Book Expo America

May 30, 2010

During the past week we spent part of one day at Book Expo America.  We didn’t go to the conference (it’s expensive and we doubted our small press would benefit enough) but we did visit the exhibit area  where hundreds of exhibitors had set up booths.

I thought I would share some of my thoughts here.  First, I really don’t know who is the target audience for this annual event. Barbra Streisand was the keynote speaker (she has written a book which will be out in the fall).  Throughout the hall various celebrities were  autographing their latest books.  (I never did find out if you had to own the book and bring it with you or if they were available for sale on the floor.) The large publishers and various large distributors had large booths.  Along the periphery were smaller/mid-size publishers, basically sitting alone. 

To be allowed into the exhibition hall, you just had to fill out a simple form and pay a fee. Never having been before, we felt it was time we checked it out.  What did we learn? Basically, it was a chance for us to talk one on one with various companies that provided services pertaining to e-books (that’s really why we went — this is a topic we know is changing all the time).

My thoughts — Barnes & Noble wants to have as big a presence online with e-books as they do with regular books.  They are encouraging small presses such as ours to sign up and be able to upload content on your own.  That’s what we did with the Kindle and it seems to be working out quite well. B&N’s system will be up and running by the end of the summer and I’m sure we’ll have a presence there. Apple, for their iPad, and Sony for their e-reader seem less interested in dealing with small presses.  It isn’t that you can’t get your content in their stores, it’s just that they make it a bit harder (using a middleman to get your content online, etc.). 

Another thought I had as we wandered the aisles and look around is that the hardware is far more advanced than what anyone right now is capable of really making use of.  When the suppliers of content catch up, it will be a whole new world again.  I can hardly wait to see what the next few years have in store — how different will ‘reading’ be and will we take advantage of all the powerful technology that’s just on the horizon.

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Ma-Yi Writers is currently seeking submissions for membership

May 19, 2010

This item submitted by Ma-Yi Theatre Company

The Ma-Yi Writers is currently seeking submissions for membership.  We plan to review submission materials now through the end of the summer, and invite new members to join us starting in September 2010.  

Currently led by Co-Directors Qui Nguyen and Lloyd Suh, the Lab is a professional peer-based workshop in permanent residence with Ma-Yi Theater Company, designed to nurture, develop and produce Asian American playwrights in New York.

Submit an application.

Note:  NYTE Small Press is committed to providing a range of topics and perspectives to our users. We make every effort to obtain articles from knowledgeable, trustworthy sources, but we make no warranties or representations with regard to articles written by persons outside NYTE Small Press.

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Obies Awarded to Playwrights We Published

May 18, 2010

The Obies were given out last night and I am delighted to say several of our playwrights were recognized.  So very exciting for all and congratulations to all.

Informally structured, with no strict categories, The Village Voice OBIE Awards honor excellence in off-/off-off-Broadway theater. Unlike most other entertainment awards, The Village Voice OBIE Awards publish no nominations. In the conviction that creativity is not competitive, the judges may give multiple OBIEs in any category, or even invent new categories, to reward exceptional artistic merit.

Taylor Mac received a Special Citation for his extraordinary work, The Lily’s Revenge.  NYTE Small Press published Taylor’s earlier play, Red Tide Blooming in Plays and Playwrights 2007.  A well deserved award.

Two of our playwrights joined forces to be part of Three Pianos, also awarded a Special Citation. Rick Burkhardt and Alec Duffy and Dave Malloy were noted for this most interesting work produced at the Ontological.  You will get a chance to see the piece at the New York Theatre Workshop next year.  Rick’s unique, original one act, Conversation Storm, is published in Plays and Playwrights 2009.  Alec’s The Top Ten People of the Millennium Sing Their Favorite Schubert Leider is a delightful piece which was published in Plays and Playwrights 2006.

An Obie Grant was awarded to Vampire Cowboys.  This is the talented company who bring us so many fight spectaculars.  It’s run by Qui Nguyen & Robert Ross Parker. One of their earlier pieces, Vampire Cowboy Trilogy,  is published in Plays and Playwrights 2005.

NYTE Small Press is so very proud of our playwrights’ achievements and the fact that they have been noted with these awards. Read their plays, see the newer work they produce.  I am sure you will enjoy.

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New Work by Josh Fox and Eric Bland

May 14, 2010

Josh Fox (PP06) and his company, International Wow May 6-23 at the Ohio –

RECONSTRUCTION memorializes the OHIO Theater’s pending closure in August. The production focuses on the foreclosure crisis in both the housing and cultural spheres. The production highlights the debacle facing the OHIO Theater and many of New York’s most valued cultural institutions, featuring scene after scene of foreclosure, including one where a theater company, performing the Cherry Orchard is kicked out of it’s theatrical home.

Eric Bland (PP09) and his company Old Kent Road Theater at Bushwick Star May 13-22 –

Our 22 minute piece is a ‘contemporary ecstasy’ called ‘Are We Bourgeois, Mon Amour (A Psycho’s Analysis).’  I call our piece a ‘contemporary ecstasy’ because that is what we are after—the nodes of despair and apotheosis within the ways we live today as New Yorkers.  We hope to use the comedies of desire, philosophy, and physicality to discuss and dispel the notion that our age is post-ideological, post-historical, post-vital.

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Plays and Playwrights 2010 Author Interviews

May 12, 2010

Just posted the final interview by the authors of the plays in Plays and Playwrights 2010.  There are 10 great reads — Martin sure asked interesting questions.

These interviews add great insight. You really feel as though you have had a chance to get to know each of them. 

Read the interviews to find out which one of the authors worked with Joe Chaikin;  who won a NYIT award last season; and whose piece doesn’t take place in a theatre?

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Save 50% On a 2 Book Purchase

May 12, 2010

I know that many of you discovered our small press years after we started.  You may not be aware of the great material in Plays and Playwrights 2001 and 2002.  So before these anthologies go out of print, I would like to be sure you can add them to your bookshelves.

Now through June 30, buy both volumes (retail value $30) for just $15.  And, of course, shipping is free.

Here’s a great way to become acquainted with the work of Julia Lee Barclay who has been extremely successful in London with her theoretical, ensemble based pieces based on her early, Word To Your Mama.

And Trav S.D.’s House of Trash is a forerunner of his vaudeville style work that has gained so great a following.  Trav is the author of the well received book on the history of vaudeville “No Applause, Just Throw Money”.

Of course this is also a great chance to read Marc Chun’s Match which has been produced more than 30 times since we published it — probably the most perfect piece for any small company or school production.

Visit our website for more information about Plays and Playwrights 2001 and 2002.  Then take advantage of this great special limited offer pricing.

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JOHN GUARE TO SERVE AS JUDGE FOR YALE DRAMA SERIES

May 10, 2010

This item from Sam Rudy, publicist

In accepting the position, Mr. Guare remarked: 

“In a few short years, the Yale Drama Series has asserted itself as the preeminent playwriting contest in the English speaking world.  This annual event has become a playwright’s dream… 

Are there guidelines?  What are we looking for?  Diaghilev said it best. When Jean Cocteau asked the great impresario what he wanted, Diaghilev simply replied ‘Astonish me’.  Don’t worry.  Sometimes the simplest truths can be the most astonishing.  And then again – not. The Foundation and Yale’s goal is to uncover and give new voices to the theater.  We welcome all entries to this celebration of the playwright.”

The winner of the Yale Drama Series – given annually to an emerging playwright — is awarded a prize of $10,000, publication of the play by the Yale University Press, and a reading at the Yale Repertory Theatre. The David C. Horn Foundation funds the annual international playwriting competition.

Submissions for the 2011 Yale Drama Series competition must be postmarked no earlier than June 1, 2010 and no later than August 15, 2010.  The competition is open to any original, unpublished, and unproduced full-length play in English.  For complete contest rules, please visit www.dchornfoundation.org/.

Note:  NYTE Small Press is committed to providing a range of topics and perspectives to our users. We make every effort to obtain articles from knowledgeable, trustworthy sources, but we make no warranties or representations with regard to articles written by persons outside NYTE Small Press.

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New Play by James Comtois

May 5, 2010

James Comtois (PP’07) has a new play coming to the Kraine in June.  His theatre company, Nosedive Productions will be producing The Little One. From the press release:

Cynthia, a fledgling vampire, is taken under the wing of a more venerable one, Marie. Marie tries to teach her little one how to hunt and be merciful towards humans. However, like all rebellious children, Cynthia has ideas of her own on how to make the most out of immortality.

Watch for more details soon.

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BMI’s Musical Theatre Librettists Workshop Accepting

May 4, 2010

This item from Jamil Walker, BMI

BMI has announced that the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Librettists Workshop is now accepting applications for membership. This unique writing program is dedicated to the development and discovery of bookwriters for the musical theatre. The deadline for applicants is May 15. The application can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/dwmeZd .

The Workshop’s goal is to clarify the special techniques of writing for the musical stage. BMI fully sponsors the Workshop; there is no cost to participating writers. Most members of the Librettists Workshop are accomplished playwrights, but some join the Workshop after experience in screenwriting, journalism, or other literary disciplines. The Workshop has become a springboard for new works, a resource for new collaborations, and a talent pool known throughout the theatrical industry.

Broadway Literary Manager and scriptwriter Nancy Golladay serves as Librettist Workshop Moderator. Members meet weekly to present work in progress and to participate in peer discussion. Golladay has also created a number of innovative programs where Librettist members work on short-term projects with members of BMI’s songwriting workshops to promote collaboration and networking among the groups. Occasional guest lecturers visit the Workshop to discuss other aspects of the theatre business. Participants learn musical theatre skills both through moderated critiques and from the examples shown by the group’s senior members.

To apply to the Librettists Workshop, writers must submit samples of their work with a résumé and completed application form by May 15. In addition to bmi.com, application forms and information may be obtained by contacting: 

Jean Banks, Senior Director, Musical Theatre, BMI
320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 

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EBE Ensemble’s Call for Submissions of New One-Act Plays

May 3, 2010

This item from Montgomery Sutton, EBE Ensemble

EBE Ensemble is accepting submissions for their fourth annual new one-act play festival, Elephants on Parade 2011.

Between three and six plays will be selected for the festival, which will run for two or three weeks in April 2011 in New York City. Selected playwrights will receive a small stipend, be invited to participate in an audience talkback, and be featured in an online interview series surrounding the festival.

Submission Guidelines:

      • One-Act plays, less than 25 minutes in length.

      • Only electronic (emailed) submissions will be accepted.

      • Playwrights may submit up to 2 plays for consideration. Both plays should be attached to the same email message.

      • Plays may not have received their New York premiere (though readings, workshops, non-professional school productions, or productions outside of the New York metro area are allowed).

      • Plays may have no more than 6 characters, and no more than 1 character may be outside of the ages of 16-35. 

In addition to the play, all submissions should include:

      • Full contact information (email, phone, and mailing address) in the body of the email.

      • A writing resume (any other artistic resumes may also be included) attached.

      • A brief synopsis (less than 150 words) in the body of the email.

      • A complete scenic and character breakdown, including ages and any special requirements, in the body of the email.

      • All submissions must be received by July 31, but earlier submissions are encouraged. Selected playwrights will be notified by September 1. 

To submit, please send all requested materials in PDF, DOC, or RTF format to literary@ebeensemble.com. 

Submissions cannot be considered for the festival until all required materials have been received.

For more information, please visit www.ebeensemble.com or email info@ebeensemble.com.

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