Latest Posts

PEOPLE WHO MAKE THEATER: The Musical Magic of Lerner & Loewe

A conversation with musicologist Dominic McHugh, a primary authority on the work of Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner, and Emily Altman, president of the Frederick Loewe Foundation. With songs performed by Tony-nominee Melissa Errico in a special guest appearance.

Mon, Nov 13, 2017 | 7pm | FREE
HB Playwrights Theatre, 124 Bank St

Join us for an in-depth conversation about the musical artistry and creative partnership of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, the genius pairing behind such classic works as MY FAIR LADY, BRIGADOON, CAMELOT, GIGI, and PAINT YOUR WAGON. Continue reading →

Financial Aid for Winter Term

Applications for the winter term have closed.

Two forms of financial aid are available: Scholarships and Work Study. Scholarships cover partial costs of a single class. Work Study positions cover the full price of a single class in exchange for weekly shifts helping at the Studio. Students taking multiple classes are given priority for Work Study positions. Financial aid is awarded on consideration of both merit and need. read more.

Winter Term will run 10 weeks, January 8 – March 18, 2018. Registration opens Nov 1.

Info Session: Performance and Project Development Opportunities at HB Studio – Oct 25.

Want to know more about opportunities to perform or develop your own work at HB? Whether you are an actor, playwright, director, an individual or a member of a collective, we’ll give you a rundown of current opportunities available to HB Students to:

  • Perform
  • Audition
  • Get your info into our casting files
  • Develop a project in a rehearsal space residency
  • Submit a new play for consideration for reading or production
  • Rent space to produce your own work
…and more!
Wednesday, October 25 at 2:00PM
HB Playwrights Theatre, 124 Bank Street

 

First Floor Studio Residency – BEE

BEE Distressed image of woman with scarf over her head. By Iranian photographer Shadi Ghadirian
A First Floor Studio Residency Project

Created by Melody Erfani
Written by Sean Michael Welch

Saturdays & Sundays – November 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 | 7:30 pm

BEE is the story of Izat, a young Iranian girl trapped in an abusive marriage in the 1940’s. After years of suffering both physically and mentally at the hands of her spouse, she knows the only way she will survive is if she is able to leave him. In an unprecedented move, her father is able to use his influence to secure a divorce for her. The story intertwines with interviews from immigrants who have had to make the difficult choice of leaving their homeland because their very survival was at stake.

Lower East Side Shakespeare Co. has taken on a new challenge in that they are producing new work in the vein of creating like Shakespeare. BEE created by Melody Erfani and written by Sean Michael Welch is a piece that is intended to start dialogue and discussion.

SHIRLEY VALENTINE by Willy Russell

SHIRLEY VALENTINE Poster image of a bikini on a clothes line with pots and pans against a rustic stone wall.
by Willy Russell
Directed by Carol Rosenfeld

Featuring: Antonietta Corvinelli

Assistant Director 
Kenneth Thompson
Set Designer 
Nikolay Svridchik
Light Designer
 Liz Nielsen
Sound Designer Aaron Minerbrook
Costume Designer 
Michael Massee
Stage Manager Richard Lear*
Assistant Stage Manager
 Camilo Ramirez


Saturday, October 14 at 7pm & Sunday, October 15 at 3pm

HB Playwrights Theatre, 124 Bank Street
FREE

A holiday in Greece refreshes a Liverpool housewife in more ways than one.

“Shirley Valentine” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
*Appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, Equity approved Showcase.

This program is supported in part through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and many generous supporters.

Upcoming Half-Term Classes for Fall 2017

Join us for the second half of Fall Term with one of these 5-week classes or workshops:

Singing for the Musical Theater – Studio Practice – with Helen Gallagher
3:15 PM – 5:45 PM | Tuesdays | 10/17/2017 – 11/14/2017 | $230
By submission.

Art of Transformation – Part 2 – with Janice Orlandi
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Wednesdays | 10/18/2017 – 11/15/2017  | $180

Actuar en Español / Acting in Spanish – with Pablo Andrade & Maria Fontanals
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Mondays | 10/23/2017 – 11/20/2017 | $230

Acting in Accent: Cockney – with Amanda Quaid
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Fridays | 10/20/2017 – 11/17/2017 | $205.00
Application required. Apply online by October 6, 2017

Amy Herzog Scene Study – with Austin Pendleton
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Mondays | 10/16/2017 – 11/13/2017 | $275.00
Open to Studio Practice Level students or by application. Apply online by October 2.

María Irene Fornés Scene Study – with George Bartenieff & Paul Pryce
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Fridays | 10/20/2017 – 11/17/2017 | $270.00

Acting Through the Method of Etudes 1 – Monologues – with Snezhana Chernova
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Sundays | 10/22/2017 – 11/19/2017 | $270.00

The Actor and the Business – with Vincent Pastore
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Tuesdays | 11/7/2017 – 12/5/2017 (4 weeks) | $250.00

Intro to Stage Combat – with Christian Kelly-Sordelet
1:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Tuesdays | 11/7/2017 – 12/12/2017 | $180.00

Advanced Acting with the Camera – with Mark Blum
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Saturdays | 11/11/2017 – 12/16/2017 | $325.00
Open to Level 2 & Up or by a submission or audition

Faculty News

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Fred Weller performs in the upcoming Amazon Prime series, Better Sisters with Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel.

Jessica Hecht will be back on Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club in Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector, directed by Anna D. Shapiro. Coming Fall 2024.

Magaly Colimon-Christopher directs Searching for Abuelo, written/performed by Gretchen Suarez-Pena will be performed at Theatre Row on June 13 at 8 pm as part of the 2024 Downtown Urban Arts Festival. Use discount code: halfDUAF for 50% off tickets.

Jack Vincent Moran performs in Zero Day, streaming soon on Netflix.

Laila Robins and Mark Nelson perform in a one-night performance of Bernard Shaw’s Heartbreak House with Gingold Group. Performance is on May 20 at 7:00pm.

Magaly Colimon-Christopher‘s company Conch Shell Productions’ is now distributing short films previously screened at Conch Shell International Film Fest via www.Hoopladigital.com on their new channel – CSIFF CHANNEL. Hoopladigital is a FREE digital library service that offers movies & more to public library patrons. HooplaBingepass is available to library card holders in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Paul Pryce is invited as a special guest to attend the inaugural Cross Continental Co-Production Forum (CFF) in Barbados and Trinidad. This forum brings together media executives and high level producers from Canada, UK, South Africa, and several Caribbean countries, aiming to encourage collaboration, business development, and co-productions. This year’s focus will be ‘Decolonizing the co-production process for the benefit of the Global South.’

Snezhana Chernova is performing in Dialogue Theater’s Life is Sad, Life is Beautiful in dedication to the 125th Anniversary of Vladimir Nabokov’s birthday. Performances run April 26 & 27 at HB Playwrights Theatre.

Executive & Artistic Director, Edith Meeks and Ilse Pfeifer will be presenting on theater process and the actor’s art of embodying a role. The idea is to share knowledge about mind-body connections. Our co-presenter, Joseph Roach, will be speaking about Eloquence and Happiness at Yale University’s International Symposium on Embodied Cognition.

Lucille Lortel Award’s 2024 Nominations was announced on April 4. Christopher Abbott was nominated for Outstanding Lead Performer in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, and Frank Wood Outstanding Featured Performer in Toros.

Stephen DeRosa performs in the blockbuster Off-Broadway production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.

In conjunction with Coward 125, a celebration of the 125th birthday of Noël Coward, HB Board Member Alan Pally has curated MEN ABOUT TOWN: AL HIRSCHFELD DRAWS NOËL COWARD, an online exhibition presented by the Al Hirschfeld Foundation.

Maria Fontanals and her creative team in RADOJKA at Repertorio was nominated as Best NY Hispanic Production at Talia Premios Gala in Madrid, Spain.

Nehassaiu deGannes performs in the THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND at Shaw Festival in Ontario, Canada. Runs June 12–Oct 12.

Christopher Abbott plays Alfie Blessington in The Oscar-winning film, POOR THINGS.

Austin Pendleton is directed the 25th Anniversary of his play ORSON’S SHADOW at Theater for the New City. Runs through Mar 31.

Theresa McElwee is the dialect coach for Off-Broadway’s OH MARY! by Cole Escola at Lucille Lortel Theatre. The dark comedy play has been extended to May 12.

David Maurice Sharp‘s A BELL FOR MAURY’S BICYCLE won a 2024 First Place Book Award in the Children’s Books category from BooksShelf.

Magaly Colimon-Christopher directs The Tank NYC’s premiere of SEARCHING FOR ABUELO an award winning solo play written & performed by Puerto Rican artist Gretchen Suarez-Pena. Performances are March 5, 6, 7, & 9th 7pm. Use promo code: CSP5 for a $5 discount.

Theresa Buchheister and Ryan William Downey received an OBIE AWARD for their work with The Brick Theatre.

Lonny Price directs the North American Tour of a reimagined version of PETER PAN, additional materials provided by Larissa FastHorse. Christian Kelly-Sordelet coordinated the Fight Choreography.

David Deblinger performs in a RAYNE, a play he co-wrote with Ben Snyder, plays at Stella Adler’s Center for the Arts. Runs Feb 2–24.

David Deblinger will guest star in upcoming episodes of POWER BOOK III: Raising Kanan on STARZ and AMERICAN HORROR STORIES on HULU.

Mark Nelson performs in THE LEHMAN TRILOGY at Harmon’s Hall in D.C. Runs Feb 22–Mar 24.

Austin Pendleton performs in Tennessee Williams’s THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA at The Pershing Square Signature Center, The Irene Diamond Stage. Runs through Feb 25.

David Maurice Sharp‘s children’s book about financial literacy, A BELL FOR MAURY’S BICYCLE won a 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Award in the Picture Books 6 & Older category.

Jermaine Rowe is the Associate Director of WATCH NIGHT, an immersive exploration of justice and forgiveness in the face of deadly rage. Performing at Perelman Performing Arts Center on Nov 3–18.

Christopher Abbott performs in DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA at Lucille Lortel Theatre. 10 Week of performances starting Oct 30.

David Maurice Sharp‘s children’s book about financial literacy, A BELL FOR MAURY’S BICYCLE is available on Amazon.

Jermaine Rowe‘s new play LEGEND OF THE ROLLING CALF: A DUPPY STORY is a selection for The Team’s Petri Projects.

Jean-Marc Berne is the narrator for the audiobook of THE DEVIL TAKES YOU HOME by Gabino Iglesias.

Keith David voices Commander Zavala in the DESTINY 2.

Magaly Colimon‘s short film I MARRIED A BLACK REPUBLICAN, directed by Pat Golden was selected as part of New York Women in Film & Television’s 6th Annual Online Shorts Festival presented by iWomanTV!

Rachel Christopher perform on Broadway at MTC’s production of JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING. Run begins Sept 12.

Francesca Ferrara will play Melanie Harper, a melanoma survivor, in the new play ONION SKIN at the Capital Fringe Fest in Washington, DC. Runs July 16–21.

Snezhana Chernova performs (in Russian) THE HUMAN VOICE by J. Cocteau as a part of the Equation with Two Unknowns performance.

Daniel Carlton‘s play HIDDEN INSIDE, co-written with Nambi E. Kelley and directed by Christopher Burris is featured in Keen Teen’s Festival Of New Work. Runs May 19–21.

Jessica Hecht is nominated for a Tony for Lead Actress in a Play in SUMMER, 1976.

David Maurice Sharp is featured in the podcasts THE TABLE READ and STOCKS FOR BEGINNERS.

PlayCo produces Sarah Einspanier‘s play LUNCH BUNCH. Performs at 122CC, runs Mar 15–Apr 15.

Lorraine Serabian directs a reading of THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL by Horton Foote on March 11, 7pm, at Studio 353 (353 West 48th Street). The cast features HB Artists: Letty Ferrer, Damian Graham, Michelle Leicht, Steve Saracino, Elena Clark, Louis Sciancalepore, and Gavin McDonough. Free admission.

Mark Blum‘s short film, AUDITION TO HELL, directed by George Port, featuring Austin Pendleton is now available to watch on Youtube. The short went on to the film festival circuit, winning 5 Best Animation Awards, 3 Honorable Mentions, and a Best Actor Award for Mark.

Jessica Hecht performs in David Auburn’s SUMMER, 1976 at Manhattan Theatre Club. Performances start Apr 4.

Jessica Hecht performs in Signature Theatre’s LETTERS TO MAX by Sarah Ruhl. Runs Feb 7–Mar 19.

Eduardo Machado directs the World Premiere of his new play NOT ABOUT ME at Theatre for the New City. Runs Jan 13–Feb 5. Features HB Artists: Charles Manning, Ellis Charles Hoffmeister, and Moshe Henderson.

Anya Turner & Robert Grusecki have been named the 2022 recipients of THE ASCAP FOUNDATION JAMIE deROY & FRIENDS AWARD, recognizing outstanding work and dedication to the craft of songwriting.

Snezhana Chernova performs in Dialogue Theater’s production of AT THE LIMIT OF FEELINGS at HB Playwrights Theater, 124 Bank Street Theater.

Snezhana Chernova is featured in LAW & ORDER: ORGANIZED CRIME, EPISODE 301, playing the role of Mariel Marchenko.

Jessica Hecht returns to Arlekin Player’s THE ORCHARD premiering the production in Boston, Nov 4–13.

Lorraine Serabian directs 4-ONE ACT PLAYS by TENNESSEE WILLIAMS: Moony’s Kid Don’t Cry, The Lady of Larkspur Lotion, The Case of the Crushed Petunias, Hello From Bertha at Theatre Row on November 2–12. Special ticket offer: $18 tickets if you email: clareannelorenz@gmail.com to reserve.

Francesca Ferrara performs in Acting Out’s THIS IS THIS. August 19–21 in HB’s Playwrights Theater.

Magaly Colimon‘s film AFTERSHOCK: A TETRA OF OUR TIMES is having an online screening on July 30, 2022 at 2:00pm.

Craig MacArthur Dolezel‘s one-man show, MARROW by Brian Quirk, directed by Melissa Firlit. Performs 59E59’s East of Edinburgh Fringe July 12–14, before their run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

THE WILD ONE featured at Tribeca Film Festival is an autobiographical Documentary about the late Jack Garfein. World Premieres on June 11, and two additional screenings on June 14 & 19 at Village East by Angelika: Theater 1.

Austin Pendleton directs BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY by Stephen Adly Guirgis at Second Stage’s Hayes Theatre.

Austin Pendleton is nominated for an Outer Critics Circle’s “Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play” Award, for his role as Mr. Oldfield in THE MINUTES on Broadway.

Mark Nelson and Jessica Hecht perform in THE ORCHARD, a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, at Baryshnikov Arts Center. Performances begin May 30.

David Deblinger‘s short play, HOT TEA is being produced as a film to be shot in late April.

David Deblinger is working on a new play called CHARNA RIVKA that will be read at LAByrinth’s barn series on Sunday 4/10 at 7pm.

David Deblinger
 booked a role on a few episodes of a new show on Paramount plus’s TULSA KING, produced by Sylvester Stallone, Taylor Sheridan(1883, Yellowstone) Terence Winter(Boardwalk Empire, Sopranos).

Peter Francis James plays Florenz Ziegfeld in FUNNY GIRL on Broadway.

Austin Pendleton performs in Steppenwolf’s production of THE MINUTES on Broadway. Performance begin April 2, 2022.

Barbara Bleier & Austin Pendleton‘s HOLIDAY HANGOVER performs on January 11, 2022.

Maria Fontanals is performing in LA VIDA ES SUEÑO at Teatro Círculo. Runs November 26-December 12, 2021.

Ben Mehl stars in Season 3 of YOU on Netflix—premieres October 15, 2021, and in the first episode you’ll find a beautiful tribute to Mark Blum.

Ashish Pant‘s film THE KNOT (ULJHAN), which he also directs, was selected in competition at the International Thai Film Festival, October 7-17, 2021 and the Heartland International Film Festival, September 17-30, 2021.

Steven Eng will perform in the original musical GOLD MOUNTAIN with Utah Shakespeare Festival this November, 2021.

Laura Esterman performs in THE WOMAN’S PARTY, streamed for free with Clubbed Thumb through September 23, 2021.

Ashish Pant‘s film THE KNOT (ULJHAN), which he also directs, was selected in competition at the Asian American International Film Festival, August 11-22, 2021 and the Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati, August 5-August 21, 2021.

Vincent Pastore stars in the new film THE BIRTHDAY CAKE opposite Ewan McGregor, Val Kilmer and Shiloh Fernandez.

Robert Grusecki and Anya Turner published the book WORDS MATTER, a collection of their song lyrics, essays, monologues, and photographs.

David Deblinger performed in BACKSEAT, which he also wrote, with Labyrinth Theater Company, June 25-27, 2021.

Magaly Colimon‘s company Conch Shell Productions will produce RESERT SERIES 2021 on July 24 & 31, 2021.

Austin Pendleton directs the New York concert premiere of the new musical BLUE ROSES with York Theatre Company, October 18, 2021.

Ashish Pant‘s film THE KNOT (ULJHAN), which he also directs, was selected in competition at IFFLA, May 20-27, 2021, NYIFF, June 4-11, 2021 and Shanghai International Film Festival, June 11-20, 2021.

Jessica Hecht and Mark Nelson star in chekhovOS /an experimental game/ by Zero Gravity (zero-G) Virtual Theater Lab, now through June 24, 2021. Jessica Hecht also stars in Season 2 of SPECIAL.

Amanda Quaid‘s new one-act opera THE EXTINCTIONIST premiered with Heartbeat Opera in May and is available to stream online.

Continue reading →

Fall Term is underway. Classes are still open for registration.

Select your classes here!
Fall Term will run 10 weeks, Sept 11 – Nov 19, 2017.
We also offer a variety of short-term workshops.

INTAKE AUDITION / CONSULTATIONS: Interested in our upper level classes? Audition & consult with a panel of HB’s faculty to discuss your goals, where you are in the work, and plan your course of study at HB Studio. For audition schedule, details and sign up info, visit the Auditions & Prerequisites page.

REEL SUBMISSIONS: Are you a working professional seeking a place to practice? Submit your reel and resume for placement into our studio practice classes.

UNION DISCOUNT: AEA, AGVA, AGMA, SAG/AFTRA, WGA and Dramatist Guild Members can receive 10% OFF Fall Term Classes. To receive a union discount, you must present your membership card in the registration office, or email a copy to registration@hbstudio.org.*

(*Discounts valid for Studio Classes only; not valid for workshop offerings, full-time programs or merchandise. Discounts cannot be combined nor applied retroactively.)

HB Residency Project “BEE” Seeks Middle Eastern Actresses

BEE has received a residency with HB Studio for the end of October to mid November 2017, and they are looking for an ensemble that is creative and open to playing.

This is a new work based on Izat Erfani’s life in Langarud, Iran set in 1940’s. The focus of the work is a young woman trying to give her children more and intertwine that with the interviews from Middle Eastern immigrants and refugees. The piece will include movement and original compositions.

The play will be performed by only females and will have women playing men. The ages listed are the character’s age but the actress’ age is flexible.

If interested in auditioning please email lesshakespeareco@gmail.com selecting a date and a time slot will be given.
Continue reading →