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The Power of the Camera

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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The Power of the Camera
The chances are that people all around you are up to something. And by that I don’t just mean cheating on their tax returns. They are creating, they are writing, they are shooting, they are planning and scheming and all that energy is well worth taping into.

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From time to time I get a bit stagnant in my work.

I need distraction, I need inspiration and I need it quick and dirty.

There is no better way to grab all of that and everything else that you need, for that matter, than to help out others on their projects.

Collaboration as motivation and inspiration…

Whether you lend them a car for a shoot, or your house, or give them some input on their script, or an idea for a location, or actually show up and work, whatever you do for them, you are doing for yourself.

Because without collaboration nothing would ever get done, and, and this is the important bit I think, you won’t feel connected to the real and achievable possibilities the universe has on offer in bucket loads. The universe has designed these opportunities just for you. They are bespoke, as they said in the nineties. They are real and they are right there, waiting for you, you just need to open your self-obsessed little eyes and look beyond your immediate framework of needs.

Here is a classic example of what I am talking about.

And it happened to me just a last week…

So you may or you may not have heard all about this Actors Equity Union, ’I love 99’ furore. I am based in the NoHo Arts district, so it was pretty hard for me to ignore, if I’m honest. And as I am now being completely honest, apparently, I wasn’t really certain it had anything much do to with me or my work.

Of course it does…

I review theatre, I enjoy theatre, I cast my projects often from the theatre I see, and I live and work in NoHo, which is only an arts district in the first place because of these 20, under 99 seat theatres that would be brutally effected by the changes Equity proposes.

Basically what the brilliant people at Equity management are concerned with is the under 99 seat theatre agreement, which at present allows theatre with under 99 seats to run Equity sanctioned productions, employing both Equity and non-Equity actors, to produce theatre with no intention for profit, or pay. They have this special arrangement because there is no profit, because these theatres are tiny and have no money…but they still produce vitally important plays, some of which get picked up by larger theatres that do have money and can therefore pay the cast and crew and even offer Equity memberships to those actors who are non-Equity. SAG has the same kind of allowances for film through their SAG New Media contracts, which I use on every single film I produce and with which over 30 actors I have cast have been able to to join the union.

So basically, Equity wants to tell these theatres that they can go ahead and produce any play they want to, but they can’t use Equity actors any more, unless they pay them for their time.

What this will mean is that all these theatres won’t be able to cast Equity actors, and those Equity actors, who rarely get work in the handful of Equity houses in LA, will be unable to perform, even in self-produced theatre….

How ridiculous….

So the Equity actors who also thought this was ridiculous, which is basically all the Equity Actors in LA, got together and held a march in NoHo, because ironically, since NoHo has more theatres than anywhere else in LA, Equity just moved their head office here…

And I, in some mysterious series of events that are still unclear to me, got roped in to “doing a bit of filming.”

This “bit of filming” turned into me staying throughout the entire event, marching with the 500 or more furiously chanting actors up Lankershim Blvd, and filming the speeches the event organizers made to rapturous applause outside the union building.

Well, I had a fantastic time….

I actually felt like a war correspondent or something, and let’s face it, when was the last time we saw a good union rally, or a good protest in LA? I suppose it was the writers’ strike and that was what, 2007?

So I filmed everything.

I got out my new monopod, secured it to my camera and off I went. I filmed the gathering of the forces at base camp, the rabble rousing by the organizers, the enthusiastic start and the more enthusiastic arrival at Equity.

I filmed the singing, the chanting, the waving of signs, the smiling faces, the camaraderie, the passion and the limping. I filmed the kids in strollers, the dogs barking, the ukulele strummers and everyone in between.

I filmed everything…

And the funny thing was, although I began the day not quite relating to the event itself, on a personal level that is, by the end of the day I was a passionate conscript to the cause. Ihad bumped into a few people I had worked with in the past – reconnecting – and I had pretty much cut a short film in my head before I had even reviewed the footage.

Success!!

I didn’t anticipate that I would go anywhere beyond shooting a few minutes of footage of the beginning of the march….

So what did I learn from all this, and, more importantly, what can you learn from all this?

Well, I reminded myself that film is not separated from theatre at all and especially not in this town. All the theatre actors are also film actors after all and what is important to them should be important to me. As a director I want my actors to feel appreciated. I want them to feel connected to the work and to feel respected. It’s shocking that their own union doesn’t feel that way and I am appalled on their behalf.

It takes a village to make a film. And as I have mentioned many, many times, you can have the crappiest camera in the world, but if you put amazing actors in front of it, no one will ever notice.

Film may well be a director’s medium, I can agree that theatre is an actor’s medium for sure, but as filmmakers we rely on our actors to tell the story, to speak the lines and to move the audience.

Sure, we can cut around bad performances, we can make good one’s sometimes better, but when you have an actor who takes everything to another level, who magically transforms what you thought you wanted into something else, something better…then all the hard work, the long hours of preparation and hair pulling and last minute shenanigans seem more than worth it.

An actor can make a film great…

So we should connect without fellow artists and support them and rally behind them at every opportunity.

I was proud to be in NoHo that day, proud to be a part of the fight and proud to film it.

Here’s the finished piece, please excuse the occasional wobble, myself and my monopod were slightly buffeted by the wind, and completely moved by the words spoken…

Power to the people!!!!

Who Knew Dude Quilters Were So Dope?

nohoarts
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There’s no misnomer to these “man”-made quilts. Man-Made: Contemporary Male Quilters is exactly that, a dude quilting exhibition at the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM).

I drive by the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) every day on my way home from work.

I always seem to hit the red light at the Curson-Wilshire crossroad directly in front of it. While usually I would call it a punishment light for how frequently I have to stop there, I actually really enjoy it. I get time to check out what phrase CAFAM has written on the chain link fence in the combination of knit, stuffed lettering. Last time I saw the fence it read “#BlackLivesMatter.” Today it read “Be the Change.” I’m so glad I finally parked my car and went inside.

I walked up on a Sunday to pay the entry fee ($7 General Admission), and come to find out Sundays are pay-what-you-can, donation-based. Now this is an institution that understands the place art has in Angeleno culture, I thought. The positive tone had been set: CAFAM understands that art is more than a money-making or investment enterprise, and should be accessible to all.

I donated the seven bucks I was already expecting to, and walked to the third floor exhibit: Man-Made: Contemporary Male Quilters.

You don’t have to work hard to see how mold-breaking this exhibition is. Each artist’s work is far from simple, but easily appreciated since quilting is proliferately an American pastime (albeit not generally associated with demographics outside of grandmothers). There really is a harmonious contrast between the traditional and the contemporary.

The artists featured in Man-Made are: Joe Cunningham, Luke Haynes, Jimmy McBride, Aaron McIntosh, Joel Otterson, Dan Olfe, Shawn Quinlan, and Ben Venom.

While I feel like any verbal representation of CAFAM and Man-Made will cheapen how wonderful it is, I’m too excited to not talk about some of my favorite artists from the exhibit. But before I do that, truly, go see it. I’ll be the blogger version of Dora here: don’t question me, just do it.

The first of the exhibition artists I’d like to highlight here is LUKE HAYNES:

Luke Haynes sets the tone for Man-Made, and with his display situated to the left of the entrance, he does it without needing to physically be front and center. Taken from The American Context, his series features friends in poses mimicking American artists’ works, but in contemporary garb. Quite literally. Jeans become jeans, and a lace top becomes a lace top. Haynes truly sets the tone for the exhibit: craft meets fine art as one of the most beautiful and challenging mash-ups around.

BEN VENOM:

Ben Venom goes as masculine as you can get with quilting. And then he flips you on your head. Ben Venom takes you on a journey from teenage-you cutting up your rock t-shirts to the Civil Rights movement to Sistine Chapel-reminiscent American Patriotism (I couldn’t help but feel he does it all while mocking Ed Hardy).

JOE CUNNINGHAM:

Cunningham quilts human-sized paintings comfy enough to wrap around a human being. All too appropriate is how Cunningham reinvents what a quilt is. He holds it up to what would be considered “traditional” art as a framed painting, and reinvents how a hanging piece can physically comfort you, as it emotionally comforts him when he feels hopeless against world plights and catastrophes.

DAN OLFE:

Self-taught quilter, Princeton graduate with a PhD from California Institute of Technology, Dan Olfe embodies ceilings shattered. In the real world, as well as the art world, Olfe knows no boundaries. Or at least shows that he breaks them down and doesn’t take no for an answer. He began his quilting career by conceptualizing quilts using graphics software. In a craft space predominately seen as a “feminine”, Dan Olfe embodies a fully rounded man, artist, human, you name it. Exactly what we expect to be seen in the 21st century.

JIMMY MCBRIDE:

(yeah, that’s a quilt up above, not a painting). Nuff said.

AARON MCINTOSH:

McIntosh’s work is very personal and poignant. His Forest Frolic (above) is perhaps the most minimalist quilt of the show (quite physically in terms of fabric), but one that pushes the envelope and the bounds of contemporary art in a big way. There’s an offbeat feeling in having a craft associated with family and history, express voyeurism and loneliness. McIntosh tackles not only these massive concepts of insecurity and chronic ache, but also the topic of overt homosexuality in rural spaces.

Another way CAFAM allows you to get to know the artists is through a video loop of artist documentary-style interviews. Nothing is left out when it comes to what you expect of CAFAM’s crafty niche. Not only was it hosting a quilting workshop with Luke Haynes the day I visited (advanced registration only), but there was a section dedicated to creating a makeshift, miniature quilt. A basket with triangles and quilt pattern suggestions is placed near the entrance/exit, so visitors can string together their own, community version of a quilt.

CAFAM found its niche in the art world, and simultaneously the cutting edge of Contemporary Art. Not only is CAFAM monetarily accessible to all, it’s also intellectually accessible to all. The availability of each artist’s work in a non-pretentious presentation CAFAM fosters comes from concept, craft, and the well-constructed artist bios that bring home how these are men in the 21st century fighting the good fight against stereotype. Non-pretentious is, however, not to be confused with the polished and professional display CAFAM presents.

The Craft and Folk Art Museum was more than worth braving weird Sunday traffic. CAFAM is currently running several exhibitions aside from Man-Made until May 3rd, such as Focus Iran: Contemporary Photography and Video, and Jonas Becker’s The Pile. Don’t worry…the entry fee covers all exhibitions.

Jonas Becker’s The Pile (above).

Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM), 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036; through May 3, 2015

Really. California Gets Pennies.

Lisa Bianconi
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Really. California Gets Pennies. But we contribute so much.

“On March 26, in a historic show of bipartisan and bicameral support, the Maryland Senate unanimously passed HB 70 and HB 72, … With this passage, the budget fully restores arts funding for FY 2016 to the mandated level of nearly $16.8 million.” — Washington Post & States Art Action Network, March 31, 2015

Maryland has a population of less than 6 million. California — with over 38 million residents — is hoping to pass an arts budget of $10 million. That’s about 26 cents per resident. Maryland is at $2.80 and Minnesota at $6.54 per resident. But even 26 cents is a vast improvement over last year when we were at 13 cents and two years ago when we were last in the nation at 3 cents per person.

Why is California — home to so many artists and the largest creative economy in the world — so deplorable at funding the arts? Because politicians here don’t think you care.

But that’s not unusual. It’s echoed at the federal government level, too.

Setting any social benefits aside, if you just separate federal government funding by Return On Investment, the arts is scandalously underfunded. Consider this: agriculture contributes $775 Billion to the Gross Domestic Product and receives $149 Billion in government support. Arts and Cultural non-profits contribute $159 Billion to the Gross Domestic Product and receives a paltry $150 Million in government support (NEA). Agriculture returns five dollars to GDP for every $1 of government subsidy. Arts and Culture returns $1,000 for every dollar of government subsidy.

So why isn’t government investing more in Arts and Culture? YOU.

Politicians need two things: money and votes. Agriculture is a big business that donates millions to politicians, and even though there are many more arts patrons than farmers, they make agriculture funding a condition of their support. And they are organized. Artists vote at 83%, far above the national norm, but almost never make politicians afraid they won’t vote for them unless they support the arts. And we don’t engage our audiences in our cause.

So what can you do? Send a letter to your state legislators letting them know you support increased arts funding in our state, and tell everyone you know — including your audience –to do the same. Click HERE to how to find your legislator. And don’t forget to cc the California Arts Advocates president Rick Stein rick@californiaartsadvocates.org.

Thank those politicians that support, warn those that don’t, that you vote and the arts matter!

Thanks,
John Gallogly

John Gallogly is Executive Director at Theatre West and a board member of both the California Arts Advocates and Californians for the Arts.

John Gallogly Theatre West www.nohoartsdistrict.com

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre Presents A COLLECTION OF WORKS

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Dancers Clayton Velasquez and Dale Jordan – Photo by Genta Carter

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (PBDT), (formerly known as Media City Ballet Company), Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director and Choreographer will kick off it’s 14th Anniversary Season at the historic El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Boulevard (at Weddington Street), North Hollywood, CA 91601 with a fresh new show of classical and contemporary dance entitled, “A Collection of Works” to be presented on the Main Stage at the El Portal Theatre on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. In addition, two other new productions soon to be announced will be presented at the El Portal Theatre in September 2015 and November 2015 respectively, as part of Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s 14th Anniversary Season.

Photo 2 Alexander Fost Photo by JONO Photography 021
Special Appearance by Alexander Fost, So You Think You Can Dance Season 8 Finalist – Photo by JONO Photography

Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director and Choreographer of Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre said, “‘A Collection of Works’ will feature beautiful Pas de Deux’, Pas De Trois’, Quartets and Ensembles set to music of both classical and modern contemporary composers. The program will feature our company’s most accomplished and experienced professional Soloist dancers.”

Alexander Fost (of Alhambra), a Season Eight Finalist of So You Think You Can Dance, will make a special appearance in the show. The production also features 10 other PBDT Soloist dancers, including: Elan Alekzander (of Anaheim), Artur Aleksanyan (of North Hollywood), Grigori Arakelyan (of Glendale), Irina Gharibyan (of Burbank), Ani Hovhannisyan (of Glendale), Elen Harutunyan (of Tarzana), Pamela Ortega (of Burbank), Julia Sanches (of Santa Clarita), Damara Titmus (of West Hills) and Clayton Velasquez (of West Hollywood).

The program will feature “Chopin Pieces” set to the music of Frédéric Chopin’s romantic Nocturnes, intense Etudes and his melodic Fantasie-Impromtu; the World Premiere of “A Beginning, A Detour and an Open Ending,” a modern contemporary piece of a man fighting for his identity choreographed by Clayton Velasquez set to the music of Imogene Heap; “Searching,” a new Adagio contemporary ballet duet set to the music of Kevin Keller; “Black Coffee” in which four dancers hash out their blues set to the music of k.d. lang; and “Fire and Drums,” a dance of speed, strength and passion set to American Indian Drumming.

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre has received much critical acclaim in the media. The Los Angeles Times has written: “The ambitious troupe has much to be proud of,” while The Burbank Leader wrote: “The dancers are focused and have lovely technique.” The Daily Splash has written: “The dancing left much of the audience with their mouths open as they watched in awe. The flexibility and the grace that all of the performers displayed was breathtaking. This was a magical evening that will not be forgotten.”

Tickets are $41 and $51 and may be purchased by calling the El Portal Theatre Box Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. by calling 818-508-4200 or through TheaterMania operators from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., seven days a week by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets are also available for sale 24/7 via the Internet at https://web.ovationtx.com/trs/pr/944322.

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Limited Free Parking is available behind the theatre in the Lankershim Elementary School parking lot located on the corner of Weddington Street and Bakman Street. There is also metered and some free parking on streets surrounding the theatre, and paid parking at The Federal Restaurant located across the street from the theatre.

To learn more about the show, please visit www.elportaltheatre.com, Events and Tickets, Main Stage Theatre Calendar and www.pacificballetdancetheatre.com. To view a sampling of previous work of Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, please visit https://vimeo.com/120824991. Network with us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pacific-Ballet-Dance-Theatre/86766326286 and tweet with us @natashaPBDT

About Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre and Natasha Middleton, Artistic Director and Choreographer:
Now celebrating its 14th Annual Season under the guidance of Artistic Director/Choreographer Natasha Middleton, Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (PBDT) (formerly Media City Ballet Company) is dedicated to providing Los Angeles and the surrounding communities with quality live ballet productions, utilizing the inspired and creative talents of the local community, as well as professionals from around the world. PBDT is the only ballet company in Los Angeles presenting performances in the tradition and philosophy of the legendary Ballet Russe de Serge Diaghilev. Natasha Middleton’s grandmother, Elena Wortova, was a Soloist in the original Ballet Russe, which included other legendary dancers like Anna Pavlova, George Balanchine, Alexandra Danilova and Vaslav Nijinsky. Middleton’s father, Andrei Tremaine, was a Principal Dancer with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, and Soloist with the Ballet Nacional de Mexico and the Colon Opera Ballet of Buenos Aires. Natasha Middleton, a “Ballet Russe Baby,” was a Principal Dancer for her father’s ballet company, Pacific Ballet Theatre, as well as a member of the Joffrey II Ballet Company in New York City, before taking on the responsibilities of Artistic Director for Media City Ballet Company (now renamed Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre in honor of her father’s historic dance legacy and former dance company). For more information about Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, please visit the website www.pacificballetdancetheatre.com.

NoHo News: Improvised Opera, Cinefest, Trucks, Crown City + The Road

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s the NoHo eNews

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood…ENJOY NOHO!

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

NoHo’s Own Film Festival: NoHo Cinefest

Lisa Bianconi
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North Hollywood CineFest Returns to NoHo!

The North Hollywood (NoHo) CineFest will run April 10-16, 2015 at the Laemmle NoHo7 theater, in the heart of the NoHo Arts District. This international film festival will showcase nearly one hundred films over seven days with the corresponding red carpet event in attendance by celebrities, media and filmmakers from around the globe.

This year a portion of all ticket sales from the festival will be donated to support Cervical & Breast Cancer awareness. The entertainment industry, civic leaders, and iconic local businesses will join together to show that “NoHo ❤’s The Ladies.” Saturday, April 11, festival founder, Gustavo Sampaio, will be appearing on the KCAL9 Weekend Morning Show at 8am to discuss the importance of this cause and the festival’s philanthropic impact within the community.

“It’s an honor to bring North Hollywood a film festival in such a vibrant artist community that deserves a spotlight and an annual event to celebrate great independent filmmaking, ” says Gustavo Sampaio, the festival’s founder. “We believe that with the support of the North Hollywood residents and businesses this festival can grow to become an internationally recognized event in the film industry as well as an exciting destination for people coming from abroad.”

NoHo Cinefest www.nohoartsdistrict.com

The red carpet on Saturday, April 11 6pm-10pm will host celebrities such as Sean Astin, Mimi Rogers and Chris Mulkey, scheduled to attend the screening/Q&A for “The Surface,” as well as Edward Furlong and Vinnie Jones for “Awaken,” also starring Daryl Hannah. Skeet Ulrich is anticipated to discuss his work as director on “The Girl on the Roof.” Monday, April 13 will feature a line up of new horror films, capping off with a terrifying selection of short films and scheduled appearances by celebrity actors such as Dan Yeager and horror queen Ivonna Cadaver.

NoHo Cinefest www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Key community partners and sponsors include Century West BMW, The Malibu Chronicle, Para Todos Magazine, BD Guidance, StartUp TI Foundation, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, Nohoartsdistrict.com, the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and many more. The opening night party will be hosted by the Bow & Truss Restaurant and Coldcock Whiskey.

The festival has partnered with Every Woman Counts, a statewide program providing free cervical and breast cancer screening to under-served women. The California Health Collaborative and the Susan G. Komen Foundation are helping to spread the word and save lives of women in the community.

“Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic,” a moving documentary narrated by Vanessa Williams, will share the journey of five women as they battle cervical cancer. This film explores the many misconceptions regarding cervical cancer and who may be at risk for these diseases. While cervical cancer is less common than breast cancer, it’s nearly 100% preventable. Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and, because of this, many women assume that screening is only necessary for women who have had many sexual partners, but this is not the case. HPV is a very common virus and most adults have been infected with HPV at some time, making it a risk for those who have had even one sexual partner.

About North Hollywood CineFest

The North Hollywood CineFest is an annual international film festival event located in North Hollywood, California, showcasing short and feature films (including student films) from anywhere in the world and offers awards in several categories for excellence in filmmaking. The festival was the brainchild of NoHo resident Gustavo Sampaio, an award-winning editor and TV producer as well as an independent filmmaker. For more information visit nohocinefest.com.

NoHo Cinesfest www.nohoartsdistrict.com

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

Titanium Awards

Lisa Bianconi
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Titanium Awards showcase performers with disabilities

The NoHo Arts District is home to thousands of actors who have come from every part of the world to make their dream come true. These actors come in all shapes and sizes with their own stories to tell. Now it is time to tell the story of the Titanium Awards which last week held its inaugural event at Secret Rose Theatre. The Titanium Awards’ mission is to promote and showcase performers living with disabilities. Fortunately, I was able to interview Lisa Jai, creator and producer of Titanium Awards.

What made you create Titanium Awards?

Lisa: The Titanium Awards started out as a platform for performers living with disabilities to showcase their talent. The idea literally struck me one morning. I bounced the idea off an ‘able-bodied’ colleague, not ever expecting to hear the excitement in his voice about something I assumed would be so far from his interest. I was continuously surprised by the enthusiasm to participate from industry professionals when I approached them. Sometimes, I feel the hindrance is more in my head than in my body. You see, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have carved out somewhat of a professional career in the performing arts. I have been asked in interviews how I see myself as different or if I have any complaints about the “lack of roles.” I’ve honestly never felt this way because I’ve been so blessed to have had a fruitful career until now. However it struck me that morning, this could be the case for others like myself who’ve in the past been labeled: handicapped, crippled, disabled, Dis-Abled as the precursor to their title – actor. Perhaps then, I’d like to shift the focus to actor as the precursor to labels…of all diversity, not just physical.

Tell us about your acting background.

Lisa: My most recent theatre credit is Birdie in “What of the Night” at the Vagrancy Theater directed by Caitlin Hart. Also, I just did a short film, “Runaway Dream” now in post production where I played the leading role. Some of my past credits include lead voice animation in “The Magic School Bus” (Wanda), “Pillars of Freedom” (Spirit) and Capcom’s “Resident Evil 2” ( Sherry Birkin). And even though my scene ended on the editors floor: Nora Ephron’s directorial debut “This is My Life,” I played Shawn.

Photo credit Joshua Cobos

Tell us about the show.

Lisa: Adrian Jam was our host. He began his career as a dancer in the United Kingdom. He was in 2 musical productions on London’s WestEnd. He’s been involved in many L.A. theater and tour productions such as Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” and Jennifer Lopez’s Dance Again World Tour. Our judges included Victoria Cardozo, casting director, Kevin Green, filmmaker, Lola Pindter, counselor and myself.

Who won?

Lisa: First place went to Paul B. Stevens. At 13, Paul was involved in a serious automobile accident which left him with many brain aneurisms and other long-term complications but he didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his passion of acting and music. He was one of Lee Strasberg’s last students. Through college Paul became a regular in the drama department, in which he gave performances in plays ranging from Musical’s to Drama’s. Paul, over the years has done what many actors do, Theater, T.V. and Film. He just completed his original Rock Opera “The Road Not Yet Crossed.” But he still remembers one of his favorite credits- “Mork and Mindy” with Robin Williams.

Runner up was Joan Marlowe. All of her life she has been seriously hearing impaired. Waiting until after her children were grown, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Art and studied with William Esper and Betty Buckley. She worked on soap operas, commercials and films. She has been a judge on “The Practice,” and has appeared on “Saved By The Bell,” “Mad Men,” “Unusual Suspects,” “America’s Most Wanted,” “Days of our Lives” and “Hollywood Safari.”

Titanium Awards

Anything else you would like to mention?

Lisa: I hope to grow the Titanium Awards into a yearly event in NoHo bringing together Angelenos from all walks of life to break new ground, proving together we are ‘…..stronger than steel.’

Email Titanium Awards with how you’d like to be involved!

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

The coffee house vibe in NoHo!

Caroline McElroy
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The coffee house vibe in NoHo!

With so many cool venues to choose from in NoHo Arts District, a series of three articles is planned to feature a few of those that have stood out. There are several that have a distinct ambiance about them and seem to reflect a specific atmosphere.

There was a time when there was a coffee house vibe in Los Angeles and it appears to have resurfaced here in NoHo.

Does anyone remember “Shelly’s Man Hole” in Hollywood?

There are a few venues in NoHo that give off that “boho” feeling which is as hip as it is casual.

Republic of Pie has a “white noise” feel about it and has a large space to convey sound. There is a small stage, with a small sound board/PA and lends itself to acoustic acts the best. Have been there a few times to watch acts, and find the closer to the stage the better as there is a lot of clanking going on.

This place is definately not a place to give “Spoken Word” readings as it is lost in the translation. Located at 11118 Magnolia Blvd., Sophie Ni is the booking manager there and can be contacted at: livemusicmonday@gmail.com or phone her at 818-308-7990. Ni would like it if a discription of your music, availability of your act, and sample links to your music is provided.

Another place to consider is the TeaPop which opened in January 2015 and is gaining in popularity. This is another “white noise” venue; however, the space is much smaller which lends itself to better sound control. TeaPop proprietress Arlene Yuan has many creative plans for her venue such as “ROAR” which is a music workshop series. Yuan is seeking people to “curate” a series. The series ideally would span a month and would be featured one night a week as a musical workshop.
Yuan’s venue recently staged a series that featured street artist BlackBrian in “DREAMERS.”

Yuan describes her concept as “redefined tea time” which is a description that this tea drinker totally agrees with; TeaPop serves up a mean Tea- Mosa.

Incidently, there is an event slated for April titled “REDEFINE TEA TIME”.

There is a back patio as well that lends itself to casual conversation while enjoying the sounds provided by music. On a recent visit, there was DJ music provided on the patio and was also played inside in order for inside patons to enjoy the sounds. This was a Sunday Brunch event and there was a constant stream of people flowing through the entire time I was there.

Yuan is open to acoustic music events, but it is important to remember that performers must provide their own equipment for the inside as well as outside.

Yuan is in the process of viewing submissions for her planned “Summer Series” which can feature music or media installations.

To investigate Tea Pop and it’s requirements and contact info, please go to: www.teapopla.com, Facebook, Twitter @teapopla, Instagram, Yelp also has them at TeaPop in NoHo or telephone them at 818-7320084. This venue is located at 5050 Vineland which is just above Magnolia Blvd. and has a distinctive mural painted on the side.

As a former booking rep @The Cave, my advice is: to have your material together prior to contacting any venue and be prepared to describe your music in advance of your contact. Create links to your music, as this is the preferred method of reviewing possible candidates. It’s impossible to wade through a ton of CD’s, tapes or the more melancholy method of vinyl. Be sure your act fits the venue, don’t try to make the venue fit your act. Be well rehearsed and tuned by the time you arrive. If the venue provides a sound check or rehearsal check prior to the gig, PLEASE take it. Part two of this series will be continued next time.

***RECORD STORE DAY is coming April 18, 2015…don’t miss it!

Marina on a Dime

Christopher Porikos
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Marina on a Dime

A few years ago I moved a client from her home to a newer condo. She needed to downsize and simplify her life. The condo was really transformed into a great space. Recently that same client contacted me to work on another, smaller space. This time the budget was pennies in comparison to the last project. In fact it was less than $3000. I was lucky in the fact that I knew her style and taste and had a few leftover pieces to work with.

I walked into a blank slate and immediately knew where to start.

The new space was cold and without any personality. I had to create a warm, inviting space where she could entertain family and friends and also have the occasional business meeting. The natural focal point was the rather tall north facing window which provided an incredible view and amount of natural light.

The furniture was basically sitting in the middle of the room. A floorplan was key to making the space function at its peak.

I had to flip a few pieces. The grouping of book cases were all on the wrong wall making the room seem smaller than it was. Once those pieces were moved, the room opened up and I was able to take advantage of its potential. I used the book cases as a second focal point. Then the placement of the sofa and chairs just fell into place.

The bones were now in place. The next thing was to add all of the personality pieces.

Art, accessories, accent pillows, etc. were now ready to be placed. Those treasured items were sprinkled around the room to add what was needed to finish the space. The window treatments were also ready for installation. Since they usually take a large chunk of a budget, I purchased ready-made linen panels. The window measured 127” floor to crown molding. I added linen fabric to the bottom with a gimp trim to give them the correct length. This gave the draperies a custom look for much less.

This is one of those projects that pushes creativity to the highest level. It pushes the limits really out of the park. It proves with a little determination and a smart plan we can all have great style on any budget.

Enjoy!

The Eclectic Makes Tuesdays Terrific

Lisa Bianconi
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Tuesday is the new happy hour. Why? Because It’s ALL DAY.

It’s back! It warrants a post and a lot of oohs, aaahs and yaays. The Eclectic’s bringing back their All Day Tuesday Happy Hour. It starts at noon and goes until 10:30PM. And, by the way, that’s every Tuesday.

$7 Craft Cocktails
$5 Well Drinks
$5 Craft Draft Beers
$5 House Wines

The Eclectic Tuesday All Day Happy Hour www.nohoartsdistrict.com

HAPPY PRICES ON SELECT SMALL PLATE APPETIZERS

*Kobe Beef Sliders
*Mac n’ Cheese
*Portobello Fries
*Stuffed Mushrooms
*Buffalo Crispy Cauliflower
*Margherita Pizza
*Bruschetta Pomodoro
*Meatballs Marinara
*Pot Stickers
*Chicken Quesadilla

The Eclectic 5156 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA

Follow them on Facebook |  Twitter  | Instagram  for menu updates and events!

eclectic noho photo: eclectic noho ECLECTIC_LOGO_MIDNIGHT_SM_zps42549580.jpg

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

The Comedy of Errors

NoHo - North Hollywood
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Jamaica Moon Productions presents

William Shakespeare’s

The Comedy of Errors

Written by William Shakespeare.
Directed by Gloria Gifford.
Produced by Jade Warner, Lauren Plaxco and Chad Doreck for Jamaica Moon Productions.

Shakespeare’s most madcap and delicious comedy set in the belly dancing world of Greece!

Opening May 16th
EXTENDED to August 2! Dark 4th of July weekend.

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s shortest and most accessible plays. This production retains Shakespeare’s text, which means that the action in set in ancient Greece. Production notes state that the show is “set in the belly dancing world of Greece!,” so expect some added visual delights. While belly dancing originated elsewhere in the Mediterranean, it was written about as early as the First Century A.D., so it was certainly an appreciated art form in the ancient world.

The plot of The Comedy of Errors centers on two pairs of twins: one pair of masters named Antipholus, and one pair of servants named Dromio. Separated by shipwreck in infancy, when all emerge as adults in the same town, it makes for multiple instances of mistaken identity. Confusion reigns among the various amores of the two Antipholus brothers and also among the tradesmen and townspeople they encounter. Hilarity ensues, but Shakespeare ups the stakes by placing the father of the Antipholus brothers in imminent peril of his life.

It is a comedy, however, so look for things to turn out all right in the end. It is a world of conjurers, quick action, brilliant repartee and love.

Did we also mention that there are belly dancers?

Gloria Gifford directs. The New York and Broadway- trained director/actress/teacher received an M.A. from the New School, where she studied Criminology after graduating with a degree in Political Science from SUNY New Paltz. She has directed over 75 stage productions, including On Golden Pond (with Salome Jens and Andrew Prine), Our Lady of 121st St. (L.A. Times Critic’s Choice), The Tempest, Romantic Comedy, A Bed and a Bar, Summer and Smoke, Wait Until Dark, and many more. A veteran actor with credits on Broadway, in hit films (opposite Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, John Candy and Tobey Maguire), and recurring roles on four TV series, she has also been known as an acting coach to emerging stars and as the producer of the Rebel Planet Short Film Festival in Hollywood.

Gloria’s company for The Comedy of Errors includes (in alphabetical order) Hayley Ambriz, George Benedict, Jeff Brown, Billy Budinich, Marlin Chan, Leana Chavez, Haile D’Alan, Sonia Diaz, Chad Doreck, Joshua Lee Farmer, Kevin Ferris, Ireni Gerakis, Chris Jones, Abigail Kochunas, Christian Maltez, Crusher May, Alex Miller, Nakta Pahlevan, Benito Paje, Lauren Plaxco, Kasia Pilewicz, Antonio Roccucci, Cynthia San Luis, Deidra Shanell, Cyrus Sherman, Danny Siegel, Tejah Signori, Samiyah Swann, Justin Truesdale, Nancy Vivar, Keith Walker, Lucy Walsh, Jade Warner and Sabrina Won.

Stage managers: Justin Truesdale, Keith Walker. Lighting design: Chris Rivera. Set design: Davia King/ Jeffrey Casciano. Scenic painters: Jeffrey Casciano/ Billy Budinich. Costume design: Gloria Gifford/ Kasia Pilewicz/ Nakta Pahlevan. Hair and make-up: Kasia Pilewicz.

A madcap plot, Shakespeare’s prose, belly dancers. Sounds like a recipe for a delicious evening of fun.

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

 
Saturdays @8pm & Sundays @ 7:30pm
Ticket Price: $20
Reservation Number: 310-366-5505
 
Venue:
TU Studios
10943 Camarillo St. 
N. Hollywood, CA 91601

Www.gloriagiffordconservatory.com

 

 

 

Courage and Kindness: Cinderella; Insurgent

Mike Peros
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Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella (I never thought I’d use those three words in tandem) turns out to be a visually sumptuous, beautifully scored (Patrick Doyle), and altogether enjoyable rendition of Charles Perrault’s well-known fairy tale, as adapted by Chris Weitz and fairly light on the Grimm.

You know the story by now: poor Ella loses her loving mother and adoring father before twenty minutes have elapsed; she’s also gained an attractive, wicked stepmother and two gauche stepsisters—who also take over the run of the manor, exiling Ella to the attic.

Ella, bolstered by her mother’s mantra to “have courage and be kind,” finds the gumption (helped by her pretty radiant Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham-Carter) to attend the palace ball (given so the Prince can find an agreeable bride), capture the Prince’s fancy and survive the various curveballs thrown at her by the evil stepmom in order to earn that happy ending.

One can quibble with certain facets of the story: as presented, Cate Blanchett’s stepmother and her clumsy daughters are so transparent that one wonders why the father leaves Ella in their care; and as Lily James so winningly portrays Cinderella, it’s unlikely that this Cinderella would have stood for the humiliations heaped upon her. Yet the movie, if not inspired, is consistently engaging, occasionally amusing (Rob Brydon’s painter adds some laughs), and gives Derek Jacobi another opportunity to grace lend some grace notes to a Branagh film, this time as the dying patriarch who comes through with some sound advice for his son.

Insurgent or perhaps I should say The Divergent Series: Insurgent continues the dystopian saga of the Five Factions and the desire of the head of the Erudite faction (an icy Kate Winslet) to eliminate the extra-special ones who possess qualities of several different factions: “divergents” —but not before she rounds them up in order to open the box that may contain the key to everyone’s future welfare. Shalene Woodley’s Tris is perhaps the purest, and therefore most targeted divergent, she’s tough, resourceful—but she also has a heart, a quality that might put her at a disadvantage when dealing wtih one as ruthless as Winslet.

Tris, like Cinderella, also has memories of her mother (Ashley Judd, returning via the wonders of virtual reality) who has implored her to cultivate her better qualities (courage, kindness).

There are some good action sequences and a few good performances (namely Woodley’s conflicted Tris), but the whole project has a deja-vu feeling to it, and the supporting characters are either underdeveloped or downright implausible (or both, as per Miles Teller). Things may progress in a more interesting manner, as Naomi Watts’ character achieves more prominence, but I can’t say I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment (or should I say two, since the final book will be made as a two-part movie, to be released in March 2016 and 2017—and you may know how I feel about that).

The Federal Bar gives NoHo a Soul Shakedown

Lisa Bianconi
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Uptown Funk? No, It’s NoHo Funk.

The NoHo Arts District is lucky to have unique gastro pubs and event venues like The Federal Bar because they give us fun events all week with some seriously talented performers. Tonight is no exception. The Federal Bar will host The Soul Shakedown, a monthly showcase which features three old school funk and R&B bands in the style of Wilson Pickett, Charles Bradley and The Meters. Each night, DJs will also spin vinyl before and after each set. This month’s performers are Soul Scratch, The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble and Beat Mosaic, along with DJ Mean Mr. Mustard spinning vinyl selects all night.

WHEN: Friday, March 27 from 9pm-2am
WHERE: The Federal Bar
5303 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 980-2555
TICKETS: The show is free before 10pm and $10 after 10pm.
Ticket Link>> 

This month’s headliner Soul Scratch is a hard-hitting groove machine built in the San Fernando Valley, The Valley, The 818. The band was founded based on a mutual love of soul music and a passion for making people move. They recently released their first full-length album Down The Road.

Soul Scratch frequently covers tracks by Charles Bradley and Sam Cooke, and draws inspiration from these legends to create their own “California Soul” sound.

Next2Shine.com acclaims the group as “a fresh take on classic soul, funk and jazz with a sound that is a seamless blend of old and new.”

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Soul Scratch is rapidly branching out of their LA base on a quest to bring good times, quality get down, and their own special brand of soul to every corner of the country.

Head over to The Federal Bar tonight for dinner, cocktails and to get down to some old school funk .

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

Here’s your NoHo News!

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s the NoHo eNews

Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood…ENJOY NOHO!

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. 

 

Protect Yourself From Online Scams

Lillian Appleby
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Protect Yourself From Online Scams

Online criminals continuously change their operating methods. That’s why it is crucial that Internet users keep up on the latest scams and the steps to take to protect their personal and financial information when online.

Here is an overview of two of the most widespread techniques being used to commit online fraud, as well as some practical tips to protect your personal security.

Phishing: This is one of the most popular methods of online fraud. Phishing, or “spoofing,” is a scheme whereby users are sent fake emails that claim to be from a legitimate source. The email directs the user to a counterfeit website where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and user names or credit card, Social Security, and bank account numbers. By hijacking brand names of banks, online retailers, and credit card companies, phishers often convince recipients to respond.

Crimeware: This is a class of computer programs designed exclusively to facilitate online identity theft. Cyber thieves use a variety of techniques to steal confidential data through crimeware, including:

  • Secretly planting keystroke loggers onto a user’s computer to collect sensitive data — such as login and password information for online bank accounts — and reporting the data back to the thief.
  • Redirecting a user’s browser to a counterfeit website controlled by the thief even when the user types the website’s proper address in the address bar.
  • Stealing passwords cached on a user’s system.

This type of scam received national attention several years ago when it was revealed that business executives at major U.S. firms were the targets. The “bait” used to lure the recipient was an official-looking subpoena from the U.S. District Court in San Diego. When recipients clicked on the document to view it, software designed to collect keystroke data was secretly installed on their computers. It was estimated that thousands of people fell victim to this scam.

Play It Safe

The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that online scams were responsible for approximately $782 million in losses in 2013.1 With the number and sophistication of online scams increasing, there are some basic recommendations you can follow to help avoid becoming a victim.

  • Don’t recognize it? Don’t open it. Do not open any email, email attachment, or website link from suspicious or unknown senders.
  • Don’t give out your info. Be wary of any e-mail that asks for personal information such as passwords or account numbers. Similarly, avoid any email that promises a prize or gift in exchange for completing a survey or answering questions online.
  • Blast those pop-ups. These small windows typically appear on or behind the window that you are currently viewing. While many are harmless advertisements, some may contain viruses or software that can monitor your Web activity.
  • Be sure sensitive data is encrypted. Always ensure that you are using a secure website — one that employs state-of-the-art encryption technology — when submitting credit card data or other sensitive personal information.
  • Check your accounts. Regularly log in to your online accounts and check your bank, credit, and debit card statements to ensure all transactions are legitimate.
  • Keep your system up-to-date. If your computer’s operating system is more than five years old it may not offer the same degree of protection as newer models. Most system manufacturers issue updates and security patches on their websites or automatically through your Internet provider. Similarly, be sure to use the latest Web browser and anti-virus software.

Finally, if you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report it.

The FBI has a Cyber Operations unit devoted to fighting cyber crime. Their Internet Crime Complaint Center is at www.ic3.gov.

1 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2013 (most recent available). © 2015 Wealth Management Systems Inc. All rights reserved. Compliance Tracking #517633 Thisarticle was prepared by Standard & Poor’s Financial Communications

Top 6 things every actor needs!

Fran Montano
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Top 6 things every actor needs!

Are you a professional actor or a hobbyist?

So many people call themselves actors. It’s easy, just say you are.

Everyone accepts that actors are unemployed most of the time so anyone can say it. People come to town and want to be an actor so they tell people they are. They get pictures, and then do a few things that make them feel like an actor. If you consider yourself to be a professional actor and this is your dream, then you need to take your work and “the work” seriously.

Here is what I tell new actors coming to LA as well as established actors that are working at it. There are some basic things that need to be taken care of:

1. A place to live in the LA area.

2. A phone and internet access.

3. A stream of income to live off of – A job – full time or part time, with the flexibility that can accommodate you, so you can pursue your career. If no job, then some source of income to sustain you.

4. Some good clothes to present yourself professionally.

5. A form of transportation to get you where you need to go.

6. A “home base” where you train, work out, and work on your craft.

Of course there are many other things to consider – photos, agent, union membership, reel, doctors, a good mechanic, etc, but I want to talk about the basics for a moment. Some people will look at this and say this is simple and obvious. Many people blow it at item #3. They might have 6 months of savings to live off and plan to “make it” by then. That doesn’t work, they are usually gone or looking for work desperately soon.

But here is the biggest miss I see. I can’t tell you how many actors don’t do enough about the last item – #6: a “place to work out”.

This is the most important piece after making sure the first 5 are in order. Many, many actors leave this out or don’t take it seriously enough, especially actors who get work on some basis, thinking they don’t need it, and it is their biggest flaw.

If you are a professional actor, your game needs to be at its best, the competition is fierce, and if you aren’t at the top of your work, you miss out. Professional athletes work out EVERYDAY, musicians practice their instruments EVERYDAY. I notice many actors are very lazy in this area. Look at Beyonce, a major superstar, she’s already made it. Yet she will dance 8 hours a day for weeks when preparing for her performances. Musicians practice hours and hours each day to get their material down. Ask yourself, how in shape are you? Are you prepared for your next gig? And what is your next gig? IT’S YOUR NEXT AUDITON!! That is where you have to perform your best, that is where your game needs to be at its best and played with brilliance.

Actors need a “home base” a “gym” a “center” where they can work and hone their craft.

A place they can go to work on themselves so when they go in to audition they are playing their best. Just like an athlete has a training gym, a musician has a practice room or studio, an actor needs a “work out home”. It also can serve as a support system.

Good isn’t enough, you need to be great.

Being a professional actor is akin to the training of an Olympic Athlete or professional musician, constantly in practice and keeping in great shape. So I ask you, do you have that support system in place? I don’t mean periodic classes for education, or a one day seminar, or a casting director or agent workshop. I mean regular working on your instrument. Constant pushing yourself to be your best, breaking through your blocks, stretching yourself into uncomfortable emotional places, so you are performing with truth, passion, and conviction. FIND ONE. I don’t care if it’s a bunch of actors in your living room a few times a week, a theater company that works out regularly, an acting class that challenges you, but every actor needs to be watched, coached, pushed, and challenged. You can’t do that alone. You can’t do that in a casting director workshop, because that is a “performance opportunity”. You need to be in shape prior to those, as that is where you present your greatness, not work on it.

There are many places that offer the “working out” atmosphere.

There are great teachers, coaches, schools, and theater companies out there. Check them out, audit, get referrals, and see where working actors are training. Find one that geographically works for you, so there is no excuse. Find one that is financially reasonable that fits into your budget, and finally a coach that “sees you”, “gets you”, and is there for you. Every actor needs to be watched and coached, just like an athlete. You must be disciplined like an athlete to make it in this business. If you’re not, then be honest with yourself, and enjoy the hobby of it. There’s nothing wrong with that if that is what you want.

I come to this conclusion from observing and coaching actors for nearly 30 years. Those that treat their acting career as a marathon, and train as such, are the ones that have succeeded.

Don’t just get in shape, you need to stay in shape, and play in shape. You never know where your break is waiting.

 

Do you have your NoHo Roller Derby name?

Lisa Bianconi
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No one ever said NoHo wasn’t a unique neighborhood with a ton of fun things to do. We even got our own NoHo Derby…that’s roller derby!

 

You most definitely saw the NoHo Derby gals skating and tirelessly volunteering at the first ever CicLAvia Valley Edition this past weekend. We hope you stopped to say hello and got more information on how you can get involved as either a player or a volunteer. Don’t worry, if you’re new to roller derby they will gladly guide you through the process and help train you. So start thinking about your roller derby name. The NoHo Arts District dot com team can’t wait to cheer for our very own North Hollywood roller derby team. So let’s get to know the NoHo Derby and give them a big North Hollywood welcome.

How did the NoHo Derby start?

The founding members, Terrible Tues and Tankgrrrl were playing derby at the David Potell rink with a now-defunct group called the So Cal Rollerpunks. When the group disbanded, and the coach and other members left, Tankgrrrl suggested starting their own recreational league. They talked to other league owners and trainers, and built a relationship with the North Hollywood Hockey League, the roller hockey organization that runs and maintains the rink for the YMCA. Being out of work at the time, both women thought it would be great if they could introduce this wonderful sport to people that might not otherwise be able to afford the expenses and fees normally associated with starting to play a new sport. They collected safety equipment and skates from thrift stores and skater donations, obtained permission to use the facility for their practices, and thus North Hollywood Roller Derby was born.

What type of training is involved?

Skaters first learn the principals of skating and stopping, as well as falling safely. They learn about their gear and skates, including how to do routine maintenance and adjustments for themselves. All the while they learn about the rules of the game. Once they pass a minimum skills test required by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), the most common rules set in America, skaters learn to block (hit) and counter block. Once they have acquired these skills, they are considered safe to scrimmage with other players.

NoHo Derby www.nohoartsdistrict.com

What are some of the benefits of this game?

Roller derby is a highly demanding game. It requires and builds core strength, balance, agility, and “pack awareness” (awareness of your surroundings). To play well requires a working knowledge of strategy. As both teams are traveling along the track together as a pack, players of both teams are required to play both offense and defense simultaneously.

Playing also requires teamwork. We rely on our derby sisters on the track to help us do our job and to have our backs. This sport creates strong, supportive relationships and builds confidence both physically and mentally. If you can learn to face a bunch of strong aggressive women that are determined to take you down, it only goes to show that you can do anything!

Who are the players in NoHo Derby?

There are three positions of player:
Jammers are the point scorers. They wear a star on their helmet cover. They have to be fast, agile, and tenacious to force their way through (or sneak by) the opposing players in the pack. They earn one point for each opposing team player they pass, after their initial pass.

There are blockers. Their job is to block progress of the opposing jammer, and block (hit) them out of bounds, forcing then to repeat their attempt to pass the pack. Their secondary job is to help their jammer pass the other team’s blockers.

A pivot is a special blocker who wears a stripe down the center of their helmet. They control the speed of the pack, interpret/repeat calls from or by coaches. Basically they are an extension of the coach. They make the players on the track do what the coach on the sideline wants them to do. And in certain circumstances, can also replace the jammer and score points!

Rules of play are designed for player safety and fairness. If any player breaks a rule they will be removed from the track for a penalty. Players that are out of play for penalties give the opposing jammer “ghost points”– they get to score on someone even though they aren’t physically on the track at that time.

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Is there anything else you’d like to add that our readers should know about?

We encourage adult women of all ages and body types to come learn to play roller derby with us. It’s fun, challenging and rewarding on so many levels! We learn to play, then visit other leagues around Southern California to learn new things, play with new people, and watch games and tournaments.

Everything we do free of dues or fees. We only ask that members contribute whatever they can to help us build and maintain our league; whether through donations of money, time or elbow grease.

We are NoHo Derby, and we love roller derby!

Are you looking for sponsorship?

Yes! Once we build a body of eligible players, we plan to host games here at our home rink. Friends, family and neighbors can come see all of our hard work pay off! We desperately need better safety gear, storage containers, removable tape for our temporary track–or better yet, sponsorship to resurface the rink so it can be painted with a permanent track and roller hockey’s markings! We also need scrimmage shirts for the girls to wear (black and white), flyers to promote the league and its events, and travel funds/accommodations for trips to out of town leagues’ scrimmages. We’d also like to take a moment to thank our first sponsor, Young Attitudes– A Salon 4 Kids, for their donation of new recruitment flyers.

Get involved!

Website: www.nohoderby.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nohoderby
Instagram: rollingravensofficial
Twitter: @NoHoDerby

 

NoHo Derby

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

5 exercises to improve your balance

Jack Witt
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As a senior fitness specialist for many people over the age of 65, I always incorporate exercise to improve balance into sessions. That’s because each year, more than 1/3 of people over the age of 65 fall. Injuries from falls, such as hip fractures, are serious and prevention is the key.

I encourage everybody no matter what age we are, to be diligent of our stability and balance performance. You’re never too young to start included balance exercises into your daily routines.

Here’s a list of 5 basic balance exercises you can do. If you’re not comfortable doing the “hands free” versions, simply start off by holding on to a sturdy chair, wall, column, person or tree while doing these:

1. Stand on one foot for a slow 10 second count. You arms can be extended outward to your sides, or palms together in front of your chest in a praying type position. Focus on something in front of you at your 6 o’clock. Repeat 3 times for each leg.

2. Heal-to-Toe Walk. Position the heel of one foot just in front of the toes of the other foot. Your heel and toes should touch or almost touch. Choose a spot ahead of you and focus on it to keep you steady as you walk. Take a step. Put your heel just in front of the toe of your other foot. Repeat for 20 steps.

3. Balance Walk. Raise arms to sides, shoulder height. Choose a spot ahead of you and focus on it to keep you steady as you walk. Walk in a straight line with one foot in front of the other. As you walk, lift your back leg. Pause for 1 second before stepping forward. Repeat for 20 steps, alternating legs.

4. One legged Squat. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Point your left foot out front, just barely touching the floor for balance and push your hips back and down into this challenging one-legged squat position. Your right knee is bent, chest upright, eyes forward, and your arms out front. Slowly push up to return to starting position. Switch feet. Be sure the knee doesn’t push in front of the toes

5. Once you master balance moves on solid ground, try them on an unstable surface such as a BOSU. It’s a half-dome fitness tool that really can really make a difference and improve balance performance. You can simply stand on it with both feet at first to get used to it. Try 30 seconds at a time. Then, when you’re ready to progress, try two-legged squats on the BOSU. Stepping up and down on the BOSU is also a great exercise to improve balance.

In addition to specific balance exercises, anything that works your core, such as crunches, cobras and planks are also recommended on a daily basis to help improve your stability and prevent falls.

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main
www.getfitwithWitt.com
https://twitter.com/GetfitwithWitt

* New exercise & diet books “Tight, Tone, and Trim” and “Cut, Cool, and Confident“

* Peru Adventure Trip with Machu Picchu Hike April 16-24, 2015

 

 

 

What are your weekend NoHo plans? Bikes, food, theatre + fun

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood…ENJOY NOHO!

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

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NoHo - North Hollywood
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Supporting Women Playwrights from NYC to NoHo

Lisa Bianconi
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NYC theatre companies partner to bring the World Premiere of THIEVES to the NoHo stage.

March is Women’s History Month and, in the NoHo Arts District, we honor women who create art and those who nurture new works by women playwrights. We are especially pleased to have renowned New York companies Rising Phoenix Repertory, Weathervane Productions and Rattlestick Playwrights Theater join the NoHo family of theatres with their world premiere of THIEVES, written by Charlotte Miller and directed by Daniel Talbott, at the Monroe Forum Theatre at the El Portal.

THIEVES is the first of three new play commissions from Rising Phoenix Rep and Weathervane, plays from three female playwrights – Charlotte Miller, Jessica Dickey, and Sarah Shaefer. The plays will each be produced over the next two seasons. In championing new work by women writers, Rising Phoenix and Weathervane are establishing extremely rare long form collaborations – from commission to production – with a firm commitment to mount the plays before having read a word. Another unique feature of the commissions is that they are company-based – each play will feature actors from Rising Phoenix Repertory’s company and its artistic director, Daniel Talbott, will direct all three plays. THIEVES, written by Charlotte Miller and co-produced by Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, will be the first to premiere.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater is no stranger to L.A. and this will mark their third Los Angeles production. THIEVES follows Everything You Touch, co-presented with The Theatre @ Boston Court and directed by Jessica Kubzansky, and Slipping, which was written and directed by Talbott, one of the literary managers of Rattlestick, as well as the artistic director of the Lucille Lortel and the NYIT Award-winning Rising Phoenix Repertory.

“I love Charlotte and think she has such an insane amount of talent and a beautifully uncompromising voice,” said Rising Phoenix Repertory’s artistic director Daniel Talbott. “I feel so lucky and proud to get to work on this play with her and bring it to Los Angeles.”

Playwright Charlotte Miller is a Brooklyn-based playwright and performer. Her plays include Barn (Rising Phoenix Repertory), Worst Year Ever (NY Fringe Festival), Joan’s Boutique (The Spectrum), Favorite s (Rising Phoenix Repertory), Rocks (Tank Theater), and Raising Jo (PLAYPENN 2010), among others. Her plays have been read/workshopped with Rattlestick, Labyrinth, the Flea, PLAYPENN, and the Peoples Light Theater. She is a proud member of Rising Phoenix Repertory and the Actors Studio Playwrights/Directors Unit.

Her play THIEVES is a gritty portrait of a family in struggle and upheaval. When the family matriarch dies, three wayward children are reunited with their estranged father at their East Texas estate, ready to stake their claim. In the emotional chaos that ensues, Miller exposes the wounds inflicted and the truths ignored in the search for belonging and understanding. Are they really here to say goodbye? Or to plunder what’s left of a past that might be better forgotten?

Venue: Monroe Forum Theatre at the El Portal Theatre
5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601

Dates: Wednesday, March 18 to Saturday, April 4, 2015. Press opening is Friday, March 20

Schedule: Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2PM

Tickets: Price: $25.00
Online: www.elportaltheatre.com  |  Phone: 818-508-4200
Information: www.risingphoenixrep.org/upcoming

THIEVES www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Rising Phoenix, vanden Heuvel and Rattlestick – who have collaborated on many productions over the past decade – all share a deep desire to support playwrights.

Talbot says, “Building on the work that Rising Phoenix Rep has done on new plays over the past 15 years in New York, notably through our Cino Nights series, we are continuing to look at how to build a deeper, stronger bridge between development and production with a commitment to see a new play through the process from start to finish with full support of the writer and their voice.”

Talbott founded Rising Phoenix Repertory in 1999 to produce new plays in traditional spaces and site-specific works around New York City. Rising Phoenix Repertory is also widely known for producing Cino Nights, an ongoing series inspired by Joe Cino and his Caffe Cino – one of the original birthplaces of Off-Off-Broadway theatre – for which the company has commissioned over twenty playwrights to write new, full-length plays, which are fully produced site-specifically in the intimate back room of East Village restaurant Jimmy’s No. 43.

Created in 2014 by Wendy vanden Heuvel, Weathervane Productions is dedicated to nurturing and supporting playwrights and their work from development to production. Wendy vanden Heuvel is also the artistic director of piece by piece productions, a not for profit organization whose productions have included Medea directed by Deborah Warner with Fiona Shaw on Broadway (associate producer), The Tricky Part (2004 Obie Award and two Drama Desk nominations including Best Play), All The Rage (Lucille Lortel Award, Outstanding Solo Show 2013) by Martin Moran, and several productions with Rising Phoenix Repertory and Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater is co-producing the show THIEVES and is an award-winning company that has produced more than 60 world premieres in the past 19 seasons and was the recipient of the 2007 Ross Wetzsteon Memorial OBIE Award for developing new and innovative work.

• Rising Phoenix Rep Official Site – http://www.risingphoenixrep.org
• Rising Phoenix on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RisingPhoenixRep
• Rattlestick Official Site – http://www.rattlestick.org
• Rattlestick on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RattlestickPlaywrightsTheater
• Rattlestick on Twitter – https://twitter.com/RattlestickNY

See you at the theatre!

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

Dancer Wellness: Stay in Love with Dance

Luckie
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Dancer Wellness: Stay in Love with Dance

I am writing this article for several different audiences out there: for those dancers who are burned out, lack luster, and “over it;” for people who danced “before” and haven’t put those shoes on for “a long time;” for those dance dreamers who wished they “could’ve” but “couldn’t.” Maybe you’re injured and can’t get out on the dance floor? Here’s the jist – you need inspiration. And just in case you’re reading this and you’ve got your inspiration meter turned way up, keep the following tips in your back pocket in case there’s a need for you or a person you know to reconnect in.

You’re a mover, so move!!!

Yes all of you! Movement is your key expression outlet. It’s how you know yourself in the world, so it’s also your inlet. You can’t put this aside forever. Face up to it and own it! Here’s some ideas on how:
Obviously there are classes – in a studio or even your gym may have a movement based group thing going on. You can clear out an open space in your house, or even rent a small stage, studio, friend’s loft, and go for it on your own. Get that playlist together and work it! If you have no idea what to do, bring your laptop and use YouTube as your inspiration. Learn the solo that won last season’s So You Think You Can Dance finale, or dance along with your favorite scene from Mamma Mia. For the burned out gang – dance for yourself by doing/discovering your own movement. Or make a change like moving in a different style, or setting.
At the very least, get on an elliptical machine, jog, swim, bike, play – anything with physical demand. Your body needs you, and you need your body!

Wear a different dance hat

There are many, many different ways to stay involved with the dance world. Take a few minutes to assess your skill set, your interests and your dislikes, and expand the way you can engage yourself. Here are some ideas:
– Design: props, costumes, lighting, sound, musical scores
– Support: volunteer, donate, marketing and public relations, fundraising, bookkeeping, administrative tasks, management
– Creative Reroute: direct, choreograph, design, write, photograph, video, teach

Get some perspective

Reading biographies is an amazing way to gain perspective and relativity. The story of someone else’s journey can speak volumes to our own experiences and shed light on our personal truths. There are so many out there too! From Martha Graham and Shirley MacLaine, to Frida Kahlo, Nelson Mandela, James Brown, Tina Fey, Gordon Ramsey, and beyond.

Another way to get some perspective and support is through your community. Maybe a former mentor or teacher, a colleague or sibling, can join you in your inspiration finding. What’s kept them moving or helped them regain their motivation? Ask and find out!

Tune in and turn it up

Take the time to set up your jams. You know what I’m talking about. The tunes that take you over, that turn your mind off, and transport you into pure movement expression. We all have them. Set aside those CD’s or pull together a playlist. Whether you are cleaning your house, cooking dinner, sitting in traffic, just got done with a 4 hour rehearsal, or have pushed your couch out of the way to make a dance floor – find yourself as often as possible by pushing PLAY on your inspiration soundtrack. (The same applies to video clips, websites, movies, etc.)
Take the “why” out of it and turn it up!

Movement has moved you. Own it, and treat it as the sacred, sweet, precious gift that it is.

Happy dancing!

The Return of Director Georgina Garcia Riedel

NoHo - North Hollywood
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The Truth is in the Telenovela – The Return of Director Georgina Garcia Riedel

Lies, betrayal, death and deception, Telenovelas have it all.

They are one of the most celebrated forms of entertainment in Latin American countries, from Mexico all the way to Brazil. In striking contrast to their American counterparts, the daytime soap operas, which have all but disappeared due to their declining popularity, telenovelas have exploded in popularity here in the United States, having averaged 5.7 million viewers per week in 2011- according to Nielsen data. Part of this increase has to do with the changing racial landscape taking place, and the fact that for the Latinos immigrating to the U.S., watching telenovelas serves as a means of staying connected to friends and family back home.

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There are many cultural references highlighted in telenovelas, specific to the country the program was produced in, which is why Director Georgina Garcia Riedel had such a plethora of material to draw from while co-writing and directing her film ANA MARIA IN NOVELA LAND, having just opened in select theaters. I had the pleasure of speaking with Riedel during a rare gap in her schedule.

“This film definitely pays homage to telenovelas,” she said. “And we were poking a little fun, but it was from the heart and from a good place because I grew up loving them.”

ANA MARIA IN NOVELA LAND centers on Ana Maria, a dissatisfied young woman, struggling to make something happen for herself after just losing her job. And with a myriad of things not working, she disconnects by losing herself in her favorite telenovela Passion Without Limits.

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Suddenly, lighting strikes while Ana Maria is totally engaged in the make believe world, and she switches places with the shows vixen Ariana Tomosa, who’s cheating on her rich, older fiancé with his son just days before their wedding. Now Ariana must navigate through the normalcy of Ana Maria’s dull life while Ana Maria gets to experience the high drama and passion of Ariana’s world. It all makes for a comedic and endearing tale about a young woman searching for herself, a common theme among Riedel ‘s work.

“These are the stories that interest me,” she said. “I’m always fascinated by the idea of women of all ages constantly out to discover who they are because the journey never ends.” Riedel demonstrated this beautifully in her film How The Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer, where audiences were treated to witnessing life through the eyes of three Latin women from three different generations- all ranging from 20-something to 70-something- as they each sought out love during a summer in Arizona.

“And with ANA MARIA IN NOVELA LAND, a lot of the focus is on Ariana and Ana Maria, and they represent the millennial generation,” she said. “But at the same time, there’s a mother character who’s also trying to find herself as a mother and discover what constitutes being a good mom. So these are the themes that really interest me because I am also on my own journey.”

For ANA MARIA IN NOVELA LAND, Riedel shares a credit with Jose Nestor Marquez who wrote the original script.

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Riedel was brought in to do a rewrite, and due to Jose’s trust and respect for her, she was able to capture the essence of the original script while still bringing in her own themes and ideas about the characters that, ultimately, made them jump off the page. “I think that’s why I’ve always been able to attract such great talent,” she shared. “The feedback I’ve gotten from actors has always been very positive because they feel like the characters I write are such strongly drawn out roadmaps that everything they need to know to breath life into the character is there on the page. And they’re very attracted to the material, so I’ve been very lucky in that respect.”

Riedel’s success probably does entail some luck, but it mostly comes from the tireless work ethic she picked up from her parents as a child, watching them grow a small business into a much larger one. In fact, she has her parents to thank for putting her on the filmmaking track to begin with. “My mother is a huge movie fan, and she introduced me to The Godfather at a young age,” she says. “And my father watched everything from westerns to Steven Seagal movies, so the experience growing up in my house was very broadening.” But it wasn’t until she came across Jean-Luc Godard ‘s Breathless that the idea of film shifted from something outside of herself to something she could actually take on.

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“I saw Breathless, and I experienced this very Wizard-of-Oz type moment,” she said. “It was the first time I realized that someone was actually behind the camera, and I immediately knew that’s where I wanted to be as well.” From there, she went on to study media arts as an undergrad, then landed a prestigious internship with Women Make Movies, the non-profit film arts organization, based in New York- that was established to combat the distorted number of women in film. And upon completing with Women Make Movies, she got accepted into the graduate program at AFI Conservatory at the American Film Institute.

“The biggest benefit of grad school is the fact that you’re in a shielding environment where you can make all the mistakes without any real consequences. And you’re learning to find your voice,” she commented. “And probably the most important thing is that the people you’re going to school with are the people you will end up making films with.

Yes, after completing her graduate program, Riedel walked away with a wide network of other talented writers, directors, and cinematographers. And from those connections came films One Night It Happened, How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer, and ANA MARIA IN NOVELA LAND. And ANA MARIA attracted no shortage of talented performers, from veteran actors Luis Guzman (How to Make It in America, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island), and Elizabeth Pena (The Incredibles, Off the Map), who each have over 200 credits between the two of them- to rising stars Edy Ganem of Devious Maids fame and star of the CW’s 90210 Michael Steger.

Next, Riedel is taking her performance to the next level, turning her debut feature How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer into a television series. And seeing as how far she’s come, a television series will only be the beginning.
“I just really want to entertain people, and I get joy from making people feel something, so when I’m writing a comedy, I’m wanting to make people laugh. And if I can make people walk away having felt something, I feel like I’ve done my job, and then I get to feel good.”

For more information on and ANA MARIA IN NOVELA LAND, check out http://www.anamariamovie.com/.

See you at CicLAvia in NoHo!

Lisa Bianconi
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Are you ready, NoHo? CicLAvia Valley is almost here!

The first 2015 CicLAvia of the year, presented by METRO, will be in the NoHo Arts District on Sunday, March 22 from 9AM-4PM! That means there are no cars on the route so you can bike, walk, skate, and enjoy the neighborhoods between North Hollywood and Studio City. For the NoHo Arts District dot Com team, CicLAvia is a genuinely fun event where you get to know a neighborhood with a bunch of great people all happy to be outside and car free. So let’s get ready for this big day.

How to get to the Valley’s first CicLAvia?

CicLAvia Valley www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Walk With Me APP

CicLAvia, in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, has commissioned two visionary Dutch artists, Rob van Rijswijk and Jeroen Strijbos, to create a really cool app called Walk With Me. It’s an interactive soundscape composition that brings together the past and present of the San Fernando Valley in one unique app!

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For more information on this fabulous day exploring NoHo, Universal City and Studio City, check out CicLAvia: Facebook | Twitter | Website

How are you going to show your Valley pride at CicLAvia?

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

Battle of the Greens This St. Patrick’s Day

Lisa Bianconi
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Green vs Grody Green This St. Patrick’s Day

We all love St. Patrick’s day. Why? Maybe it’s the excuse you need to go have cocktails with your friends and the new ones you’ll make at one of our NoHo bars. Or maybe it’s because you get the green light to wear that horrible green shirt you break out once a year in March. Well either way, there’s no need to look bad this St. Patrick’s day. So we asked North Hollywood color expert Jill Kirsh for some help.

Question: Can You Actually Wear Green Without Looking Green? Answer: Yep!

So how does one find the proper green and not the grody green? Look at your hair.

Jill Kirsh has designed a unique and innovative color system for your wardrobe and your makeup that’s entirely based on your present hair color. Yes, on your hair. She’s broken it down into the following simple and fun categories that work – Deep Brunette, Warm Blonde, Golden Brown & Red, and Ash Blonde, Platinum & Gray. She’s even put together a handy wallet-sized swatch book filled with fabric of all the best shades of every color for each hair color group. Take it with you shopping as it is your guide to what color you will look fabulous in and can be used from everything from tees and trousers to party dresses and stilettos. She’s also created mineral based, fragrance-free makeup kits with all your best shades for the eyes, cheeks and lips.

So Jill took the some famous blondes and chose the best shade of green for each of them.

Elle Fanning’s Warm Blondes tresses shine against the warmth of Kelly Green.

Jill Kirsh Color www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Deep Brunette Vanessa Hudgens totally rocks in a Deep Emerald Green.

Jill Kirsh Color www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Christina Aguilera’s cool white blonde is amazing against the cool undertones of Seafoam Green.

Jill Kirsh Color www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Emma Stone’s fiery red hair is stunning against the warmth & richness of Olive Green.

Jill Kirsh Color www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Find your color green with Jill Kirsh!

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

Winter turns to spring and so does Pitfire’s menu

Lisa Bianconi
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Winter, Spring, Summer of Fall, all you got to do is…go to Pitfire. (you’ve got to sing it like the James Taylor song)

The NoHo Arts District dot com team gets a rumbling in our tummies every time the seasons change. This means that Pitfire Pizza in NoHo offers a new seasonal menu. They pride themselves on using in season and locally sourced ingredients and we are lucky to get to taste them. So although it may feel like summer and we’ve skipped spring, we are still technically in winter. So make sure to stop by and grab one of Pitfire’s winter seasonal dishes before their menu jumps to their spring specials.

Below are some yummies from their seasonal winter menu:

Pitfire Pizza NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Superkale Pizza

Shredded Kale, Fresh Mozzarella, Garlic, Red Onion, Parmesan and Lemon Zest

* Sprouts & Bacon Pizza

Brussels Sprouts, Zoe’s Natural Bacon, Fresh Mozzarella, Whipped Cream, Red Chile Flake and Parmesan

*Pumpkin Pizza

Roast Pumpkin, Sage, Greens, Fontina, Brown Butter, Pumpkin Oil and Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Pitfire Pizza NoHo Arts District www.nohoartsdistrict.com

Short Rib Pappardelle

Braised Short Rib, Mascarpone, Community Grains Pappardelle Pasta and Parmesan

Farmers Market Vegetable Plate

*Thyme Roasted Pumpkin & Olive Oil
*Persimmons Cabbage Slaw in a Citrus Yogurt Vinaigrette
*Roast Brussels Sprouts & Salsa Verde
Grilled Rustic Bread with Ricotta and Ginger Tomato Jam

* indicates items that are a carryover from the seasonal Fall menu

Head over there before the menu changes! Follow them on Twitter @PitfireNOHO

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

Thursdays in NoHo Just Got Yummier

Lisa Bianconi
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The North Hollywood Food Truck Collective- EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!

Thursday nights in NoHo are getting yummier. Let’s give the The Food Truck Collective a big NORTH HOLLYWOOD welcome! Every Thursday the event features music by an awesome DJ, games (Giant Jenga tournaments, Beanbag toss and more) and some of Los Angeles’ very best food trucks. It happens EVERY THURSDAY night from 6PM-10PM at 4835 Lankershim Blvd. next to the ugly sign on the Firestone lot – corner of Lankershim Blvd. and La Maida.

The mission behind The Food Truck Collective is to create events that bring communities together by supporting local small businesses via food trucks as well as creating a festival-type environment filled with games, crafts and themes on a random day of the week where there normally wouldn’t be. They have been responsible for building events in South Florida that have brought people together and made people aware of food trucks and the amazing affordable and simple gourmet food culture to the suburbs. They want to bring that to Los Angeles; the idea of creating an event around the food trucks that features the love of being outdoors and enjoying a fun time with the family.

“This is a very exciting time for us. Not only are we excited about taking our operation nation-wide but we are also thrilled to bring our very unique concept and grow it in Southern California!”

As the events begin to build, they have planned an extraordinarily ambitious program to continue to bring people together; from Karaoke (which they have coined- TruckAoke), a PopUp ArtWalk- that will feature local artists, face painter and a kid’s craft area and much more!

For more information regarding which trucks are scheduled and what week as well as more information about The Food Truck Collective, please visit their website: www.thefoodtruckcollective.com.

Facebook   |   Twitter 

Food Truck Collective

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.

Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel At Its Best with the Guests

Mike Peros
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Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel At Its Best with the Guests

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is worth a trip, but you really need to avoid interacting with its proprietor—but more about that later.

This sequel follows the group of transplanted British retirees living out their golden years in India at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, under the watchful eyes of energetic owner Sonny (who takes roll call every morning with his trusty clipboard, to make sure no one has “passed” during the night. While the first film was an engaging, bittersweet comedy of aging British expatriates learning to appreciate life, as opposed to merely awaiting death, the follow-up is a decidedly commercial enterprise—in fact, much of the plot has to do with Sonny hoping to expand to another hotel, and seeking the support of American financial interests to do so.

Despite the fact this is really an unnecessary venture, there is much to like about The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Like its predecessor, it is quite convincing in depicting its belief that age is nothing but a number (although these are some of the hardiest senior citizens you’re likely to see). Primarily however, there are the fine performances of much of the returning cast, as well as a few newcomers. Judi Dench does a lovely job of depicting Evelyn’s dilemma over sharing her heart with the devoted Douglas (Bill Nighy) while pondering an offer to return to the professional fold—and exploring the possibility that one need not negate the other. Nighy is affecting and amusing as the sensitive Douglas who has the heart, but not necessarily the words. Ronald Pickup manages to deepen his somewhat roguish character while Penelope Wilton scores some touching moments as Nighy’s soon to be ex-wife. As Sonny’s confidante and voice of reason, Maggie Smith is acerbic and poignant, lending the film both its edge and a bit of heart.

Of the newcomers, the most prominent of course is Richard Gere, and he’s actually pretty good (some other notices to the contrary) as the mysterious visitor and would-be author who arouses Sonny’s suspicions. He’s dashing and uncomfortable (both as the script demands) and if anything, his good looks could be exploited more, especially seeing what his probable impact would be among this predominantly female clientele—it even inspires one good line out of Sonny, who remarks that Gere’s good looks make him question his own sexual identity.

And this leads us to the major problem with this Hotel. Specifically it’s Sonny—as played (or shall we say overplayed) by Dev Patel, there is simply too much of him. Screenwriter Ol Parker grants Patel too much screen time to his hyperactive antics, diverting viewers from the classy contingent of seasoned actors doing fine work, while director John Madden does nothing to rein Patel in. His exuberance crosses the border into exhausting and only serves to pad out the film’s running time, making this trip seem overextended. If there’s another excursion to the Marigold Hotel, it would be wise to focus on the guests, and not as much as management.

Here’s your NoHo News!

Lisa Bianconi
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Here’s your NoHo arts community update!

We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood…ENJOY NOHO!

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo.  

 

Fresh Off The Boat: The New Face of American Family

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Meet the Huangs, network television’s first Asian-American family in over 20 years. Much like ABC’s other hit family comedy “The Goldbergs,” “Fresh Off The Boat” (FOTB) is based in the past and is narrated from the childhood experience of show creator Eddie Huang.

Set in 1995, the Huang family moves from Chinatown, D.C. to Orlando Florida to pursue a new life.

The show centers around Eddie (Hudson Yang), a typical pre-teen kid who feels like he doesn’t fit in his school or his family. His feelings of marginalization ironically lead him to find solace in 90’s Rap music. “If you’re an outsider, Hip Hop was your anthem,” he states in the pilot episode. Unlike Eddie, his more likable and less complicated younger brothers Emery and Evan (Forest Wheeler & Ian Chen) find themselves fitting in perfectly to their new surroundings further frustrating his inability to adapt. Eddie’s parents Louis and Jessica Huang (Randall Park & Constance Wu) are Taiwanese immigrants who simply want a better life for their family. They wrestle with attaining the American dream and the often troubling assimilation that goes along with it.

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“Be polite, respectful and don’t make waves,” Eddie’s over the top strict mother tells him on his first day of school.

Assimilation into white culture is a dominant theme on FOTB and a large part of its particular comedic charm. To some it can be a bit startling at first to hear so many joke references towards “whites” but I think it’s because we’re just not used to hearing them. In a typical sitcom comedy starring a white cast, characters of different ethnicity often appear and quickly play into some stereotypical caricature of themselves or those same characters are used as racial props meant to point out some comedic inadequacy in the main cast. This trend in television is so pervasive that when reversed it can surprisingly make you feel a little uncomfortable, but that’s our problem not the show’s.

fresh off the boat poster 9

In a recent article for Time Magazine, Constance Wu describes this in more detail:

“Stereotypes are only dangerous when they are used as the butt of the joke, and our writers have taken great care to never write a single joke that is based upon a stereotype. The fact that this is the first show in 20 years that has Asian leads— carrying a story instead of supporting a white person’s story — takes away that burden of stereotypes. What makes a stereotype harmful is when it’s a one-dimensional person.”

FOTB is extraordinarily relatable and remarkably hilarious.

It’s a fresh perspective on the American family seen through the lens of an Asian-American perspective. Whether or not you are familiar with Asian culture doesn’t matter, their story is universal and built around the desire to make a better life for family. “Fresh Off The Boat” comes at a time when the actualization of the American dream seems further away and harder to attain, yet gently reminding us over and over that the dream is still possible.

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The NoHo Arts District is a one-square-mile community in North Hollywood that is home to live, professional theatres, dance studios, art galleries, public art, music recording venues, acting and art workshops, international dining options, clothing and specialty shops, and businesses that create a myriad of art forms. NoHo is "Where the Arts Are Made." - "NoHoArtsDistrict.com"

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