Writers & Artists' Scott Packs for NY
By Chris Gennusa
(BPI) Writers & Artists Agency president and founder Joan Scott will relocate next month to the company's New York office, where she will join partner William Craver. Company partners Norman Aladjem and Marti Blumenthal will remain in Los Angeles.
"I love New York's creative energy," said Scott, a New York native who reps such actors as Brendon Gleeson ("The General") and Judy Parfitt ("Dolores Claiborne"). "There's more and more work being done with European, especially English, filmmakers. I want to be nearer to that."
Scott founded Writers & Artists (then called Joan Scott Inc.) in 1970 in New York. With the help of money lent to her by clients, Scott opened the Los Angeles office in September 1973. The agency was renamed Writers & Artists several years later.
Is Scott planning to retire any time soon? No way. "I'm as healthy as a horse. I'll never retire from agenting," she said. "I love what I do."
Chris Gennusa writes for The Hollywood Reporter.
"Casper' Producer Warns West End
By Jeremy Austin
LONDON-"Casper" producer Patrick Nally has warned that the West End is failing in the battle for tomorrow's mass market musical audiences with the new generation of bigger, arena-style venues.
He said lessons had been learned from the failures of his multi-million pound show, which originated in the Butlins holiday camps, adding he would be looking to produce its sister production, "Spiderman," in arenas for limited runs.
"The shift in live entertainment is going to big markets and big arenas. I think the West End is going to have to adapt," he said.
Although the story of the friendly ghost has enjoyed full houses at weekends, weekday performances during term-time have suffered, Nally admitted. He said he still hopes to bring another Butlins-originated production, "The Mask," to a central London venue.
However, the theatre would have to agree to new running times which would better suit a family audience.
Originally published in The Stage Feb. 10, 2000 and reproduced, in edited format, with its permission. The Stage is at www.thestage.co.uk.
TKTS Booth Redesign Contest
The results of an international architectural competition to redesign the discount ticket booth known as "TKTS" on Duffy Square are in. Four finalists-first, second, and two third place winners-and four honorable mentions have been selected out of 683 entries from 31 countries, making the contest the largest architecture competition in New York City history.
The competition was sponsored by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), the nation's largest not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, and is a project of NYC 2000, the city's official millennium committee. The design competition was run by the Van Alen Institute, a New York-based organization committed to improving the design of the public realm.
The first place winners, earning $5,000, are John Choi and Tai Ropiha, from Sydney, Australia. Second place winners ($3,000) are Ove Arup & Partners/Thomas Phifer and Partners, New York City. The two third place winners ($2,000) are Lissoni Associates, Milan, Italy; and Leo Mieles, Toronto, Canada.
These designs and over 40 submissions will be on display at the Van Alen Institute (30 W. 22nd St.) from Feb. 18 through May 1, 12 noon-6 pm. In addition, The Municipal Art Society is hosting an exhibition at The Urban Center (457 Madison Ave.) featuring more than 200 entries from the competition, Feb. 15-March 15, 11 am-5 pm.
According to a press release issued by TDF, "These inspired designs will fuel the next stage of the project."
Black Film Fest to New York
A touring film festival showcasing the best in independent black cinema opens March 3, at the Cineplex Odeon Worldwide Cinemas, 601 Eighth Ave.
Called BLACKFILMFESTAMERICA2000, the festival, which runs through March 12, will feature three films by African-American filmmakers in an effort to promote black and urban-inspired cinema.
The films are "Park Day" directed by Sterling Macer; "Personals" helmed by Michael Sergeant, and "Pieces d'Identites," directed by Mweze Ngangura.
For screening times and information: (212) 219-7285.
Career Transitions for Dancers
Career Transitions for Dancers (CTD) sponsors "Career Conver-sations on Opportunities in Performing Arts Health Care," Feb. 28, 5 to 7 p.m. at Miller Health Care Institute, 425 W. 59th St., Ste. 6A.
Panelists will speak about careers in acupuncture, physical therapy, psychotherapy, osteopathic manipulation, and The Pilates method of body conditioning, as well as administrative positions in a medical office.
Another program titled "Creative Options, Outlets and Attitudes: Dancers Speak" will be offered April 10, at SAG, 5-7 pm. The seminar is free, but registration is required. Call (212) 581-7043.
TRU Love Cabaret Benefit
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents its second annual event to raise money to support new works in theatre. Called the "TRU Love Cabaret Benefit," it will take place Mon., March 6, at 7 pm, at Saint Peter's Church, 619 Lexington Ave. (entrance on 54th St.).
Among the Broadway actors scheduled to perform are Tony Award-winner Roger Bart ("You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"), Tony-nominee Barbara Walsh ("Falsettos," "Big"), B.J. Crosby ("Smokey Joe's Cafe"), and Luba Mason ("Jekyll & Hyde").
The donation for tickets is $35 for TRU members and $50 for non-members. Check or money order must be received by Feb. 29. Send to Theater Resources Unlimited, 309 W. 104th St., Ste. 1D, NYC 10025. For more information: (212) 714-7628.