R.I.P Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Once in a while on this blog I like play it forward and spot light another writer or give a shout out to another writer.Even though Sydney-Chanele Dawkins is deserving of being put into a spotlight due to her writing this is not the way that I had envisioned. Most of the writers I know and spotlight or give a shout out to are people I only know in the cyber world. It is a little different when the person is someone you know in person. I have found memories of hanging out with this writer at CATF- Contemporary American Theater Festival after parties and at DC Metro Theater Arts meetings and gatherings. What is sadder is writing a Rest in Peace article. She lost her battle with breast cancer.

Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

I will share the article on her passing penned by Joel Markowitz here. She was a reviewer, columnist, and interviewer at DC Metro Theater Arts and I do recommend checking out her work there. You will find some great interviews on film, theatre, and music. Also there are some fantastic reviews of the Washington area entertainment scene. 

Photo courtesy of DC Metro Theater Arts. Beyond writing she created three feature films, produced plays with local theater groups, and was involved with  several film festivals and art groups. The Washington Area arts scene will definitely miss her. At 47 she passed away too soon. MAy she rest in peace.

Behind the Scenes at CATF

The Contemporary American Theatre Festival every July in Shepherdstown, West Virginia s great for a lot of things. It is great for Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the actors, the staff and playwrights. Today, on my blog I will be plugging my interview with scenic designer David M. Barber.

He did the set design for "Captors" and "In A Forest" last year. You can read my review of those shows here. This year he did the set of H20 which in my opinion may have been the best play of the festival.You can see what Mark Dewey thought of the play here.Barber also did the set of Modern Terrorism which was another festival favorite as Dewey explains here. David kept busy this year doing the set for Scott and Hem as well. That play was a treat since Hemingway is one of my favorite authors. You can read a review on that play here.

Here is to another fine run of great American plays. Hopefully, the festival will continue to bring great talent to shine in West Virginia. It is great to see Broadway type talents shine close to home.

The Power of Light

We all know the power of light. We have all been stuck in the dark due to a power outage. We have all been blinded by bright lights. Most of us who go to concerts have seen cool light shows.

I wanted to blog about theater lighting and the power of it. I spent the weekend watching shows at the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) and the lighting stuck in mind. The lighting was designed by some of the best in the business D.M. Wood, Traci Klainer Polimeni, and John Ambrosone. I was impressed how they all made the theaters go dark before right before the shows started. The stage area was almost pitch black. It had such power in this action. The chit chat ended, the audience silenced, and all eyes were directed to the stage. A simple action but an action with such power.

The lights were used that way during intermission which as an audience member I found helpful. It made me mentally ready for the show to continue. Of course when the house lights come on at the end of a concert or show letting you know the production is over.

Obviously in theater the lighting helps set up the scenes, directs the audience attention, and plays a vital role in the production. I just noticed a little thing at the theater that had so much power!

CATF: Contemporary American Theater Festival

Finally my review of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) is published. I would have liked them to be done individually, but others had other ideas. Sometimes that is the life of as writer. I'm glad I was able to cover it! I am glad West Virginia gets a chance to present a top notch theater event.

Two world premieres, a show that opened last year on London's West End, and five plays written by award winning playwrights. The festival featured great sets. Great cast, including Broadway vets, a Tony Award winning Actress.

If you are a theater lover it is definitely worth the trip from Washington or Baltimore. Might even be worth a road trip from farther destinations! You can read my review here.

Here is an interview with Johnna Adams whose play Gidion's Knot is World Premiered at the Festival...

Adding something a little different then just my review and opinions.

Well I hope you enjoy and I will be back with another blog!