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Dedication to Our Community

Asia David

on November 17, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

So many times we hear of people that dedicate their lives to things that are truly important to them. But what makes something important in a person's life... something like a theatre? For Bambi Martins, the Morgan-Wixson theatre captured her heart the second she saw the play "The Great Horn Spoon."

It was like any other day when she decided to chaperone her daughters 4th grade field trip to the Morgan-Wixson theatre. They saw the play "The Great Horn Spoon," written by Sid Fleishman, that took place during the Gold Rush. As they watched, they realized that there were kids they knew in that play and wondered how they became a part of this play. Over the next couple of months, Martins received emails about auditions for the Morgan-Wixson theatre, but constantly deleted them. After some time, Martins realized it was that same place her daughter and her had watched that magnificent play. She encouraged her daughter to audition. Although she did not get a part in the play, rather then being discouraged, something about "this place" made her want to keep trying and gave her the drive to do so.

Time passed and still she did not get any parts in a play. She still wanted to be involved in the theatre, so she began to work with the lights for the stage. She loved it! Right after that experience, she finally landed a part in the fall musical, 42nd Street. Bambi realized that the type of environment the Morgan-Wixson provided was such a family atmosphere, which was why her daughter was encouraged to keep trying.

Of course after her daughter was so heavily involved in the theatre, Bambi grew interested as well. Lucky for her, Morgan-Wixson theatre is always looking for new volunteers, because volunteers are the only reason the theatre still stands today. Martins started out taking tickets, then hemming costumes, and working in the snack bar during intermission. She saw how everyone around her was truly dedicated and wanted even more to be involved. "I started to get more involved because when you are at the theatre, you feel you are with family. There is nothing but a true feeling of mutual admiration and a common thread that we are all vested in the theatre and want to make it a better place, a theatre for the community," Martins stated. Bambi Martins now is working towards advertising for this upcoming season and finding more ways to connect the community to the theatre.

"We welcome all to come and become part of our family!" said Bambi Martins

A Masterpiece

Asia David

on November 13, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

There are many events and stories that have helped Donna Sternberg to create the most beautiful dances, but there is one that really sticks out in her life.

In 2006, Donna Sternberg was able to be in-residence in Costa Rica with five other artists. She was the only dancer surrounded by visual artists; she could not help but be inspired. She became close to a painter, Kathy Packer. Donna and Kathy thought that it would be an excellent idea to collaborate and create a piece with a painting and a dance choreographed by Sternberg.

While in the beautiful area of Costa Rica, they often went walking and exploring the beautiful landscape that surrounded them. Inspired to have a deeper connection to the environment, ideas came along nicely for their "to be" masterpiece. In the end, the painting resembled many aspects of the beautiful nature of Costa Rica and Donna performed an hour and ten minute dance to the painting. It turned out just as they suspected... as a masterpiece.

It's an example of Donna's passion for dance; she has been able to relate to and dance to many things that people would not expect. This is what makes her great!

One's Passion...

Asia David

on November 6, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

When a simple activity that you love to do, turns into an addiction, I guess you could say that it is your passion. Donna Sternberg discovered dance as hers when she realized she wanted more than to just dance in prestigous dance companies, but start her own program. Sternberg's desire to share her passion of dance with the rest of the world inspired her to begin "Donna Sternberg and Dancers." In her organization she works with dancers who perform throughout the year to share a message of connection and human growth through movement.

DS&D has just about every kind of workshop: master, informal, and educational. If you feel as though you are a "top notch" dancer you are more then welcome to try out for the company or take some masters workshops, but if not, there is always some way you can get involved. Donna Sternberg's dancers perform in many shows in many different locations and are very well-known. It has been said that their work is exquisite!

The purpose is to inform the community about the purpose of dance and how it has so much to teach us about one another. Through Donna Sternberg and Dancers, that message is being spread in an excellent way.

For information on shows click on Donna Sternberg and Dancers above to view them.

Passionate About His Job

Joanna Campos

on October 28, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

The Miles Memorial Playhouse not only has wonderful arts but it also has wonderful staff. I met with Justin Yoffe who's is the Playhouse Director/Cultural Arts Program Supervisor. He does the booking, manages contracts, and so much more.

Justin is a nice and fun person who is very passionate about his job. He loves the arts and he loves the energy that Santa Monica carries. He sees that there is a lot of creativity in this city and that it is very edgy and progressive. He is just so excited to see how it is developing.

Justin Yoffe likes bringing the arts to the youth. He believes that it is important for them to get involved. Justin listens to what the community has to say and then responds to it by giving them what they want.

It is incredible to see what Miles Playhouse has accomplished. In its early history, it was a little used and little known theatre, but now it has blossomed into a very active and well known theatre. Raising the awareness has definitely been a huge accomplishment for the Miles Playhouse. So has Downbeat 720. Another huge accomplishment is the impact that it has had on people's lives. This place has given them the confidence they need to strive for what they really desire. Justin Yoffe really likes being a part of all of this because he sees how Miles Playhouse can actually make a difference in people's lives.

Come Listen to Verdi Chorus

Marlene Santiago

on October 21, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

The Verdi Chorus first started in the Verdi Ristorant di Musica in Santa Monica. The restaurant first featured them as entertainment for guests. Then the owners added an opera chorus. It all began from there and grew to where it is at now with over 50 voices and so many lovely performances.

This wonderful all-volunteer chorus group has all types of wonderfully talented people from different professions and from all ages; from amateur to professional artists that come together and perform. Together they create a great chorus that would love to perform for all Santa Monica residents. So here's your chance YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT on November 22 and 23. It's going to be their 25^th Anniversary and they will be having a very special guest and very special performances. It's going to be a series of great performances and the best part is it only cost a fraction of the cost of an actual great operatic experience. For students, it's only $10. That's amazing! Instead of heading to the movies, which might be $11.25, try out this new experience that is near to you for a low price and it will be an experience that just might change you.

The Verdi chorus can give you a great experience that you won't find just anywhere. They have rehearsed some of the best choral works from opera. Richard Hutman, a vice president, who works hard singing great music and helping create an entertaining experience for the audience. Tell a friend and come on out for this all-ages fun filled experience. Order tickets at www.verdichorus.org

HIP HOP PICO BLOCK ROCK

Andrew Torres

on October 20, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

In 1998, one thousand people marched, as a visual sign of peace, for all the people who were killed in the Pico nieghboorhood. Those people demanded a center to be built to "Stop the Killing." Pico Youth and Family Center (PYFC) was created as a violence prevention program. They do outreach to the community with different programs, which are available for free.

"We build relationships, we get to know people mainly through working with the community. Whenever someone needs help we provide them with tools that they need to be able to over come what they're going through," said Alex Aldana, the center's community organizer and event coordinator.

They offer services for youth and familes, counseling, job training, music recording, and tutoring. These are programs that benefit youth in the community and develop leadership and empowerment skills.They do a lot of events for the community. One event coming up is the HIP HOP UNITY CONFERENCE where they will be spreading knowledge to the youth and adults about HIP HOP culture, which includes the DJ, the MC, the B-BOY, and the GRAFFITI ARTIST.

Though they are currently in the transitional phase to a new location on 711 Pico Blvd., just one block from Santa Monica High School, I have high hopes, and give my best wishes, that they will keep making an impact on our community. The grand opening will be on September 13. There will be live music and art on display for anyone who wants to attend.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.picoyouth.org

What a True Passion Creates

Asia David

on October 16, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

Imagine a beautiful California day by the beach with a group of friends, putting on small plays. Sounds relaxing and enjoyable, right? Well that was exactly the starting ground for the Morgan-Wixson Theatre. It started as a kind of "actors retreat." Actors would come from all over to put on plays with fellow actors in a small shack near the beach. After some time, they got the city to give them an official site. In 1962, it burned down taking away this "actors paradise." All who participated in this knew they couldn't let

something this magical just fall apart because of a fire. They pulled their money together and by hand built a new theatre that still stands today on 2627 Pico Blvd. The people who spend their lives here often joke that anyone can easily tell the theatre was put together by ordinary people.

The way this theatre works is that absolutely anybody can be involved and the best part is it does not cost one penny to do so. The plays that are put on are often directed by various multi-talented directors. Anyone can audition for a play, but a part is not guaranteed. Many who came, tried out, and were not accepted for a play. Yet, they were inspired to keep trying instead of giving up. The environment is nothing but encouraging from my experience. Also, many just want to be involved in some way, and the best part about it is the people who are already involved are very happy and excited when someone wants to come in. From the moment I walked in, everyone greeted me with smiles and were asking me when I could possibly help out with ushering a play or helping with the lights. They say once you walk through the doors, you are automatically family, and therefore treated as such.

Walking around the theatre, a woman, Bambi explained to me that no one is looked at as in a higher position then another. The people who are elected chairmen and such were all placed there by votes, but they still get down and do the same dirty work as everyone else. This theatre is ran purely by the community. Every last person is a volunteer who has dedicated their lives to this place.

They have two main programs, one for adults, which is the regular theatre, and then they have the YES program (Youth Education/Entertainment Series). In the YES program, children are mentored and taught how to act, perform, and put on a play. It has proven to be very successful. Many of those youths usually bridge over to the adult theatre as they grow older.

Morgan-Wixson Theatre is a family-oriented place full of determined and dedicated people. It proves that anything is possible if people work together.

Because of You I Have a Better Life

Asia David

on October 15, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

Virginia Avenue Project has many stories of success, but two that impacted me the most were about two girls named Ambar and Aranzasu.

Ambar first came to Virginia Avenue as a six year old girl who barely spoke above a whisper. She was very timid and shy, but all who worked with her knew she had a small flame in her that was ready to come out and burst into wildfire. It wasn't until she was taken on a trip to Ojai in the summer of 1993 that she learned to project her voice and be confident with her words. Throughout the years, proving to be an excellent student in school, she got to her senior year and was interested in taking an AP English class. Her teacher denied her entry into the class because English was not her first language. With tenacity and the voice she learned to gain from all those years at Virginia Avenue Project, she stood up for herself to that teacher. Not only did she pass the class, she got such good grades in all her classes that she got a full ride scholarship to NYU Business School. Looking back on her life, Ambar gives all the credit to Virginia Avenue Project for teaching her how to succeed in every way and how to use what she has and make those skills work for her.

Another great story was about a girl named Aranzasu. Like Ambar, she started at six years old and was also tremendously shy and timid. Her fear of performing got to her so much that she left Virginia Avenue Project for quite a while. Knowing that she wanted to overcome this problem of hers, and realizing that one day she'd have to conquer this, she decided to come back. When she came back, everyone knew. She opened up and tackled her shyness becoming a graceful performer. She realized the impact that this had on her and her life and therefore made sure her brother, sister, and cousin became involved. She went to USC and is now doing post graduate work at Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

VAP has given children, from a young age, the strength, skill, and courage to conquer whatever they want to do in life. Obviously, something is working in the way they do things.

A Place for Creative Minds

Asia David

on October 13, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

It's funny how a place that is located on Olympic Blvd. is called Virginia Avenue Project. I soon learned that the original opening of this project was on Virginia Avenue. "So why change the name," Leigh Curran joked. This program was started by Leigh Curran, based on a project in New York called 52nd Street Project. Curran loved everything they were doing in this New York location so she just had to bring it to the West Coast.

Virginia Avenue Project is a program that helps children, as well as anyone else, learn and build confidence in everything they do through acting, writing and photography. Leigh, and everyone who works with her, has realized that there are a lot of children who think and learn in creative ways.

Virginia Avenue helps develop creative learning in every way. The program is held at the Santa Monica Police Activities League from 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays are days that are used for tutoring the children in homework or answering any questions they have about school work. Curran realizes how important it is to succeed in school. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays you can find acting, writing, or photography workshops going on for the children.

Anyone can join but they prefer to start with the kids at young ages such as 6 years old. This gives them ample time to help develop the youth through all of those rough years, to insure true success through Virginia Avenue.

Virginia Avenue puts on performances throughout the year that the kids have written or have been involved in from everything to the stage lights to actually performing. By being involved in this project, it gives kids an all around opportunity to explore many different arts and possibly develop a true understanding and love for the arts as well. The best part is having almost a second family. Many of the kids have grown up with the people who participate in Virginia Avenue

I was curious to know if many of the participants have continued with acting or writing as they have grown up and away from Virginia Avenue. Curran brought up the point that some have, but the ones who haven't were inspired to think creatively, critically, and confidently about what their purpose is in life. Through Virginia Ave. Project, they have gained the skills to do so, which is the project's number one goal.

A Second Home

Asia David

on October 8, 2008 TrackBacks (0) Comments (0)

Belgian born, Ted Froster, was a refugee in France who had nothing to do or no where to go. The only thing to do was entertain the local kids, as he was one himself. He was acting and putting on small plays. Ted realized it was a passion of his and went further with it. In the late 50s he came to Southern California and began to work with some actors. Eventually,

converting a beauty salon into an acting playhouse, everyone got the idea of how passionate he was. In 1973, Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie took over and are still heavily involved in every aspect of Santa Monica Playhouse.

There are so many things going on at the Santa Monica Playhouse it almost seems impossible. They have adult classes during the day, child rehearsals, as well as school plays and workshops for all ages. All of these are in preparation for the various plays that they perform. Everything from tragedies to comedies. All are studied, learned, embodied, then given back to the community through a play for the sole purpose of enlightening the public. DeCarlo explained that SMP is trying to show the world the importance of the "artistic arena" because it's a way to explore and experiment the human condition without the real life effects. Bad and good.

I truly believe the best part of this non-profit is that they don't bring in actors based on talent but on how much they can commit. "The theatre cannot stay alive without committed actors/actresses," Rudie stated. Anyone can get involved. All you have to do is sign up and meet personally with DeCarlo and Rudie so they can get a feel for who you are. Once you're in it's like you always have a home to come back too. That is the kind of environment that is provided. You can just feel it by walking around!

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