This summer, I had the pleasure of taking part in the 2018 Spring/Summer Festival. My play O Negative came to life thanks to the support of Robert and the Festival team. O Negative is a project I began 15 months ago, a total labor of love, and I’ve spent countless nights dreaming about the day it would take the stage. I discovered the Summer Festival in December and it felt too good to be true. Pay a small fee and receive a full run, an audience, and a venue, while retaining total control of your process? Incredible. I held auditions for my play in March, finding what I can confidently say was a stellar cast. From June 11-July 16, we toiled tirelessly, convening nightly from 6-9 to bring the Palmer family to life. We entered tech on July 16 fully prepared, and this is thanks to Robert. He runs a tight ship, so we knew exactly what to expect.
Robert graciously taught my stage manager how to use the theater’s light board and then exited the house, leaving us to our own devices until our show opened at 6:15. We valued his assistance, but even more so, we valued the trust he instilled in us and so appreciated the full reign he gave us in the theater. We had 30-40 people each night, but it felt like a full house. The intimacy boosted our energy level by a whopping 10%.
Additionally, I have to thank Robert for his kindness. He took the time to get to know me and my family, even introducing me to a gorgeous song that included my name in the title. Though this festival may be big (there are approximately 100 plays entered at this moment), I didn’t feel like my show was just another entry. You will find going in that this festival has rules, but Robert provides rationale for each rule, and you will realize instantly that he is on your side.
I’ve emerged from this process artistically fulfilled, transformed, and rejuvenated. I would return to this festival in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a chance to blossom, look no further: NYTheater Festival has your back.
~ Bella Florence – O Negative
Marsha Johnson, Playwright of – MOONDANCE