American Theatre Wing - Newsletter

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May 2010

SpringboardNYC Brings Aspiring Performers to City from Colleges Nationwide

SpringboardNYC Class of 2009 at the Tony Awards rehearsal with host and Springboard mentor Neil Patrick Harris "I just don't see why a talented kid should make the leap without the guidance of your SpringboardNYC program."

Those are the words of Melia Bensussen, Chairwoman of the Department of Performing Arts at Emerson College, speaking about the American Theatre Wing's two week intensive summer boot camp for actors, now gearing up for its June 2010 session, which begins June 7. The program's deadline for application was April 15th, and 140 applicants are vying for 36 spots in the summer program.

"This part of the process is very exciting," said Randy Ellen Lutterman, who developed and directs the program. "We are working to curate a diverse class of passionate, talented and hungry emerging artists who will become important resources for one another." As a part of the recruiting process, Lutterman travels to schools around the country to teach and talk about SpringboardNYC as well as The Wing's other programs for emerging artists.

"Over the course of the application process," Lutterman continued, "I meet or speak with students and professors from all over the country. Even the finest undergraduate conservatories and colleges can appreciate the advantage that a practical program like Springboard offers to their students. There is nothing better than direct immersion in the theatrical community of New York to help a kid understand the business - and that's what we do for them at Springboard." Over the course of the two weeks, students will work hands-on with more than 60 working artists, see and meet with the companies of more than a half-dozen current productions, and learn how to navigate the city on their own.

Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, it is already confirmed that, this year's class will include students from Princeton U., Pepperdine U., U. of Memphis, U. of Pennsylvania, Chapman U., Howard, Berklee College of Music, U. of Miami, Virginia Commonwealth U., and Southern Methodist U., among many others. Full acceptance and notification will be completed by the beginning of May.

Affirming SpringboardNYC's value, Matthew Wright, Associate Professor & Associate Program Director at the Department of Theater and Dance for Oberlin College in Ohio wrote, "Thank you for this important program. Thank you for the assistance you give in an area that is often difficult to teach in a remote isolation like Oberlin's."

Special Tony Awards News

On June 13, 2010, the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League will present the 64th Annual Tony Awards^® live at Radio City Music Hall, broadcast on CBS TV beginning at 8 pm.

The Wing and League have already announced that Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre will go to playwright Alan Ayckbourn, whose 74th play will premiere in England this summer, and actress Marian Seldes, who made her Broadway debut in 1947 under the direction of John Gielgud. The Isabelle Stevenson Award, established last season in the memory of ATW's longtime president and chairman, to recognize those in the theatrical community who give substantial time and effort on behalf of one or more charitable causes, will salute David Hyde Pierce for his efforts in the fight against Alzheimer's. Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre will be presented to the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, fight director B. H. Barry, and BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola.

This Tuesday morning, May 4, Glee and Spring Awakening star Lea Michele and God of Carnage's Jeff Daniels will announce the nominations for the 2010 Tony Awards from the New York Public Library for Performing Arts. Selected awards will be announced live nationally on CBS's "The Early Show"; those in New York can see the complete announcement live on NY1. If you don't have access to either of those options, check www.tonyawards.com for a complete list of the nominees -- or sign up in advance and get the nominees e-mailed to you as soon as they're complete.

Theatre Intern Group wraps its Spring Sessions and Preps For Summer

The Theatre Intern Group (TIG) had its last meeting of the Spring last Tuesday night featuring Amanda Watkins of the Araca Group and Jocelyn Prince of the Public Theater sharing their perspective on producing in New York. The group wrapped the semester (and marked the end of many internships) with a small reception, and a lot of networking. ATW is looking forward to the busiest semester for TIG as Summer Sessions begin on Tuesday, June 15 and are open to anyone who is currently in an internship in theatre.

The National Theatre Company Grants

In its first year granting with a national focus, ATW received nearly 70 applications from companies in 21 different states. The program seeks to fund the most promising emerging theaters, coast to coast and ATW is looking forward to learning more about all the companies who are involved in the 2010 process.

What They Said

Jenny Gersten, on ATW's Working In The Theatre, Producing's New Voices, March 2010.

"Theatre constantly regenerates because of new influx of energy and talent and youth, frankly. I mean youth is a part of any arts movement because it's new ideas and it's new energy and it's new things that motivate everyone - audiences and artists - to do new, interesting things and inspire us."