The Actors Studio Free Theatre at Raw Space is presenting Clifford Odets' "Awake and Sing!" from Jan. 13-31. Shows run Wed.-Sat. at 8 pm, with matinees on Sat. and Sun at 3 pm. Directed by Salem Ludwig, the cast features Robert Baumgardner, Richard Durham, Mark Ethan, Robert Heller, Anne Jackson, Avram Ludwig, Salem Ludwig, Martin Shakar, and Katherine Wallach. Theatre is located at 529 W. 42nd St. Admission is free. Info: Ticket Central (212) 279-4200 (1 pm-7 pm)
Sitcom Writing Anyone?
Tip-East (To Increase Production in the East) announces its Eighteenth Writers Sitcom seminar. The 12-session seminar is designed to initiate a limited number of professional writers‹meaning a writer whose work has been produced or published‹to the techniques of sitcom writing and production. The sessions will be led by a group of writer/teachers experienced in sitcom production and will be devoted to developing a script from conception to completion.
Criteria for Eligibility: the professional writer must submit a resume which includes credits, bylines, and titles of work along with a listing of any course or degrees in TV/film. In addition, the applicant must submit an original outline‹not more than two pages‹for a single episode of a current on-air sitcom with a completed first act only (15-20 pages) included. And, the material must be registered with the Writers Guild of America, East. A copy of the registration certificate submitted with the application.
Applications may be obtained at New York Chapter of NATAS, 1560 Broadway, Suite 503, New York, NY 10036.
Deadline for applications: 5 pm, Thurs., Feb. 18.
There will be a $450 fee for the seminar, which may be extended with extra sessions to a total of 16.
Freebies at the Public Library
On Mon., Jan 25, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts will present "From Ballet to Broadway: An Evening with Donald Saddler." Dancer-director-choreographer Donald Saddler danced with the American Ballet Theatre in the 1940s. He won Tony Awards for his choreography of "Wonderful Town" and the revival of "No No Nanette." He also choreographed "Milk and Honey," the revival of "On Your Toes," and other musicals. He has also done his share of choreography for film and television. The program will start at 6:30 and be held at the Great Hall at Cooper Union.
On Mon., Feb. 1‹same time, same place‹the library will present "An Evening with Robert Anderson." Playwright-screenwriter Robert Anderson will be discussing his more than 50 years in theatre and film. Among his notable works: "Tea and Sympathy," "You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water's Running," "I Never Sang For My Father," among others. His screenwriting credits include: "The Nun's Story," (Academy Award nomination); "The Sand Pebbles;" "Tea and Sympathy;" and "I Never Sang For My Father" (Writers Guild Award; Academy Award nomination). Prior to the program, refreshments will be served in the Great Hall lobby by the West Village restaurant, Tea and Sympathy.
LeNoire Award Noms Due
The deadline for nominations for the Actors' Equity Association's Rosetta LeNoire Award is Mon., Feb. 1. Each year, the LeNoire Award honors theatres, producing organizations, and individuals for "artistic contributions to the universality of the human experience in American theatre." Winners must show "an exemplary record in the hiring or promotion of ethnic minorities and female actors through multi-racial and/or non-traditional casting," according to Equity.
To nominate an individual or an organization, send the name of the nominee, your name, address, and phone number to: Actor's Equity Association, Attn: Willie Boston, 165 W. 46th St., NYC 10036.