Interview: Matt Clarke of ROGER AND GENE at Space 55
by Jeanie Bishop - May 15, 2024
The Phoenix theatre scene is a tapestry woven with diverse talents, and Matt Clarke is a thread that adds a unique vibrancy to the pattern. Known for his positive energy, dedication to the craft, and enduring collaborations with dear friends and fellow artists like Cody Goulder, John Perovich, and Ashley Naftule, Clarke has become a beloved figure in the local community. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Clarke's experiences, inspirations, and the driving forces behind his passion for acting. From stepping outside his comfort zone to embracing the thrill of new works, Clarke's journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, self-discovery, and the unwavering pursuit of creative expression.
Ronin Theatre Co. Presents THE MONSTER OF TEMPE TOWN LAKE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2023
Ronin Theatre Company will bring The Monster of Tempe Town Lake to audiences at Irish Cultural Center this May. The comedy is the most recent play from Zoni Award winning playwright John Perovich.
DG Footlights To Present A Reading of THE JEWISH QUESTION, May 20
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2022
DG Footlights to present a reading of the full-length play The Jewish Question by Jeanmarie Simpson, Friday, May 20th | 6:30PM to 9:00PM. A talk back with the playwright will occur after the reading. Featuring performances by Ina Shivack, Beth Wheatcraft, and Matt Clarke. The event is organized by DG Southwest Regional Rep John Perovich and Phoenix Ambassador Sally Jane Kerschen-Sheppard.
Space 55 Ensemble Performs RADIO FREE EUROPA
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2020
Space55 presents its latest theatrical premiere: a radio play by Ear / The First Annual Bookburner's Convention playwright Ashley Naftule. Loosely inspired by the life and work of legendary radio host Art Bell, Radio Free Europa is Space 55's first-ever foray into doing a completely remote production.
THE MALL is Coming To Now & Then Creative Co.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2020
Now & Then Creative Company is the home for new play development in Phoenix. The company continues their successful season of workshops by Arizona playwrights with The Mall by Jesse Saywell, a piece that reflects on the inevitability of change. 'We're thrilled to have Jesse joining us at Now & Then,' says Artistic Director John Perovich. 'The Mall brings to the forefront concerns of our national identify and discourse. We're excited to share its story and message with audiences next week.'
MR. BURNS, A Post-Electric Play Comes to Vancouver
by Stephi Wild - Nov 29, 2017
Nominated for a 2014 Drama League Award for Outstanding Production, this is the first full mount of Mr. Burns, a post-electric play in Vancouver. Mr. Burns is a riveting, wildly funny and dangerous examination of the persistence of capitalism and the power of storytelling. Act one opens shortly after a global nuclear collapse with a group of survivors around a campfire recalling and retelling 'Cape Feare', an episode of the TV show The Simpsons. Act two examines the way the story has changed seven years later, until finally, seventy-five years pass to elevate this staple of American pop-culture to a familiar myth.
BWW Review: Mesa Encore Theatre Presents [sic]
by Herbert Paine - Aug 15, 2017
Melody Knudson, David Magadan, Chavez Benally deliver moving performances in Melissa James Gibson's [sic] at Mesa Encore Theatre. An ingenious construction of a play, colored with the playwright's characteristic lively, literate, and provocative dialogue, focusing on three souls seeking meaning, connection and fulfillment.
Mesa Encore Theatre Presents LIFE SUPPORT by Dr. Madeline Leong One Night Only
by Julie Musbach - Feb 25, 2017
This new play is being produced in Arizona by The Bridge Initiative after its debut in Baltimore. It delves into palliative care and will be presented at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (http://aahpm.org/meetings/assembly) in Phoenix on February 24th, 2016, before being publicly presented at Mesa Encore Theatre. We meet prickly businessman Karl Evans, a terminal cancer patient, whose fifth wife, son, and doctor are struggling with their relationships with each other as well as their feelings about Karl's illness.
BWW Interview: John Perovich on NEW WORKS at Metropolitan Arts Institute And Brelby
by Jeanmarie Simpson - Feb 10, 2017
We're excited for the New Works Festival! The plays were written by Metro students, predominately from my beginning and advanced theatre classes. Once completed, the plays were read by a group of 9 readers. The readers consisted of one of my advanced theatre students and a group of artists from Brelby (including Brian and Shelby). The plays were selected, began rehearsing in January, and will premiere at Metropolitan Arts Institute at the end of the month.
NIGHT OF SHORTS Breathes Life Into New Works
by BWW
News Desk - Jan 14, 2017
'The biggest thing for me would that the audience understand that life is not always fair. Life is not always happy or uplifting or jovial. But that's okay. It is okay to feel and to hurt and to not be okay. And it is okay to let people know you are not okay. Humans are complex. There is nothing simple about us, so why are our hurts and fears treated simply? I want the audience to know, not necessarily to understand, that no one has the right to dictate how you feel about your life and your hurts and fears.'
NIGHT OF SHORTS Breathes Life Into New Works
by BWW
News Desk - Jan 6, 2017
'The biggest thing for me would that the audience understand that life is not always fair. Life is not always happy or uplifting or jovial. But that's okay. It is okay to feel and to hurt and to not be okay. And it is okay to let people know you are not okay. Humans are complex. There is nothing simple about us, so why are our hurts and fears treated simply? I want the audience to know, not necessarily to understand, that no one has the right to dictate how you feel about your life and your hurts and fears.'
NIGHT OF SHORTS Breathes Life Into New Works
by BWW News Desk - Jan 3, 2017
'The biggest thing for me would that the audience understand that life is not always fair. Life is not always happy or uplifting or jovial. But that's okay. It is okay to feel and to hurt and to not be okay. And it is okay to let people know you are not okay. Humans are complex. There is nothing simple about us, so why are our hurts and fears treated simply? I want the audience to know, not necessarily to understand, that no one has the right to dictate how you feel about your life and your hurts and fears.'