In the Mail - Part 2

ITN

Disparate groups desperately fighting for a piece of the pie, for resources, for their own space. Does this describe the UN? The War between the States? The plot of West Side Story? Nah, it's just New York's Independent Theatre scene! Described by James Ford, founder and publisher of Independent Theatre News, as "theater that occurs without much financial backing and frequently without the support of a state recognized organization (Not-for-Profits and the like)." Mr. Ford, who also produces with his own theater company, The Hyperbolic Players, and works with a number of others, is a strong proponent of "Downtown" theatre - theatre which he calls exciting, adventurous and passionate. He says:

Downtown theatre is filled with hundreds of exciting artists, and what seems to be lacking right now is an effective mode for we artists to communicate with each other. The idea terrifies me that we are all in our own little corners of the city making our own theatre, not knowing what else is going on or sharing our ideas.

To remedy this situation, Ford has created the Independent Theatre News, a free electronic newsletter. His intention is for the newsletter to be a forum for the sharing of ideas about compelling issues that challenge all independent groups, such as space, promotion, casting, and of course funding.

With the newsletter two issues old, Ford has proven capable of the task he has set forth. Information on current and forthcoming productions were featured primarily, with some important news, web links, and promotion.

It is unfortunate that the ITN cannot take the center stage of Ford's efforts, since it would no doubt be of increased value, and perhaps efficacy, if the newsletter could appear with greater frequency. The first two issues appeared almost three months apart, and it seems obvious that there is much more material to be discussed. One hopes that with increased input (and subscriptions) the ITN can develop into the kind of forum Mr. Ford is aiming for.

To subscribe to the Independent Theatre News, send a blank e-mail to i_t_n-subscribe@listbot.com. In addition, previous issues and a subscription form are available at the Independent Theatre News website.

Promos

Two web sites that feature reviews of theatre have set up mailing lists to keep their readers posted as to changes, updates, new features and reviews.

Elyse Sommer's very excellent CurtainUp site, mentioned in an earlier article and listed in our recommended links, has a manual subscription procedure -- the subscription email is read by an honest-to-God human being. To receive update information send an e-mail with
          SUBSCRIBE CURTAINUP EMAIL UPDATE
in the subject line to esommer@pipeline.com. Put your full name and email address in the body of the message

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