The Up Close series invites artists to discuss their prolific careers, offer insights and chat about future projects. Ticket prices range from $15 for League members up to $45.
The Drama League, in collaboration with the acclaimed British ensemble Frantic Assembly, will also present a devising and physicality workshop for actors. The troupe created the unique movement and choreography for the Tony-winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Prices begin at $299 for League members.
The line-up of events will include the return of the annual short play festival DirectorFest. See below for the full schedule and details. Prices vary; some events are free. For more information visit DramaLeague/Events.
Up Close Series
Sept. 14 - Christian Borle (Something Rotten!, Peter and the Starcatcher);
Moderated by Rick Elice, Tony-nominated playwright of Peter and the Starcatcher Oct. 5 - Max von Essen (An American in Paris, Evita)
Oct. 14 - Lisa Kron (Fun Home)
Nov. 16 - Julie White (Sylvia, Airline Highway);
Moderated by Annaleigh Ashford (Sylvia, You Can't Take it With You)
Workshops
Frantic Assembly: Devising and Physicality
Two-Day Workshop: Oct. 17 & 18
Award-winning UK theatre company Frantic Assembly are Movement Directors on Broadway's striking, Tony Award-winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time as well as 2011's Beautiful Burnout, seen at St. Ann's. Join Frantic Assembly’s Associate Director, Neil Bettles for a two day workshop, Devising and Physicality. Explore the unique Frantic Method of creating physical material in this highly energetic and creative workshop. Performers, devisers, directors and choreographers will learn how to devise their own movement-led work, quickly and simply through Frantic Assembly’s Building Blocks approach.
National Arts Month: International Arts Programs & Exchanges
Oct. 15
Celebrating National Arts Month, The Drama League partners with The Foundation Center for this fascinating panel discussion on theater around the globe, moderated by Drama League Executive Director Gabriel Shanks. Artists and non-artists can explore theater in a global context: what’s it like to work with other artists around the world? What is the role of Americans who want to create theater in a global context? Panels will field questions about funding for international projects, the political landscape in other regions, and the challenges brought by different languages, histories and customs. Bring an open mind and a pad to take notes from our speakers who have lived this major undertaking.
Yoga for the Creative Mind
with Laura Brandel
Every Monday and Wednesday at 12:30 PM
Yoga for the Creative Mind guides students in safely releasing tension to achieve mind-body connection and a stronger sense of self. Tension in body, mind or soul is detrimental for the performer. It can block artistic impulses, disrupt focus, and derail the creative process. Learn from and alongside fellow artists in this 75-minute practice, which will include meditation, breathing techniques, and asana specifically tailored for the needs and concerns of the students present. Relax, release and recharge with yoga guru and theater director, Laura Brandel.
Beyond Kickstarter: Fundraise Your Next Project with Toby Banks
Sept. 12
Spend the day with fundraising veteran Toby Banks as she unveils the secrets of professional fundraising. Learn how to put your best foot forward, win grants and turn one-time donors into loyal supporters. Explore strategies that you can implement to help your organization grow to its full potential. Topics will include donor relations, fundraising planning, the grant process – from prospect research through grant writing and reporting – and how to best utilize your existing resources.
The Directors Project: Application Workshop
Moderated by Drama League Artistic Director Roger T. Danforth
Nov. 30 & Jan. 9, 20
After three decades as the preeminent career development and training program for professional theater directors, The Drama League Directors Project Fellowship program has never seen more competition for its coveted places. In this informative, insightful workshop, Artistic Director Roger T. Danforth offers prospective applicants a rare glimpse into the criteria used for selecting this year's fellowship recipients, and offers personal advice for crafting a strong, competitive application for the Directors Project Fellowships.
2015 Drama League /Williamstown Theatre Festival Directing Commission
Once Five Years Pass: A New Musical
By Frederico García Lorca. Adapted and directed by Dustin Wills. Music by Daniel Schlosberg
Nov. 9
Dustin Wills, the first-ever recipient of The Drama League/Williamstown Theatre Festival Directing Commission, presents a work-in-progress showing of his new musical, Once Five Years Pass. Adapted from the 1931 play by Federico García Lorca, this touching, meditative piece has been the inspiration for ballets by Merce Cunningham and Paul Bowles, among others. Now Wills, a two-time recipient of a Princess Grace Foundation Award for Theatre, helms this new musical interpretation, collaborating with composer Daniel Schlosberg. The result is a timeless fable about passion and the tests that love often requires.
All events will be held at the Drama League Theater Center, 32 Avenue of the Americas. To become a member of The League, call (212) 244-9494 or visit DramaLeague.
