Category: Comedy

  • Bill’s Shorts Two: Chart Topping Comedies

    Bill’s Shorts Two: Chart Topping Comedies

    Coming off of a successful first week, there are still three remaining shows to catch original, new, hilarious theatre here in Downey. The intimate format of the Epic Lounge makes this a dynamic performance to experience.

    BS2 Tshirt 2Bill’s Shorts Two: Chart Topping Comedies
    5 short comedic plays written by locally and nationally produced playwrights, Bill Blush, Megan Breen, Diana Burbano and Forrest Hartl.

    Produced by resident director Sylvia Blush, Bill’s Shorts Two is a collaboration between many talented artists. Inspired by the power of music, the playwrights have written stories tied together by themes exploring artistry, free-will, identity, sacrifices & the need to hold fast to a moral compass.

    Remaining Show Dates:
    August 22, 23 and 24, 2016 at 8pm
    Doors open at 7pm for Happy Hour

    Venue:
    Downey’s Eclectic Event Venue Epic Lounge
    8239 2nd Street, Downey, CA 90241

    For Tickets:
    Buy online and secure your seats at http://bpt.me/2579659
    or
    Reserve your seats and pay cash in person. Email us your request: BillsShortsThePlays@gmail.com

    About the Show:

    In 2013 Downey Arts Coalition sponsored Bill’s Shorts: a brief evening of one act comedies. It was a raucous one night only staged reading of four plays and a fully produced twenty minute romp in the dark all written by Bill Blush and directed by Sylvia Blush.Returning Summer 2016 is the husband and wife duo PLUS incredibly talented playwrights, Bill Blush, Megan Breen, Diana Burbano and Forrest Hartl.Bill’s Shorts Two: Chart-Topping Comedies is a fully produced eight show run of comedic plays inspired by the power of music.
    August 14 at 3pm and 7pm
    August 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 8pmPre-Sale $10+tax use passcode: shortshorts
    Online $12+tax
    At the door $15 (cash only)Free parking. 90 minute performance. Good eats in the Downtown area.The Plays (in show order):
    French Toast by Bill Blush (10 min.)
    Mop in hand and a song in his heart a free-spirited techie challenges authority to think outside the box.

    Run To You by Megan Breen (10 min):
    An eccentric couple’s happy romance is put to the test when something vital to their bliss takes off to search for its own.

    Linda by Diana Burbano (10 min):
    A super bad ass story of finding your inner hero.

    Song of the Armadillo by Forrest Hartl (10 min): Adapted from a Bolivian folktale, Song Of the Armadillo follows the journey of Pichi, a small armadillo with big dreams.

    Damn You Kenny! by Bill Blush (30 min) A leader desperately tries to hold on to his group’s ethics as a bi-weekly meeting slowly spirals out of control.

    Producer/Director Sylvia Blush is a 2014 Mellon Fellow, 2015 Oregon Shakespeare Festival FAIR alum and 2016 Directors Lab West participant. Director Julianna Stephanie Ojeda is an emerging actor/director from the UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts.

    FEATURING: Chloe Tatiana Avila, Juan Enrique Carrillo, Jessica Delgadillo, Andrea Esparza, Alberie Rachele Hansen, Forrest Hartl, Taylor Hawthorne, Frank Ledezma, Melissa Legaspi, Gilbert Martinez, Tahirih Moeller, David Ohlsen, Julianna Stephanie Ojeda, Emmanuel Plascencia and Rocky Sanchez

    Designers: Geronimo Guzman (Set), Thompson Tran (Light/Sound), Gina Reynoso (Make-Up), Katy Macias (costume) and vocal coach Beverly Crain

    Stage Management: Chris Amador and Jennifer Calderon

    Producers: Sylvia Blush, Bill Blush and Forrest Hartl

    BillShortsMontage

  • Audition for Bill’s Shorts Two (Now closed)

    Audition for Bill’s Shorts Two (Now closed)

    **Note, all roles have been filled. Thank you for your interest, be sure to like Bill’s Shorts on Facebook.

    Auditions for Bill’s Shorts Two: Chart-Topping Comedies.

    Tuesday, June 7 2016, 5pm-10pm

    Monday, June 13, 206, 5PM-10pm (Cancelled)

    Callbacks: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 5pm-10pm

    Six musically inspired plays by Anthony Aguilar, Bill Blush, Megan Breen, Diana Burbano and Forrest Hartl. Directed by Sylvia BLush and Alejandra Cisneros

    Needed: You! 15 actors, all genders, any ethnicity.

    Themes: Love, music, belonging, acceptance, free-will, loss, addiction and all through the comedic lens. Mature language, Mature content (no nudity). 

    Performance Dates: August 14 at 3PM & 7PM; August 15-17, 22-24 at 8pm. Rehearsals: beginning June 20th but based on availability. Tech: week leading up to opening. Stipend: $10/performance.

    Submit your headshot and resume to: billsshortstheplays@gmail.com

    Auditions Bills Shorts2

  • DAC Open House Artists Mixer presents Kristine Augustyn – July 28

    DAC Open House Artists Mixer presents Kristine Augustyn – July 28

    July Open House for Artists and Art Lovers
    Close up with Green Blouse - Color
    The Downey Arts Coalition will host an Open House on Tuesday, July 28th, at 7:00 PM, at the Epic Lounge at 8239 2nd Street. The event is FREE to the public and offers an opportunity to connect with others who have an interest in supporting and participating in local art events.

    We are very excited to have Kristine Augustyn as our feature artist. She will remind you of Monet and a little of Van Gogh, she is absolutely amazing. Please treat yourself, and come see her work in person.

    We will also be treated to a performance by the Epic Lounge Improv team, starring our very own Forrest Hartl.

    There will be music, art, improv, food, drinks, and great conversation with other art lovers.
    Reaching Out
    Some info on Downey Arts Coalition –

    The Downey Arts Coalition is also celebrating its fourth anniversary this year. Since its founding in 2011, the group has sponsored art exhibits, monthly poetry readings, and produced two Broadway plays and two free music festivals. Art shows for the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, the City of Downey rooftop events, and the Downey symphony concerts are curated by members of DAC.

    The non-profit organization has also hosted movie screenings by local filmmakers, and recently assisted with publicity for the Glenfest Movie Festival that was free to the public at the Downey Krikorian Theater.

    Art curator Pat Gil explains, “Whatever someone’s passion is – music, film, theatre, dance, poetry – we can work together to help you express it in our local community.”

    Gil describes DAC as umbrella organization that provides “a place for local artists, arts organization, and community leaders to share and collaborate.” Reflecting its commitment to the community, the DAC website offers a calendar promoting city concerts, art shows, and music events.

    Everyone, no matter what their interest, is invited to come for an evening of networking and stimulating conversation.

  • Downey Civic Theatre Announces 2014-15 Season

    Downey Civic Theatre Announces 2014-15 Season

    The Downey Civic Theatre continues its presenting series of shows to bring more music and entertainment to the area.  Check out the line-up for 2014-2015.

    Mariachi Divas Christmas Show

    Sunday, December 14th 2014 at 7:00pm

    Mariachi DivasDirected and founded by trumpet player Cindy Shea in 1999, under the musical direction of GRAMMY award winning Alberto “Beto” Jimenez Maeda, the Mariachi Divas have made big waves on the national and international music scene. With two GRAMMY Awards, five GRAMMY nominations, and one Latin GRAMMY nomination, the Mariachi Divas are a unique, multicultural, all-female ensemble imbued with the true flavor of Los Angeles. The Divas discography includes 9 albums released through Shea Records and East Side Records. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea.

    Morris Day & The Time

    Saturday, March 7th 2015 at 8:00pm. 

    Morris Day 1Morris Day, lead vocalist of The Time, is known as one of pop’s most verbally pretentious vocalists. In the 80’s The Time burst onto the public scene, with “Get It Up,” “Cool,” and “Girl.” More hits followed including “777-9311,” “Wild and Loose,” “Walk,” and “Gigolos Get Lonely Too.”

    STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas

    Friday May 8th 2015 at 8:00pm

    Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled STARSHIP through the decades of the 80’s and 90’s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Mickey has established himself as one of Rock Music’s most recognizable stars.

    StarshipBacked by the power of Mickey’s vocals, JEFFERSON STARSHIP immediately scored a #1 hit with “Jane”. With this new sound and powerful new vocals the group was renamed STARSHIP and continued to record an amazing string of hits including “No Way Out”, “We Built This City”, “Sara”, and an Oscar Nomination for the #1 hit “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now” from the movie “Mannequin”. Other top hits included “Find your Way Back”, “Stranger”, “Laying It On The Line”, and “It’s Not Over Till It’s Over” which became Major League’s Baseball’s theme in 1987. Moreover, every STARSHIP album released since 1979 has gone Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum. 

    U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West

    Sunday, May 17th 2015 at 3:00pm

    US Air Force BandFrom Travis AFB CA, the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West is a select group of professional Airmen-musicians who support the global Air Force mission by providing outstanding musical products and services for official military, recruiting, and community relations events, and by fostering America’s rich national heritage.  Under the direction of Captain Dustin Doyle, the Band of the Golden West Concert Band, the largest ensemble within the organization, represents the professionalism and excellence found every day throughout the Air Force.  Touring the western states of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Utah and Nevada, the Concert Band performs a wide variety of music from standard concert band literature and military marches to jazz and pop arrangements, Broadway standards, and of course, patriotic music complete with instrumental soloists and featured vocalists.  During a concert, you are likely to hear stirring works from contemporary composers as well as the familiar sounds of John Philip Sousa or Major Glenn Miller. Its wide and varied programs offer something for everyone and make an excellent choice for family entertainment.

    The US Air Force Band of the Golden West has performed for thousands of listeners in live concert appearances and for millions worldwide via its numerous recordings and television and radio broadcasts. Throughout its history, the Concert Band has collaborated with some of America’s leading band conductors, receiving enthusiastic critical acclaim as one of premier musical organizations of its kind.

    The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West is dedicated to using the power of music to inspire our Air Force members and the great nation we serve, producing innovative musical programs and products, and communicating Air Force excellence.

    This performance is a free, ticketed event. Individual tickets will be available Tuesday, December 16th 2015 at 11:00am on a first-come, first-served basis, limit of two tickets per patron. With the purchase of tickets to three or more Season shows, advanced tickets for this performance will be issued prior to December 16th. 

    Rita Rudner & Louie Anderson

    Saturday, May 30th 2015 at 8:00pm

    Rita RudnerTwo of America’s favorite comedians, Rita Rudner and Louie Anderson join forces for a great evening of fun. One of the country’s top comedians and a New York Times bestselling author, Rita Rudner is also an award-winning television personality, screenwriter, playwright, Broadway dancer, and actress. A house-filling favorite in Las Vegas since she opened as one of the hottest tickets in town in June 2000, Rudner is known for her epigrammatic one-liners. She performs at The Venetian in Las Vegas, where over the course of a ten-year run and 2,000 plus shows, she has sold over one million tickets and become the longest-running solo show in the history of Las Vegas. She has been named Comedian Of The Year nine years in a row and in 2006 received The Nevada Ballet’s Woman Of The Year Award (other recent recipients include Bette Midler, Celine Dion, Chita Rivera and Twyla Tharp).

    photo 2 louieTwo-time Emmy Award winner Louie Anderson is one of the country’s most recognized and adored comics and was named by Comedy Central as “One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time.” Currently he is headlining in his own stand up show, “Louie Live” at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. His big break came in 1984 when he appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” who was so impressed with the comic he called him out for a rare and coveted “second bow.” Anderson’s stand-up comedy career skyrocketed. Known as a “clean” comedian, his stories about growing up in the Midwest, being one of 11 children and dealing with an alcoholic father provided endless material for the comic with audiences of all types relating to his everyday life experiences.

    Pre-Show Party

    The Downey Theatre Lobby and Patio will open two hours prior to each Season show. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the concession operated by Lock and Key Social Drinkery, and there will be live music and dancing.

    Volunteer Opportunities

    The Downey Theatre is looking for arts enthusiasts to volunteer and assist with front of house operations during shows.  Discover the benefits of volunteering for the Downey Civic Theatre and find out how you can volunteer to support the arts by calling (562)861-8211.

    Box Office Hours

    The Downey Civic Theatre box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 am- 5:00 pm and one hour before show time. For upcoming events and information call the box office at (562) 861-8211 or visit us online at www.DowneyTheatre.org. Get on the fast track for everything happening at the Theatre:  text downeycivic to 22828 today.

  • Toy Drive Comedy Show Sunday Dec 8

    Toy Drive Comedy Show Sunday Dec 8

    For the second year in the row, Ivy League Improv will present “Laughing around the Christmas Tree,” a benefit comedy show and toy drive on Sunday December 8th, 2PM at Stay Gallery 11140 Downey Ave.  Ivy League is a project of Urban Theatre Movement, and a collaborator with the Downey Arts Coalition.

    The comedy show is family friendly, so kids are welcome as well.  Admission is to bring an unwrapped toy with a $10 value or more.

    Last year’s event brought a few dozen toys in to be distributed to families through the Downey Exchange Club Family Support Center.  Since 1991 the Exchange Club supports local parents and children with resources and guidance, as well as maintains a child abuse prevention center.  DAC is proud to support their efforts in our community.

    Come expecting a good time, and enjoy the atmosphere of art and culture at Stay Gallery on Downey Avenue, just north of Firestone Blvd.

    LaughingChristmasTree2013

     

     

  • Bill’s Shorts: One Act Comedies May 19

    Bill’s Shorts: One Act Comedies May 19

    Sylvia Blush and Downey Arts Coalition
    present
    Bill’s Shorts: a brief evening of one act comedies

    ONE NIGHT ONLY!
    4 Comedic Plays by Bill Blush
    Including staged readings of:
    The Unhap-Happiest Season of All
    Edith and Gary Forever?
    Large Coffee

    and a FULL Performance of

    A BAD IDEA
    featuring
    Forrest Hartl and Bill Blush
    Dude and Bro, the undynamic duo, stage a highfalutin heist to avenge their egged-on egos.

    DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM
    SHOWTIME 7:00PM
    RECEPTION 8:15PM

    TICKETS: $5 (cash only)
    GENERAL SEATING

    NO HOST BAR OPEN ALL NIGHT!

    FREE PARKING available in the Krikorian structure and adjacent streets. (The Porto’s structure is limited to 2 hours.)

     

  • Laughing Around The Christmas Tree – Comedy Show Dec 9

    Laughing Around The Christmas Tree – Comedy Show Dec 9

    Downey Arts Coalition and Urban Theatre Movement is sponsoring a benefit comedy &  improv show at the Epic Lounge, brought to you by Ivy League Improv, with special guests Cherry Spitz Comedy and more:  “Laughing Around the Christmas Tree.”

    Sunday afternoon, December 9th, 3PM.  This is an all-ages show, so bring the family.  The cover charge is a new, unwrapped Toy ($10 minimum) to donate to the Downey Exchange Club Family Resource Center, which has worked here for 20 years to support families in need and prevent child abuse.

    Epic Lounge is hosting the event, located at 8239 2nd Street, next to LA Buns and the Bumblebee “Slices” mural.

  • Downey Arts Round-up

    Downey Arts Round-up

    I wanted to share a few updates on the news from the arts coalition, and status on some of the arts-related happenings of late.  We’ve had a good run of stories in The Downey Patriot.

    First, here is the article about this month’s gallery at Mari’s Wine Bar:  Art Exhibit to Open at Wine Bar.  The evening was well attended, and the art will continue on display until the end of this week.  Our next gallery at Mari’s will be September 10th.

    That led to an interview that I gave to Henry Veneracion about my role starting the DAC.  A lot of quotes from the vision statement I had written, and goes into my background a little.  I took my head-shot myself using an iPhone in my office at work.  This article led to a lot of new people signing up on the website, which is great to see.  I look forward to involving as many people as we find.  Wahlquist Steps Into Role as Art Leader

    At the same time there was an article about George Redfox’s efforts to finally achieve tax exempt status for The Downey Conservancy.  The DAC is partnered with the Conservancy, as we share some of the same people and believe in the same vision of Downey as a city that cares about it’s cultural heritage, and wants to preserve it for the future.  Conservancy Group Attains Non-profit Status

    The week after we were able to place a picture of the Mari’s art opening.  Downey Arts Coalition

    At the same time there was an update to the status of the Downey Museum of Art, which has formed a new board and is working toward re-opening. Hope is Not Lost for the Downey Museum of Art

    This week, there is an article about the four new shows that the Downey Civic Theatre has announced, as part of an effort by its new management team to bring top-quality performing arts events to our 700 seat venue.  I have a small quote in there, because the new theatre manager Amber Vogel has been a friend to the DAC and we’ve discussed ways to open up the theatre to new opportunities for arts in the community.  A Bold New Step for the Downey Theatre

    On the Arts in Public Places front, the city’s contractor to bring us murals on the Downey Theatre and surrounding utility boxes seems to have been completed.  There is a new online news magazine serving Downey called The Downey Beat, and they’ve posted photos of the murals as well as some community reaction.  Avenue Theatre Mural Receives Warm Reception

    The Epic Lounge on 2nd Street, across from the Porto's parking garage

    In younger news is the re-opening of the Epic Lounge, at 8239 2nd St., which features night-club style entertainment in our downtown area.  Along with live bands they regularly host, there is a new evening of comedy coming this Thursday, brought to you by a couple members of the DAC.  The evening event is called “LAFFAHOLICS” and will feature two different improv groups, stand up, and more.  Join the facebook event invite at this link.

    On the other end of the spectrum is a monthly poetry reading at Mari’s Wine Bar, called Wine and Words, curated by Roy Anthony Shabla and John Brantingham, a partnership between the DAC and the San Gabriel Valley Literary Festival.  This will be the third Friday of the month, beginning in October.

    A lot going on.  The next Downey Arts Coalition meeting will likely be coming soon in September, still to be announced.

    And last, I bring you this thought by local artist Courtney Stricklin.

     

     

     

  • ‘Rough Start’ at Civic Theatre Premature, Underrated

    ‘Rough Start’ at Civic Theatre Premature, Underrated

    Last week an article came out in the Downey Patriot titled thus: ‘New Era’ Off to a Rough Start. It was referring to a comedy night recently held by H&E Entertainment at the Downey Civic Theatre.  The show undersold, and the producers were disappointed.  They canceled all future bookings for the year, and their disappointment was retold to a Patriot reporter who turned it into a front-page story.  What the article didn’t say, though, was that the light quote, ‘New Era’ was quoting this post from here at the Downey Arts Coalition.  So since they dragged us into it, I guess I’ll respond.  I’m never without opinion, after all.

    First of all, the show had an attendance of 200 out of 350 sold or handed-out tickets.  This is not a failure.  Nor is it even a rough start.  200 butts in seats is a HUGE success, by most standards.  And we are not Center Theatre Group or The Kodak.  200 people is a marvelous turnout for Downey, CA.  Now, it must be said that the theater itself seats over 700.  So in a space that large, 200 is going to feel quite sparse.  This is an indication of a different problem.  Another venue, or a different management of the space perhaps could have helped.  Morale does tend to slump when there are so many empty seats, and that can make the room feel cold and awkward.  Also, when audience is spread out over a larger space, they can’t respond to each other, which limits the amount of laughs something like a comedy show would receive.  So there was definitely a problem here.  But the shear number of tickets should not be knocked.  Good job on getting those 200 people!  Seriously, that is awesome.

    Second, the producers were quoted more than once complaining that those in the community who advocate for the arts didn’t even show up.  Well, if we were the only people you were going for, you’d have about 10 butts in the seats.  We already support the arts.  The people we are trying to reach with this effort are the regular people– those who rarely or never see a DCLO show, Downey Symphony concert, who spend most of their evenings out at Olive Garden and the movies.  These are the people we want to reach in our community.  Artists making art for other artists is nice, but it’s not far-reaching enough.  The purpose of our efforts here is to unify us all as a community.

    Third: okay, you want to fill that house?  You must market.  You must advertise.  You must (here’s the hard part) figure out what this community needs (not just wants, but needs), and how to make them want it.  And you’ve got to deliver.

    Now, as for the New Era and the Rough Start.  The new era to which we are referring is the takeover of the Downey Civic Theatre by VenueTech, a booking company that will bring new acts to the theatre and pretty much bring it back to life.  VenueTech is in residency at the theatre starting in 2011, but they have yet to book their first season.  So the New Era hasn’t really begun.  H&E Entertainment is commendable for bringing some new stuff to the theatre, but VenueTech’s first season will be the lineup that we’re all waiting to hear about.   They also have different plans for the way that the theatre promotes all of its bookings, including the community’s usual theatre and music events, but it all has yet to be implemented.   I do hope that H&E comes back, and that they continue to produce great shows that bring people in.  They are doing great work and shouldn’t be discouraged.