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Rogue Theater Festival & RiffRaff NYC

A Call for Scripts: Immigrants in America

RiffRaff NYC and the Rogue Theater Festival are thrilled to announce their upcoming short play festival focused on the theme: Immigrants In America. We are seeking 10 original scripts, each 15 minutes in length, to be showcased in this exciting event.

Festival Details:

  • Dates: First week of December, Dec 5-8 (Thursday-Sunday)

  • Jury/Audience Vote: A vote will determine the best show.

  • Award: One piece will be invited to expand their 15 minute play into a full-length, and given a slot to perform (free of charge) with the Rogue Theatre Festival, Summer 2025, at the Flea Theater. 

Submission Guidelines:

  • Length: 15 minutes

  • Characters: Maximum of four

  • Inclusion: If selected, at least one of the actors you cast must identify as an immigrant in America.

  • Language: English must be the main language, but other languages can be incorporated

  • Set Design: Keep it simple.

Responsibilities: If selected, playwrights are responsible for casting, finding a director, bringing props, and any additional production elements.

Marketing: While we handle overall marketing efforts, selected playwrights/groups are encouraged to actively promote their pieces alongside us.

Financial Contribution: A $200 fee is required upon selection to secure your spot in the showcase.

Submission Process:

Please submit your short plays by September 30, 2024, including a brief synopsis and a character breakdown. Submissions should be sent to riffraff.nyc@gmail.com.

Selection Process:

We will review submissions and select ten plays for the showcase. We are particularly interested in engaging, thought-provoking works that bring unique perspectives to the theme.

If you have a compelling story to share, we want to hear from you! Join us in celebrating the diverse and rich experiences of immigrants in America through the power of storytelling.

RiffRaff NYC | Redefining Theater in the Big Apple

RiffRaff NYC, a trailblazing theater company in the heart of the bustling, ever-evolving landscape of New York City, is capturing attention with its unwavering dedication to amplifying immigrant voices and celebrating cultural diversity through the art of storytelling. Co-founded by the dynamic duo Dorothea Gloria and Joe Staton, this innovative company embodies the transformative power of theater, using it as a medium to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and shine a light on the multifaceted experiences of immigrants.

At the core of RiffRaff NYC’s mission is the commitment to feature at least 50% immigrant actors in every production, a bold and necessary step towards inclusivity and representation in an industry where opportunities can often seem scarce for those hailing from diverse backgrounds. This dedication not only enriches the company’s productions with authenticity and depth but also provides a platform for talented actors to shine, share their stories, and connect with audiences on a profoundly personal level.

Francesca Bolam's New Play DREAM CARD to Debut At Court Square Theater

CHLOE RABINOWITZ, 21 FEB 2024

Francesca Bolam's new play, "Dream Card" is set to play at Court Square Theater after being selected by RIFFRAFF NYC. "Dream Card" is a compelling play that delves into the lives of three British immigrants as they navigate building their lives in New York.

Set against the backdrop of bureaucratic relationship challenges, cultural adjustments, and personal sacrifices, the play explores the unique stories of these individuals as they try to put roots down and establish home.

Bolam says "the most important theatre to me is one that challenges the narrative, that exposes what makes up a person. We look at people and we don't know their experiences in the slightest. We don't understand what they've left or how hard it is to stay. Being an immigrant artist in NYC, this story is close to home for me. I feel extremely grateful I get to share the stage with an incredible cast, one that also shares these similar experiences of what it means to create a place for yourself."

Cast includes, Francesca Bolam (VICE TV, Hoyt St) Chase Naylor, (Tight Five, Hudson Guild) Natasha Jain (The Butcher, Andrew Bliss) and Umberina (Remembering Morgan, Downtown Urban Arts festival and founder of Chaand Theatre). Bolam is reunited with Joseph Fusco (Agatha Christie’s The Stranger -Players Theater - BWW Award-Nominee Best Production, To Live For- UCPAC, Hoyt St -Theatre Row, Teatro Latea) who will be directing the piece.

"Dream Card" will play March 8, 9 & 10th at 7PM at Court Square Theater. 

"RiffRaff NYC's Shakespearean Bash: A Personal Odyssey into Immigrant Artistry!"

VERA HUNT, 13 DEC 2023

Hello, fellow culture enthusiasts! Today I’m gonna be talking about the fabulous night I spent at RiffRaff NYC's recent fundraiser showcase at the hip Nubox Theater in Hell's Kitchen. Get ready for the deets because it was an absolute blast!

This showcase is the first of many that RiffRaff is planning, and at the moment they are using these events to raise money for their first, full-scale, production, which was announced recently to be Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

Joe Staton and Dorothea Gloria, the creative masterminds behind RiffRaff NYC, are on a mission to amplify the voices of immigrant artists in the realms of both theater and film. And let me tell you, their showcase was like a sneak peek into the magic they're brewing for their first full-scale production.

Close your eyes and picture this: a mixtape of scenes, songs, and monologues from a plethora of Shakespeare plays, all intricately woven into a tapestry of talent. It wasn't just your run-of-the-mill night at the theater; it was an immersive journey into the world of the Bard, spun by a crew that's all about celebrating diversity.

What really struck a chord with me was the dedication to giving immigrant actors a stage. RiffRaff has promised a 50% immigrant cast for every production, and this particular showcase featured actors from the US, UK, Israel, Belgium, France, the Philippines, Mexico, and Italy.

Now, let's dive into the stars of the evening. Every actor was a showstopper, but here are a few personal faves that left me buzzing:

Danielle Kendler-Rhodes, a British/Israeli actor, was an absolute revelation. From the spine-chilling Witch 2 in Macbeth to the side-splitting Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream (sporting a bear onesie that deserves its own accolade!), she was a powerhouse. And can we talk about her heart-wrenching turn as Arthur in King John? This was particularly delightful, not least because King John is so rarely done, and yet she and her scene partner (Amandalyn Mclellan, who played Arthur in that scene, and also Helena in the Midsummer scene - she was an incredibly powerful presence in both cases) proved that King John deserves as much recognition as some of Shakespeare’s other, more popular plays. Congratulations!

Hraban Luyat, who played Lysander in the Midsummer scene, deserves a shoutout for bringing his own colorful flair to the stage – literally! Those boxer shorts were a riot, adding a playful touch to a fantastic performance.

In As You Like It, Mila Besson as Rosalind and Adriana Ellis as Celia were a dream team. Besson lit up the room, bringing Rosalind's wit and charm to life. The chemistry between these leading ladies was palpable and added a layer of realness to the whole production.

The Much Ado About Nothing crew – Gal Yosepov, John Rearick, Gabriel Saint Claire, and Joe Mosley – had me in stitches. The camaraderie was infectious, and a special shoutout to Gal Yosepov who nailed it as Claudio. What a stage presence!

Now, let's talk feelings. Chrysi Sylaidi and Patrick-Troy Brandt as Cassius and Brutus in Julius Caesar had me on an emotional rollercoaster. The way they handled Shakespeare's language was like poetry in motion. Seriously, I was hooked.

Gilda Mercado deserves major props for her powerful monologue from Henry V. She owned the stage, commanding attention and leaving an indelible impression.

Gwendolyn Fitz serenaded us with her ukulele, and I was transported to the 1950s with her dreamy voice. If you're into retro vibes, follow her on Instagram @gwendolynfitzmusic and check out her Spotify – you won't be disappointed!

Last but certainly not least, major kudos to Chloe Champken, the director who made the whole showcase flow and transition effortlessly, almost like a Shakespeare Cinematic Universe. Hopping from one mesmerizing scene to the next felt very natural - she’s certainly a director who knows what she’s doing and I look forward to seeing what she does next.

Again, every player deserves a shoutout for all the hard work that they brought to this project! The stellar cast included Max Johnsson, Justin Viz, Danielle Kendler-Rhodes, Joe Mosley, Patrick Troy-Brandt, Chrysi Sylaidi, Russel Legaspi, Juliana Wheeler, Benedetta Spinetti, Joel Watson, Joe Staton, Mila Besson, Dorothea Gloria, Taylor Hilliard, Adriana Ellis, Haraban Luyat, Gilda Mercado, Annasole Podesta, John Rearick, Gal Yosepov, and Gabriel Saint Claire, and Gwendolyn Fitz.

Oh, and guess what? You can still be part of the magic. Follow RiffRaff NYC on Instagram @riffraffnyc, and if you're feeling extra generous, toss a coin to their GoFundMe, which has recently been released: (https://www.gofundme.com/f/j7h9d-riffraff-nyc-presents-a-midsummer-nights-dream). Let's keep the spotlight shining bright on immigrant voices in the arts!