September 2006

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What’s New Archives — September 2006

Andrew McCarthy Directs All-Star Play Reading

of Love’s Fire to Benefit Opening Act

Click HERE for pictures from the event and the full story.

Opening Act’s Student Performances a Hit at HERE!

June 8, 2006

On May 23 and May 24, 2006, the Acting Companies of Clara Barton, Graphic, Tilden and Walton High Schools performed The Mystery Plays to packed houses at HERE Arts Center in downtown Manhattan.

The plays were the result of a year’s collaboration between the teaching artists of Opening Act and four groups of enormously creative and dedicated students. We at Opening Act could not have been more proud of what they created and look forward to another year of spectacular students and inspiring performances.

See pictures from the performance.

Opening Act announces the

Theater for Social Change Summer Intensive

May 1, 2006

A student completing this four week long program will leave knowing how to research a local issue, identify and contact stakeholders and decision makers, and advocate for their point of view. A particular focus is placed on active listening and interview skills, with a goal of teaching students to analyze an “unfairness” from multiple points of view. Students will also receive professional acting training, and perform in a culminating festival of short student-created plays.

For more information, or if you are a student and would like to apply, go to our summer intensive page.

Opening Act’s 5th Annual Spring Benefit a Huge Success!

May 1, 2006

It was an evening of cocktails, movie icons, and celebration! After six years of bringing theater to NYC public schools, Opening Act celebrated with its 5th Annual Spring Benefit on Thursday, April 6, at Tribeca Cinemas. Thanks to all who attended and made the evening our most memorable benefit yet!

Special thanks to our wonderful benefit committee, Sabor X catering, Hendrick’s Gin, Iceland Reyka Vodka, Maset del Lleo sparkling wine, Chris Reed for his film, Janet Kamin and Debbie Everett-Lane for being the movieoke masters, Chris Molanphy for his magical music, Paul Kamin for his patience, Ayler and Dan at Tribeca for being peerless hosts, and, as always, the students, teaching artists, and staff at Clara Barton, Graphic Communication Arts, Tilden and Walton High Schools, for being Opening Act.

Please take a moment to check out our incredible silent auction donors on our supporters page!

Opening Act’s Come On Get Happy Hour

January 27, 2006

Opening Act was thrilled to hold its second annual Winter Happy Hour on Thursday, January 26! Graciously hosted by Still (192 Third Avenue), the evening was attended by over 60 fans of Opening Act and featured raffle prizes including New York Knicks tickets, a gift certificate to Manhattan restaurant, Django, and a one-month membership to New York Sports Club.

Thanks to all who attended and to all of our donors! We look forward to seeing you at our third annual event next year!

New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Awards

Grant to Opening Act

January 3, 2006

Opening Act is thrilled to be the recipient of a grant from New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs. This grant will support Opening Act’s after-school theater program at Tilden High School in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, for the current school year. This is the first time Opening Act has received funding directly from the city, and we are thrilled to have such supportive recognition of the work we do in New York City’s most underserved public schools.

Original Works presented at Opening Act schools

January 10, 2006

The second week of December saw four spectacular afternoons of original scenes at each of Opening Act’s partnering schools. Opening Act’s Executive Director, Julia Kamin, saw all four performances: “I saw thoughtful scenes of characters wrestling with life choices of parenthood, crime, and family. I saw hair-brained romantic comedy that rivaled Woody Allen and Will Smith. I saw two shy English Language Learners arguing in English in a breathtaking mother-daughter scene. I even saw Shakespeare! Most importantly, I saw four ensembles of teens working as teams and glowing with the pride of what they had accomplished.”

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