Vineyard's Artistic Director Aibel Featured In Newest Episode Of ATW's 'Downstage Center,' Premieres 8/24

The American Theatre Wing has announced that Douglas Aibel, Artistic Director of New York's Vineyard Theatre, will be the next guest on their popular interview show, "Downstage Center." Hosted by American Theatre Wing Executive Director Howard Sherman, "Downstage Center" features weekly in-depth interviews with the leading artists and professionals working on stage today. Aibel's interview is available online and as a podcast beginning today (Monday, 8/24) through iTunes or an RSS feed.

On the latest edition of "Downstage Center," Douglas Aibel reflects upon the six year run and impending closing of the Broadway musical Avenue Q, which made its Off Broadway debut at the Vineyard and has been the company's longest-running commercial transfer -- out of a field that also includes[title of show], How I Learned to Drive, Three Tall Women, Fully Committed, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill and Goblin Market, among many others. He also talks about his vision for the Vineyard and how it grew out of a 65-seat, multi-disciplinary performance space into a full-fledged theatre company; how his father's love of Broadway musicals, and incessant playing of cast albums, put him on the path towards a career in theatre; his early years doing five and six internships or part-time jobs at theatres around the city in order to break into the business and make connections; how a job in fundraising at Manhattan Theatre Club led him to work in film; how his dual career as theatrical artistic director and noted film casting director inform each other; and why he believes that people in theatrical chat rooms should be required to use their real names.

The American Theatre Wing (Theodore S. Chapin, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Howard Sherman, Executive Director) is best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards, which it presents annually with The Broadway League. In addition to "Downstage Center," The Wing sponsors many activities, all dedicated to recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre. These programs include "Working in the Theatre," a weekly television program on CUNY TV which gathers panels of theater artists to discuss their crafts; "Guides to Careers in the Theatre," a video series developed for schools and libraries; a grants program for New York City not-for-profit theatre companies, which has awarded nearly $3 million since its inception; the Theatre Intern Group, a career development program for young professionals; SpringboardNYC, a two-week college-to-career boot camp for young performers moving to NYC; and the Jonathan LarsonR Grants, given annually to honor emerging composers, lyricists and book writers. Visitors to americantheatrewing.org can listen to archive episodes of "Downstage Center," all as free, on-demand streaming audio and podcast and can view or download an archive of "Working in the Theatre" episodes.

For additional information about "Downstage Center" and all American Theatre Wing programs, go to americantheatrewing.org. You can also find the American Theatre Wing on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheAmericanTheatreWing and on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheWing.

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