by Amy Saidman

We didn’t win. But, it’s ok, because we’re all champions. No really, it’s ok. I mean, we knew it would be hard to beat out our competition: Art Enables, FotoDC,  Life Pieces to Masterpieces, and Post-Classical Ensemble.   In the end, it was Art Enables who took the day.  Hard to beat a group that gives adults with developmental disabilities resources and support to become visual artists and exhibit and sell their work.

The Mayor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement were given to legendary film producer and director George Stevens, Jr. and African Heritage Dancers and Drummers Founding Artistic Director Melvin Deal. Also honored were former mayor Anthony A. Williams and a lawyer named Paul Jorgensen who had something to do with all the painted elephants and asses around town. Read More

by Amy Saidman

We need YOU! Yes you, you gorgeous people with fascinating, sweet, hilarious, and unbelievable life experiences that you want to share on stage in front of a room full of strangers.

We have several special events planned from November through March and we are getting started now so that we can vet the best possible cast for each show. Some of you may only be familiar with SpeakeasyDC’s monthly series at Town Danceboutique but, friends… I’m here to tell you the good news Read More

by Amy Saidman

If there were an emoticon to show me jumping up and down, I’d use it. (Would you know what I meant if I said JUAD?). Why? Because we have so many jump-worthy things in the works for the next few months/year. For starters, we are a finalist for the DC Mayor’s Arts Awards! (This is when I break dance on my head with a sassy cross-legged finish). After three prior attempts, we are finally getting this recognition. Mark your calendars for September 13 and plan to be at the Lincoln Theatre in your best Academy-Awards-outfit Read More

by Amy Saidman

I’m about to say all the wrong things.  In the rule-book of fundraising, I am supposed to craft letters with lots of underlined phrases, bolded words, and

stand-alone “calls-to-action.”

I’m expected to be perky and positive, like Good Morning America, and the message should focus on the donor’s perspective of our impact and value.

While it’s true that we are doing remarkably well with lots of great shows and education programs, big ideas, and a ton of energy, what I’d really like to do is have a moment of pure candor, Read More

by Amy Saidman

After an embarrassingly long hiatus, I’m thrilled to report that we have been working on new podcast episodes. By “we”, I mean me and our new producer, Emily Friedman (who you may hear on WAMU from time to time). By “hiatus” I mean…. um… almost exactly two whole years. Sad, I know… but let’s not dwell on the past because the future is looking bright and exciting. Subscribe now to the Speakeasy Storycast  thru iTunesor our RSS feed, and you will be among the first to hear our new episodes (it’s free).

On May 4, 2012, we will feature an SEDC favorite by Adam Ruben, affectionately known Read More

by Amy Saidman

There has been a lot of conversation in the media and the theater world about Mike Daisey’s performance of the Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs and the discovery that it contains a considerable amount of fabricated information. The questions being debated: Does it matter? What is the obligation of the storyteller to adhere to the truth? Are the rules different for journalism and theater? If the story inspires action towards a greater good, does that make it acceptable? As the director of a storytelling organization that teaches and presents the art of true, autobiographical story performance, these questions are of particular interest and concern. Read More

by Amy Saidman

photographybyalexander.com

If I were a Muppet, I’d be one part Animal and one part Statler (or Waldorf). I’m either as excited as a kid on Christmas or an insufferable crank voicing disdain for all things large and small.

When it comes to blogs, I was the latter: “I don’t get it. Who has time? Why do people expose themselves so much? Who    reads this crap?” I have since had an epiphany: perhaps the problem does not lie in the platform, but in me. You see, I  can write, and I spell like a champ, but I read at the speed of a drunk on barbiturates wearing swim goggles. So, in my down-time, I’ve never considered reading something on a computer screen as one of my top 5 leisure activities. A stash of snacks must be at the ready to keep me awake through any material over five paragraphs. Given this fact, my rants have had no base in actual evidence. So, with the help of some prodding by my far smarter friend, Meredith, (and a humiliating defeat in an arm-wrestling duel — don’t try it, her biceps are fierce), we have come to this fine day to present you with the SpeakeasyDC blog.  Yay!

Now that I’m on board and have been thoroughly schooled on the wonder and beauty of the blogosphere, I honestly can’t wait to read all the insightful, informative, and hilarious posts that will be written by our line-up of clever and blog-savvy contributors including our Editor-In Chief (aka Blog Bizatch) Meredith Maslich (said arm-wrestling champ), Mike Kane, Stephanie Garibaldi, John Tong, and more. This will be a place for storytellers to talk trash, swap advice, share ‘behind-the-scenes” stories, review shows, and stay in the loop. We hope this will become a valuable resource for fans of storytelling and aspiring performers alike. So, let’s do this. I’m ready to stop heckling from the balcony and get wicked crazy on this blogging drum.