Hello All!

Here we have our first post of 2012!  On behalf of the team of On the Square Productions, we’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year.  We’re really looking forward to what’s sure to be a busy year.

We’ve got lots of things in store for 2012 including changes to our reading series, a wine tasting event, a actor’s trade show, a play festival, and our mainstage production in July!  We’ll also continue with our Artists’ Brunch and Cocktail Hour series.  Whew! So we’re hitting the ground running, needless to say.

We’d love to see you at all of these events!  And if you want to get involved shoot us an email at info@onthesquareproductions.com.  By all means- stay tuned to our blog, Facebook, and website for all details.

All the best,

Jackie, Rachel, and Team OTSP!

Come join OTSP at (our most favorite hangout) Bareburger for a relaxed & tasty Networking Event!

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11TH

12:30pm – 2:30pm

At BAREBURGER ASTORIA

33 – 21 31st Avenue Astoria, Queens

(click here for the very official Facebook invite)

Bring your business cards and come meet other working theatre artists

while you enjoy a fun social event.

On the Square Productions is happy to provide a place for artists to chat, network, make connections, promote their shows, and come meet the core members of OTSP.

Join us! It’s always a wonderful afternoon for everyone.

And who doesn’t love brunch at Bareburger?!

Jackie & Rachel – Executive & Artistic Directors of OTSP

Please RSVP to Michael Swartz at Michael@OnTheSquareProductions.com

—————————————

On the Square is thrilled to have Bareburger’s generous support for the 2011-2012 season.

If you are unable to attend the Artists Brunch on 11th, please make sure you check them out. With locations in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, we know there is one close to you.

Grab a burger, grab a milkshake, or maybe have some carrot cake french toast!

Tell ‘em ‘On the Square’ sent you!

Anna Marquardt, Britt Bonney, & our own Deborah Wolfson (Literary Manager) modeling some tasty Bareburger shakes.

—–

Bareburger in BROOKLYN – 7th Ave & 1st Street!!

—–

mmm… Organic products are good for our bodies & the earth!

—–

Jackie and some tasty-french-toast-brunch-goodness

—–

yep… they have beer too.

—–

CHECK OUT BAREBURGER!

See you soon… at Brunch on the Square!

On the Square Productions was founded & created by two amazingly talented & smart women: Jackie LaVanway & Rachel McPhee. I’m always inspired by women who create their own opportunities & take BIG risks in life. After years of friendship, Jackie & Rachel decided to make a leap of faith & create a theatre company…in New York City. Not a small endeavor by any stretch of the imagination.

People have often asked about the name “On the Square.” People ask about what kind of work we produce & about where this company came from. In a city with over 200 producing theatres, Jackie & Rachel have created a unique place for theatre artists to come together. These two women are the core of OTSP. Without their drive & energy, none of this would exist. The are both very talented, kind, generous, brilliant, & hard-working.

As we come into the holiday season, I wanted Jax and Rach to talk a little about their history. About their journey together.  There will be many more years for OTSP, but for today, here is where these ladies came from…

-logan tracey

Tell us a bit about your personal relationship. How did you meet?

Rach: Jackie and I met at UW – Madison where we both were active in the theatre and drama department. The first show we did together was The Secret Garden. I played Rose and Jackie was Alice, so we both sort of glided around reaching and being ghosts.  We also had bad wigs. Lol.

Jax: I first met Rachel at one of the monthly “TPS Dances” at college.  They were events that the LGBT student org sponsored and they were a lot of fun! Always had the best music to dance to.  I didn’t really get to know her though until we were both cast in the university’s production of “The Secret Garden” playing singing dead Victorian women, Rose and Alice.

When was the first time you knew you were real friends – and not just girls at the same school?

Jax: I think the summer after my sophomore year.  I was home in Louisiana, missing my friends, and Rachel and I kept in touch via email.  She’s a great pen pal!  Then, my junior year/her senior, we had a few classes together and hung out more socially.  She threw many infamous parties at her apartment that were always a blast. She was a huge part of my college experience for sure!  It only got better once she moved to NYC!

Rach: A couple of times stick out in my mind- but I think it was when Jackie and I worked together at the local University conference center , The Pyle Center, was when the bond was solidified. There were lots of adventures. And drinking . Also, a strip bus (story for another time). An acting class where we paid Lenny and Babe in Crimes of the Heartwhich ended in sobs and a slow clap. The list goes on…But, what really sealed the deal was becoming NYC roommates in 2006. A tiny rent controlled number on the UES with a shower in the kitchen and a toliet in the hall. So bohemian and fun! Whenever we had visitors (which were many and often), we would share a bed! We often joked about having a sitcom and joked about having shared a bed with each other more than men!

Can you talk a bit about when you came to NYC and started working in theatre? 

Rach: I moved to NYC off the back of a bad break up and finishing my postgrad program at the Drama Studio London. I hit the audition circuit right away. The first audition I had was for a production of Mad Forest by Caryl Churchill to which I announced ” this is my first audition in New York!” when I entered the room (covers face in horror!) First theatre jobs? My first job was a little number called Now That You’ve Seen Me Naked, while I wasn’t naked, the title was a great selling point. It was a cheesy little musical revue, which actually Jackie fondly remembers as her favorite performance of mine. I wrote and sang a song about an ex boyfriend in it and also had a comic orgasm on stage. It was fun though! It had all the highs and lows of indie theatre, including someone getting fired the day after we opened and getting paid in accordance to how many tickets we sold.  Also,   I met our incredible  web designer Chris J. Handley at that time. My second job, Miss Nelson Has A Field Day at Manhattan Children’s Theatre holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I met associate creative director, Michael Swartz! How funny to think that 4 years later he and his partner would be officiating my wedding!

Jax:  A truly awful show?  Let’s just say it involved me singing gospel hymns!

What was the worst theatrical experience – something stressful, embarrassing, etc. What was the last straw before founding OTSP?

Jax: I think Rachel and I just grew tired of being involved in/hearing about lack of professionalism and lack of artistic merit.  Just because you’re not MTC or The Public doesn’t mean you can’t be classy, professional, and treat other the way you want to be treated.  It’s shocking to see what some actors will do or be required to do just for a credit on their resume.  And it was even more shocking to see how low some producers will steep just to make a buck.  I think we wanted to prove that limited resources shouldn’t affect the quality of your work.

Rach: Oh man, I’ve had many rough theatrical experiences, goes with the territory and helps you appreciate the positive ones more. I think what’s the worst for me is lack of professionalism and disrespect of my time. The things people expect you do to for a project that aren’t artistically (or financially) fulfilling boggles my mind. Also – not having what I need to do my job (someone on book, a rehearsal costume piece) is very frustrating. In my mind OTSP was hatched because we thought we could bring professionalism and respect to the theatrical world. We also wanted to work with (the ever growing) extremely talented pool of people we know! Also, OTSP came at the right time, we started up right before the economy tanked. Though many jobs were taken from creatives with budget cuts in the arts, we were still able to make and give opportunities for ourselves and others, even on a small scale.

Where did the name come from? Why “On the Square?”

Jax: On the Square came from our beloved college town of Madison, Wisconsin where we went to school.  The capitol building is situated in the middle of the town square.  It’s the site of a lot of festivals, and various other cultural events.  You’d hear people say, “So what did you do today?”  “Oh we went and listened to a concert on the square.” Or “We went to the Farmer’s Market on the square.”  By the way it’s one of the best farmer’s markets I’ve ever been to, so if you’re in the Madison area, and haven’t been, by all means go!

Rach: Jax and I are obsessed with Madison- where we went to school. There is cool place on campus known as Capitol square- all the bars, restaurants are in a square surrounding the state capitol building. There were many events that happened up there tagged with “on the square” on the end. We liked it!

Can you talk a bit about the culture of OTSP? The kind of atmosphere you are wanting to create for the theatre artists that come to work with you.

Rach: We want people to have fun above all. If you aren’t having fun and loving what you are working on and who you are working with, there is no point. We also try to be very positive and are extremely respectful of people’s time. We also try to give the artists working for us as much information about a project as we can in the most timely fashion possible. We are often casting readings months ahead of time. We are insanely organized and communicative and very open minded.

Jax: I think it goes back to treating others the way you want to be treated.  We set out to create a community of artists- comprised of mutual admiration and respect.  And also- fun!  Theatre is fun.  It’s a lot of work, sure, but when it stops being fun you know something is wrong.  We want our all of the creatives we work with to feel they’re in a comfortable, nurturing, positive work environment.  Though we take the work seriously, we’re certainly not pretentious and we want to try new things.

Rach LOVES an Iced Coffee

What kind of work do you produce? How do you choose your plays?

Rach: This is an interesting question for us, which is ever evolving and now starting to become more streamlined. When we first started we chose a revival of a play called Quake to produce – it was very female-centric, language based and had a strong ensemble cast. From there, we’ve delved into Shakespeare and have finally arrived at producing  brand new works. I’m a bit of a “yes man” and get easily impassioned and excited by good projects that might not  exactly fit our mission statement! I’m learning to think more critically about how projects fit within the bigger picture and overarching mission of the company. I think that new works are where the most excitement lies.  I’m most attracted to great writing coupled with stellar characters. Due to the success of midsummer, we are also interested in creating work in unique settings and picking pieces appropriate for that.

Jax: I think the common thread in all of the pieces we’ve done is – language, the written word, the text, the dialogue etc…  We get really jazzed about strong writing, with complex characters, in challenging situations.  We’re also attracted to the humanity of the characters in a piece.  Why do they make the choices they make?  What makes them so tragic, or so triumphant?  We really pride ourselves on giving the playwright a voice in both the developmental process and the rehearsal room. I know the more open a playwright is to collaboration (however that may manifest), the more likely we are to want to work with them.

What was the most successful production OTSP has produced so far? Why was is so successful?

Rach: I have two for this one! Our biggest financial success was Midsummer Nights Dream produced in our backyard in Astoria. We had a blast, played to sold out audiences and were able to get a lot of local community support. The 2nd was In Your Image (written by my hubs Rob Benson and directed by our marvelous literary manager, Deborah Wolfson) last winter where we were lucky enough to work a 59e59, an amazing venue with an incredible staff. That show was a huge critical success for us and really solidified our new found commitment to new works and world premieres.

Jax: We measure success in many different ways with each of our productions, but I think the one that encompasses success in terms of audience response, ticket sales, and collaboration was our site specific production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Every single one of our performances sold out! We even had to turn people away at the door!  A pretty amazing feat for an indie theatre company.  There was also something really magical about that piece.  Obviously, Shakespeare was a huge part of that, but the story, coupled the enchanting outdoor atmosphere, the amazing actors, and a top-notch creative team really made for a whimsical little world.  In Your Image by Rob Benson was also an incredible experience.  I think performing in a venue like 59e59 caused us to raise the bar all around.  Everything about that experience was positive.

Rob Benson – In Your Image @ 59E59

As OTSP goes through a big year of structural changes in the 2011-2012 season, what are you most excited about? What are you hoping for this year?

Rach: I love having a team of people behind OTSP. Our events are awesome with the whole group there. I love what everyone brings to the table. In terms Of the future, I’d love to get a few of these grants we’ve worked hard on writing proposals for!! LOL. I’d love to have more people know about us. I’m excited to do theatre for free in the park this summer to see what that sort of audience that brings. I want us to reach out and be active in our community and solidify the educational outreach we have brewing.

Jax: Grant money!  We’ve been hard at work trying to raise funds for our site specific summer production of The Minervae, so it’d be great to have a little bit of a financial boost.  As for what we’re most excited about, I’d say the restructuring of our reading series, which is now two-fold.  With the help of our extraordinary Literary Manager, Deborah Wolfson, we’ve created Square 1, a program for playwright’s whose work is in the very early stages of development.  We’ve also re-branded our regular reading series.  Now called the Write Angle Readings, this program will cater to writer’s whose work is ready for audience response and feedback.  I’m really looking forward to seeing this process unfold and develop.

What are the goals for the next 3-5 years of OTSP? And what is the most important over reaching goal for you two as theatrical producers? If you had one outrageous & over the top goal for OTSP, what would it be?

Jax: Becoming our own 501(c)3 is a big goal for us over the next couple years.  I think we’d love to have a subscriber base and office space at that point as well.  I would also love for us to take one of our shows on the road or internationally.  That’s a lot in 3-5 years so even just one or two of those would be a success.  It takes a village as the saying goes.  I would love for On the Square to grow and continue to assert our presence on the New York Theatre scene.  We want to be a part of that growing movement of artists who, in spite of difficult economic times, produce quality work and have something to say.  I would love for ten, fifteen years from now, for people to look back and say that we were a strong part of that movement.  Wake up New York!  There is solid, interesting, and affordable theatre all around you!  And you don’t have to go to Broadway to find it! I I had one outrageous & over the top goal for OTSP, what would it be? To win an Obie or a maybe even a Tony!  Now THAT would be outrageous!

Rach: To produce on Broadway! To win an Obie, Tony or Drama Desk ! To have our own space! I think the ultimate, ultimate ( maybe I am crazy?) thing would be to act in a show that we produce on broadway, maybe? Hey- it could happen!

What is you’re favorite thing about running OTSP? What is the thing you like least?

Rach: I love seeing a projects come together and thinking, essentially, “We made this  happen.” I love working with artists that I respect and am inspired by. I love planning for the next project, it’s all very invigorating. I suppose the thing I like least is that I wish we could be compensated financially for the work we do.  I spend hours every day (outside of my survival job, auditions, and developing my own acting career) doing administrative duties for the company and it would be nice to call OtSP my full time job. But, regardless ofthat, I love it. I have an endless amount of energy for it because I believe in the work and the company so much.

Jax: Running your own theatre company is like putting together a puzzle.  I really enjoy looking at all the elements and figure out how to best assemble them.  It’s really rewarding, to step back, and you think “Wow!  I helped put that whole thing together!”  As for things I dislike, I’d say that sinking feeling you get when you have a low turn out for an event or a particular performance.  We know it’s great, and we’ve been busting our butts trying to put it together for the past few months, so it’d be great if more people saw it!  But it’s the nature of the beast.  Not all of your shows or special events are going to have a high turn out, and you just have to make peace with the risk factors.

What is the most unexpectedly rewarding and positive experience you had had because of OTSP?

Rach: Having the opportunity to work with and get to know the group at 59e59. The whole experience was very serendipitous. My then boyfriend (now husband), the talented playwright Rob Benson, was sending  a new play out to theatres and  59e59 was interested, but said he needed to work with a company to produce it, which is where Jax and I came in. That was a professional moment of clarity for me personally. A beautiful clean space with a wonderful staff and operations team. I just thought this is where I wanna be- as a producer, actor, professional artist. I also never realized how much I enjoy producing. Its been an interesting road. I love acting in our projects and I’ve finally figure out how to negotiate those two hats in a way I feel comfortable with, which is pretty cool.

Jax: I’m always really touched when people say they’ve enjoyed working with us, and spread the word about OTSP.  That encouragement drives us to continue producing our own work and create opportunities for other artists.  It’s always really nice to hear we’re doing something right!  This past season, it’s also been really rewarding working with our five company members- Michael, Deborah, Logan, Emily, and Rob.  Each one bringing special talents and ideas to the table.  They keep Rachel and I in check for sure!  We are so grateful for their time and energy.  We couldn’t do it without them!

What are you most grateful for this holiday season?

Rach: I am really a lucky gal and have lots to be thankful for: my fantastic husband, my kitty, my incredible supportive friends and family members, having a job, good health, and also forging new artistic ground with some the best people I know.

Jax: Friends, family, and good health!

Blast from The Past… Dressed as Each Other for Hallowen!

Rach & Jax: OTSP meeting at BareBurger (just this past week!)

Friend us on Facebook!

Follow Us on Twitter #OTSP

See you soon On the Square!

On Monday November 7th, OTSP held the second in the Developmental Reading Series…

THE  MINERVAE

Set in the dying days of the Roman Empire, The Minervae tells the story of one mythological goddess who refuses to move over for the fashionable new “cult” of Christianity. Jilted, Minerva sets out to re-convert the converted. Standing in her way are the schemes of the other Olympians: bitter Vulcan, volatile Mars, ambitious Apollo, and the enigmatic Diana. It’s a titanic clash of faith vs. revelation, with mortal Man caught in between.

The cast featured: Rob Benson, Charles Andrew Callaghan*, Colleen Horan, Christopher Kloko, Jackie LaVanway, Brad Makarowski*, Rachel McPhee*, Marnie Schulenburg*, Lavita Shaurice* & Michael Swartz
*Actors Appearing Courtesy Actor’s Equity Association

————————————————

Directed by Dev Bondarin and written by Steven Bost, The Minervae came together beautifully with only eight hours of rehearsal! The reading was a wonderful experience and we are looking forward to seeing this play thru it’s development.

It was such a pleasure for us to begin the process with Mr. Bost!

—————————

Rehearsal Photos: Lavita Shaurice & Colleen Horan; Dev Bondarin w/Cast;

Marnie Schulenburg, Charles Andrew Callaghan & Brad Makarowski

——————————

At the Reading: Rachel McPhee (leading the cast as Minerva); Charles Andrew Callaghan, Jackie LaVanway, Rob Benson, & Christopher Kloko; Rachel McPhee & Charles Andrew Callaghan

———————————–

One Final Photo from the TalkBack!

Led by Duane Tollison, we see Steven Bost answering questions & getting feedback.

Keep checking back here for more info on special events, holiday happenings, and more exciting work from On The Square.

——————–

All photos you see in this post are copyright of & were taken by:

Erin Mayhugh Photography

“Erin has a unique ability to capture marketable headshots that will get you auditions and work. She knows exactly what casting directors and art directors are looking for because she is one. Erin got her start working with modeling agencies as an MUA, fashion stylist and production coordinator for commercial shoots in the Midwest. After leaving a position as an agency director for a commercial modeling agency in the Midwest, she relocated to NYC in 2005 and transitioned to become a casting director for major motion pictures, TV, print and commercials. Her credits include music videos for Dave Matthews Band, numerous commercials, TV series and films including 27 Dresses, August, Birds of America and I Am Legend.”

STAY TUNED for an awesome Headshot Special from the lovely Erin!

On Monday November 7th, 2011 On the Square Productions will perform the second piece in our Developmental Reading Series. We are very proud & excited to be working on THE MINERVAE by Steven Bost. With an incredible cast, led by our own Rachel McPhee Benson, OTSP is thrilled to begin the process of bringing the play to life.

A Bit About the Play:

Set in the dying days of the Roman Empire, The Minervae tells the story of one mythological goddess who refuses to move over for the fashionable new “cult” of Christianity. Jilted, Minerva sets out to re-convert the converted. Standing in her way are the schemes of the other Olympians: bitter Vulcan, volatile Mars, ambitious Apollo, and the enigmatic Diana. It’s a titanic clash of faith vs. revelation, with mortal Man caught in between.

Logan Tracey, our Marketing and Social Media Coordinator, was lucky to be able to interview the playwright, Steven Bost. In this interview you see some light shed on the politics, the people, and the heart of this exciting new play…

How far along in your personal writing process are you with The Minervae?
This will be the third draft of the play, which first got on its feet for my senior project at DeSales University. In its newborn stage it was half the length with a wink-wink jokiness that didn’t really suit what I was thinking about, and even (I think) insulted my alma mater’s president, Father O’Connor. We got closer to giving it some depth in 2007 for a staged, costumed reading. Truthfully, I’d say I’m still only halfway through the task of getting it all out of my head and across to an audience.

What are you hoping to get from seeing this particular reading of the piece? Any questions you want answered now?

I can’t really say what I want to see out of this one–I’d rather ask that of the actors, particularly those who are returning or reprising their roles from four years ago. Obviously, they were provoked by it enough to want a re-do, and to hear their thoughts on why is enough to fuel my own writing. I’d be content just to learn that every actor feels his or her character is important and makes a meaningful contribution. That would certainly mark an important milestone for me on the long road of this play.
 Can you talk a little bit about working with a Director at this stage? Does the director help to lead & guide? Do you ever get a totally new perspective from the director?

To be honest, I’ve only just waded in with our director, Dev Bondarin. We’ve talked on the phone, and that was our first contact. She seemed to get a lot out of asking me some of the same questions you’re asking me here. I told her, candidly, that I’m simultaneously excited and ambivalent about having her and the dramaturg begin to challenge me on specific points in the play, but I use ‘challenge’ in its positive sense. Rationalizing why I wrote some of the things I did can be scary, especially since inevitably some of them will turn out not to make sense. This project could prove to be the first time I’m forced to prove that I’m actually wearing clothes, if you take my meaning.

How did you find On The Square?

I met Rachel first, through Michael Swartz (OTSP’s Associate Artistic Director), our mutual friend and tireless theater Renaissance man. Jackie came next, through Rachel, I think. I did stand-up comedy for them at a few variety benefits for OTSP.
What drew you to this time period? ie: language? politics?

I’ve been into mythology since elementary school, and taken it seriously since I came across a heavily tattered paperback of Edith Hamilton about 8 years ago. That book and I spent a lot of good times together. I suppose the time period appeals to me for a few reasons: the language is rich, since for over 2000 years the Greco-Roman world was the alpha and omega (see?) of allusion and reference. The politics are of course interesting, too, and not just because of the overworked cliche of comparing America today to Rome in its decline. The Romans did resemble us (in their bureaucracy and their patriotism, their proclivities in entertainment, etc.) but for much of their history practiced a religious form that is, to our 21st century minds, high fantasy. There’s enough to play with there that it could almost be its own literary sub-genre.
Can you talk a little bit about why this play? Why this story? – for you as a storyteller.

My goal is not just to have some fun with mythology. I have things to say about Christianity today. It isn’t dealt with in a sophisticated manner anymore. One side of the aisle is people terrified of authority and certainty, and the other is childish people absolutely desperate to be ordered around. But what not enough people acknowledge is that we all worship … something … eventually. Even if what we worship is denial that we worship. So, while I’m not setting out here to prove God through theatre or anything, I want to re-open a book that too many arrogant people consider closed.

Can you talk a little bit about crafting human character in a time period so different from our own? Is it any different from working with contemporary characters?

I thought so at first, but what got onto the page turned out to prove me wrong. The god characters dress up their words, which lets them feel high and mighty, but in every scene at least one of them drops the facade and just talks plain. If, by definition, the gods were as flawed as the mortals who created them, then those silly flaws would be revealed in their behavior, and indeed they are. Then there are the new Christian converts! Those people must’ve been endlessly confused, and no matter what I could think of to put in their mouths, I’m certain their actual historical counterparts said and asked things even more embarrassing. Their way of dressing may have been different, but I have no doubt they were as dizzy and daffy as we are today. Maybe moreso.

If I’m an actor in your play, what really excites you about a specific performance? Any actor pet-peeves?

It is particularly fun to hear an actor or actress deliver the sexy lines, since I’ll have no idea when they’re in my head if they’re in fact sexy or just deranged. I’ll confess that there’s a little fantasy fulfillment there. I, as a playwright, really have no pet peeves about actors. I have always trusted my directors to bring everyone to an ensemble. While listening to rehearsals, I’ve felt the temptation, like every writer, to alter a line reading so it’s bent to my meaning, but I try never to give in. Call me a doe-eyed Platonist, but if the line hews closely to its universal form, it will make sense to the actor and in turn to the play as a whole.

How do you feel seeing your work performed in the moment? where in the audience do you usually sit?

It’s the best feeling I’ve experienced, and when I do get those occasions, they’re the only time I really feel like I’ve found my calling. All of the rest of my occupations should be in service to getting that feeling more frequently. I sit in the back, one hand clenched in the other til it’s lost feeling. No need to make eye contact with the actors. By the time the play’s ready to get on its feet, I feel tranquil about it.

Is a play ever finished? Do you ever hit Save and think, ‘yep. that’s done now?’

For the goofier one-acts I’ve written, yes. For this particular play, no, I don’t think it’s ever done. It’s already 7 years old, and as I said, it’s only maybe halfway there.

Get your tickets now! FREE glass of wine is included with all Brown Paper Tickets orders!

The Minervae
By Steven Bost
Directed by Dev Bondarin

Featuring: Rob Benson, Charles Andrew Callaghan*, Colleen Horan, Christopher Kloko, Jackie LaVanway, Stephen Lin, Brad Makarowski*, Rachel McPhee*, Marnie Schulenburg*, Lavita Shaurice* & Michael Swartz

*Actors Appearing Courtesy Actor’s Equity Association

Free glass of wine included with brown paper tickets purchase.
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/206965

Over the past few months, we here at On the Square have been working closely with Michael Roderick, independent theatre consultant and CEO of Small Pond Entertainment.  His ideas and advice have been invaluable, and we couldn’t be happier with how our company has grown since we started working with him.  He’s had a great deal of experience in the industry from the indie scene- to off-Broadway to Broadway.  Currently, he’s offering a 25% discount to friends and followers of On the Square.  You can sign up for these sessions via Event Brite here.  Just make sure you use the code “onthesquare”  He’s also offering an early bird discount for his Solving for “X” for Actors, Writers, Directors, and everything in between!  For any questions, feel free to shoot Jackie or Rachel and email or email Michael at smallpondenterprises@gmail.com.

That’s right- us!  On the Square has recently joined ART/NY and we can’t speak highly enough of it!  If you don’t know you can find out more here!  ART/NY is service and advocacy organization for the NYC Not for Profit community.    It’s mission:

We’ve super thrilled to be a part of this organization that includes such members as The Transport Group, Playwrights Horizons, Signature Theatre Company, the Drama League, and many many more!  Joining this organization will not only connect you with others in the NY Theatre Community, but will also give you access to tons of workshops and resources to help you grow and develop your company.  We’re having a ball signing up for all of these classes!  Make sure to check them out!

Just in case you missed it, here are a few pictures from our 2011-2012 season kickoff event, Suffer the Brink of Us reading by Delaney Britt Brewer.  We had such a fantastic cast and audience, we can’t wait til the next one!  Check us out!

Our Fantastic Audience

Ari Rossen as "Elliot"

Logan Tracey and Elizabeth Audley

A Fantastic Cast!

On Monday September 12th 2011

On The Square Productions presents the premiere developmental reading of the 2011-2012 season.

Suffer the Brink of Us
By Delaney Britt Brewer
Directed by Kara-Lynn Vaeni

Featuring: Elizabeth Audley*, Bettina Bilger,  Chase Burnett, Charles Andrew Callaghan*, Emily Ernst, Wyatt Kuether*,  Ari Rossen*, Logan Tracey*, Amanda Tudor*

*Actors Apprear Courtesy of Actors Equity Association
image above by: Giovanni Neri

Click here for Tickets to the Reading

Click Here for the Facebook Invite

On a weekend of the biggest blizzard in years, 8 old college friends gather in a desolate log cabin in upstate New York for a weekend of careless debauchery and boozy catch ups. However, a well-kept secret and a hungry forest of supernaturally large deer-gone-rogue, turn this innocuous gathering into an unraveling of horrors. Using bourgeois activities like a high stakes book game and a loaded dinner party, society takes a deep turn into its dark heart.

Delaney Britt Brewer’s past works include Wolves (59E59).  She is a former 2008 Dramatists Guild Fellow.  Her work has been produced and work shopped at Center Stage, Ensemble Studio Theater, Theater at St. Clements (for the New York Musical Theater Festival), Theater Row, The Abingdon, Collective Unconscious, The Chernuchin at the American Theater of Actors, and The Wings Theater. In New York, she has directed and assistant directed shows at Chashama, Center Stage and Under St. Marks, and regionally for Triad Regional Stage and UNCG Summer Rep Theater.
She is also a member of Firework Theater.

Ms. Delaney was kind enough to let Logan Tracey of OTSP ask her some questions about her process and this new play.

Take a quick read and come to the reading on Monday September 12th

So… go! Get a ticket! And come see this  fresh new piece in development with

On the Square!

We are very excited about the new season and the opportunity to bring our work to you!

Check out our website for the full Season Announcement and also for information on Suffer the Brink of Us- the first Developmental Reading on September 12th at 8pm.

But we want to use this post to tell you about our

New York Innovative Theatre Nomination for Best Short Script.

Our production of Monroe, Illinois: Over Here / Townie, by Aaron Wigdor Levy, and directed by Deborah Wolfson is up for the nomination. The awards ceremony is on September 19th, 2011 and we will keep you posted!

For more information on the NYIT Awards check out their website here.

Monroe, Illinois: Over Here/Townie is written as two separate one-act plays which were first produced as part of the OTSP developmental reading series. Both plays are set in fictional, working class town of Monroe, Illinois. Over Here revolves around a widowed matriarch, Patty, and her two children, Nora and Danny, all of whom are coping with the death of their husband/father who was killed in Iraq. Townie tells the story of one Woman through 30 years of her life, from her engagement to her marriage, the birth of her children, infidelity, and divorce. The deterioration of the traditional American family is the tie that binds.

Our production took place in December 2010 at The Flea Theater

below: Logan Tracey (left) Marketing & Social Media Coordinator and Jackie LaVanway Artistic Director at the NTYI Awards Nominee Announcement

Keep checking back for weekly posts about all the goings on at On The Square Productions.

email us at info@onthesquareproductions.com for any inquires