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Upcoming Production
Exciting things are on the horizon—stay tuned for announcements about our upcoming productions!
Past Productions
The Boob Tube Plays
Written by Bara Swain
Directed by Kim T. Sharp, Vincent Scott, James Armstrong, Bara Swain
Produced by Kathleen Swan
Presented by The American Renaissance Theater Co. in association with The Tank
Written by Bara Swain
Directed by Kim T. Sharp, Vincent Scott, James Armstrong, Bara Swain
Produced by Kathleen Swan
Presented by The American Renaissance Theater Co. in association with The Tank
Television! “The Boob Tube Plays” reveal how T.V. affects relationships, impacts story lines, and blends fantasy with reality. “Life doesn’t imitate art,” says Woody Allen. It imitates bad television.” "The Boob Tube Plays" will take you on a journey referencing notable actors, shows and fictional characters, from Lucille Ball to Olivia Benson, from Everybody Loves Raymond to … yes, a very special hyena. These five short pieces promise entertainment and reflection in a 70 minute production. Come join us!
Featuring:
Deb Armelino*
Marc Castle*
Alexandra Cortese*
Leslie Kendall Dye*
Megan Greener*
Susan Jane McDonald*
John Moss*
Lily Potarf
Reid Sinclair
Kathleen Swan*
Nick Walther
casted by Marc Castle
stage managed by Laila Gerstmann
graphic design by Svet McCarroll Swan
*Equity Member appearing with permission of Actors’ Equity Association without benefit of an Equity contract in this Off-Off Broadway production
Featuring:
Deb Armelino*
Marc Castle*
Alexandra Cortese*
Leslie Kendall Dye*
Megan Greener*
Susan Jane McDonald*
John Moss*
Lily Potarf
Reid Sinclair
Kathleen Swan*
Nick Walther
casted by Marc Castle
stage managed by Laila Gerstmann
graphic design by Svet McCarroll Swan
*Equity Member appearing with permission of Actors’ Equity Association without benefit of an Equity contract in this Off-Off Broadway production
Love & Loss -- A Salon
Produced and Directed by Bill Cosgriff and Kathleen Swan
Writers and Lyricists represented: Glenn Alterman, Marc Castle, Bill Cosgriff, Fran Handman, Linda Kampley, Lauren Robert, Janet Sarno, Shirley Sergent, Victoria Sullivan, Bara Swain Featuring Deb Armelino*, Cathy Boyd*, Marc Castle*, Alexandra Cortese*, Anne Newhall*, Eric Percival*, Caryn Osofsky* & Suzanne Toren* Production Stage Manager/Designer: Alan Highe
Comments from the Audience
" A delightful mix of one-act plays, each filled with humor and heart... a perfect blend of laughter and introspection, making for an unforgettable experience."
" All of the actors were so good and the writing was great. The atmosphere of a small salon made the whole experience special."
" Both funny and touching and a good commentary on life. There was a sense of camaraderie among the performers and a comfortable, friendly atmosphere as soon as I walked into the theatre."
"I felt like I was in someone's living room. A good time was had by all."
" My husband and I enjoyed this so much. The sketches, poems, and songs tied together in such a seamless and meaningful way...the audience could sit back and appreciate the pathos and humor of the material executed by an accomplished acting team."
" A delightful mix of one-act plays, each filled with humor and heart... a perfect blend of laughter and introspection, making for an unforgettable experience."
" All of the actors were so good and the writing was great. The atmosphere of a small salon made the whole experience special."
" Both funny and touching and a good commentary on life. There was a sense of camaraderie among the performers and a comfortable, friendly atmosphere as soon as I walked into the theatre."
"I felt like I was in someone's living room. A good time was had by all."
" My husband and I enjoyed this so much. The sketches, poems, and songs tied together in such a seamless and meaningful way...the audience could sit back and appreciate the pathos and humor of the material executed by an accomplished acting team."
2022/23 season
2019 Kaufman Winner - FASTENED TO THE MOON - A "wild, thought-provoking ride" set in the early 70's on the West Coast of Florida, featuring noble astronauts, diligent lawmen, a drug-smuggling sociopath and an innocent young woman who may soon be arrested - or perhaps murdered.
FASTENED TO THE MOON
By Linda Kampley
Directed by Kathleen Swan
By Linda Kampley
Directed by Kathleen Swan
LOVE, SEX and REAL ESTATE
By Bill Cosgriff
Directed by John D. McNally
By Bill Cosgriff
Directed by John D. McNally
LOVE, SEX and REAL ESTATE - The hilarious story of a dysfunctional family's search for the perfect brownstone while dealing with adultery, divorce, jealousy, modern art, teen-age angst - and ice dancing!
2021/22 season
2019/20 Season
Actors: Stephen Axelrod*, Catharine Boyd*, Joseph Capone*, Bill Cosgriff*, JJ Parkey, Petra Denison, Frank Hankey*, Linda Kampley*,
Bernard Rachelle*, Kathleen Swan*, Donna Wandrey*.
Directors: Stephanie Anderson, Joseph Capone, Marc Castle, Michael McGoldrick, Janet Sarno, Kathleen Swan
*AEA
Bernard Rachelle*, Kathleen Swan*, Donna Wandrey*.
Directors: Stephanie Anderson, Joseph Capone, Marc Castle, Michael McGoldrick, Janet Sarno, Kathleen Swan
*AEA
2018/19 season
May 23 - June 8, 2019
Theatre 54
244 W. 54th St. 12th Floor
Theatre 54
244 W. 54th St. 12th Floor
Read our article on Broadway World here: Broadwayworld.com
While Clyman’s characters would probably agree that there are some things for which one should wait, seeing this excellent, memorably acted production is not one of them...John R. Ziegler and Leah Richards, Thinking Theater NYC
This is a must see and you will delight in the struggle so excellently portrayed in this slice of life that will stay with you long after you leave the theater....Ronni Burns, eljnyc.com
The narrative was compelling and the portrayals were sensitively handled. This is a work worth seeing and watching where it goes next… All the performers deserve kudos for their portrayals… The three leading characters are written with nuance and depth...Walter Thinnes Blog
This is a must see and you will delight in the struggle so excellently portrayed in this slice of life that will stay with you long after you leave the theater....Ronni Burns, eljnyc.com
The narrative was compelling and the portrayals were sensitively handled. This is a work worth seeing and watching where it goes next… All the performers deserve kudos for their portrayals… The three leading characters are written with nuance and depth...Walter Thinnes Blog
As you enjoy yourself in a cozy neighborhood tavern's upstairs room, expect to encounter some "real characters," each with his/her unique voice and story. Some are hilarious, some heart-breaking, some profound and some profane -- but nothing will stop the men and women of "Fast Food Voices" from having their voices heard & you will be greatly rewarded for listening...
This is immersive theater without a formal "curtain," but expect performances to begin approximately 8pm evenings and 3pm on Saturday. Please plan to come early and/or stay late to have a drink and mingle.
This is immersive theater without a formal "curtain," but expect performances to begin approximately 8pm evenings and 3pm on Saturday. Please plan to come early and/or stay late to have a drink and mingle.
Mark Levine’s FAST FOOD VOICES are vignettes of troubled people with some amusing and not so amusing problems: The stories come at you fast and furious in the cozy Irish Bar: Ryan’s Daughter. The cast maintain their characters in a very conversational way as they talk straight to the audience. It is so organic that I didn’t feel like I was in a play at all.
This is a very pleasant way to spend an evening...Eva Heinemann, Hi! Drama
Can't compliment everyone involved in the project enough. You were blessed to have actors with just the right kind of courage, generosity, and insight into the gentle lives of the portraits you've captured...Hamilton Clancy, Producing Artistic Director, The Drilling Company Theatrical Productions
This is a very pleasant way to spend an evening...Eva Heinemann, Hi! Drama
Can't compliment everyone involved in the project enough. You were blessed to have actors with just the right kind of courage, generosity, and insight into the gentle lives of the portraits you've captured...Hamilton Clancy, Producing Artistic Director, The Drilling Company Theatrical Productions
Refreshments Served - Admission Free - Donations Gratefully Accepted
Seating is Limited - First Come, First Served
Bruce Mitchell Room
520 8th Ave., 3rd Floor
Seating is Limited - First Come, First Served
Bruce Mitchell Room
520 8th Ave., 3rd Floor
2017/18 Season
Directors
Bill Cosgriff, Dale Davidson, Josh Drimmer, Janet Sarno, Bob Quinn, Kathleen Swan
Actors
Deb Armelino*, Loren Bidner*, Carla Brandberg*, Joseph Capone*, Samantha Rivers Cole,
Richard Craven*, Frank Hankey*, Dianna Jones, Daniel Kirby, Kam Metcalf*, Anne Newhall*,
Chris Price, Bob Quinn, Eileen Roehm, James Rutledge*, Kathleen Swan*
*AEA
Bill Cosgriff, Dale Davidson, Josh Drimmer, Janet Sarno, Bob Quinn, Kathleen Swan
Actors
Deb Armelino*, Loren Bidner*, Carla Brandberg*, Joseph Capone*, Samantha Rivers Cole,
Richard Craven*, Frank Hankey*, Dianna Jones, Daniel Kirby, Kam Metcalf*, Anne Newhall*,
Chris Price, Bob Quinn, Eileen Roehm, James Rutledge*, Kathleen Swan*
*AEA
June 3, 2018 at 6pm
|
Join us for our Sunday Workshop
An informal reading of a work-in-progress. Refreshments and feedback to follow. Tin Foil by Anita Keal Directed by Joseph Capone Featuring Loren Bidner*, Catharine Boyd*, Marc Castle*, Meghan Crosby, Alexandra Curran, Nick Garr*, Janet Sarno*, Suzanne Toren* *AEA The Bruce Mitchell Room 520 8th Ave. 3rd Floor |
Humorous, often suspenseful and well-observed are the six short plays. Collectively the plays and poems are a quite enjoyable and entertaining experience and a wonderful showcase for the company of talented actors"...Darryl Reilly, theaterscene.net
...what makes this show unique is the mission of the American Renaissance Theater Company: to develop “new works by a multi-generational company of professional playwrights, actors and directors.”...Ken Kaisser, Theater Is Easy
I was able to easily enjoy and appreciate some of the gems in Look Me in the Eyes. There is enough talent and there are enough funny moments in this production that make it worth going to see...Anthony Piccione, On Stage
...what makes this show unique is the mission of the American Renaissance Theater Company: to develop “new works by a multi-generational company of professional playwrights, actors and directors.”...Ken Kaisser, Theater Is Easy
I was able to easily enjoy and appreciate some of the gems in Look Me in the Eyes. There is enough talent and there are enough funny moments in this production that make it worth going to see...Anthony Piccione, On Stage
Read our article on Broadway World here: BroadwayWorld.com
WinterWorks2018: LOOK ME IN THE EYES
Producers
Kathleen Swan, Carla Brandberg and Mark Levine
Directors
Elowyn Castle**, Bill Cosgriff, Kathleen Swan
Cast
Catharine Boyd*, Alexandra Curran, Judy Frank*, Megan Greener, Daniel Kirby,
James Nugent*, James Rutledge*, Kathleen Swan*, Marie Wallace*
Scenic and Lighting Design
Leah Cohen
Production Stage Manager
Whitney Dearden*
Publicity
Scotti Rhodes
*AEA, **SDC
WinterWorks2018: LOOK ME IN THE EYES
Producers
Kathleen Swan, Carla Brandberg and Mark Levine
Directors
Elowyn Castle**, Bill Cosgriff, Kathleen Swan
Cast
Catharine Boyd*, Alexandra Curran, Judy Frank*, Megan Greener, Daniel Kirby,
James Nugent*, James Rutledge*, Kathleen Swan*, Marie Wallace*
Scenic and Lighting Design
Leah Cohen
Production Stage Manager
Whitney Dearden*
Publicity
Scotti Rhodes
*AEA, **SDC
Directed by Alfredo Narciso
Featuring
Bill Cosgriff*, Ralph Pochoda*, Margo Hammond*, Frank Hankey* and Dianna Lauren Jones
*AEA
You are invited to be part of the developmental process!
Your feedback will be incorporated into the second reading
and inform the further development of the play.
Join us for one or both readings!
The Directors Studio at The Directors Company
311 W. 43rd St. 4th Floor
Featuring
Bill Cosgriff*, Ralph Pochoda*, Margo Hammond*, Frank Hankey* and Dianna Lauren Jones
*AEA
You are invited to be part of the developmental process!
Your feedback will be incorporated into the second reading
and inform the further development of the play.
Join us for one or both readings!
The Directors Studio at The Directors Company
311 W. 43rd St. 4th Floor
The American Renaissance Theater Company
proudly presents
The Jerry Kaufman Award Developmental Readings Workshop
proudly presents
The Jerry Kaufman Award Developmental Readings Workshop
You are invited to be part of the developmental process!
Your feedback will be incorporated into the second reading
and inform the further development of the play.
Join us for one or both readings,
directed by Elowyn Castle**
and featuring
Erik Baker*, Carla Brandberg*, Dylan Martin Frankel, Joseph Medeiros*, Kam Metcalf* and James Reade Venable*
**SDC *AEA
Your feedback will be incorporated into the second reading
and inform the further development of the play.
Join us for one or both readings,
directed by Elowyn Castle**
and featuring
Erik Baker*, Carla Brandberg*, Dylan Martin Frankel, Joseph Medeiros*, Kam Metcalf* and James Reade Venable*
**SDC *AEA