Download Press Release for The Awkward Party (1)

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mo Arii
Phone: (714) 900-9353 cell
STAGEStheatre: (714) 525-4484
Website: www.stagesoc.org
Email: [email protected]
December 5, 2016
The Awkward Party Has Their Cake and Who
Knows What Else at STAGEStheatre January 21March 4
Fullerton CA— Spectacles Improv Engine and STAGEStheatre join forces to
bring you some of the best improvisation performers in Orange County in an original unscripted play inspired by all the terribly awkward party moments you'd love
to forget opening January 21st.
Spectacles Improv Engine is one of a handful of Improv companies hooking up
these days with theatre companies to specialize in theatrical improvisation. Theatrical improvisation emphasizes acting "in the moment" and building believable
character relationships. Although usually funny, it can also be absolutely heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. And every night is different.
The Awkward Party is a play about adults not getting along. From the frayed
edge of politeness, the insecurity and frailty of the assembled will overcome civility, culminating in scenes of vulnerability and humor that live theatre is known for.
Inspired by Who Is Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, August: Osage County and God
of Carnage,The Awkward Party explores the human condition with one major
difference, as the audience meets these characters for the first time, so will the
actors. Every night the performance will be a wholly unique experience for both
audience and actor.
“I am invigorated by the challenge of this endeavor,” says Josh Nicols the creative force behind The Awkward Party. “This work merges two entities that have
been instrumental to my life as an artist. STAGEStheatre is a wonderful supportive home for many artists and Spectacles Improv Engine, the company that I cofounded and currently hold the position of Artistic Director. Scripted theatre and
improvisation are my two artistic loves. Good scripted theatre strives to feel like
improvisation, good improvisation strives to feel like theatre. In fact they have a
lot more in common than they have differences.”
“Scripted theatre brings with it the words of a talented playwright and confidence
of a prepared actor, unscripted theatre or improvisation affords the artist the immediacy of the moment and charisma of witnessing creation. In The Awkward
Party, the process asks the actors to become confident that being in response to
the moment creates a charismatic play. I am convinced that unscripted theatre
can be just as touching and powerful as scripted work, and that scripted work can
be just as alive and humorous as improvisation,” says Nicols.
Starring in The Awkward Party are: Kayleen Barlow, Samuel Forbes, Dennis
Johnston, Patricia Kelley, Caitlin Lopez, Aly Lovelace, and Matthew Thomas.
Tickets for The Awkward Party are $22.00, $20.00 for students and seniors.
Performances are Saturdays and Sundays January 21st and Jan 22nd, Saturday
at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 5:30 pm with additional performances Saturdays and
Sundays February 18th- March 4th, Saturdays at 5:00 pm and Sundays at 5:30
pm. To make reservations please visit our website at www.stagesoc.org
About STAGEStheatre: Celebrating its 25th year in business, STAGEStheatre
is one of Orange County’s most innovative community theaters. It produces
nearly 15 productions annually, showcasing local playwriting, acting and directing
talent. STAGEStheatre is, and will continue to be, dedicated to the development
of the artist. It is located at 400 E. Commonwealth in Downtown Fullerton (between Lemon and Balcom).
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