Actors Co-op to Stage THE DIVINERS at the David Schall Theatre, 10/15-11/23

Actors Co-op announces its second show in its 2014-2015 season (and 23rd year of producing theatrical excellence in Los Angeles!) with THE DIVINERS, written by Jim Leonard, Jr. and directed by Mark Henderson. THE DIVINERS will preview on Wednesday, October 15 and Thursday, October 16 at 8pm and will open on Friday, October 17 at 8pm and run through Sunday, November 23 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.

This Depression-era fable weaves the humorous, beautiful, and tragic into the story of a disturbed young boy and his friendship with a conflicted preacher in southern Indiana. A powerfully theatrical journey, both touching and compelling by one of Los Angeles' most acclaimed playwrights.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST:

JIM LEONARD, Jr. (Playwright) writes plays, movies, and television. Published plays include The Diviners, And They Dance Real Slow In Jackson, V&V Only, Crow And Weasel, Anatomy Of Gray And Battle Hymn. His latest play, a musical called Bad Apples, was produced by Circle X Theatre in Los Angeles, winning the 2013 Ovation Awards for best book and best music. Jim's other theatrical honors include a New York Villager Award, the Midland Writers Award, the Samuel French Best New Play Award, the Dramatists Guild Award, LA Weekly Best Play Award, and the Outer Critics Circle Award. He has received three NEA Playwrighting Fellowships. Jim co-wrote the screenplay for Mira Nair's award-winning film "My Own Country." He created and executive produced the television series "Close To Home" (CBS), "Skin" (Fox), and "Thieves" (ABC); he wrote and produced "Dexter" (Showtime), "The Closer" (TNT), "The Marchal" (ABC), "Internal Affairs" (NBC), "The People" (NBC), "ice" (NBC), "Night Visions" (Fox), "Kilroy" (HBO), and the American version of "Cracker" (ABC). He is currently a writer-producer for "Major Crimes" (TNT), starring Mary McDonnell. Jim is proud to serve on the boards of the New Harmony Project and Circle X Theatre.

MARK HENDERSON (Director) is a graduate of New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts and also was a company member of the first Repertory Company of that famed institution. Also a founding member of ActorsCo-op, Mark has directed the critically acclaimed productions of The Elephant Man, Pack Of Lies, The Enchanted Cottage, Edith Stein and The Fantasticks. Mark also helped develop the Actors Co-op Too! venueco-directing Summertime Sondheim and The Lark.

THE DIVINERS has assembled an award-winning design team. Set Design is by Sets To Go - Mark Henderson and Tim Farmer (Into The Woods, The Elephant Man). Costume design is by Shon LeBlanc (Life Could Be a Dream, Scary Musical The Musical). Lighting Design is by Bill Kickbush. Sound Design is by David Marling (Melissa Arctic, The Woman In Black). Make-Up and Hair design is by Marty Kopulsky. The Dialect Coach is Jill Massie. The Stage Manager is Theresa Corvino. THE DIVINERS is produced by Rhonda Kohl.
The Cast of THE DIVINERS will feature (in alphabetical order): David Atkinson, Ivy Beech, Clay Bunker, Nathan Lee Burkart, Tracey Lynn Bunka, Maria Cominis, Tim Farmer, Trip Langley, Deborah Marlowe, John McKetta and Maurie Speed.

THE DIVINERS will preview on Wednesday, October 15 and Thursday, October 16 at 8pm and will open on Friday, October 17 at 8pm and run through Sunday, November 23 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.

Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:30pm (with two Saturday Matinees scheduled for Saturday, October 25 and Saturday, November 22 at 2:30pm). Ticket prices are $30.00 for all Performances. Seniors - $25 and Students - $20.00 (with Student Rush Tickets available on Friday evenings). Previews are Free to the Public. Group rates are available for parties of 6 or more.

Tickets may be purchased by phone at (323) 462-8460 or visit www.ActorsCo-op.org.

Actors Co-op operates two 99-seat Equity-approved theatres on the campus of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood and was recently honored by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle with The Polly Warfield Award for Best Season in a small to mid-size theatre (2013 productions). Actors Co-op began on January 8th, 1987, with a dozen actors. Currently, its membership exceeds 50 professionals. Since the Crossley Theatre opened its doors in April of 1989 and its second theatre, the David Schall Theatre opened February of 1995, Actors Co-ophas produced over 100 main stage productions, over 40 Second Stage productions, staged readings of original works, and has received 19 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards (six wins), 34 LA Weekly Award nominations (six wins), 29 Ovation Award nominations (two wins), five Garland Awards and 125 Drama-Logue Awards. In addition, Actors Co-op was honored with the Margaret Harford Award for "Sustained Achievement" in smaller theatre from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, as well as the Charlie Award for "Excellence in the Arts" by the Hollywood Arts Council.

Actors Co-op is located at 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028, on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, one block north of Hollywood Boulevard, just off the Gower Street exit of the 101 Hollywood Freeway. Free, well-lit parking is available on Carlos Street (1/2 block east of Gower).

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