Tim O. Productions Digital Banter

FALL'ing into Action

2010-10-29T18:36:00.003-04:00

This summer was a busy one at Tim O. Productions, with a big summer showing for A Taste of Words, participating in a concept for a big outdoor event in Silver Spring and debuting as part of the first ever Black Theatre Festival - we were quite busy. After the finale of August we went into creative mode to work on new productions and a few original events. Towards the latter part of the Fall season and moving into Winter we are going to provide select sneak peaks into what we've been cooking in the lab.

Our goal is to create new productions that represent the core of what we are about - creativity, originality and serving a greater good with each production. Stay tuned.

Open Mic List for the Next edition of A Taste of Words

2010-07-19T14:37:00.006-04:00

Ready for the big stage....again? There is a limited open mic list for the next show. The list fills quickly so sign up soon if you are interested. Signups after July 25th will not be considered for this show.

Fill out the form below

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A Rose for A Rose - Tickets On Sale

2010-07-06T11:33:00.003-04:00

Finally, Tickets are on Sale for the next edition of A Taste of Words - this one themed "a Rose for a Rose" and designed as a tribute to the wonderful "roses" that we have somewhere in our lives.

This week, we will feature a special Director's Blog from Tim O. on his vision behind this production and where the inspiration came from.

In the meantime, prepare for the production that will begin with a pampering reception followed by a show that will be as entertaining as it is creative. This time, add a fashion presentation to the mix. We'll see you at the show!!

July 31, 2010
The Greenberg Theatre
4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Reception Begins at 7:00 pm
Show Begins at 7:45pm

For more information and to purchase tickets visit the official website of the show: http://www.atasteofwords.com or call 202-280-6688

Or click here go directly to tix.com to buy your ticket today!!

D.C. Black Theatre Festival Auditions

2010-05-20T16:24:00.004-04:00

Hello all, we are happy to be a part of the Inaugural DC Black Theatre Festival taking place August 1 - 8, 2010. There is an open casting call this weekend - so we wanted to inform you of the details and support the festival. See the official casting notice from the festival below for more information.

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DC Black Theatre Festival is looking for Actors in all skill levels!!!

The DC Drama Department is proud to announce the inaugural celebration of the DC Black Theatre Festival, a week-long festival celebrating Washington, DC’s thriving theatre community. The DC Black Theatre Festival will bring together a wide array of local and national artists, writers, directors, producers, theatre companies and theatre lovers in what promises to be one of the city’s biggest self-producing black theatre projects ever. See website for more details about the project: www.DCBlackTheatreFestival.com .

Don’t miss the chance to audition for 15 different playwrights/producers/directors/theatre groups who are all looking for you! This isn’t just a “Call for Actors” it’s a chance of a lifetime. So you have dreaming about being on stage, this is opportunity you have been waiting for. One Audition, 15 chances…

We want you:

Sunday, May 23, 2010

1 - 5 PM

Josephine Butler Parks Center

2437 15th St., NW

Washington, DC 20009

Male and female actors of all ages

Please submit your head-shot and resume to auditions@dcbtf.org. Please state your preferred time slot between 1PM and 5PM. We will make every attempt to schedule as close as possible to your requested time. It is highly recommended that you bring additional head shots and resumes along with you to your audition.

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A Taste of Words Kicks Off for 2010

2010-03-31T11:33:00.009-04:00

The first show of the year is right around the corner and it's going to be an awesome kickoff. With the fusion of visual art, spoken word, music and theatre coupled with a pre-show tasting reception - A Taste of Words launches with it's first of 3 themes for the year: the Art of Storytelling.

For more information visit www.atasteofwords.com - the official site for the event. Click on the flier for a larger view and if you are in the DC area be sure to get early bird tickets so you can attend this one of a kind event.

Special Guests for the show:

5x HBO Def Poet Bassey Ikpi
National Spoken Word Artist La Jones

also featuring the theatrical short
THE BOOK OF THOUGHTS
written by Tim O. and musically directed by Lydel Rector
visit http://www.lydelmusic.com/ for more information about Lydel

2010 Survey and a $100 Give Away

2010-03-04T12:29:00.005-05:00

We are always interested in your thoughts and opinions when it comes to ensuring that we provide a magnificent experience when you attend our productions. Our 2010 Survey has been designed with your needs in mind.

Take a second to fill out the survey. It will take about 5 minutes and since we know your time is valuable, we are happy to have a $100 give away attached with filling out the survey, courtesy of our sponsor for this month - studio1810. Details are on the survey.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Are You Ready for the Big Stage? Submissions Being Accepted...

2010-02-12T14:13:00.010-05:00

How great for us to be back in the saddle after the blizzards that hit the DC area recently. Finally the snow is giving us a break and we can focus on getting ready for our first production of the year.

Last week we told you we are looking for a few good men and women to share their story. Well, we hope you are ready? This year's edition of A Taste of Words is heading back to the theatrical stage and launching in the DC area. And We want YOU to be a part of it. How? It's simple.

Fill out the form below and our Special Events Coordinator will contact you with further instructions. We are looking forward to including you in our productions and letting you share your words and/or visual talent with our audience. Remember to respond early because spots will be very limited. If you are not in the DC area - stay tuned, we'll be announcing the other areas soon. Subscribe to our email list so you can keep up to date with our happenings. See you on the big stage!!

Please take a second and fill out the information below if you are interested:
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We're Looking for A Few Good Men and Women...

2010-02-03T10:02:00.006-05:00

...to tell us a story. Do you have a story to tell? Then we want to hear from you. We are looking for a few good story tellers to be a part of our upcoming season of productions. Your story can be told via poetry, music, art or just good ole talking to the audience.

Oh, and you have to be ready to tell it on the big theatrical stage. Well, at least for some of you. Others, can tell it at the smaller events we will host.

So, are you wondering the details? Ahhh, we thought you might be. But we aren't telling just yet. Stay in touch with our blog and we'll provide more details this week and next week. In the meantime, get your stories ready (and your nerve). Are you one of the few good men and women that will join us this season? We hope so. More details forthcoming along with audition submission instructions.

Audition Tip #4: The Monlogue

2010-01-29T12:58:00.003-05:00

We've reached the end of this weeks series on audition tips and reminders. And we finish with the key part of why you are at the audition in the first place - to show your amazing talent. In order to do this you will likely have to do a monologue and a "side" in order to seal the deal.

Both of these are very important, so here are a few things you should remember. First, when doing a monologue always make sure you know it extremely well. This is more than just knowing the lines, it includes knowing the character. Allow the casting team to see you transform from the person that entered the room into the character that your monologue is based on. That is a very good indication of your acting skills. Remember that in addition to your voice changing, your physicality should also change. Many times, judgement is made in the first few seconds and if the casting team likes your opening they will be watching closely to see if you can hold yourself in character for the entire monologue.

The next part of the audition will likely be the reading of a side. As we mentioned yesterday, if it is a popular play please be sure to get a copy of the script and become very familiar with it. However, if it is an original production you will have to cold read. But don't be too nervous about that, if you do a few things in preparation you can be ready even for a cold read. Here are a few tips:

When you get the "side" ask to have a brief minute to review it so that you can properly digest it and get into character. This is very appropriate and the casting director will want you to be comfortable when auditioning.
Practice reading aloud often. Reading aloud will be a very good assistant when it comes to reading something for the first time. And you will find that it will help you navigate the sentences better.
Feel the script. When you review the "side", touch the character with your emotions and let the emotions guide your reading. Stay in character and keep that emotional connection with the script until the end. Even if you misspeak a word or two, if you keep the emotional connection, the casting director will realize that you can in fact perform the role well after rehearsing.

When finishing your monologue and side, bring them to a good conclusion by saying "thank you" so that there is not an awkward silence.

So, now you have a few of the key tips for the audition. Be sure to go out there and make them see why you are the best fit for the role. Who knows, maybe we will even get to see you at the audition for one of our upcoming productions.

Editor's Note: This is part of the "Art of the Audition" series with tips and reminders on doing well at auditions. These articles will be stored under "Casting" and "Auditions" within our blog for later reference

Audition Tip #3: Know What Your Audition Is For

2010-01-28T10:35:00.001-05:00

Things are looking great for the big audition. You have read the notice and are well prepared with all the materials requested. However, there is one other thing you need to do in order to be fully prepped to "blow them away" at the audition. You need to be familiar with the play (or performance) that you are auditioning for. For the purposes of this tip we will focus on the audition for a theatrical stage production.

Most auditions will ask you to read a "side" - which is normally a short monologue or dialogue excerpt from the script. Here is where you can "cheat" (it's not really cheating) a tad with a popular play. If you are auditioning for a popular play go and get the script from the library or a bookstore. Read it through, understand the background and the disposition of the character you are auditioning for. This will help you tremendously when it is time to read your "side" because you will be familiar with the script prior to the audition. That type of preparation is invaluable.

However, if you are auditioning for one of our productions you will not have that luxury. We produce original work that is not yet in the bookstores or libraries. There are many other theaters and companies like ours. In such a case, you will need to be ready to do two things:

Nail your monologue so that your acting shines through
Become familiar with useful techniques for Cold Reading a script.

In the final part of this series on tomorrow we will address both of those items and how you can do well at the audition with a script you have never seen before.

Audition Tip #2: Professionalism is Key

2010-01-27T11:15:00.006-05:00

So you have read the casting notes in detail, prepared all of the requested items and you are ready for the big audition. Wonderful! The next part of the equation is make sure you show the Casting Director that you are a professional person who, if hired, is just the kind of Actor or Performer the team would want to work with. Here are a few tips on how to show professionalism during the audition.

1. Be on time: This is likely one of the most repeated audition and interview reminders. In fact, you should arrive 15 min. before the audition time. If you are late to an audition, it sends the wrong signal. Think about it from the Casting Directors viewpoint and the viewpoint of the production team. If you are late now (when you are trying to get the part) what is to motivate you to be on time if you actually land the role? In addition, a late Actor costs the producers more money in rental fees, cast time, etc; and costs the Director precious rehearsal hours and in general it shows a lack of respect for the Actors that show up on time and ready to go. So, be sure to show right from the start that you plan to be on time.

2. Stay focused: You may walk into a casting room full of other actors that are also auditioning. While the exchanging of pleasantries is acceptable, even expected, do not turn the casting room into an occasion for you to make noise and laugh loudly as you catch up with Bill whom you haven't seen in 3 years. Catch up with Bill outside of the casting room. Be mindful and courteous of your fellow actors who are focusing on their monologue and working to get themselves ready for the audition. And guess what? You should be focusing on the same thing. The fact that you are mindful in this regard will also demonstrate to the Casting Director that you in fact care about your fellow actors and will carry that same spirit of courteousness and professionalism over to the set if you are selected for the role.

3. Treat the audition like an interview: The audition is an interview. So, you should be sure to treat it as such. This means that you will use the proper speech, behavior and interaction as you would on a professional job interview. And remember, you are at the audition to show the Casting Director why you are the best person for the role (not to tell them why with a grandiose speech - let your acting do the talking for you).

4. Dress appropriately: Your dress should reflect whether you are auditioning for a dance role or an acting role. If you are auditioning for a dance role, then you should be dressed in proper dance attire. Remember, you do not need to buy a new dance outfit for the audition, a keen Director is going to be interested in your dancing skills not how nice your dancing outfit is. If you are auditioning for an acting role, business casual attire should suffice. You do not have to wear a three piece suit and by all means do not try to dress like the character you are auditioning for. Your acting is key - the wardrobe and make-up specialists will transform you into the character if you get the role.

One more thing, remember that unless the audition notice explicitly states not to bring a head shot and resume (and you will know this because you will have read the audition notice thoroughly) be sure to bring along both as this is normally expected and makes a good impression.

Audition Tip #1: Read the Audition Notice - Not Peruse, Actually Read it.

2010-01-26T09:50:00.010-05:00

Here is Tip #1 for the audition: Read the actual audition notice in careful detail.

Simple tip right? Well, it should be and for many it is. However, we find so many times that the actual audition notice instructions are not read carefully. When talking with other casting companies and directors they have said the same. When an actor shows up for the audition, it is important not only to be ready to perform but to also be ready to provide any requested materials and/or information.

Many times, the notice will say how many monologues are needed, whether head shots are requested in person or before hand - and most importantly you are given a synopsis of the production. This gives you a wonderful opportunity to prepare material that is appropriate to the production and shows off your talent as it may apply to what is being produced and the role you are auditioning for.

Reading the audition notice carefully and arriving with the exact specifics requested is a great sign for any casting team. It lets them know that you are organized, pay attention to the details, can follow directions and have professionalism when it comes to your craft. All of these signify a person that the team can feel comfortable working with in the future - should you land the part.

And even if you don't land the part, at least you made a favorable starting impression that may get you a future call back for another production.

The Art of the Audition

2010-01-25T13:17:00.006-05:00

The audition can be one of the most trying aspects of an Actor's career - even nerve wrecking at times. We are getting to that part of the year where we will begin auditions for our upcoming productions.

So, we thought it would be good to use this week to launch a series on audition reminders and tips. Whether you have done many or are new to the process - these tips will help you to move towards landing the role or at least making a good impression.

Our first part of the series is something that we have come across time and time again in our casting calls - "not reading the audition instructions carefully." So, tomorrow we start with Part 1 of the series: Read the Audition Notice - Not Peruse, Actually Read it.

The "Act" of Acting

2010-01-21T14:52:00.004-05:00

Here is a different take on things. Besides the roar of the audience, the challenge of mastering of a complex character and the admiration of fellow thespians at your amazing talent - ever wonder what else acting offers?

Well according to live strong, acting also burns calories. For a 145lb person, the "act" of acting (nice play on words) will burn 197 calories per hour. So, there is an added benefit after all for all the rehearsal hours and the unbearable perfection desired by the Director.

That's your fun fact for the day.

Creativity Rewarded With Large Number$

2010-01-19T11:41:00.005-05:00

In December there was a certain buzz surrounding the release of Avatar. Estimated 400 million dollar budget (more budget info), a different approach and a group of imagined people with created dialect. Could it make it? Well, that question is now a thing of the past. Last we checked the movie has done box office sales of over 1.4 billion.

Moral of the story? It appears clear that people still appreciate creativity and love to escape to another world whenever possible. It is also an even bigger testament to keeping true to your creative ideas and vision. Took a long time to develop but they made it the way it was imagined and look at the result. Of course, we love such creative vision and follow through.

Next stop - three dimensional theater...hmmmm....yep, we are already on it ;-)

Behind the Curtain (Part 5 of 5)

2010-01-15T15:09:00.005-05:00

by Tim O.

We've reached my final post of this week's series taking you behind the curtain. I think I will close by talking about an addition to our team that I am most excited about. For each production this year we are writing original music and actually scoring the production. Very exciting and challenging at the same time.

The more exciting part of this is the addition of a talented new member to the production team. Our new official Music Director, Lydel. Lydel has worked with us on three previous productions and now has agreed to officially lend his talent to our team.

A talented writer, musician and vocalist he is releasing his newest CD this year - What I AM - and has been doing promotional shows for this upcoming release. Check out his CD when it comes out and catch his work at our upcoming productions.

I hope this week has given you a little more info about what is on the horizon and I can't wait to see you all at the shows. Keep up with the blog for more info and digital banter ;-) Have a safe and wonderful weekend!!!

Special Edition: Helping Haiti

2010-01-14T12:12:00.004-05:00

We are quite saddened by the tragedy that has come upon Haiti. This blog is outside the scope of our normal blogs but within the scope of our company mission as we are always concerned about supporting humanitarian and educational needs. Many of us know colleagues and others we have worked with who have unaccounted family members in Haiti and some of us even have unaccounted friends in the area.

The big question is how can you help? The outpouring of financial resources has been quite wonderful to see. For those of you that would like to help further, we've found three very good websites that can provide guidance. To satisfy an immediate and quick desire to provide assistance we have suggested the following to others:

text 'haiti' to number 90999, this will donate $10 to International Response Fund for relief efforts in Haiti. The $10 will be charged to your phone bill and will be reflected on your statement. (see this link for more information: http://newsroom.redcross.org/2010/01/12/disaster-alert-earthquake-in-haiti/)

If you do not desire to send a text message you can call 1-800-Red Cross.

If you want to look at more options and guidelines for donating, please take a look at the following links and guidelines for donating so that you ensure your donation has a chance for maximum input.

Remember that the things you likely should NOT do are:

1. Send food and clothing goods to the country at this time
2. Gather a group and go directly to the country yourself
3. Gather goods and money to take directly to the country
(see link #1 below for some reasons why these are recommended suggestions)

And please, though it is unfortunate, ensure that an organization is not a fraud. We unfortunately live in a world where degenerate souls use opportunities like this to prosper from well intentioned donors.

Please take a look at the following links for more useful information:

1. http://informationincontext.typepad.com/good_intentions_are_not_e/2010/01/suggestions-for-donors-in-choosing-ngos-to-donate-to-after-a-disaster.html

2. http://zunia.org/post/haiti-earthquake-how-can-you-help/

3. http://web.mac.com/robertbelenky/The_Book_of_Bob/Earthquake%21.html

Behind the Curtain (Part 4 of 5)

2010-01-14T10:51:00.007-05:00

by Tim O.

I'm not sure why A Taste of Words always makes me think of a wine tasting. I guess it's the association with how it started. When I did events to promote my book, I used to open with a wine reception and then an actual reading or presentation of the book. While I was doing a book signing at American University I had an idea - why not present the book instead of just reading it. So, I tried that and instead of just reading from the book and taking questions - I invited a poet and a vocalist (two friends and talented artists - lala and Lydel) with me...and we actually presented the story. The result was wonderful and the crowd really took to it. Of course, we still opened with a wine reception. After the event, Jeanie (who coordinated the event) said it reminded her of A Taste of Words with all the different art forms and thus the event name was born.

This year, A Taste of Words, will feature several smaller showings - which we call Appetizers - that feature one or two of the art forms in one show. The finale will be a larger theatrical presentation of the event called The Bitter and The Sweet. Let me tell you, if you like poetry - you will love this show....if you like music - you will love this show and if you like theater - you are really going to love the overall theatrical presentation of all the pieces. I'm so excited to show the finished production.

With rotating stage scenery and an interesting concept this finale is going to be well worth the wait. Oh, and wait until you see whose performing (nope, not even gonna give you a hint). In the meantime, the smaller shows will be quite nice on their own. I think you will love the feel, the ambiance, the show - basically the entire experience as we present A Taste of Words this season.

Behind the Curtain (Part 3 of 5)

2010-01-13T08:55:00.006-05:00

by Tim O.

I am most proud of the type of work our company is producing this year. I have always been fascinated by the dynamics of human relationships and how other humans can impact in a negative or positive way the lives of others. Another of my fascinations is the drive to be better than what our surroundings predict we can be.

I AM is a monologue style production mixed with a bit of reenactment that has been in my mental space for over a year. How to execute it has been the hardest decision, along with which stories to tell.

The reason I am so proud of this piece of work is because I feel that the work I do with the written word should reach beyond just entertainment and actually have some sort of a positive impact - even if that impact is no more than hope. With the script for I AM, I really feel that attendees will leave understanding that their innermost demons, challenges, insecurities and fears are not just peculiar to them. And what is more, despite the deepest cavity that one finds their life in - there are in fact those that care and ways to stand taller when you don't feel you have the strength. It's a timeliness inspiration story that we've heard a million different ways and guess what - we need to hear it two million ways because there are so many people carrying around so much baggage and/or lack of worth with no outlet and no place of security. I feel inspired and I'm sure that others will too because this is written from a real place within me...not from fantasy or fiction as some of my other pieces are.

Some have read the draft script which I am putting the final touches on and I am amazed at how much it resonates with them. I can't wait to see it resonate with audiences who are a part of the theatrical experience. We hit stages later on this year and I'm ready for it!! ;-)

Behind the Curtain (Part 2 of 5)

2010-01-12T09:24:00.007-05:00

by Tim O.

I've always said that I can write better than I can talk. Maybe because of the intimacy you share with the paper who listens without judgment or opinion and allows even your most ridiculous notion or greatest insecurity to be heard without the repercussion of a change in viewpoint of you as a person. The paper listens and never loves you less, not even for a second.

I've been writing for a while, but Tim O. Productions is the first formalized legal entity put in place to house my writing. When choosing a logo for the company I wanted one that really reflected me as a writer and by extension as a person. More so, I wanted it to reflect how I like to do business - a mixture of structure and creativity. So, you will notice the O that has no set lines - like me - but that still has a limit - the period at the end - that is defined by the structured part of me. This same feeling is desired in the creative hand written feel of the "tim" and yet the structured wording of "productions".

I guess in the end, the logo was meant to inspire a feeling of a company that is professional and about business but open to creativity and thinking outside of the lines. There is more that is implied by the logo but hey - it's no fun to give away all of the secrets ;-)

Looks like you are stuck with me writing the blog this week - so stay tuned for tomorrow's look behind the curtain and I'll let you peek into the productions for this year.

Behind the Curtain (Part 1 of 5)

2010-01-11T09:53:00.005-05:00

Many people have often asked us "what is it exactly that you do?" Often followed by "who is exactly involved?" Most realize that our company is a huge supporter of the arts and even develop our own arts based events and theatrical presentations. However, many times they want a look behind the curtain.

Our company is relatively new on the theatrical scene and even more than that, relatively different in our approach to the development of our work. This week, we introduce you to our company and give you a glimpse into what we are all about. Enjoy this week's peek behind the curtain for a glimpse into the company and where it is heading. First stop? The Logo...

Fashionable Close to 2010

2010-01-08T06:00:00.014-05:00

2009 ended on a "fashionable note" as we presented our final edition of the "A Private Affair" series for the year. The event shined light on the industries, people and artistic skills that make our productions come to life. December's edition of the event was all about the Fashion Designer.

With each production, the clothing chosen has such an impact on the way the character is experienced by the audience. The designer's vision coupled with the stylists coordination allows a character to speak without words. We were pleased give the designers a chance to showcase their work to an audience of eager eyes and appreciative fashion enthusiasts.

A special thank you to the presenting designers: Les Branches, Vital Clothing and Deux Fois Designs and a thank you to Phil K. for fabulous pictures.

And a very big thank you to our co-producer Capital Icon along with our Hostess for the evening, Giovanna. Enjoy a few pictures below:

And the Year Begins....Again

2010-01-07T14:42:00.000-05:00

Nothing boils our blood (in a good way) as much as the thought of a new year of theatrical presentation. The introduction of 2010 not only represents the approaching two year anniversary of our first production - Conversations About HER (photo seen in this blog) - but a very refined and focused approach as to how we assemble this thing we call theater. This year dawns the release of two new works written by Tim O. - I AM and The Bitter and The Sweet along with other events that continue to support the arts.

2010 we welcome you with open arms and all of the dramatized appreciation we can muster. Unlike most, we aren't looking for drama free lives, we are embracing and promoting all of the drama we can find.