A few years ago an actor friend invited me to a play reading in which a small audience of theater professional gave the playwright a critique of his work. I found the experience exhilarating. In fact, it motivated me to learn about and become a part of the theatrical world, acting and directing off-off Broadway with some success (I was awarded the 1997-98 Jean Dalrymple Award for Best New Director).
With my business background, it was inevitable that I would turn to producing, and I wanted to do something new and creative in the bargain. That first play reading had remained in the back of my mind. After working on several comedies, I realized that authors need all the help they can get to determine if a comedic idea works. Giving a playwright the chance to hear what an audience has to say would be a most effective way to refine a comic creation.
Thus Animated Theaterworks, Inc. was born. as a new not-for-profit production company which workshops and showcases new comedies before a theater-going audience. Reassessment and reworking are common as a play makes its way towards full performance, a process generally reserved for members of the theater community. It is unusual for the general public to be a part of the process but as part of our interactive play development program, audience discussion groups help shape a play through a series of readings and rehearsals as well as the final showcase production.
Participating in a discussion of a new work changed my life. I hope that others will find and enjoy that same stimulation in being part of the creative process. I also hope that the plays that are development through our program will reach a large and satisfied audience.
For more information, I can be reached at (212) 757-5085 or email: animated100 @earthlink.net.
Elysabeth Kleinhans
President