Off-Roading

On Friday evening, we hosted the first staged reading under our ‘Off Road Series’ umbrella (and the second reading overall for this company).  This most recent reading was of FOUR WOMEN IN SEARCH OF A CHARACTER by Diane Grant.

If you have not yet been to a reading, I’d like to encourage you to make it a point to attend the next one.  Why?  To me, these readings are an opportunity to get to know us and how we operate, maybe even more so than other events hosted by the Red Brick Brick Road Theatre Company.

A staged reading is a presentation on a different level for the actor, the audience, and the writer; it’s more inclusive.  There’s an atmosphere of ideas that I find stimulating.  The production aspects—lighting, costumes, set, sound—are stripped away.  It becomes all about the script and the interpretation of it.  At the conclusion of the reading, we host a Q&A and, for me, that’s the part that’s most energizing.

We’ve all left certain plays or a movies with unanswered questions: why did the main character make this choice, when he could’ve just done that?  What ever happened to the little girl who disapppeared from the plot halfway through the film?  At a reading you actually get to ask the author.  Who knows, you might be the person to help that author close a major plot hole.

Even if you choose not to join the discussion, invariably there is someone there who makes insightful observations.  He or she ends up enlarging your ideas about the script you’ve just heard.

As a member of this theatre company, I see each installment of the Off Road Series as our contribution to the world of theatre.  Each person in attendance is plugged directly into the theatre scene and has the potential to influence the way the world views live, scripted performance in Los Angeles.

So next time, come on out and see if you agree with me.  At the very least, we’ll all pop out for a bite to eat or some drinks afterward.  And that’s a great way to get to know us, too.

–Christine Macedo

The things one does for a show…

So a few weeks back, we were taking photos for our postcard/ poster. We wanted something provocative, because the show is very much so. We were doing a series of photos of me (Amalia, playing Georgie), John (playing Andrew) and Bryan (Playing Edward). The photos were of the three of us in a bed. Now, the photo shoot was pretty last minute so I was not so well prepared. I was wearing a sexy bra and top, but hadn’t really thought about my underwear because I thought it would just be from the waist up. So, sexy black top and pink cotton panties. Doesn’t work so well. So Ian (our director) asks Bryan if he has a pair of clean black briefs I can wear so at least the colors match since they want to get some shots with my legs in them. I’m like….”hold on, I’m gonna wear B’s underwear?”  Well, I did end up wearing them…over my own. Let me just tell ya…you know you are a close theatre company when you wear each other’s underwear for a photo shoot. We ended up with a lot of great photos, and some slightly creepy looking ones (which we didn’t use, obviously). My eyes are a light blue, so they often end up red in pictures….and I look slightly….um, devilish? Not so great for a provocative looking picture, let me just tell you. 

We have been rehearsing pretty intensely since the show opens in two weeks. Our dear Amber (playing Lydia) leaves for Italy on Monday and gets back right before opening so we want to make sure we are ready for stage with her scenes before she rolls to have an amazing time exploring and consuming mass amounts of delicious wine and cheese (jealous!) We hope Amber has an amazing time and look forward to rocking this show with her upon her return. Until then, it’s me and the boys. And my spike heels, of course. 🙂

Amalia

Actors and their rehearsals

The one thing I love about theatre is how people come together and work together for a common goal. Strictly for the love of it. Let’s face it, most of the time we do it for free. . Don’t get me wrong I would love to be paid for every bit of acting I do, but that isn’t reality. We want or rather have to produce art. We are artists after all. We have to express ourselves or we die.

We are currently rehearsing for our upcoming play SPIKE HEELS. Things are going well. We finished our beginning blocking rehearsals last night. Now we stuff our brains full of lines so we can begin to paint the canvas as our director mentioned last night. Onward and upward..We have characters to meet.

Bryan Keith

Behind the Scenes: Week 1

We are feverishly working on our next production, SPIKE HEELS by Theresa Rebeck, and would like to bring you behind the scenes of what it takes for a new non-profit to mount a full scale theatrical production. If you continue to follow our blog, you’ll see posts from our designers, actors and production staff detailing what they’re working on, and their process from first seeing the script to opening the show on March 5^th.

Below you’ll see the first post of the many to come; a note from our director, describing to our graphic designer what the promotional artwork should express. This process is much trickier than one would imagine. Designing artwork that fully represents a play that the designers and actors haven’t developed yet is a challenging task. The director must rely on his or her understanding of the core themes of the play in order to work with the designer and achieve an image that describes the story in one glance.

We hope you’ll enjoy the posts to come. See you all soon!

Amber Fonseca

Marketing Director

“The play takes place in Boston and in the present day. When it was first produced, it was the 90’s when sexual harassment was a major subject in the news. I still think that harassment is important today, but I think what  may be more relevant at this ‘present’ time, would be the power struggle between men and women, sex as power, exploitation and objectification of women and manipulation of men through sex. I think in the current state of our society, sex plays a major part in the way people view the world, their relationships, and themselves. In a lot of ways it plays a role in the development of one’s identity.

 The tone of the play is comedic in nature; they use language to cut each other to the core. Moments of honesty and hurt are expressed in silence. My major objective in this production is to make it feel very current through music, lighting, and performance. The flavor of the play has a touch of edginess, raw nerve, high intellect, and pure human emotion.

 The play is really about the age-old struggle between men and women and in this case, it is the struggle between a woman and the two men who desire her. A lot of the story is a take on George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” which is the tale of two men who take bets on whether they can class up a poor cockney girl into high society by teaching her etiquette and how to speak correctly. This is an underlying theme in this play that holds true.

 The artwork will play a major part in ‘luring’ in very sophisticated audiences. The artwork has to be sexy, a little dangerous, but sophisticated in it’s presentation so it appears calculating rather than cheap. I have included several images in which I’ve categorized by imagery, fonts, and texture. I will make notations by each image in why I chose them.

 A launching point in regards to the imagery that plays to me is the use of female images and a use of ‘transparency’ or doubling of images to kind of express the ‘duality’ of men and women.  We originally thought about using photography of the cast, but I think it would be more powerful to use artwork and graphics to express that. I also feel like if we do use imagery of a woman, the composition of her body and structure can be a powerful notion. If she faces away from us it says a lot about her state. I also believe that the female body cut off in any form can reflect the objectification that exists in the play.

 In regards to texture, leaning towards a raw quality of material will keep it aesthetically appealing. On the flip side, keeping it really clean in regards to negative space and color can really emphasize the design. I think font is also an important part of the design. I like bold titles and also love the use of transparency. I have played with the idea of using an actual ‘spike heel’ shoe as the letter ‘L’ in the word ‘heels.’ It may or may not work.

 I think a ‘slug line’ can be an effective way of giving a viewer a taste of the tone of the play. We can play with this as we go along, but for now I think the company liked, “So you want to do it, or not?” This line from the play has a luring quality and has no apologies about what the play is about.

 Thanks in advance for all that you will put into this process.

 Cheers,
Ian”

IMAGERY

I like how the man faces away. He also has a shaded quality in his posturing. I think the swastika is effective in contrasting in color and giving an overall sense of what the film might be about.

I think this image is very effective in objectifying her. You can’t see her face, but she gives sexual energy in her gesture. The colors also give a translatable mood to it.  There is a luring element that is working.

I think this is a very simple approach, yet the partial face again gives some indicators. I think using just partial parts of a woman’s presence helps enhance the tone of the play.

I like the composition of this poster. The negative space helps you focus on content. The line down the middle and the break in the font at the bottom of “Brothers” is effective. I like how the positioning and placement of the actors gives you all the information you need to understand the relationships between them. This is an important element in our play. The ‘slug line’ on this poster is:  There are two sides to every family.

Here is a poster for a play in St. Louis. I thought it was very simplistic and the positioning of the titles is great. It tells everything in negative space and in color. I really feel like they nailed the schemes in this. Even the word ‘Sinker’ is appropriately cut off. Well thought out artwork.

FONTS

 I like the boldness of these titles. Not really into the font choice, but I like the idea that they have the titles right over her face. No regard for her in regards to the scheme.

TEXTURES

I just liked the raw quality of this background. May not play into our scheme, but if we did go with a textured look, this is nice.

I love the photo like quality of this and the alternative color and design of it. There is a bold attitude involved.

The Red Brick Road Theatre Company’s Winter eNewsletter

 The Red Brick Road Theatre Company’s eNewsletter

                 Winter 2010                  

 Happy New Year!

We can’t believe how quickly time has flown by!  2009 was a huge year for our company and we’re looking forward to all we’ve got planned for 2010. We’ve got our resolutions set and we are raring to go! This eNewsletter features exciting news regarding our staged reading and our first full season! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and we’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

The Members of The Red Brick Road Theatre Company

2010 SEASON                                                                                         

After two long years of preparation, fundraising and coordination, we are thrilled to announce our first full season! 2010 marks a huge year for our company and we’re looking forward to sharing it with you. Don’t miss this monumental season!

 March 5 – 27: Spike Heels by Theresa Rebeck

Pygmalion goes awry in this contemporary comedy of manners which explores sexual harassment, misplaced love, and the possibility of a four sided love triangle. The players in this game include a sexy, volatile young woman and three Back Bay types: a writer, a lawyer and a fiancée in sensible shoes.

 June 4 – 26: bash, Latter Day Plays by Neil Labute

A trio of one-act plays exhibiting Labute’s signature raw lyrical intensity. In “Iphigenia in Orem,” a Utah businessman confides in a stranger in a Las Vegas hotel room. In “A Gaggle of Saints,” a Mormon couple separately recounts the events of an anniversary weekend. Finally, in “Medea Redux,” a woman tells of her complex relationship with her junior high school English teacher.

 October 1-23: World Premiere of Snowbound by James C. Ferguson

Cabin fever is taken to the extreme in this new work by James C. Ferguson. When Mark, a struggling television writer, flies to visit friends, David and Pam, in the Midwest, the snow comes along too, bringing the three a little too close for comfort. A weekend of low-key, superficial frivolity quickly devolves into nearly a week and a half of misdirected anger; emotional outbursts and suspicion when the trio realizes they can’t—for any reason—leave the house.  Of course the way the relationships are unraveling, they might fare better out in the storm.                    

STAGED READING SERIES                                                                            

We are pleased to report that our first Staged Reading on October 17^{th, 2009}, was a wonderful success! We featured ROSE CITY by up and coming author, David Lewison. After the reading we hosted a lively Q and A session with the author. We’ve received word that the David is currently using the feedback he received during our staged reading to revise the play. We wish him the best on his next draft and we’re looking forward to reading it.

Throughout 2010 we will continue to feature local playwrights and help them develop their new work by casting, directing and producing a staged reading of their play. By working with local writers we hope to assist fellow artists, discover and develop new work and foster the creation of diverse and unique new literature. These staged readings will be free of charge to the community.

If you are a playwright and would like to submit your work, please direct them to president@theredbrickroad.org for consideration. Our next Staged Reading will take place in April. 

SUPPORT                                                                                                             

There are many ways you can support The Red Brick Road Theatre Company while going about your daily activities and without spending a penny!

1. Use goodsearch.com as your chosen search engine on the web! By using goodsearch.com instead of Google.com to search online, The Red Brick Road Theatre Company will receive $.01 for each and every query! While it may not seem like much, we have already made $70.00 this year! Goodsearch.com is powered by Yahoo.com and does not charge you for its service. To begin “goodsearching” go to www.goodsearch.com, enter The Red Brick Road as your charity, and click “verify.” It’s that easy!
2. Register your Ralph’s Rewards Card! By registering your Ralph’s Reward Card online at Ralphs.com, The Red Brick Road Theatre Company will receive a small percentage of your purchases. Again, this service costs you nothing! To sign up go to www.ralphs.com, click on Community Contribution and register your card.  Be sure to type in Red Brick Road as your charity or use our organization # 91257. 
3. The Red Brick Road Theatre Company is on Facebook and Twitter! You can become a fan by clicking HERE or follow The Red Brick Road on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/theredbrickroad

Join us on October 17th!

The Red Brick Road Theatre Company

presents the first of its Staged Reading Series,

ROSE CITY

by

David Lewison

Saturday, October 17 at 7:15 pm

Doors open at 7:00 pm

NoHo Actors Studio

5215 Lankershim Boulevard

North Hollywood

Free Admission

Seating is first come, first served

Donations Accepted

When Dina, a sweet-natured struggling young actress, needs a break from the slimy smog of Los Angeles, she heads North to visit her sister in Portland. At 25, life is up in the air and things are changing…quickly. As she and her sister Kelly reconnect, she discovers that more changes may be on the way. But is she ready?

About the playwright, David Lewison:

David’s theater pieces have been produced by companies throughout the United States and Canada. His evening of

monologues for men, “Real Men And Others,” was premiered by Theatre Neo at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood. His

previous play, “Ancient Voices,” in which the events of the Trojan War are experienced through the lives of eleven women from the world of ancient Greek myth, received its debut production at Chautauqua Theatre Alliance in Silver Lake.

Other companies presenting David’s work include the American Globe Theatre in New York, the Classic Greek Theatre of Oregon in Portland, and the Lincoln Square Theatre in Chicago. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and AFI-CAFTS, David co-wrote the award-winning comedy short, “Dora Was Dysfunctional,” which has screened at numerous domestic and international film festivals and on the Bravo and Showtime cable networks. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

About Our Company:

The Red Brick Road Theatre Company is a non-profit theatre company based in North Hollywood, California. Formed in November 2007 by a group of 5 strong willed and dedicated actors, the company has grown to a group of 11 talented, hard working actors, producers, writers and directors. Its mission is to produce and explore artistically challenging and widely inspirational works, encourage diversity and develop existing and new original pieces through the use of ensemble.

Throughout the year we will feature local playwrights and help them develop their new work by casting, directing and producing a staged reading of their play. By working with local writers we hope to assist fellow artists, discover and develop new work and foster the creation of diverse and unique new literature. If you would like to submit your work for consideration, please email it to info@theredbrickroad.org

Talk Back on Satuday, March 28th!

Join us for a talk back after the Saturday evening performance with special guest,

 Mr. Will Ahrens, Teacher, Actor and Director at Pasadena City College. Ask questions

of our actors, directors and producers about the show, the production process or whatever

you may be curious about.

 

Please make your Ticket reservations now – Tickets are going very quickly!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      

                    THE SHAPE OF THINGS

                          by Neil Labute

 

                                                         

                      Directed by Bryan Keith

 

                Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 pm

                  March 20^th – April 11^th, 2009

 

                       Two Roads Theatre

               4348 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City

 

                   General Admission: $18.00

                    Student/Senior: $15.00

 

                       Theatermania.com

 or call

      818-392-7526

 

How far would you go for love? This thought provoking and

deeply critical play examines the fine lines of morality and the

consequences of manipulation. When a sweet, hardworking

English major meets an intense and analytical graduate student

 in art, we watch as they become involved in a passionate

relationship that causes Adam to make extraordinary changes

 to his life.  At what point does Adam’s transformation go too far?  

Join us as we bring to life Labute’s startling and scathing examination

of the power within human relationships and demonstrate his take

on the moral battles within life and the creation of art.

 

Our Website

Hi Folks!
I know it has been some time since we’ve last updated our blog but it’s only because we’ve been working on our website! To stay up to date on what is happening with The Red Brick Road Theatre Company, visit http://www.theredbrickroad.org.

We’ve received our 501(c)(3)!

It is official, folks! We are a non-profit organization through the eyes of the U.S. Federal Government! We are so happy we could frame the letter.

This marks a very happy, and a very proud moment for us at The Red Brick Road. It was only one year ago that a team of us sat down and created this company. And now, here we are: ready to join the arts scene of Los Angeles!

Thank you so much to all of our supporters! We look forward to bringing you many more wonderful events and, of course, our first production! Look for an exclusive announcement by the end of the month with all of the details on our first show.

Back by popular demand…

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND…

The Red Brick Road Theatre Company

invites you to

Girls’ Night Out!

Thursday, November 6th

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

$30.00

Join your friends of The Red Brick Road Theatre Company for a night of sweet treats, free stuff and pole dancing!

HYPE Studios

1951 W. Carson Street
Torrance CA 90501

Come mix with old friends and mingle with new ones as you sip champagne, nibble sweet desserts, and learn a sexy new way to work it out with Ms. Trina Lance from Heart & Pole. Plus, your name will automatically be entered into a raffle to win prizes donated by Starbucks, California Pizza Kitchen and more!

Purchase your tickets by clicking here!

Spaces are very limited so first come, first serve!

Meet us at the Park n’ Ride Lot at Lankershim and Universal City Pkwy (across from Universal Studios) in Universal City at 7:00 pm SHARP, if you’d like a free ride to the studio.

Be sure to dress comfortably! Bare feet with Yoga or Dance attire is recommended, and keep in mind showing a little skin will help you when learning the tricks!

Please note, due to the fact that this is a fundraiser, there will be no refunds.