I spent the past week at the Upper Jay Arts Center as a part of a residency for Emma Wiseman’s new show “Helicopter”
The arts center was really lovely and when we weren’t working we had a great time frolicking in the mountains. We got a lot of good work done on the play and left with a 20-minute filmed version of the beginning of the show.
Keep an eye out for more on “Helicopter” coming soon!
I spent the last two weeks running around with the company of The Mettawee River Theater Company as we threw together an intergenerational revue of scenes, songs, dances, puppets and masks from the past 45 years.
It was a joy to get to be a part of this event and I am ever in awe of the legacy of Ralph, Casey and The Mettawee River Theater
I’ve spent the past 11 weeks hanging out with a fun, rowdy, creative, and silly group of 3rd graders from PS 3 as a teaching artist with Shadow Box Theatre. We made stories and sock puppets and had dance parties!
I’m sad to se these sweet little ones go but hopefully next time we meet it will be for in person classes!
After premiering the show at Dixon Place, “Bill’s 44th” got a glowing NYTimes review and is an official Critic’s Pick!
Here’s our STUNNING New York Times review
Created by Dorothy James and Andy Manjuck, the show centers around Bill as he throws his own 44th birthday party….but will anyone show up?
From the website: “The streamers are hung, the punch has been spiked, and the cake is just begging to be eaten! Now all Bill has to do is wait for his guests to arrive. Bill’s 44th is an original comedic show created and puppeted by Dorothy James & Andy Manjuck to create one very worried leading man - Bill. Many styles of puppetry, raucous balloons, and a cheeky piece of crudité all collide to examine the pitfalls of impatience, the wonder of loneliness, and the universal passage of time.”
Keep your eyes peeled for more Bill in the future!
For more about Bill check out the official website HERE.
After a lot of hardwork we’re finally sending “friend.” the series out the door to find some funding!
So far we’ve had meetings with Netflix, PBS Kids, and Cartoon Network. Nothing has panned out but the reception has been really wonderful!
Keep your eyes peeled for updates about the show! And if you know anyone who might want to help make it happen contact us at friendby3a3@gmail.com
In the meantime…..enjoy this trailer we made for the show:
“The Memory Trade” has premiered!
We had a really lovely virtual premiere alongside all of the other Handmade Puppet Dreams mini-commission films. Everyone did such great work and it was really nice to be able to celebrate together!
Keep your eyes peeled for hopefully more screenings this year!
“friend.” now has it’s very own instragram account!
Follow us @friend.theseries to keep abreast with all of friend’s adventures!
Photograph: © 2020 Freddie L Rankin II
After months of writing, planning, building and filming we have finally wrapped photography on “The Memory Trade”!
It has been quite a time. I have flexed creative muscles on this that have been dormant for a while. I think everything has been looking really wonderful and I can’t wait to start editing this story together!
I of course have to acknowledge the incredible for of my DP Mike Hayhurst and my everything else Joseph Lymous. These two made an incredible film team and I hope to make both of them proud with the final film!
Alright……to the editing room!!
I can’t we made it to opening! Tonight “Fly Away” had its first audience. It’s been an exciting and challenging road to get here but tonight, two LIVE AUDIENCES got to experience this story. I’m so proud of the team and honored to be a part of Derek Fordjour’s gorgeous gallery show.
Don’t miss this one if you can!
http://flyawayshow.com/
Photograph: © 2020 Freddie L Rankin II