Tag: #actors

Elevating Black Theatre: Embracing Readings and Recognizing Talent

Black theatre, within the rich tapestry of performing arts, serves as a poignant testament to the depth of culture, history, and creativity within the black community. From the groundbreaking narratives of August Wilson to the contemporary innovations of playwrights like Tarell Alvin McCraney, black theatre resonates with audiences and amplifies essential stories. Yet, behind each captivating stage production lies an often-overlooked process: the crucial readings and rehearsals that refine and shape the final performance.

Before a play graces the spotlight, it embarks on a developmental journey critical for black theatre’s authenticity and impact. Readings, workshops, and rehearsals provide a platform for playwrights, directors, and actors to delve into themes, characters, and dialogue with depth and nuance. Particularly for black theatre, these early stages hold immense significance, allowing artists to explore complex issues of identity, race, and social justice authentically.

The necessity for black theatre readings arises from a commitment to ensuring accurate and respectful representation of black, brown, and LGBTQ communities. Through collaborative table reads and workshops, artists refine scripts, tackle challenging themes, and celebrate the diverse perspectives within the black diaspora. These readings serve as incubators for creativity and dialogue, empowering artists to elevate their craft and contribute meaningfully to the artistic landscape.

Moreover, black theatre readings offer a vital platform for emerging playwrights and performers to showcase their talents and amplify their voices. In an industry where opportunities for minority artists can be scarce, these readings provide essential connections with mentors, collaborators, and audiences. By championing diversity and inclusivity throughout the creative process, black theatre readings enrich the artistic community and foster greater representation and equity.

In addition to honoring the significance of readings, it’s essential to celebrate the contributions of black, brown, and LGBTQ writers and performers in theatre. Often marginalized or overlooked, these trailblazing artists have shaped and enriched black theatre with their extraordinary talents. From luminaries like Lorraine Hansberry to Sidney Poitier, their voices deserve recognition and celebration.

Our commitment to black theatre extends beyond homage to classic works; it encompasses nurturing new talent and amplifying underrepresented voices. By providing opportunities for Philadelphia theatre makers to direct and narrate readings of Broadway classics, we broaden the scope of inclusivity and creativity within the industry. These readings not only provide a platform for aspiring actors but also inspire audiences to witness the next generation of theatre talent.

In conclusion, black theatre readings are not merely a precursor to the final performance; they are an integral part of the creative journey, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and discovery. By embracing readings and honoring diverse talent, we ensure the continued vibrancy and relevance of black theatre in the performing arts landscape. Let us raise our voices, celebrate achievements, and embrace the transformative power of black theatre as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of its evolution.

Actors just remember this…

When applying for or attending a theatre casting, actors should keep a few key things in mind:

  1. Preparation is Key: Thoroughly prepare your monologue, song, or scene, depending on the casting requirements. Practice and be ready to perform your best.
  2. Research the Production: Familiarize yourself with the play or musical being cast. Understand the characters, storyline, and the director’s vision for the production.
  3. Professionalism: Present yourself professionally. Arrive on time, be courteous to staff, and come dressed appropriately for the role or in neutral audition attire.
  4. Be Flexible: Be open to direction and adjustments during the audition. Directors may want to see how adaptable you are to their vision.
  5. Confidence: Exude confidence in your performance. Even if you make a mistake, continue without breaking character.
  6. Headshot and Resume: Bring a headshot and a well-organized resume detailing your acting experience and training.
  7. Stay Positive: Rejection is part of the industry. Don’t be discouraged by audition outcomes. Use each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.
  8. Networking: Build relationships with directors, casting agents, and fellow actors. Networking can lead to future opportunities.
  9. Follow-Up: If you’re interested in a role, send a thank-you note or email after the audition to express your continued interest and appreciation.
  10. Be Yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Casting directors appreciate authenticity. Show your unique qualities and what makes you a great fit for the role.

Remember that each casting is a chance to showcase your talent, and with persistence and dedication, you can achieve success in the theatre industry.

Tasha Holmes at a casting for Plays and Players Presents

2nd Phase Done…

Well people we finally finished the second stage of our musical by doing a reading of selected songs from the play. It’s been work and more too come. We have been in the studio working on the music too release some time this year and are not far from finishing that as well. The goal next is for stage 3 and 4 where we do a conversation with individuals that can tell stories of experiences dealing with the criminal justice system and the other present all the songs at the next philly theatre week in

February. Working on a musical has been a journey but we have learned so much and just too think our final stage will be August/September where the full production will be going up. Stay tuned.

Pulling off the Punchline…

Nobody’s Perfect

“If you get a chance to act in a room that somebody else has paid rent for, then you’re given a free chance to practice your craft.”

#phillipseymourhoffman

I have the privilege of watching some of Philadelphia and it’s surrounding areas talents and for me it’s always a treat.
Watching someone work to become a character is an amazing thing. No matter how small or large the part in the end it’s about putting in the work and showing the audience you are that character.

Just imagine if we never got the chance to see #chadwickboseman pull off one of his most iconic rolls as #blackpanther would we had felt the joy that the billions felt around the world or experience his acting accomplishment and be able to say when we all walked out the thwarted “can’t wait for the next one.” The believe ability like in this scene here with @quinteromoore and @pap.l1 it takes a lot to be a psychopath and a criminal. Watching them was a treat as Luis was there from the beginning working on his part and in the last two weeks of rehearsal Terry came onboard and they had too not only create a circumstance of believability but build chemistry and trust that would make a scene not just believable but memorable for the audience and they did just that 👍🏾
We need to all remember how these moments mean so much for so many reasons and people for writers and directors it’s a treat to see his, her or there work coming to life and for the actor pulling it off is magical in its own right.

So take a bow you pulled off a great feat..

*Let us know what you think.

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Underground 2017

Over the weekend we wrapped up underground episode. This was a test on how to run a show for two weeks and I must say there was a lot to be learned but it is definitely worth it. First things first, the cast compose of both veterans and newbies with a short timeframe of two months to learn probably one of the most challenging work that some of them have been a part of. For many including myself it was jumping from one production to another that was a challenge however for others it was just coming in and beginning the task at hand.

This time around we utilized collaborating with makeup artist Andrea Blassingame to create the looks, set up radio time for interviews, bloggers, and paid advertising in the metro Philly to get the word out on the production. We also utilized the site which the facility used instead of going the eventbrite way.

It was scary but I had to see what we could do and the end result turned out to be what we wanted. Now we are gearing up for next year to actually take advantage of all we learned.

The beauty of it all was swing how no matter what RunBoyRunProduction still continues to grow as a family and in the end this makes for good business.

How will you stand up to Bullying? 

Since our beginning RunBoyRunProduction has believed that art is the best way to tell not only stories but how reality is affected daily but the average person. One of our most impactful stories has been “Bully” (performed here by Ra Wilson) which is a story about a young man that got expelled from school but as he tells it they thought he was the bully but it turns out that he was the one being bullied. 

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For many of us the story is relatable especially if you come from the 80s and 90s when it was always those of us that were nerds that were being bullied. I tell you from experience being bullied as a kid was not a happy moment for me. Whether it was done by high school jocks or just someone who though I was an easy target my terror as a child was often followed by rage and regrets. However as an artist I had an outlet and that was being able to write, act, dance or draw the need to have an outlet was important In getting through such pain. 

Because art was my outlet as a child for so many things, I make it my duty to do such for others after all we all need someone to listen to our stories. As I said before Ra has been doing bully since its incarnation and has since grown as an actor doing films and becoming a playwright himself. So now as we go into our forth year Ra has decided to pay it forward and give the role to a young up and coming Quashawn White as he makes his stage debut. 


Bullying is not a laughing matter and in this day in time it has taken on a new form with the days of social media that it’s panic and terror has been one that many of us can’t turn our eyes from. However what we can do is stand up and fight for those that that need a voice those that need and outlet that in the end will look to you and say thank you for showing me how to stand.. How will you stand up to bullying? 

It Begins 

  The cast made it down after a long haul 4hrs drive in a van and Nic in a car but they made it. I really wanted to get them settled in but because of time we had to get ready for the show. Everyone flipped around flopped around but changed into characters as fast as they got here and it was showtime.

  
The crowd was thin but this was with the right people to get more out. With journalist, photographs,vlogers and blogers on hand all this meant was Friday was going to be the turn up show. In the end all that came enjoyed and event shed tears. Last words said I can’t wait to see this again. Let’s get ready people more to come..

  

New York State of Mind

“When you talk about a great actor, you’re not talking about Tom Cruise.”
― Lauren Bacall

Every actors wants to be noticed for a great performance but truth is many think of having a horrible moment over actually doing well first. Funny thing about getting in front of an audience is they know whats good and whats bad in your performance. As many of the cast mates took to the stage at the Cool Stories Vol 1 Fest some were as nervous as me when we walked in and saw that we were actually in NY to show what we can do. From person to person i watched as they took the time to allow the presence to seep into each performance and allow the feat to become the lead into a moment where the crowd then saw what they can do. In the end, they received the claps the cheers and the bow that all actors great and amateur want total appreciation for what they do..

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Getting over the Moment

That’s what makes acting so attractive. You get to break all your own rules.”Gerardine Clark”

The beauty of acting is allowing yourself to let go and take on roles that you never thought you would do. In many ways this is your inner voice ready to dive into the unexpected and see if things are possible. In the end it is here when one finds them self and realize that it was always the fear of exploring that held them back that will never do so again. 


Your In…

If there is one thing that we all know from experience,fitting in isn’t always that easy. In theater being able to fit in means more as it deals with having the ability to show fellow cast mates that you have what it takes to nail a line a character and all that within the first time they see you in rehearsal. The best part of this is when you take your last breath after the last line after the last action and you hear nothing but claps it means you have done what you came to do and you have now been initiated into the fold.