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TriBeCa Arts Center Looking for Writers and Performers for Fall Workshop

By Irene Plagianos | August 26, 2014 10:04am
 Director Mario Giacalone snaps a shot of 2013's performers. The Writers in Performance workshop will hold auditions for its 2014 cast on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.
Director Mario Giacalone snaps a shot of 2013's performers. The Writers in Performance workshop will hold auditions for its 2014 cast on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.
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Tribeca Performing Arts Center

TRIBECA — A new workshop is giving writers and performers a chance to sharpen their skills and take center stage. 

The Borough of Manhattan Community College's Tribeca Performing Arts Center will host auditions next month for a free 12-week writing and performing course that will culminate in two performances at the 199 Chambers St. theater.

“We look for a diverse group of talented people,” said Mario Giacalone, the center’s programming director, who’s been running the Writers-in-Performance workshop since it began about seven years ago. “We look for people who are passionate and excited about what they are doing — some have a lot of experience, some are novices.”

Those auditioning must perform or read an original piece, but the work can be just about anything, said Giacalone. People read monologues, short stories, poetry and blog posts, and some sing songs they've written.

Giacalone said he usually gets about 60 people auditioning each year, ranging from teenagers to seniors.

The chosen group, usually about 12 people, will meet for three hours once a week for writing and performing classes. The group will then create a show in December, with each participant performing a piece and some collaborating with each other.

"We've had people who are working actors or writers, and others with totally different day jobs, like an aide to a city councilwoman," Giacalone said. "But I'm always impressed with their talent, and how seriously they take the workshop."

Auditions will be held by appointment on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18. To schedule an audition, contact Mario Giacalone at mgiacalone@bmcc.cuny.edu or by calling 212-220-1459 on weekdays from Sept. 9 to 16. For more information, visit the theater's website.