Jonathan Bernstein News

When theaters shut down during COVID, the effects of social isolation have been acutely felt by senior citizens and those who are housebound. In response, 24/6: A Jewish Theater Company has commissioned a diverse group of 16 playwrights to write 10 minute plays to be performed over the telephone one-on-one by individual volunteers to individual senior citizens and others who are housebound and don't have easy access to the internet.

Stephanie Lambring's Autonomy, originally released in October 2020 and garnered wide acclaim for the singer-songwriter's ability to confront life's uncomfortable moments and hard truths with searing, relatable honesty. Since the album's original release, Lambring created Almost Autonomous Records and signed a distribution deal with Thirty Tigers.

Wednesday, October 28th, from 7pm-8:15pm Eastern, Tony-winner Kelli O'Hara (The King and I) will join TPAP Artistic Director Jonathan Bernstein (Chicago) live online on Upstage Left. Every Upstage Left is different, but typically consists of a roundtable discussion, an opportunity to ask questions, and an optional artistic challenge.

This Wednesday, September 23rd at 7pm Eastern, join The Performing Arts Project (TPAP) Artistic Director Jonathan Bernstein live in conversation with faculty member Margo Seibert about creating her nonprofit Racket, an organization dedicated to eliminating period shame and helping people at an economic disadvantage gain access to menstrual hygiene products. To sign up to participate in this important conversation, click here.

This Wednesday, May 27th, from 7pm-8:15pm Eastern, Tony nominee Emily Skeggs (Fun Home) joins TPAP Artistic Director Jonathan Bernstein live on Upstage Left. Every Upstage Left is different, but typically consists of a roundtable discussion, an opportunity to ask questions, and an optional artistic challenge.

Tony Award winners Laura Benanti and Celia Keenan-Bolger will be hosting the New 42 Virtual Gala 2020 on Monday, June 1, honoring Marc Spilker with the Marian Heiskell Award. The virtual event will include appearances by New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and more.

This coming Wednesday, May 20th, from 7pm-8:30pm Eastern, Tony winner and TPAP faculty member Gavin Creel joins TPAP Artistic Director Jonathan Bernstein for their weekly live event Upstage Left.

The Performing Arts Project (TPAP) is excited to announce that Montego Glover is joining TPAP's Upstage Left jamboree live on Zoom tonight!

The Performing Arts Project has announced that Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien are joining TPAP's Upstage Left jamboree live on Zoom tonight!

The Performing Arts Project has announced that Alex Brightman is joining TPAP's Upstage Left jamboree live on Zoom tonight!

The Performing Arts Project has announced that Laura Benanti is joining TPAP's Upstage Left jamboree live on Zoom tonight!

The Performing Arts Project (TPAP) has announced that Joe Iconis and Lauren Marcus are joining TPAP's newest online initiative: The Upstage Left Art-Making Jamboree! This coming Wednesday, April 15th at 7pm Eastern, Joe Iconis and Broadway Lauren Marcus join TPAP Artistic Director Jonathan Bernstein for the weekly online jamboree and artistic challenge.

Mara Isaacs, Director of Project Springboard: Developing Dance Musicals, today announced the recipients of the third annual residency awards: A Nation Grooves: A People's History of Hip-Hop, led by Kambi Gathesha (creator, director, choreographer), and Sinan Zafar (sound design, sonic dramaturgy); and The Quiet World, led by Charles Sutton (director, choreographer), Will Van Dyke (composer), and Matthew Greene (book). Both projects will be in residence June 10-28, 2019 in New York City.

Playing On Air announced today the three winners of the inaugural James Stevenson Prize for comedic short plays. First Prize ($7,500, plus a Playing On Air recording for radio and podcast distribution) has been awarded to Hate Baby by Gracie Gardner. (Gardner is also the winner of the 2017 Relentless Award and author of the New York Times Critic's Pick Athena.) Second Prize ($2,000) has been awarded to Hedgehog Years by Lily Akerman. Third Prize ($1,000) has been awarded to Horse Latitudes (Who Wants to be an Equine Extra?) by Elizabeth Logun.

Now entering its third year, Project Springboard: Developing Dance Musicals is pleased to announce that letters of inquiry are now being accepted for 2019.  The deadline to apply is October 5, 2018.  

Playing On Air announced today the names of the three celebrity guests joining sponsor Josie Merck on the jury for their inaugural James Stevenson Prize, which will award three monetary prizes for new short comedic plays that honor and perpetuate the spirit and wit of Mr. Stevenson.

Mara Isaacs, Director of Project Springboard: Developing Dance Musicals, today announced the recipients of the second annual residency awards: Bhangin' It, led by Rehana Mirza (co-book writer), Mike Lew (co-book writer), Sam Wilmott (composer/lyricist), Rujuta Vaidya (choreographer), and Amy Anders Corcoran (director); and The Night Falls, led by Troy Schumacher (director/choreographer, New York City Ballet soloist), Ellis Ludwig-Leone (composer/co-lyricist), and Karen Russell (book writer/co-lyricist, MacArthur Award winner and Pulitzer finalist). Both projects will be in residence June 4-22, 2018 in New York City.

TBD Productions (Stephanie Yankwitt and Hunter Arnold, Owners) announces the official launch of TBD Casting , led by Casting Director and Co-Producer Stephanie Yankwitt and Casting Director Margaret Dunn. With a combination of over 25 years of experience in the industry, the work of this female-driven casting office spans theatre, TV, film, commercials, and web series.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents the new musical The Last Day Music by Mike Reid, lyrics by Sarah Schlesinger, book by Reid and Schlesinger. JohnSimpkins directs, with musical direction by Dan Riddle.

The Jerome Robbins Foundation introduces the The Springboard Project:  Fostering Collaboration in Dance-Driven Musical Theater.