The Writers Studio at the CVRep Conservatory is expanding its program of public readings over the course of the 2018-19 theatrical season. While continuing to offer its ‘Writing for Performance’ workshop, the group will present a three-tier program of readings of original plays, dramatic and personal monologues, poetry, standup comedy, and other types of performance to Coachella Valley audiences.
The ‘Twilight Salon’ events are the most informal of the readings, taking place roughly three times a year. Salons are held in an ‘open mic’ format where Studio members can test out early-stage work before a public audience at the CVRep Conservatory space. The next Salon will be held on Saturday, October 27 at 4 p.m. Admission is free and tickets are not required, but there is a suggested donation of $5.00 to help support CVRep Conservatory programs.
The ‘Twilight Café’ is the summer festival of new writing. Writers present new work in a rehearsed, magazine style format. This is for more finished work. Held on the CVRep main stage in June, over the last few years the annual Twilight Café has drawn sell-out crowds and audience acclaim. Tickets are required and the admission price is $15.
New this season will be a ‘Twilight Showcase’ series of more formally staged readings that fill an evening with work by only one or two writers – a full-length play, multiple one-acts or one-person shows – that were developed in the bimonthly workshop. The first Twilight Showcase will be held on December 15 at 7 p.m. with a staged reading of “The Desert of Love,” a new full-length play by member playwright Bruce Bonafede. Tickets are $15 and available through the box office at 760-296-2966 or at www.cvrep.org.
“This expansion of our program is in response to both the growth of our workshop membership and the progress our members are making in their writing,” said Andy Harmon, who facilities the workshop and will also direct both the Twilight Café and Twilight Showcase events. “While our readings are not professional CVRep productions, our audience is growing and telling us they want to see more new work from our members. We’re working to accommodate that demand.”
‘Writing for Performance’ is a drop-in workshop facilitated by director, playwright, actor, and instructor Andy Harmon. It is produced as part of the educational program of the CVRep Conservatory. Membership is open to all writers who are interested in becoming better storytellers, developing their presentation skills, and learning what performance has to teach. The workshop is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Each drop-in session is $15 at the class. The workshop is for adults only.
For more information, please email Andy Harmon at andy@actorsmind.com or CVRepwritersgroup@gmail.com.
