...AND Company Theatre is hiring!

...AND Company Theatre is looking to fill the following positions:

Fundraising Director (paid)
Sales Associate (paid)
Marketing Associate (paid)
House Manager (volunteer)
Box Office Manager (paid)
Stage Crew (volunteer)
Lighting Designer (paid)
Sound Designer (paid)
Costume Designer (volunteer)
Property Manager (paid)
Set Design (paid)
Dramaturge (volunteer)
Director (paid)
Educational Director (volunteer)
Stage Manager (paid)
Musicians (paid)
Teaching Artists (paid)
Choreographer (paid)
Web Designer (paid)

Please submit resumes to casting@andcompanytheatre.org

Audition Announcement: “To Be Young Gifted and Black : Lorraine Hansberry in Her Own Words”

AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT:
AND Company Theatre’s presentation of  “To Be Young Gifted and Black :  Lorraine Hansberry in Her Own Words”
Adapted by Robert Nemiroff / Directed by Andre Brown

Auditions will be held Monday, December 12th, and Tuesday, December 13th from 6:30pm – 9:30pm. There will be call-backs the evening of Wednesday, December 14th. Location: Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street

Character Breakdown

(2) Young black actresses
Actress 1 - Youthful qualities of Lorraine Hansberry as a schoolgirl and college coed (20's)
Actress 2 - greater maturity of vision, intellectual grasp ; basic image of playwright in her early thirties (30's)

(1) Older Black Actress
Actress 3 - Mama, the various mothers

(2)  White actresses
Actress 4 - great vivacity with intellectual force subtlety (20's)
Actress 5 -  same intensity as the Actress 4 (30's - 50's)

(2) Two Black Actors
Actor 1 - strong actor to play various roles (20-30's)
Actor 2 - strong actor to play various roles (30 - 50's)

(2) Two White Actors
Actor 1 - strong actor to play various roles (20 - 30's)
Actor 2 - strong actor to play various roles (30 - 50's)

Rehearsals begin January 9th 2012
Show runs from February 22 - 26 2012

For consideration please send your headshot/resume to casting@andcompanytheatre.org for an audition slot. For the audition, please prepare one 2-minute monologue. You will also be provided with sides.

SOAPM Meet the Cast: Eric Banks as "Reverend Barnes"

Eric Banks was born and raised in North Philly and caught the acting bug while performing in the gospel play, "Focus on Glory." Other productions include, "A Soldiers Play," "Another Bank Robbery," "If it ain't got that swing","Nursing Home," "Domestic Relations"  and "Four Sides to Every Story." His passion for acting landed him roles on the cable network, True TV. Forensic Files, as well as a commercial for Monday Night Football for ESPN.  Keep your eyes and ears open for this up and coming actor! 

The preacher man of which the title refers to, Reverend Barnes has a huge impact on his son's life. While Junior is young he wishes to be just like his father, but as he grows older, he learns some things that change his opinion of this shepherd. 

Son Of A Preacher Man follows the relationship between a preacher’s son with a not so conventional lifestyle and a preacher who allows the secular to take over his spirituality.This play will make you laugh out loud, shout, cry and most of all think about the consequences of super-human expectations and ridiculous judgements. 


Show dates/times:
Friday November 25, 7:30PM
Saturday November 26, 3PM and 7:30PM
Sunday November 27, 4PM
Friday December 2, 7:30PM
Saturday December 3, 3PM and 7:30pm
Sunday December 4, 4PM

Tickets: 
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
Students/Seniors $10

Purchase tickets online: http://brownpapertickets.com/event/208148

Location: 
Christ Church Neighborhood House - 20 N. American st. Philadelphia, PA, 19106

SOAPM Meet the Cast: Cathy Simpson as "Stella Barnes"

CATHY SIMPSON, has been a company member of the People’s Light  Theatre Co. since 1994.  She is also a member of the “Freedom Rising” Company at the National Constitution Center, and the American Historical Theatre Company, Philadelphia. Her work in local theatres include InterAct Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Philly Shakes, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Hedgerow Theatre, Theatre Catalyst, the Arden and the Wilma. Regional theater credits include, Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center, The National Theatre, Studio Theatre, Source Theatre, Wooly Mammoth, Olney Theatre Center, St. Louis Black Rep, St. Louis Rep., Indiana Rep., Big Arts.\Fla. and Florida Rep.

Film and TV credits include the award winning PBS, Maple Ave. Outreach Film, “PS I Love you”, numerous industrials and commercials for local Fox TV. A three, time Barrymore nominee and a winner for the Freedom Theatre production of The Old Settler, and a Kevin Kline Award winner for St. Louis Black Rep’s production of, A Song for Coretta.  She has also been nominated twice for the Helen Hayes Awards in Washington D.C. and won the Best Performer Award in Toyama, Japan.

"Stella Barnes" is Junior's mother, and while she means well, she is a source of confusion for our main character. The matriarch of the family, she seams to be the last to know about two very important things in the play.

Son Of A Preacher Man follows the relationship between a preacher’s son with a not so conventional lifestyle and a preacher who allows the secular to take over his spirituality.This play will make you laugh out loud, shout, cry and most of all think about the consequences of super-human expectations and ridiculous judgements.


Show dates/times:
Friday November 25, 7:30PM
Saturday November 26, 3PM and 7:30PM
Sunday November 27, 4PM
Friday December 2, 7:30PM
Saturday December 3, 3PM and 7:30pm
Sunday December 4, 4PM

Tickets:
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
Students/Seniors $10

Purchase tickets online: http://brownpapertickets.com/event/208148

Location:
Christ Church Neighborhood House - 20 N. American st. Philadelphia, PA, 19106

SOAPM Meet the Cast: Walter DeShields as "Dr. Bundt"

Walter  DeShields has performed as Rich in VI Degrees and Tracy in More than one Way to Skin A Dog. Walter has performed in the greater Philadelphia and New York City areas on stage most recently as Walter Lee in “Raisin in the Sun” ;  as Trent In Bryana Cannon’s “Gentle Cycle of Dirty Laundry” and as Guy Pearl Cleage’s in “Blues for an Alabama Sky”. Walter is starring in several released and upcoming film projects including “Cant Judge a Book”, "Coochie Wars" “The Playstation Killed the Puppet”; and  “Happy Holidaze”; Walter is a proud Penn State graduate with a BA in English and Theater. Walter acknowledges and thanks his company and cast mates for their support and encouragement. 

Walter plays the character of "Dr. Bundt." As "Junior's" psychiatrist, "Dr. Bundt" is the sounding board for all that is swirling around in "Junior's" mind, both real, and imagined.

Son Of A Preacher Man follows the relationship between a preacher’s son with a not so conventional lifestyle and a preacher who allows the secular to take over his spirituality.This play will make you laugh out loud, shout, cry and most of all think about the consequences of super-human expectations and ridiculous judgements.


Show dates/times:
Friday November 25, 7:30PM
Saturday November 26, 3PM and 7:30PM
Sunday November 27, 4PM
Friday December 2, 7:30PM
Saturday December 3, 3PM and 7:30pm
Sunday December 4, 4PM

Tickets:
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
Students/Seniors $10

Purchase tickets online: http://brownpapertickets.com/event/208148

Location:
Christ Church Neighborhood House - 20 N. American st. Philadelphia, PA, 19106

SOAPM Meet the Cast: Aaron C. Thornton - "Christian"

Aaron C. Thornton is a member of the acting company GoKash Productions. He started acting in middle school and immediately fell in love with it. He has been in shows including Baltimo Jawja,  My Son My Brother My Friend, His Child Too, Six Degrees, and Girl He Loves me. He is best known for his role in The Nigga Files that placed 2^nd in The Philadelphia Urban Theatre Festival in 2009 and his role in Ambie Dickerson that tied for 1^st place in the festival in 2010. He lives by the quote “If I never existed, have I given something, that if taken away you’d miss it.”

Aaron plays "Christian" in Son of a Preacher Man. Though a well meaning friend of character "Junior," "Christian" adds to the mayhem in our lead's mind, and contributes to what is a powerful climax in the play.

Son Of A Preacher Man follows the relationship between a preacher’s son with a not so conventional lifestyle and a preacher who allows the secular to take over his spirituality.This play will make you laugh out loud, shout, cry and most of all think about the consequences of super-human expectations and ridiculous judgements.


Show dates/times:
Friday November 25, 7:30PM
Saturday November 26, 3PM and 7:30PM
Sunday November 27, 4PM
Friday December 2, 7:30PM
Saturday December 3, 3PM and 7:30pm
Sunday December 4, 4PM

Tickets:
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
Students/Seniors $10

Purchase tickets online: http://brownpapertickets.com/event/208148

Location:
Christ Church Neighborhood House - 20 N. American st. Philadelphia, PA, 19106

SOAPM Meet the Cast: Andre Brown "Junior Barnes"

Co-Founder of ...AND Company Theatre and a proud high school drama teacher, Andre Brown has been performing for several years. Some of his favorite roles include, Man in "Crowns", Jackie Robinson in "Play to Win", Papa Ge in "Once on This Island", The Wiz in "The Wiz", and Andre in "Ain't Misbehavin'" to name a few. Andre has studied theatre professionally at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, CA and Film & Broadcasting at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. It his ultimate desire to present the "truth" of the human experience on stage both professionally and artistically.

Andre plays the character of "Junior Barnes." The lead character in Son of a Preacher Man, audiences can expect to see "Junior" go on a turbulent ride from beginning to end as he navigates the expectations and judgements of his family, as well as the congregation at large.

Son Of A Preacher Man follows the relationship between a preacher’s son with a not so conventional lifestyle and a preacher who allows the secular to take over his spirituality.This play will make you laugh out loud, shout, cry and most of all think about the consequences of super-human expectations and ridiculous judgements.


Show dates/times:
Friday November 25, 7:30PM
Saturday November 26, 3PM and 7:30PM
Sunday November 27, 4PM
Friday December 2, 7:30PM
Saturday December 3, 3PM and 7:30pm
Sunday December 4, 4PM

Tickets:
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
Students/Seniors $10

Purchase tickets online: http://brownpapertickets.com/event/208148

Location:
Christ Church Neighborhood House - 20 N. American st. Philadelphia, PA, 19106

Mission Statement

...AND Company Theatre was founded by Andre Brown and Israel Atkins in late 2010 with the belief that theatre is an art form with unique power to illuminate the human experience.  

...AND Company Theatre produces live theatre entertainment that excites the imagination and nourishes a lifelong passion for theatre arts.

Our mission is supported by the following objectives:

• To engage audiences of diverse ages, cultures and economic background;
• To nurture daring young artists to build dynamic growing professional careers;
• To be a community gathering place for active exchange about culture and the power of creativity;
• To create world-class theatrical experiences while maximizing and responsibly managing available resources;
• To provide a working environment that fosters leadership, collaboration and mutual respect, recognizes effort that sustains excellence, rewards innovation and encourages honest dialogue.

 …AND Company Theatre is a Non-Profit Theatre along side, DLB Media Works Inc. aimed at educating young people in performing and media arts. DLB Media Works Inc., promotes premier arts training in Television, Film and Theatre. Highlighting successful programs like Dream TV Summer Camp and ACT After School Series. DLB Media Works Inc., mission is a non-profit full service Media Education Agency specializing in Arts, Entertainment and Community Leadership Initiatives. For more information on this and other projects log onto: www.dlbworks.com, www.andcompanytheatre.org, www.varietypraiseshow.com or call 609.891.7555. 

Son of a Preacher Man: Official Press Release

Press Contact:
LaNeshe Miller-White
fortheloveoftheater@gmail.com



 For immediate release: 

…AND Company Theatre tackles the destructive nature of judgment in the premiere of a new stage play -  SON OF A PREACHER MAN

Philadelphia, PA -  Philadelphia based theater company …AND Company Theatre presents its sophomore production, Son of a Preacher Man. Written  by Vascola Stoney, musically directed by Kellie Turner, and directed by Dominique Denman, Son of a Preacher Man follows the relationship between a preacher’s son with a not so conventional lifestyle and a preacher who allows the secular to take over his spirituality. An ensemble driven play, Son of a Preacher Man runs November 25 through November 27, and December 2 through December 4 at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Topics that church congregations around the country are tight-lipped about – homosexuality, and infidelity in the pulpit- are brought to light in a play that will have audiences laughing out loud, shouting, crying, and thinking critically about judgment and the expectations society places on everyone’s lives. Company founder/ Artistic Director and lead actor Andre Brown stated “Having been a son of a preacher man/pastor myself - I get it. Having people stare at you Sunday after Sunday - expecting you to be perfect and live up to an unbelievably high standard of holiness or righteousness is beyond burdensome, it’s impossible. I think Vascola Stoney has done a tremendous job of highlighting the real life struggles of what preacher’s children, and people at large, go through. This play will speak not only to Christian believers but to all people who yearn to be free, all of us who desire to live authentically in this world.” 

Son  of a Preacher Man is the second show of four in …And Company Theatre’s 2011-2012 season  and is  produced by …AND Company's Managing Director, Israel Atkins.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and $10 for students and seniors with valid I.D.  Tickets can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com/event/208148 and over the phone at 609-891-7555. 

Run dates/times:

·         Friday, November 25 at 7:30PM

·         Saturday, November 26 at 3PM

·         Saturday, November 26 at  7:30PM

·         Sunday, November 27 at 4PM

·         Friday, December 2 at 7:30PM

·         Saturday, December 3 at 3PM

·         Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm

·         Sunday, December 4 at 4PM.

Full cast:

Andre G. Brown, Eric Banks, Brett Gray, Cathy Simpson, Carlene Pochette, Tanya O'Neill, Liz Priestly, Kiyanna Cox-Jones, Kenyon Wicks, Daniel Armella, Walter DeShields, LaNeshe Miller-White, Franklin M. Scurry, Aaron Thornton, Nicole Lockley, and Kyle Paul Dandridge.

ABOUT…AND COMPANY THEATRE

…AND Company Theatre was founded by Equity Actor Andre G. Brown in late 2010. Boasting the tagline “Ensemble theater at its best,”   it was founded on the premise of creating strong ensemble work.   Often, stage shows are marketed as being performed by a big name talent, “and company.”  Yet, “the company” works just as hard as the lead actor.  …AND Company Theatre seeks to showcase the work of all actors in a production, which spawned the name “…AND Company Theatre.”

…AND Company Theatre offers audiences the opportunity to experience new theatre and new stories.  Their shows highlight the work of new playwrights, and present them with an innovative format, employing multi-media techniques and exploring  the fusion of the world of television and the world of theatre.

"Son of a Preacher Man" Early Bird Special!

***Early Bird Special***

The early bird gets the worm, and in this case, the early bird gets "Son of a Preacher Man" tickets at just $10! Purchase your tickets between Monday, October 31st and Sunday, November 6th and SAVE! Don't miss your chance to see the show that will have you laugh, cry, shout and think - for only $10! CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets before this offer is over!

***
Show Dates/Times:
Friday November 25, 7:30PM
Saturday November 26, 3PM and 7:30PM
Sunday November 27, 4PM
Friday December 2, 7:30PM
Saturday December 3, 3PM and 7:30pm
Sunday December 4, 4PM

Tickets:
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
Students/Seniors $10

Purchase tickets online: http://brownpapertickets.com/event/208148
Group sales/questions: 609-891-7555

Son Of A Preacher Man tells the story of what judgments and expectations can do in the life and mind of a Preacher's son with a loaded past and destructive future. The crossroads of sacred and secular hang in the balance of a love story between a father and son.

This play will make you laugh out loud, shout, cry and most of all think about the consequences of super-human expectations and ridiculous judgements.

Son Of A Preacher Man by Vascola Stoney
Directed by Dominique Denman

Cast:
Andre G. Brown
Eric Barnes
Brett Gray
Cathy Simpson
Carlene Pochette
Tanya O'Neill
Liz Priestly
Kiyanna Cox-Jones
Kenyon Wicks
Daniel Armella
Walter DeShields
LaNeshe Miller-White
Franklin M. Scurry
Aaron Thornton
Nicole Lockley
Kyle Paul Dandridge

Advanced Tickets on sale for Son of a Preacher Man

Tickets for ...AND Company Theatre's production of Son of a Preacher Man are available online now.

Son of A Preacher Man tells the story of what judgments and expectations can do in the life and mind of a Preacher's son with a loaded past and destructive future. The crossroads of sacred and secular hang in the balance of a love story between a father and son. This play will make you laugh out loud, shout, cry and most of all think about the consequences of super-human expectations and ridiculous judgments. Written by Vascola Stoney with Kellie Turner & Dominique Denman.

Tickets are $15 each. Performances will be held at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street, Philadelphia PA 19106.

Shows are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Friday, November 25th at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 26th at 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, November 27th at 4:00 pm
Friday, December 2nd at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 3rd at 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, December 4th at 4:00 pm

Advanced tickets are available to purchase online now from brownpapertickets.com. Credit cards accepted (convenience fee may apply). Group discounts available by calling the box office at 609-891-7555.

Stage Crew Needed for Son of a Preacher Man

The next production for ...AND Company Theatre is Son of a Preacher Man. Rehearsals start the week of October 10th. Performances are on November 25 & 26th in Old City Philadelphia.

Needed are STAGE MANAGER(S), PROP MASTER, COSTUME DESIGNER, AND STAGE CREW. E-mail resume and contact info to casting@andcompanytheatre.org prior to Saturday, October 8th to be considered.

Son Of A Preacher Man tells the story of the sometimes actual, sometimes elaborated life and mind of a Preacher's son with a loaded past and destructive future. The crossroad of sacred and secular hang in the balance of a love story between father and son.

Casting Call for Son Of A Preacher Man

...AND Company Theatre will be holding auditions for our next production, Son Of A Preacher Man on Saturday, October 8th in Philadelphia. E-mail headshot and resume to casting@andcompanytheatre.org for an audition appointment.

The production will go up on November 25th and 26th in Old City, Philadelphia.

Son Of A Preacher Man tells the story of the sometimes actual, sometimes elaborated life and mind of a Preacher's son with a loaded past and destructive future. The crossroad of sacred and secular hang in the balance of a love story between father and son.

Open roles include:
JUNIOR - 30's African - American Male - handsome conflicted baptist preachers kid (good singing voice helpful not necessary)
PREACHER - Late 50's African - American Male with powerfully daunting presence YOUNG JUNIOR - 12-14 yr old young African - American boy with tough childhood (good singing helpful not necessary)
CLAMEESHA YOUNG - Birthing Nurse, 40's, Any race (good singing voice helpful not necessary)
ALLISON - Junior's Sister (Plays young teens to late 20's)
DARNELL - Junior's brother (Plays young teens to late 20's)
SIS SUE - Flirtatious Church member, African - American Early - Mid 40's
STELLA - Junior's Mother, Strong African - American woman, play various ages 30's - 50's
PSYCHIATRIST - Junior's Doctor, Astute very attentive, witty - Male/female, Any Race, 20's - Older
DIRECTOR - Junior's Theater teacher, any race
CHRISTIAN - African - American, 20's Handsome college student type - Junior's love interest
OTHER YOUNG ACTOR - Young Junior's classmate (Plays 12 - 14 can be older/ Any Race)
CHURCH SECRETARY - Very beautiful 20's something African - American woman

Auditions will be on Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Philadelphia. E-mail headshot and resume to casting@andcompanytheatre.org for an audition appointment.

Reviews of E-mail: 9/12 by ...AND Company Theatre

"The six-player cast... impressed with their nuanced performances."
- Alyce Wilson, Arts & Entertainment Featured Contributor on Yahoo!

"The energetic and professional performances by the actors left me looking forward to the next production from ...AND Company Theatre."
- Tracy Hibner, Freelance Theater Critic

Both shows of E-mail: 9/12 performed by ...AND Company Theatre on September 24, 2011 received good reviews.

Alyce Wilson's full review of the evening performance is available on the Yahoo! Contributor Network.

Tracy Hibner's review of the matinee is included on our blog.

E-mail: 9/12 review by Alyce Wilson

Writer Alyce Wilson was in the audience of ...AND Company Theatre's 7pm evening show of E-mail: 9/12. She posted her review on the Yahoo! Contributor Network where she is a Featured Contributor for Arts & Entertainment.

Alyce Wilson's review can be read online by clicking here.

Wilson is the author of the books The Art of Life and Picturebook of the Martyrs. Both are available on Amazon in either paperback or Kindle format.

Wilson also is the editor of the online literary magazine Wild Violet. The 10th Anniversary Reading for Wild Violet is coming up on this Saturday, October 1st at 8pm at Milkboy Coffee at 2 Lancaster Ave in Ardmore, PA. $5 cover charge.

...AND Company Theatre's debut off to a good start

Review by Tracy Hibner
...AND Company Theatre’s production of E-mail: 9/12 by Midge Guerrera is an engaging set of personal stories about the September 11th tragedy. The play opens with Margaret (Colleen O’Brien) on a train to work just outside of NYC. After the towers are struck, she is sent home amid panic and confusion. Once there, she sits alone waiting for word from her husband, who works at a nuclear facility that has been locked down and isolated. She soon turns to email and Grey Goose for comfort. The other five actors in the ensemble do a marvelous job of acting out the emails, which tell the 9/11 stories of Margaret’s friends and family, mostly New Yorkers, but there are also some thought provoking experiences from other parts of the country and the world.

The five ensemble actors do an excellent job of jumping from character to character, making even the background characters distinct. Thanks to both the writing and the performances, the characters feel very familiar. Margaret gets a warm laugh of recognition from the audience when she finds herself mistakenly talking back to a video that has been emailed to her. There are somber stories, like the policewoman (Jennie Cupcakes) forced to leave her daughter and head into the horror of ground zero, which are portrayed quietly and respectfully. However, the play also has lighter characters, especially Margaret’s godson Joey (amusingly portrayed by Kyle Paul Dandridge) who has difficulty working his video camera, but pops up frequently throughout the play to cheer up Margaret and the audience.

The only weakness in the script comes at the end when the play shifts from telling the story of Margaret and her friends to a series of emails sent by the doomed workers in the twin towers, trapped above the fires. The playwright is obviously making one last attempt to get her point across (live without regrets). However, the jarring switch from Margaret’s personal story to the broader impact of 9/11 makes the ending seemed forced; and left me wanting a satisfying conclusion to Margaret’s story.

The set was appropriate and simple. Margaret’s computer, desk and pantry were alone in the center of a mostly empty and dark stage, making the audience feel Margaret’s isolation and limited, cyber connection to the rest of the world. However, the screen in the background, which was obviously meant to show the header of the email Margaret was currently reading, was distracting, poorly run and probably unnecessary. The screen was not on at the beginning of the production, it came on suddenly after about three scenes and the crew scrolled back and forth through the headers until the correct one was found. This was distracting at first, but when it kept happening, it became outright annoying. The actors were doing such a fine job of setting up each new email, that the screen seemed pointless, even when it was configured correctly. That was not the only technical glitch of the afternoon; several times sound effects started late (after the characters had already mentioned them) or were missing altogether. Also the odd choice of music played over the introductory 9/11 slide show bordered on the offensive, and did not set the stage for this otherwise honest and thought provoking reflection on the events of September 11th.

Despite the tragic and world changing events that are the background for this story, the show was uplifting and full of interesting characters. The energetic and professional performances by the actors left me looking forward to the next production from ...AND Company Theatre.


Tracy Hibner is an experienced actor both on stage (Signs of Love, Nightmares Xtreme Scream Park, Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire) and on television (This Job's a Trip). She has also worked on the stage crew for the Delaware Ballet Company and the Wilmington Drama League. While studying for her nursing degree, she wrote for the University of Delaware newsletter Stetho-scoop, and is currently working as an RN. Hibner was in the audience for the matinee performance of ...AND Company Theater's production of the play E-mail: 9/12.

Kyle Paul Dandridge featured in Chestnut Hill Local

The September 22nd issue of the Chestnut Hill Local newspaper includes Laura Hoover's interview with ...AND Company Theatre actor Kyle Paul Dandridge.

Also quoted in the article are ...AND Company Theatre's Artistic Director Andre Brown as well as the playwright of E-mail: 9/12, Midge Guerrera.

Newspaper article and photo of Dandridge (left) by writer Laura Beitman Hoover. The entire article from the paper's Local Life section is available to read online here.

E-mail: 9/12 goes up Saturday!

...AND Company Theatre's production of E-mail: 9/12 goes up this Saturday, September 24th!

Do you have your tickets yet?

Full price tickets at the door are $25 cash.

There is still time to purchase advanced tickets online for $20 each. Online tickets may be purchased with Paypal or a major credit card (a small convenience fee may apply).

Seniors and Students with valid ID may purchase tickets at the door for $10 cash.

All ticket sales at the door are on a cash only basis.

Shows are ONE DAY ONLY on Saturday, September 24th. Matinee at 3pm and Evening show at 7pm. Performances are at the Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre.

E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre. Directed by Andre G. Brown, Produced by Israel Atkins, Jr. Starring Colleen O'Brien, Pauline Anne Schantzer, Jennie Cupcakes, Kai Leah Nikol, Kyle Paul Dandridge, and Walter DeShields. Stage Manager, Ryan Dadalski. Prop Mistress, Shenee Carroll.

Getting to the Neighborhood House Venue

Performances of the play E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre are on September 24, 2011 at 3pm and 7pm at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Our venue for E-mail: 9/12 is near the intersection of 2nd and Market Streets in Old City Philadelphia.

If you are arriving by car, there are multiple parking lots nearby. There are some lots off of 2nd Street both immediately north of Market Street near Christ Church as well as south of Market before Walnut. There is also a lot on 3rd Street between Market and Arch, and a lot on Arch Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets. You may also consult the Philadelphia Parking Authority Parking Locator to find other nearby parking lots.

Metered street parking is also available. Please note that the running time for E-mail: 9/12 is nearly two hours and there is no intermission. Please read the signs regarding the maximum time zones to avoid getting a ticket. Payments for street parking in Old City is all by Kiosk, which accepts cash and coins, as well as credit cards and PPA smart cards. Remember to display your Kiosk receipt on your curbside dash.

SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line has a stop on the east side of Market Street at 2nd, which is within easy walking distance of Christ Church Neighborhood House. There are also a number of bus routes which stop on Market street near 2nd, including stops at Front & Market and nearby Independence Mall. Some of those bus routes include the 5, 9, 17, 21 and 42. Consult SEPTA's official website for up-to-date schedules.

If you haven't already bought your tickets in advance, you can purchase them online. Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis for $25 each.

More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.

Student and Senior Discounts

Just announced! Students and Seniors tickets for E-mail: 9/12 are now only $10.

...AND Company Theatre is offering tickets at the very low cost of $10 to students and seniors.

Bring a valid ID with you to the door in order to get the discounted price. Cash only.

Student and Senior discount tickets are subject to availability and are going fast. To reserve yours e-mail Colleen O'Brien before Friday at pr@andcompanytheatre.org with your name, e-mail address, and how many tickets you want us to set aside.

Payment due in cash at the door. Valid ID required for the student and senior price. Any reserved tickets not claimed five minutes prior to curtain time will be made available for sale to the public.

Student and Senior discount tickets cannot be combined with any other offer or applied to previously purchased tickets. ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.

E-mail: 9/12 is the stage play about ordinary people connecting through cyberspace in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. When they weren't able to reach one another by phone, they used e-mail to comfort and support each other, to offer a spark of humor and to give one another hope for the days to come.

Performances are scheduled for ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, September 24th, 2011.
3pm Matinee and 7pm Evening shows.
Venue: Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at
20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Advanced general admission tickets are still available for purchase online for $20. Online advance tickets may be purchased with credit cards or Paypal. A small service fee may apply.

E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre. Directed by Andre G. Brown, Produced by Israel Atkins, Jr. Starring Colleen O'Brien, Pauline Anne Schantzer, Jennie Cupcakes, Kai Leah Nikol, Kyle Paul Dandridge, and Walter DeShields. Stage Manager, Ryan Dadalski. Prop Mistress, Shenee Carroll.

Tickets still available for E-mail: 9/12

Tickets are still available for ...AND Company Theatre's production of the stage play E-mail: 9/12.

Advanced tickets are highly recommended, and may be purchased online now.

E-mail: 9/12 is based on the real life experiences of the playwright, Midge Guerrera, of how she was able to able to connect with family and friends online via e-mail on the day after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th.

E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre. Directed by Andre G. Brown, Produced by Israel Atkins, Jr. Starring Colleen O'Brien, Pauline Anne Schantzer, Jennie Cupcakes, Kai Leah Nikol, Kyle Paul Dandridge, and Walter DeShields. Stage Manager, Ryan Dadalski. Prop Mistress, Shenee Carroll.

Performances are scheduled for ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, September 24th, 2011.
3pm Matinee and 7pm Evening shows.
Venue: Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at
20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Advanced tickets available online now for $20 each.
Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis for $25 each.

Group sales for 10 or more, please call 609-891-7555.
For more info, visit www.andcompanytheatre.org.

Mr. Congeniality, Israel Atkins, Jr.

Co-founder of ...AND Company Theatre, Israel Atkins, Jr., is also the Producer of the company's debut production, E-mail: 9/12.

Israel Atkins, Jr. is the Producer for E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre on September 24, 2011 at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre at 3pm and 7pm.

"This production has impressed upon me the inspiring belief that there is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come," says Atkins of the stage play E-mail: 9/12. The show explores how people were able to come together through e-mails on the day after the tragic and subsequently heroic events of the largest terrorist attacks in modern history.

Atkins joined the team of ...AND Company Theatre after discovering the artistic genius of the Company's creative director, Andre Brown. As Co-founder and Producer, Israel endeavors to create an environment where ideas can be fostered, talents nurtured, and dreams realized.

Israel Atkins, Jr. is also the CEO of Image is Real LLC., a high-end fashion agency in developing neo-classic and custom men's fashion. After 8 years as a Technical Manager and Video Engineer working for two major cable and content providers, he steps into full time Performance and Media Production with ...AND Company Theatre.

Performances of E-mail: 9/12 are scheduled for ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, September 24th, 2011. 3pm Matinee and 7pm Evening show. Venue: Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tickets, $25. Advance tickets available online. Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis. More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.

Kai Leah Nikol in the Limelight

Kai Leah Nichol returns to the stage she once enjoyed as a young girl as a member of the cast of E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre.

Kai Leah Nikol appears in ...AND Company Theatre's production of the stage play E-mail: 9/12 at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 3pm and 7pm.

Nikol is currently a junior at Rider University, and she hadn't been involved in a stage production since she was a freshmen in high school. When she heard about the play E-mail: 9/12 being performed in Philadelphia, PA by ...AND Company Theatre, she thought it was a great opportunity to get herself back into acting.

As a young girl, Nikol knew she wanted to be in show business, so she took acting classes through middle school and was often involved in her school productions. Her role as a member of the ensemble cast in E-mail: 9/12 marks her return to the stage. "I want the audience to enjoy the performance," Nichol explains, "and I hope to get insight and feedback on how I can improve as an actress through this show."

E-mail: 9/12 is the dramatization of how individuals connected through cyberspace in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th. When they weren't able to reach one another by phone, they used e-mail to comfort and communicate with each other.

...AND Company Theatre presents the play E-mail: 9/12 with performances on September 24, 2011 at 3pm and 7pm at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tickets, $25. Discounts available in advance online. Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis. More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.

Announcing Walter DeShields

Penn State alum Walter DeShields joins the ...AND Company Theatre cast of E-mail: 9/12

Walter DeShields is an experienced actor both on stage and on screen. On September 24, 2011, he'll be performing in ...AND Company Theatre's production of E-mail: 9/12 at 3pm and 7pm at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre in Philadelphia.

The play E-mail: 9/12 tells the story of how people were able to connect with one another via e-mail on the day after the September 11th attacks. On a day when phone communications weren't always working, friends and family used e-mail to keep in touch, to encourage one another, to grieve with each other, and to support those they love.

"I think this show gives a glimpse of humanity at one of its darkest moments, yet those affected shine the brightest," says DeShields.

About his part in the stage play E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre, DeShields explains, "I feel honored to tell this story. It so much more than a role, I truly feel these individuals' experience."

DeShields is a graduate of Penn State with a BA in Theatre and English. Among his film roles are parts in the movies Can't Judge a Book, Coochie Wars and The Playstation Killed the Puppet.

DeShields also regularly appears on stage in the greater Philadelphia and New York City areas. He appeared in the role of RICH in the stage play VI degrees. Most recently he portrayed WALTER LEE in the play Raisin in the Sun.

Performances of E-mail: 9/12 are scheduled for ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, September 24th, 2011. 3pm Matinee and 7pm Evening show. Venue: Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tickets, $25. Discounts available in advance online. Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis. More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.

On Stage with Kyle Paul Dandridge

E-mail: 9/12 cast member Kyle Paul Dandridge is no stranger to the Philadelphia area stage.

Kyle Paul Dandridge is part of the ensemble cast of ...AND Company Theatre's production of the stage play E-mail: 9/12. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 3pm and 7pm.

Dandridge has acted in many stage productions in the Philadelphia area, including plays written by Shakespeare as well as by modern playwrights. He's performed at The Stagecrafters, Old Academy Players, Allens Lane and The Drama Group. Kyle Paul Dandridge is pictured in this post in the role of Joaquim from the Stagecrafters production of "Mud, River, Stone" in April 2011.

"My first play was when I was age seven," says Dandridge. "I played a Pilgrim who died on the Mayflower. But, it wasn't until I was 14 that I knew I really wanted to be an actor."

In E-mail: 9/12 Dandridge takes on a number of different the roles as part of the ensemble, so he wears many hats on stage - literally. Among the characters he portrays in the play are a firehouse cook, a train conductor, and even a slightly mischievous 9-year-old boy.

The play illustrates how people connected through e-mails on the day after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. Through the use of the ensemble, the ...AND Company Theatre cast are able to re-enact the characters' stories of survival, grief and hope.

When asked what he would like the audience to take away from the performance, Dandridge answers, "I would like to audience to walk away feeling they got a different perspective on September 11, and realize that we are at the tip of exploring that day through art and artistic expression."

Performances of the play E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre are on September 24, 2011 at 3pm and 7pm at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tickets, $25. Discounts available in advance online. Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis. More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.

Get to Know Andre Brown

E-mail: 9/12's director Andre Brown is also the founder of ...AND Company Theatre.

Andre Brown directs the stage play E-mail: 9/12, being performed on September 24th, 2011 at 3pm and 7pm at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre in Philadelphia, PA.

“Once I read the script, it haunted me,” states Brown, “but I felt it needed to be expressed on stage. These are stories that need to be told.” Brown adds, “The events are still surreal after all these years, but we’re all still feeling the effects of what occurred on September 11, 2001.”

E-mail: 9/12 was written by Brown's mentor Midge Guerrera and is based on her own experiences connecting via e-mail on the day after the terrorist attacks in NYC and the nation.

Having been involved in the theatre since he was 11 years old, 2011 marks Brown's 20th year in the business. He studied Musical Theatre at both the NY and LA campuses of the American Musical Dramatic Academy, and joined Actors Equity in 2004.

The production of E-mail: 9/12 marks the debut performance for ...AND Company Theatre, a semi-professional theatre company Brown founded in late 2010. The productions by ...AND Company Theater “offer an opportunity for audiences to experience new theatre and new stories,” states Brown. The innovative format, employing multi-media techniques on stage also explores the fusion of the world of television and the world of theatre.

In addition to E-mail: 9/12, ...AND Company Theatre's season includes Son of a Preacher Man by Kellie Turner & Dominique Denman on Nov 25th & 26th, 2011; Black! by Andre Brown on Feb 24th & 25th, 2012; and a New Playwright's Festival from June 5 - 9th 2012.

Performances of E-mail: 9/12 are scheduled for ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, September 24th, 2011. 3pm Matinee and 7pm Evening show. Venue: Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tickets, $25. Discounts available in advance online. Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis. More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.

Meet Colleen O'Brien

E-mail: 9/12 cast member Colleen O'Brien also handles PR for ...AND Company Theatre

Colleen O'Brien plays the role of MARGARET in ...AND Company Theatre's production of the play E-mail: 9/12. Her character starts the play by sending an e-mail to all of her family and friends at three o'clock on the morning on September 12, 2001.

The role is based on the real-life experience of the playwright, Midge Guerrera, and the premise of the play is based on the e-mail responses she received that day.

"It shows how one person touches so many lives," says O'Brien. "As a result of show, I hope the audience realizes the positive impact they have on others, and others have on them. And I hope they continue to do so all the time, when times are good, not just when tragedy strikes."

O'Brien has been a professional actress since 2002. While her primary focus is acting on-camera, she often performs live as an 18th Century historical interpreter or a standardized patient. Last December, she appeared as Mrs. Claus at the Park City Center in Lancaster, PA.

Acting is actually O'Brien's second career. She had previously worked in the IT industry, having earned her Master's Degree in Computer Science from Villanova University. She recently contributed an article to Yahoo! News about how the events of 9/11 changed her and resulted in her changing careers.

Heading up the Public Relations effort for ...AND Company Theatre means that many of the e-mails O'Brien sends out contain press releases. Mail to pr@andcompanytheatre.org goes to her. She also edits and writes the content for the official blog. "That's right," she confirms, "I wrote this blog post about myself in the third person."

Performances of the play E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre are on September 24, 2011 at 3pm and 7pm at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tickets, $25. Discounts available in advance online. Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis. More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.

Advanced Ticket Discounts for E-mail: 9/12 - Limited Time Only!

Discount tickets to E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre are available online now. The discount is valid for a limited time only.

Currently tickets bought in advance are $20 each. Tickets may be purchased online from Brown Paper Tickets (small convenience fee may apply).

Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the show on a cash only basis for $25 each.

...AND Company Theatre performs E-mail: 9/12 on Saturday, September 24th, 2011, at 3pm and 7pm in the Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.

Introducing Jennie Cupcakes

...AND Company Theatre's cast of E-mail: 9/12 includes cake designer, pin-up model, and actress Jennie Cupcakes.

Yes, there really is a woman named Jennie Cupcakes. And she really bakes cupcakes. She works as a cake designer at the Gallo's Bakery in Mount Laurel, NJ. She's also a member of the ensemble cast of the play E-mail: 9/12 presented by ...AND Company Theatre.

Cupcakes has only been acting for about six months prior to her audition for the play. She admits, "I surprised myself when I actually got the role!"

She always wanted to be an actress, but when she was younger her mother had encouraged her instead to go after a "real career." Cupcakes gave up her acting dreams in favor of cake design, but recently felt compelled to give acting a try again.

"When I stepped out during the first rehearsal, something in me clicked," Cupcakes explains. "This is where I belong: on stage."

"I am so lucky to be making my debut acting performance in such a powerful play," she continues. "My monologues are truly heartbreaking and I feel so blessed to be able to tell the stories of the 9/11 survivors. I hope the audience can feel the raw and true emotion that I will be trying to bring to the stage with the characters that I get to play."

Although baking and acting keep Jennie Cupcakes fairly busy, she's also a print model. Thanks to a haircut which featured Betty Page looking bangs, Cupcakes has been able to pose for pin-up style photos. Her work is included on her website at www.jenniecupcakes.com.

Performances of E-mail: 9/12 are scheduled for ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, September 24th, 2011. 3pm Matinee and 7pm Evening show. Venue: Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre located at 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tickets, $25. Discounts available in advance online. Tickets at the door will be sold on a cash only basis. More info: www.andcompanytheatre.org or 609-891-7555.