'Planet Connections Theater Festivity' Premieres 6/2009

Planet Connections Theater Festivity will premiere in June 2009 as a new festival designed to promote awareness in the theatrical community about social and cultural issues. Formed by two Spotlight On Festival alums, Glory Bowen and Frank Calo, the festival will explore using theater as a tool for social change while connecting artists with new audiences in fun theatrical environment. The goals of the festival are to inspire people to get involved and fight for world causes.

Co-Executive Producer, Glory Bowen, has found "for many years, my service work in the community and my work in the theater have been two different worlds. By creating this festival, I am hoping to merge those worlds. I would like to inspire playwrights to write about the social causes that they are passionate about. I would also like to inspire people to be more involved in their communities. I still believe that live theater is a powerful art form and that it can move people to take action."

The earliest Greek performances sparked debates on many controversial topics—war, politics, sex, religion—Planet Connections Theater Festivity continues to enforce the stage as a place for exploration of social issue. The plays produced will raise social consciousness and inspire artists to become involved in their communities. Live theater, whether comedies, dramas, musicals or adaptations, can be a powerful tool to spark social change. The art can help audiences view the world from a new perspective and explore the unique connection of humanity.

A primary goal is to help talented playwrights, actors, designers and directors find an audience to appreciate their talent. Producing theater in New York is a challenge and finding a support network is imperative--artists need not feel as if they are alone in the process. Theater should be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. When a cast and crew loves what they are doing, and are enjoying the process, the rewards are passed on to the audience.

Planet Connections Theater Festivity is committed to producing high-quality theater, with non-traditional casting, unique perspectives, political theater and more! All of the productions curated and created with the hope of inspiring cultural education and human understanding.

When: June 11-28, 2009
Where: 440 Lafayette St. at Astor Place. (Across the st. from The Public)
http://www.planetconnectionsfestivity.com

BIOGRAPHIES

JENN BOEHM (Managing Director) originally from North Dakota, Jenn currently serves as the Managing Director/Artistic Associate of The Looking Glass Theatre, where she manages all functions of Looking Glass spaces and the company as an artistic, creative not-for-profit organization. From internship programs and acting classes to rentals and each season's many productions, Jenn is at the forefront of Looking Glass business.
Also an actress, Jenn was most recently seen in The Maguffin at The Adrienne (Stone Soup Theatre Arts, Philadelphia Fringe) and The Hope Chest (Foundry Players, Washington DC). Recent NYC credits: Stone Soup Theatre Arts' world premiere of The Ghost Dancers at the Sanford Meisner Theatre and the June Havoc Theatre (Outstanding Supporting Actress), Shapeshifter at The Barrow Group Theatre; Young Jean Lee's Church at The Public Theater; and Always Family at The Kirk Theater on Theatre Row (Small Pond Entertainment).
She also performed in a Humanitarian Concert Tour in Bulgaria last June as a member an NYC-based vocal ensemble dedicated to humanitarian efforts and healing through music. Funds raised supported the "Ne Ste Sami" campaign, supporting six foreign medical workers who were wrongly convicted and served 10 years on death row in Libya before being pardoned and freed last year. Jenn also currently works at Trickle Up, an international nonprofit organization which empowers people living on less than $1 a day to take the first steps out of poverty, providing them with resources to build microenterprises for a better quality of life. Strongly committed to community, her past and present volunteer, fundraising and awareness efforts have been focused on domestic violence, homelessness, breast cancer research and HIV/AIDS programs.
In addition, she is a freelance sportswriter and graphic designer.

GLORY SIMS BOWEN (Executive Producer) as been an Artistic Director here in NYC for five years. She has directed over 50 productions. Among her most prominent directing credits are: Always Family (The Kirk Theatre at Theatre Row), North of Providence (Altered Stages), Serenading Louie (Stella Adler Black Box) Anomal (ATA-Off Broadway), Avalon (Looking Glass Theatre), The Tempest, Measure For Measure, The Snow Queen, Special Delivery, Foursome (HERE), Evening with Family (The Brick), Pillow Talk (The American Globe Theater) Jack or the Submission (The Bank Street Theater), tryin t' touch the sun (Raw Theater Space), Golem Stories (Chashama), Anything For You (440 Black Box Theater), Soccer Moms (Gilded Balloon, UK), and Shapeshifter (Barrow Group). She has been the recipient of the Meritorious Achievement Award in Direction from the Kennedy Center A.C.T.F. and the recipient of the Spotlight On Awards for Best Director of a full-length play. She is an alum of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab Classes of 2006 and 2007. She is also an alum of The Labyrinth Theater Company's Master Class. Ms. Bowen is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

Besides directing, Ms. Bowen is an actress and playwright. As an actress she has performed at the John Houseman Studio Theater, Roy Arias Theaters, 440 Black Box, and Chashama. Her work as a writer has been seen at The Looking Glass Theater, The Workshop Theater, Theater Row, and Chashama. She has had readings of her work performed at The Public Theater.

Outside of theater, Ms. Bowen has been an active supporter of her community. She works in a soup kitchen, leads a Girl Scout Troop in Harlem and has raised thousands of dollars for Breast Cancer research and other causes. Ms. Bowen is also part of The New Orleans Initiative and has traveled to New Orleans to work with Katrina survivors.

FRANK CALO (Executive Producer) is also Executive Producer of Spotlight On Festivals, Inc. and under its aegis has produced literally hundreds of productions within its festivals. Spotlight On produced festivals for nine years starting in the 90s and at such venues as Raw Space, Chashama on Broadway, Abington, Alice's 4th Floor and The Pulse as well as many others. Some of the Festivals Spotlight On has produced were: 2001 a Festival Odyssey; Halloween Extravaganza; Winter Festival; The Next Great Playwright Festival as well as many others. He is very proud of the 'family' atmosphere that he has nurtured while still maintaining a high level of professional product.

Frank has also directed many theatrical works individually. Most recently taking a production of Andy Warhol's Secret Girlfriend to the Theatre De Nesle in Paris, France. This is the second production taken to Paris with the first one being God's Policemen. His extensive directorial resume also includes his periodic variety shows, where he is also the host, and 'La Contessa Christmas Extravaganzas."

Frank's charitable works include a two- year volunteering stint for God's Love We Deliver, a food delivery service that services home-bound AIDS patients. He has also hosted and produced benefits for the New Jersey Food Bank as well as benefits to help a Katrina family directly after the hurricane. 'Theatre production can be such a personal and rewarding endeavor that uplifts and nurtures all involved. By adding an activism element to this work it elevates the production and gives it a higher purpose that feeds all that are part of it as well as helping and nurturing the entire community. And, to have the audience enjoy the performance, well, that's nirvana!'

For More Information, please contact Press Agent: Katie Rosin 917-562-5670 or katie@kampfirefilmspr.com

 

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