#buzz intro

[atlantafringe]

The Buzz Intro Interview - Twinhead Theatre

Respondent: Eli Banks - Writer/Director Name of Company: Twinhead Theatre Name of Show: "Disaster Aboard The Orlando"

“This show is considerably less irreverent than our usual fare. There's stage violence, gore, and death, but no taxidermy sex dances this year!”

 1. Why should anybody see your show? 

We've been tackling genre comedy for years, especially with our Fringe Festival shows. We've done talk shows, fairy tales, brainwashing cults, and a Dust Bowl comedy. We've been waiting to sic our comedy/horror style on a sci fi story, and this year is finally the time!

2. Why Atlanta? 

Twinhead Theatre was founded and formed here! Atlanta is in our blood, so we make sure to spill that blood over as many Atlanta stages as we can!

3. What inspired you to create this? 

A Sci-Fi horror comedy has been a long time coming for us. We actually began with the idea for an underground bunker story, but that bunker eventually evolved into a Spaceship and we decided this was the right concept for the genre we'd been waiting for. The story is inspired by our favorite sci-fi horror movies- Alien, Event Horizon, Dark Star, a few dozen Doctor Who and Star Trek episodes, and whatever else in the genre we'd grown up seeing. In developing the story, it was important to us not to "parody" that genre, but to just set the story we were telling in it. We aimed for a story that's comedic by nature, but which has its own unique story with difficult choices, real consequences, and characters whose fate you're invested in.

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this? 

We started by listing out our favorite Sci-fi tropes and stereotypes, and piecing together a story using some of those as fixed points we wanted to see play out on stage. Once we knew how many actors we were using, we used that many characters to live through the plot we'd designed, and that filled in the spaces between those points. We've given ourselves a little extra time to rehearse from our usual schedule, since the show is so large and complex.

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far? 

We've already learned a LOT about how science fiction and theatre can and can't work together. So much of what makes sci-fi horror what it is depends on cinematic trickery, with lighting, sets, costumes, puppetry, or special effects. Take those away, and you've got to find a creative way to adapt or change the story to fit. We'll have a lot still to learn through the rehearsal and design process, but those challenges are why we keep trying new genres.

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and NeNe Leakes roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it? 

Killer Mike, because as a supporter of the Democratic Socialist party, we know he wouldn't rest until he found a way for all four of them to get something out of that one ticket.

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like? (Bonus points if you can name-check an ATL restaurant.) 

While we definitely retain our usual greasy, southern-fried comedy flavor, we've really focused on a rich, healthy layer of nutritious character underneath all that. Of course then it's drenched with a thick tangy dressing of horror and death. That sounds like almost every one of my favorite Atlanta restaurants!

8. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: would you want your parents in the front row or would you tell them, “Maybe skip this one, guys…”? 

This show is considerably less irreverent than our usual fare. There's stage violence, gore, and death, but no taxidermy sex dances this year!

9. Will your show save mankind? 

This show and everyone in it are trying desperately not to destroy mankind, so at best it couldn't hurt!

10. Oh boy! A mysterious benefactor gave you a million dollars after your first show! What do you do? 

After a generous donation to the Atlanta Fringe Festival, we'd probably invest in a theater of our own and hopefully start paying ourselves and the artists who work with us!

11. Describe your show in three words. 

Killer Space Virus!

For more information on Twinhead Theatre, please visit them on their website or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. More info for their show here. 

[atlantafringe]

The Buzz Intro Interview - DreamCatcher ENT

Respondent: Jacquay Waller – CEO/Artistic Director Name of Company: DreamCatcher ENT. formerly DreamCatcher ProductionsName of Show: “Traffik: Games GrownUps Play”

“Human trafficking wears many faces. It doesn’t know locations, genders, races, and religions. This is something that is happening in our own backyards and we can’t ignore it.”

1. Why should anybody see your show?

If you want to be engaged and entertained this is the show to attend. You’re not only a patron, but also a participant. You are encouraged to ask questions and dialogue with the characters. This is a very difficult subject and it one with various positions and opinions. It can get volatile fast!

2. Why Atlanta?              

Atlanta is now home. So why not! We produce several shows in Atlanta each year and we’re honored to have the opportunity to participate in a festival at home. We’re usually in Washington, D.C. or New York City. With this subject, Human Trafficking, Atlanta is the perfect place because it is one of the world’s hubs for Human Trafficking.

3. What inspired you to create this?

When I heard about a case of a teenager being coerced into prostitution, I wanted to know more about the subject. By researching the topic, I discovered that human trafficking wears many faces. It doesn’t know locations, genders, races, and religions. This is something that is happening in our own backyards and we can’t ignore it. I wanted to create a piece that would allow the audience to dialogue about something that is active in media and in our society. We have more strength in numbers. If enough of us begin to dialogue about the tough issues, the hope is that we will develop some great solutions. It’s better than what we’re doing now – which is nothing!

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this?

There is a lot of research involved in this type of show. Actors have to live and breathe as the characters. These actors literally become the characters because they have to be able to respond from the characters perspective even if it collides with their own perspective.

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?

Some people (both patrons and actors) are not able to digest and/or handle the material. It’s a difficult subject.

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and NeNe Leakes roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it?

Tyler Perry! Tyler, I need some funds. Please help! You got it to spare!

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like? (Bonus points if you can name-check an ATL restaurant.)

It’s a good blend. It’s soulful and eclectic. It would probably be a blend between “This is It”, Ms. Ann’s Snack Bar (home of the ghetto burger – she will cuss you’re a$$ out and you could get cussed out at this show) and Sublime Doughnuts

8. What is your dream reaction from your audience?

All shows will sell out. There will be lots of dialogue and questions. Standing ovation. Future opportunities for other shows. Financial backing. Capital!

9. Will your show save mankind?

No! But hopefully it will save a life at some point.

10. Oh boy! A mysterious benefactor gave you a million dollars after your first show! What do you do?

Develop the show further along with our other shows.  Get permanent artist and performance space (we need a full-time home). Go on a national tour. And pay my actors and staff well!

11. Describe your show in three words.

Edgy, Mind-blowing, and Sincere.

For more information about DreamCatcher ENT visit them on their website or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

[atlantafringe]

The Buzz Intro Interview - Malcolm Grissom

Respondent: Malcolm Grissom Name of Company: Funnymanmalcolm Productions Name of Show: The Voices Made Me Do It

“Whenever I create a story, I try to leave the audience with something to think about. I try to create shows that inspire others to make some sort of social change, no matter how small.”

1. Why should anybody see your show?

Why not? Last year, I brought “Can’t Ain’t Nothing but a Four-letter Word” to this festival. Everyone who saw it loved it. In fact, everywhere I’ve performed it, people have raved about it. The one common note I got from people last years was that they would like to see me do more with the story. So, this show adds to the basic story of “Can’t Ain’t Nothing but a Four-letter Word”. People who saw the show, which won the critic’s choice award (jus’ saying), should see how the new stories enhance the show. People who didn’t see this last year should see it because there’s something in it for everyone. It’s hilarious, and poignant; and a must see of the festival.

2. Why Atlanta?

I left my toothbrush at The Highland Inn last year. I’ve gone a year without brushing my teeth, and my dentist (picture Steve Martin in Little Shop of Horrors) is FURIOUS!!!! So, I thought as long as I’m here, I might as well support Diana and Chris and Cherry and Molly and Nadia, the rest of the Atlanta Fringe Festival team, and all of the other participants in this year’s festival.

3. What inspired you to create this?

People.

Whenever I create a story, I try to leave the audience with something to think about. I try to create shows that inspire others to make some sort of social change, no matter how small. In my previous show called “Can’t Ain’t Nothing But a Four-letter Word”, I sought to tell a story that might motivate people not to judge others who are different then them. With this show, I want to inspire people to connect, or reconnect, with others.

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this?

I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you.

I start with a story or idea I want to express, and then I think of other personal stories that may have something in common. And then I write. I write, and work with collaborators who help shape my ideas. I listen to music and read books which may spark creative ways for me to put everything together. And then, once I have the writing, I rehearse it, and let my mind and body guide me.

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?  

Creating something is a beautiful, and sometimes, never-ending process that can lead you in unforeseen and interesting directions.

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and NeNe Leakes roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it?

Duh??!! Mr. Mike Tyler Fonda Leakes. They should all see this show. I’d do a private showing, if need be.

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like?

One of Willy Wonka’s chocolate-covered gobstoppers. Sweet, with a kick, and a twinge of bitterness. But, no matter how much you have, you’ll never get fat. Perhaps, it would make a fine dessert after an Italian fest at Veni Vidi Vici.

Malcolm killing it at last year’s festival.

8. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: would you want your parents in the front row or would you tell them, “Maybe skip this one, guys…”?

Definitely In the front row.

9. Will your show save mankind?

YES!! Laughter will save the world. My show invokes laughter. Therefore, my show saves the world.

10. Oh boy! A mysterious benefactor gave you a million dollars after your first show! What do you do?

I’m buying a really big feast at Veni Vidi Vici.

11. Describe your show in three words.

Emotional, personal, love-jaunt

For more information on Malcolm Grissom, please visit his website, or on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. 

[atlantafringe]

The Buzz Intro Interview - Flight Of Swallows

Respondent: George Kotler-Wallace, Musical Director Name of Company: Flight Of Swallows Name of Show: Corona Borealis

“Our gang has the best spirit of collaboration, the room to let the ideas swirl, to take the ball and run.”

1. Why should anybody see your show? 

Our show is a feast for the senses, to entertain, to invoke, and to inspire.

2. Why Atlanta? 

Atlanta is the artistic hub of the southeastern US. We wouldn’t premiere it anywhere else!

3. What inspired you to create this? 

Influence from around the world filtered through some of the cities brightest talents coming together to celebrate what humans are.

Above: Company members Kristina Guede & Tony Schott, via the Flight of Swallows Facebook page. Also, we have been to that bar many, many times and there are almost never shirtless people dancing.

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this? 

A room full of awesome people setting fire with the simplest spark.

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far? 

That our gang has the best spirit of collaboration, the room to let the ideas swirl, to take the ball and run. Or scissors, also running with scissors.

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and NeNe Leakes roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it? 

Jane

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like? (Bonus points if you can name-check an ATL restaurant.) 

Dr Bombay’s Tea Room…on acid

Yeah, we would not be OK in there on acid. We would make a scene. 

8. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: would you want your parents in the front row or would you tell them, “Maybe skip this one, guys…”? 

They should totally come. Maybe polish off some wine first though….

9. Will your show save mankind? 

No, we’ll spend it. But it WILL have some kickass dreams afterwards.

10. Oh boy! A mysterious benefactor gave you a million dollars after your first show! What do you do?

Fleet of color changing minivans for all of our gear.

11. Describe your show in three words. 

Psychedelic brain party

For more information about Flight of Swallows, please visit them on Facebook

[atlantafringe]

The Buzz Intro Interview - Courageous Theater Ensemble

Respondent: Micheal Harrison Name of Company: Courageous Theater Ensemble Name of Show: (Echoes)

“There are truly things words cannot express and very little has changed in the last 300 years regarding affairs of the heart.”

1. Why should anybody see your show?

Because finding (and losing) love is an essential part of the human experience, and something most everyone can relate to.

2. Why Atlanta?

This is our home and we want to push the boundaries of theatre and dance in this city.

3. What inspired you to create this?

We heard the acapella versions of the songs we are using and knew we had to build something out of the haunting sound.

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this?

We edited the love letters to their most stirring sections and then workshopped the spoken and danced material with the cast.  

Editor’s note: (Echoes) is fashioned from love letters of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries, pop music a capellas from the 1960′s, ballet, and postmodern dance movement.

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?

That there are truly things words cannot express and very little has changed in the last 300 years regarding affairs of the heart.

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and NeNe Leakes roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it?

Killer Mike- He deserves it for his support of Bernie Sanders and his commitment to making a positive change in this country.

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like? (Bonus points if you can name-check an ATL restaurant.)

I think that the show tastes like a small plate from One Eared Stag, full of fresh local ingredients, mixing the familiar with a sense of experimentation.

8. Oooooh, a lovely choice! Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: would you want your parents in the front row or would you tell them, “Maybe skip this one, guys…”?

This show is appropriate for ages 8-80 or anyone who has ever been in love.

9. Will your show save mankind?

If anything can, its certainly love.

10. Oh boy! A mysterious benefactor gave you a million dollars after your first show! What do you do?

Tell the cast to quit their jobs and make the first million dollar postmodern dance film.

11. Describe your show in three words.

Life

Love

Loss

For more information about Courageous Theatre Ensemble, please visit their website and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

[atlantafringe]

The Buzz Intro Interview - The KSU Tellers

Respondent: Charles Parrott, director Name of Company: The KSU Tellers Name of Show: "Alone Together: Stories on Stage"

“Creating personal stories requires you to be introspective and honest with yourself.  Our stories are hilarious because they are true.”

1. Why should anybody see your show?  

In a world where people seem to keep getting further and further apart, Alone Together brings audiences together with solo-performers to celebrate the human experience.  If you want to hear storytelling the reminds you want it feels like to be alive then this is the show for you.

2. Why Atlanta? 

Atlanta is our home and it is home to so much great live solo-performance and storytelling.  We are thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of that tradition. Plus, this is our third year at the Atlanta Fringe Festival and we love the staff, the set up, and the whole experience!

3. Awww, we love you guys too. What inspired you to create this?

The KSU Tellers are always striving to find ways to use stories—in this case true stories from our own histories—to connect with audiences. We believe storytelling has tremendous power to enliven audiences, ignite the imagination, and make sense of the human experience. We think of ourselves as storytelling evangelists, so to speak—spreading the gospel of solo-performance everywhere we perform.

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this?  

We’re an ensemble of solo-performers—hence the title Alone Together.  We each have our own process but we work together to help develop our ideas. We give each other feedback, suggest edits and jokes, and act as a will audience for rehearsals. Any of our stories could stand alone but we build them together.

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?

Creating personal stories requires you to be introspective and honest with yourself.  Our stories are hilarious because they are true. Unpacking the truth about your past to create a story isn’t always easy but it’s always rewarding.

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and NeNe Leakes roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it?

We’re letting them all in. We appreciate all that Jane has done for women’s rights. We know Tyler was an amazing solo-performer and independent artist before he became a mogul. Mike is just a badass. And NeNe always keeps it real, just like us—even if she keeps it Real Housewives style.

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like? (Bonus points if you can name-check an ATL restaurant.)

Oh our show is like the wicked-good homemade pickles at Sweet Auburn Barbecue—homegrown, delicious, and one of a kind.

8. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: would you want your parents in the front row or would you tell them, “Maybe skip this one, guys…”?

In a lot of cases are parents witnessed these stories, so come on down mom and dad. Our stories are honest and that can get messy but we take pride in never (rarely?) going for the cheap laugh.

9. Will your show save mankind?

Honestly, it probably will. Hearing the true stories of other people can help us make sense of our lives. It can validate our experiences and make us feel connected to other people. You start getting people to have empathy for one another, the dominos start falling and BOOM! Mankind is saved. That just happened.

10. Oh boy! A mysterious benefactor gave you a million dollars after your first show! What do you do?

We’d donate so much money to the WABE NPR pledge drive that they’d have to give us our own weekly show like Snap Judgment or The Moth Radio Hour. Then we’d kick back and bask in the glow of NPR celebrity status.

11. Describe your show in three words.

Three words: storytelling knock out.

For more information on the KSU Tellers, please visit their website or Facebook page.  

[atlantafringe]

The Buzz Intro Interview - T. Anthony Marotta

Respondent: T. Anthony Marotta, creator and performer Name of Company: Naked Masks Name of Show: (becoming) Hue Man

“I learned that you can engage audiences more deeply sometimes by engaging their imaginations non-verbally to fill the gaps. I also learned a lot more than should be culturally acceptable about puppet circumcision.”

1. Why should anybody see your show?

Hue Man is a “cutting, Chaplin-esque satire,” which engages with male stereotypes directly without cumbersome words getting in the way.   Hue Man is for anyone who is or knows a man, for anyone who wants to smile, laugh, tear up, and ask some questions. People should see this show because it invites them to #opentheconversation about a gender that is struggling. For identity. For freedom. For help. Because we need a re-articulation of what it is to be male in our society. For the majority of men and boys failing at every level of education.  For the shorter lived gender, occupying the most hazardous jobs, dying sooner of nearly every disease, filling more of the prisons and death rows, and committing more suicides. This show is for those who’ve ever used or heard the phrase “man up” or “grow some balls.” It is for the bullies and the sissies, for the He Man and the Girlie Man. It is for those who have seen Vagina Monologues enough times to say, “Yes, I get it and agree. Now, what about penises?”

2. Why Atlanta?

The fair weather.  The Urban Heat. I want to see how Reconstruction worked out.

Actually, the show began as an experimental 10-minute piece in the Puppetry Center’s 2014 Xperimental Puppetry series. It has been heavily developed and internationally toured since then and I wanted to bring the final product back to Atlanta to share the results of the journey with the audiences that birthed its support!

3. What inspired you to create this?

Feminism. The Good Men Project. My son. Fatherhood. My own awkwardness and confusion in life being asked to wear, hide, change, or take off my masks of masculinity. The desire to celebrate what’s good about men and maleness.

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this?

Get pushed into a box for a lifetime.  Break out of the box. Draw something. Build something. Play. Improvise. Devise. Physicalize. Collaborate. Shape. Grow. Write it down. Repeat.

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?

I learned that you can engage audiences more deeply sometimes by engaging their imaginations non-verbally to fill the gaps. I also learned a lot more than should be culturally acceptable about puppet circumcision.

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and NeNe Leakes roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it?                 

Jane Fonda, because she’s badass.

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like? (Bonus points if you can name-check an ATL restaurant.)

It tastes like baby tears. Its bittersweet aftertaste warms you darkly like an “adult” hot chocolate from Java Lords, served to take to your seat at a 7 Stages performance. Its sweetness lingers like the satisfaction of the ample free parking and no cover charge ever at Burkhart’s.

Editor’s note: The entire Fringe staff probably would have died by now if it weren’t for Java Lords. Hooray for coffee and snacks and booze! 

8. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: Would you want your parents in the front row or would you tell them, “Maybe skip this one, guys…”?  

Mom and Dad can come. However, I wouldn’t recommend sitting in the front row. There’s a puppet circumcision and that’s the splash zone.

9. Will your show save mankind?              

Well, with any luck, at least all of Hue Man-kind.

10. Oh boy! A mysterious benefactor gave you a million dollars after your first show! What do you do?  

Heartily say “thank you,” buy a Coke, and sleep that night on a pile of the remaining $999,998.50 in cash until morning when Costco opens and then buy a membership and a bulk box of ramen noodles, smiling broadly about how much money I saved!

11. Describe your show in three words.

Transcending, transformative, tragicomedy

or

#OpenTheConversation

or

Bring a friend.

For more information about Naked Masks, please visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

[atlantafringe]

The Buzz Intro Interview - UGA Graduate Acting Ensemble

Respondent: Katherine Butcher (Producer/ Actor) & Taylor Wood (Playwright) Name of Company: UGA Graduate Acting Ensemble Name of Show: Zoom! Pow! Smash!

“Society is saturated with superheroes in films, TV shows, action figures, etc. Why not throw a play into the mix?”

1.Why should anybody see your show?

Zoom! Pow! Smash! is an original farce that marvels at today’s superhero-obsessed society with crazy gadgets, whimsical costumes, and epic battles. A sidekick rebellion leads to a villainous encounter and a close call of earth-shattering proportions. People should come see Zoom! Pow! Smash! because they will be laughing the whole time and sitting on the edge of their seats in suspense!

2. Why Atlanta?

The UGA Graduate Acting Ensemble is a group of professional actors working towards an MFA in Acting at the University of Georgia. We want to represent our program and show the Atlanta community what great things are being created in Athens! In addition, we are looking to build relationships with the artists at the Fringe Festival in order to aid our transition to the Atlanta theatre scene upon graduation.

3. What inspired you to create this?

Society is saturated with superheroes in films, TV shows, action figures, etc. Why not throw a play into the mix? We created an original work that “marvels” at today’s trends. It not only appeals to the Fringe audience, but provides a relatable platform to convey the importance of teamwork and individuality.

Above: Teamwork! Until the Civil War, yeah. But, still! 

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this?

The show was written with four specific actors in mind, so multiple read-throughs during the process were important. We studied superhero entertainment ranging from The Powerpuff Girls to Batman. We are now applying techniques from Commedia, clown and buffoonery to incorporate our MFA work and challenge our artistic abilities.  

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?

We have learned a lot about farce as an art form, and also how to incorporate the audience in ways that support the action of the play. Also, coordinating different styles of combat with the various superhero “powers” is a big challenge we are excited to tackle during rehearsals. 

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and NeNe Leakes roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it?

Jane Fonda! Her interests in silly comedy, current events and fitness would make her a great audience member!

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like? (Bonus points if you can name-check an ATL restaurant.)

Zesto! From the food to the décor, Zesto embodies Zoom! Pow! Smash! with its neon sign, bold colors, fast food and sweet treats! These elements encompass the essence of our superheroes and the world they live in.

8. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: would you want your parents in the front row or would you tell them, “Maybe skip this one, guys…”?

Families are welcome, but we would rate our show PG-13. There are references to adult content, but no vulgar language or crude nudity.

9. Will your show save mankind?

Duh, it’s a superhero show!!!

Remember when they saved mankind instead of letting millions die as collateral damage. Huh, Zack Snyder? HUHHH??

10. Oh boy! A mysterious benefactor gave you a million dollars after your first show! What do you do?

We would find a wizard we could pay off to make our superpowers a reality!

11. Describe your show in three words.

Zoom! Pow! Smash!

For more information about UGA Graduate Acting Ensemble please visit their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Youtube.