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 (2017)
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. ~Xaver Toby, writer (Torture for Beginners, 2017)
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, 2017)
Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in yesterday's workshop. It was so informative and fun. ~Hannah Epstein, writer (Walker Road, 2017)
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, 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, 2017)
"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, 2016)
"The lab is fascinating, and I found not just my time, but watching the other teams very valuable." ~Richard Riskin, director
BOOT CAMP: WEEKEND INTENSIVE FOR SHOWCASE PRODUCING
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
PANEL: 25 Years of TRU
This was a great panel discussion. I wish it could have been twice at long! So much info to exchange, there just isn't enough time! ~Frank Avellino
TRU COMBINED AUDITION WEEKEND
I attended the TRU auditions this past weekend. 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
Thank you once again for everything! I auditioned on Saturday and 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
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
PRODUCER DEVELOPMENT & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (PDMP)
I can't tell you how smart you are to have conceived PDMP. It's the best learning experience in theater. [Program directors] Martin Platt , Dave Elliott and Jana Robbins are incredibly helpful. Thank you. ~Toni Hart
PANEL: 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
BOOT CAMP: RAISING MONEY FOR THEATER
TRU VOICES MUSICALS
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
PANEL: A Year in the Life of a Producer
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 LOVE BENEFIT: 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
GENERAL
"Including me in your efforts within the theatrical community in The City gave me yet another ‘in’ to the community I consider my home away from home. Thank you." ~Jeff Riebe
"I have met and worked with many 'kids' that have gone through at least one, if not more of your workshops. They ALL speak so highly of them and what they learned about the business and themselves. I believe what you are doing is valuable and needed for the next generation moving to the city and entering this business we call 'Show.' Keep up the good work and know that what you are doing is paying off with quality people, that are excited and embracing whatever life has to bring them." ~ Sam Viverito
"Now that I have completed my first year at TRU, I wanted to thank you for all that you have done to make this a great year for me! The panels and the networking equal new relationships and new knowledge and all and all a powerful year. I thank you for each and every time I had a question or a request that was answered graciously and thoroughly – I know you must get a number of inquiries each day, but you made it seem like mine was the only one and no trouble at all.
“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 (June '17)
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 (March '16)
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 (March '16)
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 (March '16)
Thanks again for such a great opportunity. ~Nathan Yungerberg (March '16)
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
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 !
Kidding aside, the producers asked very incisive questions or gave helpful suggestions, even a better title to add to the 4 I've tried.
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
INVESTOR LAB (Recognizing Commercial Potential)
"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
"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
"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
PRACTICAL PLAYWRITING
"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.
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
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
"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
WEEKEND INTENSIVE FOR SHOWCASE PRODUCING
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 would have 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
AUDITION EVENT: MEET THE COACHES
AUDITION EVENT: INDUSTRY 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, '16
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, '16
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, '16
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 call-backs 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
AUDITION EVENT: 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, 2016
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, 2016
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, 2016
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, 2016
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, 2016
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, 2016
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, 2016
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, 2016
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 you're time and hard work! ~Reginald James Albert III, 2016
WEBSITE
I hadn't visited TRU's website in a while and just looked at it today in the process of recommending TRU to a playwright I know. Love the update. It looks great! ~Elaine Smith
