Cold Readings Commence for International CringeFest 2/1

ATTENTION ACTORS, WRITERS, DIRECTORS & CIVILIANS... On February 1, NY Artists Unlimited launches its cold readings of hundreds of submissions for International CringeFest '10. COME ON DOWN every Monday and Thursday through the end of March. Readings take place 6-10 p.m. both nights, but you can come and go as necessary. FOOD, BEVERAGES & A WHOLE LOTTA FUN as we read and discuss each submission at the company's offices, 212 W. 14 St., #2A (between 7th & 8th Aves.). This cold readings process has proved to be the most discerning for choosing the final line-up of the festival, which runs mid-July to mid-August. For the past two years, the Producers' Club has been the home of the popular event, but this year's venue has not been decided as yet. It is also a good way for actors to be seen in a relaxed, supportive environment, and for directors to hear scripts read out loud.

Six years ago, NY Artists Unlimited created the Bad Plays Festival and then the Bad Musicals Festival. Bad Films have now been sprinkled throughout, which led to the all-encompassing banner of the International CringeFest. BTW, material is exceedingly GOOD. Bad is used in the sense of: irreverent, politically incorrect, political satire, sexually suggestive, and just plain naughty. The point is to have a whole evening in the theatre where we can laugh, especially at ourselves. Short pieces are arranged in a 1 ½ hour playing time under a theme title, such as: Is That a Gun in Your Pocket?, Sex Encounters of the Absurd Kind, and Go Genital into That Good Night (for the newly added late-night Saturday shows).

Emerging and well-known playwrights and composers have participated, which earned the festival dedicated support from the Dramatists Guild Fund, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and individual donors. Each year, approximately 300 artists gain exposure. Surround events include a benefit with presentation of the Honorary Golden Pineapple. Last year, honorees included Michael Musto, Taylor Mead, Ginny Louloudes, Joe Franklin, and Mink Stole. In '08, it was Marilyn Sokol, Ultra Violet, and Sidney Myer. In '07, legendary director Tom O'Horgan was honored.

Works vie for the Golden Pineapple, Silver Tomato and Bronze Banana, with Jack Lemons for the actors. The Golden Cocoanut is now the top award for films. Intermission entertainment is provided by East Village entertainers the company discovered while at their Avenue A arts center.

So, to recap: COLD READINGS every Monday & Thursday, 6-10 p.m., through the end of March at NY Artists Unlimited, artistic director Melba LaRose, 212 W. 14 St., #2A. Food & drink & fun provided. If you can give us a heads up about attending, it will ensure plentiful refreshments... but you are welcome even if you don't let us know in advance. Phone: 212-242-6036, www.NYartists.org, email: Info@NYartists.org.