Convening on Artistic Excellence June 11, 2011

Saturday June 11, 2011 12 - 6 p.m.

Theatre Bay Area and the Network of Ensemble Theaters join foolsFURY in hosting a convening of local and national theater-makers to discuss the controversial issue of how to assess artistic excellence in the American theatre.

Theatre Bay Area Executive Director Brad Erickson says, "We are thrilled to be part of this vital conversation. We are excited to see a particular segment of our community has identified the need to discuss this important issue in their own context. Ensemble-based theatre is in such an interesting place to have this discussion because issues besides the performance itself, like process and social/political impact, are so valued by this sector. At this convening, national leaders from the ensemble theatre community will discuss how artistic excellence relates to process, performance and community impact. As a field we crave brilliant work, yet we rarely dare to speak directly, to ourselves and to each other, about the quality of the art we are making."

The convening will include round tables discussions, break out groups, live blogging and web streaming as well as drinks, networking and performance! Expected speakers include Teresa Eyring (executive director, Theatre Communications Group), Morgan Jenness (agent/dramaturg, Abrams Creative), Diane Rodriguez (director of new play development, Center Theater Group, Los Angeles), Lisa Steindler (artistic director, Z Space), Paul Walsh (professor of dramaturgy, Yale University) and Kim Whitener (producing director, HERE).

This event is part of the 2011 Fury Factory Festival of Ensemble Theater, held from June 7 June 26, in which we celebrate the ensemble spirit with over 30 ensemble theater companies over 3 weeks of collaboration, inspiration & performance. Tickets $30/$40 with admission to Pig Iron's Checkhov Lizardbrain or Independent Eye's Hands Up!

The convening is supported, in part, by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Official Website: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/176602