Sundog Newsletter: Early Spring 2021

Published on February 12, 2021 | Sundog Theatre Quarterly Newsletter | Written by Marjorie Hack

FROM THE EDITOR

It feels like the world stopped in its tracks last March. It’s not been a complete stop, but so many things that we took for granted sit on “pause” right now. Last spring, you might have thought that an organization like Sundog Theatre — one built on stage productions, school-based arts programming, and instructional theatre classes — would have come to a screeching halt, along with the city’s court system, its restaurants, its museums, its hotels.

That’s not the case. Though staff members are working from home right now after they lost their office space, and board meetings are held via Zoom, there’s a lot going on. Check it out.

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“FERRY” FANS: GET READY TO BOARD

Step through the virtual doors and take a trip or two across New York Harbor, when “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry” plays out once again, March 20-April 3. Just like the always reliable SI Ferry, you can count on Sundog to stage “Scenes” — pandemic be damned.

Catch six brand new, original dramas and comedies, from the comfort of your very own home, on your very own computer screen — all for a donation of your choosing. (Ticket prices were $20 in past. Feel free to be a little generous, however; Sundog is one of many arts organizations reeling from the covid lock-down and continuing restrictions.)

This acclaimed series began in 2002. It has inspired playwrights from around the world over the years to imagine and bring to life all kinds of interactions that might take place during the 25-minute crossing between Manhattan and Staten Island. As seasoned audience members know, a lot can happen.

Sundog has been fielding submissions for the series since August; the last one arrived Dec. 31. The lucky few to get the nod this time around have been selected and rehearsals have begun. The plays featured are: “Just Stop!” by John Reoli Jr. and directed by Barbara Brandt; “Safe Harbor” by Matthew Gilleece and directed by Cash Tilton; “That’s the Spirit!” by Carole Kass and directed by Hadly Patterson; “The Last Legal Pub in New York” by Mike Veasey and directed by Ken Tirado; “The Lighthouse Keepers” by Alli Hartley-Kong and directed by Remy Barson; “To Flirt…Afloat…” by Vicki Riba Koestler and directed by Gary Bradley.

Now, all Sundog needs is you! Mark your calendar, so you don’t miss The Boat.

Rehearsal for “The Last Legal Pub in New York,” featuring director Ken Tirado, and talent: Matthew Gilleece, Israel Wasserstein, and Sheena Rodriguez.

 

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

KIDS CARRY ON

Undaunted by the need to social-distance, veteran acting coach Melissa Tierney has conducted not one, but two, seasons of acting classes for kids since last March. Musical Theatre Kids was held virtually this past summer and fall. The summer session featured 15 youngsters in “Rock of Ages,” and this past fall, 11 performed in “Radio Hour”. Coming this spring, kids in the program will stage “Spamalot” in a digital format. To enroll a child for this top-notch performing experience that begins February 27, click the button below.

REGISTER HERE

SOMETHING NEW

                                

SPEAKING OF SUSAN

ARTS IN EDUCATION PROGRAMMING

RECENT ADDITION

Gina Policastro now handles administrative functions that support Sundog’s theatrical, touring and educational divisions. She previously worked as project manager for a top-rated photography lab in Manhattan, where she managed incoming projects and sales, major redesigns of the lab’s showroom and website, worked with clients, and fulfilled administrative functions. Having the opportunity  to work for years with many high-profile photographers and artists from around the world helped hone her eye for photography and design. She has been taking pictures for over 10 years and also now serves as Sundog’s company photographer. Gina earned a bachelor’s degree in Children and Youth Studies from Brooklyn College.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ‘SUNDOG’

Sundogs are not commonplace. When the sun shines through ice crystals in the sky, a sundog appears. They generally appear in pairs, like parentheses, bookending the sun like companions – or dogs. Just as sundogs reflect the sun’s light, it is an artist’s job to reflect humankind in all its ways.

Compiled by Marjorie Hack

STAFF
Susan Fenley, Executive Director
Ellen Petillo, Business Manager
Victoria Colella, Arts in Education Manager
Stephen Fehr, Technical Director
Jeannine Otis, Arts-in-Education Specialist
Gina Policastro, Administrative Coordinator

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Walters, Board Chair
Susan Fenley
Mark Giacalone
Marjorie Hack
Lorna Harris
Holly Olivieri
Jeannine Otis
Elissa Ramirez
Amanda Straniere
Pablo Vengoechea