Highlights of the 2007 Season

This past Monday, the IT Awards held our 2007 Nominee Announcement. It was a very successful event. There were over 500 people; we had the incredibly hot DJ Rob and best of all the air conditioner worked.

Each year Nick, Jason and I get so excited to receive the list of nominees from our accountant. Honestly until that moment we really have no idea who will be nominated. It is always a mixture of surprise and joy and sometimes a little disappointment that some of our personal favorites aren't in the mix. This year there are a few folks that are friends of ours that are nominated including Spencer Aste, Judith Hawking, Mac Rogers and the lovely Denice Kondik. Of course we are always excited when we get to recognize the work of people we love.

I had the chance to see quite a bit of Off-Off-Broadway this past season and wanted to take this opportunity to mention some of the fantastic work that graced the more modest stages of NYC.

Let's start with the Havel Festival. WOW! Edward Einhorn and his crew pulled off the impossible. Presenting all of Vaclav Havel's works is no small feat and the inspiration to do so when President Havel was in town was nothing less than genius. When I look back on my years working in theatre, I will always remember the night we crowded into the 40 seat Brick Theatre in Brooklyn and sat across the isle from Vaclav Havel and his date Madeline Albright. I love OOB.

In the interest of full disclosure, my boyfriend works with Nosedive Productions and I actually understudied a part (and went on twice) in The Adventures of Nervous Boy (a penny dreadful). All that aside, I thought it was a great show. I have seen all of Nosedive's productions over the past 5 and a half years and I am probably their harshest critic. Honestly boys, this was your best work to date. The script was right on point. It was lean and had that wonderfully bitter mixture of hopped-up reality, twisted fantasy and sarcastic humor that kept you engaged throughout. And Vagina Dentata and Blinded from Nosedive's Evening of Grand Guignol Horror was some of the most exciting and grossest theatre I've seen all year.

Among other productions, each year Boomerang Theatre Company puts up 3 full shows in repertory. The sheer logistics of that is hard enough to fathom, but to have each of these productions be fully realized, quality works is a feat unto itself. This year they produced Anna Christie, Love in the Insecurity Zone and The Ugly Man. Each production was well conceived, designed and acted, but for me the real standout was Anna Christie. It is such a beautifully sad tale and the work of Jennifer Larkin (the actress playing the title character) was so subtle and honest it really touched me.

It was not surprising to me that Some Historic/Some Hysteric was nominated for Outstanding Performance Art Piece and Outstanding Ensemble. Director Ildiko Nemeth created many incredibly striking stage pictures that will continue stay with me. The piece included 15 actors (although it seemed like there were 30 actors) working together in some very intricate physical and vocal work. It was one of the most demanding theatrical pieces that I had seen in a long time, but the ensemble pulled it off beautifully.

The New York Neo-Futurists are truly doing something innovative with Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. I first saw the Neo-Futurists (I think it was 1998) when they came down from Chicago to perform here in the city for a month. I was crammed into Todo Con Nada in the lower East Village (it was so packed that I had to sit on the floor). I had no idea what was happening but I was thrilled by it and so excited by what I experienced that I've been a fan ever since. When I heard that the Neo's were setting up a permanent troupe here in NYC I was so happy that we would have this visceral, ground-breaking kind of work as a part of our community.

I suspect that Charles Battersby wrote Kryptonite Hearts so that he and his wife, Lizzie Pepper, could dress up like super heroes and do some stage combat (not that they needed any special occasion to do that). While I'm not sure that the entire production worked, it was certainly fun to see the pure joy that the two of them had while on stage with one another. It is that joy that I aspire to.

When I first came to the city, me and a group of my fellow students from the Actors Training Program (the ATP) at the University of Utah (the U) formed a company called Esperance Theatre Company. I think we did good work for two and a half years. But then, due to lack of funds and no lack of egos, we simply imploded. That is one of the reasons why I am so impressed with the work of CollaborationTown. It is such a tricky business to work with friends. This very talented troupe is so dedicated to one another and so skilled in the art of collaboration and ensemble that their work reflects their very close bonds. 6969 was an intriguing piece of theatre, based on a true story, which had one of those great twists at the end that left you wanting to watch the play all over from the beginning. CollaborationTown was also very smart because they also included program inserts that provided links to additional information about the true events. I admit I spent several hours reading through the news articles and personal accounts.

The Vampire Cowboys were the Caffe Cino Fellowship recipients for this past season. I was very excited to see their work and Men of Steel did not let me down. I actually saw the production twice and was very proud that the IT Awards could help (in our small way) bring this wonderful play to the stage. The script for Men of Steel is so rich and dark and the production captured that with such style. I was reminded of The Watch Men and was very impressed with the entire cast… really the entire production team because each of the elements worked so perfectly together. Congratulations guys.

Finally I want to mention A Mouthful of Birds. This was a "sound painting," a theatrical art form that was first developed in 1986. I have never seen anything like it before in my life. I applaud breedingground productions for embracing this experimental art form. I certainly hope you will be doing more of it in the future.

There were many other wonderful productions this past season, but these are a few that made an impression on me. Tell me about other innovative works that you have seen this last year.

Shay Gines

Executive Director

New York Innovative Theatre Awards

Nominee Announcement: a brief history

At the moment we're in the middle of working on the prep for the Nominee Announcement Party. We often say it's our favorite event of the year because we get everyone in a room and celebrate the the entire Off-Off-Broadway community at large. Plus it's a straight-up party. Free drinks (thanks Yuengling and GUS), great music, and lots of fun people.

We have had some great parties. Our Launch was on Summer Solstice, June 21st, 2004, at the (original) Tank. At the time our offices were in the same building, at 432 w. 42nd st. We had a fantastic time, and met many, many new and lasting friends.

The next year, at the end of our very first season, we wanted to make a splash for the Nominees, but we also wanted to make the Announcement more than just a press conference. So we invited the media, but we also opened the doors to the public afterwards for our very first Nominee Announcement Party. This was at the Castillo Theatre (the old Raw Space). We filled the room to capacity, and had even more people at the door waiting to get in.

Last year, we were at a great party space - the Ukrainian National Home 2nd Avenue and 8th, and it was the hottest day of the year. We're used to working up a sweat on big production days, but this was ridiculous. Just before the party started, the air conditioner broke. So as 300 nominees, press, and friends filed in, it got hotter and hotter. I'm still amazed, though, that in some of the photos from the photo op area, the Nominees looked incredible. I'm not sure how they did it, but they took to heart the saying: "Never let 'em see ya sweat". At least until after their photo ops. From then on, we were dancing, drinking, and sweating together as long as we could, until we gave in and headed to the afterparty at the Telephone Bar, which still had A/C and offered drink specials for IT Awards partygoers.

This year, we'll be in the Village, just steps away from storied places like the Fat Black Pussycat, and 1 block from the birthplace of Off-Off-Broadway, the Caffe Cino. We'll have plenty of room (finally), so bring all your friends. We'll have free drinks and great music, and lots of brilliant, talented people will be there to celebrate Off-Off-Broadway.

I hope you and your friends can make it.

Nick Micozzi

Executive Director

Happy 4th of July!

Hello Everyone! Happy 4^th of July!

As much as I promised myself that I would stay offline today, it seems I am unable to resist the clickety clack of the keys of my computer. I've been lounging about the house relaxing today, which was much needed. I'm heading down to the Spiegel world tents to see "Absinthe" tonight at the Fulton Fish Market; I'm quite intrigued by the whole idea of the project. I'm personally in love with the cabaret and art world that was born out of Weimar Germany in the day. We'll also see if I can stick out the crowds afterwards to get a peek at the Macy's fireworks after the show. Somehow being in NYC for 10 years I have yet to catch the full show.

It seems that this year has dashed by in a blur, and it's amazing to think that we are moving headlong into our 3^rd year of celebrations! Shay, Nick, Jason and I got together last night to trade ideas, plans and questions for our Nomination announcement Event happening on Monday July 16^th! Being in a new location will be lots of fun. I am looking forward to seeing the space tomorrow to do more planning.

I'm also looking forward to being reunited with some of our faithful and amazing volunteers. We've been really blessed with a group of people who have been helping us at the events for 3 years straight! The community of artists that have come forth to share their time and talents blows me away every year. We always welcome more people to be involved at the events, so if you or someone you know would like to be involved, please don't hesitate to write me! This year I am especially looking for Photographers, Stage Managers, Front of house staff and General event support. I'm eager to hear from people who love NYC theatre and would like to support other artists by volunteering at our events. You can contact me at akia@nyitawards.com.

Anyway, I hope that everyone out there has an amazing and safe night of celebrations, food, fireworks, and fun.

Cheers

Akia

Company Manager

New York Innovative Theatre Awards

Hearing Voices

Soomi Kim's "Lee/gendary" had a short run of performances recently at the Beckett Theatre as part of the first National Asian American Theatre Festival in NYC. Soomi Kim created and co-wrote a show for which she was the centerpiece playing Bruce Lee. That's right, SHE was playing Bruce Lee and was absolutely stunning. The piece examined the life of Bruce Lee by trying to get behind and humanize the icon we know today. The show had it all: martial arts choreography, multimedia, live drumming, original music, etc.

In particular, though, what hit home for me about Bruce Lee was his steadfast vision and his drive to bring martial arts to the forefront of mainstream culture; to strive for excellence as a martial artist; to carry himself like a superstar even when Hollywood used his Asian-ness as an excuse and explanation to exclude him.

To illuminate Bruce Lee's Ambition and vision, Soomi Kim quoted from the work of American writer Jim Harrison: "Some people hear their inner voices with such clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people became crazy, or they become legend."

As a new staff member to the New York Innovative Theatre Awards, this quote helps me to understand the dedication of my new colleagues. I like to imagine that the founding directors—Shay, Jason, and Nick—were first guided by such inner voices that said: "Create a platform to recognize Off-Off Broadway Theatre to celebrate the art and the artists. Foster community and solidarity in the indie theatre scene in New York City." And I like to imagine that these inner voices were persistent but rang clear and true. And they acted on it by creating the New York Innovative Theatre Awards, and when the vision was expanded, created the New York Innovative Theatre Foundation.

These folks live by what they heard because what started out as an idea has now reached its 3rd year. To get to this point, just imagine how many dedicated hours, resources, skills, sweat and tears have been donated for the good of the Off-Off Broadway community. Let's be honest and say that most of us would normally consider this crazy behavior to execute for three years now something that has no material gain or personal advancement.

It would be a tad facetious of me to start throwing around the word "legend" to describe the IT Awards in a blog entry found on the IT Awards Myspace page. However, I have been thinking about this quote… and about Bruce Lee… and about making theatre… and about the New York Innovative There Awards. And look around us: the wondrous possibilities from listening and living for what we hear clearly in our heads and hearts, and ultimately, the powerful impact that it has to those around us.

Nancy Kim
Member Services Manager

Reaching Out...

WOW! My first IT Awards blog – Well, I suppose I should introduce myself…Morgan Lindsey Tachco - the new Community Relations Manager for the It Awards – Part of the beginnings of an entirely new Outreach department! So happy to be working with everyone…

I am fortunate enough to be working in Off-Off Broadway full time as the Artistic Producer for Horse Trade. I am also an Actor and Box Office Assistant at Second Stage Theatre – long story short; I hope to have a lot to bring to the IT Awards. Partnering with these fine folks opens up many different points of view by getting even more circles together – as if you didn't think our community was close enough! J

At any rate, I'll be working hard to get the word out more about this great organization and everything it does and can do for the community, er – you.

A couple of things…

Take the Survey! One of the great things this organization has the ability to do is be an advocate for Off-Off Broadway as a whole, and we need some hard facts to do so. It's anonymous, it'll take you ten minutes, let your voice be heard! Pass it on to other producers…

The New York Innovative Theatre Awards' process captures the spirit of the community by opening it up to itself. Register your show so it can be seen by an IT Judge, and you can see great theatre for free as a judge yourself.

Tell your friends! Tell your audiences! Tell everyone! Spread the word about not only our awards ceremony, but our grants, and the coalition for code reform.

Sign the Petition, and educate yourself on this important subject. Save the date for the big convocation – July 8^th!

Don't forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter. I mean, that's how Nancy and I got in on the IT Awards! Going into the summer, we will just be getting busier...wouldn't you like to know?

Have a great week everyone!

Morgan

Jason, your favorite executive director.

I am a bloging virgin…funny the word bloging shows up as misspelled in Word. Let's see what alternate words it gives me: blowing (a favorite word, I can't help it), bogging (a word that makes me laugh, reminds me of Edward Gorey) bolting (what I wanted to do from the top of Act II of Legally Blonde, the jump rope #), bluing (turning blue?), and belonging (well isn't that appropriate, and leads me into…)

So yesterday we had a big IT Awards staff meeting. Everyone got together to catch up on activities, make some introductions of new staff members (shout out to Nancy and Morgan, so glad to have you ladies) and plan for our big upcoming events. I sat there amazed by the devotion this group of people had. Everyone volunteers and has for a number of years now, this was a Sunday at 10AM meeting (in the real world this may not seem like much but to these artists this is an abomination) and the passion for their tasks was easy to see.

This is one of the things that really has impressed me over the last 5 years, the devotion and passion people have towards what we work to do and the community we spotlight. Personally I love what we do and feel that I can see a change in air. I have an awareness of so many companies I never knew existed, I have many new and incredible artistic relationships as well as friendships and I have had the enjoyment of hearing about the IT Awards well outside of New York.

This past year I spent the majority of my time in Utah helping my family. One evening I went out to Pioneer Theatre Company to see "Othello". As I was looking through the program I noticed the actor playing Roderigo (and doing a great job by the way) was Dan Domingues, and I thought I recognized the name. As I read through his bio I came upon a show called "Masquerade" and behind that was a mention that he was an IT Awards Nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Featured Role. I sat there not really knowing Dan that well but feeling totally connected to him and completely happy to see him working a good money gig. Hope you are working like crazy Dan, hell I hope everyone is working like crazy. I hope that Off-Off-Broadway becomes a place where the incredible work I see can be financially recognized as well as being artistically recognized. I know that everyone at the IT Awards feels the same and we will keep getting up at 10AM on a Sunday and working the work and fighting the fight and drinking the alcohol (all we can get our greedy hands on) until it is better! Can you hear the people sing….

Jason Bowcutt
Executive Director
New York Innovative Theatre Awards