Philadelphia Artists Collective

ICYMI: Thank you to everyone that attended our online event of Alice Childress' TROUBLE IN MIND. We are accepting donations for BLM Philly up until 11:59pm TONIGHT (Monday the 26th). Help us finish strong! You can donate by clicking here. And Thank You! https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/donations-fo/

TROUBLE IN MIND is over but we are taking donations for Black Lives Matter Philly through Monday night at 11:59PM! Thank you to everyone who watched (over 260 registered!) https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/donations-fo/

"'The good old days.' The only good days are ahead." - Alice Childress TROUBLE IN MIND by ALICE CHILDRESS Directed by Amina Robinson... Associate Producer: Heather Helinsky, Dramaturg TONIGHT!!!!! Saturday, October 24 at 7:00pm Don't miss this ONE TIME online event. A story of the theatre, race and society at large, this show feels as timely as when it was first written in 1955. Please join us. Trouble in Mind is free to attend but you must register. You will receive a link today. Registration closes by 6:30pm. Any and all donations will benefit BLACK LIVES MATTER PHILLY. Trouble in Mind is produced with the kind permission of the following Performers’ Unions through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear on this program: ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS SAG-AFTRA 2020 This streamed reading was produced by special arrangement from the Williams and Woodard Families and SLD Associates LLC

This production could not have been possible without Heather Helinsky! Meet Heather, our Associate Producer for PAC’s virtual reading of Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND. Heather Helinsky (Associate Producer) is a freelance dramaturg based in Philadelphia and the current Literary Manager for Playwrights Foundation/Bay Area Playwrights Festival and the Contest Dramaturg for Jewish Plays Project, with an MFA degree in Dramaturgy & Theatre Studies from A.R.T./Moscow Art Theatr...e/Harvard. Fifteen years of experience as a professional dramaturg, specifically in the area of new play development, traveling widely around regional theatre, and focused on advocating for women playwrights and writers of color. Since 2010, she’s been a script reader for Sundance Theatre Lab, Seven Devils, Great Plains Theatre Commons, KCACTF, and the O’Neill. Notable production dramaturgy: Caridad Svich’s NNPN rolling world premiere of Guapa, Tira Palmquist’s climate change play Two Degrees at the Denver Center, PTC's production of Terrence McNally's Golden Age, and the development of JT Rogers’ Oslo. Since 2012, she has also been a guest dramaturg and teaching artist for the Kennedy Center, traveling regionally to festivals and reading for the Steinberg/David Mark Cohen award, the VSA Discovery series, and helped curate the Undergraduate Playwrights Workshop under Artistic Director Gregg Henry. In pre-Covid times, she was a Barrymore Judge for Theatre Philadelphia for two concurrent seasons, where she grew tired of how many productions centered on whiteness. ...My experience with Alice Childress is seeing her produced at regional festivals through the Kennedy Center’s program. I learned her story of being denied access to her Broadway premiere in the 1950s, not from my academic training program, but by reading KCACTF student dramaturgy production casebooks, and then wondering why Philadelphia hasn’t produced more Black female writers in my own hometown. Dramaturgs question, and we push for more inclusion, and I’m grateful PAC listened. Join us for TROUBLE IN MIND TONIGHT @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/trouble-in-m/ #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #MeetHeather #meetourassociateproducer #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet #meettheproductionteam

Last but certainly not least... Meet Daniel Kontz! The talented Daniel Kontz is responsible for the cool edits you’ll see as the Videographer for PAC’s virtual reading of Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND.... Daniel Kontz is a multi-disciplinary designer from London, England, who designs sights and sounds for clients in the theatre industry and beyond. Currently based in Philadelphia, he offers services across a range of media, including video production, photography, graphic design, theatrical sound design, & theatrical projection design. www.danielkontzdesign.com See the magic for TROUBLE IN MIND on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/trouble-in-m/ #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #MeetDan #meetourvideographer #makingzoomlooktheatrical #theatremeetszoom #zoommagic #lastbutnotleast #dantheman #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet #meettheproductionteam

Meet Sara Outing Sara wore many hats as the Set, Lighting & Props Designer for PAC’s virtual reading of Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND. Sara Outing is a scenic designer, fabricator, and puppeteer from Chapel Hill, NC. Recent and favorite scenic work includes CLICK (Simpatico Theatre), THE COLOR PURPLE and 2.5 MINUTE RIDE (Theatre Horizon), MARCUS/EMMA (InterAct Theatre Company), HOW WE GOT ON (Azuka Theatre, Barrymore nominated), and projects with The Greenfield Collectiv...e, Tiny Dynamite, and Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, and the National Constitution Center. Props and puppets have been featured by The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, EgoPo Classic Theatre, Lantern Theater Company, Orbiter 3, and Act II Playhouse, Hedgerow Theatre, and The Renegade Company, and the University of Pennsylvania. Sara is an alumna of the apprenticeship program at InterAct Theatre Company and of the University of Pennsylvania, where she also serves as an advisor and coordinator for the student performing arts. www.saraouting.com What interests Sara most about this play and her role within this production? Theatremakers have been hard at work exploring, defining, and pushing the boundaries of this new remote craft since the beginning of the pandemic. I feel up to the challenge of building upon what I've watched, heard, and learned. Hopefully the images we make here will contribute to that forward momentum! Join us for TROUBLE IN MIND on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/trouble-in-m/ #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #MeetSara #meetthelightingdesigner #andsetdesigner #andpropsdesigner #wearingallthehats #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet #meettheproductionteam

Meet Tiffany Bacon The multi-talented theatre artist and the Costume Designer for PAC’s virtual reading of Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND. Tiffany Bacon is a known Philadelphia radio personality and actress (attended Temple University) who officially began her fashion journey in 2003. She spent a few years at B101, more than a decade at Power 99FM and now she has her own show public affairs talk shows; Praise in the City. In addition to her dedication to the field of broa...dcasting, Ms. Bacon has served as a high school Drama/Dance/Broadcasting teacher, theater company founder, casting director, dancer, choreographer, costume designer, director, TV producer and actress. Tiffany is also dedicated to public health; she is a certified HIV Educator who works with a STD/HIV prevention education project for African American teen girls called SIHLE (see-lay) and a STE and pregnancy prevention program for teens called Plain Talk. Tiffany Bacon’s fashion line, Mo’Tiff Designs made it’s runway debut during the Lov’n My Curves Fashion Show in March 2018 then debuted her first fall fashion line, Accents of Africa, during Philly Fashion Week on Saturday September 29, 2018. You can find more of Tiffany’s designs here https://motiffdesigns.com Check out the amazing looks for TROUBLE IN MIND on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/trouble-in-m/ #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #welcometothe50s #Meettiffany #meetthecostumedesigner #costumes #servinglooks #bringittotherunway #historicalcostumes #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet #meettheproductionteam

Meet Trevor William Fayle Portraying the ever suffering Stage Manager Eddie in PAC’s virtual reading of Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND. Trevor is very relieved and grateful to have an artistic endeavor in this difficult time. A local Philly artist this will be his second collaboration with the PAC, having previously worked on their production of Tis Pity She’s a Whore. Thank you for supporting the arts! Love to Campbell.... Eddie is a hardworking eager and quick Stage Manager who has experience working in many different areas of theatre but you wouldn't assume that, judging from the director’s/ Al Manners constant berating. As tension escalates, will Eddie be able to maintain both his easy going attitude and the spirit of the cast? Join us on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/trouble-in-m/ #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #welcomeback #MeetEddie #stagemanagersmaketheatrehappen #eddiedidntdeservethat #benicertoeddie #astagemanagersjobisneverdone #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet

Meet Natajia Sconiers Portraying the well-dressed and cheeky veteran actor Millie in PAC’s virtual reading of Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND. Natajia Tay Sconiers is an Actress, Wardrobe Supervisor/Costume Designer, Artistic Associate with PAC and is from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Graduating with a BA in Theatre magna cum laude from Rutgers University, Natajia is a former Arden Professional Apprentice and has previously worked administratively with The McCarter Theatre.... She has performed as an acting apprentice with Delaware Shakespeare and has performed in past New Jersey and Philly Fringe Festivals. Natajia has worked in costumes and wardrobe at multiple theatres in Philadelphia and New Jersey including: Ignoble Artist, The New Freedom Theatre, The Rutgers University Theatre Department, and The Philadelphia Opera House. Millie sure knows how to make an entrance with her flashy mink coats and expensive watches given to her by her husband and her personality is just as distinct. Millie has no problem taking Sheldon or Bill O’Wray and although Millie expresses her dissatisfaction with playing black stock characters and demeaning dialogue in the play, is she willing to sacrifice her career and dignity when it's time to go head to head with the director? Find out on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/trouble-in-m/ #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #welcomeback #meetMillie #tiredofthebsbutmakeitfashion #round2withSheldon #round3withbill #dontcallherhoneychild #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet

Making theatre during a pandemic is no easy feat. Meet the incredible designers and production artists who are creating new ways to bring their work to your computer screen. And be sure to make your reservation this week. Trouble in Mind is a one-night event you don't want to miss. TROUBLE IN MIND by ALICE CHILDRESS... Directed by Amina Robinson Associate Producer: Heather Helinsky, Dramaturg Saturday, October 24 at 7:00pm https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/trouble-in-m/ Costumes, lighting, sound, videography, stage management, direction and dramaturgy - so much goes on beyond what an audience sees. Please meet our incredible production team. You can find more about the cast and production team on our blog. Director: Amina Robinson Assistant Director: Victoria Aaliyah Goins Costumes: Tiffany Bacon Dramaturg: B.J. Tindal Producer: Damon Bonetti Production Design: Sara Outing Sound: Larry Fowler Stage Manager: Jamel Baker Videographer: Daniel Kontz Associate Producer: Heather Helinsky, Dramaturg Trouble in Mind is free to attend but you must register. You will receive a link to the event on October 24th. Any and all donations will benefit BLM Philly. Trouble in Mind is produced with the kind permission of the following Performers’ Unions through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear on this program: ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS SAG-AFTRA 2020 This streamed reading was produced by special arrangement from the Williams and Woodard Families and SLD Associates LLC

Meet Peter Bisgaier Portraying apprehensive actor Bill O'Wray in PAC’s virtual reading of Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND. This is Peter’s PAC debut. Off-Broadway- Reservoir Dogs, Roberto Zucco (Empire Theatre Co.), Patience (Boomerang Theatre Co), Philadelphia area- 74 Seconds to Judgment (Arden Theater), Broken Stones (InterACT), Brighton Beach Memoirs, Kiss Me Kate, Fox on the Fairway (ActII Playhouse), Dracula (Delaware Theater Co.), Rumors (Montgomery Theater), AR...T, Chapter Two (Pegasus Theatre Company.) Wait Until Dark (Fulton Theater) Regionally-Horse Cave Theater, Phoenix Theater, Stella Adler Theater, Lincoln Amphitheater. Peter is Co-Artistic Director of Pegasus Theatre Company. He also directs, writes, teaches, and is a member of the improv team The Teachers’ Lounge. As the only cast member who stays consistently booked, you’d think Bill would be a bit better at charming folks! Unfortunately, Bill has a bad case of foot in mouth syndrome and his aloof behaviour may rub certain people the wrong way. Will Bill smooth things over and ultimately stand with his castmates? Find out on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://philartists-collective.ticketleap.com/trouble-in-m/ #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #welcomeback #meetBillOWray #footinmouthsyndrome #readtheroombill #dontcallmehoney #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet

Meet Kristen Phaneuf Portraying the young & energetic novice actor Judith/Judy in PAC’s virtual reading of Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND. Kristen Phaneuf is an actor, stage manager, and writer originally from Bucks County. She is overjoyed to be working with the PAC as an actor after stage managing their 2016/17 season and 2018’s MARY ROSE! Recent acting credits include Kattrin in MOTHER COURAGE (Subscension Theatre), Suzy in WAIT UNTIL DARK (Shawnee Theatre) and Fern u.../s in CHARLOTTES WEB (Arden Theatre). She is also featured in Disney Channel’s ZOMBIES Z-Cap and is an active screenwriter. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Zach and puppy Penny. www.kristenphaneuf.com Judy is thrilled to perform in her 1st professional production since her training at Yale and is eager to please the director. Judy’s liberal beliefs are tested when racist dialogue and offensive terms cause discomfort in the room. When feelings reach a boiling point will Judy’s support of her fellow black castmates stand up to the heat? Join us on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://tinyurl.com/y3tzm9wn #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #welcomeback #meetJudy #aspiringactorssknowbest #ifyoucantstandtheheat #bringagoodbook #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet

Meet Davon Johnson The young idealistic college graduate John who aspires to be the best at his craft, in PAC’s virtual reading: TROUBLE IN MIND. Davon Johnson is a Philadelphia based actor and a senior at Temple University, he will be graduating next spring with his B.A. in Theatre Arts with a Concentration in Acting. Davon’s most recent credits are Revolution Shakespeare's 154 Revisited, The Arden's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Montgomery County Community College's We Ar...e Proud to Present. Davon is excited to work on such a timely piece of work during this troubling time. John is a novice actor but is more educated than Wiletta. He usually feels superior to her and questions most of the advice she gives him about how to act around white people in show business. Though John and Wiletta come from the same town; growing conflict between Wiletta and the director, causes John’s loyalty to shift. Who will John align himself with in the end? Find out on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://tinyurl.com/y3tzm9wn #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind #meetJohnNevins #aspiringactorsknowbest #newintown # #pickaside #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet

Meet Dan Hodge Dan portrays the uncomfortably charming and problematic director, Al Manners for PAC’s virtual reading. Dan Hodge (Co-founding Artistic Director) is a Philadelphia-based actor and director with a strong foundation in the classics, who has worked with many classical theatres across the country as an actor, director, and text/vocal coach. As a director for the PAC: Duchess of Malfi, Timon of Athens, Mary Stuart, and The Rape of Lucrece, his one-man adaptation... of Shakespeare's epic poem. As an actor: Changes of Heart, Creditors, Fair Maid of the West. Dan holds an MFA in Acting from The Old Globe in San DIego, and his BFA in Acting from the University of Evansville. Barrymore awards: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play (Fair Maid of the West, 2015); Outstanding Leading Actor in a Play (Around the World in 80 Days, 2011); Best Ensemble in a Play (Glengarry Glen Ross, 2007). James Whitmore Award for Excellence: Peterborough Players, 2002. Craig Noel Award for Professional Promise: Old Globe Theatre, 2005. Al Manners is the director of Chaos in Belleville (the play within a play in TROUBLE IN MIND). Al wants to remain in control of the production at all times but his energy and confidence often come off as patronizing and insensitive despite his liberal declarations. When Manners’s self-assuredness is shaken several times, tensions come to a boiling point and expose some truths & biases the production may not be able to withstand Ponder over Hodge’s portrayal on Saturday, October 24th @ 7pm FREE to attend; ALL donations benefit BLM Philly ---> https://tinyurl.com/y3tzm9wn #phlpacattack #pactroubleinmind # #meetAlManners #largeandincharge? #youknowyoulovehim #ordoyou? #heroorvillain #allteaonvirtualstage #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatterphilly #meetandgreet