NYC Performing Arts Spaces Blog

Blogging from The Road: Denver Center for the Performing Arts

2010-03-08T15:58:56Z

Denver turned out to be a very, very busy gig. In addition to it being a six-week run -- the longest I had done with the tour so far -- we were also raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. I happily volunteered to be a part of an amazing fundraising event called WICKED ROCKS!, which had a successful night at the Bluebird Theatre. I am proud to say that the cast was able to raise $235,000 in Denver and Cleveland combined. We thank you, Denver, for the generous support!

With this being our third visit to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts theatre, and with a longer run and a few snow storms, I was not sure we would have full houses every night. But never doubt the power of the WICKED! Even under winter weather advisories, the show must -- and did -- go on, to packed houses nightly.

A wonderful thing about working on the road is getting reacquainted with people you haven’t seen for some time. I have had the great pleasure of spending time with friends and family that I would not have been able to see if I were staying put in one city. It’s so amazing, and Denver was no different. While we were there, I was able to see an old high school buddy, Angela Bui, and I got to celebrate my uncle’s birthday with him and my cousin.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts was wonderfully accommodating and the theatre was easy to navigate. I was, however, absolutely NOT prepared for the elevation- and altitude-sickness. The company managers had warned us to take precautions: to stay hydrated and to not be afraid to use the off-stage oxygen tanks whenever we needed. That still did not prepare me for opening night, when I was actually unable to perform due to altitude sickness. I returned to work the next night, but had what I can only describe as the hardest performance I have ever experienced. At one point the lack of oxygen proved too much for me. It was impossible for me to breathe, let alone catch my breath to sing. I would like to take this time to thank my cast for being patient with me and basically carrying me on their shoulders.

On a happier note, the beginning of the holidays arrived while we were in Denver, and I was "booed"! For most of our run in Denver, the cast took turns secretly decorating each other’s stations with Halloween treats and ghosts and goblins. We also attended a lovely Halloween costume party hosted for us at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. I went as Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes. Thanks for the great idea, Ryan!

Although Denver was an awesome city to play, six weeks was a good while and we were all ready for a change. See you in Cleveland!

Free Space in Tribeca as Your "Blank Canvas"

2010-03-05T15:14:11Z

Space on White, a new facility in Tribeca, is seeking an innovative, artistic NYC organization to be its resident company. And they hope to find one through a video contest that they are calling "The Blank Canvas Giveaway"!

If you are an artistic, theatre, dance, music or production company looking for a rehearsal and performance "home", develop a short performance skit on video (1-4 minutes), showcasing your organization’s talents and mission while answering Space on White's prompt question: “What could you do with Space on White as your blank canvas?” More contest details are available here.

There will be two winners chosen:

FIRST PLACE (by judges' vote): 80 hours of free space at Space on White, as well as a residency, which includes publicity through Space on White, storage space, and more.

SECOND PLACE (determined by highest number of views on the Space on White YouTube channel): 50 hours of free space at Space on White.

Click here for contest details and more information about Space on White.

Taking the Pulse: Musicians and Health Insurance

2010-03-04T15:03:00Z

Are you a musician or songwriter? Do you have health insurance?

Our friends at the Future of Music Coalition are conducting an online survey to assess how many musicians in this country have health insurance.

Your answers are anonymous and confidential, and the survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Take their 10-minute survey and tell them about your health insurance situation.

FMC's first study on this topic study, published in 2002 and often cited, showed that 44 percent of working musicians did not have health insurance. One of the barriers survey respondents discussed, besides cost, was that the topic is difficult to wrap your mind around. To help demystify the issue, FMC created the Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT) — a free program that offers jargon-free information to musicians seeking to learn more about their health insurance options.

FMC is a national organization, so please pass this on to musicians you know outside of NYC!

Let’s help Future of Music Coalition continue their important work. Take their survey today!

Working Artists: Reducing your Debt and Managing Credit

2010-02-24T14:45:19Z

Have you used credit cards to fund one of your projects and now find yourself struggling to pay off the debt?

You are not alone. And the good news is there is free and objective, one-on-one financial advice available.

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and Department of Consumer Affairs Office of Financial Empowerment are hosting a day of FREE one-on-one financial counseling and workshops designed to help working artists and arts administrators in all disciplines, as well as independent workers, reduce debt and manage credit.

"The Art of Money: Personal Finance Resources for Artists"

Date: Saturday, March 6
Time: 12 PM - 5 PM
Location: Dwyer Cultural Center, 258 St. Nicholas Avenue (at 123rd Street), NYC
Directions: Take the A, B, C or D train or M10 bus to 125th Street. Walk two blocks south on St. Nicholas Avenue. Turn left onto 123rd Street.

What Good is Sitting Alone in Your Room?

2010-02-18T19:21:18Z

From our friends at the Harlem Arts Alliance.

Two Less Drinks, Tell Albany What
You Think!

Arts Advocacy Day in Albany
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

For the price of two beers or two drinks, you can go to the
state capitol in Albany with us to tell the governor how much you care
about arts funding. There is a proposed 13% cut in NY State arts
funding...but there's still time to stop or minimize the cuts. Remember,
the cuts are open for debate until April.

Reserve Your Seat Today!
Pay Online here.

Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Time: 5:30 am to 8 pm
Cost: $15 per person
Buses Depart from: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Bldg
(163 WEST 125TH STREET) Promptly at 5:30 am

The reality of dwindling arts funding often creates the appearance
that artist and arts organizations must compete with one another. In
our commitment to advancing the arts in our communities, we believe
today's environment demands that we work more closely together. Let's
help to ensure that New York City, known as the "cultural capital of
the world" remains vibrant for generations to come.

Harlem Arts Alliance requests that artist and representatives from
arts organizations, from every borough, join us for a day of arts
advocacy in Albany. Call (347) 735-4280 for more information.

Office Space in Super Groovy DUMBO

2010-02-17T16:52:07Z

The New York Foundation for the Arts is opening up their Affordable Workspace for Artists program. If you're an artist - or you're running a small arts organization - and you've been slammed by the recession, you may be eligible for cheap admin space in NYFA's offices on Jay Street in DUMBO. (You still qualify if you're a NYFA-affiliated artist as well; you're a NYFA Fellow, Sponsored Project, etc.)

So, if this is something you need, click here for information, eligibilty, and applications.

From Our Friends at the League of Independent Theater

2010-02-16T21:02:38Z

OK, we're blogging lots here today at NYC Performing Arts Spaces, but people just keep sending us stuff we think you might want to know about. This is from our friends at the League of Independent Theater (LIT) - not to be confused with the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - and their new series of talks, "Get Lit with LIT."

The League of Independent Theater is proud to present the first Get Lit with LIT event of 2010 with special guest David Pincus, Chair of the Theater Task Force for Manhattan Community Board 4. David will discuss the important new Tax Credit proposal that is making it's way through the the Community Boards now.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Lark Play Development Center
939 Eighth Avenue, 2nd Floor

7:00 PM

Come and join an important conversation with the League and David Pincus on this exciting new legislation that could really make a difference for the viability and sustainability of small theaters in New York City.

Plus free beer.

Don't Let This Deadline Slip By: February 26, 2010

2010-02-16T16:59:37Z

MUSICIANS! Friday, February 26 is the last day to submit your application for the Con Edison Musicians' Residency: Composition Program.

Six (6) residencies will be awarded, each providing a suitable workspace for three months plus a stipend. In addition, each hosting facility will present a free public program featuring their resident composers' work (that's a built-in audience!).

Queens-based composers take note: four of the six residencies are open only to Queens residents and will be hosted by cultural facilities in Queens.

One of last year's winners, Matt Schickele, describes how his Con Edison Musicians' Residency helped his career:

"My residency at Flushing Town Hall in 2009 gave me the time and space, both physically and mentally, to complete the chamber opera that had until then been written in whatever niches of time I could find. Now the opera, which would have taken me ages to finish without the residency, is already being performed."

Full Residency Guidelines

Residency Application

Don't delay! Apply today!

What the Heck is the Theater Subdistrict Council Grant?

2010-02-16T16:29:29Z

This info came from our friends at Jazzmobile....

The Theater Subdistrict Council is pleased to announce the second round of a grant program designed to recognize the vital role that theater plays in the overall economic and social well-being of New York City. Projects receiving support will seek to celebrate the live art form of theater and create and expand the audience base attending live theater, as well as enhance the body and quality of performance options. Funding for the grant program is provided through contributions to the Theater Subdistrict Fund made in connection with the transfer of development rights from Broadway theaters.

Eligibility in this second phase of the grant program is open to organizations and/or consortia that:

*offer theater-related cultural programs based in and operating in the five boroughs
*are incorporated in New York State
*have been in existence and providing cultural services for two years
*had an operating income of $200,000 or more in FY09

Further background information on the grant program as well as an Intent to Apply form and instructions will be available on the NYC Department of City Planning and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs websites as of the close of business Friday, February 12th, 2010. Completed Intent to Apply forms must be postmarked by April 9, 2010. The Intent to Apply is the first step in the application process. Respondents to the Intent to Apply will be notified in June if they will be invited to submit a full application; a decision regarding which projects will be funded in the pilot phase of the grant program will be announced in September, after a review of the full applications.

Those considering submitting an Intent to Apply are strongly urged to attend one of three information sessions to learn more about the application process. All three sessions will cover the same information, and reservations are essential to assure we can accommodate you. Locations and times are as follows:

Friday, Feb 19, 2010      10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (enter at Amsterdam Avenue at 65th Street)

Monday, Feb 22, 2010     2:00 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.
Marriott Marquis Hotel - Astor Room, 7th floor - 1535 Broadway (between 45th and 46th Streets)

Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010   10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Spector Hall, NYC Dept. of City Planning, 22 Reade Street

You must register for the information sessions by emailing theatersubdistrictcouncil@gmail.com. Be sure to indicate which session, the number and names of people attending, and the organization/s they represent. Also be sure to bring downloaded application materials to the information sessions; these will not be available at the sites.

To review grant program materials and download the Intent to Apply form go to
www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/home.html or www.nyc.gov/html/dcla/html/home/home.shtml.

Blogging from The Road: Paramount Theatre, Seattle

2010-02-06T03:33:55Z

Believe it or not, five straight weeks of sunshine in San Diego left me yearning for a gloomy day, so heading to Seattle was actually quite exciting. The moment I stepped into downtown Seattle, I immediately felt rejuvenated. I remember thinking if my alma mater, SUNY Purchase, were its own city, it would be downtown Seattle. Youth groups rallying on the street, local musicians playing their music on every corner and lots of energy.

I was so inspired by Seattle that I did something I had not done since I had been on tour. I contacted an old professor of mine who I knew had completed his MFA in Dance at the University of Washington to find out if there were any dance studios where I could take a class as a visitor. He referred me to a wonderful space called Velocity Dance Center (thanks, Michael!).

Professionally, Seattle brought changes to the cast of Wicked: we said goodbye to both Myra Lucretia Taylor, who played the lovely Madame Morrible, and Lenny Wolpe, who played The Wizard (see photo of cast on their final performance). And we welcomed Randy Dawson and Richard Kline of "Three’s Company" fame!

The Paramount Theatre had a lovely charm, however the backstage layout proved to be more than difficult. With only one elevator and the women’s ensemble dressing room on the fifth floor, visits to and from the dressing room were nearly impossible. If you did decide to wait for the elevator, you would be waiting a very long time and risked the possibility of getting trapped, which happened on more than one occasion (sorry, Shanna!).

Since we were in the “Emerald City” and had played the house before, the audiences were knowledgeable and really great. The staff members at nearby restaurants were used to our time constraints between shows -- they showed us great respect, and got us in and out with lovely service. I would also like to thank the Taphouse Grill for letting me celebrate my 28th birthday there with the entire cast -- we had an awesome time.

For those who have never visited Seattle, make sure you make it down to the Pike Place Market and, although I regretfully did not make it there, don’t forget the Space Needle. Seattle was a beautiful and exciting city to play. Thanks, Seattle. I will definitely be back!

A Haiku Reminder

2010-02-04T16:56:23Z

New York Composer

Wait not for the last minute

Do apply today!

-- Anonymous NYCPAS Staff Member

2010 Con Edison Musicians' Residencies: Composition Program

Overview

Residency Guidelines

Application Form

Support for Community Board Theater Task Forces

2010-02-02T23:46:53Z

From Manhattan Community Board 4's Theater Task Force:

This Wednesday, February 3rd, at the Fulton Center Auditorium, 119 Ninth Avenue (between 17th and 18th Streets), Manhattan Community Board 4 is going to consider a letter written by its Theater Task Force for passage.

At 6:30, on that evening, members of the public are invited to sign-up for a public session at which they will be given two minutes to speak on any topic that interests them.

Any member of the public, who resides or works (or performs) within the confines of Community District 4, 14th Street to 59th, 8th Avenue to the Hudson River, is invited to attend.

If you are a theater artist, who supports the tax credit initiative that the unprecedented alliance of Community Board Arts related committees are developing, we need your support at that meeting.

We need you there to speak up on its behalf.

The chances of the passage of the CB4 Theater Task Forces letter (pasted below for your review) which informs our elected officials of the Community Board alliance formed to support small to mid-sized non-profit performing arts organizations, and in addition, asks for their consideration of an innovative tax credit proposal to help us reduce the crisis confronting the independent theater sector, can only benefit from your presence and participation at this public session.

Community Board 5 will be meeting at the First Alliance Church
127 West 26th Street, 2nd floor, at 6 p.m., on February 11, 2010.

Your support at that meeting, if you are an artist that lives or works in that district, 14th Street to 59th, from Lexington Avenue to Eighth
Avenue) is just as necessary and useful.

As other Community Boards bring this resolution (or letter) up for a vote, we will let you know of the time, date and place of their respective meetings.

Please make every effort to attend if you can.

Visit NYITA's blog for the full CB4 Theater Task Force letter to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn:

http://www.nyitawards.com/news/newsitem.asp?storyid=118

Con Edison Musicians' Residencies - DEADLINE IS FEB 26!

2010-02-02T15:38:10Z

For those musicians and composers in your life, taking up space in your apartment with their noise-making... steer them to our Con Edision Musicians' Residency: Composition Program, which is currently taking applications. We're putting six composers in residence in three facilites; Turtle Bay Music School, Florence E. Smith Community Center in Corona, Queens and Flushing Town Hall in historic Flushing. (Site of the Flushing Remonstrance. You've never heard of it? Click here and find out.)

Many thanks to the Clyde Fitch Report and American Opera Projects for the shout outs.

In other news...if you haven't already seen it, check out the New York Innovative Theater Foundation's latest study, a ground-breaking demographic survey of Off Off Broadway artists.

New - Dance/NYC Mid-Season Symposium

2010-01-22T16:07:49Z

Dance/NYC is hosting their first ever mid-season symposium, February 5 & 6. (You can register for it at the link on our Dance Service Organizations' Calendar. Jut click on "February.") If you're a dancer, choreographer, dance producer, or administrator, check out this gathering where you'll learn more on current trends, insurance, marketing, technologies and leadership issues.

Con Edison Musicians' Residencies - We're BACK!

2010-01-20T16:35:58Z

Guidelines and applications are up for the next round of Con Edison Musicians' Residencies: Composition Program. This time around, we're partnering with the City of New York Department for the Aging to offer residencies at the Florence E. Smith Community Center in Corona, Queens. In addition, we're continuing our partnership with the terrific Flushing Town Hall. Composers based outside of Queens can apply for Turtle Bay Music School. The deadline is February 26.

Out with the Aughts: It's Twenty-Ten!

2010-01-19T15:13:50Z

Happy New Year from

NYC Performing Arts Spaces!

More than halfway through January and we're still writing "2009" occasionally... but what better moment to reflect on the past year?

We are certainly proud of our accomplishments, which included:

* Keeping our online databases -- with over 1,600 detailed listings of New York City performing arts spaces -- completely free.
* Using our Facebook page, Twitter, this blog and our e-newsletter, PAS/pace, to keep you informed of residencies, grants, events, housing opportunities and new spaces in the NYC performing arts community.
* Assessing the impact of the economic downturn on New York-based performing artists and cultural facilities via survey (read the results [PDF]).
* Developing and awarding the first Con Edison Musicians' Residencies.

In 2010, we'll continue to build on these achievements by:

* Adding even more spaces for theatre, dance, music, film and special events to nycPASpaces.org.
* Becoming the prototype for other space databases that will be developed in other U.S. cities.
* Connecting more NYC musicians with their communities through an expansion of the Con Edison Musicians' Residencies: Composers Program (read the overview, guidelines and application here).
* Continuing to study problems that impact performing artists in NYC, such as with our current Mellon Dance Space Needs Assessment Study.

We wish you peace, comfort and inspiration for the coming year!

Thanks for your continuing support!

Eugenie Cowan, Director
Kirsten Nordine, Program Director
David Johnston, Consultant and Program Director, Mellon Dance Study
Jonna McElrath, Administration, Mellon Dance Study
David Sheingold, Dance Community Consultant, Mellon Dance Study
Emily Bowles, Marketing Director

Coming Up...

2010-01-12T19:34:45Z

Information, applications and guidelines for the next round of our Con Edison Musicians' Residency program! We're in the process of finalizing and tweaking our deadlines. So watch this space for criteria, deadlines, and new host facilities. Very soon...

Time for Your Swine Flu Shot

2010-01-04T18:35:02Z

The Actors Fund has a new batch of seasonal and H1N1 (swine flu) vaccinations for performing arts industry professionals at the Al Hirschfeld Clinic on West 57th Street, Wednesday Jan 6 from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Shots are free and no appointments are necessary. Check out details at the Actors Fund site.

Making Moves in Jamaica

2009-12-18T18:16:03Z

About a week ago, I got the chance to get out of Midtown for a couple of hours and visit the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Jamaica, Queens. The General Manager there was nice enough to give me a tour of the newly-renovated facility, which is in a beautiful 1858 landmark building (the former First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica). The building houses a 400-seat performance space as well as rehearsal space. (Check out the listings here.)

The Jamaica Performing Arts Center will also be hosting Making Moves, a day-long dance festival taking place on May 1, 2010. It's part of Jamaica Flux: Workspaces & Windows 2010, the third edition of Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning’s site-specific, public art exhibition. There are three opportunities for dance companies, ranging from a 15-minute performance with a $200 stipend to a 45-minute piece with a $3,500 stipend. Go to their website to read all the details and check out the RFP: http://jcal.org/performing_arts/MakingMoves.html For interested groups, tours of the facility will be given January 5-8, 2010. Applications are due January 18, 2010.

Image courtesy of Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

The Looking Glass Performance Space Grant 2010

2009-12-17T22:37:48Z

This just in from the Looking Glass Theatre. Check it out - deadline's coming up fast!

ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-Feb.-March, 2010

Seeking proposals from theatre companies.

Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between February 17-March 6, 2010) including one technical rehearsal, and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email press and audience lists and a listing or link on our website.

85% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass with 15% going to the Grant Recipient.

Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE
Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.

DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning Monday, December 14, 2009 through Monday, December 21 at 6pm.
Final Deadline Monday, December 21 at 6pm.
Proposals must be submitted via email to Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one (1) attachment.
Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.
Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Wednesday, December 23, 2009.

What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.

OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision. See web site for more! http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Bottom line-Either playwright or director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (for classics gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required.

1) The Proposal-A one page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and performance dates requested between February 17-March 6, 2010 (Maximum of 12 performances).
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd!
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.

Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about 4 pages.

Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.

Please note: The Looking Glass Theatre is in an old and historic, but drafty building. Shows should be appropriate for winter (warm costumes, etc.)

The Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves). 212-307-9467 www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Justine Lambert, Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Managing Director

Honors for Reggie Wilson

2009-12-17T19:07:36Z

Choreographer Reggie Wilson of Fist & Heel Performance Group won a prestigious fellowship this week. Wilson, who participated in our focus group for choreographers for the dance space needs assessment study, won a $50,000 grant for his work from United States Artists, the LA-based advocacy group.

Coming right on top of a successful run at BAM and sensational reviews, we congratulate Reggie on his success. (And also thank him for the input and advice this October.)

2010 Artist Residency with Theater Director Cara Scarmack

2009-12-17T16:52:32Z

From our friends at chashama:

"2010 Artist Residency with Theater Director Cara Scarmack

Cara Scarmack seeks performers to participate in an artist residency obtained through The Field's Sponsored Artist Program. The residency will take place in New York City from January – March 2010. The sessions will meet for six hours per week, and the experience will culminate in a public performance at The Kitchen in March.

The residency components will be two-fold. One aspect of the residency will focus on rigorous actor training and ensemble building using exercises grounded in Stanislavski, Grotowski, and Barba. The exercises will serve as the group's working platform, as the other aspect of the residency will be devoted to generating "from scratch" material for a new project Scarmack is devising. Rather than work towards a concrete finished play production, the group will create the first pieces of a performance that emerge through the unique group dynamic.

Scarmack is a theatermaker who relies 100% on the autonomy of the actor to create the material with which she can work. She is seeking generous, passionate, brave, instinctual, and inventive actors to inspire, challenge and surprise her and the group, and for whom she hopes to do the same.

Residency Dates: Saturday, January 9 – Monday, March 22, 2010

Residency Rehearsals: Saturdays 10am – 2pm; Sundays 1 – 3pm

Performance at The Kitchen: Monday, March 22nd

All rehearsals will take place in New York City, in Chelsea.

If you are interested, please submit your resume and a letter of interest, including information about your training as well as the motivations and influences in your work to Cara Scarmack at carascarmack@gmail.com.

Deadline to Apply: resume and letter of interest due by December 31, 2009."

New NEA Study Drops the Bomb

2009-12-11T16:43:29Z

The NEA has released their 2008 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts. (Click here for a PDF of the whole report.) This quote is from the Preface: "The 2008 survey results are, at a glance, disappointing. As reported in Arts Participation 2008, a summary brochure of the survey's findings, a smaller segment of the adult population either attended arts performances or visited art museums or galleries than in any prior survey." Not good.

The study shows a declining percentage of adults attending performing arts events from previous years, in disciplines across the board. Graying audiences, lower levels of arts education, increased competition for audiences' time and attention from the internet and digital media, economic constraints.

For those of us who care about live arts, what can be done? How can this be addressed?

Adam Huttler, the Executive Director of Fractured Atlas, attended the NEA presentation event in DC, and offers insights here about the report, its long-term ramifications and one strategy to address it.

Last Chance

2009-12-10T17:27:09Z

It's not too late to sign up to receive our Dance Space Needs Assessment Survey. If you're a dance facility or choreographer in NYC, and want your voice heard, go to this link and sign up. We'll be sending out the surveys very very soon, and sign up will stop once it goes out. So, if you make dance in New York City - or you provide space for dance in New York City - go to this link and make sure we hear from you.

Big News from the Mother Ship

2009-12-09T17:02:20Z

Our parent company, Fractured Atlas, had a big announcement yesterday; the upcoming development of ATHENA Tix, an open-sourced community-developed event ticketing system. What does that mean? It means affordable - or downright free - ticketing for small nonprofit arts organizations. Among other things. Read Executive Director's Adam Forest Huttler's blog entry on who, what, when and how it can benefit your arts organization.

You Know Those Big Red Steps?

2009-12-08T15:43:22Z

The new TKTS booth in Times Square, just won a sweet accolade. New York Magazine named it New York's Building of the Decade. The "discount ticket" booth, a project of our friends at the Theatre Development Fund, is a gorgeous set of red risers in the middle of Duffy Square, and it's quickly become not only a place for tourists to spot, but for locals to gather and meet as well. If you're not familiar with TDF's programs - discounted tickets, Off Off @9, education and audience development - what are you waiting for? Consider this your invitation.

And if you haven't checked out our New Listings feature recently on NYC Music Spaces, we're adding spaces like crazy. Check out Band Spaces NYC, a new space in Williamsburg with 29 studios. Hourly rates and 24/7 access.

NYFA Swap

2009-12-07T16:29:18Z

Bring books, old art supplies, Mom's saucepan and your ex's CDs, and head down to the NYFA Swap on Jay Street in DUMBO, Thursday night at 6 PM. A five buck entry fee gets you in the door so you can haggle and bargain to your heart's delight. And all for a good cause. Details here.

Dance Space Needs Study

2009-11-18T17:04:51Z

There's still time to sign up for our Dance Space Needs Study. Funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, we're looking at space needs for mid-size dance companies in New York City - what's needed, what's available, and what's missing. If you are a choreographer/dance maker in New York City - or if you operate and maintain a dance rehearsal facility in New York City - we want to hear from you. We're in the process of finalizing and testing the surveys now. Go to this link and sign up if you'd like to participate in this important study. Final surveys will be going out soon!

How Long Has It Been Since You Posted on the Dance Service Organization Calendar?

2009-11-13T18:57:58Z

Be honest here. You've had professional development programs for dancers - and you forgot to post them on the Dance Service Organizations' Calendar, didn't you? It's OK. We know you're busy. We forgive you. Things are crazy and the holidays will be making your life even more crazy any minute now.

Many dance service organizations are always posting - check out programs right now from Dance Theater Workshop, Career Transition for Dancers and Dance/NYC. Networking events, practical business information for dancers, open forums to discuss trends in contemporary performing. Letting people know about the great workshops, seminars and professional development that are available to them.

We got 'em. So check it out. See what's happening. List your events. And have a great weekend.

Come to Dance/NYC's Mid Year Symposium. Register Now and Save a Few Bucks.

2009-11-13T18:31:21Z

From our friends at Dance/NYC, and our parent organization, Fractured Atlas. Check out the details below on the mid-season symposium.

Dance/NYC Mid-Season Symposium

Early Bird Registration

Available through December 31 2009!

One-day registration $100.00

Early Bird Special $80.00

Individual session registration will also be available after December 31^st.

Date: February 5^th (welcome reception) and 6^th (symposium) 8:30AM-6:00PM

Symposium: 3LD Art and Technology Center

General Session

Opening Plenary -The Changing Face of Dance Audiences, Donna Walker Kuhne, President Walker International Communications

Session 2 - IP and IT–Latest Technologies Impacting the Dance Field, Sydney Skybetter, Skybetter and Associates and Marc Kirschner, Tendu TV

Session 3 - Leadership, Start with the Why, Simon Sinek, Author

Session 4 – Concert vs. Commercial Dance, Sharon Gersten Luckman, Executive Director, Alvin Ailey

Closing Plenary - Telling the Story of Dance: Defining the Value of our Art Form, Russell Willis Taylor, President and CEO of National Arts Strategies and Dorothy Gunther Pugh, Executive Director Ballet Memphis

Breakout Session

Session 1: Insurance, Fractured Atlas

Session 2: Health and Wellness, Actor’s Fund

Click here to register.

"Arts for All" Seminar 11/17: Free Admission

2009-11-13T16:52:37Z

"Arts for All" is an informational seminar sponsored by The NYS Cultural Equity Group, in collaboration with Americans for the Arts.

The topics will include:

* Advocacy Strategies
* Lobbying for Cultural Equity at the National Level
* Making the Case for the Re-creation of Expansion Arts at the NEA
* Creative Economy in Communities of Color

The seminar will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 AM - 3 PM at Pregones Theater in the Bronx. Admission is free.

More information is available on the official flyer (PDF).

Performing DIY-Types Sought for New Year's Bash: "Transmutation"

2009-11-09T16:20:10Z

Party people Winkel and Balktick have entertained the underground and NYC fringe folk for years (view their Flickr photos to see what colorful mayhem you've missed). So, of course, they're pulling out all the stops for New Year's Eve 2010 and invite performing artists to be a part of the fun.

Fittingly called "Transmutation", the NYE 2010 fête-performance will be held on "the entire second floor of a 100-year-old warehouse featuring two enormous rooms with panoramic windows, 16' riggable ceilings, round columns, and level concrete floors." There's a lot of alchemic possibility there...

All the details are spelled out in this offical RFP: Transmutation.pdf

If, after reading the PDF, you find your interest piqued, bring your questions, ideas and creative pals to the New Year's Eve Meeting & Social:

Tuesday, November 24 at Winkel's.
135 Plymouth St #208 in Dumbo, Brooklyn. F to York St, A/C to High St.
Food and drink will be served.

Doors at 7:30 PM. Meeting at 8 PM.
At 9 PM, everyone will be shuttled to the warehouse for a walkthrough of the space. By 11 PM, everyone will be back in Dumbo.

RSVP to alchemy@wandbnyc.com requested, but not required. There will be another meeting in a few weeks.

Con Edison Musicians Residency Concert Sun at Flushing Town Hall

2009-11-06T15:33:26Z

Nivedita ShivRaj, our Con Edison Musicians' Residency composer, will give a free concert at Flushing Town Hall on Sunday, November 8 at 2 PM. Check the Queens Ledger, the Queens Examiner, or New York Women Composers for detailed listings. Nivedita plays a unique blend of carnatic (South Indian classical music) and contemporary music. Sunday's concert feature several guests, including jazz guitarist Jason Goldstein.

And be sure to check out Flushing Town Hall's new exhibition in the gallery, Talismans of Protection from Choson Korea, a fascinating collection of ancient locks, latches, and charms, on loan from Seoul, Korea.

Dancers: Need a Last-Minute Space to Rehearse?

2009-11-04T16:41:11Z

Dance/NYC, Fractured Atlas and DanCAcT have launched the new Dance Space Line, providing up-to-date information on available rehearsal dance space each morning.

Call in to hear the recorded message (1-888-DSL-DNYC, a/k/a 1-888-375-3692) or follow the Dance Space Line on Twitter to receive updates.

For detailed information on hundreds of dance rehearsal spaces in all five boroughs, use www.nycDanceSpaces.org.

The Arts at Ground Zero

2009-11-02T19:19:49Z

NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin testified at a City Council hearing last week that time was running out for an arts center at Ground Zero. The New York Times picked up the story and wrote more on the Port Authority, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, and other funders and stakeholders in the ongoing redevelopment of the area.

Shay Gines' Top Five Reasons for Joining A Community Board

2009-10-30T17:28:15Z

Our friend at the New York Innovative Theatre Awards Foundation has written a concise blog posting about how the Off Off Broadway community (and all the performing arts here) can help themselves by joining the local community board. It's not something that ever occurred to us, but it makes good sense. Check it out.

Lottery Opens for Affordable Housing in Jamaica, Queens -- no fee to apply!

2009-10-30T00:59:45Z

from our friends at chashama, via the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation newsletter:

"When the Queens Family Court moved to a new building in Jamaica in 2003, the future of its former home at 89-14 Parsons Boulevard was uncertain. Would the ornate 1928 structure become a school, a precinct house, an office building?

Today, the future has arrived: In a development spearheaded by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, led by Deputy Mayor Robert C. Lieber and realized by The Dermot Company, the Italian-Renaissance-style facade has been gracefully married to a 12-story glass residential tower. The first tenants are scheduled to move in early next year. The structure, called MODA, comprises nearly 350 units of affordable and market-rate rental housing, new shops and 500 parking spots.

A lottery for the low-and middle-income apartments -- 64% of the units -- has just been announced; leasing of the market-rate units will start in January 2010. GJDC is helping to attract retailers to the 55,000 square feet of retail space on the ground and mezzanine levels.

PDF of Apartment sizes, rental rates and income qualifications

According to The Dermot Company's Vice President of Development Drew Spitler, "We felt that this area, with its excellent transportation and new rezoning plan, was ready for an attractive residential development."

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified Applicants will be required to meet income guidelines and additional selection criteria. To request an application, mail a POSTCARD to: QFC Owners, LLC., P.O. Box 670129 Station C, Flushing, NY 11367.

Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only (no priority, certified, registered, express or overnight mail will be accepted) to a post office box number, or its equivalent, that will be listed with the application, and must be postmarked by November 23rd, 2009.

Applications postmarked after November 23, 2009 will be set aside for possible future consideration. Applications will be selected by lottery; applicants who submit more than one application will be disqualified. Disqualified applications will not be accepted. A general preference will be given to New York City residents. Current and eligible residents of Queens Community Board 12 will receive preference for 50% of the units. Eligible households that include persons with mobility impairments will receive preference for 5% of the units; eligible persons that include persons with visual and/or hearing impairments will receive preference for 2% of the units; and eligible City of New York Municipal Employees will receive a preference for 5% of the units.

No Broker's Fee. No Application Fee."

What - I Need a Contract?

2009-10-27T12:06:21Z

Chamber Music America hosts a free professional development seminar on Monday November 2 at St. Peter's Church, 3 to 5 PM. Musicians and ensembles can learn business ins and outs with Karen Kennedy and "What Artists Need to Know About Performance Contracts. It's free, but seating is limited and RSVPs are preferred. Contact Marc Giosi, Program Associate at mgiosi@chamber-music.org For more information, go to the Chamber Music America site.

Congrats to the Winners of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2009 NYC Cultural Innovation Fund competition

2009-10-15T12:10:11Z

From the Rockefeller Foundation press release (10/14):

"Today the Rockefeller Foundation’s President Dr. Judith Rodin announced the 18 winners of the Foundation’s 2009 New York City Cultural Innovation Fund competition – and with it a $2.7 million grant to support local New York City art and artists. Each of these 18 New York City-based organizations will receive a two-year grant of up to $250,000, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to creative expression and innovation, and the impact and influence creativity has towards social progress.

'The Rockefeller Foundation is pleased to continue our support of art and creativity right here in our home town of New York City,' said Dr. Judith Rodin, President of the Rockefeller Foundation. 'In today’s economy, our artists and communities need support to continue to build an innovative creative sector that provokes us to react, question, and learn.'

Many of this year’s winners—selected from more than 500 diverse projects—focus on innovative survival strategies for the arts during a time of severe economic decline. Fresh business models, imaginative prototypes for public/private partnerships, entrepreneurial approaches to capital generation, artist peer loan programs, and new spins on marketing, especially to rapidly growing Latino communities, are strong themes among the winning entries."

Click here for a complete list of the winners.

Happening TODAY: 'A Free Night of Theater' All Afternoon (10/15)

2009-10-15T11:35:36Z

Over on Twitter, everyone is all abuzz (atweet?) about the all-day event taking place in Union Square today. From 11:45 AM to 6:00 PM-ish, hundreds of NYC artists, theatre companies and service organizations will take part in a festive celebration: "Free Night of Theater Day". There will be performances, music, costumes, booths, celebrities, politicians and much more. Check the full schedule of events and head on over!

UPDATE (11:45 AM 10/15): Breaking News: NYC FREE NIGHT OF THEATER MOVED INSIDE to Union Sqr Theatre @ 17th St. (and still fun!)

Blogging from The Road: Civic Center, San Diego, CA

2009-10-12T13:42:25Z

I was VERY excited to go to California. I had been there once before on a family vacation, but I was quite young at the time and hadn’t been since. San Diego in August was almost unreal. With the exception of a few random hot days, the weather was absolutely perfect every day (especially considering we had just come from Tempe, AZ temperatures!).

San Diego's Civic Center was a bit challenging in some ways and convenient in others. The challenge, as with many other theatres, was the location. All of the theatres I have played so far have been located in the downtown areas. Although downtown San Diego has shops, coffee houses and restaurants, which the cast absolutely enjoyed (thanks to Currant, a beautiful between-shows hot spot!), downtown areas can also prove difficult to navigate and safety can be an issue. With that said, the cast did a great job keeping tabs on one another and making sure everyone had a walking buddy.

I was super excited that this theatre actually had a rehearsal studio on site! Unfortunately with the exception of the opening week, a lot of other groups' rehearsals were scheduled during our run at the theatre, which meant the space was unavailable for warming up. This was quite unfortunate since there was absolutely no other space for the dancers to really get a good warm up -- only a tiny area near the physical therapy room and on deck, which is never easy as the crew is setting up for the show.

San Diego's Civic Center, like the Gammage Theatre in Tempe, lacks a center aisle (this configuration is called "continental style" seating and requires some preplanning by audience members for comfort and convenience...).

The backstage area was spacious and the dressing rooms were in close proximity with few stairs to tackle. With the exception of the huge crowds outside the stage door after performances, this theatre was quite accommodating.

I got to see some unbelievable sights while in San Diego: Coronado Beach was absolutely amazing and when our producer gave the entire company VIP passes to Universal Studios (see photo), I knew I had hit the big time! Overall, San Diego was a pleasure to play and may be my new favorite vacation location.

Got Your Flu Shot Yet?

2009-10-08T14:31:35Z

If you're a performing arts or entertainment industry professional, the Actors Fund of America has your flu shot ready. Shots will be given at the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic at 475 West 57th Street. Check the Actors Fund site for times and dates. No appointments necessary. Get your shot, then stroll confidently through New York City, laughing at germs and airborne infections.

RFPs for New City Initiative

2009-10-05T10:32:42Z

Thanks for our friends at ART/NY for this heads up. Following up on Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris' announcement last week at the Crain's "Future of New York" conference, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, in conjunction with NYC Economic Development Corporation, have announced RFPs for the five initiatives to strengthen the cultural sector in New York City. (Read the Mayor's press release here.) These five initiatives include increasing access to city properties for visual arts and performances, job training for displaced arts workers, and low-cost studio space at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in cooperation with Chashama.

Performing Artists and Aging, Issues and Challenges

2009-10-01T14:21:09Z

The problems of aging performing artists are gaining more attention these days. The New York Times posted a story about members of the musicians' union, protesting the dearth of pension benefits for those who play in New York City's jazz clubs. Members of Justice for Jazz Artists! held a protest rally and march, starting at historic Judson Memorial Church on Tuesday to draw attention to these issues for older jazz musicians.

Some arts organizations are looking closer at these issues, trying to see what can be done. The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council is hosting a Town Hall Meeting for The Research Center for Arts and Culture (RCAC) at Teachers College, Columbia University. RCAC, a partner on our recent study "Where Can We Work?", is conducting a new study that documents the lives of aging performing artists in New York City and Los Angeles. The study will address issues from artists’ health care and retirement plans to creative goals and legacy planning. All actors, dancers, choreographers, musicians and singers age 62 and up are encouraged to attend. Don't forget to RSVP at this link.

New City Hall Initiatives to Support Artists in NYC

2009-10-01T12:02:40Z

Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris announced at a Crain's "Future of New York" conference on Wednesday a series of five new initiatives to support new exhibition and performance space in New York City. Details forthcoming, but Crain's wrote up the announcement on its website yesterday.

Dance Space Needs Assessment Survey

2009-09-30T11:31:37Z

If you're a choreographer in New York City - or if you operate/administer a dance facility - we'd love to hear from you. We will be sending out surveys in the coming weeks to assess space needs for dance in New York City. If you'd like to sign up to receive the surveys, go here and fill out the information. If you want to learn more about this important study for the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, check out the press release.

Grab Your Shades and Some Good Walking Shoes, it's the FAB Festival and Block Party

2009-09-24T12:23:03Z

Our friends at Fourth Arts Block are throwing a party this weekend, with performance previews from groups like Eva Dean Dance, Metropolitan Playhouse, and the New York Neo-Futurists, along with a lively indoor/outdoor program from DanceNOW. You can silk screen t-shirts, take beginning salsa lessons and enjoy discounted Block Party shopping. So head down there this Saturday from 1 to 7 PM, and enjoy the free stuff and street life. And months from now, when your friends are talking about the great show they saw, you can be ultra-hip and supercool and talk about seeing the free preview last September.

New York's Performing Arts at a Crossroads: A 1/2 Day Conference

2009-09-21T21:23:38Z

A special half day conference -- "New York's Performing Arts at a Crossroads" -- will be presented by Crain’s New York Business and The Columbia University School of the Arts.

The financial crisis and severe economic downturn in New York have presented unprecedented challenges for the city’s performing arts organizations, with declines in both attendance and fundraising. This conference, part of the Crain’s Future of New York City series, examines what is happening, how arts organizations are coping with the economic squeeze and how they are planning to survive and thrive in the future.

The event will begin with a keynote address by Patricia Harris, first deputy mayor of the city and Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s closest aide. This will be followed by three breakout sessions looking at how the above-mentioned issues affect the perspective of the city’s largest and most prominent arts groups, the theater sector and small arts groups. The audience will then reassemble for a final session on the outlook for fundraising with a panel.

When: September 30, 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM (tentative)

Where: Columbia University campus centered on Miller Hall, Broadway and 116th

Cost: $59 for reserved auditorium seating, $39 unreserved seating

Information, including full roster of scheduled speakers, or tickets: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/section/future_of_new_york_city

Blogging from The Road: The Gammage Theatre,
Tempe, AZ

2009-09-16T12:22:20Z

I will try my best not to complain about the heat in Tempe and limit my comments to this: imagine standing in 100-degree heat with a wool sweater on, drinking a latte under a blow dryer. You still wouldn’t be quite as hot as it was in Tempe in July. There. Now on to the theatre!

I am not sure if it was because the theatre is located on the Arizona State University campus or if the audience members were of a younger generation, but almost every night at the Gammage Theatre felt a little like a rock concert. From the opening of the show, the audience was screaming at the top of their lungs -- and this began with the announcement to turn off cell phones.

I was “swung out” of a performance during our run at the Gammage Theatre. This means I was asked by a fellow cast member to sit out of a performance in order for that particular castmate to get a chance to perform. This is always nice because you get the opportunity to watch the show with the audience and experience the moments that you normally help create. This particular theatre was more like a stadium, which caused quite a field day for the sound department who had to go to great lengths adjusting the sound levels so that the vocals did not sound muzzled.

Another "interesting" characteristic of the house was the lack of aisles (see photo!). This meant bathroom breaks were difficult and the movement of people was, at times, a bit of a distraction for the performers and audience members alike.

The backstage area was spacious and I absolutely adored my dresser who became my fast friend. The cast enjoyed the convenience of the dressing rooms being on stage level, but hated the hike to the hair department -- when returning your wig at the end of a performance it meant climbing three flights of stairs.

Another difficult process for the cast was parking at the venue. Tempe is a definitely a “car city”. For us this meant that if you chose to stay in the company housing, company management had to provide a car that was to be shared by four castmates since the housing options were not within walking distance. I did not stay in company housing but did have a rental car of my own. On the few occasions when I had early rehearsals or reasons to be at the theatre before 5:00 PM, parking was a problem. Summer school was in session at ASU and for some reason the cast was not allowed to park in the theatre lot until after 5:00 PM. The lot we were allowed to use was a walk from the venue and in 114-degree heat, this felt like torture. Thank goodness they kept the theatre nice and air-conditioned.

Overall my run in Tempe was a great experience, but next time I’ll do as the locals advised and visit some time other than July!

New Dance Space Needs Assessment Study

2009-09-14T14:17:52Z

Fractured Atlas has received a grant of $41,500 from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to enable its NYC Performing Arts Spaces program to conduct a study assessing rehearsal space needs and availability for professional, New York City-based, single-choreographer dance companies, with a focus on mid-career choreographers.

The NYC Performing Arts Spaces study seeks to help solve a problem experienced particularly by these dance companies as they prepare for touring or New York City seasons.

Optimally, these dance companies want consistent, affordable, well-located rehearsal space, but are not in an organizational or financial position to afford or maintain their own space. The study would examine the need and demand for rehearsal space among professional dance companies without their own rehearsal facilities, the barriers to the effective use of existing spaces, and the potential enhancements or changes in policy that could result in an increased supply or use of existing spaces. If warranted, the study would ascertain whether one or more new or renovated dedicated rehearsal facilities would serve the existing and projected space needs of dance companies.

Read the full announcement here.

More about NYC Performing Arts Spaces' studies.

Independent Contractor vs. Employee: What's the Diff? Does it Matter? (YES!)

2009-09-11T09:46:16Z

From our friends at Dance/NYC:

Do you understand what makes an employee different from an independent contractor? Did you know you can be charged back taxes (!!!) if the labor board determines you have misclassified your dancers/teachers?

Come learn the rules and get an update on what the Department of Labor (DOL) is stating. Dance/NYC Director Michelle Burkhart will report on her recent visit with the DOL and provide easy steps to follow to stay in compliance. She will be joined by Richard Kass, an attorney who has practiced exclusively in the field of Labor and Employment Law on behalf of management for more than 20 years.

September 21, 2009, 6:30 PM @ Dance/NYC. RSVP here (scroll to find event).

Writers in Performance Workshop at Tribeca PAC

2009-09-04T14:45:36Z

BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center is conducting a ten-week poetry, writing and performance workshop culminating in performances to be held on November 20th and 21st. They are looking for men and women of all ages, ethnicities and levels of experience.

The workshop will explore writing exercises, theater games, improvisation, movement and ensemble work–all in a safe, creative environment−resulting in an ensemble theater piece performed by all participants. The opportunity to participate in the workshop and perform is offered without charge!

Auditions will be held September 15th & 16th from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Call 212.220.1459 to schedule an appointment. For information on scheduling an audition or the workshop please visit BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center's website: http://www.tribecapac.org/wip.htm

More Musicians Residencies!

2009-08-25T14:49:36Z

This is a very recent development, but here at NYC Performing Arts Spaces, we will be working with the Department of Aging to place musicians and composers in residence in selected senior centers in New York City. This morning at Mark Morris Dance Group, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced "Age-Friendly NYC: Enhancing Our City's Livability for Older New Yorkers," a series of initiatives aimed at making New York a move livable City for its growing senior population. We're very excited to be part of this package of initiatives. More details forthcoming, but thanks to Con Edison for continuing to support this workspace program for musicians and composers.

For more information, check out the press release from the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Blogging from The Road: The Majestic Theatre, San Antonio

2009-08-25T14:00:17Z

Let me start by saying that I am a Texas native, so I was, of course, elated to be performing in Texas -- not in my home town but close enough that my family and friends would finally get to see what had been keeping me on the road for four months. With that said I guess the next statement is pretty obvious: the Majestic Theatre was by far my favorite theatre EVER!

Some felt the interior of the theatre was a bit over the top, but I absolutely loved it.

All "Wicked" audiences are pretty awesome but southern audiences are exuberant from the beginning. It could be that the Majestic can be much like a movie theatre, complete with concession stands in the lobby, or that I was so happy to be home, but for the entire month of June I felt completely supported by the audiences' laughs and applause.

On the night my family attended, the energy was amplified by the fact that our Glinda the Good Witch, Ms. Katie Rose Clarke (also a Texas native), filled the houe with family and friends as well. That night was one I will never forget. This was the first time my family was getting the chance to see a Broadway show, let alone their youngest performing in one. Emotions were running high and from the opening curtain I tried telling myself not to cry, but every second I caught my father’s eyes or saw my sisters' and brothers' smiles I could not help myself. After the show, I gave my family a private backstage tour and we headed to the Riverwalk for dinner.

Though I enjoyed every moment of my San Antonio experience, there were a few technical difficulties to the theatre. The backstage area was a tight squeeze, so tight that all the gondolas, physical therapy station and the drummer in our orchestra were actually in a separate, abandoned theatre, connected by a single doorway. This was not a typical nor ideal setup, but did the job overall. The Majestic Theatre was a pleasure to play.

Discounted Rentals at the CSV Cultural Center

2009-08-24T11:09:08Z

The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center currently has times available in both of their performance spaces - the Flamboyan and Milagro theaters. For one-day events and weekly runs they are offering 50% off for September rentals and 25% for early October!!

For details contact Jasmine Rosario, Facilities Manager, at jrosario@csvcenter.net

Money for Queens Artists

2009-08-21T11:55:51Z

From our friends at Dance/NYC, where we spotted this announcement...the Queens Council on the Arts has an upcoming deadline for the Queens Community Arts Fund, open to Queens-based nonprofit organizations and individual artists who are residents of Queens. For organizations, the deadline is September 24. For individuals, it's October 8. Grants are for $1,000 to $5,000 for project support. Check out guidelines and applications here.

RFP: Performing Opportunity with Family Audience Series

2009-08-17T11:38:05Z

Brooklyn Arts Exchange is seeking performers and groups for their 2009/10 Jumpin' Juniper Series for Family Audiences.

Dance, theater, music, puppetry, circus, and storytelling programs will be considered. Programs must be 45-50 minutes long and include interaction with a family audience. Performances take place on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. with a simple same day technical rehearsal. Modest stipend paid and full marketing, production and administrative support provided.

To apply, please email cover letter that includes:
Name of group, address, contact info, discipline, technical needs, and a 200-word description of proposed performance. Please attach bio, resume. DO NOT SEND WORK SAMPLE (upon review one may be requested).

Email the above information to: Executive Director Marya Warshaw at marya@bax.org

Mind Your Money

2009-08-11T14:09:58Z

LMCC Director of Grants & Services Kay Takeda leads a free workshop on crafting budgets for artistic projects. The date is Wednesday, August 19 at 6:30, at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council offices at 125 Maiden Lane. Space is limited and RSVPs are required. So go downtown and learn how to take care of business.

Composers' Spotlight: David Schober in Residence at Flushing Town Hall

2009-08-10T13:09:35Z

Queens-based composer, music theorist, and pianist David Schober is one of three winners of the Con Edison Musicians’ Residency: Composition Program**. As his residency at Flushing Town Hall comes to a close, he took some time to tell us a little more about himself and what he’s currently working on.

What instrument(s) do you play? When did you begin composing?
I started learning piano at the age of six. (There are other instruments in my checkered past, but let’s not talk about them!) I began composing within the first year of my piano studies.

What kind of work have you been able to accomplish during your residency thus far?
Flushing Town Hall has been a great complement to the other places I compose, particularly the small studio space in my apartment. I still do some of the conceptual planning at home, but the gallery space at Town Hall has been great for fleshing out details and allowing them to breathe. There’s a beautiful Steinway piano there, and the space is used for a variety of performances, so it’s much easier to get a sense of what my music will sound like in a concert setting.

Please tell us about the extended work for wind ensemble that you have been working on.
I’m writing a wind ensemble piece in response to a flood that hit my hometown of Rushford, Minnesota, two years ago. I was shocked at the extent of the damage but have been even more impressed by the remarkable recovery the community has made since then. I’m writing the piece in fulfillment of a commission from Tim Weiss, director of the wind ensemble at my alma mater, Oberlin College. I’m also working on a guitar/flute piece for Arc Duo, based here in New York.

How has the Con Edison Residency helped you?
The residency, by providing a beautiful work space, has helped me to focus on my projects. Small apartments in New York City are not necessarily the most conducive environments to creative work. I also expect to have a good time organizing a public program at Flushing Town Hall for the wider community.

What has been your greatest success to date?
I’ve been fortunate to have many fine musical opportunities, but I’d say the most rewarding have been my collaborations with eighth blackbird and the Miró String Quartet. I attended Oberlin with members of both groups, so we’ve been friends for a long time.

What’s challenging about being a musician working in NYC (and/or in Queens)? What is a positive aspect of it?
There are so many great musicians and musical opportunities in New York that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. At times, it seems difficult to stand out from the crowd when there’s so much going on in one place. Of course, there are also the neighbors who are less than enthusiastic to hear my music-making at odd hours. I think the important thing is to keep putting one foot in front of the other and to have fun with it.

Is there any advice that you would give to a musician and/or composer at the start of their career?
Young composers should do whatever they can to hone their performance skills while they’re in school. It’s also important that they befriend performers and collaborate with them, as these musicians will often become colleagues for life. Recently, I’ve also been urging my students to study abroad if they can. During my undergraduate years, I spent some time living and studying in Korea. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done.

What’s next on your professional horizon following the end of your residency?
I resume my teaching duties for the fall term at Queens College, and then in January I’m off to southern France for a four-month artist residency through the Camargo Foundation.

How can we learn more about you and your work?
My website needs updating (alas!), but it’s a good place to start: www.davidschober.com. Stay tuned, also, for events I’ll be involved with at Flushing Town Hall.

**Each of the three winners of the Con Edison Musicians’ Residency: Composition Program received use of composition and rehearsal space in Flushing Town Hall for a three-month period, as well as a stipend. The winners were selected through a competitive review process by panelists from the New York City music community.

The Con Edison Musicians’ Residency had its genesis in NYC Performing Arts Spaces’ 2008 study “Where Can We Work?”, an examination of how access to workspace in New York City impacts musicians’ ability to compose, rehearse and perform. The study was made possible by a seminal grant from the New York State Music Fund.

Funding for this pilot program comes from Con Edison, the Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation, The Amphion Foundation, and the Reed Foundation. NYCPASpaces developed and administered the program, and expects to expand this residency program, serving both performing artists and cultural facilities, to other locations and boroughs. To receive the first announcement of future residencies at Flushing Town Hall, sign up for our email newsletter.

Composers' Spotlight: Nivedita ShivRaj in Residence at Flushing Town Hall

2009-08-05T12:21:32Z

Nivedita ShivRaj is one of three Queens composers who were chosen as winners of the Con Edison Musicians’ Residency: Composition Program**. Nivedita is a composer, performer and teacher of Carnatic (South Indian classical) music. We recently asked her to tell us more about her time in residence at Flushing Town Hall, as well as her current projects.

What kind of work have you been able to accomplish during your residency thus far?

My work consisted of creating new compositions based on Indian Ragas, for instrumental orchestra. During the residency, I was able to work on several parts of the compositions and script them using Indian music notations.

How has the Con Edison Residency helped you?

The residency has helped me to set goals to complete the compositions and the space provided at the Flushing Town Hall gave me a calm and professional environment to work with full focus and concentration. It provided the much needed impetus for creating a new work. The town hall was a perfect rendezvous to exchange musical thoughts with other performing artists of different genres.

You work primarily in carnatic ragas, the classical music of southern India. But you also integrate modern sounds, digital technologies and electronica. How do they interrelate? And who has been influential on your work here?

Carnatic music dates back 1000 years and has followed a vocal tradition supported by native instruments. Musicians have been adapting instruments from other parts of the world into carnatic music traditions since the 19th century, which has been welcomed and accepted widely. Fusion music is also being appreciated by audience world over.

This has encouraged me to experiment with modern technology and create music digitally. Digital music now provides for blending the traditional music with non-traditional instruments and rhythms. This gives a new flavor to the traditional music, and helps to reach a wider audience who are not familiar with Indian classical music.

My husband, Shiv Venkatram - a contemporary musician working with digital music - has been a great influence on my work in combining digital music with classical music.

What has been your greatest success to date?

I have a long way to go to reach the level that can be claimed as a great success and I am on my journey towards that goal. All my successes to this day are small steps towards a bigger goal.

What’s challenging about being a musician working in NYC?

It is a challenge to reach out to the audience and catch their attention as there is an abundant pool of great artistic talent and also because of the huge multi ethnic community in Queens and in NYC. Marketing for performances and promoting, publicizing a performance is a big challenge especially when we are working with small budgets.

Is there any advice that you would give to a musician and/or composer at the start of their career?

I can share with them what I practice – be open to ideas and not be reluctant to try out new things. Explore every opportunity that comes your way!

You’ve composed for meditation and also performed in a lot of sacred spaces. What role does spirituality play in your work?

Carnatic music is predominantly spiritual and meditative. I enjoy the divinity present in the music of the Veena, whether I am composing or performing I let this feeling of serenity and peace translate into my work. I love to experience the spiritual power of the music and have the penchant to share that feeling with the listeners too.

How can we learn more about you and your work?

From my website www.niveditashivraj.com or my blog http://niveditashivraj.wordpress.com/.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

**Each of the three winners of the Con Edison Musicians’ Residency: Composition Program received use of composition and rehearsal space in Flushing Town Hall, in Flushing, Queens, for a three-month period, as well as a stipend. The winners were selected through a competitive review process by panelists from the New York City music community.

The Con Edison Musicians’ Residency had its genesis in NYC Performing Arts Spaces’ 2008 study “Where Can We Work?”, an examination of how access to workspace in New York City impacts musicians’ ability to compose, rehearse and perform. The study was made possible by a seminal grant from the New York State Music Fund.

Funding for this pilot program comes from Con Edison, the Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation, The Amphion Foundation, and the Reed Foundation. NYC Performing Arts Spaces developed and administered the program, and expects to expand this residency program, serving both performing artists and cultural facilities, to other locations and boroughs. To receive the first announcement of future residencies at Flushing Town Hall, sign up for the email newsletters of NYC Performing Arts Spaces.

Survey of Cultural Facilities and Performing Artists

2009-07-31T12:57:09Z

The results are in, for our 2009 survey of cultural facilities and performing artists, gauging the effects of the recession on this sector. We sent out this survey in May, and have now posted the not-entirely-grim responses. Thanks to all of our respondents, and also the organizations that helped us disseminate the information.

Blogging from the Road: The Orpheum Theatre, Omaha, Nebraska

2009-07-28T14:54:41Z

I had no idea what to expect from Omaha, Nebraska, having never been there. I ended up having a lovely time in the beautiful Old Market of the city eating great food at Vivace and Stokes -- mmm yummy! Another great highlight was having my firsts guests see me in the show. My best friend and her husband made the 3-hour drive from Kansas City to see the show!

The Orpheum Theatre had quite a laid back atmosphere, one that took a little while to adjust to the WICKED "machine". We definitely had to iron out some kinks and to make some adjustments.

It’s common knowledge that WICKED uses lots of dry ice and fog machines, and when I say "lots" I mean lots. Walking in the basement where the dressing rooms were located, you wouldn't be able to ignore the smoky ambience -- it resembled my first attempt at cooking. Once your eyes adjusted to the smoke-filled dressing rooms and the Jekyll-and-Hyde temperatures, you could focus on the true convenience of the back stage area.

During this month the tour was raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS by auctioning off posters signed by the entire cast. We were able to raise over $50,000, which felt amazing!

Since this was our first time playing Omaha, we had a lovely opening night cast party at the Magnolia Hotel. Overall, our run at The Orpheum Theatre was filled with great times: Farmer’s Market shopping, Patrick’s Green Tea ice cream and late-night-snack shopping at Cubby's!

MusiCares

2009-07-27T16:37:19Z

One of the great things about our work here is getting to know others in the field, those who are interested in performing arts, artists and working to make it all come together. One organization we've worked with is a terrific group called MusiCares. MusiCares provides a safety net of financial assistance to musicians and people who work in the music field, who find themselves in a personal/medical/financial or addiction crisis. They offer help to artists that's quick, confidential and respectful.

They have an office here in NYC, but are also set up to help in Santa Monica, Austin and Nashville. If you've not heard of them, go to their site and show them some love.

Composer's Spotlight: Matthew Schickele in Residence at Flushing Town Hall

2009-07-27T11:45:14Z

One of three Queens-based composers who was chosen as a winner of the Con Edison Musicians’ Residency: Composition Program**, Matthew Schickele has written songs, string quartets, bagpipe tunes and orchestra pieces. In his final weeks in residence at Flushing Town Hall, we asked Matt to reflect on his residency and his current work.

Matt, how has the Con Edison Residency at Flushing Town Hall helped you?

Finding long, quiet, uninterrupted time to write is a real challenge. I live in a relatively quiet neighborhood, but I also live with three opera singers who love to practice (luckily they’re all good). I enjoy “commuting” to compose as well; at home there are so many distractions. Not to mention all the delicious food I can get in Flushing Chinatown that isn’t available in my neck of the woods.

What kind of work have you been able to accomplish during your residency thus far?

I am pleased to say that I finished my chamber opera during the residency. With the remaining time I will either work on the piano reduction, or finish up some other smaller pieces I have sitting around.

Would you please describe your opera “Marymere”: the plot, the music, and what stage it is currently at?

Marymere is a chamber opera which uses both classical and folk musicians. The story, which is a true one, centers on an educated East Coast couple who moved to Wyoming at the turn of the last century. He was a moody, unstable man, and she was eccentric and romantic — prone to sunbathing and playing violin in trees at a time when such activities got you branded as crazy. They were neither mentally nor physically up to the challenges the West posed then, and their story, I’m sorry to say, does not end well.

The finished score is being circulated to various producers and the like who have expressed interest.

Who and/or what are your biggest influences?

As a child I was exposed to a wide range of musical flavors: The Beatles, Schubert, Ray Charles, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Charlie Parker, and on and on. All these musics were treated with the same respect: good music was good music. This is still how I listen to music, with genre-less ears. Genre-less? There’s got to be a better way of saying that, but you know what I mean.

What has been your greatest success to date?

Well, not to be slippery, but that would of course depend on the definition of success. In music you must learn early on to find your own markers for success and hold them close. Sometimes the music you’re least proud of gets the most attention, and sometimes (often, really) what you consider your finest writing is completely ignored. These extreme reactions to your music can be very confusing, and need to be left in their context, not taken to heart.

What’s challenging about being a musician working in NYC? What is rewarding?

The challenges are many, ranging from finding some peace and quiet to write, to making enough money to live in this expensive city. And the sheer number of composers and musicians here can be daunting — so many people trying to stand out from the crowd. At the same time, that’s why we’re all here: New York City is the core of American music of all kinds, and living here is a constant thrill.

Is there any advice that you would give to a musician and/or composer at the start of their career?

You’re free. Everything’s allowed.

What’s next on your professional horizon following the end of your residency?

There are many things brewing, but all the big ideas are still too unformed to describe. It’s an exciting stage of this game, I find.

How can we learn more about you and your work?

There’s a fair amount to be found at my website, mattsomething.com. Beyond that, surf the web a bit: I’ve done a lot of different music in various different directions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Office Space at BAX

2009-07-24T11:37:44Z

Some of the facilities that list rehearsal or performance space on our site also have office space available from time to time. Right now our friends at Brooklyn Arts Exchange have a space available, details below:

Beautiful Private Office Available at BAX in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Private unfurnished office space available, approx 120 square feet, on BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange’s upper floor. Available September 1st. Spacious enough for 2-3 desks. Convenient Fifth Avenue location in the heart of Park Slope, two blocks from F and R trains. Rental includes internet connection and light use of copier, fax and reception. Shared kitchenette, bathrooms, waiting room. Open seven days. Open to usage (but no studio arts please). BAX is a busy, multi-use facility with classes for children and adults, rehearsals and an administrative staff present.

$800/month inclusive. One month security. Minimum rental 3 months but prefer long term. Available September 1st

Contact Vanessa Adato at Vanessa@bax.org or (718) 832-0018.

2010 Queens Community Arts Fund Grants

2009-07-23T15:12:30Z

Attention Queens artists: Applications are now being accepted for the Queens Community Arts Fund (QCAF), which is administered by Queens Council on the Arts (QCA). These grants are available to individual artists of any discipline and non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations creating arts and cultural programming in the borough of Queens. In 2009, QCAF awarded $232,400 to 18 individual artists and 42 organizations.

For those who are interested in applying, QCA is providing several grant workshops before the fall application deadline. These information sessions are required for all first-time applicants, as well as previous applications who have not applied within the last two years.

The next info session for organizations interested in applying is Monday, August 10, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Cambria Heights Library, 218-13 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights.

The next info session for individuals is Thursday, August 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Ave, Room E-500 in Long Island City.

Application deadlines are Thursday, September 24 for individuals and Thursday, October 8 for organizations.

Full guidelines, as well as a list of information sessions and the online application can be found at www.queenscouncilarts.org, or contact Katie Tuss, Arts Fund Coordinator, at 347-505-3019, or ktuss@queenscouncilarts.org, for additional information.

Duo Multicultural Arts Center Looking to Premiere 5 New Dance Works

2009-07-22T15:23:37Z

Hey dancers and choreographers! This just in from Duo Multicultural Arts Center:

DANCE@DMAC December 2009 Commissions

DMAC- Duo Multicultural Arts Center 62 East 4th Street East Village is seeking to commission and premiere 5 new dance works. The new works will be premiered December 7-11, 2009 in our beautiful turn of the century playhouse. Each piece must be between 8-10 minutes in length. Choreographers will receive a commission fee of $500.00 and adequate rehearsal time in one of our studios. The program is being curated by Lisa Rinehart and Michelangelo Alasa’ .

Since 2008, DMAC has presented 16 new dance premieres by Aszure Barton, Keely Garfield, Julian Barnett, Maria Hassabi, Alex Escalante, Anna Sperber, Deganit Shemy, Ariane Anthony, Claire Porter, Yin Yue, Kelley Donovan, Art Bridgeman, Myrna Packer, Nicole Wolcott, Catherine Galasso, Lauri Stallings, Carlos Velazquez as well as guest performances by Doug Elkin, David Parker and the Bang Group, Carlos Velazquez and the Rod Rodgers Dance Company.

Click to download application

The application deadline is September 15, 2009

Don't Let the Photo Dissuade You from Applying!

2009-07-22T10:33:19Z

The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) has announced that applications for their 2009-2010 Artists' Fellowships will be made available on their website in early September, and will be due the first week in November.

NYFA Artists' Fellowships are $7,000 cash awards made to individual originating artists living and working in the state of New York for unrestricted use. Grants are awarded in 16 artistic disciplines, with applications accepted in eight categories each year.

Since the awards began in 1985, NYFA has awarded over $22 million to over 3,688 artists. In 2009, NYFA awarded 131 Fellowships to 134 artists, with six of them working in a collaboration.

Of course, thousands of artists will apply for these fellowships (nice of NYFA to include this reality-check photo, which they labelled as "mountains of applications for NYFA's 2009 Artists' Fellowship program"...).

We're here to say: "APPLY!" This blog entry is your advanced notice and call to action: use these lazy, hazy days of summer to start updating your CV, refining your artist's statement, and getting set to apply for a NYFA Artists' Fellowship in early September! Go get 'em!

Are You An Artist? Want Money? Yes You Do

2009-07-15T14:08:27Z

Got the summertime blahs? Don't know what's happening career-wise? Want to do something business-wise to kick yourself in the pants? Professionally? Head down to Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Wed July 22. LMCC's Director of Grants and Services, Kay Takeda, will be delivering a workshop on the current funding scene for artists, filled with basic info on researching and prepping grant applications. Find out about LMCC's grant programs for artists plus a whole lot more. The session is free, but space is limited and RSVPs are required.

Small Independent Labels: The Little Music Engines That Could

2009-07-15T13:25:02Z

There's so much doom and gloom in the arts news of late that we can't help but pay attention when we run across a reference to music labels who feel and exhibit "a characteristic sense of perseverance and sometimes even some guarded optimism"... This even makes us perk up a bit.

The article to which I refer appears on the NewMusicBox website and discusses the buoyancy that small independent music labels are showing in this tough economy. Read through to near the end and you'll find an interview with one of our board members, Judd Greenstein. Judd is a co-founder of New Amsterdam Records, a self-described "haven for the young New York composers and performers whose music slips through the cracks between genres."

Read the full article here.

Blogging from The Road: The Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake City

2009-07-13T14:18:27Z

Courtney Jones worked at NYCPAS as Assistant to the Director for two years before embarking on the national tour of “WICKED” as an ensemble cast member. She is a graduate of SUNY Purchase College and has danced professionally in New York City with Jennifer Muller/The Works, among others. This is her third blog from the road.

The Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City can be described in one word: cute. Once I was able to get past the insane number of fans waiting outside for the WICKED lottery -- which had to be called a “raffle” since they do not allow gambling in Salt Lake City (check out this photo of a typical WICKED “raffle” turnout in Salt Lake City) -- I got to see such a charming space with great character.

This was one of my favorite venues for a couple of reasons. First, there was ample space to warm up. Second, the warm-up room had a piano, upon which our lovely Musical Director Boko Suzuki would play Stevie Wonder tunes every day at intermission. And last, but not least, the Capitol Theatre had a fantastic crew!

The layout backstage at this venue was also great for a few reasons. There was crossover access and not a lot of stairs to navigate.

The house was quite intimate and I often heard performers comment on how close the audience felt. This could be really exciting, especially if you are someone like me who loves to look directly into the audience, or quite challenging if you prefer to maybe hear the house and not necessarily “see the house”.

One funny moment that I will never forget happened back stage in Salt Lake. The stage was a little small for the craziness that is WICKED, so our lovely crew had to build an extension of the backstage area leading to the gondolas. There was a small ramp that got you onto the backstage area, and I was trying to navigate in my very tight Emerald City mermaid dress. I’m sure you can see where this is headed... My foot caught the front of my dress, and all I can say is, I went down...

It took four crew members to physically put me back on my feet. The next day, when I arrived, the stage crew had lovingly drawn a chalk outline of my body (hat included) just in case I had forgotten such a wonderful moment. See photo…

All in all, I had a lovely time at the Capitol Theatre. If you ever find yourself seeing a show there, try not to let the nearby chain restaurants grab your attention. Instead, head across the street to the Olive Bistro. They have awesome food, a lovely owner and great frozen drinks.

Great News for ABC No Rio and Issue Project Room

2009-07-09T18:31:25Z

Recently the City came through for both ABC No Rio and Issue Project Room with funding to help to ensure that both organizations will continue to have a space to call home. ABC No Rio, a Lower East Side community and cultural institution for almost 30 years, received word recently of 1.65 million in funding allocated by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and City Councilman Alan J. Gerson. These funds will enable ABC No Rio to demolish the current building (which is apparently beyond repair) and build a brand new one in its place. Read the full NY Times article here.

Issue Project Room, a nonprofit arts space that specializes in avant-garde performance, as well as film and literary readings, recently won a bid for a downtown Brooklyn building. Fantastic, but costly renovations were necessary to bring the 80-year-old building up to code. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz has allocated 1.1 million toward the project, which is great news for an organization that has had three different homes over the past few years. Read the NY Times article for all the details.

All this happy news reminds me of yet another (less happy) Times article we posted here a few months ago about some groups that were able to acquire permanent spaces only to find themselves saddled with debt. Basically, they got the capital funding to build or buy the space, but once they had it the operating costs were astronomical. Of course, I don't mean to say that this is the norm, and I'm very excited for both Issue Project Room and ABC No Rio (I'd personally hate to see either one of them go). Hopefully they won't run into these issues. I am curious though about groups who have managed to get spaces of their own. What are the biggest challenges? What got easier? Any advice you would give? Feel free to comment!

(And for those of you who told us already, by way of our recent survey, thank you! We'll have the results posted here shortly.)

Fundraising made easier? Additional info sessions added!

2009-06-29T11:35:12Z

Recently we wrote about the upcoming orientation sessions for the New York State Cultural Data Project, a powerful online management tool designed to strengthen arts and cultural organizations.

Understandably, demand for these demonstrations and discussions was heavy. So overwhelmingly heavy that Speaker Christine Quinn, Council Member Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., and the New York City Council have generously agreed to host two additional information sessions in Council Chambers:

Where: City Hall

When: Monday, July 6 at 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday, July 7 at 8:30 a.m.

To register for either of these sessions, please click here.

Blogging from the Road: Keller Auditorium, Portland, Oregon

2009-06-25T14:33:54Z

Our cast was excited to be heading to Portland, Oregon. For some, it was a repeat city. Others were just happy to be in a city. Portland is beautiful, when there’s no rain. At one point, it seemed like the rain would never, ever, ever, EVER stop!

I was excited for this stop on the tour because -- after two weeks of rehearsing, shadowing, and watching -- I finally got to make my debut and put in my performance. I was also excited because they had a rehearsal space for warming up! Unfortunately, the rehearsal space was not the most convenient to get to: it required us to go out into the theatre lobby and up an elevator. Another option: there was an obscene number of stairs you could climb in order to avoid the lobby, but, really, who would want to do that? Since I get to the theatre early, I was able to sneak through the lobby, use the warm up space and take the stairs down (always easier) to get back to the backstage area. So not a total bust. And on days I didn’t feel like taking that hike, our lovely physical therapist who travels with us (aren’t we lucky) would allow me to warm up on small square carpet she would lay over a concrete floor. Thanks, Nat! Giving myself a full barre on a small piece of carpet is no easy task, but I’ll take what I can get.

Backstage had both elevator access and stairs. Naturally it was quicker to take the stairs although the stairwells were really tight. The gondola area was behind the stage and fairly accommodating. By that I mean the women were able to dress without feeling like they were completely invaded by one another. Although once we get to putting on the monkey wings and the ball gowns, things can get tricky!

For Something Everyone Says is Dead, It Sure Makes a Lot of Money

2009-06-24T13:07:11Z

There's a new study out by the Off Broadway Alliance, which tracks a $461.3 million dollar economic impact on the city through Off Broadway. This includes for profit, and nonprofit - such as the Celia Cruz bio-play at New World Stages - and nonprofits, like Manhattan Theatre Club's production of Adam Bock's "The Receptionist."

As Variety notes, this figure does not come within range of the economic impact of Broadway - estimated in 06-07 to be around five billion. But it's not too shabby either.

Survey Update and the Winners of our Free Ad Drawing!

2009-06-23T11:12:17Z

Thanks to the many performing artists and facility managers who responded to our recent survey and told us what their "new economic reality" is. We are tallying and analyzing the results, and hope to publish our report after the July 4th holiday.

In the meantime, we do want to announce our two drawing winners! From all those who took the survey, we selected (by random drawing) one performing artist and one facility to win one free month of advertising on the NYC Performing Arts Spaces website. Our winners are Studio Ray Recording, located in Maspeth, Queens; and Karyn Bogart of Moonheart Music. Congratulations!

Free Theatre Space for Late Night Weekend Shows

2009-06-22T16:21:50Z

This just in from The Producers Club:

The Producer's Club (358 W. 44th St - NYC) will be offering free theatre space starting mid July for late night on Fridays and Saturdays (after 10 pm) for stand-up comedy shows, sketch groups, live theatre, and improv with NO DRINK MINIMUM.

We will provide theatre lights, microphones, stage room, and audience seats.
We also have a newly renovated bar with no drink minimum.
The box office will be split 50/50
Email: info@producersclubtheaters.com
The Producer's Club will help but will not be responsible for the advertising of shows.

Blogging from the Road: New Faces, New Places, New Spaces…

2009-06-19T15:46:15Z

Appleton, Wisconsin: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Back in February I joined the Broadway National Touring Cast of WICKED. Since then I have had the great opportunity of visiting and performing in some wonderful theaters, both charmingly aged and newly renovated. Every city is a challenge, as we, the performers, never know how accommodating each space will be for the magnitude of a show such as WICKED. From our props to set pieces, custom-made costumes, a traveling orchestra, dressers, sound technicians, stage managers, actors...the list goes on and on.

I started with the tour in Appleton, Wisconsin, at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. The space is absolutely amazing and not at all what I expected a theater in Appleton, Wisconsin, to look like. The dressing rooms were convenient to the stage, allowing the performers the option to at least come and go as they pleased, although most opt to hang out in the gondolas (traveling dressing areas located on or near the stage deck). And from what I can recall, the space in the gondolas was not that awful either.

The stage of this 1,964-seat theater was quite spacioius, which I must say may have spoiled me for my first city, as I quickly learned that not all theatres would offer such a luxury. We conducted rehearsals in a dance studio across the street from the theater. I am not sure if this was because the theater did not have a rehearsal space or because it was not available during our visit. All in all, The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center proved to be quite accommodating.

Fundraising made easier?

2009-06-18T10:57:50Z

If you received invitations from NYSCA, DCA and NYS Arts to attend an orientation session for New York State Cultural Data Project and haven’t yet gone, maybe because you were skeptical, do so. I went to one on Monday at Gracie Mansion. Reassuringly, NYSCA and DCA staff were present. It answered my basic questions:

Who created and runs it? The Pew Charitable Trusts. Their long-range goal is: (1) to help those of us who struggle through periods of grantwriting hell by providing us with a well-designed standardized, yet customized, system for financial planning, recording our financial data, and retrieving reports, and (2) to advocate for the arts nationwide by building this resource, state by state, and then using (anonymous) cumulative data.

Who’s going to use it? As many public and private sector funders as are willing, including NYSCA and DCA next year, and those of us who want to be relieved of March Madness so that we can focus on the work of our organizations. If you use a fiscal sponsor, you are eligible too.

So go to www.nysculturaldata.org and sign up for an orientation session. And then sign up to make life easier. We’re going to.

Lower Manhattan Arts Leaders

2009-06-16T13:51:00Z

The New York Times has an article about the efforts of Lower Manhattan arts companies to band together to combat the recent economic downturn. This new group, calling itself Lower Manhattan Arts Leaders, has begun advocacy efforts to help policy makers and government officials understand their contributions and what they need to continue to survive. (Thanks to blogger Matt Freeman for bringing the article to our attention.)

Here at NYC Performing Arts Spaces, we worked closely with many of these groups during the development of NYC Theatre Spaces in 2006 - groups like Blue Coyote Theater Group and the Access Theater, HERE Arts Center, Soho Rep, Battery Dance and Dance New Amsterdam. Besides ongoing advocacy, one upcoming project is Fall Downtown, an arts event/festival in the autumn with the participation of many member groups to raise awareness of their work. Here's hoping these efforts keep arts centers healthy, productive and vital in a difficult financial climate.

Be sure to check back here in the coming weeks - we've closed our own economic impact survey and will have the results soon.

The Work Office (TWO) is Now Hiring! Wait, $23.50 in Weekly Wages?

2009-06-16T10:07:49Z

The Work Office (TWO) is a multidisciplinary art project disguised as an employment agency. Informed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of the Great Depression in the 1930s -- and made possible in part by chashama and a grant from the Black Rock Arts Foundation -- TWO is a gesture to “make work” for visual and performing artists, writers, and others by giving them simple, idea-based assignments that explore, document, and improve life in New York City.

From a temporary, publicly accessible storefront office, TWO's administrators will hire employees, exhibit work, and distribute Depression-era wages during weekly Payday Parties.

You are invited to submit your application online, be interviewed, and, once hired, choose one of TWO's assignments:

* Build a bridge

* Make a regional travel guide for your block or neighborhood

* Record an oral history

* Reinterpret a newspaper photograph

* Design a poster to promote something

* Make a mixed CD related to...

* Catalog existing WPA structures in New York

...and more!

You will have one week to complete your assignment, for which you will be paid $23.50 (now, before you sarcastically shout, "woo hoo!", know that $23.50 was the weekly wage for an artist in the Federal One Project, the arts division of the WPA). TWO will hold a Payday Party each Friday evening in July at the office. Employees will collect their wages and the public will be invited to view the week’s works and learn about the project.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through July 9th. Visit www.theworkoffice.com for details and an application. Questions? Call 212-901-0659 or email to apply@theworkoffice.com.

LMCC Swing Space Applications & Info Sessions

2009-06-09T15:44:49Z

The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC)'s Swing Space is a space grant program that connects artists and arts organizations with vacant commercial space downtown. Awards may come in the form of studio, rehearsal, office, installation, and exhibition space and are typically for one to six months. Individual artists working in the visual arts, performing arts, or new media; independent curators; dance and theater companies; and arts organizations can apply. LMCC will accept applications June 15 through July 17, 2009.

If you are interested in applying LMCC strongly urges you to attend one of their information sessions. The June 22 session is already full, but you still have time to RSVP for July 1, 4:00pm at 77 Water Street, 10th Floor. Read more and RSVP here.

Summer's Here and the Time is Right, for Music in the Streets!

2009-06-09T10:16:02Z

It bears repeating: Make Music New York is just two weeks away (June 21)! There's no better way to celebrate the summer solstice than to make a joyful noise!

With over 860 music performances taking place in public spaces in all five boroughs, the whole city will come alive with a festival of live (and FREE) music-making.

The official Make Music New York website is chock full of music schedules and maps, so you'll know the full who-where-when.

They're Already Out There

2009-06-08T14:21:25Z

Figment 2009 takes place this weekend on historic Governors Island off Lower Manhattan, June 12-14. This three day participatory arts event is free and covers about everything you could think of - sculptures, installations, workshops for kids, performance art, grunge bands, improv comedy, yoga, multimedia, and electronica. Perhaps you're thinking 'aha' - what about tribal bellydances? Have they got that too? Yep.

Our top secret communications (also known as the Figment e-newsletter) tells us the artists are already out and about the historic island, setting up artwork to amuse and mystify. Maps of the island, directions to Battery Maritime, schedules for the free ferry- it's all there on their website. NYC in the summer is the best place in the world.

Tweet! Tweet!

2009-06-04T10:58:41Z

Follow NYC Performing Arts Spaces on Twitter!

Grog and Grub for Art Lubbers

2009-06-04T10:20:21Z

Nothing gives summer a kick in the keester like a pirate party, so look sharp and move smartly to chashama's annual Pirate Pig Roast. Dance the hornpipe, throw down some grog, and feast on BBQ and roast pig. (A vegan buffet is also provided!) A water taxi ride is included in the ticket price.

We're hoisting the colors for chashama as our two organizations work closely together for the benefit of the performing arts communities in NYC. Anita Durst, Director of chashama, is a member of our board.

But enough of that landlubber-speak. Click here for directions and details about the party for corsairs and sea dogs alike.

Mabou Mines/Suite Residency: Application Deadline Extended!

2009-06-03T11:12:16Z

This deadline is coming right up (for real — your application's gotta be postmarked by this Friday June 5th) but you haven't missed it yet. Mabou Mines/Suite Residents will have access to studio rehearsal space, some technical and administrative support, mentoring and discussions re: works in progress, and a free showing of the work-in-progress at ToRoNaDa.

2010 Resident Artists Program of Mabou Mines/Suite:
The term of this Residency is six months

Applications are now being accepted for Mabou Mines/Suite, a laboratory for artists (individuals or groups) to experiment with performance ideas. To be eligible, artists must have a history of making work. Artists are appointed to investigate a particular idea or ideas. New work, or new aspects of work, must originate in the Suite and will be shown at the end of the Residency, at whatever level the artist feels will most benefit to the work. Audiences are invited at no charge.

Eligible artists include, but are not limited to: directors, performers, writers, poets, dramaturgs, composers, painters, sculptors, photographers, dancers, singers, choreographers, film & video artists, digital & computer artists.

No registered students are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES: INITIAL PROPOSAL:

The following information shall be mailed to Mabou Mines' office, postmarked no later than June 5, 2009:

*Resume, describing previous work.
*Proposal of the work to be done during the Residency: including, specifically, what the artist plans to accomplish during the six month period (e.g. A completed script, a staged reading, a performance, etc.). What kinds of ideas the artist wants to investigate (e.g. Incorporating text with movement, synthesizing visuals with performance, etc.).

For further information, please visit the Residency page of our website: www.maboumines.org

PLEASE Mail All materials to:

MABOU MINES
R.A.P.
150 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10009

One Curtain Closes, Another Door Opens...

2009-06-02T16:09:09Z

I knew it was coming. I'd heard it was coming. Still, I couldn't help but get a little misty when I read that the Bowery's Amato Opera staged its final performance on Sunday.

If you ever attended a performance there, you know that it felt like being among family. Mr. Amato certainly deserves some down-time (he's 88, god love him!).

The good news is two-fold: according to the New York Times, some company members plan to carry on, renaming themselves Amore Opera. And better yet, Mr. Amato plans to create scholarships for up-and-coming opera performers, directors and conductors. We'll keep you posted.

I love a happy ending. *sniff*

Get Spiritual in Flushing

2009-06-02T14:59:57Z

Nivedita Shivraj, one of our Con Ed Musicians Residency composers, conducts and leads a Veena ensemble at Flushing Town Hall on Sunday, June 21. This free concert starts at 2 PM and is part of Make Music New York, a city-wide festival of free music. Celebrate the summer solstice with classical carnatic compositions. It's good for your soul.

Bloom Festival

2009-06-02T12:45:09Z

We don't usually promote too many performances and festivals on this blog -there are tons of great resources and performance calendars out there already - but we make the occasional exception. Lara Pellegrinelli, who was a panelist for our Con Ed Musicians Residency, is co-curating a jazz festival at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn, which runs through the month of June. Lara and her co-curator, violist Tanya Kalmanovitch, have already gotten great press for the festival; the New York Times jazz listings, Time Out New York, and the jazz blog for National Public Radio, A Blog Supreme. Drummer Allison Miller, who has worked with Ani DiFranco and Natalie Merchant, kicks off the Bloom Festival in Park Slope on Thursday.

Bridge Loans at Fund for the City of New York

2009-06-01T16:24:45Z

Last Thursday, NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin gave public testimony at the City Council's Committee for Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations. There was some good news here, in the midst of cutbacks during the current economic climate. Commissioner Levin announced Mayor Bloomberg's series of initiatives to help arts and cultural nonprofits during the current economic situation. One of Mayor Bloomberg's initiatives concerns the availability of funds for nonprofits waiting for contract reimbursement. The Returnable Grant Fund - a bridge loan adminstered by the Fund for the City of New York- will be increased from eight million to twenty million for the next two fiscal years, good news for nonprofits who do business with the City of New York.

This loan has no interest or service fees, and is available to those nonprofits who have signed contracts with the City. For further information, go to the Fund for the City of New York.

Ya Gotta Have Materials for the Arts

2009-06-01T15:50:21Z

You may not have known it, but a venerable NYC arts institution just hit 30 last year. Materials for the Arts, which provides supplies for thousands of City arts and cultural organizations, started in 1978 and is still going strong. In 2007, they gave away over 700 million tons of material valued at over seven million dollars. Long before words like 'sustainable,' 'recycling' or 'environmental' were being tossed about, MFTA pioneered reuse and waste prevention by hooking up donors with arts and education nonprofits.

If you're thinking of cleaning out that closet and getting rid of the old printers, chairs, and dishes, check out Materials for the Arts and help yourself to a tax donation as well. There's donor information here. If you're an NYC nonprofit arts and cultural organization that is not already a member of MFTA, fix that now. (NYC Dept of Ed art teachers, government agencies and nonprofit social service, health, and environmental organizations with ongoing art programs are also eligible.)

Jazz + Technology = Jazz.NEXT Grants

2009-06-01T09:04:10Z

NYC Performing Arts Spaces is all for -- and all about -- the intersection of the arts and technology. No wonder this caught my eye:

"Jazz.NEXT is a national jazz initiative designed to:

* encourage the application of technology in substantive and innovative approaches,

* broaden and deepen relationships with new and existing audiences,

* promote enhanced communications with the public,

*more effectively market and distribute the work of jazz artists,

*and build links that create a more informed and cohesive jazz community better equipped to meet the challenges of a fast-changing marketplace.

Jazz.NEXT is intended to foster creative thinking that can result in the development of new models to help shape future operating practice for jazz artists, organizations, and presenters across the United States. In recent years the cultural landscape, especially in music, has begun to be transformed by technology. ...Technology holds the potential to have a dramatic, long-term impact for a more sustainable and healthy jazz environment.

Jazz.NEXT will support project planning and the implementation of fully developed plans that incorporate innovative uses of new technologies towards audience development, communications, distribution, marketing, and network building. Grants may support plans and projects that are new to the grantees or clearly represent taking their current technology efforts to the next levels of development. The program will also convene annual meetings among grant recipients to foster dialogue and share information on planning and project development. Findings that emerge from the program will be disseminated through selected case studies to a broad array of jazz stakeholders, including artists, presenters, service organizations, and funders."

Click here for application guidelines. Round I applications are due July 6, 2009.

Tax Credit Plan for NYC Film & Television Production

2009-05-29T15:08:55Z

From Crain's:

Both New York state and New York City are making plans to continue their popular tax incentive programs to lure film and television production projects here.

The city is introducing legislation in Albany this week to extend its tax credit through 2011, though it is making changes to the terms. Under the new legislation, the city is proposing a 4% credit, down from the original 5%, on projects that do 75% of their work in the city. The program would receive $24 million a year in city funding.

Read the full article here

If you are a facility that rents space for film/tv production, or if you are part of a film/tv crew, the continuing of City and State tax incentives - albeit slightly reduced - is good news.

Tribeca Performing Arts Center Artists-in-Residence Program

2009-05-28T18:01:06Z

The deadline for the Tribeca PAC's Artists-in-Residence (AIR) Program is June 12, 2009. These residencies are open to "new projects in all performance disciplines including music, dance, theatre, spoken word, multi-disciplinary, and live performance that incorporate film and/or video". The residency spans a ten-month period and includes rehearsal space, use of equipment and media facilities, and administrative support.

Read the full guidelines and download the application here.

Free Advice from the Joyce Soho

2009-05-28T12:38:44Z

Check out our Dance Service Organization Calendar for information on upcoming Free Advice seminars from the indispensable Joyce Soho. Free Advice provides - well - free advice - on presentation and management issues for dancers and companies. Meet the Presenters takes place on June 8 and Choreographer/Composer Meet & Greet is scheduled for June 22. All Joyce Soho events take place at 155 Mercer, between Houston and Prince. For details, check the DSO Calendar or the Joyce Soho website.

Another Season at the Ohio Theater

2009-05-27T15:32:33Z

Back in January the Times reported that downtown's legendary Ohio Theater had received a six-month reprieve from eviction but was prepared to close its doors as early as June. We got some good news yesterday from Robert Lyons at the Ohio, who says he has the opportunity to program a fall season! It's pretty last minute, so they have holes in the schedule that need filling (September or December anyone?). The Ohio Theater is now listed on NYC Theatre Spaces, so check there for the details and contact info.

The Looking Glass Theatre Performance Space Grant

2009-05-27T12:29:04Z

Got this in from the Looking Glass Theatre. It's their final space grant of 2009!

The Looking Glass Theatre
May 20, 2009
ANNOUNCING THE LOOKING GLASS PERFORMANCE SPACE GRANT-August 2009
Please note: New SUMMER ONLY profit sharing!

Seeking proposals from theatre companies.

Grantee(s) will receive performance space (anytime between August 10- 23, 2009) including one technical rehearsal, and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to our email
For Summer month Space Grants; 70% of ticket sales go to Looking Glass with 30% going to the Grant Recipient.

Grantee shows will be credited as COMPANY NAME, in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents SHOW TITLE
Additional rehearsal time will be made available at a deep discount when available.

DEADLINE: Applications accepted beginning Tuesday, May 26 through Tuesday, June 9 at 6pm.
Final Deadline Tuesday, June 9 at 6pm.
Proposals must be submitted via email to Artistic Director Justine Lambert at LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one (1) attachment.
Companies are encouraged to make contact (via the above email address) in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.
Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday, June 12, 2009.

What you provide: A production(s) that reflects our mission statement.

OUR MISSION-Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision. See web site for more! http://www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Bottom line-Either playwright or Director must be female (both is great but not required). Cast must be half or more female (for classics gender bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required.

1) The Proposal-A one page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
2) Creative Team-List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen)
3) Space Request- Your ideal opening date and the number of performances requested between August 10- 23, 2009 (Maximum of 8 performances).
4) Marketing Description-A description of how you will attract a crowd!
5) Company Mission-Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.

Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about 4 pages.

Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review.

Please note: The Looking Glass Theatre is not air conditioned. Shows should be appropriate for summer (light weight costumes, etc.)
Also note: This is our final Space Grant for 2009!

The Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (btwn 9th/10th Aves). 212-307-9467 www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com
Justine Lambert, Artistic Director
Jenn Boehm, Managing Director

And Don't Forget...

2009-05-27T12:02:49Z

Check out our new spaces for the site last month. Some have added to another section of the site - some on our multi-disciplinary search are new to the site. We've also updated our links page, particularly new multi-disciplinary organizations.

And while we're at it - a big thank you to Martin Denton at NYTheatre.com, Morgan Lindsey Tachco at NY Innovative Theatre Awards, and Michelle Burkhart at Dance/NYC for helping to publicize our economic survey. If you're a performing artist and/or running an arts facility, and you haven't taken this survey yet - what's keeping you? Go do it now.

Changes to Showcase Code by Actors Equity

2009-05-19T13:43:00Z

From our friends at NY Innovative Theatre Awards. Actors Equity Association, the actors' and stage managers union, has just announced changes to its Showcase Code, which covers certain shows in New York City taking place in theatres with 99 seats or less. This is an issue which has received a lot of attention these days from groups like the League of Independent Theatres and theatrical bloggers like Matthew Freeman . Literally hundreds of shows in NYC each year operate under Showcase codes, many of them taking place in theatres listed on this site. Don't believe me? A search on NYC Theatre Spaces shows 107 performance spaces in New York City with seats at 99 or less. Probably a few you haven't been to yet, too.

A Theatre Dream Differently Realized

2009-05-18T10:52:27Z

Way back in the early 1910s, theatrical patron Aline Barnsdall commissioned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design Hollyhock House in the Los Angeles Hills. I‘d long known about this incredible house but hadn’t realized until we visited recently that Barnsdall had envisioned the property as an arts and theatre complex, including a theatre. At the right in the model are a string of buildings to provide training and living space for actors and dancers and complementary retail. But they weren’t built.

Instead, in 1927 Barnsdall gave the City of Los Angeles the property, which became Barnsdall Art Park, with a Gallery Theatre, designed to complement Hollyhock House. The free art park, low-rent theatre and other buildings, run by the Community Arts Division of the Cultural Affairs Department, are a well-used arts resource for a now-culturally diverse community.

Trip to Outer/Space

2009-05-14T12:18:06Z

Dance Theatre Workshop's deadline for Outer/Space Creative Residencies is approaching. This residency provides artists with free rehearsal space, professional development workshops and a stipend. Applications are due on June 5, and applicants must be current members of DTW for consideration. Details and applications are here.

Tell Us: What's YOUR New Economic Reality?

2009-05-12T19:34:09Z

Because we want to accurately gauge just how deeply the performing arts community in NYC has been impacted by the current economic climate, we've created two surveys: one for performing artists and one for performing arts venues & cultural facilities.

(The survey for facilities is a follow-up of one we did about a year ago; click here to see those results.)

*Please*please*please* take five minutes and fill out the appropriate survey. Your feedback is vital!

Click here to take the survey for Performing Artists.

Click here to take the survey for Performing Arts Venues & Cultural Facilities.

And, just in case you need a little incentive, we're offering one month of free advertising to a randomly-selected facility and performer/group who takes our survey.

Both surveys close June 12th.

LA: Music Places

2009-05-11T18:59:19Z

We’ve just returned from a superb architectural tour of Los Angeles. The focus of the tour was the area of downtown known as Bunker Hill -- roughly the area around 3rd Street and east of the Harbor Freeway.

Everyone knows about Disney Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, and we were fortunate in having Craig Webb from the Gehry office give us a private tour. The cathedral-style hall seats 2,200. This is clearly the gold standard of orchestra performance space: surround sound, the performance AND rehearsal home for the LA Philharmonic, with natural light. Yes, the #1 focus and cost was acoustics, which Webb described, in answer to a question, as "60% science and 40% art". It went through many iterations to ensure even sound, including a full-scale mock-up with the orchestra participating. Visually, the seats are skillfully designed to accommodate current bulk — but not so you’d notice. The fabric is not your usual monochromatic dull but a variation on the colorful carpeting pattern through the facility, including the informal lecture area. It reinforces an uplifting experience.

Disney Hall, lecture area

Not everyone knows the Colburn School and its new Conservatory of Music — www.colburnschool.edu — but I’ve been intrigued by it ever since the January 6, 2008, New York Times article “A Conservatory Stresses the Music, Eliminates the Bills”.

The initial building, designed by Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer, opened as a community music school in 1998; the expansion to house a new tuition, room- & board-free Conservatory of Music opened in 2003, also designed by Norman Pfeiffer. We were given a wonderful tour by Facility Manager Jesus Salazar. So many aspects of this musical environment are remarkable. It’s not isolated; the Museum of Contemporary Art is next door, and they share a public plaza, including a cafe. Performances are free and frequent. Performance Halls such as Thayer Hall, the 189-seat recital hall, are used not only by the students but also the likes of Placido Domingo, who has practices at the school. Zipper Concert Hall, with 435 seats, is the focus for the numerous concerts that are free to the public. Colburn has such an active rehearsal and performance life that its spaces are used 24/7.

Colburn School, Thayer Hall

In addition, Colburn both rents out space and offers free spaces as part of its neighborhood outreach. Being across from Disney Hall is fortuitous: an L-shaped hallway leading to Thayer has windows looking onto Disney and is now in demand as an event space. Commissioned visual arts also have a place both inside and on the plaza. Salazar noted that when facilities are being designed and constructed, those who will maintain the indoor and outdoor spaces should be involved; their input could result in lower operating costs.

Raw Spaces Available at Westbeth Center for the Arts

2009-05-07T14:03:49Z

We aren't really able to list spaces like this in the NYC Performing Arts Spaces database, but here's a great opportunity for groups looking for a more permanent arrangement. Pass it on!

Westbeth Center for the Arts, a not-for-profit corporation providing affordable housing to artists, currently has two ground-floor spaces available for rent (most suitable for medium- to long-term rentals). Both are raw spaces that require some demolition and clean out. While Westbeth is not in a position to build for new tenants, they are willing to work creatively with any appropriate tenant to accommodate their needs. Westbeth can offer a welcoming environment, flexibility on the terms of rental, a willingness to cooperate with and its artist-tenants, and a neighborhood and potential audience pool unsurpassed in New York City.

One space is approximately 1,800 square feet, fronts on West Street and Hudson River Park, and would work best as an office or studio space. The other space is approximately 2,200 square feet, with large windows that look out on the interior plaza of the West Village artists complex, and could be adapted for a number of uses.

The smaller space is listed at approximately $5,000 per month and the larger $6,500 per month. If interested, please call Steven Neil or Matthew Russas at 212-691-1500 for more information.

Governors Island and a Figment of Your Imagination

2009-05-01T13:43:56Z

Figment, a free annual participatory celebration of art, is currently taking submissions for this year's event. It'll be June 12 through 14 on Governors Island, where you can make as much noise as you like and not bother the neighbors. Check out Figment's website which will answer any and all of your questions. Then submit your ideas.

A New Economy Smack Down (and Cash Bar!)

2009-04-30T11:09:17Z

From our friends at The Field and Galapagos Art Space:

Panel Discussion: New Economy Smack Down
Wednesday, May 13, 7pm
FREE with RSVP, plus cash bar

(to RSVP please 'sign up' and check out via credit card and just leave the card info blank)

Don’t be brought down by the economy, instead usher it in with an evening of lively debate, truth-telling, and prophesizing. Join us to wrestle with the urgent issues and uncertainty that confront the performing arts community. A key note address and panel of arts and business leaders will help set the stage for this impromptu evening of possibility.

Hosted by Robert Elmes, Galapagos Art Space, and Jennifer Wright Cook, The Field

PANELISTS:

Moira Brennan, Multi-Arts Production (MAP) Fund

Miguel Gutierrez, Miguel Gutierrez and the Powerful People

Brian Rogers, The Chocolate Factory Theater

Morgan von Prelle Pecelli, The Lost Notebook

RoseAnne Spradlin, RoseAnne Spradlin Dance

Jeff Hnilicka, Funding Emerging Arts with Sustainable Tactics (FEAST)

This event is part of The Field’s Economic Revitalization for Performing Artists (ERPA) program, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2008 New York City Cultural Innovation Fund.

Tonight! Panel on (Alternative) Arts Funding for Sustainable Creative Practice

2009-04-30T10:38:34Z

NYU Steinhardt Art Events and Exhibitions, Department of Art and Art Professions, is sponsoring a conversation between funders, artists, and activists:

(ALTERNATIVE) ARTS FUNDING FOR SUSTAINABLE CREATIVE PRACTICE
A Panel Discussion
Thursday, April 30, 7:00pm
NYU’s Barney Building
34 Stuyvesant Street @ 9th Street b/w 3rd and 2nd Avenues

No RSVP, Free and open to the public

The economic downturn has art critics (Cotter, Peers, Saltz, Hickey) discussing whether this morbid financial climate is beneficial for artists; will it relegate art as luxury and therefore become less accessible to audiences, or will art for art’s sake return now that art as commodity is less of an issue? Both sides of the debate seem to leave the artist’s pockets empty. Selling art to make a living has become even more difficult during the recession, and the alternative options for financial support are just as dire: jobs that may fund artists’ creative practice are scarce, grant options are dwindling, and art institutions are holding on tight to their fortune. How are artists adapting to the economic crisis? Is the economic crisis bringing the dysfunctional art system into even harsher light? Are artists taking matters into their own hands?

This event promises to have a lively panel discussion that will address the shift in arts funding during the recession and concurrent issues such as democracy in the art system, the cultural discount applied to the artist and cultural producer, and advocating for new artist economies.

For a list of the scheduled panelists, including Fractured Atlas's very own deputy director, Tim Cynova, click here.

The Looking Glass Theatre Performance Space Grant for July, 2009

2009-04-28T15:07:09Z

The Looking Glass Theatre is seeking production grant proposals from theatre companies. Applicants should submit a production that reflects the Looking Glass mission statement: "Reflecting life on the stage with truth and theatricality while exploring a female vision."

Requirements: Playwright or director must be female. Cast must be half or more female (for classics, gender-bending casts are accepted to meet this requirement). Female subject matter not required.

Grantee(s) will receive performance space anytime between July 6 and July 26, 2009, including one technical rehearsal; and marketing and publicity (text provided by you) to Looking Glass's email press and audience lists and a listing or link on their website.

Grantee shows will be credited as [COMPANY NAME], in conjunction with The Looking Glass Space Grant Program, presents, [SHOW TITLE]. All ticket sales go to Looking Glass. Grantee may sell concessions or promotional items (t-shirts, CDs etc.) and retain those proceeds.

Proposals must be submitted via email to LookGlassJustine@aol.com as one attachment. Applications should include the following:

The Proposal: A one page description of the project including story, concept, and tone. Include running time. Include technical requirements and keep them MINIMAL, shows will be sharing the space.
Creative Team: List of all creative team members already on board with short bios. (Director or Playwright must already be chosen.)
Space Request: Your ideal opening date and the number of performances requested between July 6- 26, 2009 (maximum of 9 performances).
Marketing Description: A description of how you will attract a crowd!
Company Mission: Your mission statement and a description of activities along with current staff list.

Please put the above sections in their stated order and include the number and name of each section at the top of that section. Recommended length about 4 pages. Scripts are not required but may be requested after initial proposal review. Companies are encouraged to make contact in advance indicating their intent to apply and/or with any questions.

Final deadline is Monday, May 4, 2009 at 6:00pm. Applicants will be contacted with the final decision no later than Friday, May 8, 2009.

Please note: The Looking Glass Theatre is not air conditioned. Shows should be appropriate for summer (light weight costumes, etc.).

The Looking Glass Theatre is located at 422 West 57th Street (between 9th/10th Aves).

Way Cheap Tix

2009-04-24T14:56:14Z

Our friends at Fourth Arts Block (FAB) start FAB Fridays today. At 61 East Fourth Street, from 5-7 on Fridays, they'll be selling discount tickets to dance, theatre and film tickets all over the East Village, some for as little as five bucks a pop. Head to performances and events at LaMama, Teatro Circulo, DUO Multicultural Arts Center and The Pearl Theatre, for the cost of an express bus ticket. It's the weekend. Go out and see something that's not on the tube.

NEW! Dance Space Line

2009-04-22T17:40:06Z

Good news for dancers seeking rehearsal space: Dance/NYC has partnered with Fractured Atlas and DanCAct! to create the brand new Dance Space Line. The Dance Space Line was designed as a temporary resource for finding dance space availability until an effective long-term solution can be reached.

Here's how it works: When a dance studio has a last-minute cancellation or hole in their schedule they'll notify Dance/NYC. You can get this info in two ways:

Call 1-888-DSL-DNYC (1-888-375-3692) and listen to the message (updated daily), which lists space availability.
Follow the Dance Space Line on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NYCDSL

And don't forget to check www.nycDanceSpaces.org for details on any of the Dance Space Line studios.

Studio managers: If you'd like to list your availability on the Dance Space Line contact Dance/NYC at 212-966-4452 or email lalthouse@dancenyc.org.

Only Three Days Left If You Wanna Make Music

2009-04-22T16:10:37Z

Make Music New York, described by city officials as 'one of the largest musical events in the city's history' has an upcoming deadline. There's only three days left to register for this year's festival on June 21. This fantastic event has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years - every corner of NYC public space will be crammed with Latin jazz, punk rock, hip hop, Chinese opera, African percussion plus a whole lot of other things we can't even think of yet. The deadline is Friday April 24. Log on, register and then start practicing. That accordion is not going to learn itself.

Our Own Director of Membership and Professional Development, in His Off Hours

2009-04-21T14:59:32Z

Adam Natale, the Fractured Atlas Director of Membership and Program Development, was just named to the Honorary Awards Committee for the New York Innovative Theatre Awards.

If you want to fill out an application for the Honorary Award, you'll need to move quickly. It's due May 1.

Nonprofits: Free Ads for Office Space

2009-04-21T10:03:03Z

The monthly online newsletter of the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee (NPCC) of New York lists ads for office space, both wanted and available.

The ads are solely for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with office space available, those seeking office space, or those with meeting or conference space for rent in the New York City area.

And we love that there's no charge for the service.

Click here for the office space ads in the current NPCC newsletter.

Shake Your Board Down for More Money

2009-04-20T14:58:40Z

Cause Effective, an organization that specializes in nonprofit management consulting, is offering a free version of its popular "Boosting Board Fundraising" workshop. You'll learn "tips for activating board members to reach out to their contacts for support." Which we could all use these days. Participating organizations must bring one staff member and one board member.

The Lower Manhattan workshop is already booked, but you can go here to find other workshops in your borough where you can still register.

I Wanna Be a Producer

2009-04-16T13:02:41Z

The Commercial Theatre Institute, a program of the Broadway League and the Theatre Development Fund, is now registering for their 3-day spring intensive. It's the only program of its kind - training and information for those interested in producing or investing in the commercial theatre. Topics cover production budgets, creative development and legal, and there are discounts available for union members. All prospective Ziegfelds click here for more information.

Use Your Superhuman Sheetrock Skills for Art

2009-04-15T15:32:52Z

This just in, from our friends at Flux Factory:

Flux Factory, a Queens-based artist-run center and art collective, is soliciting volunteers for construction of a new live/work/play space in downtown Long Island City. We lost our home of nine years last October due to eminent domain expansion of the LIRR, but now we’re back, with a better location, an 8000 square foot building, and the will to conquer. We’ve just signed a lease on a three-story mixed-use building (a former greeting card factory!) just two blocks north of Queens Plaza. When all’s said and done, we’ll have built a mixed-use art production, living, event, community, and gallery space with a communal wood shop, recording studio, screen printing facilities, a large gallery and a smaller project space, an open shared office, a cozy library, a modest speakeasy, regular events for the Queens arts community, and living quarters for between seven and ten Artists in Residence with private studios also available for rent. We’ve got a lot of work to do - and we want your help!

We’re working in the space every Tuesday through Saturday from about 10-6, sometimes later, from now until mid-July. We need volunteers to help with all aspects of demolition and construction. Come ready to learn all about how to renovate a building using green techniques and recycled materials, or spend an afternoon showing off your superhuman sheetrock skills for a good cause. We’re also looking for administrative volunteers to help us with different aspects of running a sprawling non-profit, like alternative materials acquisitions, event production, mailings, and other fun office stuff. We’ll make you lunch, give you beer after you’re done with the sledgehammer, and have so much fun together. All levels of ability, from 98 pound weakling to master carpenter, are welcome and encouraged to come by for as much or little time as you’d like. Call or e-mail Shalin at 678.936.7721 or shalin.scupham@gmail.com.

DraftWork

2009-04-15T15:16:28Z

Danspace Project down at St. Mark's in the Bowery is accepting submissions for the fall 2009 season. The deadline is May 8. It's described as Danspace's 'free, low-tech, afternoon series curated by Ishmael Houston-Jones, which is designed to give artists an opportunity to show works-in-progress.' Something we're always in favor of here.

Economic Impact Survey for NYC Dancers and Dance Organizations

2009-04-13T17:58:02Z

Our friends (and strategic partners for NYC Dance Spaces) Dance/NYC are currently conducting a survey of dancers about how the current economy is impacting them, individually or as part of an organization. If you're a dancer in NYC please take a couple of minutes to fill it out. Dance/NYC will be sharing the (anonymous) results with the rest of the dance community, government officials, donors, etc.

Click here for the survey.

We'll be doing a couple of surveys in the coming month as well — one for performing artists and one for cultural facilities — so keep an eye out. Your feedback on these issues is crucial!

Friends & Fans

2009-04-13T15:13:19Z

Don't forget to join our groups on Facebook for updates on residencies, real estate opportunities, and performing arts news. Go to Facebook and join NYC Theatre Spaces, NYC Dance Spaces and NYC Music Spaces groups.

Make Music New York!

2009-04-10T18:45:01Z

If you don't know about it already, Make Music New York (MMNY) is a free festival of music performances occurring in public spaces all over NYC on June 21st, the first official day of summer. The concerts last from late morning until 10:00pm and happen in parks and gardens, streets and sidewalks, stoops, the list goes on... Last year featured 875 free performances by 3,200 musicians in genres as varied as opera, hip hop, punk rock, and jazz (to name only a few).

Make Music New York is now in its third year. Already hundreds of artists have signed up to perform and MMNY organizers have secured dozens of parks permits.

If you're a musician and are interested in performing you need to sign up soon! Registration closes April 24th.

Click here for more information or to register.

Ramin Heydarbeygi and Barbad Chamber

2009-04-09T15:11:35Z

Our friend, Ramin Heydarbeygi, is the music director for the Barbad Chamber Orchestra. (Ramin was one of our terrific panelists for the Con Edison Musicians' Residency Program.) Barbad, which is sponsored by NYSCA and regrants from the Queens Council on the Arts, is giving a concert next Saturday April 18, 7:30 PM at the Steinway Reformed Church, 21-65 41st Street, Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria. Tickets are $15 (student and senior discounts available). Should be a lively program of Schumann and Brahms, as well as contemporary works.

Fractured Atlas Featured Member

2009-04-09T14:59:45Z

Our own Marketing Director, Emily Bowles, has just posted her weekly Featured Member item over at the Fractured Atlas blog. This week: Next Reflex Dance Collective.

News, Theatres and Dance

2009-04-06T14:23:17Z

Friday's New York Times had an article about cutbacks in New York City's nonprofit theatres, like the Signature, Manhattan Theater Club and New York Theater Workshop. Declining contributions, lower subscriber rates and increased numbers of discount tickets are all leading to cutbacks in programming. In the coming weeks, we'll be sending a survey to our users - facilities and working artists. How is the current economic climate affecting you? Are you looking at fewer jobs, fewer rentals? We want to hear from you.

Also, in Sunday's Times, dance critic Claudia La Rocco wrote about the tough decisions dance companies with their own facilities are facing these days. For years, a room of one's own was considered the hallmark of security and stability in the New York arts scene. Now, Dance New Amsterdam, Dance Theater Workshop and 3LD Art & Technology are finding that's not necessarily the case.

Winners of the Con Edison Musicians’ Residency: Composition Program

2009-04-06T11:18:52Z

Congratulations to the winners of the 2009 Con Edison Musicians’ Residency: Composition Program at Flushing Town Hall:

Matthew Schickele
In exploring the underlying differences between sound traditions, composer and musician Matthew Schickele has written songs, string quartets, bagpipe tunes and orchestra pieces. During his residency, Mr. Schickele will complete the writing of and arrange a piano reduction for his current project, a chamber opera entitled "Marymere,” which tells the story of a man from Maine who moved to Wyoming in 1888, and which uses both classical and folk singers and musicians.

www.mattsomething.com

David Schober
Composer, music theorist, and pianist David Schober will use his residency to write an extended work for wind ensemble (16 instruments) in response to a commission from Timothy Weiss, director of the Oberlin Conservatory Wind Ensemble in Ohio. The impetus for the work was a devastating flood that struck Mr. Schober’s home town of Rushford, Minnesota, in August 2007, and the remarkable recovery that the community has made since that time.

www.davidschober.com

Nivedita ShivRaj
A composer, performer and teacher of Carnatic (South Indian classical) music, Nivedita ShivRaj works on cross-genre projects with western classical musicians, African American percussionists, gospel singers and jazz musicians. She will use her residency to compose new pieces based on a Carnatic raga (traditional melodic pattern), and rendered in a contemporary style on the veena, a plucked stringed instrument, in collaboration with a western classical piano, Indian percussion, and western percussion.

www.niveditashivraj.com

Read the full press release.

Welcome to the Blog!

2009-04-03T18:46:05Z

Hello and welcome to the brand new NYC Performing Arts Spaces blog! We’re very excited to have it up on the site; hopefully you are too (though perhaps you didn’t realize it until now).

Check back often – Eugenie, Emily, David and I will try and post here as frequently as we can. We plan to use this blog for all sorts of performing arts space-related items including (but definitely not limited to) space grants and residencies, forums and events, surveys, and of course our own thoughts and anything we think is newsworthy or relevant. I’ll also try and sneak in some tips on using our site. Hopefully you’ll comment and let us know what you think.

Thanks for reading and have a fabulous weekend!