[ September 30th - October 16th ]
Sarasota Actors Workshop tickets on sale now! Enjoy an evening of 8 one-act plays by local writers and performed by some of Sarasota’s finest actors as SAW presents its second season… plays that give pause. Performed in-the-round the intimate 60 seat venue offers audiences a unique theatrical experience. The show will run weekends, September 30 - October 16th and is already 60% sold out. Tickets are $12 in advance.

gg is a single Sarasota girl (gg = good girl, sometimes) who shares her life lessons and anecdotes with readers through a free monthly on-line column. Created by Amy Knapp, gg “dates men all over the world; owns a pink Harley; bakes a mean carrot cake and isn’t impressed by money or good looks – only good character.”

You can experience gg at ggkiss.com and subscribe to the free web column distributed throughout the world. There is also a line of gg note cards and merchandise; including “knock-knock” cards (flirty, artistic, non-business calling cards to exchange phone numbers and email addresses to would-be suitors at social events) available at stores like Write-On Sarasota. Good luck out there, gg!

[ The BACKLOT finds a home! ]

After what must seem an eternity to Mark Marvel, grand poo-ba and Executive Director of The BACKLOT, the fledgling arts cooperative has a home!  Just two weeks ago, The BACKLOT finalized a location at 2208 Industrial Boulevard and Sarasota Actors Workshop is already putting the 6,600 square foot facility to use as rehearsal space.

The BACKLOT's mission is  “To facilitate, promote, and advance creative community collaborations that open the mind and feed the soul through accessibility to the Arts and Education.” That means that Sarasota artists and audiences will have a place to enjoy new and experimental productions as well as traditional theater, music and improv. The cooperative nature of The BACKLOT allows smaller groups and artists to fly under the its non-profit umbrella and to afford services that would otherwise be out of their budgets; like box office and ticket sales, affordable staging and seating up to 200, and the ability to create relationships with other likeminded artists to share knowledge, collaborate and assist with each others’ projects.

The 2006 season is already being booked while the cleaning and painting goes on inside. For more information...

Kendall Jones, the prolific award-winning writer of the S2 Report, has answered popular demand by launching an independent copywriting business, Delicious Words. So many local business owners have asked Kendall to write (often ghostwrite) articles, marketing materials, press releases, and more for them, that she decided to make it official. Don't tell anyone, but even advertising and PR firms have hired Kendall to write copy for them. Check out the Web site for Delicious Words.

[ The Hermitage Artist Retreat ]

... is proud to announce that is has received a generous grant of $9,573 from the Lola G. Hanna Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.  The grant will contribute toward the salary of a Program Director for the Englewood artist community. “This is a wonderful gift to us as we make our transition to full operations,” said Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director.  “The position will allow us to better communicate with our donors and coordinate our special programming in the community.  We are so grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for their vote of confidence,” said Rodgers.  The Hermitage is a not-for-profit artist retreat located on Manasota Key.  It brings mid-career painters, sculptors, writers, playwrights, poets, composers and other artists from all over the world for extended stays on its 8.5 acre campus.  Each artist is asked to contribute two services to the community during their stay.  So far, Hermitage artists have touched over 4,000 Sarasota County children and adults with their unique and inspiring programs. For more information, please contact Bruce Rodgers at 941-475-2098.

Their work has been extremely popular with anyone who downloads music or anything off the internet. The Podcasts include the Comedy Sketches, Parody Songs, Mock Commercials, as well as unreleased material not found on their prior 8 CD's. The 9th CD is coming out around Thanksgiving, and will be available for purchase at over 40 different major online music stores, including: CD Baby, iTunes, Walmart, Tower Records, and Rhapsody.

[ “Acting for the Camera” Seminar - Oct 1st ]
There are dozens of film and television projects on the calendar as Sarasota becomes a “film town”. Are you ready for your big break? Sarasota Actors Workshop and Second Thought Productions present two 3-hour seminars by Geoffrey Owens, Elvin on The Cosby Show, on October 1st from 10-1 or 2-5. Participants will have individual time in front of the camera, “on set”, and get insight from a television veteran from one of history’s most watched shows. The cost is $75 and advance registration is required. ...additional information.

[ Meshuggah-nuns. ]
Sarasota Jewish Theater will hold auditions for four women and one man for the play "Meshuggah-nuns." Auditions are 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept 11 and 7-9 p.m. Sept 12. Callbacks will be 7 p.m. Sept. 13. Performances Nov 30 to Dec 11 (Friday nights off) Auditions on a first-come, first served basis. Calling ahead is welcomed. Directions to the Flanzer JCC. To learn more, call Jon Meyer at 378-5568, ext 231.

[ THE ONSTAGE ACADEMY (September 17- December 10th) ]
Youth Theater Program: Students ages 12-18 can learn the ropes from Broadway actress Annie Morrison , and other guest lecturers, during this 12 week intensive training. Students will handle all of the aspects of putting on the final show including, writing, singing, acting, sales, advertising and set construction. Admission is by audition only with auditions on September 10th at the Venice Studio 256 Miami Avenue W. in Venice. Call 941-486-9060 for further information.

[ Simply Sarasota ]
The Film Town Initiative of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County Creative Cluster and the Sarasota Film Commission will be shooting a short film entitled "Simply Sarasota" and would love the opportunity to work with local filmmakers and artisans on this community project. The project will be shooting within the next several weeks.  Exact dates will be posted soon. If you would like to contribute  your time, talent, or equipment, please contact Mark Marvel of The Backlot or Steve McAllister &  Tbone of Second Thought Productions.