Camden 28 - August 22, 1971 - 40 Years Strong

In 11 days, 40 years will have passed since the Camden 28 planned to break into the draft office in Camden to destroy draft records..an act of protest against an unjust war in Vietnam held during the Camden riots. These brave people were arrested and tried [turned on by a traitor in their midsts]. Thier trial and acquittal is believed by many to be the beginning of the end of the Vietnam War. As we sit in 2011, riots flare in London, unemployment is sky high, we are again mired in a war ..surrounded by tea party activists who believe the poor should be left to fend for themselves and suffer in their own streets. We have GOP governors who rule with wreckless, mean spirited iron fists, bound to protect their rich donors at all costs. Thank you to Michael and Gene and the brave members of the Camden 28 for your heroism and shame on us all for not learning the lessons of the past. But...moving forward....together...with hope.....Camden will again rise.

Audition Reminder - this weekend!

A few slots remain for this weekend's auditions for "Suddenly Last Summer" and "Night of the Iguana" two shows in our season celebrating the 100th birthday of Tennessee Williams. Visit the website or email ashley@southcamdentheatre.org for an appointment. We are thrilled so many fine actors are already scheduled and welcome you to audition for the exciting, new season.

Staged Reading- "Sage Advice"- Aug 22nd- 7PM

On Mon, Aug 22 SCTC opens our new staged reading series with my play "Sage Advice". This play will not be for everyone. It goes inside the head of a 22 year old who killed his own baby son. My play seeks motivation for such a heinous act..it is not a 'movie of the week". It is not meant to shock but to gain understanding of the darkness some souls possess. I hope you will come and offer whatever feedback you would like to give as the play moves towards production. Readings help a playwright shape and mold a play. I have been involved with readings like this for 15 plus years. I have had my plays read in theatres in NY and Philadelphia among other places. My goal at SCTC is to bring you deeper into the theatrical process. As a playwright driven theatre we will always be focused on the script. Most theatres don't open readings up to the public. We will. We hope you will join us as this will be the first of a series of readings. This is a free event with all seating on a "first come" basis. The next plays and dates in the series will be announced shortly. Please come.

Auditions for upcoming Tennessee Williams Season August 13 and 14

Auditions for our upcoming "Tenn X Tenn" season will be held at the theatre on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14 from 12PM to 5PM. All parts are being cast for Tennessee's "Suddenly Last Summer" directed by Connie Norwood and running from 10-21-11 to 11-6-11 and his incredible"Night of the Iguana" directed by Randall McCann running from 4-20-12 to 5-6-12. This is our 7th season producing professional theatre in Camden and our second at our beautiful Waterfront South Theatre. We are seeking non equity actors and a stipend will be paid. Email ashley@southcamdentheatre for appointment.

"Unnatural Acts" in NY....Just Go..

Just home from seeing "Unnatural Acts" at Classic Stage Co in NY . It shows the secret student, kangaroo court trials led against gay students in 1920 at Harvard U. This is just amazing theatre with some of the best direction I have ever seen. It's funny as hell, scary as hell and then makes you cry. The director came on at the end and announced they have extended for a week with NO advertising budget and asked us to tell people about the show if we liked it. I don't know these people at all but only know that my afternoon in NY moved me a great deal....so much as to ask you to support this incredible show. If you can get to NY next week...go to http://classicstage.org/ for tickets. Discounts available on Playbill.com. Don't miss it...

New Play Reading in August written by Producing Artistic Director Joe Paprzycki

A new play of mine, "Sage Advice", will have a staged reading at the theatre sometime in late August. It is a distubing view of the murder of a toddler based on a true story. This will kick off our reading series that will be a part of SCTC's commitment to bringing new works of drama to the stage. Limited free seating will be available as your feedback is requested. Date and time TBA...stay tuned......

Puerto Vallarta and returning home

Back from Puerto Vallarta energized from the beauty and ocean's roar. Tennessee Williams spent two hellraising weeks there during the"Night of the Iguana" film shoot. Imagine he and John Huston boozing a carousing with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. I am sure the city is somewhat different now but...the steaminess of the humidity permeates everything. It was a great place to visit and for me to write. A certain mood comes over your writing there...and I am not sure I could feel it as deeply here. Now...to get started with 'Suddenly last Summer" which we will present this October as we honor his 100th birthday. Maybe some of the Pacific salt air will caress you as you experience it....