Sonja Parks
Latest News on Sonja Parks:
Children's Theatre Company Announces New Exciting Digital Season for 2021 (Dec 16, 2020)
Playwrights' Center Announces 2018-19 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows (Jun 6, 2018)
Tony Award-winning CTC Brings SEEDFOLKS To New Victory For Off-Broadway Premiere (Mar 14, 2018)
Children's Theatre Company Announces New Exciting Digital Season for 2021 (Dec 16, 2020)
Playwrights' Center Announces 2018-19 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows (Jun 6, 2018)
Tony Award-winning CTC Brings SEEDFOLKS To New Victory For Off-Broadway Premiere (Mar 14, 2018)
BIO
Sonja Parks is an accomplished actor and has been a featured performer with many notable venues including: The Public Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company-London, The Kennedy Center, Playwrights’ Horizon, & The Guthrie Theatre. She trained at UT-Austin, The Dance Theater of Harlem & The National Black Theater under the direct tutelage of its founder and artistic director, the late Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. She is an NEA Fellow; a McKnight Artist Fellow; a 2-time Minnesota State Arts Board Fellow; a TCG-Fox Distinguished Achievement Fellow; been a featured artist in Time Magazine and named one of “Seven Artists You Must See” by American Theatre Magazine. She is currently developing a performance language for the Theatrical Jazz aesthetic.
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News
Children's Theatre Company Announces New Exciting Digital Season for 2021
Children's Theatre Company announced an exciting new season of digital productions (including two from overseas), Virtual Academy classes, and a new All Access Pass for patrons and families to continue to engage with the theatre and build social-emotional development of young people.
Children's Theatre Company announced an exciting new season of digital productions (including two from overseas), Virtual Academy classes, and a new All Access Pass for patrons and families to continue to engage with the theatre and build social-emotional development of young people.
Playwrights' Center Announces 2018-19 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows
The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships at the Playwrights' Center recognize Minnesota theater artists other than playwrights whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic merit. The fellowship provides a $25,000 award as well as access to $7,000 in development funds. Selection is based on a commitment to theater arts, evidence of professional achievement and a sustained level of excellence in the applicant's work.
The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships at the Playwrights' Center recognize Minnesota theater artists other than playwrights whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic merit. The fellowship provides a $25,000 award as well as access to $7,000 in development funds. Selection is based on a commitment to theater arts, evidence of professional achievement and a sustained level of excellence in the applicant's work.
Tony Award-winning CTC Brings SEEDFOLKS To New Victory For Off-Broadway Premiere
From Minneapolis, Minnesota's Children's Theatre Company comes Seedfolks, making its Off-Broadway Premiere at The New Victory Theater from May 4 - 11, 2018. Based on the book by Newbery Medal-winning Paul Fleischman (Joyful Noise) and directed by Children's Theatre Company Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius (TCG's Alan Schneider Directors' Award), the many diverse characters of an immigrant neighborhood are brilliantly brought to life by Ivey Award-winning actress Sonja Parks.
From Minneapolis, Minnesota's Children's Theatre Company comes Seedfolks, making its Off-Broadway Premiere at The New Victory Theater from May 4 - 11, 2018. Based on the book by Newbery Medal-winning Paul Fleischman (Joyful Noise) and directed by Children's Theatre Company Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius (TCG's Alan Schneider Directors' Award), the many diverse characters of an immigrant neighborhood are brilliantly brought to life by Ivey Award-winning actress Sonja Parks.
BWW Review: SEEDFOLKS is a Gem at the Rose Theater
SEEDFOLKS, adapted from the Newbery Award winning book by Paul Fleischman, tells the story of a young girl who unites a multicultural community through her simple act of planting a handful of beans in a vacant lot in Cleveland. As her neighbors watch and wonder from their windows, they are irresistibly drawn to plant their own seeds. Gradually, they turn the trash-ridden, rat infested lot into a garden alive with plants and hope. The story swells and grows as told through the talents of a solitary actor, Sonja Parks.
SEEDFOLKS, adapted from the Newbery Award winning book by Paul Fleischman, tells the story of a young girl who unites a multicultural community through her simple act of planting a handful of beans in a vacant lot in Cleveland. As her neighbors watch and wonder from their windows, they are irresistibly drawn to plant their own seeds. Gradually, they turn the trash-ridden, rat infested lot into a garden alive with plants and hope. The story swells and grows as told through the talents of a solitary actor, Sonja Parks.
CTC Tours SEEDFOLKS To New York, Nebraska and Greater Minnesota
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) will bring its production of Seedfolks on a three-month tour to eight cities across Minnesota, Omaha (The Rose Theater) and Lincoln (Lied Center for Performing Arts), Nebraska and to The New Victory Theater, New York. The organization received significant tour support from the Minnesota State Arts Board's Arts Tour Minnesota grant to bring Seedfolks to nine theatres across Minnesota including the Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center (Worthington), Myles Reif Performing Arts Center (Grand Rapids), Fairmont Opera House (Fairmont), Historic Holmes Theatre (Detroit Lakes), Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts (Red Wing), Backus Community Center (International Falls), Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center (Brainerd) and Memorial Auditorium (Dawson) in the spring of 2018. The ninth supported site was Theatre L'Homme Dieu in Alexandria in summer 2017. CTC recently brought this production of Seedfolks to the prestigious ASSITEJ International (International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People) 2017 World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) will bring its production of Seedfolks on a three-month tour to eight cities across Minnesota, Omaha (The Rose Theater) and Lincoln (Lied Center for Performing Arts), Nebraska and to The New Victory Theater, New York. The organization received significant tour support from the Minnesota State Arts Board's Arts Tour Minnesota grant to bring Seedfolks to nine theatres across Minnesota including the Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center (Worthington), Myles Reif Performing Arts Center (Grand Rapids), Fairmont Opera House (Fairmont), Historic Holmes Theatre (Detroit Lakes), Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts (Red Wing), Backus Community Center (International Falls), Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center (Brainerd) and Memorial Auditorium (Dawson) in the spring of 2018. The ninth supported site was Theatre L'Homme Dieu in Alexandria in summer 2017. CTC recently brought this production of Seedfolks to the prestigious ASSITEJ International (International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People) 2017 World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
Magic, Real-Life Inspiration and Funk to Take the Stage at New Victory Theater This Season
The New Victory Theater announces its 22nd season as New York's premier performing arts venue entirely devoted to kids and families. From October 13, 2017 through June 17, 2018, The New Victory Theater will feature seven American companies amongst its 15 productions from around the globe, including three world premieres and five U.S. premieres.
The New Victory Theater announces its 22nd season as New York's premier performing arts venue entirely devoted to kids and families. From October 13, 2017 through June 17, 2018, The New Victory Theater will feature seven American companies amongst its 15 productions from around the globe, including three world premieres and five U.S. premieres.
Playwrights' Center Announces 2017-18 McKnight Fellows, New Core Writers
The Playwrights' Center is excited to announce the 2017-18 McKnight National Residency and Commission recipient, 2017-18 McKnight Fellows in Playwriting, 2017-18 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows, 2017-2020 Core Writers and 2017-18 Core Apprentices.
The Playwrights' Center is excited to announce the 2017-18 McKnight National Residency and Commission recipient, 2017-18 McKnight Fellows in Playwriting, 2017-18 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows, 2017-2020 Core Writers and 2017-18 Core Apprentices.
Children's Theatre Company to Bring SEEDFOLKS to Cape Town, Seattle and Nine Minnesota Venues
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) will bring its production of Seedfolks to the prestigious ASSITEJ International World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Prior to this international touring stop, CTC will bring Seedfolks to Seattle Children's Theatre in the Unites States.
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) will bring its production of Seedfolks to the prestigious ASSITEJ International World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Prior to this international touring stop, CTC will bring Seedfolks to Seattle Children's Theatre in the Unites States.
Twyla Tharp, CITY OF CONVERSATION, Israel Philharmonic and More Set for The Wallis Center's 2015-16 Season
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis -- Tania Camargo, Managing Director; Patricia Wolff, Interim Artistic Director; James D'Asaro, Interim Producing Director) announce Artistic Advisors and programming for the 2015-2016 Season, opening October 1-3 with Twyla Tharp: a 50th Anniversary Celebration, a program of new work by Ms. Tharp, co-commissioned by The Wallis (in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Joyce Theatre, Ravina Festival Association & Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and Texas International Theatrical Arts Society).
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis -- Tania Camargo, Managing Director; Patricia Wolff, Interim Artistic Director; James D'Asaro, Interim Producing Director) announce Artistic Advisors and programming for the 2015-2016 Season, opening October 1-3 with Twyla Tharp: a 50th Anniversary Celebration, a program of new work by Ms. Tharp, co-commissioned by The Wallis (in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Joyce Theatre, Ravina Festival Association & Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and Texas International Theatrical Arts Society).
Twyla Tharp, CITY OF CONVERSATION, Israel Philharmonic and More Set for The Wallis Center's 2015-16 Season
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis -- Tania Camargo, Managing Director; Patricia Wolff, Interim Artistic Director; James D'Asaro, Interim Producing Director) announce Artistic Advisors and programming for the 2015-2016 Season, opening October 1-3 with Twyla Tharp: a 50th Anniversary Celebration, a program of new work by Ms. Tharp, co-commissioned by The Wallis (in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Joyce Theatre, Ravina Festival Association & Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and Texas International Theatrical Arts Society).
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis -- Tania Camargo, Managing Director; Patricia Wolff, Interim Artistic Director; James D'Asaro, Interim Producing Director) announce Artistic Advisors and programming for the 2015-2016 Season, opening October 1-3 with Twyla Tharp: a 50th Anniversary Celebration, a program of new work by Ms. Tharp, co-commissioned by The Wallis (in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Joyce Theatre, Ravina Festival Association & Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and Texas International Theatrical Arts Society).
BWW Reviews: Children's Theatre Company Brings the Novel SEEDFOLKS to Life in a Mesmerizing One-Woman Show
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.' This Margaret Mead quote greeted me upon exiting the theater after seeing Children's Theatre Company's SEEDFOLKS. I don't know if this quote is always in their lobby, or if it's specific to this show, but it is the perfect summation of this beautiful play. Paul Fleischman's 1997 novel tells the story of a vacant lot in Cleveland being transformed into a community garden from the perspective of multiple different characters. In CTC's adaptation, all of these characters and more are portrayed by one woman - Sonja Parks. She brilliantly transforms from a young Vietnamese girl, to an elderly Romanian woman, to a Guatemalan boy, and everything in between in the course of just over an hour. It's an epic journey of a neighborhood that transforms from one of fear and distrust to one that, while it might still have those things, is more deeply connected and supportive, all due to the growing of plants. A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens change the world, or at least their small corner of it.
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.' This Margaret Mead quote greeted me upon exiting the theater after seeing Children's Theatre Company's SEEDFOLKS. I don't know if this quote is always in their lobby, or if it's specific to this show, but it is the perfect summation of this beautiful play. Paul Fleischman's 1997 novel tells the story of a vacant lot in Cleveland being transformed into a community garden from the perspective of multiple different characters. In CTC's adaptation, all of these characters and more are portrayed by one woman - Sonja Parks. She brilliantly transforms from a young Vietnamese girl, to an elderly Romanian woman, to a Guatemalan boy, and everything in between in the course of just over an hour. It's an epic journey of a neighborhood that transforms from one of fear and distrust to one that, while it might still have those things, is more deeply connected and supportive, all due to the growing of plants. A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens change the world, or at least their small corner of it.
Photo Flash: First Look at Sonja Parks in CTC's SEEDFOLKS
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present Seedfolks, a world premiere developed by CTC through the new play development lab. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks is about an immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio that is transformed by a community garden. Actor Sonja Parks embodies the eleven distinct voices of Gibb Street in this enthralling, one-woman production, directed by Peter C. Brosius. Seedfolks runs now through November 16, 2014 on the Cargill Stage. Below, BroadwayWorld has a first look at Parks onstage!
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present Seedfolks, a world premiere developed by CTC through the new play development lab. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks is about an immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio that is transformed by a community garden. Actor Sonja Parks embodies the eleven distinct voices of Gibb Street in this enthralling, one-woman production, directed by Peter C. Brosius. Seedfolks runs now through November 16, 2014 on the Cargill Stage. Below, BroadwayWorld has a first look at Parks onstage!
World Premiere of SEEDFOLKS Opens Today at Children's Theatre Company
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present Seedfolks, a world premiere developed by CTC through the new play development lab. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks is about an immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio that is transformed by a community garden. Actor Sonja Parks embodies the eleven distinct voices of Gibb Street in this enthralling, one-woman production, directed by Peter C. Brosius. Seedfolks runs today, September 30 - November 16, 2014 on the Cargill Stage.
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present Seedfolks, a world premiere developed by CTC through the new play development lab. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks is about an immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio that is transformed by a community garden. Actor Sonja Parks embodies the eleven distinct voices of Gibb Street in this enthralling, one-woman production, directed by Peter C. Brosius. Seedfolks runs today, September 30 - November 16, 2014 on the Cargill Stage.
TCG Sets Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships 9th Round Recipients
The William & Eva Fox Foundation and Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, have announced the ninth round of Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships recipients. The program is designed to support actors' professional and artistic development, to enrich relationships between actors and nonprofit theatres and to ensure continued professional commitment to live theatre. Funded by the Fox Foundation and administered by TCG, the fellowship is one of only a few programs of its kind for actors in the country.
The William & Eva Fox Foundation and Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, have announced the ninth round of Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships recipients. The program is designed to support actors' professional and artistic development, to enrich relationships between actors and nonprofit theatres and to ensure continued professional commitment to live theatre. Funded by the Fox Foundation and administered by TCG, the fellowship is one of only a few programs of its kind for actors in the country.
World Premiere of SEEDFOLKS to Open 9/30 at Children's Theatre Company
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present Seedfolks, a world premiere developed by CTC through the new play development lab. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks is about an immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio that is transformed by a community garden. Actor Sonja Parks embodies the eleven distinct voices of Gibb Street in this enthralling, one-woman production, directed by Peter C. Brosius. Seedfolks runs September 30 - November 16, 2014 on the Cargill Stage.
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present Seedfolks, a world premiere developed by CTC through the new play development lab. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks is about an immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio that is transformed by a community garden. Actor Sonja Parks embodies the eleven distinct voices of Gibb Street in this enthralling, one-woman production, directed by Peter C. Brosius. Seedfolks runs September 30 - November 16, 2014 on the Cargill Stage.
Playwrights' Center McKnight Theater Artists to Present Works in Progress, 6/16
The 2013-14 Playwrights' Center McKnight Theater Artist Fellows Sun Mee Chomet, Denise Prosek and Stephen Yoakam, along with their collaborators, will present selections from works in progress on June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Southern Theater. The event is free and open to the public; advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at www.pwcenter.org. The Southern Theater is located at 1420 S Washington Avenue in Minneapolis.
The 2013-14 Playwrights' Center McKnight Theater Artist Fellows Sun Mee Chomet, Denise Prosek and Stephen Yoakam, along with their collaborators, will present selections from works in progress on June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Southern Theater. The event is free and open to the public; advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at www.pwcenter.org. The Southern Theater is located at 1420 S Washington Avenue in Minneapolis.
'GRINCH,' BUSYTOWN, HUCK FINN & More Set for Children's Theatre Company's 2014-15 Season
2014-2015 at Children's Theatre Company is a season of dreams fulfilled. There are stories of transformational beauty, three fabulous musicals and an interactive, on-your-feet adventure through the undiscovered depths of the theatre. CTC will also present renowned artists and some of the most tender and poetic characters to ever tread our stages. Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius describes his excitement about each show, and the thrill of merging theatrical splendor with the body, blood and soul of some of the Twin Cities' best artists. Brosius says, "This is a season of surprising worlds and actors who will touch your heart and create characters you will never forget. It is a journey into lands you've never been to and lives you will never forget."
2014-2015 at Children's Theatre Company is a season of dreams fulfilled. There are stories of transformational beauty, three fabulous musicals and an interactive, on-your-feet adventure through the undiscovered depths of the theatre. CTC will also present renowned artists and some of the most tender and poetic characters to ever tread our stages. Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius describes his excitement about each show, and the thrill of merging theatrical splendor with the body, blood and soul of some of the Twin Cities' best artists. Brosius says, "This is a season of surprising worlds and actors who will touch your heart and create characters you will never forget. It is a journey into lands you've never been to and lives you will never forget."
The Guthrie Theater Announces Cast for IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER
Pillsbury House Theatre, in a co-production with The Mount Curve Company and presented by the Guthrie Theater, today announced complete casting for the area premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's In the Red and Brown Water, May 12 - June 5, 2011, in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie.
Pillsbury House Theatre, in a co-production with The Mount Curve Company and presented by the Guthrie Theater, today announced complete casting for the area premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's In the Red and Brown Water, May 12 - June 5, 2011, in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie.
The Guthrie Theater Announces Cast for IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER
Pillsbury House Theatre, in a co-production with The Mount Curve Company and presented by the Guthrie Theater, today announced complete casting for the area premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's In the Red and Brown Water, May 12 - June 5, 2011, in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie.
Pillsbury House Theatre, in a co-production with The Mount Curve Company and presented by the Guthrie Theater, today announced complete casting for the area premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's In the Red and Brown Water, May 12 - June 5, 2011, in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie.
MBT Presents A COOL DRINK OF WATER, 9/17-10/10
Mixed Blood Theatre opens its 35th season on September 17 with the regional premiere of A COOL DRINK A WATER by Broadway-bound playwright Thomas W. Jones II, who also stars in the comedy. The critically acclaimed play, in only its second production after a successful 2009 debut in Atlanta, runs at Mixed Blood through October 10.
Mixed Blood Theatre opens its 35th season on September 17 with the regional premiere of A COOL DRINK A WATER by Broadway-bound playwright Thomas W. Jones II, who also stars in the comedy. The critically acclaimed play, in only its second production after a successful 2009 debut in Atlanta, runs at Mixed Blood through October 10.
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