Category Archives: playwriting

All Hail #FringeFemmes! Meet Joy Regullano

Female Artists, Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , ,

By Constance Strickland

We know that when there is cultural and racial equality in theatre, it makes room for artists of all walks of life to contribute to the history of theatre. It is vital that we make room, make way for women from all backgrounds to have a chance to be included in the future of theatre. With excitement I introduce Joy Regullano, a first time Fringer and fringe scholarship recipient in the house! Joy’s #HFF19 musical, SUPPORTIVE WHITE PARENTS, is a hilarious example of following your dreams even if it breaks the dream our parents imagined for you.  

Constance: How long have you’ve been sitting with this work? What led you to Fringe and why now?

Joy: I had this idea kicking around in my brain for a while, but finally got down to writing it when I took a UCB class in January 2018. I had been wanting to put it in Fringe since then, but I didn’t get around to rehearsing it and getting the music written until Fringe had already passed. So I applied for the Fringe scholarship as soon as I was able to and got it! Then I was like, well, now I have to do it at the Fringe haha. It kicked my butt into gear.

Constance: The work is now out there. How does that feel?

Joy: It feels really cathartic to have written this, since it deals with a lot of family stuff I’ve been working through. It also feels really great that so many people seem to be resonating with it. Even though this is a deeply personal story, pretty much everyone has parents, and most people can understand wanting your parents to love you for who you are.

Constance:  What has been the biggest discovery or surprise doing your show?

Joy: It’s fun finding new bits every time we perform it. I’m so fortunate to have an incredibly talented cast that’s gifted in improv, so we keep it loose and fun while still keeping it tight. (Oxymoron, I know.) And it’s surprising that this piece resonates with so many people. I filled it with all my life’s specifics (I’m got tired of changing my family’s names – I’ve written so much about them), and yet people still find a lot in it that they can relate to. The standing o’s have been really surprising, and I’m so grateful!

Constance: What’s been your biggest challenge in terms of the Fringe?

Joy: It’s always hard to coordinate 7 people’s schedules, especially if the 7 people in question are actors in LA. It’s also been hard to get butts in seats–I get it, LA folks are busy. 

Constance: What do you hope audience members take away from your show?

Joy: I hope that if they are parents, they learn to see and love their children for who they are instead of trying to mold them into a perfect idea of what they think their child should be. And if they’re not parents, I hope they can learn to radically accept their own parents (and really everyone in their life) for who they are. We’re all doing the best we can. We’re all only human. We’re imperfect and flawed, and that’s okay. And if they’re Broadway producers… 

For more information on SUPPORTIVE WHITE PARENTS in HFF19, visit https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5601

Joy Regullano

All Hail #FringeFemmes! Meet Shanara Sanders

Female Artists, Fringe Festival, playwriting, , ,

By Constance Strickland

We know that when there is cultural and racial equality in theatre, it makes room for artists of all walks of life to contribute to the history of theatre. It is vital that we make room, make way for women from all backgrounds to have a chance to be included in the future of theatre. It is my honor to introduce Shanara Sanders, a writer, singing femcee and creator of new content. A first-time Fringer in #HFF19 with her new show ASK A BLACK WOMAN, she is a Chicago Native who stormed into the L.A. scene  in Disney’s ALADDIN.

Constance: How long have you’ve been sitting with this work? What led you to Fringe and why now?

Shanara: I ran the series and podcast, “Ask a Black Woman,” since 2017, but wasn’t sure how to develop it into something more impactful. I’ve been sitting on writing the actual script ever since I saw the phenomenal “Unapologetically Black” solo show by Misty Monroe premier at HFF18.  I just had to do it! The concept of having people of all backgrounds engaging a Black Woman in real dialogue is timely in this racially charged climate we live in. HFF is perfect to express provocative and progressive content without boundaries.

Constance: The work is now out there; you’ve given it away. How does that feel?

Shanara: If I die today, I feel accomplished by producing work that I persevered to create (in so many ways!), and will leave a mark on this world.

Constance: What are you enjoying most doing your show? What has been the biggest discovery?

Shanara: The response is the biggest discovery.  I had some doubts in the early writing stages because I knew there was no way to sugarcoat the topics. People of various backgrounds have been very receptive so far. It’s like, I’m only responsible for creating truthful art, not how others feel.

Constance: What’s been your biggest challenge in terms of the Fringe?

Shanara: The balancing act of technical/administrative/marketing vs the creative/acting side.  When you’re indie, there are limited funds, so I had to do so much myself. It was like bootcamp!  For example, just working on files for QLab and creating cue sheets my first time ever was a monster!  It took up so much time (I have over 80 audio/visual cues!).

Constance: What do you hope audience members take away from your show?

Shanara: The mission of this solo show is to ponder the assumptions and actions people make toward Black Women. You are to leave with intention to implement one corrective action that affirms Black Women. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking them.

For more information on ASK A BLACK WOMAN in HFF19, visit https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5539

Shanara Sanders

All Hail #FringeFemmes! Meet Megh Gwinn

Female Artists, Fringe Festival, playwriting, , ,

By Constance Strickland

We know that when there is cultural and racial equality in theatre, it makes room for artists of all walks of life to contribute to the history of theatre. It is vital that we make room, make way for women from all backgrounds to have a chance to be included in the future of theatre. It is my great pleasure to introduce Megh Gwinn, writer of CATHARSIS in #HFF19. A first-time Fringer!! Her solo show was developed to process, self reflect, and digest as she states, “the (de)stabilizing effects of adoption.”   

Constance: How long have you’ve been sitting with this work? What led you to Fringe and why now?

Megh: I’ve been building Catharsis since February when I began devising it as a part of my final thesis at Scripps College, but most of its text comes from an essay reflection I wrote for a class two years ago. Also, this is my first time doing the Fringe! My professor and producer, Jessie Mills, suggested the festival as a way for me to engage art and theatre outside of an academic setting as a recent graduate! The ability to do art outside of my usual context gives me renewed energy and excitement to engage the world around me. Thus, the Fringe is a space for me to deepen my understanding of self and explore what types of communities I’d like to be a part of post-grad.

Constance: The work is now out there; you’ve given it away. How does that feel?

Megh: Scary! Imposter syndrome is real and I know that I’m my own worst critic. But people have been nothing but supportive and I’ve been receiving great feedback. So, this experience has also been relieving. I think the Fringe has been useful for helping me realize that I do know what I’m doing and that I am an artist.

Constance: What are you enjoying most doing your show? What has been the biggest discovery?

Megh: I am enjoying the intimacy of the space in which I’m performing Catharsis. It makes me feel like I’m a child performing in my bedroom again! Each time I perform I have the opportunity to reflect on my words and feelings. Throughout this process, my biggest discovery is realizing that I’m not as angry at my birth mother as I was when I was younger.

Constance: What’s been your biggest challenge in terms of the Fringe?

Megh: Having just come from college, I was accustomed to sharing my world with a certain community. But, the Fringe blew that social circle wide open and it’s been a process learning to lean into vulnerability in a new social setting.

Constance: What do you hope audience members take away from your show?

Megh: I hope audience members come away with reflections on their relationship to the idea of “mother” and what they’ve allowed to define them throughout their lives. And perhaps, more simply, an appreciation of the quiet ways parent-figures show love.

For more information on CATHARSIS in HFF19, visit https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/6235

Megh Gwinn

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Clementine

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , ,

by Eloise Coopersmith

Quick peeks at #HFF19’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO:  April Wish

WHAT: Clementine

WHERE: Lounge Theatre  6201 Santa Monica Blvd. LA, CA 90038

WHY: A touching exploration of motherhood. The playwright/actress invites the audience to share moments of humor and tenderness, highlighting truisms about millennial parenting, such as “your heart lives outside your body.” Developed with & directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, the production highlights an appreciation for the challenges of being a parent in an entertaining and engaging way. This one woman show demonstrates the actress’s ability to provide richness to multiple characters.

HOW:   https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5725

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Sugarfree Foster Care Cognitive Dissonance

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , , ,

by Constance Strickland

Quick peeks at #HFF19’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Shari Walker

WHAT: Sugarfree: Foster Care Cognitive Dissonance

WHERE: studio/stage 520 N. Western Ave

WHY:

Shari’s story will sneak up on you and blow your heart away. You’ll find her ability to smile and persevere – through obstacles that no child should face – to be more than inspirational. It will cause you to take action.

I love that Shari is not only an actress but an activist who has something that needs to be said in a theatre. As you go on this journey with her, you’ll see how she gained such a contagiously bright laugh, despite her trials and tribulations. You’ll find that pain can be used as fuel, that what makes us angry can also be released through love and support, that anything is possible if you give yourself a chance to thrive. Shari has done just that and has become a resource and beacon of light for the foster care community, using her voice to create change on a Federal level. Go support this persistent young lady!!

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5839

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Hide Your Fires

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , , ,

by Kate Motzenbacker

Quick peeks at #HFF19’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Yokko (Choreography, Concept and Performance) Text by Sean Michael Welch & William Shakespeare

WHAT: Hide Your Fires: Butoh Lady Macbeth

WHERE: Lounge Theatre (Lounge 1) 6201 Santa Monica Boulevard

WHY:

Yokko’s work onstage is nothing short of riveting. She’s created a spare, text-light piece that follows the events of Macbeth in a way that’s both highly physical and mostly focused on Lady Macbeth’s interior life. Honestly, it’s chilling. I’ve seen more than my fair share of Macbeths, and I still couldn’t look away. If Butoh excites you, go see it. If Macbeth turns you off, consider going to see it anyway. 

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Ya Basta

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , , , , , ,

by Constance Strickland

Quick peeks at #HFF19’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Jeanette Godoy

WHAT: YA BASTA: TIME’S BEEN UP

WHERE: Assistance League Theatre 1367 N. St. Andrews Place

WHY:

As soon as you walk in the theatre you feel a contagious energy – you are bearing witness to a special performance where actors and non-actors share the stage to honor the promotoras who’ve fought for their community, the safety of their bodies, better working conditions and have built a union connecting janitors across the state of California. Written and directed by Jeanette Godoy, this play is powerful and full of urgency as it gives insight into the battles endured by immigrant janitors who fought to protect women working late night janitorial shifts. This fight for women, led by women, redefined how immigrant women were seen in the workplace. It is a testament to the power of coming together and sacrificing by any means necessary. Go see this show – by the end of the show you’ll be shouting YA BASTA, Sí Se Puede!

HOW: htttps://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5731

(Email, call, or show up in person to hold state representatives accountable and guarantee their support for AB 547.)

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Alive-ish

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , , ,

by Constance Strickland

Quick peeks at #HFF19’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Anabella Funk

WHAT: Alive-ish

WHERE: The Broadwater (Studio) 1078 Lillian Way

WHY:

A great gift is to be reminded of the power of stillness. The show opens with a live cellist, violinist and pianist while Anabella stands looking at the audience. This brave moment seems to last an eternity; you begin to feel uncomfortable and immediately know that this show will not spare your heart. Through her use of ballet en pointe, song, multiple characters (all performed by Anabella) and modern dance, Anabella captures the heart of the audience with her penetrating eyes and daring ability to share painful truths with intense intimacy. She has a keen sense of humor, and takes us on a journey of youthful innocence, trauma and survival. Tackling issues that many don’t come back from, Anabella shows us that art is a constant saviour; it will always give us new breath, a new life on our own terms. Go see this show and hope you can get in!

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5875

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Jessie’s Messy Mind

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , ,

by Constance Strickland

Quick peeks at #HFF19’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Jessie Knowles

WHAT: Jessie’s Messy Mind

WHERE: Studio/Stage  120 N. Western Av, Los Angeles 90004

WHY:

We are living in times when – now, more than ever – it is vital that we share experiences that can save lives. For too long, mental health has carried a negative stigma and a stamp of shame, discussed behind closed doors. Jessie refuses to live this kind of life and brings the audience into her personal experience of living with bipolar and schizophrenia hallucinations. Her fearless humor and directness draws the audience in, not through pity but hope. The original songs brought to life with Jessie’s beautiful voice, and her dancing, are gifts to the audience as she reveals how she’s been able to thrive and live her best life! GO! This is a celebration of the mind, body and heart. A yummy example of how much you can bear even when you think you can’t keep going. Keep going!

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/6004

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Monkey Mind

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , ,

by Eloise Coopersmith

Quick peeks at #HFF19’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes
WHO:  Terri Weiss

WHAT: Monkey Mind

WHERE: McCadden Theatre  1157 N. McCadden Place

WHY: This is an amazing show! The music, the talent, the script make this one of the shows you don’t want to miss at the fringe this year!

Written by Terri Weiss, directed and choreographed by John Coppola, composed by Geraldo Herrera Benavides with lyrics by Bill Berry this musical brings the challenges of a young girl coping with loss who though music finds harmony and family. This uplifting musical brings the audience to their feet as they celebrate the ability of the human spirit to recover from tragedy.  This is a show for the whole family.

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/4954

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”