Archive for 2012

Help us reach our $12k fundraising goal

Monday, December 31st, 2012

After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”  ― author, Philip Pullman

Click here to make a tax-deductible donation today or send a check to SpeakeasyDC at 1525 Newton St, NW, Washington, DC 20010.  Your support enables us to sustain current programming, keep our organization vibrant, expand our reach, and deepen our impact.  Help us reach our end of the year goal of raising $12,000 by Dec 31 2012.

WHY donate? 

We asked some of our most generous and loyal donors to help us answer this question – why donate — and here’s what we discovered (Read more on our blog in our “Why I Give” series):

I donate to SpeakeasyDC because I can’t imagine being without Speakeasy DC in my life.  Because I know I’m going to be seeing some of the best storytelling anywhere in the country. – Renata Lana

I donate to Speakeasy DC because it gave me, as well as hundreds of other everyday folks, an opportunity to share our stories and unusual experiences.   –Ann Belkov

I donate to SpeakeasyDC because it offers an intimate glimpse into someone else’s life… and a shared experience. I give because I want to help ensure it doesn’t stop happening.  – Gina Cavalier

I donate to SpeakeasyDC because I believe in the art form and they continue to prove themselves as the most legitimate, trusted, and authentic storytelling group around. – Mike Kane

Click here to make a tax-deductible donation online or make a check out to SpeakeasyDC and send to 1525 Newton St, NW, Washington, DC 20010.

WHAT does my money go towards?

We work hard to provide for our community of storytellers and storytelling enthusiasts. Our admission revenue is exemplary for a non-profit like ours, but it still covers less than 70% of our budget, and it doesn’t allow for growth or long-term planning and investment. That’s why we need your support.

This has been a year of innovative ideas and exciting partnerships with shows like Unraveled, a story-improv mash-up with Washington Improv Theater, and SpeakeasyShorts, a partnership with DC Shorts and the DC Film Office to pair filmmakers with storytellers to turn their stories into short films.  We were also a finalist for the DC Mayor’s Arts Awards.

The new year promises to be even better, starting with our most ambitious event ever:  a show at the legendary 9:30 Club on January 6. Top Shelf showcases eight stories that have been selected by jury as the best of the year. This is soon followed by our 5th annual Sucker for Love Valentine’s Day special at Dance Place, our fourth run in the INTERSECTIONS Arts Festival at the Atlas, and a performance at Woolly Mammoth that will run in conjunction with their run of Mike Daisey’s latest play. Add to that, more learning and performance opportunities, more free podcasts featuring live performances and interviews with storytellers, and lively discussion and insight on our blog.

With your support, we can accomplish great things for our city, our community of storytellers, story enthusiasts, and more.

Donate today! 

DONATION LEVELS & BENEFITS

Please visit our sponsorship page if you would like to give on behalf of your business.

Bringing Down the House $1000 and above

  • One season pass for two to SpeakeasyDC’s monthly event (2nd Tuesday of every month.)
  • VIP seating at all of our events (upon request)
  • Two tickets to a special event (e.g. Intersections Festival, Top Shelf, etc. – contact us one week in advance)
  • Recognition in event programs and on SEDC website
  • Invitation to annual Friends of SpeakeasyDC appreciation event
  • Invitation to events not open to the larger public (eg. student showcases, receptions, happy hours)
  • Joining SEDC in achieving mission and strengthening ties with SEDC community

Encore Performance $500 – 999

  • Two tickets to a special event (e.g. Intersections Festival, Top Shelf) (contact us one week in advance to arrange)
  • Two passes for 2 to attend one of our monthly events at Town Danceboutique (2nd Tuesday of every month. More info on website)
  • Recognition in event programs and on SEDC website
  • Invitation to annual Friends of SpeakeasyDC appreciation event
  • Invitation to events not open to the larger public (eg. student showcases and volunteer happy hours)
  • Joining SEDC in achieving mission and strengthening ties with SEDC community

Standing Ovation $250-499

  • Two tickets to a special event (e.g. Sucker for Love, Best of ) (contact us in advance to arrange)
  • One pass for 2 to attend one of our monthly events at Town Danceboutique (2nd Tuesday of every month. More info on website)
  • Recognition in event programs and on SEDC website
  • Invitation to annual Friends of SpeakeasyDC appreciation event
  • Invitation to events not open to the larger public (eg. student showcases and volunteer happy hours)
  • Joining SEDC in achieving mission and strengthening ties with SEDC community

Hootin’ & Hollerin’ $100-249

  • One pass for 2 to attend one of our monthly events at Town Danceboutique (2nd Tuesday of every month. More info on website)
  • Recognition in event programs and on SEDC website
  • Invitation to annual Friends of SpeakeasyDC appreciation event
  • Invitation to events not open to the larger public (eg. student showcases and volunteer happy hours)
  • Joining SEDC in achieving mission and strengthening ties with SEDC community

Whistles & Cheers $50-99

  • Recognition in event programs and on SEDC website
  • Invitation to annual Friends of SpeakeasyDC appreciation event
  • Invitation to events not open to the larger public (eg. student showcases and volunteer happy hours)
  • Joining SEDC in achieving mission and strengthening ties with SEDC community

NOTE:

Gifts will be recognized for one calendar year from date of gift. if you’d prefer not to be listed in our programs or on our website.

Please email us at [email protected] if you DO NOT want to be recognized publicly when you make the gift. We will assume we have permission to include your name in our list of donors unless otherwise instructed.


 

Posted in Event Posts | No Comments »

SpeakeasyShorts Film Challenge Recap

Monday, December 31st, 2012

SpeakeasyShorts

In November 2012, we tried out a new idea: to pair filmmaking teams with a storyteller and give then five days to make a film inspired by their story. Thanks for our talented storytellers and the participation of some of DC’s finest filmmaking teams, the event was a huge hit.  The filmmakers talked about how challenging and fun it was to have a true story from which to build a script. Storytellers got the chance to see their stories interpreted in a new way, through a different medium. The audience got to see the stories live, then a week later, watch the films, so we all got to be part of the anticipation and get a window into the creative process.  And we all got to make some fabulous and creative new friends.  See post by Mike Kane for a storyteller’s perspective on the event. Check out the story-inspired films below. Click on the links to see the original stories (unfortunately, we don’t currently have original recordings of Stephanie Garibaldi or Vijai Nathan).

Man of Letters – Grand Prize Winner
Based on a true story by Adam Ruben
Film created by Big Honkin’ Films
Austin Bragg, Director

When a man who loves words decides to venture into the world of competitive Scrabble, his good nature quickly turns flagitious, iniquitous, maleficent, repugnant.

Read More

Posted in Blog Posts, Recaps & Reviews | No Comments »

Giving Thanks

Wednesday, December 26th, 2012

by Meredith Maslichme and amy

I give to SpeakeasyDC because of Amy Saidman.

In case you don’t know, Amy is the Executive/Artistic Director of SpeakeasyDC. She’s also often a stage manager, a catering manager, a director, an administrative coordinator, an emcee, a grant writer, a teacher, a volunteer coordinator, a mediator, a (somewhat reluctant) blogger, and a general pick-up-the-slack-er.

She’s a bundle of enthusiasm and energy with a clear and unshakable vision for this organization, a passion for first person storytelling and an unwavering commitment to high production standards and valuing her artists. Read More

Posted in Blog Posts, In The Community, Tales From The Field, Why I Give | No Comments »

Speakeasy Storycast #42 – Vijai Nathan: Beware

Friday, December 21st, 2012

 

Subscribe thru iTunes | RSS Subcription link | Speakeasy Storycast website

vijai_WOT

Episode #42 of SpeakeasyDC’s podcast features a story by and conversation with Vijai Nathan. Her story is about a young Indian girl’s efforts to break into show biz at her all-white elementary school.

The day that Vijai Nathan showed up on SpeakeasyDC’s doorstep is a day that will live in infamy. It was love at first phone conversation. Vijai had just moved back to the DC area after living in New York City for many years where she had been working the stand-up comedy scene and touring her solo shows. Trying to settle in and find a place to perform in DC, she somehow stumbled upon us and called our head coach, Stephanie Garibaldi. “Amy, we’ve got to get this woman on stage. She’s hilarious,” Stephanie told me. I was thinking… ok, sure, everybody and their mother says they are a comedian and thinks they can tell a story. We’ll see how this goes. Read More

Posted in Blog Posts, Podcast | No Comments »

Standup vs. Storytelling: Part Three – Audience

Thursday, December 20th, 2012

by Dustin FisherGreatApes01

I once read about an experiment (somebody else read it and told me about it) where five gorillas were placed in a metal cage with a cement platform in the middle of it. Above the platform were bananas. Any time one gorilla climbed the platform to get the bananas, the others were administered an electric shock. Soon, anytime a gorilla would head toward the platform to get a banana, the other gorillas would swoop in and give the offending gorilla a Cesar-style beatdown.

Gorillas were then replaced one at a time. Of course, the new gorilla would head toward the bananas and WHAM-O!! Welcome to the party, pal. Eventually all the original gorillas were replaced with new gorillas that hadn’t even experienced the electric shock because it had been turned off for days. Yet, they still beat up any ape who tried to take the forbidden fruit. Read More

Posted in Blog Posts, Tips of the Trade | No Comments »

Why I Give

Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

By Rachel Wilcox

I give for the love of three things that SpeakeasyDC has and perpetuates: authenticity, diversity, and community.

I give because I value the authenticity that SpeakeasyDC brings to entertainment.  Because the storytellers get up and tell their own stories – funny stories, poignant stories, weird stories, true stories.  I value that truth, unvarnished, frankly because it is rare.  And I so admire the guts of the tellers to get up and share their truth.

I give because I value the diversity of the tellers and the audiences.  So many of the tellers’ stories resonate with me, Read More

Posted in Announcements, Everyday Stories, In The Community, Tales From The Field, Why I Give | 1 Comment »

My So-Called Jewish Life

Saturday, December 15th, 2012

GET TICKETS

Sixth & I and SpeakeasyDC present the fourth annual night of funny, poignant, powerful, and peculiar autobiographical stories about all things Jewish, not-so-Jewish, and wanna-be Jewish on the last night of Chanukah. Featuring Soupergirl founder Sara Pollan, ABC Correspondent John Donvan, Interim Food Editor for the Washington Post Bonnie Benwick, Peace Corps Recruiter Melia Egger, LivingSocial Managing Editor Eliot Stein, Program Manager for Pro-Active Performance Hillah Culman, and The Sports Reporters co-host Andy Pollin. $17 in advance; $20 at the door

My So-Called Jewish Life
Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
600 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Saturday, December 15
8.00 PM
Tickets in advance – $17
At the door – $20

BUY TICKETS

 

SpeakeasyDC participates in CultureCapital.  Your link to the Arts in Metro DC.

Posted in Event Posts, Performance, Special | No Comments »

Class: Storytelling Boot Camp – A one-day crash course in the art of telling a story

Saturday, December 15th, 2012

Saturday, December 15, 2012
9:30am-4:30pm (with 45 min lunch)
Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church
900 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, DC 20001
$150 if paid by December 1
$165 AFTER December 1
18 students max with three instructors

REGISTER ONLINE or send a check to SpeakeasyDC to 1525 Newton St. NW, Washington, DC 20010. Pleeeeez include an address, email, and phone number on the check, plus write “Boot Camp – December 15, 2012″ in memo. Thanks! 

REFUND POLICY: SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill.

Interested in telling your personal stories but can’t commit to our four-week Storytelling 101 course? Storytelling Boot Camp is the perfect one-day kick-in-the-ass to get you started telling stories. In this class you will leave with:

  • Several story ideas for future development
  • An understanding of story structure and the qualities of a good story
  • An idea of different ways to go about developing your story
  • Multiple ideas from your peers and the instructors about how to strengthen your story
  • Experience using character in your stories
  • One story that you have practiced three times and begun to shape
  • A better ear for storyNew friends and creative network

GETTING THERE:

Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church (MVPUMC) is very close to the Gallery Place/Chinatown or Mount Vernon/Convention Center Metro stations. Metered street parking may be available, but might not be easy to find. There are paid lots in the area. NOTE: The entrance is hard to identify. Mount Vernon Place Church has a newer section attached to the older building. The class is in the newer part. If you are on Mass Ave. looking at the building, that means to the right. There’s an entrance in front of the circular driveway. You may think it’s not the same building, but it is.

Posted in Event Posts, Storytelling Boot Camp | No Comments »

Monthly Show: ‘Tis the Season – Stories about the holidays

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

Tickets available at door; cash only

A night of true tales told live

December 11, 2012
Doors open at 6:30pm, Show starts at 8pm
at Town Danceboutique
2009 8th St, NW,Washington, DC, 20009 (near corner of U Street)
$15 cash at door

  • Must be 21 and must have ID.
  • Bring-your-own-food. When possible, we will arrange a food truck and let you know on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Full bar – credit or cash
  • There is an ATM on the premises.
  • Wheelchair accessible

Driving: Parking on the street or paid lot next door for $15.

Metro: Take Green or Yellow line to U St/Cardozo and exit on 10th Street side. Walk two blocks east and turn left at 8th St. It’s the second building on the right.

To sign up for open mic

Fill out  the online form in advance using the drop-down box to indicate the night you want to perform. You will have seven minutes to tell your story. We are strict about this, so don’t go over or you will be cut off. Also, you must tell a true story (again, it’s not a stage for stand-up, poetry, readings, fiction, or folktales) and you must incorporate the theme. You will be contacted 3-4 weeks before the specified show to arrange a  free (and mandatory) coaching session with our Education Director, Stephanie Garibaldi.  She can be reached at [email protected] if you have any questions (Please do not use this address to sign up. This is only for questions.)

Thanks to Alexander Morozov for photographing our shows.

Tentative line-up (alphabetical order)

townLOGOwoodLOres-3w logo-alexander

Posted in Announcements, Event Posts, Open Mic, Performance | No Comments »

Why I Support SpeakeasyDC

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

by Katie Kelly

I believe Speakeasy is successful because of its vibrant community. This community includes the talented tellers, hard-working staff and instructors, willing volunteers and an appreciative audience.

When I first started coming to Speakeasy 4 years ago, I was impressed by this sense of community and well, I wanted to join it! At first, I was just an audience member and then I built up the confidence to perform. Read More

Posted in Announcements, Everyday Stories, In The Community, Why I Give | No Comments »

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