Whitney White

Scene and Found

eyesonwhitney — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:26:35 +0000

Tracking down as many Off and Off Off Broadway Companies and spaces is an exciting project, but killing my feet! Here are two spaces I found this week.

The Gene Frankel Theater

Soho

The space is rented to many theater groups, founded by the seminal Gene Frankel whose credits include Broadway, Off- Broadway, Regional theaters such as the Arena Stage, and film.

The front of the theater, situated in the perfect area for a small avant garde space, the heart of Soho, where many creatives, fashionistas and tourists frequent.

Currently playing: Bridesburg

45th Street Theatre

Times Square

Home to many temporary and resident companies,

including the Michael Checkhov Theatre

Currently Playing: Teen Angel The Musical

Something Outrageous

On the Page

eyesonwhitney — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:32:53 +0000

Yesterday I did a reading of a new play with Eighty Twenty Productions. I can’t share too much, but the piece handled issues of race, infidelity, bare it all sexuality, and human development with grace and impeccable humour. It was nice to be sitting around the table again, focusing on the words on the page, and delving into a new character.

Some things that were kicked around the table….

“You really want to be a dad, I mean your character has baby -rabies”

“We met on Craigslist!”

“I felt like I was going to have to apologize to the actress who was going to play my wife, before we got started.”

“What happens to us when we go through a transition?”

The reading was in a building on Park Avenue South, there are a lot of beautiful establishings like this in the area.

Myself, the ladies of the cast and the fabulous writer, Angie Montgomery.

More to come,

Sizzle!

eyesonwhitney — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:13:49 +0000

And finally, we present Whitney’s official reel for 2012. It took us long enough but it was well worth the wait! Clips featured include: NBC’s The Playboy Club (Pilot, and Ep 1), and the Documentary on The House Theatre’s Girls vs Boys. All photography by Janna Giacoppo. Check it out!

What do you think? Let us know!

EyesonWhitney@gmail.com

Reflections on a Legacy

eyesonwhitney — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:40:04 +0000

My time in New York so far has been eye-opening in many ways. As I took time today to pay reverence to Dr King I found myself considering what his legacy means specifically for actors and creatives of color.

Here are some thoughts my colleagues shared on the meaning of MLK Day. Mine follows.

“The freedom to be accepted as I am in all my glory. I can do what I love and share it without watering myself down or only being accepted by select audiences.”

Tiffany Yvonne Cox, Actress based out of Chicago and works with UPROOTED.

“As a black actress I draw strength from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy. One of the greatest things MLK did was simply walking tall in his own skin. He renounced notions of inferiority because he understood who he was, and whose he was. He believed that everyone was a child of God and that fact alone entitled him to the fullness of life.

There are many who can only envision you in the boxes they create. There are some that don’t really feel your story is worth telling. Because of MLK’s life I walk tall. Even as I stand at a mere 5 ft. I hold my head high and I proudly tell the stories of those who didn’t always have the chance to. I’m simply grateful.”

Melanie Brezill, Actress based out of Chicago, soon to be featured in the Award winning musical The Book of Mormon.

“Not too long ago, people were kept from exercising their rights as humans. Fast forward a few decades, we have witnessed the election of an African-American president and improvements to gay rights legislation.

I am in the position to take advantage of the victories of our predecessors. I am a product of post colonial Nigeria and the Civil Rights movement. I create freely and unapologetically. Because of men and women like MLK, I am also free to critique the world in which I live in without fear of prosecution.”

Derin Adesida, dancer and actress, based in Lagos, Nigeria and Chicago.

“I remember his words from the Mountaintop Speech, ‘I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I’m happy, tonight.’ This man’s foresight and sacrifice is amazing. He looked in the face of hate and injustice and found a glimmer of hope for the future, hope for the generations that would follow. It is a beautiful notion that most of us rarely consider; living your life in service for another’s well-being.

As I remember this man, I spend a little time re-evaluating my life dreams and goals making sure that they are aligned with the idea of doing something for the good of others. It is easy to identify the problems with the world. Today I choose to focus on the ways I could be a solution!”

Patrese McClain, Actress based out of Chicago, soon to be featured in at St Louis Rep.

“Without Dr. King I would not be where I am today. As I start my first Off-Broadway show I can walk through the front door to get to my dressing room and not the back. I can have the same rights as any other actor in NYC, and have the freedom to do my passion without the cloud of racism over my heard. I can hold my head up high and say I am an actor, I’m black, and I’m Proud!“

Marisha Wallace is a Vocalist and Actress based out of New York, soon to be featured Off- Broadway in Sistas.

Now, I offer my own thoughts.

Dr. King was someone who was fully capable of carrying out acts of political and creative will. This ability is something that we all possess and the more we embrace it, the more empowered we will be.

Like Dr King we must be conscious and work towards leaving a legacy that performers of the next generation can build upon. It is not a burden, it is a privilege, and when things are difficult remember: the movement Dr, King initiated was marked by inspiration, defiance and resilience, three qualities will get you through.

Tales from the City

eyesonwhitney — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:18:41 +0000

Places…

dance call at Pearle Studios…

Lovely cafe in Brooklyn near the Graham stop…

People we’ve seen

Some special things

art at home…

an arrangement I made…

homemade cookies…

more to come : )

An Apple A Day

eyesonwhitney — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:15:32 +0000

Well, I am in NYC! All month I will be auditioning, exploring and making trouble.

Astonishingly I have already bumped into (literally) friendly familiar faces, colleagues from past projects, and new inspiring artists.

The pace here is astonishingly fast. Everywhere you look there are performers, creatives and young people with that hungry look in their eye. Staying in Brooklyn has presented a lot of perks but I can already tell covering ground is key. Looking forward to the hustle, the opportunity and above all the rush of being in a new place.

Sistah’s in Wicker Park

eyesonwhitney — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:41:40 +0000

Kicking around Wicker Park with Derin Adesida…

Enjoying the last of the holiday,

And looking for inspiration

A Special Thanks

eyesonwhitney — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:02:49 +0000

I wanted to take this time to say thank you to everyone who supported me this year. Whether you attended one of my shows, helped with resources or were one of the 3,500 people wolrd-wide who viewed my blog I could not have achieved all that I have this year without you.

2011 was my most successful professional year to date and I am thankful beyond words for the many opportunities I have had, and artists I have collaborated with. From Passing Strange, my first network television experience on the Playboy Club, to the most difficult dramatic role I have played to date in Educating Rita I have been challenged every step of the way.

I have learned a lot about the business of making art and the amount of sacrifice it takes to transform dreams into reality. The journey of an artist is long and unique to everyone. There is no absolute right or wrong way to go about your career and it is essential that in 2012 as you strive for your goals you give yourself the love and support you deserve.

Moving forward there will be a lot of announcements and changes to the site so stay tuned. As always I remain dedicated to entertaining you and sharing my art. May your 2012 be prosperous and challenging.

Special thanks to:

Bailiwick Chicago, Shattered Globe, Broadway in Chicago, Gray Talent Group, Alter Media, One World Productions, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Janna Giacoppo Photography, PR Casting, Claire Simon Casting, Melissa Foster- Boresi, Richard Corley, my wonderful friends and ever patient family.

Sun Times Best

eyesonwhitney — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:34:05 +0000

Special thanks to the amazing Hedy Weiss and the Chicago Sun Times for mentioning Passing Strange on their theater review for 2011!

“Bailiwick Chicago and director Lili-Anne Brown put a fresh, young, wholly believable face on “Passing Strange,” improving greatly on Stew’s autobiographical Broadway musical. “

Full article here!

Want more press? Check it out!

A new tag

eyesonwhitney — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:10:15 +0000

Check out Whitney’s page over at Chicago Theater Beat! It features a collection of reviews, videos, photos and more on her shows from this year and 2010. Special Thanks to the writers at Chicago Theater Beat for their hard work this year!

Got any feedback on shows from this year or 2010?