Making Goodnow

Teatro Vivo Auditions!

2012-02-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Check it out! I'll be directing Guapa by Caridad Svich!

Teatro Vivo announces

The Austin Latino New Play Festival 2012 * April 5 – 7, 2012

Actor Auditions for the Festival: February 15 and 16, 2012 6pm - 9pm

Audition Location: Community Engagement Center

1009 E. 11th Austin 78702

The Auditions!
February 15 and 16 6pm - 9pm at Community Engagement Center 1009 E. 11th Austin 78702

Parts are available for men and women ages 18-80+. Knowledge of Spanish for some roles is a plus but not required. Actors should prepare a comedic and a dramatic monologue. Each monologue should be 1- 2 min. in length

Auditions are by appointment only.
Email JoAnn at joannreyes@yahoo.com or call 512 413-6791.
Upon request a preview script of each production can be emailed prior the audition.

The Festival!
April 5 -7 8pm at The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

Teatro Vivo in conjunction with the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and ScriptWorks will present the Austin Latino New Play Festival April 5 – 7, 2012. This second annual festival will showcase staged readings of three new plays (one per evening).

The plays selected this year from submissions are Guapa by Caridad Svich, Cura by Raul Garza and Rosalia by Arthur Marroquin

The Rehearsal!
Saturday March 24, 12 noon – 4pm,
Monday – Thursday March 26 – March 29, 6–9 pm
Monday – Wednesday April 2 – 4, 6 – 9 pm

Other Important Info for Actors!
The Austin Latino New Play Festival will take place at the MACC. Each play will be presented in a workshop production format. This format is much more active and rehearsed than a regular play reading. The three separate casts of each production will have a 2-week rehearsal period with a director and work in conjunction with the playwright and dramaturg to develop the workshop production. There is a $100 stipend for actors selected. Actors selected for this project will be considered for Teatro Vivo’s future main stage productions.

60-in-60

2012-02-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

WHEN: February 22, 2012 8:00 pm

WHERE: ND @501 Studios (501 I-35, entrance on Brushy between 5th and 6th street)

It's back. 60 performances in 60 minutes.

Get your Fusebox motor running at this special event to benefit the 2012 Fusebox Festival. 60 of Austins finest performers, musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, thinkers, and community leaders (including Natalie Goodnow!) will line up to perform sixty solo pieces in 60 minutes.

This rip roaring event is crucial for funding our festival. We would love to have you join us. Be among the first to hear the festival line-up, get festival guides, and purchase discounted passes. Our hosts for this raucous event are none other than Jason Newman and Westen Borghesi.

More awesomeness:
Raffle to win a trip to Portland, OR with Ron Berry for TBA 2012
Silent auction curated by the masterful fellas from Rubber Repertory
Food/Drink specials, prize drawings, and other surprises
60-in-60 includes admission to after-party with surprise guest performance

Doors open at 7pm, VIP event begins at 6:30pm.

Be a Digestible Feats VIP:
Digestible Feats VIPs will receive a special, intimate, pre-party experience featuring 60 single serving appetizers and 60 single serving beverages curated by the Fusebox Digestible Feats Staff, and a presentation by Matt & Josh from Rubber Rep detailing the exciting adventures up for bid int eh silent Auction. There are 3,600 possible food/beverage pairings and you cannot eat/drink the same thing twice. Capacity is limited to only 20 VIPs.

BUY EVENT & RAFFLE TICKETS ONLINE HERE

appearing in a Performance Reading of "Digging Up the Dirt" by Cherríe Moraga

2012-02-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

ProArts Collective along with its partners Austin Community College's Department of Arts and Humanities, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, University of Texas' Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and Teatro Vivo present a staged reading of Cherrie Moraga's "Digging up the Dirt"; directed by Austin based playwright and director Amparo Garcia Crow.

Join us for the reading and post performance talk with the acclaimed poet, playwright, essayist on Saturday, February 11, 2:00pm at Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701.

Admission is free with donation of a non perishable item.

The story takes place, as Moraga writes, "inside the poet's head, somewhere in the fragmented Chicano nation of Atzlan." Here, as in most Moraga plays, the playwright uses the imagined landscape of the Southwest to poignantly explore Chicana lives. And, as in most Moraga plays, such depictions give all of us pause - regardless of race or gender or sexuality. This is especially the case in "Digging up the Dirt" where the plot thematically interweaves two murder stories. One is the tale of "Sirena Cantante's" murderer, "Zanzibar", serving a life sentence, while engaging in lesbian romances and being mercilessly visited by the probing "Poet". The second is an intimate account of the muder of "Amada", a Chicana lesbian killed by the hand of her own son.

"A writer will write with or without a movement; but at the same time, for Chicano, lesbian, gay and feminist writers-anybody writing against the grain of Anglo misogynist culture-political movements are what have allowed our writing to surface from the secret places in our notebooks into the public sphere." -- Cherrie Moraga

"Eagle Woman Poems" Reading at IWN Happy Hour at La Peña!

2012-01-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

6:00pm until 9:00pm

First ever Indigenous Women's Happy Hour at La Pena located at 227 Congress Avenue

Our new Happy Hours series will be a fund raiser for Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change, a project of the Indigenous Women's Network.

All tax deductible donations will go to Alma, which is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Marked and Specific: Performance/Meditations on Hegemonic Whiteness

2011-11-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

You are invited to a night of original performances:

Marked and Specific: Performance/Meditations on Hegemonic Whiteness

November 3 & 4 @ 7:30 pm

Winship Drama Building, Room 2.180

300 E. 23^rd Street, Austin, TX 78712

Admission is free, but seating is limited; please arrive early.

Marked and Specific asks: how do we stage anti-racist activism? How can performance be a tool for exploring the de/construction of white privilege and supremacy? This two-part performance event culminates in a collaborative discussion about race, memory, and performance.

The first performance, 900 Gallons is Nicole Gurgel’s MFA thesis project and solo performance debut. Over the course of nine vignettes, Gurgel excavates photographs, songs and stories as a way to resist the dangers of dis-remembering oppressive family histories.

Following 900 Gallons, the Performance Lab Ensemble – a multi-racial ensemble comprised of eight women who consider themselves artists, activists, scholars, and teachers – will perform a staged reading of their newly devised work. Collaboratively created through a ten-week writing and performance workshop, this collage of monologues, memories, and an unruly game of dodgeball traces the “lessons” taught about race, nation, and identity.

There will be a brief intermission between 900 Gallons and the Performance Lab Ensemble.

Questions? E-mail me at nicole.gurgel@gmail.com.

Creative/Development Teams

900 Gallons

Rowan Doyle (Design Consultant), M’bewe Escobar (Choreographer), Katie Frank (Stage Manager), Nicole Gurgel (Writer/Performer/Set Designer), Amy Lewis (Lighting Designer), Nikiko Masumoto (Dramaturg), Lydia Nelson (Director/Set Designer), Katelyn Wood (Dramaturg)

The Performance Lab Ensemble

Elida Bonet, Brianna Figueroa, Natalie Goodnow, Diana Grisanti, Natashia Lindsey, Alex Messenger, Sandra Sotelo, Lana Tyson (Writers/Performers/ Co-creators), Madilynn Garcia (Stage Manager), Nicole Gurgel (Faciliator/Director)

Special thanks to Paul Bonin-Rodriguez, Omi Osun/Joni L. Jones and Deborah Paredez for advising both projects.

"Mud Offerings" at National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.

2011-10-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Performance/Discussion: International Perspectives IN PLAY
10/22/2011 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free. No reservations required.

Georgetown University's Department of Performing Arts partners with NMWA to present an afternoon of performance and discussion centered on music, theater, and dance within an international context.

2–2:15
Welcome and Introduction by Anna Harwell Celenza, Thomas E. Caestecker Professor of Music at Georgetown University, and Maya Roth, director of Georgetown University's Theater and Performance Studies Program.

2:15–3:30
Staged reading of selected scenes from Trojan Barbie by Christine Evans, winner of the 2007 Jane Chambers Playwriting Contest for Women Playwrights.

Natalie Marlena Goodnow, winner of the 2011 Jane Chambers Playwriting Contest for Women Playwrights, performs her solo play, Mud Offerings. Then, Professor Roth and Goodnow discuss Mud Offerings, as well as how international perspectives infuse the playwright-performer's art and identity.

3:30–3:45
Break

3:45–4:45
Panel discussion, featuring a performance of classical south Indian dance. The discussion, moderated by Professor Celenza, considers the ways social and cultural contexts for musical performances influence their reception by audiences. Panel participants include: Jean Cook, musician, producer, and director of programs for Future of Music Coalition; Anya Grundmann, director and executive producer of NPR Music; dancer Aparna Keshaviah; and Professor Roth.

4:45–5 p.m.
Audience Q&A, moderated by Professors Celenza and Roth.

Follow me to "Marfita" at Co-Lab, 7 pm, October 15

2011-09-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

LARGE SCALE INSTALLATION RE-MAPS MARFA, TX FOCUSING ON APPARITION OF MARY

OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 29, 2011
OPENING & PERFORMANCE: OCTOBER 15, 7 PM
CO-LAB, 613 ALLEN ST, AUSTIN, TX

A MULTIMEDIA INSTALLATION BY ALISON KUO, JOSH T. FRANCO, AND JOSHUA SAUNDERS

During the first night of Marfita's installation at Co-Lab, Natalie Goodnow will lead an interactive procession through the East Austin neighborhood where the space exists, culminating in a ceremonial, participatory prayer at the altar of the Virgen Mary.

For more about "Marfita"...

Visit Co-Lab's website.
Keep up with the show: Follow our tumblr, and Like us on facebook.
Read a conversation about Marfa in 7STOPS between Joshua and Alison, introduced by Josh.

"Mud Offerings" at Women at Work Festival, Stage Left Studio, New York, NY!

2011-09-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to be bringing "Mud Offerings" (the more fully developed, award-winning version!) back to the Women at Work Festival at Stage Left Studio, New York, NY!

New Yorkers, come see!

Sunday, September 25
noon
Stage Left Studio
214 W 30th Street, 6th floor
New York, NY 10001

Tickets available here.

What I've Been Up To...

2011-09-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

I performed "Mud Offerings" at the MALCS (Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social) Summer Institute at California State University, Los Angeles, on Friday, August 5; I was able to make the trek to LA thanks to the generous, generous support of Kickstarter project backers! For more details about how it all went, click here. And for much silliness, my karaoke thank-you videos to Kickstarter backers, check out "Karoke is Goodnow."

And then, the very next week, I accepted the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award at the ATHE (Association of Theatre in Higher Education) Conference in Chicago, Illinois, and got to perform "Mud Offerings" there, too! There should be some clips of me talking about the play and about playwriting coming out soon on ATHE's YouTube channel; I'll let you know...

I'm so pleased, so proud, and so very, very grateful to exist in such a supportive community, and to all the folks (there are many!) who have helped me to develop "Mud Offerings!" To name a few: Dino Foxx, kt shorb, Ana Lara, Adelina Anthony, and all the women of the Austin Project. Thank you!

"Eagle Woman Poems" Installation/Performance at Co-Lab, Saturday, July 30

2011-06-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Installation/Performance

Co-Lab Project Space

613 Allen St.

Austin, TX 78702

Saturday, July 30, 2011
Installation On View 7-11PM
Performance 8PM
Talkback and Reception 9PM

No reservations necessary.

Eagle Woman lives in a landfill. It is her job to make sense of the mess. This is what women do. It is what words do. These are the poetics of sifting through the filth.

But is an eagle capable of such a task?

This performance art event will consist of an eagle's attempts at poetry in time and space.

Based on Goodnow's collaboration with the Generic Ensemble Company in July 2010: "Eagle Woman Poems: an in-progress showing."

This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

Site-Specific WIP at Jump-Start Performance Co., San Antonio, TX

2011-06-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Site-Specific Wednesday-in-Performance/Works-in-Progress

Natalie Goodnow, Movimiento Cihuatl, Dino Foxx

June is Site-Specific W-I-P!

The audience will be taken on a mini performance tour in the Blue Star Arts Space, where the performing artists will perform outside in varying locations within the complex. Afterward, the audience will be directed inside the theater for a CRP guided discussion with the artists.

June 29, 2011

7 p.m.

No reservations are necessary

$5 general
$3 student/senior

Jump-Start
108 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204
210-227-JUMP (5867)
www.jump-start.org

San Antonio Dance Umbrella

www.sadu.org

W-I-P (Works-In-Progress/Wednesdays-In-Performance) is a long-running collaboration between Jump-Start Performance Co. and San Antonio Dance Umbrella. It is a monthly lab space for new, in-progress dance and other movement-based performance works accompanied by a facilitated post-performance discussion. W-I-P is known for its eclecticism: modern dancers, belly dancers and performance artists have performed in the same evening and been inspired by each other, as well as expanding the audience's perception of performance.

Jump-Start Performance Co. is funded in part by grants from The Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, City of San Antonio, The Texas Commission on the Arts, and The National Endowment of the Arts.

The San Antonio Dance Umbrella is funded in part by the Office of Cultural Affairs, the Texas Commission on the Arts and by its members who represent the best in the San Antonio Dance Community.

"Mud Offerings" at MALI Women's Film & Performance Arts Conference this weekend!

2011-05-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

This just in! I'm performing excerpts from "Mud Offerings" at MALI's conference this weekend!

approximately 9:15 pm
showcase starts at 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 29
Stompin' Grounds
3801 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78704
1-512-394-6999

...and possibly at MALI conference showcases on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as well!

---

The MALI (Media Arts & Literacy Institute) Women’s Film & Performance Arts Conference is wholly focused on the contributions of all women, with a special emphasis on womyn of Latin, African, African-American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, European and Indigenous descent.

This conference benefits the MALI Summer Media Camp for at risk teen girls. Help support our efforts by getting your tickets today! Thank you!

"Mud Offerings" at RAW:Austin INTERACTIVE

2011-05-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 16, 2011 @ 8:00PM
Venue 222 | 222 East 6th Street | Austin, TX 78701
21+ event. Cocktail attire. Tickets are $10 via presale.

Purchase tickets here.

RAW events are multi-faceted artistic showcases. Each event features a film screening, musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and a featured hairstylist and makeup artist. These artists are all local, hand-picked talent who have been chosen to feature at RAW.

RAW events feature a cash bar for cocktails while you enjoy the night. Dress code is cocktail attire, so dress the occasion and get ready for an artistic circus of creativity!

And check out the award-winning "Mud Offerings"!

"Mud Offerings" is the winner of the Jane Chambers Playwrighting Contest 2011!

2011-05-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

"We were struck with the feminist Chicana themes, the theatrical poetry, and the complex storytelling that you wove in this solo play. Kudos! And Thank You for sharing this work. Typically the Contest weights toward plays with more roles for female performers in them, so take it as testament to our vivid, shared excitement about your play that it won. We were compelled by this exquisite short work, so embodied and complex in its sense of character, history, sexuality, place, and religion. We are eager to share it with others (theaters and feminists)."

The JANE CHAMBERS AWARD recognizes feminist plays & performance texts created by women writers that present significant opportunities for female performers. Given in memory of lesbian playwright Jane Chambers, who through her plays such as My Blue Heaven, Last Summer at Bluefish Cove and Kudzu became a major feminist voice in American theater, the Jane Chambers Playwriting Contest welcomes experimentations in form as well as subject matter. Feminism is understood variously, and may cross diverse class, sex, race, national, ethnic, theatrical, and/or geographic perspectives. The Jane Chambers Contest winner receives $500 & a rehearsed reading of the winning play at ATHE’s annual mid-summer conference. First given in 1984, the award is sponsored by the Women and Theater Program (WTP) with generous support from the Association for Theater in Higher Education (ATHE), private donors, and university friends.

Upcoming Performances: The Austin Project Jam Sessions and "Mud Offerings" at the MACC!

2011-04-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

Three Upcoming Performances!

Brand new work at The Austin Project Jam Sessions and Mud Offerings at the Mexican American Cultural Center, as part of A Tribute to Sor Juana.

The Austin Project Jam Sessions

art/activism/scholarship in performance

For the last nine weeks, The Austin Project ensemble members have been meeting for four hours each Sunday for writing, movement and digging for the truth. Please join us for two performances with the 2010-2011 Austin Project Ensemble in which they will tell their truths.

with:

Camille DePrang

Natalie Goodnow

Sruabhi Kukke

Candace Lopez

Nnenna Okeke

Friday April 15 at 8pm - Featuring the Ensemble Performance

University of Texas at Austin

Winship Drama Building 2.180

23rd St and San Jacinto, Austin, TX

Free Admission

Reception following

Saturday April 16 at 2pm - Featuring Individual Performances

Vortex Theater

2307 Manor Road, Austin, TX

Free Admission

A Tribute to Sor Juana
Celebrating the life of one of Mexico's greatest writers, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a 17th century Mexican nun who valued the education of women.

Sor Juana was a celebrated playwright, mathematician and poet in her own time and considered to be the first feminist of the Americas. The Emma S. Barrientos MACC will present two days of film, theatre, music, and visual arts in honor of her legacy, including...

Mud Offerings

Written and performed by Natalie Goodnow

Directed by Dino Foxx and kt shorb

A Chicanita has it out with the Virgen de Guadalupe. This piece is a solo play unraveling the culturally complicated truths, lies and mythologies of women's spirituality and sexuality in contexts of violence and betrayal.

Saturday, April 16 at 5:30 pm
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
600 River Street, Austin, TX
Black Box Theatre
Free Admission

"Mud Offerings" is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

"I was born here." - performance this Thursday in San Antonio!

2011-03-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Please click on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8FmTKFkEhg
to receive an extraordinary video invitation to my next performance at Bihl Haus Arts!

Bihl Haus v. The Alamo

“I was born here,” a multi-media tableau, THURSDAY, MARCH 24^th, 6-9 pm

For the fifth year in a row, Bihl Haus Arts, built from Alamo stone, takes on The Alamo through the arts. In a multi-media tableau, titled “I Was Born Here. Roses are yellow and the Alamo is a blood-tree” produced by Bihl Haus Arts, creator Virginia Grise (2010 Yale Drama Award recipient) re-imagines “Remember El Alma,” Bihl Haus Arts’ crucially acclaimed 2010 Luminaria performance.

The original poem by Barbara Renaud Gonzalez, also titled “Remember El Alma,” forms the cornerstone of “I Was Born Here,” a recurring poignant line in the poem that has been reinterpreted in multiple forms for this event. In a new film, edited by Mirasol Riojas, currently a PhD candidate in film at UCLA, with camerawork by award-winning cinematographer Pocha Pena and art direction by Virginia Grise, 6-year-old Inez Barrera charmingly interprets the poem from a child’s point of view In the live performance at Bihl Haus on March 24^th, an ensemble cast--Marisela Barrera, Monique Cortez, Natalie Goodnow, and Olupero Aiyenimelo—will re-stage the poem to haunting melodies composed and performed live by Rachel Cruz, PhD.

This live production will be set amid a new site-specific installation by Deborah Kuetzpalin Vasquez that features four large-scale painted tapestries depicting goddesses who symbolize the cardinal directions, with which Bihl Haus Arts aligns perfectly. Fresh flowers and fronds will transform the gallery space into a dreamlike world situated beneath a canopy of shimmering metallic-toned branches and boughs.

This all-female production, an official CAM event, also celebrates Women’s History Month. Please arrive at Bihl Haus by 7 pm to enjoy the full performance. A suggested donation of $5 at the door would be greatly appreciated.

Remember the Bihl Haus!

"Mud Offerings" is Best of Fest!

2011-02-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

I was invited to perform "Mud Offerings" at Frontera Fest Short Fringe Best of Fest Wild Card Night!

this Thursday, February 10

8:00 pm

"Tonight is Wild Card night, featuring shows chosen by the FronteraFest staff--our favorites of the shows overlooked by the Short Fringe panelists. This bill plays tonight only."

Thank you FronteraFest!

Hyde Park Theatre

511 West 43rd Street

Austin, Texas 78751

(43rd Street a half-block east of Guadalupe)

Box Office: 512-479-PLAY

www.hydeparktheatre.org

Tickets are still available, and they are going fast!

Buy Tickets Now for Frontera Fest!

2011-01-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

I'm putting la frontera back in Frontera Fest. Come see a new and expanded version of Mud Offerings, January 28th, 2011. Buy your tickets now because they are selling out fast! Can't wait to see you there! In the meantime, I'll be making good, now...

Buy Your Tickets Now for Frontera Fest!

2011-01-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

Putting la frontera in Frontera Fest:

Mud Offerings
written and performed by Natalie Goodnow
directed by Dino Foxx and kt shorb

A Chicanita has it out with the Virgen de Guadalupe. This solo play interrogates the historical and present-day roles played by women who live between cultures, and their relationships with spirituality, sexuality, violence, and betrayal.

FronteraFest

The Short Fringe
Friday, January 28, 2011
8:00 pm
Hyde Park Theatre
511 West 43rd Street
Austin, Texas 78751
(43rd Street a half-block east of Guadalupe)
Box Office: 512-479-PLAY
www.hydeparktheatre.org
www.nataliegoodnow.com

Production Stills!

2010-12-12T21:09:00.000-08:00

from "Mud Offerings," "Eagle Woman Poems," and "Muntu." Photography by Alberto Jimenez.

Also, photos of "Muntu: Reflection in East Austin" installation. Photography by me.

Theatre Action Project Call for Performers

2010-11-18T12:43:00.001-08:00

Call for performers:

CASTING FOR THE COURAGE TO STAND

Theatre Action Project is seeking to cast one actor, male or female, in their touring show, The Courage to Stand, an interactive performance for fourth and fifth graders centered on anti-bullying skills and tolerance. The role involves a large educational component - so actors with teaching experience are highly encouraged to apply. This is a paid position and runs only throughout the school year anywhere between the hours of 7:30am and 2pm.

Please prepare a very brief monologue from a child-appropriate play/book. The character in the touring show plays many roles so variety is encouraged. This person must think quick on their feet, have very good skills in classroom management and facilitation. Also be prepared to read sides from the performance at your audition.

Learn more about this touring show here: http://www.theatreactionproject.org/prog_ip_cts.html

The audition will be held next week Monday, November 22, between the hours of 10:30am and 1:30pm. Please email dustin@theatreactionproject.org to set up an audition time. If this audition time does not work for you please specify in the email and we will try our best to see you.

Cheers,
Dustin Wills
TAP in the Classroom
Theatre Action Project
512-442-8773
www.theatreactionproject.org

"Mud Offerings" hits the road!

2010-10-11T20:23:00.001-07:00

Mud Offerings
A young Chicana argues with the Vírgen de Guadalupe.

written and performed by Natalie Goodnow
directed by kt shorb
with additional direction by Dino Foxx

@ The DYSfunction, Austin, TX

When: Tue, October 12, 7:30pm – 10:30pm

Where: United States Art Authority, 2906 Fruth St. Austin, TX (map)

Description: A two-hour smorgasbord fiesta safari of Austin independent theatre! An event geared to bring a bunch of Austin theatre groups into one room to show their stuff, and to help raise funds for Dystheatre's 2011 production of Sam Shepard's True West. The DYSfunction is a night like no other. Hosted by the inimitable singer/songwriter Southpaw Jones, a dozen theatre companies will each perform a scene related to familial dysfunction.

Doors open at 7:30.
Performances begin at 8pm.
$15 - $25 suggested donation

Featuring: Dystheatre, The Idle Maniacs, The Vestige Group, Loaded Gun Theory, The Austin Originals, Poison Apple Initiative, Gnap! Theater Projects, Sustainable Theatre Project, The Weird Sisters Women's Theater Collective, Shrewd Productions, and more!

There will be a raffle for prizes. You can win ice cream, Flipnotics gift cards, free cuts from Birds Barbershop, and Frontera Fest passes.

Tickets: http://www.dystheatre.com/tickets.html

@ Women at Work, New York, NY

When: Sat, October 30, 3pm – 5pm

Where: Stage Left Studios, 214 West 30th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY (map)

Description:
Cheryl King Productions presents The Women at Work Festival – works by and/or about women
October 2010 at Stage Left Studio, NYC
Cheryl King, Artistic Director

All net proceeds are donated to Friends of Niger, to send girls in Niger to school.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/128343

@ El Mundo Zurdo, San Antonio, TX

When: Fri, November 5, 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Where: Gallista Gallery, 1913 S. Flores Street, San Antonio, TX (map)

Description: "El Mundo Zurdo: An International Conference on Anzaldúan Thought and Art and Performance" Noche de Cultura

The Society for the Study of Gloria Anzaldúa (SSGA) is pleased to announce the second international conference on the work of Chicana feminist Gloria Anzaldúa. Held every 18 months, the SSGA conference is scheduled for November 4-6 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. The 2010 conference theme is Art and Performance. El Mundo Zurdo seeks to provide a place for scholars, students, and community to come together with the intention of engaging in the continued study of Anzaldúa's intellectual and spiritual work.

More: http://www.ssga nzaldua.org/

This project is made possible by Teatro Vivo, the Center for Women and Their Work, the Alma de Mujer Artist in Residence Program, Adelina Anthony’s “Teatro Q,” and Sharon Bridgforth’s “Finding Voice.” It is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

TAP is seeking teaching artists for the elementary after school programs for IMMEDIATE hire!

2010-10-08T09:10:00.001-07:00

TAP is seeking teaching artists for the elementary after school programs for IMMEDIATE hire. We are adding more classes at multiple campuses throughout Austin and the surrounding communities. Teaching Artists will lead after school theatre arts programs for students in grades pre-K through 5th (within the time frame of 2:30-6:00pm) geared toward building community, self confidence, creative expression and an understanding of social issues. We are seeking individuals who align with our mission and are highly creative, energetic, enthusiastic team players. Must have some experience with one or more of the following disciplines: creative drama, puppetry, creative writing, acting, dance, music, improvisation, devised theatre, community-based arts, theatre of the oppressed, film making, visual arts, movement or design. Bilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

We will hold an audition workshop on Tuesday, October 12th from 2:30-6:00pm. You must attend the entire workshop. Teachings positions begin immediately. If you are interested in being considered for the audition workshop please send a resume, cover letter, and an example one-hour lesson plan to sarah@theatreactionproject.org no later than Monday, October 11.

Theatre Action Project Job Posting: Community Relations Manager

2010-10-04T10:15:00.001-07:00

Theatre Action Project (www.theatreactionproject.org) seeks to hire a Community Relations Manager to join our team. The Community Relations Manager implements initiatives that connect TAP to the larger community to both leverage support and raise the organization's profile. Duties include: overseeing our Americorps VISTA program, recruiting and managing volunteers and interns, implementing frequent community events through which TAP engages the community in art activities, and leading all media relations, including social media outlets and press releases. We seek a candidate with enthusiasm, creativity, excellent writing and public speaking skills and 3 years experience in related work. The candidate must be available to work regularly on weekends and evenings. Requirements: Bachelors Degree, an interest and passion for community based arts and youth programming; bilingual a plus.

Start Date: October 18, 2010 Competitive salary, health and dental benefits.

Candidates please send resume, cover letter and 3 references to: karen@theatreactionproject.org. No phone calls, please.

TAP seeks actor-teachers for touring show and teaching artists for afterschool classes!

2010-07-30T09:41:00.001-07:00

Theatre Action Project is seeking to cast two actors/actresses for their touring show, The Heroes/Los Heroes, an interactive musical performance for elementary children centered on conflict-resolution skills and diversity.

We're looking for:
1 bilingual (spanish/english) performer, male or female
1 performer with musical abilities (preferably guitar), male or female

The roles involve a large educational component, so actors with teaching experience are highly encouraged to apply. This is a competitively paid position and runs throughout the entire school year (August - May) Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:30am and 1pm. Please email Dustin at dustin@theatreactionproject.org to set up an audition appointment for August 10 or 11th during the morning hours.

You will be asked to prepare 2 minutes of active, engaging storytelling using a children's book of your choice. We are looking for actors who can use voices, have large, varying physicality and teaching abilities. If you play an intstrument you are highly encouraged to prepare a breif song for the audition.

Find out more about Theatre Action Project at www.theatreactionproject.org

---

Theatre Action Project is seeking a diverse team of experienced teachers on multiple campuses throughout Austin for the following Middle and High School positions:

Devised Theatre
Video Production
Drums (hand)
Dance
Mural Design

Applicants MUST HAVE at least one year of teaching experience, a passion for one of the aforementioned disciplines, and have an interest in working with teenagers. We are seeking individuals who align with our mission and are highly creative, energetic, and enthusiastic team players. This is a part-time position which lasts until the end of May 2011, Many positions are 2 – 4 days a week, 2 hours a day. Classes typically fall between 3:30pm – 6pm Mon. through Thursday. Interviews will be held the week of August 23rd, and you must be available for training the week of August 30th. If you are interested, please send a resume and cover letter to amanda@theatreactionproject.org no later than Thursday, August 19. No phone calls please.

TAP is also seeking teaching artists for the elementary after school programs. We will be adding more classes at multiple campuses throughout Austin and the surrounding communities. Teaching Artists will lead after school theatre arts programs for students in grades pre-K through 5th (within the time frame of 2:00-6:00pm) geared toward building community, self confidence, creative expression and an understanding of social issues. We are seeking individuals who align with our mission and are highly creative, energetic, enthusiastic team players. Must have some experience with one or more of the following disciplines: creative drama, puppetry, creative writing, acting, dance, music, improvisation, devised theatre, community-based arts, theatre of the oppressed, film making, visual arts, movement or design. Bilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Two audition workshops will be held on Wednesday, August 25th from 2:00-5:30pm and 6:00 - 9:00, you only need to attend one of these times. You must be available for training the week of August 30th. If you are interested in being considered for the audition workshop please send a resume and cover letter to amanda@theatreactionproject.org no later than Thursday, August 19. Please indicate your availability for the audition workshops.

GenEnCo presents: Eagle Woman Poems at The VORTEX

2010-07-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

I am afraid of eagle
But keep clutching at her.
Sometimes,
I want to rip this eagle from my neck.
___

Join us for one night only at The VORTEX!
The Generic Ensemble Company presents

Eagle Woman Poems

written and performed byNatalie Goodnow

directed by
kt shorb

an in-progress showing
July 21st, 8 p.m.

The Yard @ The VORTEX (outdoor stage)
$8 suggestion donation, none turned away for lack of funds
___

Eagle Woman Poems navigates the tensions and contradictions that arise for a young, queer, mixed-race Chicana, as she struggles to achieve independence from oppressive legacies of the past and interdependence in every sense - socially, economically, environmentally, politically, and personally. Executed in a surreal domestic landscape, the anthropomorphic character of Eagle Woman straddles the space between reality and myth, attempting rote domestic tasks while communing with ancient goddesses.
___

The Generic Ensemble Company (GenEnCo) makes the invisible visible through bold, socially relevant, body-centered theatre. GenEnCo is a team of artists that devises and produces innovative adaptations and new work. GenEnCo views marginal bodies, experiences, and subject positions as central to the form and content of creating work. As such, they strive to promote, foster, and engage performance, writing, and ideas of/with people of color, queers, gender queers, women, working class people, immigrants, and youth.
___

Use of The VORTEX is made possible through the support of VORTEX Repertory Company.

This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

ATTENTION FRIENDS WHO ARE MUSICIANS!!!

2010-06-17T08:23:00.001-07:00

This Saturday from 10am - noon, Theatre Action Project is having a parade through the farmers market called "Imagination: Gateway to the Future"

This parade involves a large pageant of giant puppets created by elementary students and Aron Taylor, Sachi DeCou, and Ignacio Cruz. Our hope is to have musicians marching with the students to create a loud beautiful sounding parade that is a musical feast for the ears and a sensational spectacle for the eyes.

The parade will look like this:

Students will march from Mellow Johnny's into the parking lot carrying what we call the "Future without Change." It will feature smoke stacks and smog, murky dancing water, a six legged frog and flying traffic jam.... boo! We hope the music would be a cacophonous stream of noise and disturbance.

The students then make their way through the park into the "THINK TANK" here they will reappear from the other side of the tunnel with the "Green Future of Imagination" featuring trees and solar panels and wind powered vehicles and beautiful fish in streams. Each school will perform a song as their parade section travels once again through the market. The music would be very easy to learn and would accompany songs created by the students themselves.

We hope hope hope you would be willing to join us for a fun afternoon in the market, and afterwards, we offer everyone free lunch featuring Tacodeli tacos, lemonade and Fresh farm peaches!

Please email Dustin at dustin@theatreactionproject.org if you would be willing to help make this parade a musical success and he will fill you in on all the details. It would mean a lot to the students, teachers and audience who will be there to enjoy the parade. AND IT WILL BE FUN TOO!

Hope to hear from you soon,
Dustin, Sachi, Ignacio, Aron and bunch of students from various elementary schools

Jop Posting at TAP

2010-06-10T15:49:00.001-07:00

Job Title: Program and Marketing Coordinator, Full-time/Part-time TBD, based upon applicant qualifications

Location: Austin, TX

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience

Benefits: Health and Dental

Theatre Action Project (TAP) is a team of professionally trained artists and educators that works in partnership with schools and communities to lead unique and engaging arts programs which allow young people to learn critical life skills, gain tools for creative expression and have successful experiences that build self-esteem and confidence. www.theatreactionproject.org

We seek to hire an enthusiastic and creative team player to join our staff.

The primary responsibilities of the Program and Marketing Coordinator are to oversee the booking of all TAP in the Classroom and Summer Camp programs. This includes: booking programs at schools, coordinating actor-teacher schedules to coincide with school schedules, developing new relationships with schools and community organizations, cultivating current school and community partner relationships, creating marketing strategies, designing marketing material, managing program budgets.

Minimum of Bachelor's Degree required as well as 2+ years experience in related fields

Required Skills: knowledge and understanding of arts education, proficiency in Microsoft programs, experience using Adobe Creative Suite, strong communication skills

Closing date for applications: July 1, 2010. Position begins July 26, 2010

Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@theatreactionproject.org

No phone calls, please.

2010-05-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

7pm Friday May 21, 2010

Red Salmon Arts presents Café Libro, a bi-monthly open mike series,

featuring Saray Rosales.

Saray Rosales is a performer and poet born and raised in East Austin and is a founding member of GenEnCo, The Generic Ensemble Company. She studied writing and performance with raulsalinas, Adelina Anthony, has worked with Virginia Grise and Barbara Renaud Gonzalez and recently shared the stage with Harryette Mullen, Abe Louise Young, Peggy Shumaker and Naomi Shihab Nye at The Round Top Poetry Festival.

Saray is also a former Save Our Youth (SOY) artist from Johnston High School.

Hosted by Carole Metellus.

We invite poet/artistas to come share/enjoy the cantos & cuentos of emerging & established writers/musicians.

CHECK US OUT @ salmonrojo.tumblr.com

Resistencia Bookstore, casa de Red Salmon Arts

1801-A South First St., Austin, Tejas 512-416-8885

Red Salmon Arts is funded & supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division & by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts &

an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Theatre Action Project Youth Arts Festival

2010-05-17T11:24:00.001-07:00

Please contact us with any questions at the email address or phone number listed below.

You're invited to the
3rd Annual
Youth Arts Festival
featuring youth from
Theatre Action Project
Middle and High School Programs

Saturday, May 22
2:00pm
FREE and open to the public
The Boyd Vance Theatre at the Carver Museum
1165 Angelina Street Austin, TX 78702

Theatre, Dance, Visual Art, Film, and Music

by youth artists from:

Bedichek Middle School, AISD

Decker Middle School, Manor ISD

Fulmore Middle School, Manor ISD

Manor High School, Manor ISD

Manor Middle School, Manor ISD

Manor New Tech High School, Manor ISD

Mendez Middle School, AISD

Ojeda Middle School, Del Valle ISD

and

The Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble

and special guests: The Austin Community Steel Band

701 Tillery At. Box 9
Austin, TX
78702
512.442.8773

Our website:
www.theatreactionproject.org
Our blog:
http://tapstories.blogspot.com/
Our online photo archive:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/theatreactionproject/collections/

GenEnCo at Round Top!

2010-05-03T11:40:00.001-07:00

with poets Haryette Mullen, Abe Louise Young, Peggy Shumaker, and Naomi Shihab Nye

See the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from generic ensemble company

GenEnCo at the Roxy! I'm performing at our fundraiser on May 8!

2010-04-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

GenEnCo at the Roxy: One Night Only!

May 8th, 2010

7:30 PM

Join us for an evening of poetry, music, performance, good food, and great company!

Performers include:

Abe Louise Young
Celeste Guzman Mendoza

and GenEnCo's own

Kelly Marshall and Natalie Goodnow

A silent auction will also take place, with the opportunity to bid in beautiful original visual art, yoga and massage gift certificates, restaurant gift certificates, and much more!

The proceeds of this event will go to GenEnCo, allowing us to attend the Pedagogy of the Oppressed Conference.

What's that, you say?

"PTO is a not-for-profit organization with the following mission: To challenge oppressive systems by promoting critical thinking and social justice. We organize an annual meeting that focuses on the work of liberatory educators, activists, and artists; and community organizers. Using pedagogy and theatre, they each worked with oppressed peoples of the world to develop critical literacies and actions to overcome social systems of oppression." -- from http://www.ptoweb.org/about.html

This event will take place at

The Roxy
1409 S Redondo Dr,
Austin TX, 78721

We'll see you there!

If you know you won't make it, but still want to support GenEnCo, please donate here.

Connect with GenEnCo
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

The Austin Project Jam Sessions - I'm performing!

2010-04-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Austin Project Jam Sessions

The Austin Project brings a group of women scholars, artists and activists of color and our allies together for a 11 week process. We meet for 4 hours on Sundays. The process walks participants through a process of uncovering and articulating the personal: identity-culture-memory-family herstories-aspirations/for the purpose of discovering and strengthening their writing voice and style. At the end of the process the group shares their work in a public presentation.

Ensemble Work
23 April 2010
8:00 p.m.
Winship Drama Building, room 2.180
University of Texas
23rd and San Jacinto
Austin, TX
Reception Following

Solo Work
24 April 2010
4:00 p.m.
Vortex Cafe
2307 Manor
Austin, TX

Men Rally for Change this Saturday!

2010-04-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

Men Rally for Change

This Saturday!
April 10th - 9:30 am
The Mexican American Cultural Center
600 River St | Austin, TX 78701

Men Rally For Change is a collaboration of men, women and youth speaking out
against sexual and domestic violence, while speaking up for safe communities
and healthy relationships. Under the umbrella of SafePlace's Expect Respect
program, Men Rally For Change engages school and community partners in an
annual rally featuring lively speakers and outstanding performers and works
throughout the year to strengthen men's involvement in ending violence
against women.

Men Rally For Change is a product of the community, and the Expect Respect
program at SafePlace. The Expect Respect program engages youth and adults
in building healthy relationships and preventing dating abuse and sexual
violence. The Expect Respect team provides support groups in local schools,
youth leadership training, and educational programs, and partners with
school and community organizations to prevent dating abuse before it
starts.

Men Rally For Change.
Know it.
Feel it.
Breathe it.
Be it.
It's time to craft a new anthem. Men Rally For Change.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Performers:

* DJ Chorizo Funk
* P.U.B.L.I.C. O.F.F.E.N.D.E.R.S.
* Zell Miller, III Interdisciplinary Artist
* Reagan "Soul Raiders" High School Marching Band

Speakers:

* Ted Rutherford, Founder - Responsible Men
* Emiliano Diaz de Leon, TAASA Primary Prevention Specialist
* Eric Wheeler, Survivor/Anti-Violence Advocate

ALL GENDERS, AGES, AND ABILITIES WELCOME!

PLEASE FORWARD!
------------------------------

---------------------------

FOLLOWING THE MARCH:

Pull up your tube socks and get your sweatbands ready!

Join us for the 2010 SafePlace Field Day & Festival
<http://www.safeplace.org//page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.SafePlaceFieldDay.org&srcid=1527&srctid=1&erid=206972>

Saturday, April 10th • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fiesta Gardens Park
2101 Jesse E. Segovia, Austin, TX 78702
General Admission: $ 5 OR 3 cans of food per person. Kids 12 & under get
in Free!

View our 2010 SafePlace Field Day & Festival video on YouTube!
<http://www.safeplace.org//page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3d1k8jkuk_8ac&srcid=1527&srctid=1&erid=206972>

Family Fun

Friendly Competition

Fundraising

Bring the entire family and join in the
fun at the SafePlace Field Day &
Festival.
• Crafts, games and prizes for
all ages
• Bouncing Castle, Art Projects,
Face Painting and more
• Bark 'n Play Dog Area
• Local food vendors
• Music and performances

Come see the Relay Teams compete
in ridiculous relays
<http://www.safeplace.org//page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.safeplace.org%2fPage.aspx%3fpid%3d514&srcid=1527&srctid=1&erid=206972>
creating a
spectacle for all to enjoy!
• Head Ball
• Dizzy Bat Race
• Wacky Dress Up Race
• Pillow Case Race
• Hula Hoop Roll Relay
• Slippery Water Balloon Toss
• Final Relay - Obstacle Course!

The SafePlace Field Day & Festival
raises funds to support cost-free
programs and services for those
affected by sexual and domestic
violence. There are several ways to
show your support:
• Make a donation to the event
<http://www.safeplace.org//page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.safeplace.org%2fSSLPage.aspx%3fpid%3d501%26tab%3d3&srcid=1527&srctid=1&erid=206972>
• Support a Team or Participant
<http://www.safeplace.org//page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.safeplace.org%2fSSLPage.aspx%3fpid%3d501%26tab%3d1&srcid=1527&srctid=1&erid=206972>
• Build or join a Fundraising Team
<http://www.safeplace.org//page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.safeplace.org%2fPage.aspx%3fpid%3d504&srcid=1527&srctid=1&erid=206972>

Interested in volunteering for the event? Visit our Volunteer
<http://www.safeplace.org//page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.safeplace.org%2ffielddayvolunteer&srcid=1527&srctid=1&erid=206972>
page and sign up today!
For General Inquiry or Press and Media,
please call the SafePlace Event Line at 512.481.9255 or visit the Field Day &
Festival Contacts
<http://www.safeplace.org//page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.safeplace.org%2ffielddaycontacts&srcid=1527&srctid=1&erid=206972>
page.
All proceeds from this event go to support SafePlace

GenEnCo at Conjure

2010-03-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

CONJURE: Calling up the Spirit of Struggle, Resistance, & Liberation

9 pm Saturday March 27, 2010

Resistencia Books, 1801 South 1st Street Austin, TX 78704-4255

We invite you to a forum for progressive artist/activists: a series of experiments in jazz music, spoken word, and dance.

This session will feature:

kt shorb and the Generic Ensemble Company

& black improvisational music by 3Collective

$5 dollar suggested donation.

Rooted in the tradition of improvisation, revolution, and blues, Conjure is a sovereign site for artistic/exploratory/spiritual collaboration, expression, and rejuvenation. Each jam session will highlight the “Afrological improvised music” of the 3Collective along with a featured spoken word performer, dancer, and filmmaker inspired by the jazz aesthetic.

Co-sponsored by the UT Austin Community Engagement Center, John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies, and the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies.

*Part of the proceeds will go to support GenEnCo*

Generic Ensemble Company (GenEnCo) Mission & Vision

GenEnCo is a team of artists that devises and produces innovative adaptations and new work. GenEnCo views marginal bodies, experiences and subject positions as central to the form and content of creating work. As such we strive to promote, foster, and engage performance, writing and ideas of/with people of color, queers, gender queers, women, working class people, immigrants and youth.

GenEnCo trains together regularly in Suzuki Actor Training and Viewpoints, and uses Theatre of the Oppressed as a main system for creativity and political engagement. We believe these combined systems are integral to strengthening ensemble cohesion and solidarity.

GenEnCo creates work in dialogue, both within the company and with the community in which it works, treating performance as a critical intervention for change in our local and global communities.

k. terumi (kt) shorb is a director, performer, and writer. She has trained in Suzuki Actor Training and Viewpoints with the SITI Company and Zen Zen Zo. She is founder and Artistic Director of GenEnCo, for which she recently directed the critically acclaimed play, Stuck on Gee-Dot. She was a founding member of Stamp Lab, winner of the 2008 ArtSpark Festival and the 2009 FronteraFest “Best of Fest.” She was shortlisted for the Fish Publications Short Story Prize and has been anthologized in multiple publications. She has performed in multiple original plays, drag shows, instructional videos and short films.

a salmon rojo production.

Remember el Alma tomorrow!

2010-03-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

remember el alma
part of this year's Luminaria Festival

Where & When
March 13, 2010 at 9.30pm
The performance is part of the San Antonio Luminaria 2010
and is scheduled to take place at the Hemisfair Plaza
On the wall of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
(Across from the Instituto Cultural Mexicano)
and will last twenty minutes.

Remember el Alma (Remember your Soul) is an on-site performance, directed by, written by, and performed by women. A mosaic of original prose, movement, song, and live projection--the performance transforms the Alamo from a monument to war to one of peace. Featuring Olupero R. Aiyenimelo, Marisela Barrera, Rachel Cruz, Monique Cortez, Natalie Goodnow, and Saray Rosales who will be accompanied by nearly a hundred women.

Original text by Barbara Renaud Gonzalez, adapted for performance and directed by Virginia Grise. Alma volunteer performers directed by Florinda Bryant. With video design by E.M. Gimenez and dramaturgy by Jen Marguiles. Produced by Kellen McIntyre, Exec. Director, Bihl Haus Arts.

Read about it in the Current and the Express-News.

GRACIAS

"Remember El Alma," produced by Bihl Haus Arts, is supported in part by the San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, seed money from Austin Script Works and the Playwrights Center's Jerome Fellowship. Special thanks to the Luminaria Committee for selecting this project, and to Henry Brun and his crew for their technical expertise and support.

Bihl Haus Arts is a not-for-profit contemporary art gallery located on the premises of Primrose at Monticello Park Senior Apartments, an affordable housing community.

The gallery, open Fridays and Saturdays, 1-4 pm, is made possible with the generous support of The Potashnik Family Foundation and Primrose.

Bihl Haus
2803 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX

site-specific performance in San Antonio March 13!!

2010-02-16T06:41:00.001-08:00

"In this millenium, it's time for women to transform the Alamo into a monument to peace, a wailing wall, a place of truth-telling and reconciliation, if we are serious about ending war." -Barbara Renaud Gonzalez

Remember el Alma (Remember your Soul) is a site-specific performance written, directed and performed by women exploring the legacy of colonization and war, collective grief and acts of public healing.

Original Text by Barbara Renaud Gonzalez
Directed by Virginia Grise
Alma Volunteer Performers Directed by Florinda Bryant
Dramaturgy by Jen Margulies
Video Design by E.M. Gimenez
Produced by Kellen McIntyre, Exec. Director, Bihl Haus Arts

Olupero R. Aiyenimelo, Marisela Barrera, Rachel Cruz, Monique Cortez, Natalie Goodnow, and Saray Rosales will perform in the nichos of the wall in front of the HBG Center and will be accompanied by over 100 volunteer women performers. The performance is part of the San Antonio Luminaria 2010 and is scheduled to take place March 13, 2010 at 9.30pm, at the Hemisfair Plaza, on the wall of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (across from the Instituto Cultural Mexicano).

* If you would like to donate to the Bihl Haus and this project directly click here.
* If you are interested in volunteering or helping with the event please contact Vicki Grise at vgrise@gmail.com.

Remember el Alma was developed with support from the San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, the Playwrights' Center's Jerome Fellowship Program, Minneapolis, Minnesota and with seed money from Austin Script Works.

upcoming performance, March 6!

2010-02-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

7pm Friday March 5, 2010

Red Salmon Arts presents Café Libro, a bi-monthly open mike series, featuring

Mujeres de PODER
Celebrating International Women's Day

with guest artist Natalie Goodnow and the women of PODER: Susana Almanza (Co-Director), Erika Gonzalez (Co-Director), Carmen Llanes (Natural Resources Coordinator/Organizer), Nancy Flores (Volunteer), and Corazon Renteria (Board Member) with guest host PODER Board Chair & community elder Janie Rangel.

We invite poet/artistas to come share/enjoy the cantos & cuentos of emerging & established writers/musicians.

Resistencia Bookstore
1801-A South First St.
Austin, TX 78704

I'm performing excerpts from "Mud" this Sunday at 7!

2010-02-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

Ipecacuana: QPOC Monologues
February 20-21, 2010. Austin Java, 12th and Lamar. 7pm

Diatribes and discourse, poems and prose, confessions and creaciones, performances by and for queer people of color.
$5-$8 dollar donation strongly encouraged.

Remember el Alma seeking volunteer performers!

2010-02-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Looking for Community Members to Participate
in a Performance
as part of this year's Luminaria Festival

Where & When
March 13, 2010 at 9.30pm
The performance is part of the San Antonio Luminaria 2010
and is scheduled to take place at the Hemisfair Plaza
On the wall of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
(Across from the Instituto Cultural Mexicano)
and will last twenty minutes.

REMEMBER
EL ALMA

The women didn't fight at the Alamo, but they are the true heroines of that battle. They had to survive without husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and lovers. What happened to them? How do women survive war?

"In this millenium, it's time for women to transform the Alamo into a monument to peace, a wailing wall, a place of truth-telling and reconciliation, if we are serious about ending war." -Barbara Renaud Gonzalez

Remember el Alma (Remember your Soul)...an on-site performance, directed by, written by, and performed by women, is produced by Kellen McIntyre, Exec. Director, Bihl Haus Arts, Directed by Virginia Grise, with original text by Barbara Renaud Gonzalez, video design by E.M. Gimenez.

Olupero R. Aiyenimelo Marisela Barrera, Rachel Cruz, Monique Cortez, Natalie Goodnow, and Saray Rosales will perform in the nichos of the wall and will be accompanied by over 100 women.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We are looking for 17 women who will act as volunteer performers or Almas the night of March 13th.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
-Recruit 10 women to join you on March 13th. A total of 189 women will be part of the performance that night.
-Attend ONE informational meeting/rehearsal on March 6th (from 3pm-7pm) OR March 7th (from 11am-3pm) at the Bihl Haus (2803 Fredericksburg Rd.)
-Contact Vicki Grise at vgrise@gmail.com or 661.312.1285 to let her know you are interested and to get more details.

Bihl Haus
2803 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX

Theatre Action Project's looking for more teaching artists!

2010-02-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Theatre Action Project is a team of professionally trained artists and educators that works in partnership with schools and communities to lead unique and engaging arts programs which allow young people to learn critical life skills, gain tools for creative expression and have successful experiences that build self-esteem and confidence.

We are seeking to hire:
TEACHING ARTISTS to lead after school theatre arts programs for students in grades K through 5th, within the time frame of 2:30-6:00pm, (and I happen to know we're also looking for some 6th through 12th teaching artists too) geared toward building community, self confidence, creative expression and an understanding of social issues. We are seeking individuals who align with our mission and are highly creative, energetic, enthusiastic team players. Must have some experience with one or more of the following disciplines: creative drama, puppetry, creative writing, acting, dance, music, improvisation, devised theatre, community-based arts, theatre of the oppressed, film making, visual arts, movement or design. Part-time positions are available and begin on February 22. Many new classes are with Del Valle ISD after school programs. We also have substitute teaching artist positions available.

IF HIRED, ALL TEACHING ARTISTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND TRAINING ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:
Wednesday February 17 from 2pm-6pm
Thursday February 18 from 2pm-6pm

AUDITIONS FOR TEACHING ARTISTS will be held February 12th from 1:00-6:00pm, location TBD. Applicants must be able to attend the entire audition workshop.

***IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING, or would like more information, please send your resume and short statement of interest to: sarah@theatreactionproject.org after which you will receive more information about the audition process. Resumes must be received by noon on Feb 11th. To learn more about Theatre Action Project, please look at our website: www.theatreactionproject.org

hey poets..

2010-02-03T09:23:00.001-08:00

PLEASE FORWARD TO THE POETS AND
POETRY LOVERS IN YOUR LIFE...

A I P F . 2 0 1 0

*********************************************************

:::::::REMINDER::::::::

Anthology
Submission DEADLINES Approaching for:
The 18th annual Austin International Poetry Festival,
April 15-18th, 2010 Austin, TX

DEADLINE for ADULT submissions is February 10th.
DEADLINE for YOUTH submissions was February 1st.

See below for more information about AIPF.

***********************************************************

ABOUT:
The 18th annual Austin International Poetry Festival (AIPF) will be
held April 15th through 18th, 2010. AIPF is a four-day, city-wide
celebration of poetry and poets of every age and every kind. Over a
dozen poetry readings, 8 open mics, 6 workshops, 3 poetry slams, 2
anthology readings and a poetry all-nighter will be held at local
coffeeshops, bookstores, theaters, gardens and historical sites
throughout beautiful downtown Austin, Texas. Over 20 featured
international and national poets will be in attendance, stage and
page-poets alike, reading alongside over 150 registered AIPF poets. All
events, including open-mics and children/youth readings and workshops,
are free and open to the public. Registration is required only for adult
participants. 2010 AIPF Headquarters will be Ruta Maya Coffeehouse.

SUPPORT:
AIPF is made possible by the generous support of the City of
Austin*, the volunteer board of non-profit Austin Poets International,
local business sponsors, literary partners, private donors, and the
dedication of dozens of poetry-loving volunteers just like you. Join
the celebration! Email , or call/text
(512)731-5907 to find out how you, your business, or your organization
can get involved with AIPF. We thank you for your support!

ANTHOLOGY COMPETITIONS:
Adult poets (18+) who wish to submit poems for the annual Adult
Anthology Competition must register on our website before February 10th,
2010. Youth (under 18) wishing to submit poetry for the annual Youth
Anthology Competition submit through the mail and can learn more on the
AIPF website (http://www.aipf.org/html/youth.php). Email the youth
editor for more details (aipfya@sbcglobal.net).

REGISTRATION:
Registration occurs through the AIPF website (www.aipf.org), and is
required only for adult poets wishing to submit poetry to the yearly
anthology competition, participate in formal workshops, and perform at
local venue readings. Early registration (before March 12th, 2010) is
$30, and late registration (through April 17th, 2010) is $50. Adult
poets who register early will have their biographies listed in the
annual program. Registration webpage:
http://www.aipf.org/html/regPlain.php

QUESTIONS:
Please visit the website, www.aipf.org, or contact the director
(aipfdirector@gmail.com or 512.731.5907) for more information.
You can also find AIPF on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and LinkedIn! Our
mailing address is: Austin International Poetry Festival, PO Box 26455,
Austin, TX 78755

ONE LAST THING:
We are a word-of-mouth festival, and if you have read to this
point, you must be an ambassador to poetry. Help us spread the news of
this incredible celebration. Please take a moment to forward this email
to any contacts or groups who are friends to poetry (neighbor, relative,
student, coworker, teacher, mailman, dentist, in-law, poetry
organization... you get the picture.) At AIPF, we believe every voice
adds to the celebration. Thank you!

LOVE,
AIPF

*AIPF is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the
Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the
Arts and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which
believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Our show, Stuck on Gee-Dot, opens oh so soon!

2010-01-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Stuck on Gee-Dot: A site-specific, devised play by The Generic Ensemble Company

Directed by kt shorb
Additional Direction by Natalie Goodnow
With Saray Rosales, La'arni Ayuma and Natalie Goodnow
Dramaturgy by Kimberly Alidio
Design by Camille DePrang
Stage Managing and Event Logistics by Kai Bumpus

DeeDee and GohGoh’s ride needs fixin’. Who knew you could find a good mechanic at a surprise party? They just have to wait for her to show up.

An all-women-of-color adaptation of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." Set in a deserted house, DeeDee and GohGoh are two queer youth who are waiting for Gee-Dot, She Who Fixes Things.

shorb, Goodnow, and Rosales are recipients of the 2009 FronteraFest "Best of Fest" for their work in the short play, "T.A.G." by Stamp Lab: A Performance Group. This is the premier work of the Generic Ensemble Company, a new theatre group that foregrounds marginal bodies in performance.

To make your reservations for Stuck on Gee-Dot, visit http://genericensemblecompany.blogspot.com.

Friday Jan 22
Saturday Jan 23
Sunday Jan 24
Thursday Jan 28 (Pay what you can)
Friday Jan 29
Saturday Jan 30

All Shows are $10.

The Lemon Peel Lounge is a private residence so seating is limited to 15 people per performance.

Any questions should be directed to: genericensemblecompany@gmail.com

Reflections from Residency at Alma de Mujer

2010-01-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

I can’t imagine a better place for me to work than Alma de Mujer. As a local artist based in Austin, Texas, I am lucky in that my residency was not the first or only occasion when I had spent time with Alma. I have attended artist retreats and workshops, volunteered at the 2009 Women’s Activist Gathering, taught at Alma’s youth summer camp, amongst other more informal visits to colleagues and friends. From my first trip to Alma, however, I was hungry for an uninterrupted stretch of time with the land. I awaited my residency with great anticipation.

I am a theatre artist, educator, and cultural activist who specializes in the creation of original works for the stage, with/for both youth and adults, individually and in ensemble. My current writing as a solo performer, the beginnings of a one-woman play that I am currently calling “Mud: offerings to the Guadalupana,” is a conversation between Latina/Chicana/indigenous women and their bodies, and with the historical legacies of colonialism, patriarchy, and all the messiness of mestizaje as represented in the figure of the Vírgen de Guadalupe. It is also a conversation about and between the elements of Earth and Water, and how female bodies, particularly female bodies of color, have been constructed as particularly tied to or like these elements in the Western mind; in patriarchal discourse, these constructions have been utilized as tools with which to convince women of their weakness and inferiority. In “Mud,” I subvert these myths, searching for hidden sources of power within them.

In short, my writing is activism. I am (re)writing myths to compete with those that have, for too long, dominated and wounded our psyches as women of color. I am calling on the diosas of Earth and Water whose names and powers were once widely known, but now largely forgotten in much of the world, to help me in doing so.

Much of this writing was born at Alma de Mujer, even before my residency, in Adelina Anthony’s Teatro Q, and also in late nights, sitting on the front porch of the main lodge, mulling over the day’s conversations with students, artistas, activistas, and the land. It was during my residency, however, that I was able to clear enough space in my consciousness to make sense of what I had been writing, to begin placing scraps of ideas together into what is now the first draft of my play.

When I was teaching at one of Alma de Mujer’s youth summer camps, I began the practice of starting each day at Alma by visiting the Madre del Mundo, one of Marsha Gomez’ famous sculptures, honored in a meditation grove overlooking the water. I continued this practice during my residency. My daily walk to the Madre was meditation, my body settling into itself, coming alive once more.

I breathe in the day. I notice. The air is cold. The familiar green hillsides, cradling this land, are now spotted with orange-brown-gold. Fog rolls in, sweeps over us. My forever faithful writing companion, my dog, runs in leaps and bounds to greet the day. I smile at her movement, seek stillness.

I kneel at the Madre’s feet. I offer her a sip of tea, a bit of my breakfast, whatever’s mine is hers. I lift my chin to meet her gaze. She looks angrier today. Or perhaps just more resolute. I beg for her patience with me. To guide my research, send my eyes to the pages that will best feed my soul, ignite my imagination. To force closed the piles of open books when they become my crutch, when I ought to be guerrera struggling with pen in hand, trusting my own intuition. Trusting that I am a vessel for words that She has been waiting to say. “Madre, help me stay out of my own way,” I say.

Gazing at the Madre, I am always acutely aware of the legacy that she represents, of all the brave women and men, stewards of this land, who have come before me and made my time here possible. Today it is me who enjoys the fruits of their labor. Tomorrow I will return to the land, and work to make others’ time here possible. I am part of Her family now.

But today, I forget all other commitments, obligations, traffic lights, phone calls, hurried emails, sprinting from performance to meeting to class to rehearsal to bed, struggling to scrawl notes about tears, blood, water, mud; a voice, a rhythm, a rhyme that won’t let me be; in the margins of my lesson plans, hidden in my meeting minutes, post-its tucked away in the corners of my desk. Today, I smudge my studio. My studio. Light a candle to the Vírgen. I sit. I write. Without guilt or shame. This is what I am here to do. Have been called, chosen to do. The voices of ancestors and comadres breathe through me, as wind-ehecatl ripples through the grasses on the far side of the field.

“Madre, help me stay out of my own way.”

I am humbled, and so grateful to have been selected as an Artist in Residence at Alma de Mujer. As a young artist working in the margins of what is mainstream theatre, my residency was an invaluable opportunity not only to practice my craft, but also to establish my reputation as an artist. It is challenging for those of us working on the fringes, activistas, to establish legitimacy, and to do so in contexts that support rather than suppress our vision. I thank Alma and all of her familia for making this possible.

Theatre Action Project Seeks Teaching Artists for Spring Semester

2009-12-08T11:48:00.001-08:00

Our Middle and High School Program is seeking a diverse team of
experienced teachers for the following positions:

Devised Theatre
Video Production
Drums (hand)
Dance
Mural Design
Costume Design

Applicants must have an interest in working with middle and high
school youth and have experience teaching or facilitating. We are
seeking individuals who align with our mission and are highly
creative, energetic, and enthusiastic team players. This is a
part-time, contract position which lasts until the end of May, with
the possibility of renewal for the ’10 – ’11 school year. Most of
these positions are 1.5 hours a day, 2 - 4 days a week for the Spring
Semester. Please send resumes and cover letters to
amanda@theatreactionproject.org by Friday. December 11. No phone
calls please.

TAP is also seeking teaching artists for the elementary after school
programs. We will be adding more classes at multiple campuses
throughout Austin and the surrounding communities. Teaching Artists
will lead after school theatre arts programs for students in grades
pre-K through 5th (within the time frame of 2:00-6:00pm) geared toward
building community, self confidence, creative expression and an
understanding of social issues. We are seeking individuals who align
with our mission and are highly creative, energetic, enthusiastic team
players. Must have some experience with one or more of the following
disciplines: creative drama, puppetry, creative writing, acting,
dance, music, improvisation, devised theatre, community-based arts,
theatre of the oppressed, film making, visual arts, movement or
design. Bilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Two audition workshops will be held on Tuesday, Dec 15 from 6:00-9:00
PM and Wednesday, Dec 16 from 3:00-6:00 PM. If you are interested in
being considered for either of the audition workshops, please send a
resume and letter of interest to Sarah Rinner at
sarah@theatreactionproject.org. Please indicate your availability for
the audition workshops. Resumes must be received by Friday, Dec 11th.

For more information about Theatre Action Project, please see our
website: www.theatreactionproject.org

Donate White Fabric to Local Theatre!

2009-12-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

As you clean out your closets to make way for the new year, give put your neglected white fabric to use!

The Generic Ensemble Company (kt shorb, Natalie Goodnow, Kimberly Alidio, La'arni Ayuma, Kai Bumpus, Camille DePrang, and Saray Rosales) seeks donations of white fabric for use as set material in our upcoming devised work, "Waiting for Gee-Dot," set to premiere in January 2010. Any fabric, so long as it is a shade of solid white and larger than one square yard will be greatly appreciated. Old sheets work well. Donations will be acknowledged in the program. To schedule a pick up, please contact kt shorb (ktshorb@hotmail.com) or Camille DePrang (cdeprang@gmail.com). Thank you for supporting local, cutting-edge theatre and performance art. Mister Beckett won't be pleased.

Love,
GenEnCo

Noche de Esperanza

2009-12-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

I'll be there representing Theatre Action Project and Kalpulli Teokalli Teoyolol.
You should be there too!

halfway through my residency at Alma de Mujer...

2009-11-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

Left by the comadre who stayed in my cabin before me:

The studio, Tues AM:

A walk:

Tues PM:

Wed:

spread the word! LGBT Youth of Color Organizing Summit

2009-10-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

/// Apply by Friday | 2010 LGBT Youth of Color Organizing Summit
Hey Folks,
This is your final reminder to get your applications in for the 2010 LGBTQ Youth of Color Organizing Summit at Creating Change!

See below for more information and for a link to the application.

What is it?
FIERCE, a lgbtq youth of color grassroots organization based in NYC, will host a day-long organizing summit at the Creating Change Conference in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday February 3, 2010. The summit will build the grassroots skills of LGBTQ youth of color who increasingly face homelessness, lack of safe public space, and violence. You will experience a fabulous interactive training space that covers organizing skills and strategies for how to build the political power of LGBTQ youth of color in the movement. If you are looking to sharpen your organizing skills or want to learn from the experiences of other LGBTQ youth doing grassroots organizing, this is the space for you.
Why a Summit?

* There is a gap in youth leadership in the LGBTQ movement. We want to be part of changing that.
* LGBTQ youth of color are facing increasing rates of homelessness and violence.
* There are not many resources available for LGBTQ youth of color to strengthen their grassroots organizing skills and build political power. We hope to share our model and the lessons we have learned.
* We think its important to share our curriculum, experiences, and strategies with each other so that we can be more effective in our work towards social justice.

What workshops and facilitated discussions should you expect at the summit?

* skills to build your membership base
* skills to plan a winnable campaign
* building, exercising, and sustaining power: FIERCE's Organizing Model
* creating a strategic vision for the future of LGBTQ Youth Organizing
* youth organizing: lessons from the field
* developing networks with other LGBTQ youth organizers

APPLY NOW

The deadline for all applications has been extended to October 30th.
Read On...

a snippet of a bigger, collaborative essay in progress: Natalie's work in the Arts, Culture, Nature Think Tank

2009-10-04T23:50:00.001-07:00

In May 2009, a number of arts/ecology/performance practitioners came together during the Earth Matters on Stage Festival in Eugene, Oregon, and engaged in practice-based research with one another. The organizers (Petra Kuppers and Molly Hacker) aimed to create an open space to investigate arts-based methodologies and analyses of process in relation to eco-arts. We invited (through an application process) artists and scholars who were interested in sharing inventive methods in the field of performance and eco arts. We had asked for applications from dancers, dramatists, poets, musicians, visual/performance artists, sculptors, community artists, theorists and multimedia artists to apply to our mini-think tank. The selected fellows were going to run mini-workshops for their peers. This would be a place to do, play and be, not (only) to tell. In this constructed essay, woven out of statements provided by the fellows and by observations and notes posted on a wiki following our symposium experiences, we share what happened. Some of these sharings describe the workshop, some describe the processes activated by them. There is no linear path here, no single set of guiding questions. Instead, we offer glimpses into an intentional, small and momentary community in creative practice with each other and the world.

Natalie Marlena Goodnow

In my practice as a playwright of solo, autobiographical work, I have sought to reforge, reinvent, re-member our relationships to the Earth through the practice of mindfulness. I once heard poet Naomi Shihab Nye profess that if we were all poets, there would be no war. "Poetry is the art of noticing," she said. A poet notices the glory and wonder and miraculousness of a snowflake, a blade of grass; and what if we learned to see one another with this sort of wonder? That wonder, noticing, is mindfulness. (And I must credit Thich Nhat Hanh, from whom I learned the term in his The Miracle of Mindfulness.) Two years ago, I began to wonder... perhaps if everyone in my city, Austin, Texas, viewed our natural world, and each other, with increased mindfulness, we could build new relationships with nature and with one another; and through those new relationships, perhaps we could learn to halt our own local versions of war, of destruction. In our case, the destruction that was heavy on my mind was the clearing of our urban forest, and the forced dislocation of people of color through gentrification.

And so, I began to take walks through my neighborhood park, and with a little help from my digital camera, made time stand still. Through close ups, unusual angles of the trees I that had seen many times before, but had failed to view in the spirit of mindfulness, I began to learn new lessons from those trees. In the shapes of roots, trunks, and branches, I constructed metaphors for my own experience, a mythology which helped me to make sense of my own relationships to the communities of color in Austin, in the context of my multiracial heritage. In my solo play Muntu: a word that means tree and person, I shared those lessons with Austin audiences, and hoped that my performance of the moments of mindfulness that I had experienced might inspire others. I am happy to report that audience responses indicate that for many, they did.

However, I am not only a playwright and a performer, I am also a teaching artist, and in the Arts, Culture, Nature Think Tank, I experimented with methods with which I might further bridge my artistic and my teaching practices. Could I not only teach audiences through my own writing and performance, but also teach others to write and perform as I had? Where could I start? How could I begin to share such a personal journey, and one that I did not yet fully understand, or even know how to articulate?

"Why not let others begin as I did," I thought. I asked think tank participants to head outside, take a camera, and take pictures. Next, they were to pick their favorite image, and communicate their experience of that image to another group member, through words and/or gestures. Simple. An application of Occam's razor? I hoped so.

I encouraged participants to play in the spirit of Audre Lorde's eroticism, allowing themselves to be seduced by sights, sounds, smells. I encouraged them to explore new and unusual perspectives, and to then take photos of whatever it was that fascinated them. I shared little of how exactly this process had fit into my own practice as a playwright, or of how exactly I hoped to adapt that practice in the classroom; I was curious to find out what others would experience without my framing the exercise in my own context.

And what did others experience? For some, it was frustration with an unfamiliar camera, confusion; for others, even boredom, a desire for a more nuanced task. One participant drew a flower, her "favorite creation of the conference," she said. Another reunited with an old friend, a tree which had been his refuge when he attended school on that same college campus, years ago.

And what does this mean for my practice? Invest in good cameras and in the time to teach students how to use them, or don't bother with them at all; tailor my instructions to the population with whom I am working - some will be happy to wander with a camera, others will need more structure, others, a more complex challenge; and keep working on this. I am on to something here, I know now. Something big, even if it does start simply, and small. This was the greatest gift I received from participating not only in our think tank but in the entire EMOS conference, the sense that my work was a part of something much larger and more important than I had previously realized. On the brink of environmental catastrophe, our world is hungry for ways to connect, to reconnect, with the Earth. We need new languages, new myths, new ways to make meaning out of our relationships with the non-human world, and thankfully, in a world scarred by the wounds of war of all kinds, those new systems of making meaning will requires changes in the way we understand and interact with one another as well. And what better way of building these new ways of making meaning (or not? "The irreparable?") than through performance, an embodied practice, in a culture that has punished, denied, ignored the body and the Earth it connects us to for too long. I will keep working, keep writing, and keep learning (so as) to teach; and all in mindfulness.

musings - teaching, Teatro Q

2009-09-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

I've just emerged from my first week of afterschool classes at T.A. Brown Elementary, and a series of evening workshops (Teatro Q) with Adelina Anthony, culminating in a reading at Resistencia Books on Saturday night.

I'm thrilled to be at Brown. The afterschool program coordinator is wonderful; she truly cares about the kids, and is organized, really on top of things. I'm finding that having caring, competent administrators makes all the difference in the quality of my teaching experience. Caring, capable teachers just aren't enough; we need support! And the support at Brown really shows. The environment in the afterschool program is calm, and the kids really do have fun. The students are wonderful. A little rambunctious, sure, but they aim to please, and so far don't at all seem to mind being reminded to calm down when things start to get a little too nutsy. An added bonus is that there were two Theatre Action Project teachers at Brown last year, and I'm able to, at least a little bit, build on the work that they did with many of the kids here last year.

I'm comparing my experience here to the year I spent teaching in Wooten Elementary's afterschool program in 2007-2008 (last year I wasn't at an elementary school in the same capacity), and one of the differences I've noticed is that immediately, day one, many of the older kids asked me if I spoke Spanish, where I was from, and wanted to share where they and their families were from; the majority of the kids and their families are from Mexico. I don't remember my students at Wooten talking about such things so openly, and certainly not on their first day with me; though I later did discover that many, if not most, of my students and their families at Wooten were also from Mexico. I wonder why...

I know that one of the TAP teachers who was at Brown before me worked on a curriculum that explored the immigrant experience, through Galveston Island (based on the "Forgotten Gateway" exhibit at the Bob Bullock History Museum) and today, and that the kids did amazing work creating a "digital storybook," featuring a sort of modern fairy tale that they wrote, about the current day Mexican immigrant experience. The TAP afterschool classroom became, my colleague told me, a place where her students could process feelings and experiences that they weren't normally allowed a space to discuss. I can't help but wonder, and hope, if the work she did at Brown has contributed to a cultural shift, making students more comfortable in fully claiming their identities... The pressure's on, for me, I feel, to build on her successes. A wonderful problem to have; I am blessed!

My evenings with Teatro Q were wonderful; I'm particularly happy that the workshop sessions took place at Alma de Mujer. I always find it easier to be fully present in my work there. The week, for me, was refreshing reminders of some of the fundamentals of character development, in both writing and performance, and opportunities to practice practice practice, and to learn from watching others' practice. I'm finding, these days, that I know more about the craft of theatre than I give myself credit for. Not that I don't have plenty to learn. But it's good, sometimes, to know that really I have most of the tools I need at my disposal... it's just the doing, the discipline, that I need at this point. And will always need, as long as I am a practicing artist, really.

What was newer to me was the context in which we were developing work - among women of color, mostly queer Latinas. And it was beautiful, joyful, for me to be working in such a context. To see perspectives and experiences so rarely represented in mainstream theatre, in many of the artistic communities I have known, and to see them foregrounded, approached with love and respect.

I started a piece this week that was hard for me... I'm afraid of writing characters who I consider very different from me. And I've even gotten antsy about performing them too... worried I'll get something "wrong," perpetuate some horrific stereotype... I've found safety in autobiographical writing and performance, in more poetic work, in directing. But art-making is not about safety, not for me, anyways, and not among the communities of artists that I respect, admire, and am now proud to call my own. And there are stories I want to tell, of women and men who are indeed very different from me... so I challenged myself to write from the perspective of a woman I felt I knew nothing about, a woman whose story I felt was important because I knew nothing about it. Because that ignorance is a theft, and that theft leaves a legacy, and... that's another story entirely.

It was hard. That writing was hard. And I ended up putting it aside, as there's a lot of research between me and that character, fully realized, and I wanted to work on a piece that I could feel good about, that could feel "finished" in the short period of time I had available to me. It was useful, nonetheless, to start that writing process; it gave me a clearer of idea of what research exactly I need to do next, to keep the piece moving forward.

And I ended up finishing a piece that I had been trying to write for some time; I made some of my first notes a couple of years ago, and wrote a few drafts this summer, in the form of a letter, but used my workshop time to transform the work into a monologue. I woke up on Friday morning with the words rattling around my head, tears on my cheeks - good tears, like, this is a good and necessary release sort of tears, these are words that must be said kind of tears - and rushed to my notebook as soon as I could. And I'm so pleased, so pleased the piece got a good response. Laughter, electric silence, and "I've thought those things before, but never knew how to say them. Can't wait to see you do more." Wonderful. And I'm thrilled beyond words that I had the opportunity to read with Adelina Anthony, who has been a hero of mine for some time now.

What a beautiful week. Thank you, world. I'm ready for the next...

I'm reading tonight!

2009-09-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

Just just just (a mere matter of hours ago) got finished with a workshop with Adelina Anthony, Teatro Q, and I'll be reading a piece I workshopped with her at Resistencia, tonight tonight tonight, at her reading! (Details below) Last minute, I know, but check it if you can!

allgo Artist-In-Residence, Adelina Anthony reads her new solo script at Resistencia Bookstore in Austin

"Homeboy Haunts"

DATE: Saturday, September 12, 2009
TIME: 7:00 pm
Place: Resistencia Bookstore, 1801-A S 1st Street, Austin, TXs
Adelina will read her work in-progress and engage participants in providing feedback. This is an important step in Adelina's creative process and allows particpants an opportunity to be a part of the creation of amazing art.

buena gente working on RELATIVITY; check it out!

2009-09-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

RELATIVITY
Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm
a free staged reading at The Vortex
2307 Manor Road, Austin TX

a performance about space & time
home/land & history
written by Jen Margulies

Featuring:

Daniel Alexander Jones
Nicole Vlado
Matt U. Richardson
KT Shorb
Sue Bilich

Directed by:
Adelina Anthony with Jen Margulies
Dramaturg - Omi Osun Olomo/Joni L. Jones
Costume Design - Senalka McDonald
Movement - Annelize Machado & Omi Osun Olomo/Joni L. Jones

Developed with support from Austin Script Works' Seed Support Fund

Einstein Bros. bagels and brunch snacks available at the Vortex Cafe

Some Makers I admire:

2009-09-06T07:59:00.001-07:00

The Esperanza Center for Peace and Justice, member, proud supporter

Sojourn Theatre Company - I attended artistic director Michael Rohd's summer institute in 2006 - an important turning point for me in figuring out how theatre can make good.

Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed greatly influences my work, especially with youth. I got to attend the PTO Conference in 2008 (Thank you Theatre Action Project!)

Albany Park Theatre Project is amazing. I met Artistic Director David Feiner at the University of Texas Teaching Artist Symposium in 2008.

I was an intern at Grrl Action in the summer of 2006, and probably learned more from the students about autobiographical, solo performance than I could have possibly taught them.

I volunteered, writing curriculum and teaching with Las Libres in Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico, in the fall of 2008.

Cornerstone Theater makes wonderful work, and they're supremely nice people to boot. I will study with them someday!

I studied with Yuyachkani in Lima, Peru in November of 2006. Please follow this link. They're incredible.

El Teatro Campesino: I first realized that theatre could make some serious good, and be fun/funny/ridiculous, all at the same time, from reading their actos!

Anne Bogart's work with the SITI company is becoming an increasingly big influence on my work...

Anna Deavere Smith's "Letters to a Young Artist" is one of my 'bibles.' Incredible discipline. Amazing solo performer.

Sharon Bridgforth has been the anchor artist of The Austin Project since it was founded; I participated in her "Finding Voice" workshop in June 2009.

Adelina Anthony is hot hot hot! In all the ways that count! I'm about to learn with/from her in "Teatro Q" this week.

k.t. shorb is my friend and colleague, and an awesome theatre artist.

Anel Flores is also my friend and colleague, and a wonderful writer.

Ana Lara is yet another friend and colleague, amazing artist.

Gloria Anzaldua's "Borderlands" is a sutra.

Some good people I like to make good with:

2009-09-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

Theatre Action Project, Artistic Associate

Teatro Vivo, Associate Company Member

Alma de Mujer, Member, Artist in Residence, November 2009

Kalpulli Teokalli Teoyolotl, Danzante/Guerrera

The Austin Project, Member of 2010-2011 Cohort

Space12, Volunteer

For more information on some of the good I have made,

2009-09-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

check it out:

I wrote/performed Muntu all over Austin and then at Muntu: Reflections in East Austin, 2008-2009.

I directed T.A.G., Best of the Fest, Frontera Fest Short Fringe 2009 (top 10 of 80 short pieces).

I taught in/directed Living Newspaper, Summer 2009, and The Teen Arts Puentes Project, Summers 2007 and 2008.

I performed in by a quiet sea, January 2009.

I directed su-students: email wars, an original, devised work, back in the day, in Spring 2006.

some other projects/collaborations, that I don't have links for:

I've performed as...
Gemini, blu, by Vicki Grise, a staged reading directed by Florinda Bryant, Vortex Theater, Austin, TX 2009
Angel/Dolores, Petra's Sueno, by Rupert Reyes, directed by Mary Alice Carnes, The Long Center, Austin, TX 2008
Medea, Medea, by Euripides, directed by Elena Araoz, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX 2005

I directed The Body Dialogues, an original, devised piece, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX 2007

I've taught with Theatre Action Project at...
Wooten Elementary, 2007-2008
Eastside Memorial High School at the Johnston Campus, 2009
Copperfield Elementary, 2009
Brown Elementary, 2009-2010
elementary schools all over Austin, in The Heroes/Los Heroes, a bilingual, interactive performance residency, 2007 - present

audition notice

2009-08-31T15:35:00.001-07:00

please forward as appropriate:
director seeks women of color performers interested in experimental approaches to theatre influenced by samuel beckett.
rehearsals: tues, thurs: 7-10; sat 10:30-230 (with some exceptions)
performance: early december

if you are interested in auditioning, please email kt shorb, ktshorb@hotmail.com with times during the audition when you are available.
where: austin, tx; specific location to be shared with auditioners
date: saturday, september 5, 2009
time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm