EMPOWERMENT DAY

Hello friends!

As our Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival’s 4^th Annual EMPOWERMENT DAY is fast approaching, we thought we’d give you a breakdown of the various workshops and panels that will be offered this year.  

“FROM THOUGHT TO PEN”

This workshop will focus on how to take the idea of a solo show from a thought to a one-person play.

Facilitators: Debra De Liso (Director/Instructor/Actor) and Terrie Silverman (Actor/Instructor/Writer) 

“BUSINESS OF THE BIZ”

This workshop focuses on the many logistics on planning and realizing one’s own show.  Topics range from selecting a team, venue, negotiating contracts and fees, and even co-producing a production.

Facilitator: Yetta Young (Producer/Director)

Panelists: Wendy Hammers (Actor/Writer/Comedian), Sky Palkowitz (Actor/Performance Artist/Instructor), and Clarinda Ross (Storyteller, Actor/Writer/Union Activist)

“SUBMITTING A WINNER PACKAGE FOR A SOLO FESTIVAL”

While simply creating an engaging solo piece is a job in itself, presentation when submitting it to a festival can be competitive and the submission needs to be fully-actualized.  From the right cover letter, head shots, to completing the full application and submitting a DVD with a sample of the work, this workshop is designed to address all of these elements.

Facilitators: Elizabeth Wu (Actor/Screening Panelist) and Valeri Parker-Ross (Actor/Screening Panelist)

“BRANDING YOUR SOLO SHOW IN THE MARKETPLACE”

By learning to utilize new and different marketing platforms, this workshop will support artists in gaining the skills needed to market their work. Whether these resources are free such as social media platforms to contracting with a publicists, these strategies are as essential as the performance itself.

Facilitators: Lynne Conner (Publicist/Actor) and Sky Palkowitz (Actor/Performance Artist/Instructor),

“HITTING THE ROAD WITH YOUR SOLO SHOW”

While touring a solo how may be the ultimate dream of any solo performer, there are many steps one must take when planning the details such as determining market, working with presenters, setting fees, travel logistics and working with local press.

Facilitators: Adilah Barnes (Actor/Producer/Instructor/Author/Retreat Proprietor/Talk Show Host); Vanessa Adams-Harris (Actor/Producer/Writer)

“TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK”

This panel will look at the professionals needed to make a solo show shine from the director and producer to lighting and sound technicians, to selecting the right publicist and more. This workshop will detail how to assemble the right team players that will make a dream show a reality.

Moderator: Barbara Roberts (Actor/Union Activist)

Panelists: Aaron Braxton (actor/educator);  Lynne Conner, Allison Queen, Clarinda Ross and Terrie Silverman (credits)

“EMPOWERED WOMEN: CRAFTING A SOLO CAREER”

As they share their personal journeys to becoming empowered, working solo performers, this panel of professional artists will share their creative process and vision.

Moderator: Adilah Barnes

Panelists: Brenda Adelman (Actor/Producer/Instructor) Jessica Johnson (Director/Actor/Writer); Vanessa Adams-Harris, and Wendy Hammers (Actor/Writer/Comedian)

With this diverse lineup of workshops to expect remember that registration includes an all-day pass. $99 until August 1; $125 thereafter so hurry and get that Early Bird Special! We hope to see you there!

-       Stephanie

"Looking Back: Stepping Forward!" Interview with Cheray O'Neal

The Ivy Substation 

presents

Cheray O'Neal

July 10, 2016

Cheray O'Neal performing 'Journey This'

Q: How did you first hear about the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival (LAWTF)?

A: "I have mutual artistic comrades who have had the great pleasure and priviledge in participating in the festivals past."

Q: How has being a part of LAWTF impacted your life and your performing career?

A: "It has been such a supportive, inspiring, and uplifting environment to be a part of. Obviously how I view my art and life are one in the same. LAWTF provides a wealth of resources and opportunities to showcase and nurture your work. I'm grateful."


Q: What has been your favorite part of your LAWTF experience? 

A: "The opportunity to commune with other artist from all walks of their creative lives."

Cheray O'Neal performing 'Journey This'

Q: What advice would you give for someone just starting out in the performing arts industry, with regards to seeking out opportunities like LAWTF to further their careers? 

A: "Nothing is perfect, go out there and be willing to fall. Every person has a unique purposeful valuable life, and your voice is worth it. Find a mentor and ask a lot of questions."

Q: Are there any moments in your LAWTF experience that you are certain you will never forget? 

A: "The moment I got the acceptance letter for the Festival. I felt validated and so excited."

Q: How has LAWTF helped you promote your show further? 

A: "The connections made have provided access and information. I'm better equipped and, truth be told, the theatre community is pretty small."

Cheray O'Neal performing 'Journey This'

Q: What was your inspiration for your solo show (the one you are performing at the Ivy Substation)? 

A: "I was my grandmother's care giver for the last year and half of her life. It was a beautiful cyclical experience for me. I learned compassion and grew to deeply love and respect the woman she was. She raised my mother, so in turn I have a greater appreciation for my beloved mother, as well. When my grandmother died, my mortality was smack in my face and I had to question, what's important, what do I wish to leave behind. Carrying the legacy my grandmother and mother, looking at my pains and turning them into medicine became the impetus for this show."

Q: Any advice on what it takes to create a solo show and suggestions for someone embarking on their first solo show? 

A: "Be brutally honest, be disciplined, take risks, remain resilient, and know your worth. I will be performing my solo play 'Journey This' in August. Please check www.cherayoneal.com for all future performances."

See Cheray O'neal in her one woman show, "Journey This", on July 10 at the Ivy Substation. For tickets, please go to our website, www.lawtf.org.  

June Wine Down Wednesday from an Intern Perspective

Stephanie Garduno checking in attendees.

As a new Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival Summer Intern, I was lucky enough to find out that my second day on the job landed on the June Wine Down Wednesday! This event took place at the Marmalade Cafe in Sherman Oaks and although the restaurant was amazing itself, once the groups of people started arriving and conversing with one another the energy was filled with welcoming spirits and engaging smiles. 

Barbara Cole performing "Surviving Chrysalis" 

It was a pleasure to enjoy the company of members from the Hollywood Fringe who joined us and shared with us themes from their current productions - as well as their overall love for the theatre! We were also able to witness LAWTF solo performer, Barbara Cole. in action who performed an excerpt from her amazing solo piece,"Surviving Chrysalis," that had everyone captivated. 

Wine Down Wednesday Attendees

Lastly, we had a door prize for the first person to arrive and raffle prizes to wrap up the night. This was a good way to bring closure to the night as it kept everyone attentive to see if their ticket was picked. Prizes included tickets to our upcoming events such as, "Looking Back, Stepping Forward" at the Ivy Substation in Culver City on July 10th.

Wine Down Wednesday Raffle

After this great night, I can only imagine the next Wine Down Wednesday will exceed my expectations, also. I hope to see you all in ‪‎North Hollywood‬ at the Eclectic Bar and Grill restaurant on July 13th for our next Wine Down Wednesday! And do visit our website at www.lawtf.org for more on LAWTF.

Cheers!! 

-Stephanie Garduno