Flux Theatre Ensemble

Best Indie Theater Company You Don’t Know Whose Work You Should Get Your Ass To
The Flux Theatre Ensemble

"People who know him call him Gus, but his formal name is August Schulenberg. And, as the artistic director and one of the primary playwright-directors of the Flux Theatre Ensemble, he’s among the visionaries behind one of Off-Off-Broadway’s fastest-rising groups. The company’s mission might be a bit balanced toward the bathetic (“the transformative freedom of theatre to re-imagine the boundaries of human connection”), but it’s the product that really matters. From its startlingly original summertime revival of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Schulenberg’s latest play, Other Bodies, a Fringe Festival hit, this group isn’t destined to be in flux for long."

This is not only a lovely shout out from one of the theatre advocates I respect most, but also the second time this year that our mission statement has been called out on being, well, a little much. Ah, well, true. Add it to the agenda for next year's retreat!

But truer, after long days spent hanging lights and trying to figure out how to make fake snake meat; after short nights spent tossing and turning over tickets sales and press; after all the nerves strained and accommodations made; it is good to remember that we do our work in a city where people care, passionately, and are willing to say it out loud to whoever will listen; and the lesson is not just one of gratitude, but also of responsibility. Roll up your corn syrup blood stained sleeves, hitch the wrench back on your belt, and drink one more cup of coffee. Because there is an audience coming in a few short days who believe in your work enough to give you their time, and that gift demands whatever you got.

Hope to see you there. Read the full story

On Monday of this week, Angel Eaters Trilogy playwright Johnna Adams, and Angel Eaters actor Marnie Schulenburg and I visited the studio of nytheatre.com and indietheater.org impresarios Martin and Rochelle Denton to record a podcast. This podcast was hosted by Trav SD, and also features interviews and performance excerpts from "The Complete Performer," "Time Step," "East 10th Street," "The Most Damaging Wound," and "As We Speak.

To listen to the podcast, just click this sentence and kick back with a cold drink or a hot coffee.

Angel Eaters is the second company featured on the podcast, and you can hear Marnie read an excerpt from Angel Eaters as her character, Joann. Thanks to Rochelle's editing, I sound much more coherent than I actually was; but Johnna's talk about growing up as a neighbor of President W was unfortunately cut. However, that was undoubtedly to make room for the other excellent companies, which include the fascinating Axis Company and a tap number! Check it out, and while your online, why not buy some tickets? Read the full story

Looking for something to do while waiting for Flux's Angel Eaters Trilogy to open? Look no further! Our good friends over at Impetuous Theater Group are staging a series of one acts in a haunted former public school. Not only are there plays written by Imagination Compact veterans Brian Macinnis Smallwood and Bekah Brunstetter, but one by lil' ol' me! AND, my play is directed by Isaac Butler and features great actors like Polly Lee and Carissa Cordes. It's a great idea, an amazing space, and a fun night out for Halloween. Most importantly, it's a chance to support another wonderful Indie theatre company. Impetuous has a new Artistic Director in long time Flux friend John Hurley, and I can't wait to see what they do next. Read the full story

Well, I don't know about you guys, but I am super-pumped about the Angel Eaters Trilogy opening in ONE WEEK. It hadn't quite sunk in just how close we are to opening until I found myself at the Union Square PetCo earlier today, trying on a mountain climbing harness (backwards) in combination with various dog leashes, under the tutelage of Angel Eaters fight choreographer Mike Wamser.

"What?" you say. "Climbing harness? Dog leashes? Tutelage?" Yes, and surely all of the customers at the store were wondering similar things. But such are the sacrifices we here at Flux Theatre Ensemble are committed to making, so that we may provide you with three weeks of safe, yet thrilling, theatre.

You can get tickets here, or by clicking on the little mini-banner ad to the right. Remember, much like the Cheese, each of these plays stands alone, but together, now like the Planeteers, their powers combine to produce something really special. I can't wait to see all of you there. Read the full story

SUPPORT THE COMPANY THAT SUPPORTS FLUX!

That's right, just when you thought the world was safe from Benefit Parties, our dear friends at Stages On The Sound are bringing the bingo Halloween magic hard. Flux owes a huge debt of gratitude to Stages for their continued support, so if you love Flux, head on down to St James to show bingo costume love.

From Stages website:
You are invited to STAGES' BOOS, BEER and BINGO night! Please join us at 7PM on October 25th, 2008 for Brooklyn Brewery Beer, old school BINGO with glorious prizes, and the chance to make new friends with the STAGES company and crew. Wear a costume and get 2 free bingo cards.
BOO!

$3 Admission

St. James Cathedral Pavilion
248 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
10/25/08
7PM

Stages on the Sound is a company of great artists and truly good people, so show support if you can! Read the full story

Rebecca McHugh as Melanie and Zack Robidas as Jeremy in 8 Little Antichrists Photo copyright Isaiah Tanenbaum BENEFIT DISCOUNT DEAL (Best offer of all!) Purchase FLEX TICKETS to one or more plays. This will secure your spot in audience, even if you are not sure which show you are attending! One show--$15 Two shows--$24 ALL THREE SHOWS--$30 CASH ONLY Must pay in full at benefit Dates subject to availability

Desiby Isaiah Tanenbaum

You are invited to The Angel Eaters Trilogy Benefit Party, hosted by Flux Theatre Ensemble Marnie Schulenburg as Joann in Angel Eaters Photo copyright Isaiah Tanenbaum Come on out this Sunday, and support Flux's final production in our Season of Transformation, The Angel Eaters Trilogy, by Johnna Adams. Plus, you will have the chance to purchase FLEX TICKETS (sold only at the benefit) and see all three plays for only $30! Sunday, October 19, 7pm-11pm The Gin Mill 442 Amsterdan St (bet 81 & 82 Sts) Admission: $15 AWESOME DRINK SPECIALS! $1 Drafts in mugs! Half off the entire bar the whole night! Free food! RAFFLE PRIZES-Purchase raffle tickets HERE Cash Prize! Gift Certificates to NCH Fine Jewelry and Crafts AND MORE! Jason Paradine as Osley in Rattlers Photo copyright Isaiah Tanenbaum The Angel Eaters Trilogy By Johnna Adams Three plays in repertory November 3-22 Wings Theater 154 Christopher St Tickets $18 Click here to view performance dates Angel Eaters Directed by Jessi D. Hill Rattlers Directed by Jerry Ruiz 8 Little Antichrists Directed by Kelly O'Donnell Can't make the benefit? You can still get a great deal with our online ticket package See all 3 shows for $40--Click here for more info

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