legitimacy of AfterWork Theater Project

[PlayItAgain]

Anyone know the legitimacy of this?
http://afterworktheater.com/

[wonkit]

Bump. I am also curious about this.

[dramamama611]

Well, since they are brand new, there is no way to verify only by their website. But 500 bucks seems a bit questionable for participation.

Granted, I don't have to rent space, but 20,000 bucks is crazy for community theater (assuming they get 40 people involved.

I'd certainly research!

[AfterWorkTheater]

Hey there,

I am the Founder/Artistic Director of the AfterWork Theater Project and I want to thank you for your interest in our program. I founded AWTP to create an extraordinary experience for people who love to perform. We may be reminiscent of community theater but this is New York City, the theater capital of the world, and that means stepping it up several notches.

AWTP utilizes professional rehearsal facilities at CAP21 and our theater at the 14th Street Y is sensational. Images of both can be found on our website. We are securing a creative team that is widely acknowledged within the theater community. Participants' tuition goes directly into the sets, costumes, creative team, rehearsal space, performance venue etc. that will make up this quality production, as well as helping to secure the future of the AfterWork Theater Project itself. Finally, if the $495 tuition is beyond anyone's means they have the option to receive a 50% discount in exchange for pitching in backstage. We are committed that no one be excluded from this opportunity.

For 16 years, I've denied myself the opportunity to perform because I believed my only option was to audition with the ranks of Broadway hopefuls (even though I have no designs for a Broadway career). Then one day I realized I could create a new type of theater to recapture quality performing the way I experienced it in my youth, when it wasn't about getting rich or famous but about fun, community, and self-expression. That is the intention behind AWTP and I guarantee you that when Hair opens on January 31st, everyone involved will agree that the experience was unforgettable.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me through our website. In addition you can go to www.Facebook.com/AfterWorkTheater and talk to other people who are familiar with me and the work with which I'm associated.

Again, thank you so much for your interest and I really hope you join us on the journey. Go to www.AfterWorkTheater.com to register!

Evan Greenberg
Founder/Artistic Director
AfterWork Theater Project
www.AfterWorkTheater.com

[SuddenlyTrey]

Sounds pretty awesome to me! We "Pay to Play" everywhere else in life, so the deposit doesn't really bother me. It just ensures the show will be top notch!

[ChiChi]

The deposit doesn't bother me. I just wouldn't be able to afford it.

[mrglawyer]

What a fantastic idea. I have been looking for a program like this for many years and there is nothing like it in the NY metropolitan area. I have put down my deposit and I can't wait to begin. I sort of know some of the people involved and believe me, they are top notch. This promises to be a rich and rewarding experience so I encourage all of you wanna be hoofers and crooners out there to join us in the AWT Project production of Hair.

[PlayItAgain]

Thanks plant lol

[davidp2]

Hi all!

Full disclosure: Evan Greenberg (founder of AWTP) is my best friend in the world.

That being said, I am a professional actor who has appeared on Broadway, TV, and all over the world, and I can tell you that Evan's passion and integrity around this project leaves nothing to be desired. For the past 6 months or so, he has been basically obsessed with putting together an incredible team and an incredible program for AWTP. He is one of the pickiest people I know and has almost impossibly high standards, and he is using everything he has to make sure that this production of Hair will be top notch and an unforgettable experience for all involved.

As someone who works professionally and successfully in the theater, I am somewhat envious of the lucky bunch that will be part of AWTP's first outing!

[followspot]

Truly not being snarky — I wish you well, Evan, and I think this is a great idea — but the legitimacy of your project would be better fortified by revealing the "first-rate creative team" you claim to have, rather than asking your friends and family to tell us how wonderful you personally are. I know things are just getting started, but as a potential consumer, the quality of the product being offered — the creative team — would be my primary concern.

[dramamama611]

Well, to be fair, in his email, he states he is still securing the creative team.

I have no doubt that his intention may be sincere, but lots of problems start with the best of intentions. It just sounds like a lot of money to be -- and no, I would not be able to afford it even if I were interested.

(And sending shills to claim how excited they are doesn't help.)

[followspot]

I was going by the website, mama, which states: "We’ve assembled a highly-acclaimed creative team, with numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway credits..." That's a bold (not to mention binding) claim. (And not necessarily congruent with the above post's "We are securing a creative team that is widely acknowledged within the theater community".) It's vagueries on important matters like that (and yes, online shilling, as well-intentioned as it may be) that give a consumer pause.

And again, truly not trying to rain on anyone's parade... just sayin'.

[EDIT: "with numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway credits" has now been removed from the website.]

[dramamama611]

I know....I was just pointing out what he said in the post. (But I don't disagree with you.)

[AfterWorkTheater]

http://afterworktheater.com/creative-team/

[afterworkprogram]

Hello My name is Victor Gulley. I was the first to start an After Work Theater Program back in 2008. THERE IS NO FEE to be a part of our project. We just want you to come share your talent learn and have fun. We are based in Chicago. We will be starting on our next play soon so come visit us at www.AfterWorkProgram.com to learn more.
After Work Program

[artscallion]

"...I am a professional actor who has appeared on Broadway, TV, and all over the world..."

davidpl, are you Rula Lenska?!

[AfterWorkTheater]

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/173833-AfterWork-Theater-Project-With-Non-Theatre-Working-Professionals-Will-Present-Hair-in-February

[DEClarke]

EDIT: What I said was dumb.

[AfterWorkTheater]

http://14thand1st.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/afterwork-theater-projects-premiere-show-hair-at-the-14th-street-ys-theater/

[CATSNYrevival]

This actually sounds kind of cool. It's basically like tuition based youth theatre, except it's for adults.