PlayWrite Newsletter June 2024
The mission of the theatre, after all, is to change, to raise the consciousness of people to their human possibilities. —Arthur Miller
Got Your Play-a-Thon Tickets Yet?
24-Hour PLAY-a-Thon, our annual Play Festival to benefit PlayWrite, Inc.’s programs for “youth at the edge,” will take to the stage June 22, 7:30 pm!
In 24 short hours, Portland theatre talent (playwrights, actors, directors, and stage managers) will write, cast, and rehearse eight short plays, concluding with a one-time-only performance on Saturday night.
These eight plays will be judged in an exciting evening of friendly competition for:
Judges’ Choice
Audience Choice
Best Use of Required Prop
Best Use of Required Line
Emcee Poison Waters will host Saturday’s festivities.
Sarah Jane Hardy
Meet Our Play-a-Thon Judges
Sarah Jane Hardy is the Artistic Director of Northwest Children’s Theater, resident company at The Judy. Directing credits for NWCT include: Matilda the Musical, Chitra: The Girl Prince in partnership with Anita Menon and the Anjali School of Dance, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! adapted for the stage by local composer Ezra Weiss, and Mary Poppins (twice!).
As a 2017 recipient of the Theater for Young Audiences' Ann Shaw Fellowship, Sarah Jane traveled to Indonesia to study under Balinese shadow puppet master, I Made Sadia. She is also a recipient of the 2020 Martha Richards Visionary Leadership Award.
Jelani Memory
Jelani Memory is an author and entrepreneur dedicated to creating meaningful children's literature. As the founder and CEO of A Kids Book About, Jelani focuses on addressing important and sometimes challenging topics for young readers. He is also the founder of Circle Media, a company known for helping families manage screen time and online content. Jelani's efforts in promoting education and inclusivity have been recognized with the Eleanor Roosevelt Bravery in Literature Award. He continues to inspire both children and adults with his innovative approach to storytelling and publishing.
Saren Nofs Snyder
Saren Nofs Snyder is an actor, director, and dialect coach who is newly returned to Portland after many years in Chicago. Most recently she was seen as Horatio in Hamlet with Portland Shakespeare Project. Saren has worked with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Kansas City Rep, American Stage Theatre, Artists' Rep, Pioneer Theatre, Lakewood Theatre, and many others.
In addition to freelance work and private coaching, she is the resident dialect coach for Metropolis Theatre Company (Chicago) and On The Spot, whose production of A Mid-Course Correction is currently performing at the Buxton Festival Fringe, featuring both Saren's dialect coaching and her voice as Kate Chopin. She has taught acting at DePaul University and the Chicago Academy of the Arts, holds an MFA in Acting and Directing from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association.
24-Hour PLAY-a-Thon 2024 FAQ’s!
When: Performance Saturday, June 22, 7:30 pm (Doors open 7 pm)
Where: At the Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts (aka “The Judy”), 1000 SW Broadway, T-100, Portland, OR 97025
Why: To benefit PlayWrite Inc’s performance-based programs for marginalized & at-risk youth in an event that brings Portland’s arts community together and celebrates the joy and excitement of theatre making.
Tickets:
$20 Showcase Ticket purchases one general admission ticket to the performance
$35 Priority Ticket purchases one general admission ticket to the performance, along with a $15 donation to PlayWrite
$50 VIP Ticket purchases a reserved seat to the performance, along with a $30 donation to PlayWrite
$100 Benefactor Ticket purchases a reserved seat to the performance, 5 raffle tickets, and a $60 donation to PlayWrite
There will be opportunities to purchase additional raffle tickets, bid on a small number of auction items, and make an additional gift to support PlayWrite at the performance.
Information, Registration & Show Tickets: playwriteinc.org/event/24-hour-play-a-thon-2024
Follow & Share: @playwriteinc #24hourPLAYathon
Limited slots are still available for directors and actors. Interested in participating? Let us know!
See you at the theatre, friends and readers!