SVA Hosts Screenwriters Night 5/5 As Part Of Dustys Film & Animation Festival

For screenwriters, the most exciting and satisfying part of their work is seeing their words come to life. And this year, as part of the 20th Anniversary of the Dustys Film and Animation Festival - the School of Visual Arts will present "Screenwriters Night" on Tuesday, May 5th. at the SVA Theatre (333 W. 23rd Street).

Eleven five-minute scenes by SVA's screenwriting thesis students are set to be performed live on stage, featuring alumni from The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, the internationally regarded acting conservatory. "Screenwriters Night" will be directed by John Gallagher, an award-winning filmmaker and faculty member at both SVA and The Neighborhood Playhouse and produced by Annie Flocco.

"We're thrilled to be part of SVA's Film and Animation Festival this year with ‘Screenwriters Night,' said Gallagher. "The students have the opportunity to work with a director, be part of the audition process, the rehearsal process, and to workshop with the actors. This year the screenwriters will be in the spotlight." The actors are all graduates of The Neighborhood Playhouse, where Gallagher also teaches.

"What you'll see is a live performance that'll be far more cinematic than a theatrical production," says Annie Flocco, co-creator and producer of "Screenwriters Night" and an SVA faculty instructor, who together with Heidi Hamelin are producing the festival. "We decided to create something new that would be more dynamic and a better experience for the students."

Maggie Levin and the Real Theatre Company will handle the stagecraft.

The following thesis students will be represented, along with their screenplays: Dan Abrams, "The Judgment of Todd;" Harrison Andrews, "The South Shall Rise From The Dead;" Cinjeon Gauh, "The Round Sky;" Jennifer Gnirke, "The Mysterious Events at Loch Ness;" Katie MaDonna Lee, "Winnie and Estelle;" Brennan Lee Mulligan, "Crisis of Faith;"Ian Phillips, "Five Boroughs," Mike Preiato, "Expatriate," Justin Rice, "Quince!"; Danielle Romano, "The Jackie Greener Story;" and Daniel Sheldrick, "Continuum."

"Screenwriters Night" takes place Tuesday, May 5th at 6:00PM at the SVA Theatre (333 W. 23rd Street) and is FREE - though RSVP's are required. Please call the DUSTYS office at (212) 592-2124 to make arrangements. Updated festival info. is also available by visiting the website www.sva.edu/dusty

The Dusty Film and Animation Festival and Awards began in 1990 when the BFA Film, Video and Animation Department sought to bring its year-end screenings of student films to a
wider audience. With sponsorship, a venue, and the support from the film industry, the event came to life. To pay tribute to School of Visual Arts founder Silas H. Rhodes, the event was named "Dusty" - after the nickname Mr. Rhodes had as a soldier in World War II.
School of Visual Arts is widely regarded as one of the finest art schools in the United States for its innovative curriculum, unparalleled faculty of more than 900 creative professionals and its participation in the larger arts community of New York City. Film and animation students at SVA have received accolades and honors from such renowned institutions and organizations such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Sundance Film Festival; International Animated Film Festival in Annecy, France; American Film Institute; Women in Film; National Board of Review and many others. Find more information at www.sva.edu/dusty.

School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City is an established leader and innovator in the education of artists. From its inception in 1947, the faculty has been comprised of professionals working in the arts and art-relatEd Fields. SVA provides an environment that nurtures creativity, inventiveness and experimentation, enabling students to develop a strong sense of identity and a clear direction of purpose.