Rapp, Nelson, Mann join Perspectives on Criticism; latest NY conference schedule

Rapp, Nelson, Mann join Perspectives on Criticism; latest NY conference schedule

Feb. 1 — The previously announced Bartlett Sher is out, but playwrights Richard Nelson, Adam Rapp and Emily Mann, plus Playwrights Horizons artistic director Tim Sanford are in. As previously announced here, both the Friday and Sunday sessions are at the Baruch Performing Arts Center, entrance at 25th St. between Third and Lexington Aves., south side of the street. For the latest schedule …

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, FEB. 4  — How Critics Can Enhance Their Theatre Experience

Held at Baruch Performing Arts Center, 25th St. between Third and Lexington Aves., south side of the street.

9:30: Coffee, bagels and chat in the lobby.

10:00: Greetings, overview of the weekend, introduce new members.

10:15: John Malatesta, managing director of the Baruch Performing Arts Center, will introduce us to this fairly new state-of-the-art facility of Baruch College (CUNY).

* 10:45: Scene from “Duet,” Otho Eskin’s play about Eleonora Duse and Sarah Bernhardt, directed by Ludovica Villar-Hauser with Angelica Torn, followed by short discussion.

* 11:15-12:45: Discussion with some of the most influential acting teachers in the country on the various techniques they use to help actors create a role and understand a play. Co-moderated by Sherry Eaker and Ronald Rand, author of “Acting Teachers of America.”

Panelists are: Bill Esper (William Esper Studio), Sabra Jones (Actors Studio, co-founder of NY’s Mirror Repertory Co.); Joanna Merlin (actor, teacher, casting director), Terry Schreiber (T. Schreiber Studio); Sande Shurin (“Transformational Acting”); and Mary McCann (Atlantic Acting School).

* 12:45-1:45: Buffet lunch in the lobby.

* 1:45-3:00: “Perspectives in Criticism,” with award-winning directors and playwrights on the state of the art in this time of the fragmenting of critical voices. Moderated by Ira Bilowit. Confirmed so far: Tim Sanford, artistic director Playwrights Horizons, and playwrights Richard Nelson and Adam Rapp.

* 3:00 – 4:00 pm: Further discussion of these and other issues in small breakout groups. Coffee/tea available.

4:00 pm on: Dinner and theatre on your own.

SATURDAY, FEB. 5 — Brunch with the Stars at Sardi’s (44th between Times Square and 8th Ave.)

In our longstanding tradition, we invite lead actors or creators from a dozen Broadway shows to share lunch and chat, and then speak to a topic posed by an ATCA member.

Confirmed: Stacy Keach (Other Desert Cities), Dana Ivey and Paxton Whitehead (the improbable lovebirds in The Importance of Being Earnest), Linda Lavin, Lily Rabe (Portia opposite Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice), Colin Quinn, Andre De Shields, Dan Lauria (title role in Lombardi), Judith Light and Jeffrey Wright.

10:00: Coffee, cash bar.

10:30-11:30: Arrival of celebrity guests and mingling.

11:30-12:45: Sit-down lluncheon and introduction of guest theater artists.

SUNDAY, FEB. 6 — The Digital Critic

Held at Baruch Performing Arts Center, 25th St. between Third and Lexington Aves., south side of the street.

9:30: Coffee and bagels.

10:00-Noon: A session on what the digital critic needs to know: how to set up/maintain a blog, what to look for in a web designer, copyright issues, how to set up links, count hits, generate ad revenue, etc. ATCA members Andy Propst (American Theatre Web, Playbill.com) and Leonard Jacobs (http://clydefitchreport.com/) will be joined by Andy McGibbon (Playbill.com, Theatre.com, TheAndyGram.com), moderated by Jonathan Abarbanel (Windy City Times).

You’ll be able to follow the discussion and examples projected on a large screen.

Questions? Contact Chairs Sherry Eaker and Ira Bilowit.