GALVANIZE: The Was, The Is, & The Will Be (A Review and Preview)

It was a day in 2005, I had been back in the DC area (a.k.a. Front Royal) for a few months.  Emperor Jones was running at American Century Theatre in Arlington, featuring Bus Howard.  I'd arrived at the theatre solo to support my friend. As fortune would have it, Jefferson Russell was also there to support Bus.  It was my first time seeing Jefferson since my return from NY, so it was a welcomed reunion.  There was time to kill before the show began, so we sat outside and caught up.  In the midst of catching up, Jefferson mentioned that he had been in talks with Dionne Audain and others about starting a group/network for the local Black Theater artists. The news ignited my spirit! Since graduating from college in 1997, I'd wanted to be a part of that exact type of group.  So he had me at "Hello."

So there we were--an idea with no name.

Galvanize's 1st Gathering (August 2005)

This nameless idea manifested first in August 2005, at the home of Bus and Marcia Howard.  I believe nearly 70-80 artists from the area gathered to eat, meet, and laugh, over the course of a day.  The event was a thing of beauty.  It was obvious that the desire for all of us to connect and unite was strong in the community!

December of 2005, Galvanize presented a Tribute to August Wilson at the former Living Stage space, at 14th & T, NW.  The death of the pioneering American playwright, Wilson, just months before could not go unnoticed.  A group of DC's finest gathered and shared in memories of performing his work, some performed his work, and some just shared sentiments.

Then over the next year, we had a session, where we gathered at Round House Theatre's Education Center in Silver Spring and just discussed theatre in DC.  Then we met there at another time for a workshop with American University professor, Caleen Sinette Jennings, called "No Fear Shakespeare."

The Summer of 2006, we had our 2nd Cookout/Potluck at a park in Alexandria, along the Potomac.  Again many faces came and went throughout the day--old and new faces. 

Galvanize's 2nd Summer Gathering (August 2006)

Baye Harrell and Brandon White at the Happy Hour for Haiti Relief. (Feb. 2010)

In the past couple of years, things have begun to pick up.  Galvanize has sponsored a few happy hours at Bohemian Caverns, including one earlier this year to help raise funds for Haiti Relief. Now local theaters are tapping into our desire to build audiences and bridge gaps, by sponsoring "Galvanize Nights" at local productions--they provide discounted tickets, and we provide audience members.

Galvanize Night for "Old Settler" (African Continuum Theatre Co., 2010)

This past April we were honored with a Galvanize section at the Helen Hayes Awards, which was held at the Warner Theatre.  As a result, the word got out and more members of the Black theatre community came out to see what the HHAs was about than at any other time in anyone's memory. . . even Jefferson's.  A group photo had been planned prior to the awards taking place, and when the time came to gather at the foot of the escalator, during the after-party, the people showed OUT!

"What is this organized effort, by the African-American theatre community?" I heard someone ask in the crowd.

"THAT'S GALVANIZE!" I heard another exclaim.

Okay, I actually did not hear any of that. . . but I imagined it. 

However, just look above at the background photo for this blog and look below at the other photo, and the beauty of it all just smacks you in the face--pinky ring and all.

Helen Hayes Awards 2010

Honestly, over the years we had a general idea of who and what we were as a group, but still discovered at different points that we were feeling our way.  As time marches forward, so does our desire to serve our members and the theatre community at large.  As a result, we have formulated a "mission statement," which establishes our vision.  Galvanize is:

A service organization that supports, strengthens, and advocates for black theater in the Greater Washington DC Area by providing resources to our member organizations and artists, cultivating and celebrating their artistic and cultural achievements and promoting a larger public understanding of the necessity of black theater.

Now, I have had the honor of being named "Communications Director" (I stutter when I'm nervous) and establishing this blog (at gunpoint), but there is a group of wonderful people who are working to steer this ship. These are people who have been there since the beginning, whose ideas and input have been inestimable. They are the "Founding Members," of which I am blessed to be a part. Galvanize, meet your "Founding Members:"

Jefferson A. Russell

Dawn Ursula-Rachal

Erika Rose

Michael J. Bobbitt

Thembi Duncan

Deidra Lawan Starnes

Dionne Audain

James J. Johnson

There are some exciting things on the horizon, and we hope to have more news for you soon. In the meantime, we encourage feedback from you, either here in the comments section or via email, phone, smoke signals, Pony Express, or however you deem fit.  Please talk to us. We're lonely.

Now, on to the next. . .

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We are now entering into the 2010-2011 theatre season, and folks are putting in WORK!  This is what members of Galvanize have going on and have coming up. Please, as always, SUPPORT, if/when/how you can:

SHA'AHN WILLIAMS

This sista will be appearing as "Mildred Muhammad" in the MSNBC TV movie, I Married the Beltway Sniper. It airs on Monday, September 6, 2010 (Labor Day), at 10PM EDT.

MILDRED LANGFORD

Mills is now a part of the Chicago scene, but she's still a part of the Galvanize family.  If anyone is in Chicago, or plans on taking a trip, she has a lot going on:

ZULU FITS (written by a playwright from Baltimore)

9/28/10-11/7/10
MPAACT THEATRE
GREENHOUSE THEATRE CENTER
2257 N. LINCOLN AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60614
http://www.greenhousetheater.org/

A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS by PAULA VOGEL
11/11/10-12/19/10
NORTHLIGHT THEATRE
9501 SKOKIE BOULEVARD
SKOKIE, IL 60077
http://www.northlight.org/

SINBAD: THE UNTOLD STORY
3/19/11-4/16/11
ADVENTURE STAGE CHICAGO
1012 N. NOBLE STREET
CHICAGO, IL 60642
http://www.adventurestage.org/

CAROLINE G. PLEASANT

 Caroline is happy to announce that she is the latest company member with Synergy In Action, a Playback Theater, located in Silver Spring, MD.  She wants to shout out the DC Black Theatre Festival for hosting the Playback Theatre Workshop, facilitated by Ms. Rattley.

Playback Theater is improvisational theater. A typical “show” is to have an audience, a “teller”, an “interviewer”, and the acting ensemble. Someone from the audience volunteers to be the “teller”. They sit with the “interviewer” and tell their true story. The interviewer’s job is to guide, clarify, and get the important facts about the story. The teller chooses from the acting ensemble who they want to play a certain part in the scenes. After the teller chooses the actors to portray people and inanimate objects, the interviewer then gives a clear and concise beginning, middle, and end to the scenes and the actors tell the story in improv.

At this time, Caroline is in training but will not be performing.  She will update us, when that day comes.  This is an incredible opportunity that fits right into her educational plans.  This fall, Caroline will be attending UMUC, majoring in Communications, with a minor in Psychology.

EDWARD DANIELS

1st Stage Welcomes GALVANIZE on Sunday, September 12, at 7:00pm
Cocktail reception begins at 6:00pm.

MAURITIUS
by Theresa Rebeck, directed by Mark Krikstan

Playing September 10th thru October 3rd

Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm
Sundays at 2pm & 7pm

The tony-nominated Broadway production comes to Tysons' first professional theatre, 1st Stage, recipient of the 2010 Helen Hayes Award John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre!

CAST features: Roger Payano, Edward Daniels, Leigh Taylor Patton, Amy Waldman, & Bruce Alan Rauscher

(Roger Payano)

Danger, betrayal, deceit and unimaginable wealth—stamp collecting is far more risky than you think. After their mother's death, two estranged half-sisters discover a book of rare stamps, but when three seedy, high-stakes collectors enter the sisters' world, no one seems to be certain of the truth. In Theresa Rebeck’s twisting thriller, things are not always as they appear.

USE ONLINE CODE: "GALVANIZE" for $10 Tickets, Tickets available online at : http://www.1ststagespringhill.org/

1st Stage
1524 Spring Hill Road
McLean, VA 22102

AFRICAN CONTINUUM THEATRE CO.

September

Fresh Flavas

• African Continuum Theatre opens its play reading festival with three new works from playwrights of color. Readings are free and open to the public.
• The Emcee Inquisition by Dominique Morisseau. Directed by Angelisa Gillyard. Monday, September 6, 2010 – time TBD. (Page-to-Stage Festival at the JF Kennedy Center).
• Cherokee Rose by Leslie Lee (subject to change). Directed by Vincent Scott. Monday, September 13, 2010, 7:30 p.m. (Atlas Performing Arts Center)
• Master Class with playwright Leslie Lee at Howard University. Monday, September 13, 2010 at 3 p.m. (subject to change)
• Mirandy and Brother Wind, adapted by Michael Bobbitt. Directed by Jennifer Nelson. Monday, September 20, 2010, 7:30 p.m. (Atlas Performing Arts Center)

November

• Off the Circuit Performances – The Emcee Inquisition. Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Nov. 12, 13 & 14 at 7:30 p.m. (Bus Boys & Poets – 1025 5th Street, NW, Washington DC 20001)

2011

Feb.-March

• Mirandy & Brother Wind (co-production with Adventure Theatre). Intersections Festival. The Atlas PAC – 1333 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002

March

• Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage. Theater Symposium. Mon., March 21, 2011 – 7:30 p.m. (Thurgood Marshall Center – 1816 12th St., NW, Washington DC 20017)

April-May

• Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage, directed by Walter Dallas. April 14 – May 8, 2011 - Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 8 pm; Sunday, 3 pm. (The Atlas PAC – 1333 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002)

 July/August

• Co-production with Howard University - TBA

SHEILA CUTCHLOW

Sheila is hosting the the website: http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/ this week. It is part of the cooking contest she won with Paula Deen. The site boasts a recipe contest, where you have to include Philly Cream Cheese in a recipe. She hosts the main dish category (which is HUGE). $500.00 to each person whose recipes are chosen.

ADVENTURE THEATRE

A U.S. Premiere

SPOT'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
September 17 - November 2, 2010
Adapted for the stage by David Wood
Based on the books by Eric Hill
Music & Lyrics by David Wood
Directed by Joe Banno
All Ages

Hi! Spot is everyone's favorite puppy - and today it's his birthday! It's party time! And you're invited! Spot's friends Tom the crocodile, Helen the hippo and Steve the monkey will be there for the fun, games, songs and magic. Spot hopes to see you too! Celebrate Spot’s 30th Anniversary with Eric Hill’s award winning books.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEERTM
November 19 , 2010 - January 2, 2011
Based on the classic television special
Adapted for the Stage by Michael J. Bobbitt
Directed by Michael J. Bobbitt
All Ages
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all elements from the 1964 television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” © and TM, presented under license from Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

Experience the timeless tale of Rudolph and friends- LIVE! The beloved stop-motion classic soars from the TV screen to the stage in this live-action world premiere. Featuring everyone’s favorite characters: Hermey the Elf, Sam the Snowman, the Misfit Toys, the Abominable Snow Monster, Yukon Cornelius, Santa, and (of course) Rudolph! You won’t want to miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.

A Partnership with The African Continuum Theatre Company
A World Premiere
MIRANDY AND BROTHER WIND
At Glen Echo: January 21- February 13, 2011
At The Atlas Performing Arts Center: February 25-March 11, 2011
Adapted from the book “MIRANDY AND BROTHER WIND” by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
All rights reserved
Adapted by Michael J. Bobbitt
Music and Lyrics by John L. Cornelius
Directed by Jennifer Nelson
Ages 4 and up

Who will take the cake? Why, Mirandy of course. The junior cake walk happens soon and Mirandy needs a dance partner. Who can high step and kick the best? Why Brother Wind! But how can Mirandy captured him? Grandmother Beasley says, "Can't nobody put shackles on Brother Wind, chile. He be special. He be free." Leave it to Mirandy, she’ll catch him; she'll grab hold of that Brother Wind and win that delicious cake! Through her journey to capture Brother Wind, Mirandy learns something special - freedom and kindness.


MIRANDY AND BROTHER WIND is made possible in part from the support of the Maryland State Arts Council (Individual Artist Grant) and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (Creative Project Grant) and The National Endowment for the Arts (Access to Artistic Excellence Grant)
 

A World Premiere
IF YOU GIVE A CAT A CUPCAKE
March 11 - April 25, 2011
Adapted from the book by Laura Numeroff.
Adapted by Renee Calarco
Directed by Jerry Whiddon
All Ages


If you give a cat a cupcake, he'll ask for some sprinkles to go with it. When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor. Cleaning up will make him hot, so you'll give him a bathing suit . . . and that's just the beginning! From the author of IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE!

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
May 10 -June 13, 2011
Music by Robert Reale
Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
Directed by Michael Baron
Ages 4 and up


Arnold Lobel's well-loved characters hop from the page to the stage in Robert and Willie Reale's musical. It follows two great friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves and go sledding, learning life lessons along the way, including a most important one about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us different and special.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB
June 24 - August 28, 2011
Based on the book by E.B. White
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Directed by Serge Seiden
Ages 3 and up



E. B. White’s popular tale of love and devotion, takes theatergoers to Zuckerman’s Farm, where the delightful runt pig Wilbur appears headed for the dinner table — as main course, not as guest. Yet he is saved by the remarkably crafty spider, Charlotte, and the whole town begins talking about it. Some pig!

Adventure Theatre’s In School Players (Touring Company) Celebrates Earth Month with a World Premiere Play
JUST A DREAM: THE GREEN PLAY
SPRING TOURING PRODUCTION: April 4-15

Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express & Jumanji)

Adapted by Sandra Eskin

(A partnership with Bethesda Green)

For grades K- 5

To book this show in your school, please call CLASS ACTS ARTS at 301.588.7525 or email at info@classactarts.org. Visit them online at http://www.classactsarts.org/

When it comes to the environment, young Walter is far from enlightened. He's a litterbug who believes sorting trash is a big waste of time. But one night, Walter dreams about a very different future. Filled with humor and fantasy, Walter’s dream is a wake-up call for him – and all of us – about what we need to do to protect and preserve the future of our planet.

This original eco-play uses puppets, magical stage effects, and lush sound-scapes to create a theatrical version of Chris Van Allsburg’s beautiful illustrations. All production materials (costumes, props and sets) will be made of Earth-Friendly and Recycled Materials.
 

TOWANDA UNDERDUE

 

Check her out on HBO's "HUNG." Also on HBO on Demand until October 11. Just click on "HUNG" then click "Client #3," Grace.









If you don't have HBO, see one of her promotional segments:

FORD'S THEATRE

Save 20% on Tickets to:

“Sabrina Fair”
by Samuel A. Taylor
directed by Stephen Rayne
October 1-24, 2010

With sparkling wit and intelligence, “Sabrina Fair” considers true love hindered by class, race and social conventions. When the daughter of the Larrabees’ chauffeur returns from a year in Paris , she bewitches the Larrabee brothers with her youthful vitality and newly found sophistication. Largely ignored as a child, Sabrina now finds suitors at every turn, including the handsome playboy David, for whom she has always harbored affection. But is David the right Larrabee brother for her? Stephen Rayne (“The Heavens Are Hung In Black”) directs this delightful modern twist on the Cinderella story. This production is appropriate for ages 13 and up.

Galvanize list members receive 20% off tickets for the following performances:

Friday, October 1, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Use promotional code GALVANIZE on Ticketmaster by calling (202) 397-SEAT or visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/sm7rzy. Discount is not valid on previously purchased tickets or seats in the dress circle. Limit of 6 tickets per order.

ASHLEY DENISE ROBINSON

Julius Caesar

By William Shakespeare

September 16,17,18,19,22,23,24,25,26,29,30 & October 1,2 @ 8PM Matinee September 25 @ 3PM

Directed & Produced By Richard Mazda for The Queens Players
Asst. Director Jonathan Emerson
Stage Manager Tara Mary Schmitt
Photography by Aaron Ray-Crichton, Set Construction Becky Sagen
Videography Tyrus Holden, Joe Sebring & Sean MacBride Murray

Tickets $15 Adv (before September 16)/ $18 Door
Available online http://www.thequeensplayers.com/ or directly from a cast member.
Reservations/Inquiries: 718 392 0722

An approved Actors Equity Showcase

Pick up your baseball bat, sharpen your butterfly knife, shine up your brass knuckles and choose a side as The Queens Players explore this classic story of politics, power, and betrayal. The third installment of director Richard Mazda’s gangland Shakespeare series brings you into the center of Rome, where civil strife and political infighting have ripped apart the very fabric of the fragile democracy. Resources are scarce, battle lines are drawn, and even those with the noblest intentions can’t escape without blood on their hands.

This production's environmental style makes use of the multiple performance spaces at The Secret Theatre, carrying the audience through the play’s desolate, battle-scarred world. It is a Julius Caesar that is not just seen, but experienced, with an immediacy that is in keeping with Shakespeare's timeless drama.

The cast of The Queens Players production of Julius Caesar includes: Alex Cape, Anthony Martinez, Amelia Gonzalez, Ashley Denise Robinson, Bethanne Haft, Camilla Skoglie, David Fink, Elizabeth Bernhardt, Gil Ron*, Greer Samuels, Jake Cullens, Jeffrey Coyne, Joe Mullen, Jonathan Emerson, Juan Castano, Kaitlyn Huczko, Kara Addington, Lena Gora, Michael Pichardo, Michelle Pucci*, Rachel Pfennigwerth, Sarah Bonner, Suzanne Lenz, Tyrus Holden

*Actor appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association

Where: The Secret Theatre 4402 23rd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101

LORI WILLIAMS

Lori Williams is having her CD Release Concert. Monday, October 11, 2010, 8:00 PM.

Location: Metrostage in Alexandria, Va.

Please check out the attachment or visit her website for more details.

http://www.lorijazz.com/

Featured musicians and musical guests: Allyn Johnson, Mark Prince, Michael Bowie, Tracey Cutler, Weldon Hill, Sylver Logan Sharp, and more!

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Also remember to support Jessica Frances Dukes in Sarah Ruhl's "In the Next Room Or The Vibrator Play" at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, which is running now through Sept. 19, 2010.  For tix and info: http://www.woollymammoth.net/

Aakhu Freeman and Lolita-Marie are also appearing at Theatre J, in the play, "Something You Did," running now through Oct. 3, 2010.  For tix and info: http://washingtondcjcc.org/center-for-arts/theater-j/on-stage/10-11Season/something-you-did/

Yours truly will be appearing as Mr. Monroe in "Bunnicula," at Imagination Stage, from Sept. 25 - Oct. 31, 2010.  For tix and info: http://imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/now-playing. Also, the short film, "The New 'N' Word" should be screened this Fall.  This film features the talents of Deidra Starnes, Fred Strother, Rain Pryor, Erik Todd Dellums, and me. Directed by Sowande Tichawonna.

If you have something coming up, please feel free to leave the info in the "Comments" section.  Keep us posted!

Here are some useful links:

Galvanize is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15636274590&ref=ts

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Galvanize listserv: http://groups.google.com/group/galvanize?pli=1

And before I end this EXTENSIVE blog entry, please remember to follow this blog.  Tell a friend!

Peace and love always,
JJ