I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Sunday Scoop Post of 8/23/20 - Live and Virtual Events Coming Up This Week or Soon Thereafter and More

1) Ballet Hispanico School of Dance Online Fall Classes Registration Deadline 9/2
2) Bloomingdale School of Music Classes Begin 9/15
3) Brady Rymer and David Gibb  Songs Across the Pond Album Release Event 8/30
4) Escape Velocity Extra Program on Race and Resistance Science Fiction and More 8/26
5) Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskills Offers the Opportunity to Reconnect with Nature & More
6) Flat Iron District and Garment/Fashion District Free Virtual Tours
7) iPlay America Moonlight Movies
8) TRU Producer Development & Mentorship Program Submission Deadline 9/1
9) TRU Virtual Workshop Practical Playwriting 8/30


1) Ballet Hispánico 
School of Dance 
Fall 2020 Dance Classes
Registration Deadline: September 2, 2020

Ballet Hispánico's School of Dance announces the schedule for its Fall 2020-21 dance classes. Classes will take place online and in person, maintaining proper social distancing and following all CDC guidelines. More information is available awww.ballethispanico.org/school/school-year-programs/letter.

The Ballet Hispánico School of Dance is the direct link to the organization's values of access, opportunity, and pride for all students interested in dance and Latinx culture. The School is an accredited training center that leads with a holistic curriculum for today's young dancer.

Fall classes include:
  • Los Pasitos: Early Childhood Virtual Dance Classes (Ages 2-5)
  • Encuentros: Open Program Dance Classes (Ages 6-18) 
  • La Academia: Pre-Professional Training Program (Ages 7-23)
*Encuentros and La Academia classes will take place in-person and/or online as per recommendations from local, state and national government authorities and in accordance with the CDC.

"We continue to survive, because we continue to create," said Eduardo Vilaro, artistic director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico.

"COVID-19 may be keeping us home right now, but it does not stop our desire to be creative and connect. I am excited to be able to offer our Fall Online courses that will keep our students, of all ages, dancing and learning," said Michelle Manzanales, director of the School of Dance, Ballet Hispánico.

Ballet Hispánico remains committed to continue closely monitoring developments of COVID-19 along with the safety and health regulations mandated and suggested by our local, state, and national government. Plans are in the works and will continue to evolve as more information becomes available.

To ensure that students can have a fulfilling virtual learning experience, Ballet Hispánico extended its teaching practices, offered training to its teachers and staff, and put these practices into action through its June classes offered and July Summer Programs. Through feedback from its students, faculty, staff, and other colleagues in the field, Ballet Hispánico feels prepared and confident for more virtual learning as needed during the 2020-2021 School Year. 

Dance Program Offerings

Los Pasitos: Early Childhood Virtual Dance Classes (Ages 2-5) 
Fall Mini Session September 21 - December 12, 2020
https://www.ballethispanico.org/school/school-year-programs/early-childhood
Ballet Hispánico's Los Pasitos
Early Childhood Program for ages 2-5 merges creativity, cultures, and technique. Its curriculum focuses on developing coordination, spatial awareness, and musicality, with an emphasis on each child's individual self-expression. Students learn proper dance etiquette, explore the wide spectrum of Latino cultures, and build a solid foundation for dance training in a joyful, creative environment.
Encuentros: Open Class Program (Ages 6-18)
September 21, 2020 - June 10, 2021
Providing the young dance enthusiast with cultural enrichment alongside excellent dance training, the Encuentros Program at Ballet Hispánico offers something for everyone. Developed with the highest level of artistic excellence, our program supports dancers interested in taking anywhere from one to multiple dance classes per week. Offering a wide array of classes including Ballet, Flamenco, Hip-Hop, Latin Rhythms, West African Rhythms, Salsa, Jazz, and Tap, our students can create a tailored schedule to fit their needs.

La Academia: Pre-Professional Program (Ages 7-23)
September 21, 2020 - June 10, 2021
Ballet Hispánico's Pre-Professional division, La Academia, trains eclectic, versatile dancers who stand out in a competitive field of dance for their mastery of the classical ballet tradition, contemporary techniques, Spanish Dance, and performance skills. This program is designed to support students interested in attending performing arts schools, conservatory/university programs, and/or those pursuing a career in dance. High school and college-aged students that reach Level 5 in La Academia have the option of pursuing the full curriculum or one of three specialized tracks-ballet, Spanish dance, or contemporary.
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2) Bloomingdale School of Music
Virtual Fall Music Classes 
Beginning September 14
Available for All Ages and Levels of Experience

Bloomingdale School of Music will offer virtual music classes for the fall semester beginning September 14, 2020. Bloomingdale classes aim to educate students and instill discipline, fun and a passion for self-expression through music through high-quality instruction throughout the year. This fall in particular, Bloomingdale will offer options for early childhood learners, K-12 students, and adults, in addition to opportunities for intergenerational learning and classes where no prior musical experience is necessary. The School also offers virtual ensembles.  To register and learn more, visit www.bsmny.org/classes.

Bloomingdale School of Music will be completely virtual this fall and will continue to offer online learning options only, as The School has done successfully since the onset of the pandemic, pivoting seamlessly from entirely in-person learning, to more nearly 90% participation in virtual classes. 

Early Childhood
BSM will offer five days of Early Childhood class options, including options for the whole family to join in on the activity. BSM will continue to offer classes based in Dalcroze Theory, Music and Movement and Orff Instrument classes. 

Lecture-Based Classes for All 
BSM will offer over 20 lecture classes for students of all ages this fall. These classes are great for students new to music education with no instrument or private lesson experience, and also for those with one or many years of practice behind them. Topics include How to Listen to Music, Female Composers Throughout Music History, Música Americana: Alternative Repertoire South of the Rio Grande, Chopin and His Circle, Vocal Percussion and Rhythm Workshop, Songwriting Workshop, Music Business Essentials and Music Software learning experiences. Many of these classes are for students aged 14 to adult and will include mixed intergenerational groups. 

Theory Expansion 
BSM is excited to have three complete yearlong levels of theory to explore for students between the ages of 8 and 18. For adults, BSM will continue with its popular Intro to Theory. 

Performing Ensembles
Using the lessons BSM learned in the spring and summer semesters of creating layered videos for final performances, using weekly sessions for coaching and peer feedback, BSM is excited to be hosting its Trumpet Ensemble, Flute Choir, Broadway Ensemble and Guitar Orchestras again this semester. Chamber Music will return to BSM's offerings as well with a digital landscape where students will both be able to interact with each other while also exploring important repertoire for their instruments. 


MUSIC CLASSES FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

Baby's & Toddler's First Music Class
The first of Bloomingdale's Early Childhood Music classes, this course introduces the world of music to babies and toddlers.

Dalcroze Class
Bloomingdale's Dalcroze specialist Aaron Butler will present an online experience like no other for students ages 2 to 5.

Family Musical Adventures
Preschool age students explore the sounds and sights of music through responsive listening, imaginative play, movement and dancing, and song memorization.

Morning Music Makers First Half
Join Miss Patti for a weekly class while you're home together. Classes will be limited to 4 families participating, the experience will be tailored to the participating children.

Music and Movement
This class focuses on singing and dancing and introduces children to playing hand percussion instruments.

MUSIC CLASSES FOR CHILDREN K-12

Bloomingdale Broadway Ensemble
Dream of being on stage? The costumes, the lights the songs? Join other Musical Theater enthusiasts ages 13 - 21 to explore the Broadway repertoire through one-on-one private coachings and group sessions culminating in a virtual group and solo video performance. 

Chopin and His Circle
A musical perspective of Chopin's time through his early compositional days and the composers who influenced him: his precursor John Field, his teacher Joseph Elsner, and some of his contemporaries such as Mendelssohn and Moscheles.

Guitar Orchestra
Designed to accommodate a wide range of ages and skill levels, Bloomingdale's Guitar Orchestra presents music ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary compositions, original works for guitars, and arrangements of popular music.

Music Theory: Level 1
Music Theory is a hands-on investigation of the fabric of music, leading to greater musical fluency and a deeper appreciation of its inner structure. No prior theory experience necessary.

Music Theory: Level 2
Music Theory is a hands-on investigation of the fabric of music, leading to greater musical fluency and a deeper appreciation of its inner structure. Completion of Music Theory I or instructor recommendation required.

Music Theory: Level 3
Music Theory is a hands-on investigation of the fabric of music, leading to greater musical fluency and a deeper appreciation of its inner structure. Completion of Music Theory I and II or instructor recommendation required.

Música Americana: Alternative Repertoire South of the Rio Grande
A practical workshop on a broad range of Latin American repertoire.

Performance Class
Improve your performances by learning both the skills needed for impeccable presentation and methods to put them into practice. Students with prior experience on their instrument welcome.

Preparatory Flute Choir
Preparatory Flute Choir is the perfect group for beginner flutists looking for a welcoming ensemble experience.

MUSIC CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Adult Guitar Orchestra
The adult guitar ensemble explores a wide range of music genres from classical to folkloric music arranged for the classical guitar.

Female Composers Throughout Music History
Female Composers throughout Music History will explore the history of females in composition, providing specific study on selected composers and listening examples to be discussed in depth.

Flute Choir
Join this welcoming, fun, and supportive ensemble of flutists! Weekly practice together gives flutists of all ages the chance to explore flute ensemble repertoire.

Great Pianists of the 20th Century
Dive deeper into the piano world, get to know important pianists and influencers. Great Pianists of the 20th Century will be a fascinating journey through music history and an exploration of fascinating personalities that have shaped music and piano playing.

Jazz Ensemble
The jazz ensemble is a place where students can explore music in the jazz tradition, particularly bebop, post-bop, latin and Brazilian styles.

Music Appreciation Series: How to Listen to Music
Bloomingdale Resident Teaching Artist, Marc Peloquin, leads a series of 4-week music courses designed to give students a basic understanding of music and inspire an appreciation for music through a variety of musical styles.

New York Story
We will experience nearly 120 years of music, explore the inspiring and dynamic New York classical music scene.

Vocal Percussion and Rhythm Workshop
Using vocal percussion techniques from the traditional music of India and the Middle East in combination with walking and clapping, we'll use our body's built in instruments to confidently create and improvise upon rhythms. 
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3) Songs Across the Pond Album Release event with 
Brady Rymer and David Gibb

A virtual concert for all ages!
Free admission; donations accepted.

Sunday, August 30 at 5 pm to 6 pm ET

Description:
Three-time Grammy nominee Brady Rymer teamed up with acclaimed UK folk artist David Gibb for a fun album called "Songs Across the Pond." They'll celebrate this new album as part of the "Live from Brady's House" livestream series. Brady and David will be singing songs, sharing music videos, and talking about the process of how they made this album together from New York and England. All the way from Cornwall, England - across the pond -- David  will say "hey there"  and join Brady for a song. The show will be streaming live and then archived on Brady Rymer's Facebook and YouTube channels. 

Tune in an hour before at 4pm ET for the Pre-Show Video Watch Party. The duo will roll through their music video history with a few surprises thrown in.  
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4) Garrett Wang (Ensign Kim from Star Trek: Voyager) Joins Tim Russ (Star Trek: Voyager) and Peter Macon (The Orville) For Escape Velocity Extra Online Program, Wednesday night, August 26, 7:00 p.m. ET

Two-Hour Feature to Explore Academia and Pop-Culture Sci-Fi Focus on Race and Resistance

Actor Garrett Wang, best known as Ensign Harry Kim from Star Trek: Voyager, will join Tim Russ from Star Trek: Voyager and Peter Macon from The Orville for Escape Velocity Extra (EVX) as the online program takes a comprehensive look at race and resistance in science fiction.

 

Scheduled for Wednesday evening, August 26, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET, Wang will bring an Asian-American perspective to the second session of the program which is entitled Policing Blackness: Incarceration, Resistance, and Respectability Politics.  

 

Escape Velocity Extra is an ongoing program of the Museum of Science Fiction, a virtual, non-profit Washington, D.C. based organization that uses sci-fi popular culture to drive public interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  The opening hour-long session, moderated by Aisha Matthews, Managing Editor, Journal of Science Fiction will feature a frank discussion on policing, respectability politics, and liberation in science and speculative fiction literature, film, and popular culture with authors and educators Isiah Lavendar III, andré carrington, Lisa Yaszek and De Witt Kllgore.  

 

Wang, Russ and Macon will participate in the second hour-long session.

 

Session #1 is open to the public and free of charge.  Session #2 requires a $5 tax deductible donation to the Museum.  Russ, Wang and Macon will be available for paid one-on-one fan engagements following the program. 

 

For additional information, or to register, please visit https://escapevelocity.events/evx/.

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5) Fall Foliage at the Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskills 
Reconnect with Nature wihe New Ashokan Rail Trail, Birding Guide 
& More

Emerson Resort & Spa is located two hours north (and an easy drive) from NYC in the Catskill Mountains, and recently reopened.  As a 20-acre luxury boutique property where guests can reconnect with nature with plenty of open air and space to responsibly social distance, the Emerson recently launched their Stay Safe Pledge,” which outlines the details of their new health and safety protocol, as part of their reopening.


During the vibrant Upstate NY autumn season, the Emerson is extending their 3-Night Midweek Special. When guests book for three nights at the property, they’ll receive the 3rd night free (either on Thursday, Sunday or Monday), since the Emerson is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at this time for weekly deep cleaning and sanitizing as part of their Stay Safe Pledge. The special is valid until November 23rd.


During the vibrant Upstate NY autumn season, the Emerson is extending their 3-Night Midweek Special. When guests book for three nights at the property, they’ll receive the 3rd night free (either on Thursday, Sunday or Monday), since the Emerson is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at this time for weekly deep cleaning and sanitizing as part of their Stay Safe Pledge. The special is valid until November 23rd.


Lastly, the Emerson will soon launch their “Brookside Wander” streamside project this fall, which is in partnership with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the Ulster County Soil & Water Conservation District. Within a protected environment, guests can walk through and learn how native vegetation stabilizes stream banks and provides down-stream benefits (such as prevention of flooding.) The Emerson is incorporating this experience into their ongoing nature walks to educate guests on topics such as invasive species, protection of the watershed, butterflies, bee pollinating and birding.

 

For more information go to https://emersonresort.com/

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6) FREE VIRTUAL FLATIRON District tour and FREE Virtual Tour of the NYC Garment District With History + Education + More

Michael Kaback MikesNYCtours@yahoo.com is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Flatiron District FREE Virtual Tour
Time: Aug 24, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 783 871 0856
Passcode: 9fnQB4

Michael Kaback MikesNYCtours@yahoo.com is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: FREE Virtual Garment/Fashion District NYC Educational History Tour
Time: Aug 27, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 783 871 0856
Passcode: 9fnQB4

For more information, visit Mike's NYC Tours
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7) Announcing Moonlight Movies

A whole new drive-in movie 

experience only at iPlay America!







iPlay America announced today the newest feature of the The Great Return to fun – drive-in movies every Thursday and Friday night starting Thursday, August 27. Everyone’s favorite films will play in iPlay America’s parking lot beginning at sunset (close to 8:15 PM). Gates open at 7 PM for cars to get the best spots and order food and drinks from iPlay America’s Game Time Bar & Grill.

The line-up of movies includes Secret Life of Pets 2, Despicable Me 3, Jumanji – The Next Level and more. Tickets are available online at $25 per car in advance, $30 per car the day of the movie. Two UNLIMITED non-redemption video game passes are included with the purchase of every Moonlight Movies pass.

iPlay America’s Game Time Bar & Grill will be open during Moonlight Movies with full-service outdoor dining and takeout. Food may be ordered in advance, and Bring Your Own Snack Passes – which allow guests to enter with their own food – may be purchased as well.

Tickets go on sale Friday. For the full list of movies scheduled and for rules and regulations, see iPlayAmerica.com/moonlight-movies/.
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8) Theater Resources Unlimited
announces
Producer Development & Mentorship Program
Submission Deadline September 1, 2020

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU), in collaboration with four-time Tony Award-winning producer Cheryl Wiesenfeld (The Heidi ChroniclesRockyAll the WayThe Gershwin's Porgy & BessVanya & Sonya & Masha & SpikeElaine Stritch: At LibertyThe Exonerated), announces the Producer Development & Mentorship Program (PDMP), which provides ongoing training for serious producers and self-producing artists taught by Broadway, Off-Broadway, and other industry professionals. Classes will be held virtually until the shutdown ends, and students from beyond the New York area may continue to attend virtually. The submission deadline for both classes is Tuesday, September 1, 2020. For more information, visit truonline.org/tru-event-category/pdmp/

A FREE introduction to the program will be help virtually on Thursday, August 20, from 5pm to 7:30pm, an opportunity to learn first-hand about the two programs we offer, from instructors R. Erin Craig, Jane Dubin and Jennifer Isaacson. Reserve at truonline.org/events/intro-to-pdmp20/. 

PDMP consists of two levels: Foundations, which is open to everyone interested in producing, and Master Class, which is open for graduates of the Foundations course, with limited openings for people who have taken previous TRU workshops, the Commercial Theatre Institute 14-week course, or a combination of other CTI courses. To request an application for Master Class, or to inquire about the program, email TRUMentor@gmail.com.

The Foundations Course

The Foundations course will be led by producer/consultant/former general manager 
R. Erin Craig of La Vie Productions (Himself and NoraStalking the BogeymanMr. Rickey Calls A MeetingAusten's Pride, Academy, Right Before I Go benefit in October 2017).  An associate instructor will be announced soon. 

The Foundation's application may be downloaded here: PDMP.Intake.Form2020-21. To apply, please fill out and email to TRUMentor@gmail.com (be sure to add your name to the document name when you send it). Additionally, please send a resume emphasizing your theater and business experience.

Click here for Foundations Class tentative curriculum and schedule. Classes will most likely to be Tuesday nights, 6:30pm-9:30pm, twice a month (subject to change).

Foundations Price: $295 for new members, $245 for returning members and students. The program will meet one evening of each month from October through July - that's 10 sessions ($29.50 per session). You must also be a paid member of TRU, currently $95/year.
The Master Class

The Master Class, for PDMP Foundations graduates and other eligible candidates, will be led by Broadway producer Jane Dubin (The Prom, Tony-winning The Norman ConquestsFarinelli and the King, BandstandPeter and the Starcatcher and An American in Paris; plus Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, The 39 Steps,
Ann; upcoming: Fingersmith) and Jennifer Isaacson, producer (Moulin Rouge!An American in ParisHedwig and the Angry Inch starring Neil Patrick Harris, ANN
The Norman Conquests; off-Broadway The 39 StepsBeebo Brinker Chronicles).

Students must have a specific project they are moving towards production.  Self-producing artists will be considered if they are working on a specific project. 

Click here for Master Class tentative curriculum and schedule. Classes will be on Monday nights, 6:30pm-9:30pm as currently planned, twice a month (subject to change).

Master Class Price: $425 for new members. Limited to 12 full participants. (Adjunct memberships available - you attend all sessions on a non-participating auditor basis, $295.) Meets once a month from October thru June - 9 sessions (less than $50 per session). You must also be a paid member of TRU, currently $95/year.

Candidates may be asked to come in for an interview. 

If finances are a concern, payment plans can be arranged, and there is limited financial aid available. Click here for the Scholarship Application (a limited number of partial scholarships are available). Email TRUMentor@gmail.com with questions.
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9)Theater Resources Unlimited
presents a virtual workshop
Practical Playwriting: How to Write for Commercial Production
Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 1pm

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents a virtual workshop, Practical Playwriting: How to Write for Commercial Production, on Sunday, August 30, 2020 from 1:00pm - 4:30pm EDT via Zoom, open to playwrights everywhere. Reserve a spot on the event page at truonline.org/events/practical-playwriting-2020v/ and fill out the registration form at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScu6k_sW2h7 dsNqfZMdwqEYVWXyR5OCyRpxtKCkjPsYomdbtQ/viewform. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

What often holds playwrights back is that they rarely consider the person who will buy and produce their product: the producer.  With all the work, hope and sweat they invest in considering character, theme and plot, playwrights rarely take into account producibility.

This one-day intensive will be taught by TRU Literary Manager Cate Cammarata and commercial producer Patrick Blake (The 39 Steps, My Life Is a Musical, Bedlam Theater's Hamlet/St. Joan, The Exonerated, In the ContinuumPlay Dead) founding artistic director of Rhymes Over Beats.

WHAT IS PRODUCIBILITY? - The fact that producers always ask this question, and playwrights hardly ever do, causes a serious disconnect between the commercial producer and most playwrights.
WRITING TO A MARKET - We will ask each playwright questions he or she has probably never considered before: What is your market? Who is going to buy tickets? Who is this play written for?
HOW TO SPEAK "PRODUCER" - Understanding the producer's point of view, and learning to look at your work from a more objective perspective may increase your chances of getting produced.

For more information about TRU membership and programs, visit www.truonline.org
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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.

1 comment:

  1. All of these types of events are stuff that I absolutely love and I encourage my family to do with all the kids! thank you for posting! :)

    ReplyDelete