Alison S. M. News

MacDowell will welcome 142 artists from 23 states, Washington, D.C., and 11 countries for spring and summer residencies. These Fellowships at the nation’s first artist residency program were granted from a pool of 1,822 applications from 54 different countries and every state except Hawaii.

The wait is finally over for the 10th anniversary of United Solo. With its most ambitious lineup yet, United Solo will once again unite solo performers from six continents in the heart of New York's theatre district. Over 130 productions will be presented at this year's United Solo, the largest festival of its kind in the world, celebrating its first decade of taking solo theatre to new heights. With up to five performances each day until November 24 at Theatre Row, this year's robust selection of one-person shows will attract thousands of theatregoers. Over 20 performances have sold out in advance, with more expected to follow. The festival will grant additional performance dates to its most popular productions. In addition to performances, United Solo also offers Master Classes with world-famous theatre creators and recognized experts, including acclaimed director Austin Pendleton, who will give his Master Class on October 8, with more Master Classes to follow.

United Solo, the world's largest solo theatre festival, is proud to present the nominees of the 2019 United Solo Special Award. The Special Award recognizes and celebrates outstanding solo performers. These are artists who create captivating performances outside the United Solo Festival and have brought the art of solo theatre to new heights. It is United Solo's mission to provide a platform to solo artists who are committed to creating solo theatre that focuses on the uniqueness of the human being. These artists have pushed the boundaries of solo theatre in unique ways and the Special Award will honor an artist whose work in the last year deserves particular recognition. Previous recipients of the Special Award include Anna Deavere Smith (2010), Patti LuPone (2011), John Leguizamo (2012), Fiona Shaw (2013), Billy Crystal (2014), James Lecesne (2015), Staceyann Chin (2016), Michael Moore (2017), and Renée Taylor (2018).

Since the beginning of time, mankind has used theatre as a way to escape. Whether it be from the stress of work, the absurdity of the news cycle, or the monotony of everyday life, from a seat on the aisle, your troubles can disappear at the theatre.

Last night, Renee Taylor won the annual The United Solo Special Award, which recognizes artists who have made significant recent contributions to solo theatre during the year, for her critically acclaimed autobiographical comedy MY LIFE ON A DIET. Along with Ms. Taylor, this year's nominees included Derek DelGaudio (In & Of Itself), Alison S. M. Kobayashi (Say Something Bunny!), John Lithgow (Stories By Heart), Chita Rivera (An Evening with Chita Rivera) and Bruce Springsteen (Springsteen on Broadway).

Solo performers from six continents will once again unite in the heart of New York's theatre district. Over 130 productions will be presented at this year's United Solo, the largest festival of its kind in the world, now in its 9th year. With up to five performances every day until November 18 at Theatre Row, this year's robust selection of one-person shows will attract thousands of theatregoers. Over 25 performances have sold out in advance, with more expected to follow. The festival will grant additional performance dates to its most popular productions. This year, United Solo also offers Master Classes with world-famous theatre creators and recognized experts, including Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, who will give her Master Class hosted by Omar Sangare, founder and artistic director of United Solo, on September 16, and Juilliard School professor Janis Brenner, whose Master Class is scheduled for September 17.

Ben, PennyMaria, and Lindsay discuss what we're looking forward to at the theater beyond Broadway this month. We revisit annual summer favorites like ANT Fest at Ars Nova and Second Stage Uptown plus world premieres, immersive theater, a couple of wacky originals, and new shows on urgent social topics.