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BENEFIT/TONY PARTY
TRU BEGINNINGS
PANELS
TRU VOICES
BOOT CAMP
AUDITION EVENT
GENERAL

TRU Love Benefit 2019: Follow Your Art, Fulfill Your Dreams

Many thanks to all involved from a very grateful honoree.  I think it was beautifully done, and believe me, I know what it takes to pull off an event like that!  Congratulations all around, not to mention kudos.  ~Jim Morgan

It was an INCREDIBLE event. I was honored to be there and would love to be involved with TRU! ~ Domnique Sharpton

The luncheon yesterday was an amazing event and showed the vast amount of work and attention to detail you and your colleagues put into this. Thank you so much for educating - at the podium - about captioning of live theater.  I had some wonderful conversations with those around me about this endeavor. Sadly, most had never thought about the unique needs of those with hearing loss - so the crusade continues.... I value you and all the work you do enormously. ~Arlene Romoff, 2010 TRU Humanitarian Award recipient

You did a splendid job putting this event together today. I can tell it was no easy task. Everything about it was terrific and there certainly was never a dull moment. It went so smoothly. So congratulations for producing a successful event. In the words of Pierre Cossette “you did it again”!!!! I hope you raised a ton of money as the room was completely sold out! ~Mary Cossette, producer

This was one of the best yet. Enjoyed the evening, the talent and know all the time and energy you gave to make it happen.  ~Sandi Durell

You and Gary have done such a wonderful job in growing the theatre community, and it is especially needed for newcomers.  Your support to them is enormous.  Today's event was very successful and I had a great time seeing so much great talent! ~Yuet-Fung Ho 

Warm, loving and top quality gala - and such a very moving sense of personal connections of people with each other and with TRU. ~Tita Anntares

What a great benefit!!! ~Laurie Eliscu

Let me add my thanks to you for a memorable event. I had an outstanding experience. Everyone was elegant and my table was captivating.... Thank you for your gift of a wonderful organization and delightful event. ~Karen Selby

Congrats on an absolutely amazing event! ~Lori Manette

Tony Party Fundraiser (2019)

Thank you very much for such a fun night!  I had a great time! ~Yuet Ho

Thank you so very much for a wonderful time. I loved everything. You are a terrific host. ~Polly VanRaalte

Excellent time last night. Very enjoyable group of people. Everything was good. Service, food, interactions. Desserts were scrumptious. ~Fran Sisco

Thank you for a delightful party - great spirit and food and fun and a fantasy of delicious desserts!!! ~Tita Anntares

Great party! Thank Gary and Cheryl for cake and Jay for free-flowing wine! ~Sue Horowitz

We had a very nice time.  The ladies at our table were very accommodating to our invasion and we had a great conversation learning about each other and commenting on the awards.  Glad we could be part of this.  And specially the deserts were wonderful! ~Kevin Barnes

TRU Love 2018 Benefit: The Power of Community

Great gala! So glad you said what you said at the top of the show about voting. It must be said whenever we have the attention of so many people. It's our lives we are talking about. Loved all the entertainment. You and [director] Jonathan Cerullo put on a great show! ~Joan Ross Sorkin

Your event was spectacular.  Couldn’t believe how good the food was!  Could believe how good the talent was!! ~Granville Burgess

As always, the TRU tribute was a beautiful event. ~Michael Colby

I very much enjoyed your TRU Love Benefit.  The talent and the presentations were great, and TRU indeed has been doing important work in nurturing the theater community. ~Yuet Hung Fo

I thought everything went very well. I hope the benefit was beneficial for TRU. It was very nice to reconnect with you.  And to honor John and see Baayork again... and Jana...  and Priscilla... etc... I chatted with Baayork after and I was shocked that she remembered exactly what I played in A Chorus Line. We're going back to 1976 here.....amazing! ~Bill Nabel

What a lovely gathering.  [My guest from Switzerland] appreciated the top level talent in the performances - and was really moved by the sense of family, community in the room. Not just the words of the theme but the warmth in the room. ~Tita Anntares

Thank you for a lovely event on Sunday, Bob. It was really well done, and you had a terrific crowd. Congrats! ~Isa Goldberg

What a wonderful function and it was so well-attended! Great job. Great performers, performances. And the food was gourmet yummy. You must be exhausted! ~Ellen Pober Rittberg

Well done! Enjoyed the day and the networking. ~R.K. Greene

Tony Party Fundraiser 2019

Thank you for the most amazing TONY party! I had the best time. Food was delish and the cakes were out of this world! ~Valerie David

It was great! ~Janie Steele

Thank you for a fabulous Tony Awards Party and Fundraiser! ~Ed Medina

It was a GREAT event and I had an absolute blast! Congratulations to you, Gary and the entire TRU team. Thank you again for the tickets I won to Gettin' the Band Back Together. I'm excited to see it. ~Lee Adhemar Feldshon

Enjoyed the party last night! ~Ann Harson

I had a terrific time at the party! ~Andrey Wax

It was a fun evening, well planned and delicious food and drink. Thank you for planning and executing a great night with friends. ~Chris Sherman

TRU Love 25th Year 2017 Benefit

It was a great event and very well produced - these things never end on time but this one did!! ~Cody Lassen  

What an extraordinarily wonderful benefit! You are to be congratulated. Hope you made lots of $$$. ~Sandi Durell  

I just wanted to say the event was amazing, thank you so much! ~Beth Conley

Great gala!!!! Congratulations Bob, Gary, Scott & Team on an awesome event!!! ~Molly Morris

Beautiful event today! I loved being there - and connecting with so many wonderful people! Amazing to have Bob Cuccioli there - saw him in Jekyll and Hyde in 1997 - the first Broadway musical with open captioning! [Editor note: Open captioning allows people with hearing loss to view the words being spoken on an LED screen.] ~Arlene Romoff

What a beautiful and special afternoon it was! ~Colleen Grate

It was just so lovely! I was honored to celebrate your 25 years with you.  I think it turned out splendid, Jana was so gracious and inspiring!  And what's an anniversary without some tears right?  There were some nice nods to Randall I thought too. Sam, the young lady I brought, was also very inspired as a young lady in the entertainment industry.  She very much appreciated the messaging, people, and event.  ~Emileena Pedigo  

Look at what you’ve accomplished!! I’m so thrilled to know that I was among your first group of starry-eyed hopefuls in folding chairs in random rooms….. you’ve come so far. I wish you towering joy and success for your next 25 years and then some. ~Milda DeVoe  

TRU Love Benefit 2016: Embracing the Unlimited

The TRU organization did an incredible job making the event such a special celebration and I was honored to be awarded - I am truly in awe of all that Jeff Whiting, Bailie Slevin, Bob Ost and everyone on their team do to make this organization a pillar within the producing community. Go check them out and be a part of what they do! ~honoree Jennifer Ashley Tepper, recipient of the TRU Entrepreneur Award

I just wanted to say thanks so much again for a wonderful evening and congratulations on an incredibly successful night! The TRU community and program are incredibly special and I'm so happy to be a part of it! ~Danielle Trzcinski

Congrats on a spectacular and well choreographed event. ~Courtney Sweeting THANK YOU for creating the space & the events & the work around the America that I understand and support. It's complete whiplash between Sunday night [gala] and this morning [after election], but that evening of diversity is going to be the mental totem that I will carry with me into the future. So many stories to witness & to still keep telling!! ~Tammy Rose  

How to Write a Musical That Works: The World and the Want (2019)

I just wanted to write you a quick thank you for the seminar. WOW! I can't begin to tell you how enlightening, thought-provoking, and helpful it was for me to: a) hear my piece being sung in front of an audience, and b) get the crucial feedback from professionals. I so much appreciate the opportunity you gave me. I've already re-written 1/2 of the song (the rest to be completed this week).... I've taken most of the criticisms to heart and to be honest ... I LIKE IT BETTER!!! ~Richie Abanes

How to Write a Musical That Works: Part 3 (2019)

Today was an amazing experience. I definitely will apply for parts 1 and 2. ~David Kurkowski (Curie the musical)

Thank You to Bob Ost and Cate Cammarata for the absolute BEST organization in Manhattan, supporting musical theater and its education! ~Joanne Phillips

A FANTASTIC RESOURCE. If anyone is in the process of writing a musical and would like constructive but gentle feedback on your work, I highly recommend the TRU workshop series “How To Write A Musical That Works” lead by Bob Ost and Cate Cammarata. They explain in detail the requirements of each section of a new musical. After this mini-lecture, each writing team is allowed half an hour to present a scene and song(s) from their new show for feedback. Yesterday’s seminar was on “Reckoning and Resolution.” The panel of auditors is truly stellar with representatives ranging from BMI to Disney.... These workshops are a great way to hear how others see your show, with a fresh eye and extremely intelligent suggestions on what could be clarified and how to move forward. ~Larry Daggett

I want to thank you for today's workshop. I found the experience very helpful and encouraging.  Keep up the good work. ~Stephen Randoy (Capture This)

How to Write a Musical That Works: Conflict and Obstacles (2019)

Thank you for the informative and very interesting and entertaining day yesterday. Roland and I are honored to have been part of it. ~Katherine Burger

Writer-Producer Speed Date (October 2019)

Thanks for the awesome speed date experience. ~David Stamps, writer (The Arrangement)

Thank you for tonight. It was such an amazing learning experience for me. ~Erik Saul, trailing producer

That was brilliant yesterday - I can't find the words to describe it and what I learned as trailing producer.... I never experienced speed dating but I loved your approach and empathy and advice -  it got my attention.... all of the producers were amazingly empathetic and compassionate. ~Geo Geller, trailing producer

Thank you for the Speed Date. Met wonderful producers and prospective projects. My notebook grows.~Karen Selby, trailing producer

Thanks for having me at your event last night. It was enlightening in many ways. I chatted with several of the presenters from last night and made promises to read their scripts. ~Robert Driemeyer, producer

Writer-Producer Speed Date (July 2019)

That was an amazing experience today. Thanks for great prep and coaching.  Long about my 8th producer, I think I was able to make it very clear that my main character goes through a major transformation, and described why/how that happens.  I’d definitely be better at pitching in a future next speed dating event. One producer said he’d like to come to my reading tomorrow.  The best closing question I got from a producer was: “How do you want your audience to feel at the end of your play?” I said: “I want them to want to hug the person next to them.” ... So challenging and fun. ~Jane Wills (Steadfast)

Thank you for including me in yesterday’s session… it was illuminating and productive… I believe there were at least few interested in my piece (4 asked me to send them my script). ~Lon Blais (The Boy on the Bureau)

Just wanted to thank you and Gary (and Bailie and Emileena, etc.) for the opporTRUnity yesterday. Even if nothing comes of it for 
(I did get three email addresses), it was exciting to get my head back in the game with hopes for the show's next steps. Really grateful this kind of event, which I'm sure is really hectic and stressful on your end. Overall, a terrific idea well done. Really a gift to hopeful writers. ~David Lefkowitz (Shalom, Dammit!)

Thank you and your TRU team for the Writer/Producer speed date event yesterday.  It was a daunting, fascinating and very informative.  The timing of this event was perfect for our show given the new reading that has been scheduled at the York Theatre on Thursday, September 5th.  The panel of producers was  amazing and their interest and insight was most valuable.  Very grateful also to you and Bailie for your notes and guidance.  ~Jim Semmelman (Choices)

Thanks so much for including me in the speed date yesterday. I got a lot of good advice, positive feedback, and one script request!  But the exercise also helped me clarify what my play is really all about and how to express it succinctly. Plus I know now I have to write another song!  All good stuff. ~David Kurkowski (Curie the musical)

Thank you for having me tonight in the speed date tonight; it was super fun. ~Seth Bisen-Hersh (The Diamond As Big As the Ritz)

Thank you for inviting me to attend my first ever Speed Date as a Producer. It was truly a blast and  I enjoyed meeting all of the writers and other producers and hearing all of the various pitches. I heard a few great pitches and some great ideas that I hope will find a production someday. It's an excellent exercise for them but it is also greawt for me to learn how to improve my own pitches and see what works well and what doesn't. ~Nolan Doran, producer (Head Over Heels, The Secret Life of Bees)

Writer-Producer Speed Date (March 2019)

Just wanted to say thank you to you and your awesome team (Gary, etc as well as our coach Sami) for not only offering events such as the PITCH Speed Date event but also for facilitating it so tremendously well. We felt very much taken care of, felt we were in good hands and in a safe environment to learn from the experience, as well as so appreciative to have the opportunity to share our show and story with 11+ producers and hone our pitching craft. So worth every penny of our membership and second of the event! ~Peter Davenport (Storming Heaven the musical)

I want to say thank you for inviting me to the Speed dating event. It was a terrific evening and I learned some invaluable things! I also made some very good contacts and will be able to follow up with a few people. I so appreciate that you do this ~Hilary Chaplain (The Last Rat)

A pleasure meeting and working with you all yesterday. I really learned so much about how to Pitch successfully. ~Jerome Brooks, Jr. (Committed the musical)

 Thanks to Diana, Bob, Gary, and all TRU staff for hosting last nights Speed Date. It was a terrific experience, exhausting in the moment, but after a good nights sleep I am full of positive energy and direction. ~Paul Fallon (How Will We Live Tomorrow)

Thank you so much for the wonderful evening of learning and sharpening up! I thought the guests were great and I made a couple of good pitches ... and there were a few where I missed the mark. One person said they were interested and gave me her card. I plan to take advantage of other workshops. ~Jack Rushen (Means to an End)

Thanks very much for such an extraordinary event. Meeting the producers was an awesome experience, as was the preparatory work and coaching by you and Sami. TRU-ly wonderful! ~Fran Sisco (Once a Boy)

Thank you so much again for including me last night. The experience was invaluable and there was some interest from a few of the producers and I got great feedback from a lot of them as well. Bailie was a wonderful coach and my pitch improved so much over the night. Even if nothing else comes of it, that alone was worth the cost of entry. ~Nicholas Kaminski (Transgender Starborn)

Followup from Nicholas: I was playing a rehearsal today when a guy I didn't know came in and sat down to hear me play. He introduced himself afterwards as a Broadway producer (he was there listening looking for a new accompanist) and I gave him my best pitch thanks to the practice I got at TRU. He was interested in reading my script and listening to my demos and gave me his contact information. Glad I had that nice pitch in my back pocket, as well as the appropriate documents to have on hand ready to email. ~Nick Kaminski 

What an incredible night last night was! Amazing how it all came together like a jigsaw puzzle. Bravo. ~Sue Gilad (producer The Other Josh Cohen)

Director-Writer Communication Lab (2019)

Thank you Bob for putting this workshop together, I love doing them and learning from them.  Making new connections is what it is all about and that in such an invaluable gift we get from participating.  Thank you all again for the great day! ~Katherine Ray, director

The Writer-Director Lab was an amazing experience!  From the insightful critiques of Jennifer, Rick and Eric on the writer-director relationship, to Rick’s breakout session on navigating different communication styles, this lab was invaluable to me.  It taught me basic decorum and protocol in beginning these relationships for a more successful, professional approach toward other theatre professionals in the future.  Thank you Bob and TRU for such a fantastic workshop! ~Suzanne Willet, writer (2:49)

Ditto…what she said. I appreciated the insight and loved observing everyone’s style — a rare opportunity. ~James Rocco, director

I've been around (and around) and I never experienced that kind of convocation before. My experience of the business end of the business has been like Alien Vs. Predator, just with more smiles (at the beginning). And as a self-producing writer, I've been a lone wolf. So it was nice to be around talented people who just want to learn and share. It took me a while to adjust. The day was solid and informative. I'll be back for more. ~Manny Igrejas, writer (NSA)

Thank you again for bringing together such great people yesterday! Lots of great connections. ~Dennis Corsi, director

That was such an engaging and lively event; it was great to spend the day with people who are so passionate and knowledgable about theater. The earlier TRU workshop I attended about PITCHING [Speed Date] really helped me hone what I needed to say when it was my turn to “meet” my director. Thanks for these great workshops. It was interesting to learn about the 4 behavioral styles; I think that was a useful way to preface the one-on-one meetings and I found it useful to think about communication styles as the day progressed. ~Katherine Burger, writer (The Curse of Batvia)

Thanks so much for an awesome day and I really enjoyed the day as a whole.  I got to see my strengths and weaknesses and how I can best serve myself as well as the playwright I am working with. I am thankful for all of the feedback and found it to be be insightful. I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is just starting out or is looking to take their craft up a notch. ~Laurie Rae Waugh, director

A wonderful afternoon. It proves to me once again that theatre is an ensemble effort and it takes many ideas and incredible collaboration to make things happen. I am so happy with TRU and look forward to other enlightening meetings that solidify the word "ensemble" in my mind. (and heart) ~Jack Rushen, writer (Petey)

Thank you for your insights and encouraging words! ~Clé, writer (Parallel Lines)

What a fantastic day today was at [TRU's] Writer/Director Communications Lab! It was a day of exercises in behavior types, what needs to be discussed between writers and directors, and putting into practice communicating with one another in a first meeting about the piece. We were lucky enough to meet with some wonderful Playwrights and fellow directors, learn a bit from each other, and form some new friendships and collaborations. I am super grateful for Bob Ost and the TRU team for curating workshops like this to help theatre professionals of different levels, styles, and backgrounds get steps closer to making their “thing” happen! ~Christopher Michaels, director

Yesterday’s writer-director program was great and I derived a great deal of knowledge and positive energy from it even though I had to leave early. Dale [the director] and I were the first pair to interact and I really feel we connected in a meaningful way that may very possibly lead to future collaboration. Since joining TRU last year I have attend your monthly panels and a number of your workshops and have found them all to be excellent. ~Ellen Rittberg, writer (Sabbath Elevator)

How to Write a Musical That Works (2018)

Useful, fun and inspiring from start to finish. ~Jack Phillips, Taking Care of Mom, '18

A really good time, really professionally done, and I learned a lot! What a great panel (yourselves included). Thanks for everything and I was delighted that the panel thought so highly of my Xmas song. ~Thomas Dudzick, Christmas Over the Tavern

I just wanted to take a moment to say how grateful we are for the opportunity to perform an excerpt from Oswald for you. The feedback we received was truly invaluable and we are so very thankful to everyone on the panel who took the time to offer their expertise and insights. Our experience with TRU continues to be amazing and we thank you all so much. ~Tony LePage and Josh Sassanella, Oswald

Great workshop session with you and Cate and the panelists.  LOVED Cheryl's suggestion....  Got some good ideas from other writers afterwards as well.  Good incentives to rewrite some more. And the cast was very enthused about the process.  They all want to do a concert show. ~Roy O'Neil, Eddie and the Palaceades

Thanks again for the wonderful time we had at TRU the other weekend at the workshop. ~Brenda Giordano, A Time to Live

Yesterday's program at NOLA Studios was exactly what I needed and didn't know it.  Just listening to what was being said/the information garnered was priceless. ~Wraggs Wall

I LOVED working with TRU. Numbers Nerds was accepted into NYMF. Thanks to you and all the other panelists for your very helpful feedback in the fall,  our show is in much better shape.  ~Larry Little, writer 

Just wanted to thank you all once again for convening the [Reckoning and] Resolutions workshop on Saturday. It's a huge amount of work to coordinate something like that and it was much appreciated. I met a few folks I hope to stay in touch with, and most important, the experience was VERY useful to me on a creative level. ~Liz Schiller, writer

Thank you for hosting such a helpful event.  Between you, Cate and the panel there was a lot of wisdom , valuable input and considered judgment.  I believe suggestions I received can be incorporated in straightforward fashion to strengthen the finale so thanks once again. ~Don Nolan, writer

How to Write a Musical That Works: Reckoning and Resolution (2018)

Thanks again for a great workshop. Thought you'd like to know the Brooke Astor musical was accepted into the Chicago Musical Theater Festival as a full production, so we're doing 5 perfs in February. Also, the Kennedy Center's Stage to Page Festival is doing one of the songs in a concert! ~Rachael Migler (Brooke Astor's Last Affair) 

You conducted a beautiful and fascinating session yesterday, abetted of course by the knowledgeable panelists. What a variety of creative work! Which should hearten us about the prospects for musical theater in 2018 and forward. It's such a brilliant form, musical theater, in which you can tackle all manner of themes and build them with what can be the irresistible enticements of song. So, again and sincerely, thank you! ~Duncan Christy (Magazine)

I had a spectacularly great workshop. It's true, along the way, I had a couple moments of uncertainty, but now I'm clear that I learned a ton and I got what I came for. I'm putting it to use already. [Music director] David Wolfson also did a great job. Great skill, talent and professionalism. I was privileged to have lunch with Peter Filichia. What a fascinating man. Oh the people you meet at a TRU workshop! ~Jack Phillips (Taking Care of Mom)

Many times I thought “this is crazy, don’t do this” but something made me just keep taking one more step forward each time and I’m so glad I did. I was blown away by my team. (Music director] Nevada [Lozano] was exactly the right person to connect me with – thank you so much!!! And I really loved meeting Skip [Kennon]. I think we’re kindred souls. And of course Cate – loved the discussion of the Poetics, and getting to see all the presentations. ~Deborah Henson-Conant (The Golden Cage)

How to Write a Musical That Works: The World and the Want (2018)

Paul & I have been doing a massive amount of organizational work, getting ready for NYMF.  We're thrilled to move Black Hole Wedding to the next level & appreciate TRU's very useful feedback.   ~Katherine Brand (Black Hole Wedding)

I just wanted to say that I thought the workshop was fantastic yesterday. Everybody was so supportive of one another, and all the writers were eager to get feedback. Everyone seemed to get a lot out of it, and, as always, there was such a nice feeling of community! ~Jessie Shinberg

Today was great, I learned a lot and always do at your panels and programs! ~Ellen Rittberg

Thank you for inviting Black Hole Wedding to participate in TRU's workshop.  It was a pleasure meeting you & getting your very useful feedback & suggestions.  ~Katherine Brann Fredricks

Writer-Producer Speed Date (2018)

I have great regard for you and your work at TRU. Carmel Owen and I had such an interesting experience there pitching our Monet musical. I remember the excellent pitch materials you circulated and the professional way the evening was organized. Hats off to all that you do! ~Joan Ross Sorkin

I really appreciate the work you guys do and it has reaped good things for me and my partner thus far – at least connections and good conversations. ~Joe Hoover (The Chalice) 

Thanks for hosting the Writer Producer Speed Date. We learned a lot and made some valuable contacts in just a few hours. It was well worth the time and logistical investments. We know this takes a lot of your energy and we appreciate your efforts. ~Kevin Bleau and David Schrag (Roswitha)

I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed the speed dating experience. It was very instructive with great ideas on how to proceed in my quest to get my play produced.  ~Jeff Schneider (Indictment at Bedford Station)

Huge thanks to you for yesterday’s Speed Date. It was a terrific experience for me (and hopefully Pooch). I very much appreciate the time and planning you put into the event. ~Scott Eyerly (Pooch), March '18

Thank you deeply and truly from the bottom of my heart for all the work and love that went into yesterday's speed date. I would have never been able to step into that room without the emails, and templates, and coaching that you all offered. It was brilliant. And now, thanks to the great preparation I got ... I have three requests to read my script!!! ~Kayhan Irani (There Is a Portal), March '18 

Thank you so much for a terrific event yesterday. You were right, it was fun!! Not only did I learn a lot, it was very encouraging. I very much appreciated to have a way “in” to the theater community. I have sent materials to three producers this morning! ~Kimerer LaMothe (Happy If - Happy When), March '18

The whole event was such a whirlwind, and so much fun. ~Kit Goldstein Grant (The Wrong Box), March '18

I just wanted to thank you for last night's event. WOW!!! It was an exciting, encouraging, and educational experience. The information I gleaned from the evening will help me for years to come. Whether or not I get my play optioned, I already see it all as a success. And, FYI, Cate was AMAZING!!!!! She is a gem. Her pre-event coaching hour was AWESOME. Based on her critique, I was able to change my pitch in the fly and I could tell from the reactions I received, that her changes did indeed make my pitch stronger!!!! She's a keeper. I love TRU!!!! You are all a blessing to the artist community! ~Richie Abanes (Five Women), March '18

Very helpful - from Bob and Gary and your structural guidance to Sami [Saltzman] and your essence excavating (fascinating to watch how you got us to dig underneath our descriptions of "what" to our gut feelings of "why"). And then the speed date where we were forced to figure out how to turn our solitary scribbling minds into human conversations, responsive to each new producer's spoken and unspoken interest, and the challenge of quickly dredging up the essence. I've gone through one speed date for each of my three plays and yesterday a fourth for the revised first play. Each one has helped me become more professional and dynamic in conversations, query letters, and those 100 word limit descriptions of a play on an application. ~Tita Anntares (Veils of Justice), March 

Writer-Producer Speed Date (July & October 2018)

Thanks for putting together the Writer-Producer SpeedDate and for making it a teaching and learning experience. The Speed Date is the only event I know of that gives writers the chance to meet high level producers one-on-one in a room. To me, that's what makes the Speed-Dates so valuable. And you do it with kindness, which I value in life. ~Vincent Amelio (How Alfo Learned to Love)

Thank you for me having me as part of the Speed Date this past Sunday! It was definitely nerve-wracking (never pitched anything before), but I had a great time doing it. ~Zev Burrows (The Pledge)

Quite an amazing event. Thanks for organizing it. ~Granville Burgess (Common Ground)

Great event yesterday – glorious chaos! Just as when I pitched as a writer, I found the whole experience of getting "thrown into the foxhole" to be exciting, invigorating and very beneficial. I think writers need to hone these sort of "survival skills" to navigate the battlefield. ~Mark Butler, trailing producer

Thanks for an amazing Speed Date yesterday, well done! ~Markus Potter, producer

I thoroughly enjoyed the Speed Date. Learned a lot about pitching. The producers were very incisive and knowledgeable. One thing that encourages me is that many of the writers were my age or older. Whenever I go to film-related events, I’m 20-30 years older than most other people.~Philip Reissman

Writer-Producer Speed Date (October 2018)

Thank you for having me at the Producer Speed Date. Samantha was an excellent coach and prepared us extremely well, which greatly improved my effectiveness once I got into the room. I found the producers to be genuinely interested in me and my project, and I learned a ton from their input. I left feeling really hopeful—a stark contrast to the bundle of nerves I felt going in! ~November Christine (Legacy the musical)

I just wanted to say thank you for all of your generous energy devoted to TRU Speed Dating. It is such a useful process for a writer, regardless of the outcome. ~Martha Pichey (The Last Dumpster)

Thank you for letting me attend as a Trailing Producer yesterday. It was incredibly instructional for me, and I learned a lot! ~Denise Peterson Huza, producer

Thank you so much for organizing this event and for the opportunity to participate as a producer. I enjoyed it so much, and left feeling inspired and encourage as well. You’re doing something really special, and may all that good energy come back to you in spades. ~Julia O’Brien, producer

Great night and wonderful range of projects - very exciting. ~Charlotte Cohn, producer

What a great pitch session event and it was organized really well so thank you for that. ~Ellen Rittberg (Sci Fi)

Anne & I really enjoyed our first Producer Speed Date and learned so much - about the process and about my piece. Well worth the expense. And thank you for your service to the community. I know it must be terribly draining. ~Keith Herron & Anne Pasquale (No Fault)

Director-Writer Communication Lab (2018)

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for orchestrating the Director/Writer Communication workshop (which is clearly quite a feat!) and your wonderfully wise thoughts on every interaction.  I was very impressed with the caliber and generosity of the panel and I thought they brought excellent points to each discussion.  I appreciated how clear eyed you were on each interaction.  I am tempted to ask if you have a methodology for how you listen to these discussions, but I suspect that years of experience is the primary method. It was an excellent workshop - it is just great to be around people who love theater as much as I do and are working super hard.  Bliss! ~Noel MacDuffie, director-choreographer

I want to thank you for the director/writer workshop last week. I am now directing a 25 minute excerpt of Look For Me in the upcoming New York New Work Theater Festival! Thanks!  ~Miriam Eusebio, director

Great workshop! Wonderful people participating, both deeply knowledgeable panelists, and generous directors. I will continue to talk up your programs as well as attend as many as I can. My best to you and your true passion, the arts and theater. ~Ina Chadwick

I was very grateful for the information provided by Jessie Shinberg concerning my script submittal, Hitched.  We are in rehearsal now for a September opening in Maryland and I will be keeping all comments in mind as we work toward that goal. ~Earl Lewin, writer

Writer-Producer Speed Date  (2017)

I actually enjoyed myself last night – all that hard work getting it wrong in the run-up to pitching was totally worth it! I got so much out of the first.  Veronique Ory chose Ashes & Ink for her monthly reading series, and now I am part of Athena Writers for 2018. I want to say how sorry I am that you were attacked online by someone with absolutely no sense of how useful the pitching sessions can be and how hard you work on behalf of emerging playwrights. ~Martha Pichey  

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to meet the Speed-Date producers. I learned so much about pitching my project. This is invaluable information that I would never have gotten anywhere else. TRU is truly a writer's best friend! ~Chris Sherman

Thanks for hosting a very successful event and giving me the chance to participate in it. The feedback I got was very helpful. ~George Pfirrmann, '17 Thank you again for putting on the Writer-Producer Speed Date! I learned so much, and I'm so thankful to the producers who came by to listen to our pitches. This was a great evening! ~E. Okobi  

I just wanted to let you know I’m getting a number of emails from my coachees saying how wonderful their experience was, not only with the coaching but that they felt like they made some great connection. So congrats on a great speed date! ~Bailie Slevin, coach  

Enjoyed process. Felt uncomfortable at first, but got good reactions, which made it more fun. I appreciated and took Bailie’s advice, which was good. Got a chance to talk with/meet producers – some gave advice, many showed interest. Very positive experience.  ~ Claude Solnik

I hope you are doing well.  Thank you again for inviting Into the Sun to participate in the TRU SpeedDate several years ago.  It launched a development process that led to the 2015 NYMF presentations and beyond.  I am writing to let you know that Into the Sun will be performed again in the NYC area – four staged readings at Montclair State University on April 6, 7, 8, and 9. ~Michael Gubser  

Practical Playwriting (2017)

"Thank you for putting together another amazing event. I think you've done another magical job in organizing the speakers and structure for Sunday's event." ~Yaakov Bressler  

"Just wanted to say it was such a delight today to attend the amazing playwriting workshop. It was so informative and fun and really got my wheels turning." ~Catherine Weingarten "Thank you so much for yet another wonderful conference. I took pages of notes and left with scads of ideas as to how to attack the next draft." ~Thalia Cunningham

"Thanks so much for a wonderful day yesterday. I learned so much about presenting my work and got to meet some very interesting playwrights." ~Hannah Epstein. '17 "Thank you for the wonderful workshop on Sunday. I found it to be incredibly valuable and informative. I got everything out of it that I hoped to and more. I absolutely intend to attend more TRU events. I am grateful that your organization exists. Thank you for all that you do. I look forward to getting to know you better in the future." ~Krishna Alexandra

"Thanks for the Practical Playwriting workshop! This was my second year attending, this time with my second play. Maybe because I've learned a lot this year through TRU panels and an online writing course, I got even more value this year. Maybe I just needed the first workshop to get full value the second time around.

This workshop was filled with Diana Amsterdam's deep  guidance for structuring a play good enough for producers to want to invest time and money, Patrick Blake's real-world strategies for connecting with producers who are already inundated with scripts, and Gillien Goll's ability to prepare us emotionally and spiritually as well as pragmatically to speak about our stories not as robots but as human beings producers want to listen to.

Writer-Director Communication Lab (2017)

I absolutely loved the experience. Learned a lot about how to make that crucial writer-director relationship work. Much as I enjoyed watching the interactions that went well, the ones that didn't go so swimmingly, including my own, were actually the most useful: The better to see the pitfalls that may occur in a real situation. Your “prologue,” along with Ken's, Ric's and your post-interaction analyses, were insightful and compassionate. ~Gary Plotkin

Thanks for doing this lab.  It really opened my eyes to a lot of different styles - playwrights and directing - that I may not have been exposed to.  Its great to watch others go through the breakdown [process] that all shows must do.  The preparation for a theater production was made a gripping theater production.  Kudos on your concept!  Highly recommended.  - Hamza Zaman, director

Had a great time at the lab, it was wonderful to meet a director who shared and improved upon my vision for the piece. Also, it was wonderful to learn about the positives, possible pitfalls and some expectations for the writer-director relationship, which I'm sure will be helpful as my career develops. The guests were fantastic. ~Xavier Toby, writer (Torture for Beginners)

I found the Lab very helpful and appreciated the professional feedback and insights provided by industry insiders Ken and Ric. ~Phil Paradis, writer (Soldier's Christmas)

Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in yesterday's workshop. It was so informative and fun. ~Hannah Epstein, writer (Walker Road)

I loved hearing from the producers you had there helping lead the event and getting your and others’ perspective. I enjoyed meeting, talking with Cate and the whole process.... I thought it was instructive to see how people interact- things I do are a little more obvious when I watched others. And I enjoyed talking with Cate about the script.... I really do think it’s great that you have people like Ken [Waissman], the producer, who take part in this. Someone like him makes that room feel so much bigger. To hear his stories, get his perspective, experience. He has produced some amazing shows. It’s so nice that people like that take their time to talk with others – and that you bring them in. ~Claude Solnik, writer (Sandcastles)

Thanks for another fantastic workshop!  I attended last year and got even more out of the lab the second time. The director I worked with - Lester Shane was the best! Lester had done a very careful reading of my script, (he even did some research on the characters!). In addition to the great notes he gave me  at the lab, he spent over an hour with me after the lab to go through all of his additional notes and thoughts on the story, structure, and characters. Talk about hitting the jack pot with Lester, I was so lucky to have been able to work with him. ~Stephen Anderson, (Wonderful, 2017)

Thank you for including me in yesterday's lab.  I thought the experience wonderful.  I learned so much as well as enjoying meeting Laurie. ~Dena Levin, writer (Keep Walking)

"This was a tremendously helpful workshop!  I was watching the conversations as a playwright, to learn about communication, but also as a teacher, to help my playwrights be better playwrights.  This work that you are doing is invaluable!  Your experience as a producer and a playwright and the fact that you brought other producers into the room really brought in a broader perspective that kept things very real and made the stakes feel enormously high.  I loved meeting everyone, especially Paul who I really felt got the play – thank you!  You said there was someone else who wanted the play, and you had to make an executive decision, and, it seems to me, you made the right one.  And that is one of the producers biggest tasks, right?  To bring the right people into the room?" ~Emma Goldman Sherman, writer (Whorticulture)  

What an eye-opener!  We directors do not get enough feedback, mostly for fear we might look weak during the production process.  So the TRU Communications Lab is such a gift!  Although the focus seems to be the playwright, the directors also learn how effective their communication style is or is not.  The Lab starts with a breakdown of different types of communication exchanges and real theatre professionals describe successes and failures as producers, playwrights and directors.  There was a great mix of directors from different backgrounds.  I received supportive, focused feedback with specifics that can help me in the future.  ~Dale Davidson, director

Thanks again for the amazing lab last weekend. Being new to the world of theater, I didn't figure out until I got home the  genius of your lab.  We actually got to witness how a writer - a director - and a team of producers all interact and communicate (or fail to communicate) in real time. The stakeholders unique perspectives and biases are all on display - for us to learn from.  Genius!! ~Steve Anderson, writer (Joan and Nancy)  

A quick note of thanks for yesterday's lab. There really is no substitute for being "in the room" with collaborators and the fact that you are able to create this atmosphere with working professionals who are in the trenches and can speak to what's real says a lot about the good and relevant work you're doing with your organization. Kudos." ~Ben Gonshor, writer (When Blood Ran Red)  

"Great experience. I learned so many things I didn’t know I didn’t know - on an artistic, professional AND personal level." ~Gwyn McAllister, writer (The Green Rose)  

"I came away with such valuable skills and it was definitely a wonderful learning experience. You always pick the most amazing people for these events! Looking forward to hearing what the next wonderful event you have going on is.  By the way, I recommend TRU to anyone I can get my hands on because I've just learned so much since I started going." ~Amy Oestreicher, writer (Imprints)  

"I found it helpful and illuminating in a number of ways. Coming shortly after my first experience of selecting a director for the production of my BETWEEN MEN at the MITF summer festival, it made me aware of the necessity of a lengthy and focussed discussion before any commitments are made. To be honest I didn't know exactly what to expect. It was, therefore, useful both to talk through the issues raised by my own play with a Director like Cate and to observe other couples going through the process of discovering whether they could work together or not. It was also moving to witness unexpected dramatic moments in the course of the day. And finally the presence of two such knowledgeable and successful Broadway producers as Ken and Margot commenting freely on the proceedings was a huge bonus." ~Dennis Porter, writer (As a Bird Dies)

"The lab is fascinating, and I found not just my time, but watching the other teams very valuable."~Richard Riskin, director

Writer-Producer Speed Date (2016)

I wanted to reach out and thank you for including me on the Producer Speed Date. Since I was a participant, I've been contacted by two producers who have expressed interest in my pitch. Both have read my script and one is definitely looking for further development! One is Broadway and the other TV/Film so that's exciting that it reached such wide appeal with industry leaders. I've had so many peers ask me about the event so I'll be passing along the next Producer Speed Date information when the next one comes up so they can apply. I really am so thankful for such a grand opportunity to meet and have my work reviewed by top notch professionals. ~Jen Lyon

It was an incredible experience to be a trailing producer. I met so many talented people in the industry and learned so much about the field I want to go into and how to pitch as well. ~Natalie Lifson

Just wanted to say  "thanks” for the speed date event. The evening was rewarding and a great learning experience. I felt well prepared and appreciated the materials you sent prior to the evening. Also, Gillien was a great coach and that hour proved to be quite beneficial to my eventual pitch. The producers were receptive, friendly and most were helpful. ~Sam Affoumado

Thanks for a terrific experience last night at the writer-producer speed date. I learned so much from the experience and think I made some good contacts. ~Terry Milner

What a thrilling night yesterday! Thanks so much from such a tremendous opportunity. Everyone was so nice, and it felt very nurturing and supportive. Plus I got great feedback! ~Amy Oestreicher

Last night's Writer/Producer Speed Date, sponsored by Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU), was a terrific experience. Thank you, Bob Ost, Gary Hughes, Michael Ian Cedar and all of the producers who gave their time and expertise. ~Doug DeVita

Thanks again for such a great opportunity. ~Nathan Yungerberg

Great event last night. It was so very helpful. And regardless of what, if anything comes of it, I am finally able to do an elevator pitch that I'm proud of. And for that, it was worth twice as much. I can only imagine how much planning and coordinating went into pulling the event off. It was clearly the yeoman's task. Please know, as a new member of TRU, I for one appreciate what it is you're doing for the greater theatre community here in the city.   You have my gratitude, and my husband's (Rick, the observer). ~Lenore Skomal

Thank you again for the opportunity to pitch my play on Sunday. The program really did help me to feel more at ease with talking about the play, and I've since started an enthusiastic round of submissions. It was also great to meet the other writers. ~Rachel Mann

Thanks to you and Gary for giving us all a chance to meet people whose assistants might not even forward our queries and a challenging workout to help scribblers, mutterers and meanderers become professionals who talk. ~T. Anntares

Amazing experience. Bailie great at pulling the essence out of the story and guiding us to speak it as humans not read like  robots. The pitching felt  visceral , physical. In real life I'd never start talking without asking some questions about the producer's current interests then tailoring or even saying this ain't for you and not pitching. But suddenly I have to just be there with my attempt to capture something about life that would gather audiences. Yikes. Just go for it. The producers were very gracious listeners - even ones with bios that make my  concept only right for their circular file. And some listen so well with their eyes that they make our flailing attempts seem important .. So I almost wanted to stop talking and find their couch for the art of life. Forget the life in art!

Practical Playwriting (2016)

Last thing I wanted to do on a sunny Saturday in May... but every minute resonated with value! I thought the play I was pitching had a very limited audience, but the insightful questions from the panel of producers - Pat Addiss, RK Greene, Robin Rothstein and Lorenzo Thione - helped me re-think the essence and ways to revise it more dynamically and for a wider audience." ~T. Anntares

"Yesterday reminded me why I should get to more TRU events. The feedback on my pitch was invaluable." ~Joe Beck

"Great workshop, today as always. Wonderful panel and terrific presenters. I learned so much in such a short space of time."~Pat Lin

Practical Playwriting (2015)

I truly enjoyed the first part and gleaned a good deal of info I did not know - and a lot of practical suggestions that go not only with my play but with the other writing I do. ~Mary Sheeran

PANELS

THEATER IN A CHANGING WORLD (October 2019)

It was an honor [being on the panel]. I love the work you're doing and applaud your passion and commitment to the arts. The attendees were great and Kat and Teresa have developed a great relationship. ~Irene Gandy

Intimate setting, outstanding panel comprised of top people in the live theater industry. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: every time I attend a TRU Theater Resources Unlimited educational panel or workshop, you have to practically drag me out of there! I love my supportive theater community and family! ~Joanne Phillips

SOLO SUCCESS (February 2019)

Thank you so much for hosting the much needed and appreciated [panel] regarding solo shows!  You and the panel were so insightful and everyone seemed to LOVE it! I hope you have another solo panel informational event soon.  IMO: You could easily charge $20 a person for non-members.  It's totally worth it and you deserve it and more! Perhaps having this twice a year or part of your regular lineup of workshops etc.? Whatever you decide, I just wanted you to know it seemed truly needed and successful! Congrats on giving us a panel and resources as solo artists! ~Antonia Kasper

I shared my experience as a solo show artist these past 4 1/2 years (YAY!) and heard how other solo artists are doing their thing! Feeling energized and validated!☀️ Thank you, Bob for inviting me on the panel! ~Ingrid Griffith

Great panel, as always. And I always learn something useful. Almost makes me want to write a solo piece . . . For another person. ~Ellen Rittberg

GETTING PAST THE GATEKEEPERS (January 2019)

The panel on Diversity in Theater  was fantastic. THANK YOU for casting such amazing players (Tonya Pinkins is a kick-ass !) and for leading what could be a controversial heated discussion in a clear and organized way. I learned a lot. I agree with both Tonya and Bob and feel we need to tackle this problem from all sides: personal and  political. Of course we need to challenge a system that places profits before anything else. But in the meantime we have to keep going.... Look at the history of the off broadway movement that started in the sixties: writers and actors gathering in coffee shops (Caffe Cino) and storefronts (La Mama) to read and perform their work since it wasn't being given a voice in the big Broadway theaters. It wasn't easy then and it's still hard now but somehow we have to find a way. ~Nina Howes

What it means to be a Producer (December 2018)

So much fun last night. Thanks for the great panel! ~Valerie David

Thank you so much for having me last night at Theater Resources Unlimited. The group was absolutely lovely! As you could tell, I enjoyed the stories from my fellow producers. ~Brian Moreland, speaker

Thank you for last night!  It was very interesting, valuable and enjoyable.  I will check your website for more. ~Napua Davoy

General Manager and Attorney (November 2018)

The panel was phenomenal,  so much information. And they really know their stuff! ~Ellen Rittberg

I was absolutely humbled by the panel, your obvious expertise and unbelievable generosity.... Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. I eagerly look forward to participating in more panel discussions and the privilege of networking with such wonderful Industry professionals.  ~Franklin West

Good panel last night. ~Yvette Heyliger

Great panel. Great audience. One of my favorites. It was primo. Thanks again for all you do. It’s invaluable~ Wendy Leopold

Implications of the New Tax Laws (February 2018)

Very informative panel with clear, articulate explanations. ~Jeremy Handelman

Thanks so much, even if we can't understand all its implications.  My coughing fit started as I realized [Dave Spaulding] had just said the Trump tax cut affects every area of the code, was done in secret without hearings very quickly, that Reagan's cut affected two areas and took 9 months of hearings and revisions, and that every item of this one will probably be settled with lawsuits in over a year or more... yikes. ~Tita Anntares

Breaking the Silence: Voices of Theater Around the World (January 2018)

Thank you ever so much for including me on the panel Tuesday night. It was great to meet you and the gathering was dynamic and fun. My pleasure to contribute some of my thoughts on the issues of Internationalism in our profession. ~Philip Himberg, AD of Sundance Theater programs 

What an engaging panel, and sensitively moderated too. ~Jenny Lyn Bader

Very good panelists. Was surprised to hear the degree of oppression around the globe – re playwrights and theater. Interesting to hear about "self-censorship" in the U.S. I think the "how to" events and networking are still probably the core of how people benefit – and the networking part's important. But I think it's also good to hear what's going on in other parts of the world. ~Claude Skolnik 

Thank you so much for for last night – it was an incredible, incredible, incredible event. ~Valerie David 

The guests you had on the panel were wonderful ... so glad I was there. ~Marlene Taber Thorn

Women Producers: What They Uniquely Bring to the Table (October 2017)

Thank you for hosting such a wonderful panel last night. It was inspiring. ~Isa Goldberg

The panel was quite informative. I especially learned a lot from Sue Frost. ~Jessica Feder-Birnbaum  

Thanks, Bob, Cheryl, Shellen, and the great panel of women you put together! ~Lorca Peress, MultiStages Artistic Director  

Great panel! Thanks. Wish I'd said a few things, as casting is a big issue with me... open casting I mean. ~Jayne Lynch  

I personally LOVED doing it . For me it is fun to share any knowledge I might have. We [panelists] should thank you and TRU. ~Pat Addiss

It was such a smart and thoughtful group, and an important and lively conversation. I wish we didn't need to have such conversations anymore, but we do. ~Shellen Lubin, Women in the Arts & Media Coalition

Is Off-Broadway Broken? And Can We Fix It? (July 2017)
What a great panel!  Remembering an off-Broadway panel from a few years back, I thought about not going, figuring I'd have heard it all before.  So glad I did!  It was enlightening and thought-provoking, with excellent panelists and good questions.   I think we could have gone on for another hour or two....~Kathryn Paulsen

Great panel tonight! Really helpful!  ~Margot Astrachan  

The panel this past Tuesday was great. Truly appreciate you putting it together. ~Jessica Feder-Birnbaum  

I was very glad I was there—I drove into the city from my summer residency at NACL theater in the Catskills to be there and it was worth the trip! A very spirited conversation. ~Melissa Bell  

Super job! You really have your finger on the pulse of the theatre community...  Last night was fun.  Such a great night... ~Gene Fisch

Maybe the best panel ever! ~Frank Zuback  

This was an amazing panel. I think this is a great subject that could be done a few times. It's so important. And it's where so many of us end up. ~Wendy Leopold   It was a great panel discussion on Tuesday! I learned a lot. ~Amanda Marklin  

Theater & Community (May 2017)

"I really enjoyed the panel last night.  I learned so much!  You are doing great work – I know it is hard to plan these events, but you do a great job.  I always leave with so much inspiration to keep going with my theatre company." ~Caroline Hann, Meta Theatre "Thanks for a great evening; I learned a lot and was inspired to pursue my own path!" ~Eve Lederman

The Impact of the Election on the Arts

Thanks for another really interesting panel last night! I think there were more questions than answers, because who knows how to deal with this? I come from the place of Resistance, because I don't have much hope in directly changing anyone's mind at this point. But it seems that large cultural shifts tend to happen by aggregate, so hopefully whatever anyone does to add their drop to the bucket will help. I have an idea for what I'm going to do, as an artist... ~Blue Bliss

Great talk last night. Thank you for organizing that. ~Kacie Devaney

A Year in the Life of a Producer (January 2017)

Thank you so much!! I had a wonderful time at A Year in the life of a Producer!! I learned so much and I really enjoyed meeting everyone! ~Meredith Hornick

TRU VOICES SERIES

SEEING RED

I just wanted to thank you for offering a particularly wonderful reading. I always enjoy the TRU musicals, but this one was very special, and so well performed! Good job to TRU for continuing to put good work out there. ~Julie McNamara

Thank you again for including Seeing Red in the TRU voices reading series! It’s such a wonderful gift for writers to hear their work out loud. Seeing Red took a step forward in its journey in the last month as part of the series.  It was also very interesting to learn a bit more about the producers perspective from panelists afterwards. We really appreciate that you saw potential in Seeing Red and that you decided to have us. ~Joey Mazzarino and Aron Accurso

TRU Voices Musicals

Congratulations on putting together the whole series.  It's a really big job, and a unique and wonderful thing that you and TRU do for the community.  Thank you again so much for that!~ Julie Miller, writer (Viva Max!) 

Great job last night....  You never cease to make me proud to know TRU, as with each event of yours I become even more impressed. ~Gene Fisch

A big thank you for giving us the opportunity to do all of us proud last night.... Thank you for a warm and demonstrative audience. Thank you for giving Jim Lehrer a question, too! He loved last evening... And again, thank you so much for choosing us. ~Skip Kennon, writer (Viva Max!)

I wanted to let you know that I very much enjoyed the reading and the panel afterwards.  I found the reading very enjoyable and the panel very informative for someone in my position [note: he's a budding musicals writer].  I especially liked the information on alternative ways to get a show up and running that won't cost more than I could ever afford. ~Todd Fifield

Five years ago, I pitched in as an associate producer on a TRU Voices Musical Series staged reading, and, after several entries, I finally was selected as a winning writer, not producer. TRU was such a benefit to our production. We had to really up our game from our prior reading of Act 1. Glad we were able to rise to the challenge. The panel was terrific. They suggested avenues such as Branson and Vegas that had never crossed my mind. ~R.C. Staab, writer (Dumb Luck)

I am a friend of Chris Reza [writer of Question 1] and I really just came to support his reading but I was very happy I stayed for the talk after.  It was very informative, and I think you do a great job of getting your panel to stay on target with the point of the talk, as well as reiterating what others are saying to make sure the point is heard. ~Ryan Michael Hartman

Thank you so much for all of your hard work that went into making Question 1's presentation last night a huge success!  From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this dream become a reality.  This is just the beginning of Question 1 and I really can't wait to see where it goes! ~Jesse B. Langston, producer

I attended the reading a couple nights ago of Question 1. Thank you for your dedication to nurturing new producers and writers! I love your mission behind TRU. ~Dennis Corsi

BOOT CAMP

Weekend Intensive for Showcase Producing (2019)

What a great weekend, chock full of useful info. Can’t wait to put it into practice. See you soon. ~George Pfirrman

Thank you for all your efforts in putting together this past weekend's Showcase Producing Bootcamp. I've been going over my notes to mine all the nuggets of wisdom and it is overwhelming - in a good way. I found all the presenters to certainly be very knowledgeable in their subject matter, and though some were better than others at delivering their information, I gained something from everyone.... This is the second TRU program I've taken part in and I've really enjoyed them. I hope to do more. ~Donald Tongue

 I really appreciate all the excellent information and insight we got through the workshop. I also greatly appreciate the care that you put into creating the workshop. The panelists and presenters were also terrific. I am certain that I will use what I learned for my future adventures in theater.  ~Eugene Grygo

Thank you so much for pulling together such a diverse, knowledgeable and captivating group of theatre industry professionals to share their experience and wisdom with us. I learned oodles of stuff! I will have to join TRU now, and look forward to the next pertinent industry gathering that I can take in. ~Keith Herrman 

Thanking you profusely for the Producers Boot Camp Weekend. The common thread throughout the weekend was, to me, "What Are The Goals of your show" and 'What Do You Want to do with (and for) your show". The presenters you chose were on point and clearly had their stuff together. I REALLY gained an enormous amount of knowledge from Patricia Klausner - she's a Star. I'm sure I'm not alone in my sentiment. I would love to maintain communication with her and John Lant was a riot (in a good way). He reminded me of a comrade here in Charlotte who does almost the same thing theatrically - including having a truck. I'd like to stay in touch with him also. Great weekend once again, Bob, and thanks for the inclusion. Please keep me in the loop for Everything TRU does in the future. ~Bryan Daye

Raising Money for Theater (2019)

Thank you so much for the rich experience yesterday. I was overwhelmed with information, ideas and love for theater. ~Gina DiDonato

Thanks very much for a fantastic day! ~Fran Sisco

Good program yesterday. A lot of information to cram into that short of a timeframe. But it was good, and the speakers were informative. ~Barbara Bellman

Yesterday’s workshop was extremely enlightening for many of the participants I spoke to, not the least [my friend] Joanna! ~Neil Rubinstein

Thank you for  yesterday's seminar, which I found extremely useful and enlightening. I thought the speakers were fantastic and the information very helpful. ~Larry Daggett

Raising Money for Theater (2018)

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your producer boot camp last weekend – I really learned a lot! And it was so nice to be introduced to some very well-versed producers who really explained what their business is like. (And I love the pen on the string you gave us - a nice touch - I've been using it everyday since I got it). ~Stephen Sherman

I want to say how much I enjoyed the producer boot camp in raising money last weekend. I took a lot away from all the speakers. ~Justin Baldridge

It was a wonderful time!  Thanks for including me.  A great bunch of people 🙂 ~Jim Kierstead, producer 

Thanks again for putting together such an amazing program for yesterday.  I learned so much and feel so much better prepared. ~Lora Danley

I found Sunday’s workshop very helpful. ~Kate Gill

Investor Lab - Is This Show Worth Investing IN? (2017)  

I cannot tell you how much I truly enjoyed the workshop yesterday. It was so informative and I got to meet some really great people (including yourself!). I look forward to your next event! ~Chris Sherman   Just a note to thank you for pulling together the TRU Boot Camp. I found it very interested and informative. And useful as we work on EXIT STRATEGY. ~ Chris Spencer    

Weekend Intensive for Showcase Producing (2017) 

I got a lot out of it and met some really lovely people. ~Nicole Kempskie

I left the workshop with an incredible amount of information, resources and most importantly, inspiration and a renewed sense of dedication to getting my project to the stage. It far exceeded my expectations! ~Rachel Griffin

I walked in with a production to plan and walked out confident in exactly what I needed to do to make my show a success. What more can you ask for? ~T. Michael Vest

I really enjoy the TRU Boot Camp events. There is always a lot of useful information, good networking, and a generosity on the part of the presenters and fellow participants that makes you feel part of a community, and everyone is willing to help you succeed. ~Jessica McCoy

Thank you again for an incredible event this weekend.  I learned so many things, both deep and practical. The content, structure and community you’ve already created is so incredibly rich, there should be a waiting-list for your events -- and even paid live streaming. ~Deborah Henson-Conant

I found the Boot Camp to be a fantastic experience. I did learn a tremendous amount about what I need to know at the level on which I'm currently operating, and I got a great preview of what might be in store for me in the future if I can move up a level. ~Ed Levy

Just wanted to say thanks for organizing the event this weekend. We were very impressed by the number of theatre pros who turned out to speak and take questions from the likes of us. I found it very informative – helpful to get a grasp of things and a sense of what the financial outlay might be for such ventures. ~D.W. Gregory

A very intensive bootcamp - and what incredible value! This morning, after TRU's weekend of immersion with so many fascinating producers and others who launch Broadway and Off-Bway shows, I woke with a really good idea for moving one of my three plays forward. Somehow, when I was conked out on the couch, my unconscious went to work and integrated the two notebooks full of notes and woke me up early Monday morning with the idea. ~Tita Anntares Thanks again for your outstanding Boot Camp experience. I really enjoyed the sessions and learned a lot. I'm looking forward to participating in more TRU programming soon! ~Ed Zareh

Raising Money for Theater (2017) 

I learned something from every single presenter, and have 12 pages of outlined notes to prove it.  Although I've been in theatre too long to count - as playwright, as a Regional Rep for the Dramatists Guild, as Producing Director for the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival, as educator to my amazing playwriting grad students, as Festival Director for the Warner International Playwrights Festival, as general supporter and cheerleader for fellow dramatists and theatre artists - this was my first connection with TRU.  When I got home tonight, I spent time on your web-site and I'm applauding in my living room ... and although my dog is used to this, she still looks at me funny when I burst into applause.  I've joined, happily so, and very much look forward to being a member of TRU. ~Charlene Donaghy  

The TRU $ Bootcamp was an amazing non-stop exposure to fascinating, accomplished theater creators! Kudos for finding, recruiting, scheduling, organizing so many amazing panelists and speakers and designing an 8-hour continuous show with one intermission!! ~Tita Anntares

Weekend Intensive for Showcase Producing (2016) 

I just wanted to say again how wonderful TRU is. I just took the 2nd boot camp after joining 3 months ago. I was out of the business for nearly 10 years and felt so lost coming back to my roots of theatre. I missed the theatre arts and artists and tried different groups but nothing resonated for me. Groups were either unfriendly or not as educational as i would have liked. TRU is "tru"ly spectacular! Not only am I amazed how much I've learned but how organized you are and most importantly how genuinely NICE you, the board, the guests and the other "students" are. So professional and open to everyone. It makes me feel like I belong in theater again and you should be so proud of what you have shared and accomplished for so many in such a diplomatic, kind and encouraging and inspirational way. I wish I had found you and TRU twenty years ago. You've made me believe in myself again in others again and in theater again! Thank you so much! You are awesome. ~Antonia Kasper

Investor Lab: Recognizing Commercial Potential (2016)

"Thanks so much for opportunity to attend the TRU Investors Lab! I learned so much (and took many notes)! Your panel was generous with their information and insights. As you know, I’m mainly a writer (musicals and plays) , but art, especially a collaborative art like theater, does not exist in a vacuum. It’s important understand the perspective of successful producers, investors, and our attorney and panel chair Eric Goldman. So, many thanks to TRU and you!" ~Sue Horowitz

Marketing Mavericks "Marketing Mavericks was a five star workshop. It was so helpful and informative. I "TRUly" appreciate you putting it together." ~Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

TRU AUDITION

TRU Combined Audition Weekend (2019)
Just a brief note to express my heartfelt appreciation for the fabulous TRU Audition Weekend! Not only was the acting and singing talent on display overwhelmingly wonderful, I also met many new theatre agents, writers, directors, and producers with whom I am now in contact. It was a feast for the eyes and ears, and being such generous hosts, you even fed us well!! One of the great good blessings of New York City is the glut of acting talent, and as a playwright I've always felt it miserly to write plays for less than seven actors (though given the murderous economy of the theatre, this is not always wise, ha!). Now I have your amazing booklets to remind me whom I might contact for future readings and productions and possibly for Passing Parades [note: this is one of the plays in our upcoming TRU Voices Series] Thanks for a great experience! ~Fengar Gael

Wanted to let you know we called in Justin Clark (Saturday morning audition) and he will be doing a staged reading of a new play, Echoes in the Garden  by Ross G. Hewitt on June 10th as part of our Corner Stone Reading Series. ~Cheri Wicks, American Bard Theater Company

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the repeated success of TRU's audition weekend.  ~Catherine Lamm, Players Theatre Short Play Festival

Thank you everyone for allowing me to participate in this awesome showcase. It's the most organized event hands down. You guys are so friendly, professional and accommodating! ~Michelle Hartley

I had such a great audition experience and can’t wait to do it again next year! ~Julia Ennen

I can’t tell you how much FUN the auditions were!  You all compelled, supported, and guided us to as relaxed a performance as we could have hoped.  It was a great pleasure to have had that much professional exposure at our fingertips and I greatly appreciate all the efforts made on our behalf. ~Nancy Sinacori

Today’s session proved to be everything you said and promised – and then some! Everything was smooth from check-in through ‘check-out’. Everyone was cordial, concerned, confident and competent. I’ve never participated in any event like this before which was so well run and well organized. ~David Lamberton (AEA)

I'm so glad I made it even though it was a bit harrowing. I've been contacted by 3 different organizations already to read for plays and audition. And they ALL sound WONDERFUL!  I'm so glad I just did this despite fears, doubts and all the other things we throw in our way.  I feel like I've been given a door to walk through, and now it's up to me. ~Beth Barry (AEA)

The response has been a bit overwhelming, which I find shocking after going to (literally) thousands of EPAs where the person sitting behind the table never even bothers to look at you while you're auditioning. By the end of the day I had booked two readings for two new plays. Not bad for two minutes of work!! ~Larry Daggett (AEA)

I really had fun on Saturday, as it was my first time performing for a live audition. ~Yvette Dingwall

I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for holding a fun and safe space for actors to audition and all the work you do to set us up for success! Everyone was so encouraging and kind. Everything was organized and thoughtful. I can't wait to do it again next year! ~Tyler Rambali

I had a great time auditioning. It was one of the calmest audition experiences I’ve had. Chrissy was very nice and made me laugh which was nice before an audition. I got a huge sense of accomplishment getting to audition for so many companies and casting people at once. ~Emily Newhouse

Meet the Coaches 

Thank you so much for an excellent afternoon yesterday. I learned so much and spoke with so many wonderful and talented professionals. I am so glad to be a part of this! ~Gloria Bangiola, actor

Auditors

Thank you so much for such a well-managed and splendidly run audition event this past week-end. It is a great help for us all to have so many actors brought together for us! Talent was good, and organization was excellent. Your hospitality was wonderful. ~Alexa & Brian, Pulse Ensemble Theatre

Thank you to everyone who made TRU Audition Event such a pleasant and productive experience. You all did a terrific job. It was enormously helpful to have actors write their scene titles on their resumes! This has long been a complaint of mine, and such a simple fix. GREAT thinking! ~Gia Forakis, GF&CO

Congratulations on another wonderful TRU Audition Event! Thanks to Bob Ost and his incredible team! Special mention to Gail Frankel Reiser who keeps it all in shape and running smoothly! Enjoyed watching the talent and re-connecting with my fellow industry peeps!! ~Helene Galek, HeleneGalekCasting

Thank you TRU. We saw some terrific performers! ~Looking Glass Theater

I didn't have a chance to thank you enough for the event. I was very impressed with some of the talent and will definitely call them in for our upcoming auditions. ~Maera Hagage, The Israeli Theatre Company

Thanks! I saw some very promising prospects. ~Valerie Adami, SW Artists

I loved being there.  Thanks for making it all hassle free. ~Sonia Gluckman, Theatre in a Trunk

TRU Combined Audition Weekend (2018)

Actors

This was a wonderful experience. The efficiency and thoughtfulness of the staff was a rare treat and you created an amazingly actor-friendly environment that allowed actors to stay focused on their work and preparation, and feel well cared for. Spread the word - this is how to treat actors and industry folk - I saw those trays for the auditors' lunch. ~Lynda Rodolitz

There were tons of volunteers to help support you in the process. The process was incredibly organized which really puts you at ease as an actor. Thank you for an incredible experience! ~Jackie Schiffer

Thank you for the delightful time with TRU this weekend!  I met such lovely auditors as well as fellow actors and volunteers over Saturday and Sunday.  It was a real pleasure and I look forward to seeing more of TRU. ~Emma Miller

Your commitment to providing value is what made this a winner for me. Thanks again for your and everyone else’s hard work. ~Alexander D. Carney

I am happy to say that I've already been contacted - NOT by someone asking me to pay them money to take their classes but by one bona-fide theatre organization and by one manager. So thank you for your kindness and generosity. I'm sure that running such an organization must take an enormous chunk of your time, but rest assured you do the theatre community a huge service and we are all indebted to you for your willingness to take on such a massive responsibility. ~Larry Daggett

Thank you so much for your professionalism leading up to and including Sunday's audition. As an inexperienced actor, it was a terrific drill to get organized and perform. I'm still on a high from the experience. Thanks so much for your encouragement and hard work. ~David Hancock

Yesterday was so much fun!! I really had a great time! ~Roberto Forero

This was a welcome and positive audition experience. ~Lori Anne Sword

This was an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful to have been able to audition! ~Benjamin Hitchcock

I liked how organized the event was. I don't think you can do anything better! Its already perfect. ~Anthony Velez

I just wanted to say  thank you for a well organized event. ~Denise Flemming

I had a great time at the audition. It was fun and the people working there were so helpful. ~Maggie Davern

I really enjoyed the auditions and am so happy I got the chance to join! ~Dana Stern

Thank you again for Chase, and the showcase. He really was happy to be part of it. ~Stacey Bolnick, mother of Chase

I just wanted to say thank you for a great weekend! Everyone was so lovely and warm in my audition day and I had a blast meeting everyone and helping out today. I hope the afternoon went well and I look forward to participating in future events! ~Cait Kelly

Throughout the process, I was very impressed and grateful for the way actors were welcomed, directed and treated.  The efficiency of your staff was impressive and so very appreciated. ~Lynda Rodolitz

I really enjoyed the auditions and am so happy I got the chance to join. ~Dana Stern

So I was contacted by Talent Express as I mentioned, and am going for a meet and greet next week. I did a play reading this week for Pulse Ensemble Theater Company and also was asked to submit an audition to Nylon Fusion Theater (though it turns out I couldn't do the dates of the run of the play as I'll be working in LA  - but still made contact and expressed interest in the future) ~Diana Kazakova

Meet the Coaches

Thanks again for including Ryan and myself (MCS) on the panel of meet the coaches. We met great people and it was good to hear what the other coaches had to say. Thanks for all that you do. ~Matthew Corozine

This was a wonderful event today - so well organized and run, and the caliber of the coaches was terrific - thanks for including me! ~Gillien Goll

It was nice to meet you too.  I had a good time. Everyone was so nice.  I really enjoyed meeting the coaches.  I feel like I got a lot from yesterday.   I am going to work with Valerie and Bob on my monologues.  I cannot wait.  I am so excited. ~Maggie Davern

TRU Combined Audition Weekend (2017)

The TRU audition event was by far the most organized and warm combined audition I have ever been to. As someone coming back into the industry after a long time away, it was refreshing to have this be one of my first experiences. ~Dana Hart Lubeck

Just wanted to thank you and everyone on your staff for the TRU audition event yesterday. What could have been chaos was beautifully in sync. What could have been scary was harmonious and positive. You are the best! ~Kathie Kneese

It was the most professionally run and enjoyable audition experience in which I have had the pleasure of being a participant.  Your volunteers were kind and "on the spot" without ever being intrusive.  My accompanist was wonderful and a friendly face to quell one's nerves. Perfection from start to finish.  I will recommend the TRU Audition Event to all my thespian friends. ~ Pamela J. Nigro

I wanted to say thanks to you and the entire staff. Everything was so organized and on point. You didn't forget a thing!! I would just like to make a special shout out to my stage manager Rachel. When I was on deck, I suddenly felt panicked backstage. I'm normally fine with auditions but combined auditions feel different. Well Rachel helped me pull it together. She breathed with me and kept telling me "it's only one audition. They want you to succeed." By the time I went out there, I was back to my normal self. Rachel, you were my superhero on Sunday! I will never forget your kindness and support. I hope we can work together someday because you are someone I know I can count on!! Thank you everyone, once again!! ~ Dina Laura

I just want to say thank you to everyone involved! The whole weekend - both auditioning and volunteering - was a great experience and I met so many wonderful people! I will definitely be back next year! ~ Alice Gabrielle

It was great volunteering and performing at the TRU Audition on Sunday! Thanks again for making it efficient and fun all around. You guys are  a real asset to the field and I know your work's appreciated on all sides of the table. ~Emily Cordes My daughter, Jenika and I had a wonderful experience at the TRU event. I have had the pleasure of meeting some really wonderful people like Valerie Adami and Bob Kale.  The actor who was also facilitating the process, giving us frequent call times and explaining where to go, what to do, was superb!  I felt respected and very welcomed!  The pianist, Tracy, was also very warm and helpful. And lastly but not the least, YOU have been MOST HELPFUL to me from the moment I signed up to the day of the audition.  Thank you so much for your dedication to the organization and it truly benefits people like me who are passionate about what we do but need the hand holding.  We are currently members of TRU and will continue to read up on the opportunities that you offer. ~Pam Serrano

I want to thank you for so much hard work and organizing, it was a pleasure doing the TRU audition today. Thank you again, you run a fantastic organization. I coached with Anessa Marie and Laurie Eliscu - they are both absolutely top-notch, and I will continue to work with both of them throughout the year. ~Sonya Rice

Thanks a ton for the great experience at the TRU auditions! You were especially responsive and accommodating throughout the process, so many thanks. I auditioned on Sunday at noon and have already received an email from Janet Bentley to audition for a leading role in her new original work, Horse, the role of Sam. I also just got a voice message from James Jennings, the Artistic Director at the American Theatre for Actors about auditioning for Richard III (he wasn't there but someone from his company was and told him to call me). Looking good after the first day, thanks again. ~ Justin Clark

I wanted a chance to thank you -- once again -- for the hard work that was put into the TRU event. From my point of view it went quite well and everyone involved has reason to be very proud. ~Bob Kale, MKA Casting

What a wonderfully organized audition event you did again! Thanks so much to you and your excellent crew!~Alexa & Brian, Pulse Ensemble Theatre

Thank you for having us at the TRU Audition Weekend. Janet was thrilled to be there. ~NYLon Fusion Theatre Company

TRU Combined Audition Weekend (2016)

Meet The Coaches

I want to thank you and your lovely team again for having me be a part of this "Meet the Coaches Season".  I am always thrilled to see what a positive successful experience it turns out to be when I do something with TRU.  I really appreciate your values and substance in the way that things take place. It was such a pleasure and a great day with the students and hearing and speaking with the other coaches! I am connecting with some of the delightful students and coaches.  ~Shira Flam

 Auditors

I wanted to thank you for the professional way in which the sessions were held this past weekend. Everyone did an outstanding job and all of your -- and their --efforts were genuinely appreciated. ~Bob Kale, casting director, '16

Thank you so much for the best TRU event yet! I always meet some wonderful colleagues and talent! Great networking and thank you for all the special touches this year including the wrap party!! Appreciate it all! Your welcoming staff are especially assets! ~Helene Galek, casting director

I am always so happy when we get to put actors to work and think it is great that 3 of them are from the recent TRU audition: Loren Bidner, Leighton Samuels and Reginald James Albert. And pleased that they will get a stipend - that always feels good!  I hope getting called so quickly after the audition will validate their efforts at the TRU audition! ~Cheri Wicks, American Bard Theater Company

I just wanted to let you know that we reached out to 13 actors whom we heard audition at the TRU auditions last month--asking them to tryout for BLUFF next month. And, one actor whom I was told about from a woman sat behind us at the last seminar and reached out to us after the 'introduce yourself' part of your program. So all in all, TRU has given us plenty of leads on possible actors for the show.  ~Lenore Skomal

Our participation on the TRU Auditions has been well worth it.
1.  We have sent out a number of paid castings to the actors.  In fact, they will be receiving two today -- including a Morgan Stanley one and one tomorrow for Zagat.  The Shakespeare casting is next to work on.
2.  Some of the actors have benefited to be part of our free Friday Lunch Bunches and have met a good agent, manager or casting director, including some that also attended the TRU Auditions.  Representation and/or jobs have resulted from their attendance.  A good meal was served, courtesy of me.
BTW, those industry at the Lunch Bunch that also attended the TRU Auditions highly recommended to the actors attending who haven't gone yet, to definitely do so.  I seconded the motion. ~Scott Powers Casting

I had callbacks for three actors which I believe were all through TRU: Jaime Olaya, Randy Cordero and Chris Ogden. Chris got the fabulous role of a young street hustler and the play has been accepted into the Fringe Festival this August.  ~Shela Xoregos, Xoregos Performing Artists

Actors

I had the pleasure of attending a TRU Q&A and also auditioning at the TRU audition event this last Spring in NYC. I am so thankful for the whole experience as it was so positive and truly changed my life. ~Colleen Campbell

I'm sending you an endless amount of "thank you's" for including me for the TRU Audition Event. This experience has been very rewarding. I've learned more about the industry, and was given the privilege of getting to know you all throughout the process. Thank you for the opportunity to help make the event happen! Thank you to the entire TRU Staff for an amazing event. ~Emilie Byron

I just am taking the time to say Thank You, to you and the TRU team. I felt really good being there today, for the audition, the great people I met, and the great atmosphere that you and the team set up. Again, thank you. ~ Florence Regina

I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful event this past Saturday's auditions were. You and your staff are so professional and kind and organized! ~Cara Feuer

Grace Vanderwaal auditioned and had received some interest but she was unable to follow through due to her school commitments at that time. Now she is in the semi finals for America's Got Talent with over a million hits on youtube. Her experience of auditioning for TRU producers helped her get ready for her numerous other auditions ... and national TV! ~Scarlett Antonia

We would like to extend a huge Thank You to all the event staff today. Everyone was super warm, friendly and welcoming. Every step was explained in great detail and was perfectly coordinated and executed. My daughter, Elizabeth Neftin, and the other participants in her group (all children), were unbelievably well prepped and supported every step of the way. Thank you so much for making this audition event fun and stress-free for all the participants!!!  It was Elizabeth's first professional audition (she is only 9 years old 🙂 and she had such a fun time, she can't wait to come back next year :)! We would like to also thank all the auditors who participated today!!! They were super receptive and patient with our Elizabeth and everyone who auditioned.  ~Ann Neftin

Received another audition notice from the TRU auditions-from The Players Theatre Short Play and Music Festival.  Nice to still have the momentum from the auditions.  It really is a great opportunity and I'm so glad to have participated. ~Betsy Feldman

I wish all similar events were as well organized and executed as this was.  I was able to focus on doing my best ITR and not distracted by logistics. Great job. ~Joe Harkins

I would like to say that this was my first TRU theatre audition event and I was very happy with the whole process. From start to finish it was very well organized and informative. As soon as you get accepted you are given very specific guidelines to help give the best performance you can give. With all the information all your questions have already been answered. It was certainly a great opportunity to show and perform you're talent. The staff was very friendly and focused, gave clear instructions on where to go and when to do it. I never felt rushed to do something or overwhelmed. A lot of the staff engaged the participants in conversations while handling each and every headshot with care. I was very, very, very happy with all the direction and organization and friendliness that was within the room. Certainly a very peaceful and happy place to be, I certainly would attend again. Thank you very much for your time and hard work! ~Reginald James Albert III