Notes from Justine -Three By the Sea
Having seen Three By the Sea two times now in performance, I’ve realized that the gestalt of this combination of stories is an ideal introduction to theatre for children. There are so many things they are being exposed to here: it’s like sneaking vegetables into the dessert mix! While they watch the charming stories they learn to suspend disbelief and see fabric (or umbrellas, or balloons) as water, to decipher intent through behavior, to appreciate the difference an atmosphere can have on how you interpret the individual elements of a play and how to appreciate the rhythm and flow in storytelling, not to mention simply being introduced to the great theatrical tradition of story theatre.
I really find myself enjoying each play within the play for different reasons. Working backwards, I’ll start at the end:
Foghorn Franny is a crowd pleaser. With its modern characters and sharp clear tone, it gets laughs easily while supporting the most complex story and message of the trio. The oldest audience members get a lot out of this one (both adults and tweens) because the subplot about bullying is clearly and dramatically explored and resolved. Everyone in the audience is held tight in the grips of the plot and even the youngest audience members maintain the hush required for the few (I think it’s actually two) brief moments of reflection. Coming last in the running order it is well chosen in its modern language and depiction as it leaves the audience feeling happy and thoroughly entertained at the end.
The second piece, Coyote’s Moon, is ideal for the central role in this production in part due to its simplicity. There’s not a lot of story here and so we are able to just sit back and enjoy the puppetry, lighting, water (umbrella) ballet, and characterizations. We love Lil’ Rabbit, we fear Coyote (a little), we enjoy the lights and the trickery…and …we’re done!
Appropriately, while our audience’s minds are freshest they are presented with the most complex piece. We are asked to immerse ourselves in the world, the otherness of the mythical Ireland of old. We meet characters from the town of Gollerus and enjoy their quirkiness while sensing what a stranger in their midst might experience in such a self-contained environment. The lilting lyrical language pulls us along in the story while the theatrical elements, such as mermaid costume, Shadow Puppet plays, and ongoing bits of business from comic cap-snatching to ominous umbrella-opening, devised by super-creative director Julia Martin, help keep our young audience engaged throughout.
Enjoy the spinach brownies!
Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Notes from Justine- Three By The Sea
Notes from Justine -Three By the Sea
Three By the Sea is opening this Saturday, March 5th at noon. I will be there with bells on with my family! I have been lucky enough to be a fly on the wall at three rehearsals for this complex, elegant bit of story theatre. This show manages to be both lyrical and fast paced. A study in the use of complexity in the service of simplicity this production uses multiple theatrical elements to tell its three enchanting stories. The stories are simple and sweet, funny and timeless.
“Paddy and the Mermaid” tells of an ordinary man who traps a mermaid. He learns that some things can’t be held by force, even if they are loved; perhaps especially if they are loved.
“Coyote’s Moon” is a classic tale of brains over brawn. In this case the brains belong to one sweet little bunny and the brawn to a coyote in a cowboy hat!
“Foghorn Franny” is a take on the idea that something seen as a weakness or even a fault can turn out to be a heroic strength. This story also addresses the timely theme of teasing and exclusion ever so gently and resolves with the teaser realizing the error of her ways.
This trio of tales comes across with clarity and a touch of the poetic and is wonderfully served by puppetry, music, lighting effects, shadow puppets, clever costuming, a beautiful set and even dancing umbrellas!
Three By the Sea is opening this Saturday, March 5th at noon. I will be there with bells on with my family! I have been lucky enough to be a fly on the wall at three rehearsals for this complex, elegant bit of story theatre. This show manages to be both lyrical and fast paced. A study in the use of complexity in the service of simplicity this production uses multiple theatrical elements to tell its three enchanting stories. The stories are simple and sweet, funny and timeless.
“Paddy and the Mermaid” tells of an ordinary man who traps a mermaid. He learns that some things can’t be held by force, even if they are loved; perhaps especially if they are loved.
“Coyote’s Moon” is a classic tale of brains over brawn. In this case the brains belong to one sweet little bunny and the brawn to a coyote in a cowboy hat!
“Foghorn Franny” is a take on the idea that something seen as a weakness or even a fault can turn out to be a heroic strength. This story also addresses the timely theme of teasing and exclusion ever so gently and resolves with the teaser realizing the error of her ways.
This trio of tales comes across with clarity and a touch of the poetic and is wonderfully served by puppetry, music, lighting effects, shadow puppets, clever costuming, a beautiful set and even dancing umbrellas!
Speaking of those umbrellas, it’s worth mentioning that each play involves a body of water and each body of water is uniquely staged. As often seems to happen, the creativity and imagination involved in children’s theatre brings out the best (and hardest work!) in the creative team and cast. This group is no exception. Under the direction of Julia Martin this team has been in overdrive to realize the imaginings of playwright Donna Latham!
Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director
Justine Lambert
Founding Artistic Director
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Seeking Assistant Directors/Stage Managers!
Seeking Assistant Directors/Stage Managers for Three By the Sea - a new children’s play by Donna Latham featuring tales of the sea- produced by/at Looking Glass Theatre, directed by Julia Martin.
* Looking for highly-organized, creative, and well-rounded Assistant Directors/Stage Managers able to attend all performances and most rehearsals. Daytime rehearsals on Fridays, weekends and some weekdays begin January 21. Tech scheduled for February 28 – March 4. Show opens March 5, performances Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. through April 10.
AD/SMs should have knowledge of basic lighting and sound board operation, an interest in directing and great time management skills. No pay, but possible future directing opportunities. This is a great way to start a wonderful relationship with a great local theatre company.
More information at www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Rehearsals Begin: 1/21/11
Opens: 3/5/11
Closes: 4/10/11
Please send all cover letters and resumes to juliastirlingmartin@gmail.com.
Place AD/SM in title of email when submitting.
Interviews for AD/SMs are currently being conducted.
THANK YOU!
* Looking for highly-organized, creative, and well-rounded Assistant Directors/Stage Managers able to attend all performances and most rehearsals. Daytime rehearsals on Fridays, weekends and some weekdays begin January 21. Tech scheduled for February 28 – March 4. Show opens March 5, performances Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. through April 10.
AD/SMs should have knowledge of basic lighting and sound board operation, an interest in directing and great time management skills. No pay, but possible future directing opportunities. This is a great way to start a wonderful relationship with a great local theatre company.
More information at www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Rehearsals Begin: 1/21/11
Opens: 3/5/11
Closes: 4/10/11
Please send all cover letters and resumes to juliastirlingmartin@gmail.com.
Place AD/SM in title of email when submitting.
Interviews for AD/SMs are currently being conducted.
THANK YOU!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT- Deadline Extended to Jan 17!
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT
MARCH / APRIL 2011
Deadline Extended to January 17, 2011!
Seeking proposals from theatre companies. Non-union productions only.
Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between March 10-April 10, 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. Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.
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.
DEADLINE: Applications accepted now through Monday, January 17 at 6pm.
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, January 21, 2011.
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.
NOTE: 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 March 10-April 10, 2011 (Maximum of 12 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
MARCH / APRIL 2011
Deadline Extended to January 17, 2011!
Seeking proposals from theatre companies. Non-union productions only.
Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between March 10-April 10, 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. Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.
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.
DEADLINE: Applications accepted now through Monday, January 17 at 6pm.
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, January 21, 2011.
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.
NOTE: 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 March 10-April 10, 2011 (Maximum of 12 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
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
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*.
Juice by Nancy Gall-Clayton, directed by Yoleidy Rosario, featuring Tessa Reynolds, Delnaaz Irani and Joshua Mahaffey is a drama about…an alcoholic.
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
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
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
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.
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!
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
Thursday, November 18, 2010
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
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
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