:

Blue Theatre Annual Fundraiser Party!

916 Springdale (click for map)

New Year's Eve, December 31, 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Come One; Come All To The MARVELS of CARNIVAL
. . . .
A night of Carnival is always a whimsical affair
filled with bevies of burlesque beauties
remarkable human marvels
bizarre sideshow wonders
and all the sights of the cabaret artistique.
. . . .
This NEW YEAR'S EVE, we transform the BLUE THEATRE into the deep, dark, mysterious world of Carnival. We invite you to step into our whimsical carnival playground of delights.
. . . .

999 Eyes Freak Show
Sky Candy Aerialists
Minor Mishap Marching Band
Interstellar Transmissions
Savonne the Minx
Ciara Blossom
Holding Space
The Wave Farmers
Strawberry
and Iris the Artiste
. . . .

Cocktails and Carnival Desserts courtesy of TITO'S HANDMADE VODKA and APHRODITE DIVINE CONFECTIONS.

Tickets Are All-Inclusive and include: admission, bar, carnival eats and games!

$30 Door

MOREMOREMORE

Oddities, Curiosities, the strange, the bizarre, and the beautiful...999 EYES Vaudevillian Freakshow is the last genuine traveling freakshow in the U.S. featuring authentic human oddities, an authentic freakshow museum, Lowrent the Clown, and LIVE music from their dark carnival jug band -That Damned Band. SEE THE HISTORY AND PRESENT OF FREAKSHOW!

Sky Candy Aerialists presents Chelsea Laumen on Silks. Chelsea Laumen is a professional performance artist, teacher and community activist. An integral part of the Birimbau Academy of Capoiera, Chelsea has served as a co-choreographer, core artist, student and also teacher of the Afro-Brazilian martial dance form in her beloved New Mexican community.

Savonne The Minx is a versatile-vixen who can point tootsies en pointe, tappa-tappa tap dance, and saunter and twirl to a mishmash beat. A magnetic medley of the magical kind let her exceed your expectations, unbind your boundaries, and find your fancies. Savonne danced with the award-winning dance troupe, Eye Candy Burlesque, and has performed everywhere from Kansas City to Little Rock.

Ciara Blossom, a.k.a. the Hula Hoop Enchantress specializes in spiral seduction with 2 tiny fire-hoops, and the smooth fluid movements of L.E.D glow hoops. Armed with a giggly golden smile, ornate handmade costumes, and wicked sick tricks to mesmerize and inspire audiences long after the show is over.

Strawberry ignites her hoops of fire to manipulate the flame through play and dance. This fire twirling Sprite is sure to delight!

Iris the Artiste transforms into the bodyart painting Gypsy who won't tell you your future but will help create one with you. Just give her a section of your body, details of your New Year's Resolution and let the creation begin.

BANDS:

MINOR MISHAP MARCHING BAND is a renegade brass band- Bourbon Street meets Budapest. An absurd expression of boisterous pandemonium and washboard-tuba-punk-rock ridiculousness: fun, loud and in the streets.

INTERSTELLAR TRANSMISSIONS is carnivalesque Shamanic Tribal Rock Fusion blending exotic sacred healing scales and frequencies with dynamic fast changing, primal rhythms. Let them take you on an epic journey of the soul that encompasses a vast spectrum of emotional depth, magic, excitement and color.

THE WAVE FARMERS cover a wide variety of sonic landscape from glitchy/psychedelic downtempo to electro-acoustic breaks. With collective music releases on Psymbolic--sounds, Organic Records, and Latchkey Records, The Wave Farmers is sure to bring you a night of experimental crossover electronic jam music that is not to be missed.

HOLDING SPACE adds the triply elements of Jazz Psychedelic Funk.

Upcoming: Leda's Swan by Leegrid Stevens, staged reading at Blue Theatre's New Plays series, December 14

Received directly

NEW PLAYS SERIES -- BLUE THEATRE

Bringing New Plays to the Austin Stage!

On-going, Monthly Staged Readings of New Works of Theatre by Emerging New Playwrights.

(2011 December Series)

Leda's Swan

Written by Leegrid Stevens

Directed by Gary Jaffe

Wednesday, December 14 at 7:30p.m.

A former quasi-polygamist, Res, is dying from cancer in an abandoned wing of a run-down hospital. Reviled by all around him, he is left to die alone. He refuses, however, and remains alive, outlasting doctors’ estimates by several months. With this backdrop, one of his former loves, Sylvia, his proclaimed favorite, visits him against her better judgment.

ARTISTS' BIOS: Leegrid Stevens' (Steven Gridley) was named as one of the "People of the Year" by nytheatre.com: "Indisputably one of the smartest and most innovative young playwright/directors working in New York's Indie theatre scene. Gary Jaffe is an ‘8’ B. Iden Payne Award Winner 2011, Austin Critics' Table Award Winner 2011 and B. Sewall Cup Recipient 2010, for academic achievement and creative potential -- Yale University.

ABOUT US: The Blue Theatre New Plays Series gives emerging playwrights the opportunity to work with professional actors and a director in the production of a staged reading and to experience the effect of their new play on a live audience. Followed by Talk-backs with actors, director, audience and the playwright, if available. Open to the public. Free to Attend with a reception to follow.

For a Complete Schedule of Plays Presented in our Series and/or Playwright Submissions, Visit Us at www.BlueTheatre.org/New-Plays-Series.

THE BLUE THEATRE, 916 Springdale Road, Austin, TX 78702

Showtime Hotline: 512.684.3220 | Email: info@BlueTheatre.org

Upcoming: Sam and Laura by Ron Powers, staged reading at the Blue Theatre, November 30

Found on-line:

presents a staged reading of

Sam and Laura

by Ron Powers

Wednesday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m.

at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)

The BLUE Theatre New Play Series continues its monthly, staged readings of new theatre works by emerging playwrights with Sam and Laura, by Pulitzer Prize-winning and Emmy Award-winning journalist, novelist and non-fiction writer, Ron Powers. Powers will be in attendance the night of the staged reading to speak about the play on Wednesday, November 30th.

An imaginative extension of a true relationship in the life of Mark Twain, Sam and Laura is set in the present, and the action takes place in Laura Wright’s threadbare Los Angeles apartment and a Hollywood speakeasy in 1925. The staging features performances by Justin Scalise and Kathy Rose Center.

The free reading begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by a reception with the playwright and cast after the reading. The BLUE Theatre is located at 916 Springdale Road. For more information, visit www.BlueTheatre.org.

Upcoming: Dark Monday Fundraiser, Cambiare Productions and Paper Moon Productions, November 28

Found on-line:

Monday, November 28, 6:30 - 11 p.m

at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)

Tickets $5 at the door

Proceeds benefit Cambiare Productions and Paper Moon Repertory

Inflatable Boxing Ring

Alright, so maybe it’s not a good idea for an actor to send a right hook to a director’s mug, but perhaps this is your chance to let a director sock you for not being off book on time or taking liberties with blocking. We’ve got some celebs in the ring for this special event, or you can duke it out with buddies and/or visiting relatives who just won’t realize Thanksgiving is over.

FEATURING: Andy Berkovsky, Gary Jaffe, Mark Pickell, Ken Webster

The Red Badge of Encourage

Pick five words. Give those words to an Austin theatre critic. Let him/her spin it into a custom review for you emblazoned on a delightful, wearable badge. Hey, space in the paper is a hot commodity--you gotta take a good review when you can get it.

FEATURING: Michael Meigs & Elizabeth Cobbe

Tent of Frivolities and Intrigue

Find out what experience awaits you when you enter this tent. Each visitor will have a totally different 30-second experience that will be the talk of the night.

Click 'Read more' for much, much more information!

Upcoming: Birth by Karen Brody, Blue Theatre, October 27-30

Received directly:

presents Austin performances of

Birth

by Karen Brody

October 27 - 29

Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)

CTDA is bringing BOLD to Austin! BOLD is a global movement that uses arts to raise awareness and funds for making maternity care mother-friendly. Their mission is to “inspire communities around the world to organize productions of Karen Brody’s critically acclaimed play about childbirth, Birth, and BOLD Red Tent birth storytelling circles to raise money and awareness to make maternity care the best it can be for all mothers.” BOLD in Austin will be performing Karen Brody’s play Birth to inspire our community to rally around, and financially support making maternity care the best it can be for all Central Texas mothers.

Oct. 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Exclusive Sponsor and Media Preview
“Thank You” Cocktail Reception

Oct. 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Silent Auction during intermission
After-show Talk Back Panel with local Birth Professionals

Oct. 29 at 1:00 p.m.
After-show Talk Back Panel with local Birth Professionals

Austin Birth Awards Ceremony at 5pm

Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Silent Auction during intermission
After-show Talk Back Panel with local Birth Professionals

* Our silent auctions will feature items from many local businesses!

Purchase Tickets HERE!

Upcoming: Antarctica, staged reading, Crank Collective, October 25, Blue Theatre

Found on-line:

presents a free preview show of

Preview Crank Collective’s new show, Antarctica, for one night only: 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 25^th at the Blue Theater, 916 Springdale (click for map). In this special workshop preview performance, audience will be able to give feedback and determine the plot for the final scene.

A descendent of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton mounts a musical on a cruise ship, drifting into pack ice and the Antarctic winter. A one-hour musical comedy with a live band from Crank Collective, who brought you Drone, nominated for Best Musical for the 2011 Austin Critics Table Award.

Special free performance one night only: October 25^th at the Blue Theater, 916 Springdale at 8 PM. Info antarcticashow@gmail.com 512-569-6155 www.antarcticashow.com

Cast

Lucy Miller-Dowin		Cassidy Schlitz
Alexandra Russo		David Craig
Christian Huey		Matt Melton
Josh Meindertsma		Don Lampasone
Brandi Hollsten		Shannon McDermott

Blue Theatre Halloween Fundraiser, October 30

Received from Jenny Gravenstein at the

Halloween Treats, Drinks & Freaks Party!

Blue Theatre Halloween Fundraiser Event!

Sunday 30th October, 4PM - Midnight
$10 Door I Purchase Discounted Pre-Sale Tickets at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/206723

The BLUE THEATRE, 916 Springdale Road, Austin, Texas, 78702 (click for map)

Austin's dynamic showband OFF THE RECORD and the BLUE THEATRE to host Halloween Treats, Drinks & Freaks Party! LIVE Music! Screening Horror Movie Classics -- All Night Long! Haunted House! Tasty Beverages and Candy Treats! Come rock out with us this Halloween while supporting a local arts institution!

The BLUE THEATRE is home for many of our communities' performing and visual artists, filmmakers, musicians and writers. With your help we will continue to bring powerful, innovative, thought-provoking works for Austin audiences to enjoy. We produce our own shows, help support all artists and activists with our programs and can be rented for productions, rehearsals, events, auditions and workshop

For more information, visit us at: (http://www.BlueTheatre.org) The BLUE THEATRE, 916 Springdale Road, Austin, Texas, 78702 Showtimes Hotline: (512)684-3220 l Email: info@bluetheatre.org

Upcoming, New Plays Series: Breadcrumbs by Emily Ranking, October 11, and The Bullfighter by Geraldo Olivo, October 18, Blue Theatre

Received directly from Jenny Gravenstein at the

New Plays Series- October Staged Readings

Breadcrumbs

by Emily Rankin Tuesday, October 11, 7:30PM

The Bullfighter

by Geraldo Olivo

Tuesday, October 18, 7:30PM

The BLUE THEATRE NEW PLAYS SERIES proudly presents monthly, staged readings of new theatre works by emerging playwrights. The staged readings are performed by professional actors and facilitated by playwright and director, when in attendance.
For a complete schedule of upcoming plays and show times, visit us at: (http://www.BlueTheatre.org/New-Plays-Series)

The BLUE THEATRE is home for many of our community’s performing and visual artists, filmmakers, musicians and writers. With your help we will continue to bring powerful, innovative, thought-provoking works for Austin audiences to enjoy. We produce our own shows, help support all artists and activists with our programs and can be rented for productions, rehearsals, events, auditions and workshop.

For more information, visit us at: (http://www.BlueTheatre.org)
The BLUE THEATRE, 916 Springdale Road, Austin, Texas, 78702
Showtimes Hotline: (512)684-3220 l Email: info@bluetheatre.org

Upcoming: Rock and Roll Is Dead -- Literally, True Hollywood Tales by Glamour Girl Productions at theSalvage Vanguard Theatre, October 31

Received directly:

Weird, True Hollywood Tales!
Directed and Hosted by Lashonda Lester
at the Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd.
October 31, 8pm
General Admission $5.00
Featuring: Katie Pengra, Chad Warren, Andrew Tompkins, Amber Bixby,
Mike Graupmann, Ralph Hardesty, Isaac Harigle and Kat Ramzinski.

Upcoming: 6 Guitars by/with Chase Padgett, Blue Theatre, September 15 - 17

Found on-line:

presents

6 Guitars

by Chase Padgett
September 15, 7 p.m
September 16-17, 8 p.m.
The Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)
General Admission @ Door (Cash & Credit Accepted) - $20
Discounts for Students, Seniors & Groups @ Door - $15
Online Advance Purchased Tickets Discounted for ALL - $15 via http://6guitarsaustin.eventbrite.com
Info Phone: 407-965-2755

6 Guitars is an award-winning one-man show that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. One performer, 6 characters, lots of music and laughs. Chase Padgett delivers a breakthrough performance as he becomes 6 different guitar players each with their own voice, views and music while also playing standard and original songs in the styles of blues, jazz, rock, classical, folk and country. The show takes the audience along each character’s first introduction to the music he loves, the lessons he's learned through music along the way and finally what the true importance of music really is to us all. It’s sure to make you laugh, love and tap your toes the whole way through.

6 Guitars premiered at the 2010 Orlando International Fringe Festival where it won Producer of the Year, Best in Venue, Best Musician, Best Solo Show, Best Original Play and Best Male Performer. The Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel wrote, “It’s just one guy – and one guitar – but it’s amazing!” Rochester (N.Y.) City Newspaper said, “Padgett glides effortlessly from character to character.”

Upcoming: Mighty Five's Infinite Funk Odyssey, RockUs Entertainment at the Blue Theatre, August 18 - September 3

Received directly:

RockUs Entertainment

presents

Mighty Five’s Infinite Funk Odyssey

An Original, Electro-Funk Theatrical Production & Simultaneous Dance Party

by electro-funk music duo “Mighty Five” of New York, with Austin’s Xaq Webb

The audience is encouraged to dance during the show, and all performances will be followed immediately by a dance party of indeterminate length.

Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., August 18 – September 3

at The Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale Rd (click for map)

TICKETS: $12; $10 for students, on sale now at www.dimensionf.com

Click on the image above to see Mighty Five’s music video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yFACD1zGt8

“In Mighty Five’s Infinite Funk Odyssey, [we’re] trying out a new theatrical concept in which the whole show is based around keeping the audience dancing and having a good time, like a real concert,” explains Mighty Five musician and script collaborator Zach Abramson. “There’ll be a few seats in case you get tired, but with these funky songs you won’t be able to help but shake that thing,” adds Phil Aulie, script co-creator and director.

The show is based on the music and adventures of Mighty Five; they’re from Dimension F, a funky space whose entire existence is dependent upon a non-stop dance party, and the Funkatronic Energy that it creates. “Mighty Five” is the name of New York City-based music duo Zach Abramson & Derek Muro, who created Mighty Five’s 2008 electro-funk concept album VORTEXX.

Abramson says of their album and music video Check This Out!, “Crazy characters, an other-worldly setting and a ridiculous story—it was only a matter of time before someone would see the potential for a stage show.”

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Profile by Brian Paul Scipione: Chaotic Theatre's No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre, July 1 - 17

by Brian Paul Scipione

À huis ouvert: A Conversation with Director Andrew Black

If you wander over to the Blue Theater on any of the first three weekends of July you will happen upon the Chaotic Theater Company’s newest production: Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit. An existential literary classic and a definitive forerunner of the movement of the theater of the absurd, No Exit has been captivating and frightening audiences since its debut in German-occupied Paris in May, 1944. This is no obscure and rambling philosophical work. It’s a tightly woven drama that delights and mocks the viewer at the same time.

Three strangers are trapped in a room that can be nowhere else but hell itself. To quote Gassner and Quinn, “Each of the characters needs the other two to create some illusion about himself. Since existence, for Sartre, is the ability to create one’s future, the opposite of existence is hell, where man has no power to create his future” (1969).

Director Andrew Black took some time from hectic last minute preparations to answer questions about this new production.

What can we expect?

“I don’t want to say too much. We intend to give the audience the full experience of a night in hell. It’s very entertaining but it’s not a comedy.”

The cast?

“I’ve never worked with them before. In fact, I’ve never seen or heard of any of them before the audition. ( . . .) They were exactly what I was looking for. I’ve never been so happy with a cast in my whole life. They were very open with trying new things. They were open with allowing vulnerability and emotion to come out on stage and that’s intricate to acting, whether it be, comedy, Shakespeare, a tragedy, a philosophical play or a farce. You have to bring the words to life. (. . . ) It comes from the energy of the emotion. This is a high energy play. It’s intense, intense, intense.”

Why ‘No Exit’?

“I saw it for the first time ten years ago and it’s always stuck in my head as a very intriguing concept: that at the end of our lives that this is it. This is all there is. The characters are in hell and there is no hope but there’s always something. There may be pain and suffering and struggling but there’s still something else. There is no God but there are others. God may be dead but there’s still plenty of humanity. (. . .) The reason I like this show so much is because it takes everyone’s preconception of hell and turns it on its head. It’s horrifying and a breath of fresh air at the same time.”

Why now?

“We’ve modernized it slightly but the whole point of the play is that it’s anytime. It’s not three hundred years from now. It’s not three hundred years ago. It’s anytime. It’s about humans trying to cope with themselves, trying to deal with their humanity.”

Final thoughts?

“It’s a great show to see if you’ve ever considered your death, your sins and how you are going to deal with them. At some point you have to come to grips with your life, with your soul. Everyone has to ask themselves are you going to be able to deal with your life when it’s said and done?”

No Exit plays at the Blue Theater at 916 Springdale Rd., behind the Goodwill warehouse (click for map). No Exit runs Thursdays through Sundays, July 1 to July 17. Sunday shows begin at 5 pm. All other shows are at 8 pm. For more information and tickets check out http://chaotictheatre.org/

Blue Theatre New Plays: Spencer Driggers and Leegrid Stevens, May 9 and 16

Received directly from the Blue Theatre:

The Blue Theatre is at 916 Springdale Road (click for map).