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Director's Statement - Why "WAR"?

3/17/2016

2 Comments

 
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WHY? That is the question!
 
EVERY FAMILY HAS A HISTORY UNTOLD!

When I approached actor Nathaniel McIntyre to portray the role of OTHNIEL JUSTICE, he asked me, “What do you want people to take away from watching the film?”
 
I thought about his question deeply. I responded, “When I watch this film, I want to witness the purpose of family, the significance of faith, and the strength of love, loyalty, and commitment. Through faith and love, there’s always hope for meaning in one’s life and forgiveness; even after years of suffering. With family, it’s the one undeniable bond of who we are and where we come from. If family is rooted in faith and love, then the family will always be the compass to guide us back to who we are, when we lose sight of ourselves when we face real evil in the world. This film is about rebuilding broken families!”
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When I released a CALL for MUSIC ENTRIES, I noted: “Our team is looking for music that represents the backbone and soul of America: God, family, country, love, labor, and even the pain of life that is endured then overcome!” When I received a submission from the band Honeyboy & Boots, their soulful sound INSPIRED the completion of “War”. I informed them, “This film is inspired by the hardworking coalmining families of War, West Virginia. A small town in the mountains where God comes first and family is everything. Here, long ago, the seed of the soulful heart of America was planted and still remains. However, plagued by much hardship, the spirit of hope must be resurrected!” Music shared by artists like Honeyboy and Boots is just the kind of hopeful soul music to do just that!
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But WHY make this film in the first place?
 
Have you ever heard of a great human story that inspired you to be a better human being? To look at yourself and ask, “Am I doing everything with each breath of my life to love my neighbor and make a real life-changing difference as a luminary in all my encounters?” Do you ask yourself, “Am I a part of the problem in this world, or the solution?” Please permit me one more question. “Am I really FREE?”

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Pictured L to R: Steve Alberts, Luciano J. Vignola, and Nathaniel McIntyre. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.
Nancy Bennett, a woman whom I have never met, is such a SAINT!
 
In a recent interview with Victory Talk Radio host John Baldwin, Nancy Bennett revealed how she joined her passion of medicine and God into a life lived as a Medical Missionary! An all day, every day commitment of selflessness to uplift the buried spirits of our fellow human beings suffering from poverty, homelessness, loss, and drug and alcohol addictions. A reality all too real as an increasing sickness in the American economy and way of life. As I listened, with 43 years of healthcare experience, she stated she answered God’s call to bring her life’s training to War, West Virginia (a fallen city left with ruins that more so resemble a town hit by a World War III).
 
Foundation, as in all things, is that ROCK upon which all stands. She first restored a church in McDowell County, then schools, a food bank, and HOPE!
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Pictured: Paloma Pilar. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.
In my pursuit of knowledge, I read an article “As coal fades in West Virginia, drugs fill void” by Kimberly Johnson. Her research and investigation revealed how “McDowell County, once the top producer of coal in the nation, now leads state in overdose deaths.” She further unveiled, “McDowell’s children are the latest wave of victims as widespread addiction rips families apart — more misery for communities already suffering economic hardships from job losses in the coal industry.” An interview she shared gave overwhelming insight into the families. “When Principal Florisha McGuire wants a clue about what’s going on in the homes of her students…she often finds the answers on their feet.” It’s a fact that “… ‘on average, about 43 percent of [her] students had lost a biological mother or father,’ either from overdose or removal from their homes, McGuire said.”
 
According to Profit Confidential, America is ranked as the 8th richest country in the world. I ask myself, “How can a city, that looks and feels like a third-world country exist IN America?
 
There is an overwhelming mentality that there is no way out; and people do not reason a worth in education without any jobs. In a forgotten city, Nancy never forgets and her battle every day is to find out how to reach them.

ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

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Pictured L to R: Nathaniel McIntyre & Paloma Pilar. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.
As a writer, I pursued my own interviews and investigation! Lisa Bennett, producer of the Victory Television Network and daughter of Nancy Bennett (another woman whom I have never actually met in person) introduced me to a local miner who also volunteers in helping his fellow neighbors in joining in Nancy’s efforts. I learned a lot from him. His testimony touched my heart, opened my eyes, and further inspired my call to write!

“Children of War” is my first Western. I’m calling my film a Modern-Western because my picture illuminates the West of the present. You will not see perfection, you will see a story; as sharp, sudden, steady, gritty, and dark as our emotions. I did not make this project for one person, I produced this moving picture for the American spirit, which is hurting and imperfect.

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Pictured: Steve Alberts. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.
The stars aligned and I was gifted 16 hours (in a single day) to shoot “War” with some of the most passionate artists I’m honored to collaborate with. My cast and crew talent were already booked for other gigs and I was profoundly blessed to have even ONE DAY, ONE STORY, and ONE OPPORTUNITY to accomplish ONE FILM!

As an artist, I’m in awe of how art will literally take a life of its own!

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2 Comments

ONE SHOT ABOVE AMATEUR! 9,999 More to go!

2/29/2016

6 Comments

 
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Challenge: FASHION
The soul calls us to create every day! And Saint Ignatius calls us to see God in all things! #BeautyIsEverywhere and a longing heart and keen eye is hypnotized by the obscure & unique light and shadows that may otherwise go by unnoticed to the busy body.
 
Art communicates in many forms! The inner drawn artist in all of us possesses a passionate thirst to create which must be quenched. Embarking upon the #JCP30DAYPHOTOCHALLENGE launched by Jason Coleman Photography was the adventure I needed as I journeyed an unfamiliar Louisiana and familiar NYC!
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Challenge: TRAVEL
I woke up each morning with a new excitement for dawn with anticipation to embark upon a new road. With a smile, I couldn’t wait to watch Jason’s fun "draw" videos as an au courant challenge was revealed. Going to bed was troublesome at night. With a spirit of an inspired and playful child, expectation for the next day’s opportunity to learn and grow artistically ignited my veins with energy.
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Challenge: STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
I re-fell in LOVE with the SUN and the MOON for the various ways nature’s light painted the earth. My favorite part of the competition was connecting with my fellow photographers late at night’s end swapping stories about our progress and confronted trials with fulfilling each day’s requirements. I can honestly say, each capture carried a story for its making! One of the photographers even had a scary encounter as police and fireman shouted at him for his daring endeavor to dive in to capture an explosion that took place at a gas pump that a lady drove into. There were a lot of laughs and surprises within the last 30 days! Being an artist can be dangerous, but also extremely liberating! I think this competition became personal for all of us!
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Challenge: RULE OF THIRDS. Model: PALOMA PILAR.
Some of the challenges we approached were LIGHT PAINTING, RULE OF THIRDS, FASHION, DYNAMIC TENSION, FRAME WITHIN A FRAME, SELF-PORTRAIT, HIDDEN CAMERA MIRROR PHOTO, LIFE AS IT IS, WATER SPLASH, STREET PHOTOGRAPHY, and MORE!
 
As one of the photographers ventured into LIGHT PAINTING, he took it a step further and created the “The Wobble With The Stick Man” VIDEO! SPOILER ALERT: It’s HILARIOUS!
This commitment was also significant because I purchased my FUJIFILM FINEPIX S8600 SERIES digital camera in the fall of 2015 and, amidst my so-called “busy-ness”, she was never taken out of her case and put to purpose. But at the launch of the #JCP30DAYPHOTOCHALLENGE I was forced to use my camera every day! It wasn’t easy to accomplish each day, but I succeeded! We all succeeded! ART WON!
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Challenge: HIDDEN CAMERA MIRROR PHOTO
I invite YOU, Dear Reader, to enjoy the albums and VOTE for your favorite photos by visiting: www.Facebook.com/JasonColemanPhotography
 
Jason, if you are reading this, I can’t wait for the next challenge! And THANK YOU!
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Challenge: SELF-PORTRAIT
Today’s artistic discipline for me is writing! Thanks for reading and sharing with me in my art!!!

To live is to be present! I aspire to be present in all things!
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Challenge: HIGH SCHOOL
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PROVIDENCE...PASS IT ON!!!

4/16/2015

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And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.” – ROMANS 8:30
What is PROVIDENCE?

 Providence is the story of a young girl and boy who have grown up together and, as they’ve parted pursuing different paths, their lives preeminently keep intersecting perpetually into their adulthood. Plagued by the haunting wounds of tragedy, it's not until they're in their forties that they finally get together and take a leap of FAITH!

According to Award Winning Director Sharon Wilharm and Producer Fred Wilharm, it is a LOVE STORY forty years in the making! FOUR-ZERO YEARS!!! POETRY of the quintessential predisposition forthcoming the propensity of people who GET IN THEIR OWN WAY! Lord knows, I’ve been guilty of such proneness. (But by his grace, NOT forty years’ worth! – HA!)

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PHOTO BY DAVID G BAKER. PICTURED L TO R: JULI TAPKEN and RICH SWINGLE.
We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” – ROMANS 8:28
So…What is PROVIDENCE to YOU?

Well, to ME! IT IS EVERY DAY YOU WANT TO LIVE!!!!
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PHOTO BY DAVID G BAKER. PICTURED L TO R: STEVE ALBERTS and APOLONIA DAVALOS.
HOW (you may ask) have I lived PROVIDENCE? I have an answer for YOU! It’s being ON-SET of this romantic and redemptive piece of prophetic cinema!
WHAT does PROVIDENCE feel like?
It is pure, laugh-out-loud, priceless, playful, passionate, and powerfully-inspirational JOY!!!! Every breath on-set was saturated with love, prayer, and the pursuance of perfecting one’s art! And that “ONE” I am referring to highlights each individual skill as a Director, Cinematographer, Gaffer, Production Assistant, Photographer, and (last but not least) Actor. The spirit of nurturing and successfully executing the story AND an unprecedented experience, was paramount within the hearts of all present!

YOU KNOW YOU WANT PROVIDENCE!!!
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PICTURED: SED LANAS
WHO is PROVIDENCE?

A full cast of 150+ Actors and 20+ Crew! A powerful predilection prodigious of revelation! The profound script written by Sharon Wilharm captivated a world of talent (literally people from all over the globe) that (without hesitation) were pining to make the journey to PROVIDENCE!  More than just friendships were found on this cinematic rock of artful culture, but an extended FAMILY!
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PHOTO BY DAVID G. BAKER. PICTURED L TO R: A. MICHELLE HARLESTON and APOLONIA DAVALOS.
To name a few, we are blessed to have: Juli Tapken from Branson, Missouri; Priscilla Wittman Meyer from Duesseldorf, Germany; Chase Anderson from Mineral Wells, WV; Melanie Ching from Hawaii; Rich Swingle from New York (though he made a few stops performing in about 27 countries over the years prior to his landing in PROVIDENCE! - hehe); Anita Hintz Cordell from Kansas City; Lanny Smith from Jacksonville, Florida; Rebekah Cook from Springfield, MO; Elias Jo'el from Winter Springs, Florida; Brenda Sisson Reutebuch from Walton, Indiana; David G Baker from Todd County, KY; and many, many, more! Of course, this film also features the phenomenal pool of talent from Middle Tennessee!
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ON SET WITH CAST & CREW!
WHY PROVIDENCE?

The mere definition is an infinite answer all on its own!

WHEN can you BE a part of PROVIDENCE?

NOW! Join and get to meet the PROVIDENCE family via the Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Providencethemovie

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PHOTO BY DANIEL REUTEBUCH. PICTURED L TO R: CYNTHIA BIRDSONG AND BRENDA SISSON REUTEBUCH.
WHERE can you WATCH PROVIDENCE?

This heartfelt feature will premiere at a THEATER NEAR YOU in FEBRUARY 2016!
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PHOTO BY DAVID G BAKER. PICTURED: JULI TAPKEN.
The film spans forty years and includes scenes from the 70's and 80's, as well as the present day.

It stars Juli Tapken (The Colors of Emily) and Rich Swingle (Beyond the Mask) as ADULT Rachel and Mitchell. Stacey Bradshaw (Touched By Grace) and Josh Allen (Home Sweet Bus) as TEEN Rachel and Mitchell.  And Emily Knapp (The Good Book) and Chase Anderson (Where Hope Grows) as YOUNG Rachel and Mitchell.
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PHOTO BY DAVID G BAKER. PICTURED: APOLONIA DAVALOS & THE KAISER!
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A Capture of March Magic!

3/31/2014

1 Comment

 
PicturePhoto by David G. Baker
My WORDS for MARCH:

M - Music

A - Awards

R - Races

C - Cinema

H - Happiness

Is it the 31st already?

            Me: Dear 2014, you are flying by!!!

            Time: What do I always say Apolonia?

            Me: I know, I know, “TIME is on our side”! 

 There is so much to be thankful for?

Let’s start with the creative force brewing within Beardforce Films!!! Last year in April when I participated behind-the-scenes for the Nashville Film Festival (an Oscar qualifying and international affair), I met the determined and daring Director Eric Byford. Within minutes of meeting this dynamic filmmaker, I knew I wanted to work with this man.

            Me: Dear 2013, I’m eager for a new endeavor collaborating with inspiring professionals!

            Time: What do I always say Apolonia?

            Me: I know, I know, “TIME is on our side”! 

So, almost a year later… THE Eric Byford reaches out and informs me of his company’s participation in the 54 Hour Film Festival (just days before shooting would commence). STOP EVERYTHING. My answer, without hesitation, was YES!!!! My weekend was reserved for this answered prayer!
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Photo by Katie Sluder
At 6:00 pm, on Friday, February 28th, the team began to gather in Murfreesboro, TN. Much of the collected talent and crew have never met.  Our connection, was our fearless leader, Eric!

These were our given and required variables for the RACE!          

            Genre: Horror/ Suspense
            Line of Dialogue: I've/You've/He's/She's/We've/They've got to believe in something.
            Prop: A pair of skates (traditional roller skates, in-line, or ice skates)
            Action: Kneeling
            Curveball Challenge [given on Saturday at 5:00 pm] (Incorporate another action into your short): sleeping and/or running

We assembled, spewed storyline ideas, GOT TO WORK, and then “Daddy’s Girl” was born! For a horror flick, there was lots of LAUGHING going on behind the camera. What a twist!

We met our deadline! Whew!!!
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Photo by Katie Sluder
PicturePictured w/ Adriel Porter of Seek First Productions
What’s next? Oh, the official screening and AWARDS ceremony!

Congratulations to Seek First Productions and the entire producing team for a successful submission and audience turn-out for the 54 Hour Film Festival on Tuesday, March 18th! We had TWO SOLD - OUT screenings!


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L to R: Apolonia Davalos, Jason Coleman, and Tonya Wheeler
The Beardforce Films squad was blessed with the following awards and nominations:

Awards

BEST ACTRESS
Apolonia Davalos

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Tonya Wheeler

Nominations

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beth Berger and Caleb Clinton Watson

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
BEST MAKEUP
And
CRITICS’ CHOICE FOR BEST PICTURE

WATCH Daddy’s Girl!
Here’s the VIMEO Link: http://vimeo.com/90473533#at=0
I must take this opportunity to give a SHOUT-OUT to the best troupe of filmmakers:
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  Producer/ Director/ Writer - ERIC BYFORD
First AD/ Writer - TABITHA REED
Director of Photography/ Writer - CALEB CLINTON WATSON
Camera Operator - BETH BERGER
Editor - KATIE SLUDER
Writer/ Location Scout/ Boom Op/ Sound - J. R. BRIGGS
Production Manager - INNI WINBERRY
Production Design and SFX - ALEXANDRA KELLER
Writer/ Talent - JASON COLEMAN
Talent - TONYA WHEELER
Talent - APOLONIA DAVALOS

PicturePhoto by David G. Baker
It was an HONOR to creatively collaborate with each member of this team! We all tremendously trusted each other!

Then, the very same week, gets even better! HOW??? You ask!

Saturday, March 22nd was the red-carpet world premiere of “The Good Book” – MOVIE! SILENT CINEMA is making a POWERFUL comeback!!!

This motion picture has been awarded 5 out of 5 Doves (the HIGHEST rating) by The Dove Foundation.

            "Watching The Good Book would do anyone some good! See it soon." - Edwin L. Carpenter, Dove Foundation

The evening air breathed LOVE, FAITH, and INSPIRATION. Our beloved Director, Sharon Wilharm, asked the audience to share their thoughts of the feature.

"For silent it spoke loudly.” - Belita H.
"You don't have to hear God to see Him." - David D.
WATCH
Our Audience Feedback via
“The Good Book” Movie Premiere Night Promo
PictureL to R: Apolonia Davalos, Sharon Wilharm, & Michelle Harleston
A crucial spirit that lives through the film is the MUSIC composed by Composer Rick Holets. His score gives each character and scenario a signature identity illustrating clear and compelling arcs within the story.

Sharon Wilharm recently shared this most beautiful review:

"This movie has touched my soul so deeply. I have seen many inspiring films but this one is in a category all its own. The Good Book is just that. A message of love, of hope, of endless possibilities in God's glorious act of love to each of us. To mention the Character's in this film as Actor's is a limited sense of the word. These people must truly love God as it shines from their hearts to the screen. The production of this movie is by God's Hand. There is no other way to describe the beauty, the chills, the tears I have felt watching this. EVERYONE needs to see this and help others to feel the joy in God reaching the lost, the broken hearted, the people that mess up, just like me. Thank you to the Wilharm's for the greatness that is from God's Hand... to yours. Thank you, each of you." - Donna D., Writer/Director of Chronicles of Life Trials
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PicturePhoto by David G. Baker
A LIMITED number of Pre-Released DVD's are now available. FREE SHIPPING! http://www.goodbookmovie.com/#!cart/cuox

Also, I invite you to learn more about W.O.WW. - World Outreach Without Words! Mainstreet Productions is committed to giving away copies of their evangelistic silent feature, The Good Book, to be used to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

To register, fill out the online form below by May 1.  http://www.goodbookmovie.com/#!woww/c1qab

The beauty of a SILENT picture, is that there are no language barriers!!!

March unveiled much HAPPINESS!

            Me: Dear 2014, why must March end already?

            Time: What do I always say Apolonia?

            Me: I know, I know, “TIME is on our side”! 

            Time: AND…

            Me: “ALL GOOD THINGS COME WITH TIME!”
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L to R: Apolonia Davalos, BK Bomar, & Michelle Harleston. Photo by David G. Baker.
1 Comment

Silent Cinema Beatitude

2/9/2014

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Silent film is an alluring artful genre that is recently experiencing a meaningful resurrection in cinema.

Renowned husband and wife producing team, Sharon and Fred Wilharm, ignited production for the movie “The Good Book” in the summer of 2013 in Denton, FL. I began filming September 17, 2013 in Springfield, TN, which bestowed upon me two significant firsts in my career: my first faith-based film and my first silent feature!

Known for my HEARTY LAUGH, the circulating response among my fellow thespians, hilariously was, “You – SILENT??? IRONY!!!” HA HA HA I laugh every time!

I feel positively blessed being entrusted to portray the principal role of MARION. As a storyteller myself, the opportunity to explore God’s real presence in our lives, as MARION, a loving mother and wife, is absolutely extraordinary! In life, each of us uniquely battles the burdening cross of crippling grief so the prospects to relate to her lamentations are endless. We are all connected!

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On set of "The Good Book". Photo by David G. Baker.
SYNOPSIS: The Good Book movie is the first evangelical silent feature to be released since sound was added to movies.  It tells the story of a small New Testament that is passed along from individual to individual. These include young and old, rich and poor, blessed and forsaken. For seven of the strangers, it provides hope and meaning when they need it most.
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On set of "The Good Book". Photo by Sharon Wilharm.
What sets silent pictures apart from talkies is the magnetism of how much more we communicate through pure body language. Investigating the awareness of this subtle yet quiescent technique was a physically thought-provoking and FUN skill to play with. As it is said, “Actions speak louder than words!”
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On set of "The Good Book". Pictured: Apolonia Davalos, BK Bomar, and A. Michelle Harleston. Photo by David G. Baker.
Being a member of “The Good Book” family continues to be faithfully inspiring as demonstrated by the support from the Christian film community in response to its cinematic originality. I can hardly wait for the Tennessee red-carpet premiere this coming March!  

Oh, and get ready to fall in LOVE with my favorite Co-Star Baby Jaxon!!!
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On set of "The Good Book". Photo by David G. Baker.
STAY-TUNED for Interviews, Reviews, Pictures, and Screening Information!

Please WATCH “The Good Book” Official Promo Interview by Faith Flix Films with Apolonia Davalos and BK Bomar: CLICK HERE

Awarded #3 Favorite Actress of 2013 by Faith Flix Films!
CLICK HERE to check out my 2013 interview!
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On set shooting the official promo video for "The Good Book". Photo by Sharon Wilharm.
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LOVE, MaGiC, and Mischief!

9/11/2013

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Photo by Rick Malkin
The FIRST of the last FOUR shows of a “Midsummer” summer!!! (Say that ten times fast – GO!)

LOVE, MaGiC, and Mischief: three threads weaving within the mystical web of “Midsummer”.  The love-spell’s attraction is mesmerizing and impossible for Athenians, Mechanicals, Fairies, and Nashvillians to resist! I’m speaking from personal experience, of course! I blindly fall obsessively in love with an A$$ every night! (Insert Donkey noise here.)

Every performance possesses the energetic anticipation as if it were the very FIRST! Underneath the stars, each night illuminates new surprises, new guests, and new challenges we must fight to conquer whilst in character. The stakes are always HIGH! Shakespeare doesn’t deal in dull! The invitation to directly interact with the audience awakens an enchanting atmosphere which compliments the empyrean nature of Shakespeare in the Park. It’s truly an experience like no other for actors and audience alike.
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As a studious actor, I continue to learn more about Titania, Queen of the Fairies! I CAN’T WAIT to find out what I’ll discover about her this week! One privilege I particularly cherish about the theater process is how, with time, the character grows as the individual performing artist grows. The multidimensional Titania is taking over more and more each night. She herself proclaims, “I am a spirit of no common rate”.
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I’m so thankful to our Producers and Director Denice Hicks for SYNERGIZING such a unique cast of characters. Our strong, supportive, and spirited chemistry is INSPIRING! I pray all my future productions embrace such enormous and genuine positivity! We’re more than a cast, we’re a FAMILY; and our family grows each night with the range of approximately 300 – 1400 people in the Nashville Shakes arena in Centennial Park. That’s right, YOU, our audience, are included! We wouldn’t be having NEARLY as much FUN without YOUR SUPPORT and PARTICIPATION! By the way, THANK YOU for FEEDING my HUNGRY FAIRIES!
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So come one come ALL to the closing weekend of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by The Nashville Shakespeare Festival! It’s truly a CYCLOPEAN EVENT you want to relish! Please bring Fairy food! See YOU at the CELEBRATION!
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Words of wisdom from THESEUS:

“I will hear that play;
For never anything can be amiss,
When simpleness and duty tender it.”
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AUGUST 15 – SEPTEMBER 15

Thursday – Sunday
At Centennial Park Bandshell

6:30 pm Pre-Show Entertainment
7:30 pm Showtime

FREE ($10.00 Suggested Donation)
www.NashvilleShakes.org

Join us at NOON this Saturday, September 14th, 2013 for the ‘Shakespeare Upright’ event. A public staged reading of “Henry V” at the Nashville Public Library.
"Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!’”
Click HERE for more INFO!
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Pictured with the talented Camille Thompson who plays Mustardseed in "Midsummer".
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It's time to go PUCK-YOUR-LIFE!

8/13/2013

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Pictured (L to R): Nathan Thomas, Austin Hunt, Raffeal Sears, Andrew Gumm, Houston Mahoney, and Nat McIntyre.
Two days until show time! Dress rehearsals, tech rehearsals, lots of make-up and lights!

With all the excitement leading to the premiere this Thursday, August 15th I’m likely to spontaneously combust with nature itself!

Living, loving, and learning with an august cast of 25 total thespians, under the direction of the illustrious Denice Hicks, continues to inspire the discovery of something NEW every day within the spirit of our characters! This sense of adventure shall shower an air of unique selfdom for each performance and as always…the stakes are HIGH!

Here’s a peak into our festive voyage during weeks two, three, and four of our outdoor expedition of “Midsummer”!
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Pictured (L to R): Margaret Horne and Andrew Gumm.
Daily we come up with new PUCK-isms for actor Andrew Gumm. (What the PUCK?) His brilliant exposition of the jubilant jokester will no doubt urge suspense for his unanticipated actions.

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Pictured (L to R): Will Miranne, Tyler Manivong, Douglas Corzine, Craige Hoover, Bonnie Keen, and Jaye Phelps.
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From this day forward, if I am to be asked what my favorite play is my genuine response will be ‘Pyramus & Thisby’ written by Petie (Peter) Quince in “Midsummer”! In a word, actress Bonnie Keen, who portrays Petie Quince, is my HERO! She is daring, sincere, and HILARIOUS. Keen breathes more character, occupational urgency, and significant supportive theatrics with every Quince-y exclamation. A play well-known, it’s as if I’ve been introduced to this character for the very first time. 

“Midsummer” is no stranger to physical comedy! Watching the creative strength of actors such as Lauren Ballard and Raffeal Sears (pictured below) has been a cup full of laughs! Salud!

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Pictured (L to R): Lauren Ballard, Raffeal Sears, and Donna Seage.
Our production staff also deserves much praise. June Kingsbury, our beloved Costume Designer, is receiving national recognition from many media outlets including Nashville Public Radio (NPR) for her recycle-friendly creations. “Midsummer” Fashion Show anyone? I’m down!

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Pictured (L to R): Nathan Thomas, June Kingsbury, and Nina Cordona from NPR.
There is so much to reveal about each talent attached to the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 25th Anniversary production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Athenians, Mechanicals, and Fairies OH MY!) I’m HONORED to PLAY, DANCE, & SING among this Shakespearean cast of characters!

I personally invite YOU to PLAY, DANCE, & SING with us this summer! See YOU at the premiere!
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Pictured (L to R): Camille Thompson, Nathan Thomas, Margaret Horne, Andrew Gumm, McKenna Harrington, Austin Hunt, and Ali Valentine. Pictured (L to R in balcony): Ed Haggard and Kalina Horner.
AUGUST 15 – SEPTEMBER 15

Thursdays – Sundays & Labor Day Monday
At Centennial Park Bandshell

6:30 pm Pre-Show Entertainment
7:30 pm Showtime

FREE ($10.00 Suggested Donation)

www.NashvilleShakes.org

Nashville Shakes was featured in The Tennessean. CLICK HERE to view the article.
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Pictured: Apolonia Davalos
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Are YOU having "A Midsummer Night's Dream"?

7/28/2013

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Pictured (L to R): Apolonia Davalos, Nat McIntyre, & Andrew Gumm. Photo by Jeff Frazier.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is an everyday dream come true!

Monday, July 15th, day 1 of rehearsals, was ignited with reveling synergy among thespians collaborating for the first time together in celebration of the Nashville Shakespeare Festivals 25th Anniversary!  

All converse around the tables with crisp scripts in hand. Then, as an ensemble, we collectively inhale a deep focused breath as actor Andrew Gumm sparks the season projecting Puck’s first words of the play: “How now, spirits! Whither wander you?” All smile with eager anticipation for the magic that shall manifest.
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Pictured (L to R): Andrew Gumm, Raffeal Sears, Houston Mahoney, & Apolonia Davalos
Denice Hicks, our inspiring Director, is indubitably our rock, our foundation, and our comfort as we plunge forward into the mysterious forests of “Midsummer”. Her vision to set the play in Nashville 2013 reaffirms Shakespeare’s timeless relevance and further invigorates Nashville’s reputation as the Athens of the South. Her first order of business is to set us FREE: to make bold character choices; experiment with accents (especially familiar tones local to the Nashville twang); and to play! Embracing our own personal thoughts and reflections in regards to the in-depth nature behind the sincere motivations for each character and each uttered expression, she further adds, “I truly want to hear ALL your ideas, I welcome them!” Each Thespian, whether Fairy, Mechanical, or Athenian, is a single significant mesmeric note to an epic composition written by Shakespeare and conducted by Denice Hicks. 

Here’s a close peak into the week!  Monday through Thursday we concentrated on textual analysis and character development. Blessed to portray the acclaimed Queen of the Fairies TITANIA, I (while absorbing profound input from the entire “Midsummer” troupe) encountered the jillion layers of her dynamism and encompassed the complexities of her and Oberon’s emulous relationship.  


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TOP (L to R): Tyler Manivong, Jaye Phelps, Douglas Corzine, Austin Hunt. MID ROW (L to R) Margaret Horne, Kalina Horner, Ali Valentine, Casey Flythe, McKenna Harrington, & Camille Thompson. BOTTOM: Will Miranne
As we were encouraged to participate with the educational sector of Nashville Shakes, the cast was invited by Denice Hicks and the heartening Nettie Kraft, the Education Director, to be an audience for the 2013 Apprentice Company of The Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s monologue workshops.  The fruit of their efforts ripened at their showcase performance held on Friday, July 19th at Nashville Public Television (NPT). Fortified by their passionate commitment to reach their full potential, I learned a lot from watching their growth and transformation each day.  I CONGRATULATE them ALL again!

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Pictured (L to R): Ali Valentine, Apolonia Davalos, & Camille Thompson
Immediately following the showcase, everyone celebrated their accomplishments over delicious dinner and desert organized by Rickey Chick Marquardt, the Development Director.  Re-energized on full tummies, we then engaged in a public staged reading of the play. After a focused full week of table work, the privilege to incorporate all the new insight we had attained for the community of Nashville Shakes was exceptionally riveting.

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Pictured: The Magical & Hilarious Cast of "Midsummer"
Our exuberant Saturday will forever be a triumphal rehearsal providence that I will never forget! We engaged in Viewpoints exercises as well as other compelling improvisation exercises. One game investigated the polarity of our physical and emotional responses when living within an atmosphere of ‘magic versus the real world’ and ‘love versus apathy’. The biggest and most mindful challenge was our improvised rendition of Act 1. To TOP the superlative tasks at hand, our Music Director Ed Haggard spiritedly guided the entire cast in a musically revivifying jam session with drums and other multitudinous percussion instruments from diverse cultures around the globe.  The resonating exposure to such an organic impromptu creation of beats was incomparably breathtaking and everyone ROCKED-IT-OUT!

How did we accomplish so much in one week?

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Dear friend reading this post, I personally invite you to attend this ceremonious production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. If you’ve never seen a Shakespearean play, this is the perfect introduction in which YOU, our audience, will also have opportunities within the show to participate in our jovial jam sessions. Denice Hicks gave us a gift of sharing the perfect analogy when approaching his plays, “The complete works of Shakespeare are like a cook book. The play is the meal plan, the scenes are the dish, and the words and characters are the ingredients!”

See you at the show and stay-tuned for this week’s update!

AUGUST 15 – SEPTEMBER 15

Thursdays – Sundays & Labor Day Monday
At Centennial Park Bandshell

6:30 pm Pre-Show Entertainment
7:30 pm Showtime

FREE ($10.00 Suggested Donation)
www.NashvilleShakes.org

Nashville Shakes was featured in the NY Times. CLICK HERE to view the article.


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NAFF: 8 DAYS & 265 FILMS OF CELEBRATING CINEMA

6/9/2013

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INSPIRING, ORIGINAL, & WORLDLY are three words that come to mind after attending the prestigious Nashville Film Festival that enlightened and enlivened our lives April 18 – 25, 2013 at the Regal Cinemas in Green Hills.

Sponsored by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and NISSAN and in coordination with the Duhok International Film Festival, NaFF was more than an unforgettable event, it was an exciting introduction and unity of cultures under one roof!

A great reward for attendance was the talk-backs post screenings and the one-on-one discussions with the independent filmmakers, composers, actors, producers, etc., in the lobby. The enthusiastic vibe that often exudes in an environment composed with a flourish of creative people encourages such correspondence so the experience of the screening goes beyond the film itself.

I’m HONORED to have met with the following Filmmakers:
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Paul Eenhoorn – Lead Actor of “This Is Martin Bonner”
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Richmond Arquette – Lead Actor of “This Is Martin Bonner”
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Drew Denny – Director, Writer, Actor of “The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had With My Pants On”
Another significant and unique addition that attributed to NaFF’s reputation this year was the Kurdish Film Celebration at the War Memorial Auditorium on Sunday April 21st! The successful turn-out was a perfect example of how the universal language of film breaks down barriers and unites cultures together.

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I had the pleasure to meet Kurdish Actor Ari Rufino.
I had the opportunity to see the following films:

FEATURES: Rhino Season, This Is Martin Bonner, A Letter to Momo, The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had With My Pants On

DOCUMENTARIES: These Birds Walk, Musicwood (Music Film Category)

SHORTS: Reed and Woody (Music Film Category); .sub (from Spain), The Foreigner (from Greece), The Last Border (from Germany), Reza Hassani Goes to the Mall (from USA), Shanghai Strangers (from China), That Which Once Was (from USA) (Crossing Cultures Category)

I’m looking forward to collaborating with local Nashville Filmmakers and having the HONOR to have a film screening at NaFF in the future!

Congrats to the Filmmakers, Sponsors, and Staff on a SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF CINEMA!

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