November 2009

DTP Logo Best Quality.gif

1421 DEKALB AVENUE
BROOKLYN, NY 11237

info@deconstructivetheatreproject.org
deconstructivetheatreproject.org

Adam J. Thompson
Founding Director

Jonathan Shmidt

Director of Eduction &
Theatre For Youth _____________________________

Board of Directors

Adam J. Thompson, President
Danielle Hicks, Secretary
Gary Luca, Treasurer
Ryan J. Davis

Board of Advisors

Melia Bensussen
Colman Domingo
Rachel Hicks
Kathy St. George

_____________________________

Core Ensemble

Liz Duffy
Danielle Hicks
Ryan Homsey
Crystal Huyett
Caitlin Meehan
Matt Nasser
Laura Sisskin-Fernandez
Nina Sokoler

The Deconstructive Theatre Project Cordially Invites You
To Our Autumn Benefit Party

THE LOWER EAST SIDESHOW
A Carnival Romp

To Support The Deconstructive Theatre Project's Development of
THE ORPHEUS VARIATIONS

Come and party with us on New York City's Lower East Side

MUSIC, DANCE & SOLO PERFORMANCES

SILENT AUCTION
featuring Broadway theatre tickets, aerial lessons, voice lessons & original art

2 FOR 1 DRINKS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Doors at 8:00 PM
Performances Begin at 8:30 PM

For more information and to RSVP via Facebook, click here.

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a secure donation, please click here.

A Whole New Look
The Deconstructive Theatre Project Launches New Online Web Portal

The Deconstructive Theatre Project is proud to announce the launch of its freshly redesigned web portal, deconstructivetheatreproject.org.

The company has collaborated with web designer and information architecht David DeParolesa on creating a fully interactive and social network compatible web prescence which will more fully bring our audiences and artists into direct conversation.

The crux of the new deconstructivetheatreproject.org is the organization's Community Engagement Blog, which dialogues directly with Facebook and Twitter, the organization's primary social network extensions.

Check out the screen shot, and visit our new home on the web by clicking here!

Meet Jonathan Shmidt
DTP's New Director of Education & Theatre For Youth

The Deconstructive Theatre Project is very excited to welcome its new Director of Education & Theatre For Youth, Jonathan Shmidt. From the time of its founding three years ago, the organization has maitained a long-term plan to develop an arm dedicated to examining and redevloping how theatre for the young is created and can be created differently, as well as how the tools used in devising collaborative theatre can be used to enrich the lives of those young people who's ongoing education lacks a strong cultural componant. Recently, DTP Founding Director Adam J. Thompson sat down with Jonathan to talk a bit about his views on theatre for youth and his plans for his new leadership position at The Deconstructive Theatre Project.

AJT: What value does theatre have the potential to have in the life of a young person? Which of these opportunities are of particular interest to you?

JS: I believe that theatre has the power to allow young people to tap into their creativity, to see outside of their own lives and experiences and ask big questions about the world around them. In my opinion, theatre for young audiences should provide the same opportunities of any quality theatrical project. The problem is that many adults underestimate the ability of young people to engage with theatre, and TYA often panders and talks down to young people rather than providing theatrical experiences that challenge and inspire them.

AJT: What opportunities, in your opinion, are still not being explored in the creation of theatre for youth?

JS: Producing quality art should be at the forefront of the creative process behind theatre for young audiences. Theatre for Young Audiences must walk a fine line between allowing a way in or a "hook" for today's young people, while at the same time presenting something outside of their own experiences that will allow them to see the world through new eyes. Young people need to be brought into the creative process, so that their voices and experiences can be the inspiration for theatre created for them. Ultimately, theatre needs to encourage dialogue, both within their community and across generations. With few exceptions, I don't believe that the current landscape of TYA being created in the United States is challenging, provocative, or exciting. One of the reasons for this is the creators of TYA don't always think of their audience, but they focus on the parents, teachers, and the educational value behind the work. The resulting product lacks authenticity, heart, and purpose.

AJT: Jonathan, what drew you to DTP's process of creation?

I am drawn to work that is generated from the spark of an idea by an ensemble of artists. DTP is founded on this type of creative process. I believe that this technique allows the artists to have ownership over the material created, and that the resulting piece will embody the vibrancy and passion that went into its development. Rather than presenting a group of young people with a previously written text, I hope to adapt this technique to create work with a youth ensemble.

AJT: What goals and/or projects are you looking forward to developing as the new Director of Education & Theatre For Youth at DTP?

JS: I hope to generate a new work with an adult ensemble that will ultimately be presented to a youth audience. Ideally, this piece will not only challenge and engage young people as audience members, but also inspire them to create their own theatre by joining the DTP youth ensemble. I hope to create a youth ensemble that will be producing work that represents their voices and experiences and allows young people to work in the style of devised theatre that DTP supports. Ultimately, I think it would be exciting for DTP's adult ensemble to collaborate with the DTP youth ensemble to generate work together.

Read more about Jonathan by visiting The Deconstructve Theatre Project online, and welcome him by sending an email to jonathan@deconstructivetheatreproject.org.

The Orpheus Variations Workshop Teaser Trailer

In August, The Deconstructive Theatre Project began work on The Orpheus Variations, a theatrical exploration of the classical Greek story of Orpheus and Eurydice and it's evolution over the course of history. At the center of this story is the question, "How do we lose one another?"

Click on the image below to view a small kinetic portrait of several of the moments developed and uncovered by the ensemble during this first workshop.

You may also view photos of The Orpheus Variations' first workshop by clicking here.

SUPPORT THE DECONSTRUCTIVE THEATRE PROJECT

You make our work possible!

Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to
The Deconstructive Theatre Project by clicking here.

You also directly impact our ability to create new ensemble theatre by earning us a commission
each time you use one of the following services:

Shop Amazon.com using this link.

Search the internet with Goodsearch using this link.

Purchase Broadway theatre tickets through Givenik using this link.

For more information on becoming a member of our philanthropic community, please visit us online.

THANK YOU!

Spread the good word and forward this message to a friend

November 2009 1421 DEKALB AVENUE BROOKLYN, NY 11237 info@deconstructivetheatreproject.org deconstructivetheatreproject.org Adam J. Thompson Founding Director Jonathan Shmidt Director of Eduction & Theatre For Youth _____________________________ Board of Directors Adam J. Thompson, President Danielle Hicks, Secretary Gary Luca, Treasurer Ryan J. Davis Board of Advisors Melia Bensussen Colman Domingo Rachel Hicks Kathy St. George _____________________________ Core Ensemble Liz Duffy Danielle Hicks Ryan Homsey Crystal Huyett Caitlin Meehan Matt Nasser Laura Sisskin-Fernandez Nina Sokoler	The Deconstructive Theatre Project Cordially Invites You To Our Autumn Benefit Party THE LOWER EAST SIDESHOW A Carnival Romp To Support The Deconstructive Theatre Project's Development of THE ORPHEUS VARIATIONS Come and party with us on New York City's Lower East Side MUSIC, DANCE & SOLO PERFORMANCES SILENT AUCTION featuring Broadway theatre tickets, aerial lessons, voice lessons & original art 2 FOR 1 DRINKS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Doors at 8:00 PM Performances Begin at 8:30 PM For more information and to RSVP via Facebook, click here. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a secure donation, please click here.
A Whole New Look The Deconstructive Theatre Project Launches New Online Web Portal The Deconstructive Theatre Project is proud to announce the launch of its freshly redesigned web portal, deconstructivetheatreproject.org. The company has collaborated with web designer and information architecht David DeParolesa on creating a fully interactive and social network compatible web prescence which will more fully bring our audiences and artists into direct conversation. The crux of the new deconstructivetheatreproject.org is the organization's Community Engagement Blog, which dialogues directly with Facebook and Twitter, the organization's primary social network extensions. Check out the screen shot, and visit our new home on the web by clicking here!
Meet Jonathan Shmidt DTP's New Director of Education & Theatre For Youth The Deconstructive Theatre Project is very excited to welcome its new Director of Education & Theatre For Youth, Jonathan Shmidt. From the time of its founding three years ago, the organization has maitained a long-term plan to develop an arm dedicated to examining and redevloping how theatre for the young is created and can be created differently, as well as how the tools used in devising collaborative theatre can be used to enrich the lives of those young people who's ongoing education lacks a strong cultural componant. Recently, DTP Founding Director Adam J. Thompson sat down with Jonathan to talk a bit about his views on theatre for youth and his plans for his new leadership position at The Deconstructive Theatre Project. AJT: What value does theatre have the potential to have in the life of a young person? Which of these opportunities are of particular interest to you? JS: I believe that theatre has the power to allow young people to tap into their creativity, to see outside of their own lives and experiences and ask big questions about the world around them. In my opinion, theatre for young audiences should provide the same opportunities of any quality theatrical project. The problem is that many adults underestimate the ability of young people to engage with theatre, and TYA often panders and talks down to young people rather than providing theatrical experiences that challenge and inspire them. AJT: What opportunities, in your opinion, are still not being explored in the creation of theatre for youth? JS: Producing quality art should be at the forefront of the creative process behind theatre for young audiences. Theatre for Young Audiences must walk a fine line between allowing a way in or a "hook" for today's young people, while at the same time presenting something outside of their own experiences that will allow them to see the world through new eyes. Young people need to be brought into the creative process, so that their voices and experiences can be the inspiration for theatre created for them. Ultimately, theatre needs to encourage dialogue, both within their community and across generations. With few exceptions, I don't believe that the current landscape of TYA being created in the United States is challenging, provocative, or exciting. One of the reasons for this is the creators of TYA don't always think of their audience, but they focus on the parents, teachers, and the educational value behind the work. The resulting product lacks authenticity, heart, and purpose. AJT: Jonathan, what drew you to DTP's process of creation? I am drawn to work that is generated from the spark of an idea by an ensemble of artists. DTP is founded on this type of creative process. I believe that this technique allows the artists to have ownership over the material created, and that the resulting piece will embody the vibrancy and passion that went into its development. Rather than presenting a group of young people with a previously written text, I hope to adapt this technique to create work with a youth ensemble. AJT: What goals and/or projects are you looking forward to developing as the new Director of Education & Theatre For Youth at DTP? JS: I hope to generate a new work with an adult ensemble that will ultimately be presented to a youth audience. Ideally, this piece will not only challenge and engage young people as audience members, but also inspire them to create their own theatre by joining the DTP youth ensemble. I hope to create a youth ensemble that will be producing work that represents their voices and experiences and allows young people to work in the style of devised theatre that DTP supports. Ultimately, I think it would be exciting for DTP's adult ensemble to collaborate with the DTP youth ensemble to generate work together. Read more about Jonathan by visiting The Deconstructve Theatre Project online, and welcome him by sending an email to jonathan@deconstructivetheatreproject.org.
The Orpheus Variations Workshop Teaser Trailer In August, The Deconstructive Theatre Project began work on The Orpheus Variations, a theatrical exploration of the classical Greek story of Orpheus and Eurydice and it's evolution over the course of history. At the center of this story is the question, "How do we lose one another?" Click on the image below to view a small kinetic portrait of several of the moments developed and uncovered by the ensemble during this first workshop. You may also view photos of The Orpheus Variations' first workshop by clicking here.
SUPPORT THE DECONSTRUCTIVE THEATRE PROJECT You make our work possible! Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to The Deconstructive Theatre Project by clicking here. You also directly impact our ability to create new ensemble theatre by earning us a commission each time you use one of the following services: Shop Amazon.com using this link. Search the internet with Goodsearch using this link. Purchase Broadway theatre tickets through Givenik using this link. For more information on becoming a member of our philanthropic community, please visit us online. THANK YOU!

Spread the good word and forward this message to a friend