News
NEW SCRIPT "DAUGHTER" IS RELEASED! - MAY 17, 2012
I am very pleased to announce that my new script, Daughter, is now complete. You can read some of the first few pages of the script and it is also available for purchase in PDF format.
Here is the synopsis of Daughter:
When Robyn’s biological mother contacts her on Facebook, asking for something that no one else can give, the teenager and her adoptive parents must decide what risks she will take to help the woman who gave birth to her and how to protect the family that they have built.
The script will be heavily marketed to theaters/festivals/conferences/awards in the coming months.
Thank you to all of the playwrights and actors who aided me in the scriptwriting process and to the brave interviewees who shared their stories.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
CHALLENGE MONTHS - MAY 2, 2012
For those of you who have not been paying attention to my playwright Facebook page, you may not know that I have just completed two big challenge months:
March was the semi-annual Playwright Binge, a month when playwrights try to submit a script a day for the entire month of March. I was pleased to exceed that and reach 40 script submissions.
April is known as Script Frenzy month (100 written pages in a month) but, as I was not writing a new play but desperately trying to complete the revisions on the one that I have, I gave myself a revision challenge: to complete all revisions by the end of April. This is a harder one to truly complete but I am proud to say that the script is in the best shape it has been in, has a title that I like and should be ready for marketing this month.
If you want to hear about more of my daily work, you can like my Facebook page. I often do these types of self-challenges and have had others, even in other industries, create self-challenges to do alongside me.
In other news, I am now an official member of a second playwriting group called Manhattan Oracles. They were originally founded by members of the International Centre for Women Playwrights about ten years ago but have evolved since then (and now include both men and women). Already their feedback for my current script has been incredibly valuable.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
NEW BLOG ARTICLE OUT, PART OF DUDE WEEK - MARCH 16, 2012
Off the topic of playwriting, check out my new blog article "Women Congratulate My Husband for Spending Time with Our Kids", part of Kveller.com's "Dude Week".
And, yes, it's all true.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
SUPPORT WOMEN ARTS NOW MONTH - MARCH 12, 2012
March is Support Women Artists Now Month (technically SWAN Day is a single day: March 31st but you can't possibly have all of the events that you'd want to have on one day). Women Arts Foundation has listings of upcoming events all over and in New York State.
As you may know, I am on the board of the International Centre for Women Playwrights. One way that you could support women playwrights this month is to give a donation to this organization. We have an active listserv that offers ideas, guidance and support to each other around the globe. We search out opportunities for our playwrights, publish anthologies of the women playwrights' work and coordinate an annual writing retreat for our members.
If you are unable to make it to see a show of a female playwright, donating to ICWP or to a female artist's campaign is a great way to Support Women Artists Now this month.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
PLAYWRIGHT BINGE AND NEW BLOG ARTICLE OUT - MARCH 2, 2012
This month, I am participating in what is called the Playwright Binge. It is a challenge that many playwrights (on a listserv) do to put in a script submission every day in the month of March (we also have them in September). It's an excellent way to build up momentum for getting done the rather un-sexy side of playwriting.
Outside of playwriting, I also wanted to let you know that I have a new blog article out on Kveller.com about how my pre-schooler prompted us to start doing Shabbat dinner. I hope you enjoy it!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
FINALIST WITH HONORARY MENTION - JANUARY 31, 2012
My one-act script, Cortex Kin , was a finalist with honorary mention from Stone Soup Theatre's Double (XX) Fest 2.0. There is a possibility that the script will still receive a reading in the festival. Congratulations also to fellow playwright, Kellie Powell, who runs the Monologue Database, who was one of the winners, and to Sandra Hosking, Robin Rice Lichtig, and Donna Spector, who were finalists with me and also members of the International Centre for Women Playwrights.
I have also created a Facebook page for my playwriting which I encourage you to go to and "like".
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
SCRIPT RESEARCH HELP - DECEMBER 21, 2011
As many of you know, I have been toiling away on a script since July and, while I have written to the end of the script, I am now in the massive revision stage. My hope and goal is to have it completed by the spring and available for marketing.
It is now a full-length script and I am doing research to help make the script more authentic. If you or anyone you know has been adopted, is an adoptive parent or was a biological mother who gave up a child, I would be interested in doing an interview. I can be contacted at elana@elanagartner.com. All interviews are confidential and for the purpose of the script only.
I hope that you have a wonderful, safe and healthy New Year!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
TEN-MINUTE PLAY IS FINALIST - AUGUST 17, 2011
I just got notified that my ten-minute play Tag on Toe is a finalist for the Hella Fresh Fish 3.0 Short Play Festival with Little Fish Walking Theatre in Pennsylvania. This is the first recognition for this script. I will keep you updated as they make their decision.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
NEW BOARD POSITION AND THEATER EDUCATION - AUGUST 16, 2011
I was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees for The International Centre for Women Playwrights. As part of my position, I will be helping to coordinate virtual volunteers. Since it is a completely volunteer-run organization except for the executive director, this is likely to be a good challenge for an excellent organization.
As we are approaching the beginning of many academic semesters, I wanted to remind folks that I have a page dedicated to theater educators who might be looking for two to three person scenes to use in classrooms. I also have scripts with monologues that students can use for auditions. As a reminder, no scripts can be produced without my consent.
The NYC International Fringe Festival is in full swing and I wanted to highlight two productions. Pearl's Gone Blue, produced by my friend, Sallie Dorsett, is playing until August 28th and Whale Song, directed by my friend, Brad Raimondo, with designs by Sam Kusnetz, will be playing until August 27th.
Finally, the wonderful actor, Mauricio Alexander, is premiering his new short film, Departure at the International Latino Film Festival this coming weekend, two screenings only, August 19th and 20th.
I hope that you have all been able to see some fantastic theater this summer, either here in New York or where you may find yourself.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
SEMI-FINALIST ONE-ACT - JUNE 16, 2011
I was notified that my script, Cortex Kin was a semi-finalist in the 2010 Drury University One-Act Playwriting Competition. While it did not, ultimately, win a prize, this was the first recognition that Cortex Kin has received, as it has only been marketed for a year. I look forward to it being staged as I think it is a very fun and interesting piece.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
NEW ARTICLE OUT AND SUMMER THEATER - JUNE 9, 2011
During my recent maternity leave, a new article of mine came out in LILIPOH Magazine. It is a profile of cellist, Rebecca Hartka, and her debut album "Folkfire". You can read it on my Links page.
Tis the season for theater festivals and there are an abundance of them this year (more than I knew!)in New York City. Planet Connections Festivity, an eco-friendly theater festival that also pairs productions with non-profits to raise money for their causes, started earlier this month and runs through the end of June. One of the members from my playwriting group, EMG Playwriting Workshop, Duncan Pflaster, has a show in it called "Sweeter Dreams" and fellow member of the International Centre for Women Playwrights, Robin Rice Lichtig, has a reading in it, as well.
The Brick Theater has a Comic Book Theater Festival starting soon and, in July, there is the Midtown International Theater Festival followed by the NYC International Fringe Festival in August. Good places to look for information on all of these festivals, in addition to their websites, is Time Out New York.
Summer stock theater will also be starting soon in regional theaters, throughout the United States. So I hope that you are able to get out and see some theater this summer!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
RESULTS ARE IN - JANUARY 26, 2011
I have just been notified that Pilar's Brother was not a winner in the 2010 MetLife Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition. In their email, they listed ties for second and third places, negating the runners-up spots.
Despite the outcome of the competition, I was very pleased with the experience that I had with Repertorio Español with the reading as well as all of my interactions with the staff. I found them to be very professional and communicative and I would be happy to work with them again (and, therefore, encourage others to do so, as well).
I am glad that the script was able to be seen by an audience, even as a reading and I am encouraged by the responses I received. I am continuing to market Pilar's Brother and hope to find a home for it in full production soon. If you hear of any opportunities, please email them to me and I'll look into it.
Thanks for everyone's enthusiastic support leading up to the reading and during the waiting period.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
FREELANCE ARTICLES UP - DECEMBER 15, 2010
On the heels of the wonderful reading of Pilar's Brother is the release of my new article, "A Place for Children During Shiva" through Kveller.com. I have also added links for my blog article "To Jew or Not to Jew: Nursery School" which went up several weeks ago, also on Kveller.com. And I have finally been able to include my freelance article for the New York State Theater Education Association which was in their August, 2010 newsletter "Building Bridges: A Playwright's Perspective" on finding contemporary playwriting to be used in the classroom.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and I will be in touch in January with more news!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
SPECTACULAR READING! - DECEMBER 8, 2010
Last night's reading of Pilar's Brother was a wonderful success! The actors were able to use the script to foster enormous emotions, even in a seated reading. The talkback afterwards went very well and the director helped to faciliate some great questions, in addition to the audience questions.
The readings of the finalists will continue until the middle of next week and the final decision of the winners will be in the middle of January.
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to the reading and, to those who were unable to make it, who sent such supportive emails.
Also, a huge thank you to everyone who helped me with the research for this script, one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the development. And to everyone (and the list is long) who aided me in the re-writes and feedback process, particularly those in my playwriting group, EMG Playwriting Workshop.
I hope that I will soon be able to provide a longer running and full production for this script.
Happy Holidays!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
READING OF PILAR'S BROTHER COMING UP! - DECEMBER 2, 2010
With the reading of Pilar's Brother coming up, things have been very busy. We have a director and a final cast:
Directed by Gamaliel Valle Rosa
With Ignacio Meneses, Diana Carolina González, Shawn McLaughlin, and Beatriz Córdoba
I will be doing a talkback after the reading with the cast and director.
Here are the details again:
Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30pm
Repertorio Español
138 East 27th Street (btwn. Lexington and 3rd Avenues)
New York, NY
Free admission
To RSVP, email rsvp@repertorio.org or call 212-225-9925.
Synopsis:
Julian’s mother has returned to Chile to care for his dying grandmother, leaving Julian to juggle his temporary responsibility for his mentally-ill sister, his studies, his job and his American lifestyle: the one that his family knows about and the closeted gay and aspiring actor lifestyle that they don’t. Set in 1968 and in a strong Chilean immigrant and Catholic family, this story explores the choices that Julian has to make when a big opportunity arises and the sister that complicates them. Inspired by a true story.
If you would like to invite additional people to the reading via Facebook, go to: Pilar's Brother Event Page
Thank you again for everyone's enthusiastic support!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
DETAILS FOR PILAR'S BROTHER READING -NOVEMBER 17, 2010
As you may remember, Pilar's Brother will be receiving a directed seated reading in December as one of ten finalists for the 2010 Met Life Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition at Repertorio Español. Below please find the details:
December 7, 2010 at 6:30pm
Repertorio Español
138 East 27th Street (btwn. Lexington and 3rd Avenues)
Free of admission
RSVP at rsvp@repertorio.org or 212-225-9925
I have met with the director and some of the actors and it looks like it will be a great reading so I hope that you can make it.
Thank you for all of the enthusiasm and support that you have shown in response to this wonderful opportunity!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
SCRIPT IS A FINALIST! -OCTOBER 15, 2010
Great news! My full-length script Pilar's Brother has been announced as one of the ten finalists for Repertorio Español's Met Life Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition in New York City. The script will receive a director and actors and there will be a reading of it on December 7, 2010. After that, the winner will be chosen.
In addition, I have also added a new page to my website for my new ten-minute play Tag on Toe Here is the brief synopsis for it:
While discussing the birth of their colleague's son, Kay is rattled when her co-worker, Annabel, shares her unorthodox reasons to have a child.
I will keep you updated on news regarding Pilar's Brother .
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
NEW ARTICLE OUT! -SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
While this is unrelated to my playwriting work, I wanted to let everyone know that I have a new article out on Jewish godparents that I wrote based on my personal experience. It is called Jewish Godparents: What?! Jews Have Them Too?!. I hope you enjoy the article!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
RELEASE OF NEW ONE-ACT! - JUNE 28, 2010
As the summer theater festivals are launching, I am releasing my new one-act, Cortex Kin . Here is the synopsis:
When Daniel takes a sick day and visits his brain, he discovers ornery housekeeper, Hank, already starting to clean the dust from months of neglect. Through their combative work and conversation, Daniel eventually starts to face the horrifying reasons behind his absence.
This script is unlike many of my others in that it is not based in reality precisely and it is a one-act, which I don't usually write. As such, I am only now beginning my research on one-act festivals or theaters that are interested in one-acts. If you know of any, please email the information to me.
I hope that you have an opportunity to get to see some summer stock or the Midtown International Theater Festival in New York that many of my fellow playwrights are involved with.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
STORE AND THEATER EDUCATION PAGES RELEASED! - JANUARY 14, 2010
Happy New Year! I hope that you have had a lovely holiday season and a great beginning to 2010.
I have been working very hard over the past several months to put together some opportunities that would allow for the sale of my scripts. I was very fortunate to have two of my monologues from my script Because of Beth made available on the Monologue Database, a resource primarily for actors looking for monologues to use for auditions or acting classes. The monologues are available for free download. However, the full script has been available for purchase through their site, using PayPal.
Over the holidays, I have been working to set up a store on my own site that will make my scripts available for purchase in PDF format. Monologues are also available at the store. I am pleased to say that the store page was launched last night.
In addition, I have also launched a new page for theater educators and actors. I have selected two person and three person scenes from my scripts and made them available in read-only format. Once perused, the full scripts are available for purchase.
The other work that I was doing in the last two months was completing a challenge to myself: in mid-October, I challenged myself to apply to, at least, 5 theaters, prizes, competitions, etc. each week until December 31st. I am proud to say that I both matched and exceeded that, applying to a final tally of 63 places.
I hope that you enjoy any scripts of mine that you buy.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
NEW SCRIPT RELEASED! -NOVEMBER 4, 2009
My new script, Pilar's Brother, is now being marketed to theaters, awards and prizes. Here is the synopsis:
Julian’s mother has returned to Chile to care for his dying grandmother, leaving Julian to juggle his temporary responsibility for his mentally-ill sister, his studies, his job and his American lifestyle: the one that his family knows about and the closeted gay and aspiring actor lifestyle that they don’t. Set in 1968 and in a strong Chilean immigrant and Catholic family, this story explores the choices that Julian has to make when a big opportunity arises and the sister that complicates them.
In addition, I have made the first five pages of three scripts available on my website: Because of Beth, Pilar's Brother and Spinning. A bonus "surprise me!" page from the middle of the script is also available.
A big thank you to all of the people who shared their stories with me and helped me with my research for Pilar's Brother! I hope that we will find a stage for it soon.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
RESEARCH ON GENDER DISPARITY AMONG PLAYWRIGHTS - JUNE 25, 2009
As I told you I would, I attended the townhall on the gender disparity among playwrights receiving productions. Many of you were quick to respond after my email last week and to ask questions so I thought I would give you an update. I have also posted links to the article in yesterday's New York Times on the townhall and the PowerPoint presentation from it.
Emily Sands, a student at Princeton, spent the past year researching gender discrimination in the theater from an economic standpoint. I was extremely impressed with her research and presentation. Some points I would like to highlight: (all according to her study)
-Based on research using the playwright database, Doollee (of which I am a member), there are more male playwrights than female playwrights but they are produced in equal percentage to one another.
-Women are more likely to write plays with female protagonists than men. Scripts written by women with female protagonists are the least likely scripts to be produced.
-Men write more characters than women. Women's casts tend to be smaller and, therefore, more marketable.
-Based on an audit she did with 250 theaters, she found that female artistic directors and literary managers are less likely to accept scripts written by women than male artistic directors and literary managers.
I encourage you to read the NY Times article (apparently there is also one on www.nymag.com and www.bloombergnews.com) and to provide a reader response to encourage the media to continue covering this topic. Emily Sands will also be appearing on the Colbert Report on Wednesday, July 1 at 11:30pm ET to discuss her findings.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
SCRIPT PROGRESS AND FEMALE PLAYWRIGHTS- JUNE 16, 2009
Many of you may wonder, what happens in between productions or readings? Well, mostly a lot of writing, editing and marketing. That is what I am currently doing. My new script, "Pilar's Brother", is being edited and trimmed and finessed. I have had the great fortune of working with my playwriting group, EMG Playwriting Workshop, on the script and they have been providing some excellent feedback.
In the meantime, I am keeping up with the news in the theater and playwriting world, including a recent study on the gender disparity of produced plays. I quote from a recent email from playwright and advocate for women playwrights Julia Jordan regarding this study:
"In the Fall of 2008, artists and artistic directors met at New Dramatists to discuss gender disparity in theater. Since then, Princeton University's Emily Sands has researched the economics behind the issue with adviser Cecilia Rouse of The White House Economic Counsel and author of the famed Orchestra Study of Blind Auditions. Some of the findings include:
- Plays written by women are more profitable than plays written by men.
- Plays written by women and with female protagonists are the least likely to be produced.
-The discrimination against female playwrights is the key driver behind the paucity of roles for actresses.
- Female playwrights would have a better chance of production if they wrote under a male pseudonym."
I will be attending a town hall on this study next week and will, hopefully, be able to provide a link to it. In the meantime, I have been adding links to other articles on the same subject that you can peruse. As we enter the busy summer season of theater festivals, it might be an interesting to exercise to start noting how many female playwrights are being produced at the theaters that you attend or in your local area. I would be intrigued to hear your results. Feel free to email me about it elana@elanagartner.com.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
IN THE PRESS - MARCH 4, 2009
In the past two months, I have made small and big appearances in a few publications. The Pen and Brush third prize award was mentioned in the January 2009 American Theatre Magazine. A photo of me appeared in the February 25-March 11, 2009 Battery Park City Broadsheet, attending the reading of a writers' group that I belong to, Pen Parentis. And finally, I received a full profile in the March 2009 Insight for Playwrights, an industry publication. While I don't have a link for the American Theatre Magazine article, the other two articles are available to read on the new part of my Responses page.
I have also spent some time updating the Links page and have added several colleagues as well as a new section for articles about things happening in the theater industry.
Five members of the playwriting group, EMG Playwriting Workshop, that I founded, were recently in the Where Eagles Dare One Page Play Festival. You can see the press release about our members on the EMG Playwriting Workshop website. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Festival!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
END OF SUMMER UPDATES - AUGUST 26, 2008
As the end of summer quickly approaches, I wanted to share some new photos with you. On both the Photos page and the Spinning and Ernie Evan individual play pages, you can see new photos from the productions in February and June, courtesy of 4thMeal Productions and Fabrefaction Theatre Company™ .
Many of you have asked what my current project is. I am in the process of trying to complete a new script about an immigrant Chilean family which I hope to unveil in 2009. It is currently in the intense rewrite stages.
I wanted to take a moment to congratulate my fellow artists on the wonderful jobs they did in the Midtown International Theater Festival and the NYC Fringe Festival this summer. I had the great fortune to see a number of very impressive pieces of work and I hope that, if you were unable to attend this summer, that I will see you at the festivals next year.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
MULTI-UPDATES - JUNE 24, 2008
There are lots of exciting things happening so here are the updates:
This Friday and Saturday, June 27 & 28th, Spinning will be produced at Fabrefaction Theatre Company™ in Atlanta, Georgia.
Here is a synopsis of Spinning :
How well do we really know the people who are closest to us?
When life-time best friends and current roommates, Casey and Jack, spontaneously sleep together, their conflicting reactions to it cause their relationship and worlds to start unraveling. Shocked by the revelation of a long-kept secret and without a best friend to confide in for the first time, Casey and Jack's raw emotions become unmanageable and begin to threaten every aspect of their lives.
Showtimes:
Friday, June 27th, 8pm
Saturday, June 28th, 2pm
Saturday, June 28th, 8pm
Location:
925 Bowen St, Atlanta, GA 30318 (by Georgia Tech)
Tickets are $10. Further information and reservations are available on Fabrefaction Theatre Company's™ website.
Next, when Because of Beth won third prize in the 2007 Pen and Brush Playwriting Contest, it was eligible to be published in the 2009 Pen and Brush Anthology. I have just received confirmation that it will, in fact, be published. In addition, the script will be receive a reading in a NYC-based backers' audition, date TBD.
And, finally, I am pleased to announce a new page on my website called Responses . This includes audience and industry responses to performances of my work. Feel free to send me your thoughts about performances of my scripts and you, too, might be included on that page!
Happy Summer! See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
BREAKING NEWS! - MAY 29, 2008
About a minute after I posted about the upcoming production of Spinning , I received an email notifying me that Because of Beth has received third prize in the Pen and Brush Playwriting Contest! There will be a NYC reading forthcoming.
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
WORLD PREMIERE OF "SPINNING" - MAY 29, 2008
In one month, my script, Spinning , will be playing its world premiere at Fabrefaction Theatre Company™ in Atlanta, Georgia, as the winner of their New Works 2008 Festival.
Here is a synopsis of Spinning :
How well do we really know the people who are closest to us?
When life-time best friends and current roommates, Casey and Jack, spontaneously sleep together, their conflicting reactions to it cause their relationship and worlds to start unraveling. Shocked by the revelation of a long-kept secret and without a best friend to confide in for the first time, Casey and Jack's raw emotions become unmanageable and begin to threaten every aspect of their lives.
Here are the dates and times for the shows:
Friday, June 27th, 8pm
Saturday, June 28th, 2pm
Saturday, June 28th, 8pm
Location:
925 Bowen St, Atlanta, GA 30318 (by Georgia Tech)
Tickets are $10. Further information and reservations are available on Fabrefaction Theatre Company's™ website.
See you at the theater in Atlanta!
Elana Gartner
"SPINNING" GOES TO ATLANTA! - APRIL 14, 2008
My script, Spinning , was the winner of Fabrefaction Theatre Company's™ 2008 New Works Festival! As a result, it will be receiving a full production June 27-28 in Atlanta.
I will have more information about this shortly but if anyone is expecting to be in the area at that time or wants to take a trip down to Atlanta, I would love to have you in the audience!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
"ERNIE EVAN" THIS SUNDAY! - FEBRUARY 7, 2008
Coming up this Sunday, my script Ernie Evan will be a part of 4th Meal Productions' 6x10: A Reading of New Short Plays.
The Trouble With Charles-Sam Allingham
The Box-Sarah-Violet Bliss
Ernie Evan-Elana Gartner
Soldiers in the Winter Night-Ian Grody
Trash Talkers-Andrew Mooney
Dry-Emily Weiss
Synopsis of Ernie Evan:
Sixty seven year old sailor Ernie Evan is frightened when his long-dead mother visits him in a dream and tells him that he must marry. Set in the late 1800's.
Sunday, February 10th, 8pm.
The Manhattan Theater Club Creative Center
311 West 43rd Street, 8th Floor
$10 suggested donation (donations go to the upcoming production of Maggie Keenan-Bolger's new play)
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
"BETH" CLOSES, "ERNIE EVAN" NEXT - January 24, 2008
Thank you to everyone who came to see Because of Beth. We had a great run and received some positive feedback from our audiences. There are pictures of the show now available on this website, both on the Because of Beth page as well on the Photos page.
In two weeks, my script Ernie Evan, a ten-minute show, will be a part of 4th Meal Productions' 6x10: A Reading of Six New Short Plays. Directors, actors and playwrights will meet that morning and will perform pieces that evening for an audience. The show will take place at:
The Manhattan Theater Club's Creative Center
311 West 43rd Street, 8th Floor
Sunday, February 10, 8pm.
$10 suggested donation (will benefit Maggie Keenan-Bolger's upcoming production of "From Inside, Out")
Hope to see you there!
Elana Gartner
FINAL WEEK OF BECAUSE OF BETH! - January 16, 2008
We have had a wonderful first week with enthusiastic audiences and a great response! Have you bought your tickets yet? You only have 6 performances left to see the dynamic cast of Because of Beth take the stage at the Workshop Theater's Mainstage.
Wednesday, January 16 8pm (Saint Ann's Night. All welcome. Talkback session post-show)
Thursday, January 17 8pm (Oliver Wyman group attending. All welcome)
Friday, January 18 8pm
Saturday, January 19 2pm
Saturday, January 19 8pm
Sunday, January 20 2pm FINAL SHOW!
312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor (btwn. 8th and 9th Aves)
Directed by Clara Barton Green
Fabulous cast:
Hyosun Choi, David Douglas*, Susan Graham, George Raboni, Elizbaeth Ruelas
Stage manager: Amanda Cynkin
Set Designer: Sean Tribble
Lighting Designer: Solomon Weisbard
Tickets available at:Smarttix
$18 General Admission$15 with Student ID
Thank you to everyone who has already attended! Your enthusiasm has been so inspiring. Without all of you, we're just artists sitting in a room by ourselves. Thank you for helping us bring our art to life! Please feel free to send feedback about the show!!
See you at the theater! Elana Gartner
*Courtesy of Actor's Equity. This is an Equity Approved Showcase.
Because of Beth Previews Tonight, Opens FRIDAY! - January 9, 2008
We're all ready to welcome you to the Workshop Theater's Mainstage for our production of Because of Beth!
TONIGHT! Wednesday, January 9th, 7:30pm
FIRST PREVIEW! Be the first to see the WORLD PREMIERE!
Tomorrow night! Thursday, January 10th, 7:30pm
Join us for a talkback after the show!
OPENING NIGHT! Friday, January 11th, 8pm
Join us for an opening night party after the show at a nearby bar!
A rundown of the dates again:
Wed., Jan. 9-7:30pm (preview)
Thurs., Jan. 10-7:30pm (preview and Oberlin Night. All welcome. Talk back session after the show)
Friday, Jan. 11-8pm (Opening Night with post-show party)
Saturday, Jan. 12-2pm
Saturday, Jan. 12-8pm
Sunday, Jan. 13-2pm
Wednesday, Jan. 16-8pm (Saint Ann's Night. All welcome. Talk back session after the show)
Thursday, Jan. 17-8pm
Friday, Jan. 18-8pm
Saturday, Jan. 19-2pm
Saturday, Jan. 19-8pm
Sunday, Jan. 20-2pm (Closing)
Tickets available at Smarttix ($18 or $15 with Student ID)
The Workshop Theater is located at 312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor.
Get your tickets soon! They're going very quickly!
See you at the theater!
Elana Gartner
One Week Until We Open! (and MORE great news!) -
January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
As the confetti gets swept up and our party hats lie askew from our New Year's celebrations, we turn our attention to January.
My play, Because of Beth, opens in one week! (just one week!) Come see the fabulous performances of Hyosun Choi, David Douglas*, Susan Graham, George Raboni, and Elizabeth Ruelas with dynamic direction by Clara Barton Green! You'll see sets from Sean Tribble, lights from Solomon Weisbard and stage management from Amanda Cynkin. Along with producer Michael Roderick of Small Pond Entertainment, we have an incredibly talented and hard-working cast and crew ready to bring you a phenomenal show!
Here are the performance dates so you can coordinate with friends and family:
Wed., Jan. 9-7:30pm (preview)
Thurs., Jan. 10-7:30pm (preview and Oberlin Night. All welcome. Talk back session after the show)
Friday, Jan. 11-8pm (Opening Night with post-show party)
Saturday, Jan. 12-2pm
Saturday, Jan. 12-8pm
Sunday, Jan. 13-2pm
Wednesday, Jan. 16-8pm (Saint Ann's Night. All welcome. Talk back session after the show)
Thursday, Jan. 17-8pm
Friday, Jan. 18-8pm
Saturday, Jan. 19-2pm
Saturday, Jan. 19-8pm
Sunday, Jan. 20-2pm (Closing)
Tickets are selling fast! Get yours at Smarttix.
In other exciting news, I will have ANOTHER show going up on February 10th, as soon as this one closes! Ernie Evan, a ten-minute one man show, has been accepted as part of 4th Meal Productions' 12 Hour Festival. Directors, playwrights and actors will meet that morning and the 6 plays will be performed in readings that evening at the Manhattan Theater Club's Creative Center. More information to come.
Hope you all have a magnificent and healthy 2008!
See you at the show!
Elana Gartner
*This an Equity Approved Showcase.
Buy Your Tickets Before the Holidays - December 17, 2007
Happy Holidays, everyone! Here's a little holiday song about our upcoming show Because of Beth:
A Playwright's Christmas
On the twelfth day of rehearsals, my director gave to me:
Twelve nights of shows
Eleven ticket sales
Ten notes for lighting
Nine props for actors
Eight cues for sound
Seven critics coming
Six days till load-in
FIVE CAST MEMBERS!
Four tech and crew
Three set pieces
Two co-producers
And an awesome production for all!
Needless to say, the cast and crew of Because of Beth is in rehearsals working (on all of these things) to present an exciting and moving production to you in January!
Still stuck for what to give someone for the holidays? How about some tickets to a show? Think you might forget to get tickets after your fabulous New Year's Eve? Buy them now while your head is still clear! Rudolph, the Maccabees and the elves are already selling tickets at Smarttix.
Here's a reminder of the performance dates with a note to special performances:
January 9, 7:30pm -Preview
January 10, 7:30pm-Preview (this performance is also an Oberlin Night and will include a talk back session with the playwright, director and cast after the show)
January 11, 8pm-OPENING NIGHT
January 12, 2pm and 8pm
January 13, 2pm
January 16, 8pm (this performance is also a Saint Ann's Night and will include a talk back session with the playwright, director and cast after the show)
January 17, 8pm
January 18, 8pm
January 19, 2pm and 8pm
January 20, 2pm CLOSING SHOW
Again, tickets are available at Smarttix ($18 or $15 with student ID). You can read about the play itself at my website at www.elanagartner.com
The show will be at:
The Workshop Theater's Mainstage
312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor
If you are interested in contributing to the show, you can do so at my website through PayPal or you can contact me about where to send a check. (elana@elanagartner.com)
We are looking forward to ringing in 2008 with you at our show!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Elana Gartner
*This is an Equity approved showcase.
Tickets on Sale and Updates - November 19, 2007
The tickets for Because of Beth are officially on sale at Smarttix! Tickets are $18 and $15 with student ID.
Here's the press blurb:
In the aftermath of Beth’s death, all those she loved, including her feuding daughters, her estranged ex-husband and her overwhelmed fiancé, seek to mourn her in their own way. Instead, however, they are forced to deal with one another and the complicated ties that bind them together because of Beth.
An emotional and moving drama and a finalist in the Open Book 2007 Playwriting Competition, Because of Beth explores the post-death experiences for the living when secrets are fresh, plentiful and powerful.
There will be a special Oberlin College night (probably Thursday, January 10th, watch for announcements on the NYC listserv) which will include a session with me, the cast (Hyosun Choi, David Douglas*, Susan Graham, George Raboni, Elizabeth Ruelas) and possibly the director (Clara Barton Green) after the show.
Our entire team (including stage manager Amanda Cynkin) is working hard to present an exciting and engaging performance for you.
Coming up on December 1st is our next fundraiser at Ceres Gallery (547 West 27th Street, Suite 201) from 7-11pm. There will be raffles, silent auction, appetizers and drink. For questions about the fundraiser or to RSVP, please contact me at elana@elanagartner.com.
If you are unable to make it but are still interested in donating, you can donate through my website using PayPal or contact me for a snail mail address.
Thank you to those of you who have already donated! You are helping to make theater possible.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Elana Gartner
*Actor appears courtesy of Actors' Equity Association. Equity Showcase code pending.
Upcoming Events! - October 27, 2007
Because of Beth has been cast! Yay! Here is the wonderful cast:
Hyosun Choi
David Douglas*
Elizabeth Ruelas
George Raboni
Susan Graham
Congratulations to these actors and to all of the actors who went through the auditions and callbacks! The decision was extremely difficult in such a talented pool.
Many people have asked me when the performances are so I am including this information here. The show will be at the Workshop Theater's Mainstage at 312 West 36th Street.
Previews: Jan. 9 and Jan. 10, 7:30pm
Performances: Jan. 11, 8pm
Jan. 12, 2pm & 8pm
Jan. 13, 2pm
Jan. 16, 8pm
Jan. 17, 8pm
Jan. 18, 8pm
Jan. 19, 2pm & 8pm
Jan. 20, 2pm
BUT!! Before that, we will be having a few fundraisers to make sure we can pay for the show!
On November 7, 2007, we will be at the Irish Rogue, 356 West 44th Street from 6-11:30pm. We have the whole second floor. There will be a raffle and good eats, a pool table and a dart board as well as good company.
On December 1, 2007, we will be at Ceres Gallery, 547 West 27th Street, from 7-11pm. There will be a raffle, silent auction, good eats.
All funds raised through these events will go directly to the production of "Because of Beth".
You can also donate to the production through my website using PayPal or you can contact me and say "Hey, I don't like PayPal, how do I contribute to your production anyway?"
Thanks for being so excited and asking lots of questions about the progress of the show. We look forward to giving you a great night of theater!
Happy Halloween!
Elana Gartner
*Actor appears courtesy of Actors' Equity Association. Equity Showcase code pending.
Because of Beth Auditions and Performance Info - October 1, 2007
Because of Beth will be going up in performance at the Workshop Theater between January 9-20. Specific performance dates to be determined.
There will be two fundraisers coming up (and I'm currently looking for space so if anyone has some, give me a shout!).
Please forward this information to appropriate actors:
SMALL POND ENTERTAINMENT in conjunction with playwright Elana Gartner is casting the New York premiere of her OPEN BOOK playwriting competition finalist drama, Because of Beth. Clara Barton Green, dir.; Michael Roderick and Elana Gartner prods. Rehearses: Nov. 28 - Jan 8 (No rehearsal's Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan 1). Runs: Jan. 9-20 at The Workshop Theater.
Seeking:
Cara: Female, 23 years old. Self-involved, viewed as irresponsible by her family members, from whom she is somewhat estranged, she has a soft spot for her sister that she rarely shows. She harbors unresolved anger issues which cause her to be emotionally volatile.
Penny: Adult Female to play believable, 15 years old. Cara's younger sister. Ambitious, a budding violinist, she is lost and confused by recent events, she wants to be independent and seeks and craves a better relationship with those not in her familial ties. She can be quite blunt and direct in trying to get what she wants.
Stanley: Male. (Mid to late 40's). A caring man, he is Beth's Long-term fiancé' and occupies the role of would be stepfather of Cara and Penny. Distraught, tired, deeply sorrowful his usual clear and grounded judgment is cloudy.
Robert: Male. (Mid to late 40's). Long-lost father of Penny and Cara. Repressed. Selfish, a "me" person to the max but can turn on the charm when he wants to get something; he is unable to heal old wounds. When pushed he has the same emotionally volatile temper of his daughter.
Also seeking: Stage Manager/role of WAITRESS/WAITER: Any Age. A male or female can play this role.
Auditions will be held by appointment. To schedule an appt., mail headshots/resumes by October 10, 2007, to:
Small Pond Entertainment
Re: Beth Casting
217 Thompson St, Apt 20
New York, NY 10012
You will be contacted at a future time for an audition. Prepare a brief contemporary monologue, no longer than 3 minutes. Sides will be provided for those who are called back. Auditions will be held on: Wednesday, October 17. Call backs on: Thursday, October 18.
Some stipend possible. All ethnicities STRONGLY encouraged to submit. Producer plans to apply for Equity NYC Showcase Code. Equity/Non-Equity Performers.
Elana Gartner
End of Summer 2007 Update - September 14, 2007
Hey everyone! Thanks for signing up to receive announcements from my new website! This is the first announcement going out and there is already a bit of news to share.
As you may or may not have noticed, my play Because of Beth was a finalist in the Open Book 2007 Playwriting Competition this summer.
There has been a lot of interest in this script and I have decided to showcase it at the end of the fall. I'm currently working with a director to pull together the logistics and hope to be holding auditions soon (let your fellow actors know!).
Stay tuned for more!
Elana Gartner
Launch of ElanaGartner.com - August 16, 2007
Playwright Elana Gartner is proud to announce the launch of her new website, http://www.elanagartner.com. Please explore it and learn about Elana's work.
As part of the website, there is an announcement list that you are being invited to subscribe to. Announcements will inform you about upcoming Elana's upcoming shows or readings or about awards that she has won.
If you would like to add a different email address for yourself, you can go to the website and sign up. As well, if there are others who you think would be interested in receiving announcements, please direct them to my website.
Thank you! Enjoy the site!
Elana Gartner
