Urban Possibilities @ The Geffen Playhouse 2013 “TOGETHER WE SHINE” An UP Fundraiser that Showcases Our Groundbreaking Partnership on LA’s Skid Row
Gabriel Contreras “Being on stage left me feeling like I could do anything! It would have never come to fruition if I had not been invited by the Geffen Playhouse to see what it is like to get on stage and get lost in your character or participate in the improv class and receive such expert coaching in rehearsals. When you support the students from Urban Possibilities there is an out pouring of gladness in the hearts of many hurting people living on Skid Row. May God richly bless you for your kindness and compassion.�
The Vision Twenty brave souls — all residents of LA’s Skid Row community (clients of Chrysalis and LA Mission) — will walk onto LA’s preeminent performance stage, The Geffen Playhouse, to deliver in front of Hollywood luminaries, philanthropists, and community activists, raw, from-the-gut performances that will change their lives --and impact the lives of those in the audience forever. The evening’s performances — a collection of essays, and spoken word poetry — is the culmination of the Urban Possibilities Empowerment Program, a 12-week class that combines success principles, creative writing, and stage performance taught by Urban Possibilities and The Geffen Playhouse for atrisk and homeless adults in Los Angeles’ downtown neighborhood. The program, held each week in the heart of Skid Row, requires each participant to commit to a journey of self-rediscovery and self-reclamation that will better prepare them to take charge of their own lives and pursue a productive future here in Los Angeles. Their journey is nothing short of transformational. Once hopeless and lost, each participant emerges from Urban Possibilities’ (“UP”) program vibrant and resolute. Their voices are now ready to be heard with original stories of tragedy, triumph and rising from the ashes in contemporary America. The audience will leave with a renewed sense of hope and a refreshed belief in the power of art to transform our community.
For those who cannot attend the event, our film cameras are there to capture the entire evening for later broadcast as a one-hour television special and/or a series of performance videos distributed online.
THE IMPACT OF LIGHTS UP The night is also a great opportunity to showcase another way that “Lights Up� impacts the community to interested patrons. They will feel first-hand how their investment is changing lives. And, not only will Geffen Playhouse teaching artists work to prepare the performers as they do for every class performance, for this show we will creatively collaborate to highlight their good work on stage and make sure their contribution is front and center. We could also include a Q&A of the actors and the creative team, if desired. A collection of short video packages will be shown throughout the night to introduce the audience to the new artists they will meet on stage and provide audience members an inside view of their journey. Features will include our UP Nights @ The Geffen Playhouse as part of the Lights Up Program (now in its fourth year) and the Geffen Playhouse Improvisation Night and Stage Preparation sessions which are now standard parts of our Empowerment curriculum.
Qiana Williams “I took acting classes in college but I can honestly say that I never experienced anything like our time with the Geffen Playhouse and their teaching artists” “The plays were fantastic! The Improv class was so much fun and really taught me a lot about being relaxed, confident and animated on stage. I improved so much because of that class. I am now able to think outside the box. But nothing compares to actually being on stage. It felt like a dream! Thank you so much Geffen Playhouse, for all that you do!”
SHOW PRODUCTION The performance will be a very streamlined show with no costume changes or elaborating lighting set-ups. We need a screen for video and students lit as they deliver their pieces.
Primary set-ups: Speaker: Center-stage; Up to two lav mics and/or overhead, if quality is acceptable. Performance: Center-stage; One lav mic and/or overhead, if quality is acceptable. Musical Performance: Center-stage; Audio dependent on TBD instrumentation. Video package playback with audio. Q&A: One lav mic on VIP and passed hand-held. All audio captured to ADR or similar multi-channel recording device via house board. Lighting optimized for stage performance and video capture. Video DP will be available during rehearsal to ensure minimal adjustments on performance night.
Dimson Velasco “I have only been on stage twice in my life, both of them with Urban Possibilities” “It exposed the man in me that I'd never met before. The improv classes help me to be prepared on stage. Without the help of Connor and Jennifer, I would have not performed the way I did. My mom and dad, sisters and friends watched a superstar on stage. I feel like a superstar because I am. (hello!) It really feels good to speak on stage with confidence! Thank you Geffen Playhouse, for teaching me the tools, providing me the coaching and giving me your time. It is a gift that keeps
on giving. Thank you!”
THE EVENING’S PROGRAM 5:00 PM
VIP FUNDRAISING RECEPTION IN THE LOBBY & VERANDA With Cocktails and Light Food Silent Auction
6:45PM
AUDIENCE SEATED
7:00PM
INTRODUCTIONS: Regina Miller, Geffen Playhouse Eyvette Jones Johnson Urban Possibilities PART ONE: Video Package Introduces Performers Students Perform Video Package Performance by Musical Guest
8:00
Intermission
8:15
PART TWO: Video Package Introduces Performers Students Perform Video Package
9:00PM
SHOW ENDS Book Signing
Christian Loftland “I am so grateful to the Geffen Playhouse and particularly Connor and Jennifer for all their support of Urban Possibilities” “The experience was unbelievable, the energy of the night and the exhilaration I felt was something I have never experienced. It was so awesome to be a part of a group that otherwise would not mix and feel the compassion and empathy of my fellow classmates. It helps me feel the same within myself. Thank you for everything that you have done for me and our class!”
EVENT PUBLICITY Urban Possibilities will first meet to understand the Geffen Playhouse’s goals and then create a plan to facilitate community outreach and public relations in conjunction with this event, keeping those promotional objectives in the forefront of all its activities. Together, we have the opportunity to promote the power of the arts and its positive impacts on citizenship, self-discovery, and an individual’s self-worth. Promotional activities will integrate talking points and publicity goals that will be mutually agreed upon in advance.
Alvin Pierre “Thank you Geffen Playhouse, for the opportunity to attend my first play. It was and an awesome experience. I would especially like to thank Connor and Jennifer for their support. I enjoyed the humor and Improv tactics they used to help me prepare for my performance. It has been an absolutely unforgettable experience! I've been inspired to keep writing and maybe even do some acting. It felt so good to be on stage, to see everyone so proud and happy to see me do a good job that's something different for once. It made me feel like I could really fly! Thank you and much love�
Desired Outcomes -A successful partnership that increases the awareness of The Geffen Playhouse’s outreach in the realm of philanthropy, community involvement, and connecting various LA communities. A fundraiser that helps Urban Possibilities continue its good work, and further establishes the Geffen Playhouse as an innovator in the theatrical community and as an important influence in underserved communities
A way for both groups to increase positive brand awareness through social media, promotion and publicity -Expansion of our partnership the Geffen Playhouse as we continue to extend our – reach to include other social service programs. -Introduce The Geffen Playhouse to new audience members.
Eric Day
Denise Hamilton
Eyvette Jones Johnson
Kim Sharp
Jess Ponce
Michelle Newman
Eric Day Co- Founder Trium Entertainment Urban Possibilities Board Member Eric Day is a Co-Founder of Trium, a new global independent multi-platform production company based in Los Angeles, where he leads their extensive digital and advertiser businesses. As former Director, Brand Strategy, on Microsoft’s Branded Entertainment & Experiences Team for the four years prior to launching Trium, Eric developed and executive produced more than a dozen innovative, award-winning original programming and interactive experiences for Microsoft’s media network, which includes MSN and Xbox Live. Eric was at the center of the collaborative partnership between leading entertainment companies and top consumer brands. He led creative development, distribution, brand integration & financing - and pioneered the secondary distribution of these original experiences to mobile and broadcast. Prior to Microsoft, Eric was most recently a Group Director with Omnicom’s digital marketing agency Tribal DDB, working directly with Fortune 100 brands, including Warner Bros., Sony, Clorox, Unilever, ING, Bank of America, and Johnson & Johnson.
Eyvette Jones Johnson TV Producer Founder & Executive Director Urban Possibilities Eyvette is a network TV producer whose resume includes shows for Paramount, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS and Quincy Jones Productions. Over the past decade she has produced programming for primetime network specials, celebrity profiles, variety shows and documentary TV. Her life was set on a new course when she wrote and produced “Four Mothers Stand Against Violence” for the 2001 Essence Awards - a story profiling mothers who lost innocent children to inner-city violence. Inspired by the women in that story, Urban Possibilities was born. Prior to a career in television, Jones was the driving force behind EAJ & Associates, a Chicago public relations consultant firm that specialized in PR strategic planning, business to business and convention publicity.
Jess Ponce TV Producer and Branding Specialist Partner, Media 2x3 Urban Possibilities Volunteer Jess Ponce is the West Coast Partner of Media 2x3, a niche production company specializing in talent packaging. He coaches, develops and manages personality brands. Jess also consults with global brands such as Nestle, HGTV, Publicist Worldwide, Universal Studios, The Ritz Carlton, CBS and Disney. With over 15 years experience as a TV producer and media consultant, Jess compliments entertainment industry knowhow with coach training to strategically promote businesses, leaders and experts through a methodology he co-developed called The A Factor. Jess is a professional coach, an international speaker and workshop facilitator specializing in personal branding and the art of authentic promotion. He attended UCLA and is a graduate of the Newfield Coach Training program.
Denise Hamilton TV Producer, Writer, Documentary Filmmaker Urban Possibilities “Lights UP” Liaison Denise Hamilton is a writer-producer for television, as well as playwright and stage director. Her work for TV has been produced for NBC and CBS affiliates in New York and Boston, as well as ABC and PBS. Most recently she wrote and produced “Race Relay”, a multi-media theatrical presentation on race relations for the City Of Los Angeles' Human Relations Commission. Her stage directing includes full-length plays, musicals and one-woman shows in New York and Los Angeles. Her multi-media theatre piece “Parallax: In Honor of Daisy Bates” is published in the anthology WOMEN HEROES: Six Short Plays, Applause Books, and was produced for the Women’s Project of the American Place Theatre in NY. Prior to working in television, Ms. Hamilton was active in arts administration, serving as a program director at the New York Foundation for the Arts, project director for the arts-in-education programs of the Roundabout Theatre Co., and Commissioner with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She presently serves as co-chairperson of the Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers-West.
Kim Sharp Kim Sharp is the owner and founder of Shift Events, an event management and production company who understands that your event is an extension of you, your company and your brand. With over 10 years experience as an event producer, Kim creates the right fusion between commercial and your uniquely personal style to create events that are unforgettable. The scope of Kim's events range from outdoor festivals that are attended by hundreds of thousands to intimate affairs corporate and community fundraisers. Shift Events focuses telling your story through your event.
Michelle Newman Founder and CFO, Pario Asset Advisors Urban Possibilities, Board Chair Michelle is a business development and strategic planning consultant with over 20 years experience. For the last ten years, Michele has consulted with nonprofit social entrepreneurs, small businesses, private loan funds, investors, real estate developers, banks, and investment banks. Whether for-profit or nonprofit, Michelle develops strategic business plans that incorporate sustainability, a business model that is scalable, and a network of professional and collaborative relationships with nonprofits, the public sector, corporate leaders, and small businesses. Prior to her current consulting work, she was a CFO and Shareholder of a real estate finance company, where she worked with developers and lending sources to fund commercial real estate loans. She also worked in corporate finance at Westfield Corporation as part of a development team for the acquisition of 18 regional shopping malls and the Financial Business Plan for their US Operations. Prior to Westfield, she was the Vice President of finance and operations for a private real estate investment firm and responsible for acquisition analysis, financing, capital sourcing, investor relations, project entitlement, construction, leasing, and asset management. Michele believes that a partnership between nonprofits and socially conscious for-profit organizations will be the catalyst for future social innovation.
Chris Claypool “Being on that stage with all the attention and eyes focused on me was almost indescribable! Just before I walked up, my heart was beating like a drum. I could feel the vibrations echo in my throat. The moment I stepped up to the podium all the stress and nervousness disappeared, replaced with confidence. I was able to just let it roll. Afterwards I could not believe the feeling of accomplishment that overwhelmed my soul. I actually was proud of myself and that is a feeling that has been missing for years. I now am looking forward to the next time I get to stand up on stage and share thoughts from my heart and my life.�
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THANK YOU!
“I was fortunate enough to be part of the 1st Empowerment class at the Los Angeles Mission. I will never forget the things I learned in the writer’s class and how the tools have enabled me to move on with my life. I would also like to thank The Geffen for making it possible to attend several plays that I enjoyed very much! I am currently the owner of MKD Computer Services, providing graphic design, computer repair, photography and audio visual presentations to individual and businesses throughout Southern California. www.mkdimages.com
Michael K. Dorsey
This Report Designed by Urban Possibilities Alumni Student, Michael Dorsey, Sr.