"Black & White City Blues" Creative

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PLAYWRIGHT
Richard Vetere
Richard wrote the screenplay adaptation of his novel The Third Miracle (Simon & Schuster) produced by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Ed Harris and directed by Agnieszka Holland released by Sony Picture Classics. He also wrote the teleplay adaptation of The Marriage Fool for CBS TV films starring Walter Matthau and Carol Burnet. He also wrote the cult classic movie Vigilante. He has over twenty-five published plays, eight published novels and three published books of poetry. He has a master's from Columbia University in Comparative English Lit, is a member of the PDW at The Actors Studio were he developed Black & White City Blues and in 2005 the Richard Vetere archives were created at the Frank Melville Library at Stony Brook University. RichardVetereauthor.com
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DIRECTOR
Amber Brookes
Of British & Ukrainian descent, Amber is a NYC based artist thrilled to be directing her second full-length stage play as part of ATA’s initiative for more women in directing. An actor predominantly, she got her first taste for the art of directing in quasi-musical comedy “Dream On, Baransky!” and it’s revival “Dream On, Baransky! - Second Dose” wherein she served as Assistant Director and Creative Lead - whilst simultaneously playing 7 different characters in the production! Amber made her official directorial debut earlier this year with her interpretation of Frank Cossa’s “Apostrophe!” which she was drawn to due its complex female lead. She would like to thank her powerhouse cast for their dedication, Richard Vetere for his trust & mentorship, and her family & friends across the globe for their unwavering love and support. American Academy of Dramatic Arts (2020) Instagram: @directedbyamber www.amberbrookesactress.com
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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, ATA
James Jennings
James is the founder of ATA and has produced the works of over 990 new Playwrights. As a Writer he's a recipient of the John Dos Pasos Creative Writing Award. As a director, he won the T.O.R award for Best Director, for the off-Broadway play The Holy Junkie by John Quinn. He also won the "Jean Dalrymple" Award for the Best Director of the play Blood Money, starring Dan Lauria, and he directed Celeste Holm on Broadway in Salute to Clinton. In addition, he directed Harvey Keitel in The Funeral at the Actors Studio, and in his own play, My Father's House. He is a member of the Actors Studio Director/ Playwright Unit and worked with Elia Kazan, Lee Strasberg and Harold Clurman.
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ASSIST. DIRECTOR/ PRODUCTION MANAGER
Dustin Pazar
Dustin is a seasoned stage professional with a long and wonderful relationship with ATA. Previous production credits include Apostrophe, Four Dogs and a Bone, and Spring Awakening. Most recent on-stage appearances include Cassius in Julius Caesar and Adolph in Creditors. Thanks to Amber and James for this fantastic opportunity!
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STAGE MANAGER
Jonathan Beebe
Jonathan is a Manhattan based actor, singer, and writer who is so excited to be back working with the American Theatre of Actors again! Jonathan has been featured in a few productions at ATA, most recently King Lear, directed by James Jennings, and Overruled by Bernard Shaw, directed by John DeBenedetto. He would like to thank his friends, family, and mentors for giving him the confidence and drive to make it this far.
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LIGHTING DESIGNER
Jake Smith
Jake Smith is a graduate of Washington College, where he earned an honors degree in Theater and Dance. He has taught Hip-Hop classes and creates his own choreography. Since moving to New York, he has performed in theater and film, and designed many shows including "King Lear" "Mandela" and "Newsies by ATNY". Taking a bold step forward, Jake has branched out and developed new skills in theater tech such as Technical director, lighting Designer, Operator, Technician, Electrician, and Programmer to bring performance art to life.
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MARKETING DIRECTOR
Alchemy Theatrical Consulting, LLC
ATC is helmed by Jessica Jennings and was created to help theaters and artists with growth and development. ATC has created marketing and ticket platforms for nearly 50 shows in NYC; has helmed the Archive Project for the ATA; has helped secure grant awards for clients. ATC is your go-to for connections in NYC indie theatre scene, Audition Coaching, Stage Direction, Production Management, Dramaturgy, Budgets and Grant Writing. [email protected]
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PUBLICIST
Jay Michaels Global Communications, LLC
JMGC is creating visibility for independent theater, film, music, and literature has been the battle-cry of this boutique promotion and production firm for more than 20 years. Through a diverse internal multi-media platform, this communications organization is able to supply guaranteed coverage to hundreds of emerging artists and their productions while growing its external network of promotional sites and groups as well as producing events for the purpose of promotion and marketing to industry and generalized audiences. JMGC has clients on and off-Broadway, in film and television, across the country and around the world. [email protected]
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Production Assistant
Paul Maurizio
Paul is an actor in New York from upstate Utica. Recent stage credits include The Five Year Reunion and Photos of Mimon. Appeared on-screen as the title character, LUIGI MANGIONE MONSTER OR MARTYR? Paul is grateful to be working alongside James Jennings and this wonderful cast and would like to thank you for coming to support.
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Costumes
Quinn Nguyen
Quinn is an Australian actress based in NYC, she completed her classical training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She made her onstage debut at the American Theatre of Actors' for the off-broadway show “Dream On Baransky”. She is thrilled to announce her return to the Cullum Theatre for her upcoming performance of Cordelia in Shakespeare’s “King Lear”.

Original Creative Team