SPF's Living Room for Artists Offers Educational Programs

By: Jun. 27, 2005
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Arielle Tepper, founder/executive producer of The Summer Play Festival (SPF) and Rachel Neuburger, the organization's artistic director, have established The Living Room for Artists, "an entity organized to further the charitable goals of SPF through a variety of educational programs designed to teach and excite students of various ages about the performing arts. The Living Room for Artists is applying for and expects to be granted federal not-for-profit status"

As described in a press article, "The specific mission of The Living Room for Artists is to encourage people of all ages to create, attend and work in the theatre. Through education, inspiration and financial assistance, The Living Room for Artists develops programs that: give emerging playwrights the opportunity to have their work produced in a protected environment and offer audiences the chance to see affordable work performed and written by their peers (SPF); teach elementary school children about different forms of the performing arts (Pilot Program at Dalton) and immerse college students into the New York City world of professional theater (The Internship Program)."

In addition to SPF, the educational programs that currently encompass The Living Room for Artists include a two-year pilot program established for the second grade classes at The Dalton School. Every second grade class would have the opportunity to write their own musical using what they study in class. For example, with the help of musical theatre instructors, this year's class created a 45-minute musical about New York City, which they performed in front of family, friends and other students. The idea is to emphasize self-confidence, equal participation, and to introduce the experience of being part of the creative process at a young age. The Living Room for Artists expects to expand the pilot program to other schools in New York City. Another educational program includes an internship at SPF that will provide college students with the opportunity to work at SPF. Through the Internship Program, the students will receive practical experience in the theatre industry and will work closely with the SPF staff.

The 2nd annual SPF 2005 Summer Play Festival, which will offer 16 plays by emerging playwrights, will run from July 5th to July 31st on Theatre Row (410 W. 42nd Street). The
overall plan and goals of the Festival remain the same-- to give emerging writers, directors, producers an opportunity to work on their material and their craft in a protected environment, guided by established professionals at no cost to them; there are no submission or entrance fees.

For additional information about The Living Room for Artists, Inc. or SPF, visit www.spfnyc.com. Tickets for the SPF 2005 Summer Play Festival, which are $10, are on sale through Ticket Central, 212-279-4200, ticketcentral.com or at the Theatre Row box office.


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