Winter Forum 2010- Notes from Justine – Week 3

Notes from Justine

Forum Rehearsal 11/22/10

As I was leaving my Week Three observations last night, Assistant Director/Stage Managers Ashley Scoles and Elizabeth Swearingen and I all noted how this week is the most diverse group of plays this Forum. Two of the pieces are realistic tales with similar subject matter but one of the directors is not content with realism and has made embellishments of her own. The third play (that will be sandwiched in between them) is a light comedy based on the Adam and Eve story.

The first piece I saw was Clean by Nina Mansfield, directed by Laura Hirschberg, featuring Jake Miller, Taylor Miller & Erin Neufer*.

This slice of life in real time takes place in.....a church basement. So establishing location shouldn't be too difficult! Two people run into each other in the middle of the night; one has a desperate reason for being there, the other a casual one but they are connected through the addiction they share. This uneasy subject gives them a basis for a relationship. When the Pastor arrives it becomes clear that he may indeed share this painful secret with them as well. Our talented acting intern Erin Neufer and her co-stars are exploring different aspects of their characters while working together to form relationships in this uncomfortable, hopeful depiction of the struggle with alcoholism.

Juice by Nancy Gall-Clayton, directed by Yoleidy Rosario, featuring Tessa Reynolds, Delnaaz Irani and Joshua Mahaffey is a drama about…an alcoholic.

Thematically related to Clean, this play goes at the issue from a different place. This is about family and fear. Additionally Yoleidy has added a framing device that explores the inner psyche of the main character in the play. This exciting theatricality makes the piece’s tone completely different and yet they grapple with the same weakness in humanity. Theme nights are not our usual choice in the Forum but the illumination of both how multifaceted this issue is and how multifaceted our theatrical art form is in addressing it is an excellent argument in favor of choosing plays connected by subject matter.

Adam's Angels by Jacquelyn Priskorn, directed by Katherine Sommer, featuring Leigh Adel-Arnold, Scott Andrews, Jacob Lasser, Josh Martin, Caroline Ritchie & Elizabeth Wessa will be performed between the two plays described above giving us a touch of comic relief that may help us absorb the heavier content of the others.

Seeing Clean and Juice back to back made for a specific experience. Not a bad one at all. It had definite advantages but I’m guessing putting Adam’s Angels in the center, like a creamy filling, will be even better. This stylized comedy about Adam and Eve takes a modern approach, telling the bible story in a tongue in cheek manner. Gently poking fun at the concept of Woman as mere companion for Man the play has all of the Angels depicting aspects of humanity. If they are stereotypical they are nonetheless accurate in their comic representations of just a few of the possible types of companions Adam might have had. The team is clearly having a blast and will continue to explore the comic potential in this confection.

Assistant Director/Stage Managers Ashley Scoles and Elizabeth Swearingen were with me the whole way and are certainly enjoying a theatrical workout by participating in these three unique processes! I thank them for their work and insight all night long.

Week Three of the Winter 2010 Writer/Director Forum opens on December 16. I’m excited to re-experience this combination. It should be quite a ride!

Justine Lambert

Founding Artistic Director

Winter Forum 2010- Notes from Justine – Week 2

Notes from Justine
Forum Rehearsal 11/22/10

Week Two of the Writer/Director Forum is a satisfying evening of theatre consisting of two basically realistic tales and one non realistic play. Interestingly, the stories of the two that take place in the real world are less concrete and revolve around character and location as much as storytelling while the one set elsewhere (not fully in the world but I won’t give away where) has quite the developed little plot.

First I watched a run through of No Boundaries by Yvonne Delet, directed by Eva Gabrielle Schelbaum, featuring Adam Auslander, Kimberly Carvalho, Alexandra Hiotakis, Gary Warchola & Michael Young.

The loose story about an evening at an open mike night shows us the insanity of people’s need to perform, be seen and express themselves. Equally, we observe the disregard they often have for others needs in pursuit of their own. This creative team is clearly having a blast creating the extreme characters and wonderfully quirky world of this play. Lots of fun character work is apparent in the acting and the setting is rendered with both love and ridicule by the author. Two weeks from now this has the potential to be a real treat of the ridiculous.

Inside the Three-0-Nine by Ruth Tyndall Baker, directed by Gretchen Ferris, featuring Bobby Gámez, Andrea Lattanzio, Genevieve Tarricco, Harrison Unger & Jill Wurzburg is quite a lovely little script!

Clocking in at thirteen minutes it manages to tell a touching story and make us care about the characters. Its brevity rarely, if ever, sacrifices the truth of what is being expressed. Gretchen and her ADs have a clear grasp of the piece and are telling the story with a light touch. Within that lightness the depth is beginning to emerge and I truly look forward to seeing this piece once it does. By the way, I don’t want to give away the story here because if you don’t know what the title means, the surprise element is delightful.

Less Talk, More Efficiency by Diana Stahl, directed by McKenna Dabbs, featuring Clio Davies, Keilly McQuail, Allison Whittinghill & Sharon Zaslaw is a bit wacky, which certainly fits in beautifully with the tone of No Boundaries!

Creating extreme characters isn’t the focal point for everyone in this piece however. There are some subtle ideas about the people’s lives and personalities being exposed here. This play is about Jess and Beth and seeing their lives juxtaposed against a stressful environment. It’s a comic and telling element in the play that this very stressful environment is ironically supposed to invoke peace. These two main characters seem pushed by their environment beyond the limits of a normal working relationship. I can’t imagine they are being paid well enough for this…but who knows; in this economy we’ll put up with plenty, won’t we?
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the beautiful and wonderful Assistant Directors/Stage Managers: Ava Kelley and Sarah Simmons for their help with keeping things going, and for their invaluable creative input all night long! It was a real treat getting to know them.

Week Two of the Winter 2010 Writer/Director Forum opens on December 9. I’ll be there with bells on!

Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director

ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT!

November 17, 2010
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-January/February, 2011

Seeking proposals from theatre companies.

Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between January 5-January 16, 2011 OR February 14-February 27, 2011) including one technical rehearsal, and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists and a listing or link on our web site.
For JANUARY: Non Prime Profit sharing! 60% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass, 40% to Grant Recipient.

For FEBRUARY: Prime time Profit sharing! 75% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass, 25% to Grant Recipient.

Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE

Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.

DEADLINE: Applications accepted now through Monday, December 6 at 6pm.
NOTE: Early submission encouraged for January applicants. Will be considered upon submission.

Proposals must be submitted via email to Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one (1) attachment. Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions. Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday, December, 10, 2010.

What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.

OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision. See web site for more! http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/

Bottom line-Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with AEA members can be considered.

1) The Proposal-A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between January 5-January 16, 2011 OR February 14-February 27, 2011 (Maximum of 8 performances)
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd!
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.

Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.

Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.

Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves). 212-307-9467

Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director

Winter Forum 2010- Notes from Justine

Notes from Justine
Forum Rehearsal 11/15/10

The three plays chosen for this week of shorts are a truly fascinating bunch. While only The Plane Ride is overtly non-realistic none of these plays is merely what it appears on the surface.

What a quirky, challenging piece Melinda Prom has chosen! Written by our own Artistic Associate Karin Diann Williams, The Cleaning Service featuring Suzanna Chmielarz, Maria Concha, Rick J. Koch & Kelsey Ruvolo is a play about communication and sometimes about the lack thereof. Two maids who don’t speak each others’ language do more communicating with gestures and charade-like behavior while working than the occupants of the house they are cleaning can manage at their leisure. Acting however does communicate to us everything we need to know about both pairs (the two maids and the couple in the house they must clean). I hope the subtleties in this thirteen minute play continue to emerge in the next couple of weeks of rehearsal. After my conversation with Melinda I feel sure that they will indeed and be added to with a few subtleties of her own.

The Plane Ride by Diana Stahl, directed by Alex Mallory, featuring Shannon Altner, Andi Bohs & Mark Vashro is about a family about to crash. What will they do? Well really, what can they do? Panic, and talk, and… How will they resolve unspoken frustrations, questions and needs? Yet we ask as an audience, is there really a plane or is it just their dysfunctional lives that are about to crash into the Pacific Ocean? Alex and her team have a lot of choices to make and questions to answer for themselves as they continue to delve deep into the myriad meanings behind the complex dialogue of this play. We as an audience just get to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Mayan Mask by Lynn Snyder, directed by Jen Browne, featuring Victor Albaum, Eliza Huberth, Ashley Rutherford & Michael Wetherbee seems on its surface a realistic piece about a couple and their friends at a crossroads in life. Will Mitch change jobs and throw all their life plans into flux? Will turning thirty really mean giving up Joan’s dreams? But the spotlight also shines on the friendship between the two couples. This “best” friendship is questionable. How can you lie for selfish needs to your closest friends and what about that affair back in college? But what I would like to know is, is there anything real or valuable in this world? Do the big questions matter and are these questions about being fulfilled at work and feeling comfortable where you live or are they about the meaning of friendship and love? Am I even asking the right questions about this play? My interest is totally piqued! Perhaps the Playwright, Actors, Directors and Assistant Directors will let me know on opening night.

Much thanks to Assistant Directors/Stage Managers Alisha Silver and Abigail Strange for all their work! Extra thanks to Abby for holding it together while things are in flux and listening patiently all night.

Week One of the Winter 2010 Writer/Director Forum opens on December 2. Can’t wait!

Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director
Looking Glass Theatre

Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored!- Rehearsal Notes From Justine

Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored! is off to an interesting start!

I was able to watch a rehearsal on Monday night and enjoyed the fresh fun character interpretations beginning to emerge. The kids are well… kid- like; spunky, whiney and cute. Betsy is a girl who just can’t stay bored for long. She tries to act like a typical “tween”: moping, complaining and protesting that she has no imagination but she quickly finds herself completely engaged in her own brain’s crazy machinations. She’s helpless in her inability to stay bored! Her big sister is even less able to remain cranky and seems completely excited by slinky races and even washing dishes! Dad is adorable, funny and likeable in his efforts to be the perfect dad and have the perfect family while weathering a long rainy day and Mom is so sweet that when she has to be the bad guy (by sneezing…) we can’t be mad at her. Then there’s the cat…hmmm, catty and sassy, she may just be the most human of them all but I’m still not sure I believe in her…


My chat with director Amanda Thompson was lots of fun. She already knew what I was going to say and I already knew that she would, but I think we still managed to be quite productive in our meeting. For anyone who is closely following my blogs; yes I definitely feel like I’m getting to know her more and more. 

Can’t wait for next Monday when I get to see it again!

Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored! runs October 16-November 21.

Justine Lambert
Artistic Director
The Looking Glass Theatre - www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com


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ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-November, 2010

August 31, 2010
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-November, 2010

Seeking proposals from theatre companies.

Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between November 3-November 21, 2010) including one technical rehearsal, and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists and a listing or link on our web site.

Prime time Profit sharing!
80% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass with 20% going to the Grant Recipient.
Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE

Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.

DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning now through Monday, September 13 at 6pm.
Final Deadline: Monday, September 13 at 6pm.

Proposals must be submitted via email to Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com
as one (1) attachment.
Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.
Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday, September, 17, 2010.

What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.

OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision. See web site for more! http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com

Bottom line-Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with AEA members can be considered.

1) The Proposal-A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.

2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)

3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between 3-November 21, 2010 (Maximum of 12 performances).s

4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd!

5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.
Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.

Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.

Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves).
212-307-9467 http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/
Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director

LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT

August 12, 2010

ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT
September-October, 2010

Seeking proposals from theatre companies.

Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between September 15-October 9, 2010) including one technical rehearsal; marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists; and a full show page on our web site. Additional rehearsal time provided at a discount rate when available.

Prime time Profit sharing! 80% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass, 20% to the Grant Recipient.

Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE

DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning now through Monday August, 23 at 6pm.
Final Deadline: Monday, August 23 at 6pm.

NOTE: Companies requesting performance time in SEPTEMBER may submit early and request early decision.

Proposals must be submitted via email to Founding Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one (1) attachment.

Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.

Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday August, 27, 2010.

What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.

OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision and creating a community of artistic freedom. See web site for more! www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com

Bottom line: Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with plans for an AEA showcase can be considered.

1) The Proposal-A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between September 15-October 9, 2010 (Maximum of 12 performances). NOTE: If you have a show that is ready to go up early in September please submit your proposal ASAP. This will increase your chances.
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd.
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.

Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.

Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.

Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves). 212-307-9467 www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com

Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director

ENGAGING IN DIALOGUE (Spring Forum 2010 Wrap Up)

Founding Artistic Director of Looking Glass Theatre, Justine Lambert begins the complicated process of Post- Forum Wrap Ups. After every Looking Glass Writer/Director Forum, each director has a one-on-one meeting with Justine to discuss the Forum: what went wrong, what went right, the overall creative process and how each artist can continue to move forward in her relationship with the theatre.
PART ONE: Engaging In Dialogue

First I got to meet with Amanda Thompson,  Director of Ampersand: A Romeo & Juliet Story - ACT II by Mariah MacCarthy. We’ve done this before. This was Amanda’s fourth Forum so I feel like I know her a little. Yes, only a little. Isn’t that funny? People take a long time to really get to know and sometimes artists even more so. We put our stories out there in our work so often our personas are a bit guarded. But I digress. I’m really enjoying the process with Amanda. She’s talented and smart and a really interesting person to boot! I hope our relationship continues to grow.

We had so much ground to cover in our meeting. We discussed the current summer acting internship, the upcoming children’s show Betsy is Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored!, a new script she’s interested in workshopping and of course Ampersand. I’m afraid that with so many subjects each one only got a few minutes, but a lot of good information came out of the discussions. I’m very excited to see what she’s going to do with Betsy not to mention many other projects going forward.

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with the three first-time directors who each directed work by the lovely playwright Jennifer Barclay. Dara Malina directed Constriction; Laura Hirschberg directed Swallow It; and Alex Mallory directed Snapshot.

Having my first Forum follow up with these ladies was enlightening. So exciting to hear that Alex just worked with three-time Forum playwright Lauren Yee in the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival. Small world. Who knew that Dara worked at the Prospect Park Alliance in my own ‘hood, Park Slope? What a great place to have a day job. And I learned that Laura just directed a full blown production of the opera The Magic Flute at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College with costumes from the Met - “.very posh!” Wow, these ladies are up to such cool stuff!

One thing all three agreed on was that Jennifer Barclay was terrific to work with, described as “lovely,” “wonderful” and “adorable.” I think Alex expressed something we all felt; that having a playwright be so enthusiastic and appreciative makes us all proud of our work and helps us remember that we’re doing something valuable.

As always, I felt honored by the opportunity to discuss these artists’ processes and get inside their heads. I learn so much from these conversations it’s like an ongoing class in directing and theatre

Justine Lambert

Artistic Director

Looking Glass Theatre - http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/
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Why We Rehash & Revisit

WHY WE REHASH & REVISIT


Follow up meetings are essential. This is where I get to know the directors I work with as artists & and people.

What do we talk about? Well, there’s a formula of sorts. First we chat, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little. I love hearing about all the other projects these artists are working on and hearing a bit about their lives. And of course I enjoy telling people about me too :)

Then we get down to business and discuss the other artists involved in the project. [See my previous blog on this subject: http://justinelambert.tumblr.com/post/804249271/discussing-without-trashing]   It's important to get this part done at the top and out of the way so we can move on to more artistic subject matter.

Here’s where it gets more loose and fun. We discuss the show; how it went, what went right, what went wrong and what the director might have wanted to change. I give what feedback I have after I’ve heard what she thought. It’s great to know when we already agree. Sometimes I really have something relevant to say that speaks to the process. My notes are informed by having seen a stumble through, had a discussion with the director right after it and two weeks later seen a performance. Being inside the process means that if we both know that actor “A” was a last minute replacement there may not be much reason to critique his performance. In this case we can hopefully focus on more relevant issues (such as how to avoid this problem in the future!).

Of course just as often this mostly feels like a chance to hear what went on from the inside. To understand how things went and why the chips fell where they did. In these cases most of what I have to say falls in the category of “yeah, uh, huh, oh,” Which is to say that listening and understanding the director’s goals is quite important at this stage.

I often get the chance to discuss what the director’s hopes are for the future. Not just “I wanna make a living as a director” but what kind of project(s) would you love to sink your teeth into next? What areas are you hoping to delve into in your work? This way I get an idea of what kind of artist she is or aspires to be.

For myself lately (this year at least) I’m feeling like telling stories with a point of view that is challenging. I want to tell stories that are not necessarily easy to agree with. I need to tell these stories through theatrical language. I do love realism of emotion, character and relationship and the truth of existing as a human always has a place in my work but I need to feel Why my work is on a Stage as opposed to being a novel, film or TV show. I need a touch of “Theatricality” with a capital T. I need to combine my love of Meisner technique and deeply real acting with my love of the avant-garde.

I happen to be right in line with what I hear from many of the talented inspiring ladies I have the privilege to work with and discuss our art with. My desires echo a lot of what I hear them saying lately.

Justine Lambert
Artistic Director
The Looking Glass Theatre - www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
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Notes from Justine-Forum Rehearsal 6/9/10

Notes from Justine-Forum Rehearsal 6/9/10
Week 4 is the week for theatricality - with visions of hell, continuations of fairy tales and after a very long intermission; Act II of our lesbian, drag musical version of Romeo and Juliet. I’m so proud. No, really.

First up I saw Constriction by Jennifer Barclay, directed by Dara Malina, featuring Joey Faranda, Ava Kelley, Rachel Lin, Melanie Siegel, Jeanne Lauren Smith and Lizzie Stemper. So cool, so dark, so loud! We talked about the intensity, how to maintain it and yet give the audience time to take it in. We talked about the vulnerability of the characters whether they are good bad or ambivalent. These characters have the opportunity to be quite complex within the constraints of this ten minute play. Do we have time to see that? I think so. In the upcoming rehearsals the creative team will make the time.

The second play of the night Swallow It also by Jennifer Barclay, directed by Laura Hirschberg featuring Toccara Castleman, Lauren Hayes and Kevin Russo is a vision of what comes after the traditional fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. You may think you know. Well, this version is quite different. Yes, they did escape but not undamaged. Is the damage physical or psychological? I think I’d have to say both. You’ll have to see the play to find out more specifics. Laura and I also discussed character but focused more on relationship. We also had a lively talk about the time and place of this play. Oh, did I mention? The singing is great.

Finally I settled in to watch ACT II of Ampersand: A Romeo & Juliet Story by Mariah MacCarthy, directed by Amanda Thomspon, featuring Brigitte Choura, Doug Harvey, Lauren Hennessy, Jeremy Michael Lagunas, Teddy Lytle, Sarah Primmer, Kevin Reed and Jordan Tierney. Finally! Been waiting to see how this thing would play out since the last Forum! You do not want to miss this. You’ll be able to say “I was there when” about this one. Fabulous play, fabulous director. OK, it’s a workshop and it needs some polish. Characters, relationships, structure, logic, love, violence, reverse-gender acting, etc, etc, what didn’t we talk about? I know things will change in the next couple weeks but there are so many possibilities as to direction. Is Tybalt a monster or just a bit of a jerk? What kind of friend is Mercutio? What kind of mothers are Mrs. Capulet and Mrs. Montague? And….how deep is their love? Tune in June 24-27 to find out. Oh, I can’t talk about the singing in this one because I didn’t hear the songs last night, but it is indeed a musical. Can’t wait to hear what the composer/musical director has cooked up.

I have to thank the ADs Eva Gabrielle Schelbaum and Katherine Sommer for keeping the evening moving along. We weren’t always on time (partly thanks to my keys) but they were extremely helpful in making sure things kept going and we stayed on track, even starting the third play a little early !

Week 4 promises to be a fantastically theatrical culmination of a wonderfully diverse Forum.

THIS week we get to see some reinvented Shakespeare, too. Othello with a female Iago as part of week 2 opening on Thursday June, 10!

Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director, Looking Glass Theatre

Notes from Justine-Forum Rehearsal 6/3/10

Notes from Justine
Forum Rehearsal 6/3/10

Another Wednesday another Forum rehearsal! Once again we have two highly diverse plays. Yet it seemed to me that both center on victimized female heroines. Now I’d bet you good money that both playwrights would argue with that word “victimized” and for some very good reasons. So, why are they victimized? That question came up in both discussions (perhaps not in so many words). I wonder if I’ll find out the answer in two weeks.

Leap Year by Kate Marks, directed by Ariel Francoeur, Featuring Mark Gordon, Brianna Kalish, Laura Killeen & Stacy Ann Strang was sharp, clear, abstract, absurd, vague, precise and touching. In a word; Kate Marks. Ariel, Gretchen and I had a lively discussion about everything ranging from acting to sound cues to the effect of aging on the energy of the soul. Sounds complex doesn’t it? So is the play, and yet only 20 minutes long. Oh, I almost didn’t mention the crazy multimedia aspect. Seems a large portion of the play I saw (in rehearsal it was all done live) will be video projection! I think it’s going to be super cool. If any group can handle this kind of technical challenge, this is the one.

Jane's Room by Monet Hurst-Mendoza, directed by Rebecca Lewis-Whitson, Featuring Rosemary Brownlow, Juan Carlos Diaz, Lindsay Dunphy & Noreen O'Neill is possibly a period piece, possibly a ghost story, possibly an abstract discussion on women being trapped. Also sounds complex doesn’t it? This 50-minute piece by a newcomer to our Forum has the luck of starring not one but two of our acting interns this season! The team and I had a long discussion, which was still going full steam when we were ever so politely interrupted by Do These Jeans Make My Butt Look Massive? needing to rehearse. On my way out, I had the chance to say hello to members of the cast of week one having their dress rehearsal. Whew, another busy busy night at Looking Glass.

Assistant director Gretchen Ferris was super helpful throughout the evening. I’m so glad to have had the chance to work with her.

I’m very excited that this week I get to see one of the first fruits of these labors come to the stage. I’m attending week one of the Writer/Director Forum tonight!

Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director

Notes from Justine- Forum Rehearsal 5/26/10

Notes from Justine
Forum Rehearsal 5/26/10

The second week of the Writer/Director Forum could hardly be more different from week one. This evening consisting of two completely different pieces was a blast to watch in stumble-through mode last night. Technically both plays were surprisingly far along, with some costumes in place and a clear beginning of design elements such as light cues and sound already happening.

First I watched Do These Jeans Make My Butt Look Massive? by Donna Latham, directed by Jenn Womack, featuring Leigh Ann Heidelberg & Jenn Remke, a charming 10-minute slice of life. I almost feel that if I say very much about our post-rehearsal discussion I’ll give something away. Jenn, Morgan, Taryn and I had a lively discussion about relationship, acting choices and even music usage. Suffice it to say that we all understood each other and rehearsals for the next couple weeks should be lots of fun!

Next up was Othello by William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Melody Erfani, featuring Charles Brice, Xiomara Cintron, Kay Capasso, Julia Falamas, Brandon Ferraro, Keith Hendershot, Amie Lytle, Sarah Miles, Cara Sanders & Yoko. Wow, this thing was really getting into shape with some super cool, post-apocalyptic costumes and tight choreography/concept blocking. Fun! That Shakespeare sure could cook up a hot mess, and this version maintains the super intense plot at less than half the original length. Oh, did I mention, Iago is a woman? Just in case the original wasn’t passionate enough for you. Isn’t that casting just so Looking Glass? Love it!

The two Assistant Directors Taryn Kimel and Morgan Anne Zipf were super helpful and they seemed fully tuned into both processes. I’m looking forward to getting to know their work better.

Can’t wait to see what brews in the next two weeks. This exciting evening opens on June 10!

Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director



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Notes from Justine- Forum Rehearsal 5/19/10

es from Justine
Forum Rehearsal 5/19/10

Had a blast observing Week 1 Forum rehearsal last night. I have to say that the policy of observing two weeks before opening has been working out so well. These plays are in great shape and the next two weeks promise to be super productive!

First up was Behind the Scene by Lenore Blumenfeld, directed by McKenna Dabbs, featuring Joey Faranda, Lindsey Freeman, Ashley Kuske, Kate Mickere and Craig Peterson. This snappy 10-minute comedy was so sharp, so snappy that McKenna and I actually discussed slowing it down. I suggested that the comedy could be enhanced by deepening the emotional reality of some of the characters. A number of possibilities presented themselves. Which character has the most invested? I think McKenna’s choice may surprise you. It wasn’t set in stone yet so I may be surprised, too!

Next I watched Snapshot by Jennifer Barclay, directed by Alex Mallory, featuring Andrew Breving and Rachel Pfennigwerth. What a cool concept, and these actors really get a fun workout/challenge. The discussion with Alex afterwards about how to insure that the play was clear enough to be rewarding for the audience was rewarding in itself as I felt we understood each other and were on the same page about what’s needed in the next two weeks to make this little gem shine.

Third was Buried by Kate Marks, directed by Dana Dobreva, featuring Kiersten Armstrong, Frank Leone, Carolina Ravassa and Scott Raven T. This discussion, like the play itself was the most complex. Kate Marks always challenges and this play on the subject of subway buskers about to be violently ousted from their domain is no exception. Dana’s vision is clear and strong. I’m so excited to see it come to life.

Huge thanks to Laura Brienza the Assistant Director for the whole evening for sitting in with me and being a rock star for all three shows!

This was a very satisfying evening of theatre. As always, when I advise directors what I mostly want is more of their directorial voice. The play is best served when that voice comes through loud and clear. I can’t wait to see the finished product on June 3!

Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director, Looking Glass Theatre

LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT!

May 14, 2010

ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-July/August, 2010
Seeking proposals from theatre companies.
Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between July 19-August 29, 2010) including one technical rehearsal, and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists and a listing or link on our web site. Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.
Special Summer profit sharing! - 70% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass; 30% go to Grant Recipient.

Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE

DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning now through Monday, May 31 at 6pm
Final Deadline: Monday, May 31 at 6pm.

NOTE: Companies requesting performance time in JULY may submit early and request early decision.

Proposals must be submitted via email to Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one (1) attachment.

Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.

Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Thursday, June 3, 2010.

What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.
OUR MISSION - Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision. See web site for more! http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Bottom line - Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required. We are a non union house. No project with AEA members can be considered.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Please put these sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about four pages.

1) The Proposal - A one-page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL. Shows will be sharing performance and storage space.

2) Creative Team - List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen.)

3) Space Request - Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between July 19-August 29, 2010 (maximum of 12 performances).
4) Marketing Description - A description of how you will attract a crowd!

5) Company Mission & Staff - Your mission statement, including a description of company activities and current staff list.
Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.

Please note: Looking Glass Theatre is in an old and historic, but not air conditioned building. Shows should be appropriate for summer (light costumes, etc.)

Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves).
212-307-9467 ** www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com

Justine Lambert, Founding Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Co-Artistic Director/Managing Director

Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/LookingGlassNYC
Find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/TheLookingGlassTheatre?ref=ts
Follow our blog! http://lookingglasstheatre.blogspot.com/

V- DAY 2010

VDAY 2010
1.26.10
by Lucy Spain


In the wake of the earthquakes in Haiti, our nation is once again haunted by a reoccurring ghost. This ghost that keeps us awake at night is the millions of faces of the homeless in Haiti as we are daily bombarded by them through the media. There are millions of mothers, fathers, and children all fighting for their lives in Haiti, but this was true before the earthquake hit. As we focus our attention on the Haiti catastrophe for the moment, I wonder why it takes a national disaster and thousands of lives to bring light to this ongoing crisis.

As a resident of New York City I know that not a single day goes by that my attention isn’t alerted to the issue of homelessness. Like many other New Yorkers I always think – “My 10 cents won’t do any good, why can’t these people go somewhere and try to get real help for the root cause of their problems?” Some of my friends will recant – “It’s not that easy,” which leads me to wonder if there are organizations out there that really do create easy and accessible assistance.

This leads me to WIN (Women In Need). Women In Need is an organization that has provided assistance to the homeless since 1983. Upon first glance, I was astonished by the multi-faceted categories of help that WIN envelops. WIN helps people in the areas of alcohol/substance abuse and treatment, obtaining GED or ESL certificates, securing employment, HIV prevention, on-site child care, and housing to name a few. They offer two housing options, transitional and permanent, depending on individual situations. There are housing locations through out New York City in Manhattan, Bronx, and Brooklyn.

So back to the original obstacle; is it easy? After my research, I can say that yes, this organization is making it as straightforward as possible to help those in need. There is assistance on-site at WIN. First, the interested person or family must go through PATH (Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing); which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. If the applicant can obtain shelter eligibility (which is available to both families and single adults) they will be joined with an organization like WIN.

The government may not be able to provide immediate help, but we need to let these people know that they can help themselves. They are their best advocate and enabler of getting themselves and their family off the streets. Clearly the homeless do not have access to our most popular forms of media - television, phones, and the internet. So it us our job to make sure this information is accessible and available to those in need.

This is my plea to you:  After reading this, please do what you can to spread the word about WIN to the people who need it most. Instead of dropping a coin into a toboggan or guitar case, drop these numbers: WIN – 212-695-4758, PATH – 800-994-6494.

Please remember to focus on your direct community and those around you. Looking Glass Theatre makes this a priority and you can too by attending our upcoming V-Day New York City 2010 benefit performance of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer on February 12th and 13th. Proceeds will go to benefit WIN here in New York City and York Street Project in Jersey City, New Jersey.
For more information please visit our web site at http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/