As an actor in NYC, there are so many times when you find yourself not working, not creating and that doesn't generate productivity. While co-founding Gotham Stage Company, my inspiration was renewed and I was able to work with so many people that fed this. Sometimes all it takes is being a theater to make you feel that you are part of the artistic community here in New York. In such a busy city, it's easy to forget this sometimes. Gotham gave me a chance to remember what it was I came here to do. Whether it was help paint scenery, find props or sew costumes, my hands were in the work. I had the opportunity to take over a role during our first production, Sake with the Haiku Geisha, at the end of the run. I had only planned on producing our first show since that was a new experience for me but it ended up being a great experience. Another playwright saw me during that last week and I did a new show of hers Off-Broadway the following fall. It's very easy to be in NYC and dream of being an artist but Gotham gave me the opportunity to actually be one which I consider immeasurable.
At a time where support and funding for the arts has become more challenging, Gotham Stage Company has pushed forward to make a difference. The company's passion and dedication has provided an avenue for up and coming play writes, directors, actors and stage hands; allowing them to develop and showcase their skills. As a member of the board I couldn't be more proud of what the compnay has accomplished and the drive this organization has for bringing theatrical works to life.
As we look towards the future I'm very excited for what will come next. Gotham Stage company has surrounded itself with members from both on stage and off that have the creativity and drive to achieve continued success. With the innovation and ambition that this group pocesses the future is filled with limitless possibilities.
I am an actor who is fortunate enough to have been around since the earliest days of Gotham Stage Company's existence. I've been humbled and awestruck to watch this group of professionals rise beyond its modest budget to achieve its many successes to date. I am proud to be a member of Gotham Stage Company as it is an organization that I believe in.
In the current world of decreased arts funding there are less companies providing opportunities for up and coming actors to make a mark, or to get their break in the professional theatre. Gotham fills this void by doing that which is no longer popular – producing exclusively new work, by early career playwrights – and providing those actors fortunate enough to be cast the opportunity to (gasp!) originate roles, in (gasp!) New York City.
On top of that they have a cross-discipline membership, which allows new and exciting artistic relationships to be conceived and nurtured. With a staff that is all volunteer, they consistently stretch minimal budgets while still offering free tickets to students as well as discount ticket programs for early career artists and seniors. This is a company that believes in the power of good theatre and the impact that it can have on the community, both on artists and audiences. I am honored to be a part of that.
Gotham Stage Company creates dynamic new work. The Gotham producers are very supportive of the artists that they work with, always going the extra mile to support the artistic vision. I look forward to their continued success. i highly recommend this organization.
Gotham Stage Company is a great group of creative individuals that believe in walking the walk. When they say in their mission statement "theater is vital to life" they live that in their lives and they to give the gift of theater to others.
They honored their commitment to new works by really picking scripts from emerging playwrights who came up with insightful works.
And showed their loyalty and joy in building a company filled with artists both on and off the stage that were talented innovative and passionate.
I believe with a little more structure and support they can really fulfill their dreams and make the dreams of others come true - I am excited to be around for the next chapter in the group's evolution.
We had the opportunity to host a Gotham Stage Co. production at the Players Theatre a few years ago. The quality of the production was impressive and throughout the process you can tell this is a company committed to artistic excellence.
First, let me say thanks to Katie and Mike Barra for introducing me to this wonderful organization and the friends I have made as a result. Being the brother of a TV and stage actress and having spent countless hours in the theater growing up ... I can say with certainty that Gotham Stage Company delivers productions that are both inspiring and honest.
I Can't wait to see what's next!
As an actor hired by Gotham Stage Company, my experience could not have been better! Gotham produced Becoming Adele, a one woman play in which I was the " one woman". The show was produced with integrity and passion and I felt supported and taken care of by everyone on the production team. Gotham is committed to producing quality, thought provoking theatre and their productions so far have been living proof of that. I can't support this company enough and hope that anone reading this will do the same!
Gotham Stage Company took my career to a whole new level. Based on a submission, they chose my play "Sake with the Haiku Geisha" to jumpstart their company, and it was an incredibly brave decision considering that the play required a cast of seven (including four Asians) and was unconventionally structured.
I was fortunate enough to take that first journey with them, and it was my first show to make it to the Off-Broadway level, and we all learned so much by actual doing. No endless readings and workshops... This piece had already had a lot of that, but even so, the focus was on production, and giving everyone in cast and crew the opportunity to grow and explore as artists.
As a new company, we struggled to be taken seriously at first once we opened, but word-of-mouth spread, and when The New York Times came during the middle of the run and gave the show a positive notice, the word continued to spread. At times during the middle of the run, the show was not selling particularly well, but everyone kept the faith and kept going, and the last week saw particularly good audience numbers.
The four founders did everything, including the laundry. Their dedication was unquestionable and inspirational, not to mention tireless.
Yes, a bigger marketing budget was needed, especially for a brand-new company with a brand-new play by a fairly unknown playwright, but to get the artistic side so right and mostly get the business angle as well on a first production was truly an accomplishment to admire.
And beyond that first production, I wrote two benefit scripts for the company and also had a second play, "Fate's Imagination", receive a full production Off-Broadway. Like so many playwrights, I have always wanted to be a member of a company, and when Gotham Stage Company asked me to be its resident playwright, it literally was another dream come true.
Gotham Stage Company is daring, and unlike many more established Off-Broadway companies, the leadership likes to give newcomers opportunities. GSC is needed in NYC.
As a co-founder of GSC and current member of the board, I could not be more proud of this organization and of the amazing artists discovered, and friends made, along the way. Although my review is biased, it is heartfelt and honest...the potential of our company members is boundless, and their contributions to date have been profound. We are in the process of expanding our programs so that we can take these artists and these works to more people, in more ways, across New York City, and beyond. Thank you Gotham!
