Festival 2016 Performer Spotlight #3: Alina Cenal!!

The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival

is proud to present

The 23rd Annual Festival

"Telling Our Truths"

  

Thursday, March 24 - Sunday, March 27, 2016

The Electric Lodge

1416 Electric Avenue

Venice, CA 90219

 

The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival (LAWTF) marks 23 years of producing over 500 extraordinary multicultural and multidisciplinary solo performers from around the globe.

  

The longest-running Annual Solo Festival for women in Los Angeles, LAWTF will return March 24-27, 2016 to the Electric Lodge, located at 1416 Electric Ave., Venice, California 90219.

 

The theme for Friday, March 25, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. is
"FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS". 

Entertainment for the evening will include:

           

Alina Cenal

"Words from a Cuban Father"

 Actor/Storyteller/Teacher,  Alina Cenal

Alina's strong presence of her father guides her through a world of mambo, revolution, Fidel, hot dogs, Miami, the circus, and Hollywood, as she is yanked from her native Cuba as a child to explore a new life that challenges her roots.

Alina Cenal, native of Cuba with professional career over 35 years in film, television, and stage.  Some of her TV credits include:

"The Shield," "Judging Amy," "Days of our Lives," "Diagnosis Murder". Stage: San Diego Rep, LATC, Odyssey, South Coast Rep, Mark Taper Improvisational Theatre Project, Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, and international company of "A Chorus Line". 

 

  

Cenal has directed at Southern Oregon University, performed in

Chicago's Physical Theatre Festival, Oregon's Lunacy Festival, and Chihuahua, Mexico's Festival de Payasos.  Cenal has also performed her solo show, "Words from a Cuban Father" throughout the USA.  

 

Teaching children life skills through the magic of theatre has been the center of Cenal's work.  In 1995 she founded Kids Acting Out-west, an after school performing arts program and summer camp.  Together with her company, her artist-n-the-classroom residencies, and her Alina Latina storytelling show, Cenal works with hundreds of children weekly.  Her credits also include performing and teaching for the Los Angeles Music Center Education Division.

 

To see Alina Cenal's energetic performance of "Words from a Cuban Father" and other dynamic solo shows, please join us for the 23rd Annual Festival " Telling Our Truths" to be held at theElectric Lodge in Venice. 

 

For tickets and any additional information, please call LAWTF at

(818) 760-0408 or visit our website at www.lawtf.org.

We hope to see you there!   

Festival Performers Spotlight #2: Raissa Simpson and Ashley Gayle!

                          The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival

is proud to present

The 23rd Annual Festival

"Telling Our Truths"

  

Thursday, March 24 - Sunday, March 27, 2016

The Electric Lodge

1416 Electric Avenue

Venice, CA 90219

The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival (LAWTF) marks 23 years of producing over 500 extraordinary multicultural and multidisciplinary solo performers from around the globe.

  

The longest-running Annual Solo Festival for women in Los Angeles, LAWTF will return March 24-27, 2016 to the Electric Lodge, located at 1416 Electric Ave., Venice, California 90219.

  

The Champagne GALA and Awards Ceremony on March 24, 2016, "A Toast To Greatness," will be held in honor of exceptional women who have made laudable contributions in theatre. Following the reception at 7:00 p.m., the festivities continue at 8:00 p.m.  Hosted by Starletta DuPois (The Notebook) and Shabaka Henley (Black-ish), this year's Theatre Awards that will be bestowed upon Eloise Laws (Eternity Award), Sandra Evers-Manly ( Integrity Award) Marja-Lewis Ryan (Maverick Award),  Ana Maria Alvarez and Dr. Chantal Rodriguez (Rainbow Award) and posthumously, Elizabeth Pena (Infinity Award).  

Entertainment for the evening of Thursday, March 24, 2015 will include:

           

Raissa Simpson and Ashley Gayle

"Study On A Butterfly"

 choreographer, Raissa Simpson

From San Francisco, "Study On A Butterfly" showcases points of transformation amidst limitations of movement. From sources of her struggle with degenerative joint disease, Raissa Simpson draws on her experience to develop metamorphic movement.

Raissa Simpson (Choreographer) is Artistic Director of PUSH Dance Company in San Francisco. After receiving her BFA from the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase, Simpson had an extensive performance career in the San Francisco Bay Area dancing with Robert Moses' Kin and Joanna Haigood's Zaccho Dance Theatre, among others. Hailed by Dance Spirit Magazine as "Reflective Contemporary Choreography," she has presented her work at Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech, Sacramento State University, Joyce SoHo, San Francisco State University, Washington Ensemble Theater, Evolve Dance Festival in NY, Los Angeles Theater Center, Black Choreographers Festival, Renberg Theater and many more.

dancer, Ashley Gayle

Ashley Gayle (Dancer) was born and raised in the Bay Area and found her passion for dance at the age of three. She was trained in an array of dance forms growing up and was honored to train and perform at Alvin Ailey in New York. Ashley graduated from University of California, Irvine with a BFA in Dance-Performance and a Business Management minor in 2012.

Throughout her time spent at UCI, Ashley was accepted into the Jazz Ensemble, led by Sheron Wray, and trained with Loretta Livingston, Jodie Gates, Molly Lynch, Donald McKayle and Tracy Bonner. Ashley returned to the Bay Area in 2013 and became a member of Alayo Dance Company under the direction of Ramon Alayo. She joined PUSH Dance Company in 2014 and showcased her choreography at PUSHfest that fall.

 

To see Raissa Simpson and Ashley Gayle engaging performance of "Study On A Butterfly" and other dynamic solo shows, please join us for the 23rd Annual Festival " Telling Our Truths" to be held at the Electric Lodge in Venice. 

For tickets and any additional information, please call LAWTF at

(818) 760-0408 or visit our website at www.lawtf.org.

We hope to see you there!   

Festival 2016 Performer Spotlight #1: Eloise Laws!

Eloise Laws, known to her fans simply as "El", is a world renowned Broadway actor, singer, and author with more than 30 years in the entertainment industry. She is critically acclaimed for her harmonious jazz, soul and R&B music.

Laws' voice has resonated through continents with her signature, unique vocals, amazing musical expertise and easy-going style. Her superlative lyrics have been featured in songs like "Love Comes Easy," "Love Factory," "You're Incredible" and  "Stay With Me".

These songs are documented as her incredible and unforgotten work in great history of melodious jazz, blues and soulful R&B Music.

Laws' new single, "Can't Let Myself, Hurt Myself", is an authoritative and demonstration to the power and independence of the female spirit and advocacy of women expressions and souls. This song is dedicated to all people, especially women. It calls for them to stand up and take back their inherent strength and role as a person.

"Don't Move, Don't Blink", is a powerful composition enthusiastic to the alluring beauty and advocacy of love and romance. It speaks to advocates of adoration and believing in oneself.

Laws' musical career has bestowed upon us with more than 5 Albums and CD's, as well as a career in the theatre where she featured in and co-developed the musical, "It Ain't Nothing but the Blues", which premiered at the Denver Center Theatre Companyand opened on Broadway at the Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre. This stellar, astonishing and stylish performance acknowledged four (4) Tony Nominations considered as great addition to her majestic portfolio.

Laws also received a Drama Desk Nomination for Best Actress in a Broadway musical, and a Helen Hayes Award Nomination for her stunning performance at the Kennedy Center.

Eloise Laws has never ceased creating extraordinary music. She continues to perform at sites worldwide, including Japan where she performed at the Cotton Club alongside her brothers Hubert andRonnie Laws and sister Debra Laws. She was bestowed the esteemed Cherry Blossom Award at the Tokyo Music Festival. She continues to perform music festivals around the world including the Playboy Jazz Festival, the Long Beach Jazz Festival and many others.

 

When performing on stage, Laws commands a presence like that of no other. She melts the crowd's hearts, grabs their attention and holds their hearts with her passionate unique vocal. Eloise Laws is a legendary songstress who continues to anoint and music connoisseurs with her amazing voice.

To see Eloise Laws' spirited performance and other dynamic solo shows, please join us for the 23rd Annual Festival "Telling Our Truths" to be held at the Electric Lodge in Venice.

For tickets and any additional information, please call LAWTF at (818) 760-0408 or visit our website at www.lawtf.org.

We hope to see you there! 

Get Ready to Get Your 'Wine' On Next Week!

Greetings, friends! We hope February is treating you well. We are knee deep in preparation as we get ready to host our 23rd Annual Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival, to be held for its 6th year at The Electric Lodge in Venice Beach, California!

In the meantime, we all need a night to relax, which is what we will be doing next Wednesday (Februraty 17) from 6pm to 8pm at The Federal Bar, our neighbors here in North Hollywood at 5303 Lankershim

At The Federal, dining is beyond the usual fare of traditional taverns offering gourmet & diverse food at reasonable prices. They have a vast selection of micro beers and some of the finest bourbons & scotches made today, as well as the reason we're going, an eclectic wine list!

                                                    (Check out that grub at The Federal!)

With one of the staples of our 'Wine Down Wednesdays being the raffle prizes, you will want to get extra tickets this month as we have gifts from such other notable favorite eateries like Yogurtland and Ruby's Diner. What a great time it is to take a stroll on the pier, then go to your favorite Ruby's, no? You may just be our lucky winner of the $50 gift card we will be raffling to enjoy their burgers and shakes.

So, don't waste any time! Email us at lawtfspotlight@yahoo.com to RSVP and we will see you February 17th at 6pm at The Federal Bar, just around the corner from us in North Hollywood!

See you soon,
Mary

Social Media Coordinator

Please Join LAWTF's 23rd Annual Festival Alumni Reception On Easter Day!

The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival is pleased to announce we will host our Annual Alumni Reception on EasterSunday, March 24, 2016 during our 23rd Annual Festival that runs March 24-27, 2017.

 

We invite all who have been a part of us over the last 23 years to join us on Easter Day directly following our 3:00 pm matinee. That includes our past and present Board members, Advisory Board members, grantors, donors, performers, technicians, Marketing and PR team, advertisers, volunteers, and, in a word, EVERYBODY!

 

We will offer discounted tickets to those of you who plan to attend our "Striving For Balance" closing program hosted by Ingrid Graham (dancer/choreographer of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy - AMDA) and Sky Palkowitz (DelusionalDiva Productions and play "America: Don't Hang Up!")

 

Our exciting performer line-up includes Sharon Abreu from Washington (The Climate Monologues) Debra DeLiso (Beautiful, Terrifying Love) and Rhonda Khan (Food) of New York.

 

Food and  beverage will be provided.

 

Please RSVP by March 1, 2016 at

lawtfspotlight@yahoo.com or (818) 760-0408.

 

We look forward to see you there!

--Mary Lansing, Social Media Coordinator

 

Advertise with LAWTF!

Greetings, friends! As we move forward (and closer!) to our annual festival happening from March 24th to March 27th, we are beginning to gather and prep for our program. What does this mean to you? If you own a business or offer a service, The LAWTF program is a great opportunity to get your name out there to hundreds of our attendees!

Here is a glimpse at what we have to offer you:

• A full page (8 x 5) ad, $400
• A half page ad (4 x 5), $225
• A Quarter page ad (2 x 2 1/2), $125

 As you can see, we truly have a size for any budget. Contact us today at 818-760-0408 to learn more. Dedaline is March 1st!


*The fine print: Prefer velox. Prefer 85 line screen. Black and White photos only. Color processes or bleeds not available.  Artwork returned upon request and receipt of pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope.  No charge for normal composition and make-ready, if camera-ready ad is supplied.  Special alterations, layout, and copy writing at additional cost ($25 Minimum).
Publication trim size:  8-1/2 x 5-1/2

--Mary, Social Media Coordinator

LAWTF ANNOUNCES LINE-UP FOR FESTIVAL 2016

Greetings, friends! Exciting news: LAWTF is delighted to announce that we will again return to the Electric Lodge located at 1416 Electric Avenue, Venice, CA 90291 23^rd Annual Festival March 24-27, 2016. for our This will mark our 6^th year as loyal community partners.

Our exciting line up for our 2016 "Telling Our Truths" theme include:

Thursday, March 24 at 8:00 pm
"A TOAST TO GREATNESS"

Hosted by: Starletta DuPois (The Notebook)

and Shabaka Henley (Black-ish)

  

                                                                     Starletta DuPois             

 Shabaka Henley 

Raissa Simpson, Study on a Butterfly. This dance piece showcases points of transformation a midst limitations of movement. From sources of her struggle with degenerative joint disease, Raisssa Simpson draws on her experience to develop metamorphic movement.

Eloise Laws. A member of a distinguished jazz family, award-winning international vocalist Eloise Laws will celebrate women through song.

Friday, March 25 at 8:00 p.m.

"Fathers and Daughters" 

Hosted by: Joyce Guy (How to Get Away With Murder)

 and Lula Washington (Lula Washington Dance Company)  

Alina Cenal in Words From a Cuban Father. Alina's strong presence of her father guides her through a world of mambo, revolution, Fidel, hotdogs, Miami, the circus, and Hollywood, as she is yanked from her native Cuba as a child to explore a new life that challenges her roots. 

Vicki Dello Joio in What's Wrong With a Mouse? Coming from Oakland, Vicki chronicles her journey of healing a rift with her father during his last days. He had disowned her for being queer 20 years earlier.

Ciera Payton in Michael's Daughter. One woman's paper trail relationship with her incarcerated father.

Saturday, March 26 at 3:00 p.m.

"Culturally Speaking"

Hosted by: Iona Morris (The Soul Man)    

and Adleane Hunter (Director/Producer)

Andreea Kindryd in "The Hair War." Shirley Temple curls to dreadlocs, 50 years of battling mental shackles, and driving my mother crazy is the focus of this storytelling piece that comes to us from Australia.

Dina Morrone in The Italian in Me. Dina shares her Italian/Canadian family upbringing, as well as her roller coaster ride to her ancestral Italy.

Vivian Nesbitt in The Bark and the Tree, Set in Ireland and coming here from New Mexico, this personal story of connection and transformation bends time and space to discover the true legacy of Vivian's legendary ancestor, the poet Eva of the Nation.

Saturday, March 26 at 8:00 p.m. 

"Identity Revealed"

Hosted by: Rosie Lee Hooks (Sweet Honey in the Rock)

and Eloise Laws (Can't Let Myself, Hurt Myself)

 

Aurora Lagattuta in Inside the Whale. This multi-media piece of dance, poetry, song and video projections from San Diego explores a fantastical journey of a woman swallowed by a whale, learning how to live in her own skin.

Amy Milano in Dancing With Crazies. This is one woman's search for a place to call home after being uprooted from place to place as a child.

Cheray O'Neal in Journey This. This piece follows one's path from despair to healing. After the death of her last living relative, Journey is left with a choice- suffer or forgive.

Sunday, March 27 at 3:00 p.m.

"Striving for Balance"

Hosted by:  Ingrid Graham (Dancer/Choreographer/Producer)
  and Sky Palkowitz (Calling America: Don't Hang Up!) 

Sharon Abreu in The Climate Monologues. Through interviews across the country and with original songs, this piece from Washington brings to life the voices of those who speak on climate change and energy and how it has personally affected them.

Debra DeLiso in Beautiful, Terrifying Love. A personal, poetic whirlwind of Debra DeLiso's dangerously true stories that she comically navigates from a nightmarish childhood, Hollywood horror film career, and a traumatic motherhood with her beautiful, talented and bi-polar daughter.

Rhonda Khan in Food. A rhythmic tale from New York of one woman's addiction to food a midst societal pressures to be thin. Family, therapists, healers and gurus weigh in and diagnose her as she spits her truth about weight loss, gain, and healing.

  

               Ciera Payton                   Vicki Dello Joio                    Aurora Lagattuta                         
                                                      

     
For performer and co-host line-up or for ticket purchases, please visit us at www.lawtf.org.

See you there!
Mary Lansing, Social Media Coordinator