For a first production, we did pretty well, if I do say so myself. It doesn't seem like much, but we raised $410 for the Sexaul Assault Center. Still, according Jennifer Cantrell, their education coordinator:
"Here is the impact that $410 can have on the work that we do:
$410 will provide four hours of therapy to a client who cannot pay for the services.
$410 will provide over 400 activity books to children participating in our in-school curricula (the equivalent of about 15 classes).
$410 will provide an elementary school with an entire kit of curriculum or a high school with two kits of curriculum.
Those donations will go a long way in helping us promote our programs and counseling services. Thank you, again."
We have found that much of our audience is mostly composed of people to whom our creative team is directly linked. So, whether you were friends or family or fans of our Facebook or even Martin's radio show, you probably knew us before we even opened our mouths or our keyboards. On the other hand, our familiar contacts did end up bringing some of their friends and family, like one woman who was visiting her sister from Arkansas. I believe she was our furthest visitor to date.
With that in mind, I think our marketing and advertising needs to take a radical shift to take advantage of direct networking and word of mouth tactics. So, if you see us in t-shirts or giving us business cards or talking up the show when it's not necessarily in season, well you'll know why. We want more people to know and enjoy the goodness that is Stand and Deliver.
This time around, we were told that the music was a good add and the quality seemed about the same as Read Our Lips . We've never claimed to be professionals, so to know that we were articulate and meaningful in our expression.
Here are some of our audience reviews:
" Thanks so much for inviting me! And for having it really. I got a lot out of it."
"I have always been aware of gender roles and their effects, but a few stereotypes got by me that this show brought to my attention. The idea that guys are supposed to be players for example. I never saw that as a stereotype, just as a way of life for some men, but I definitely see it now. It's all over the place. You can see them re-enforcing it among themselves constantly...."
"I am curious about a few things though...did/do Japanese men really knit? I am so telling people this to thwart their gender role thinking and prove how powerful culture is, but I want to be sure it's true (and I'm too lazy to do my own research that someone else has already done)....
Finally, how much of those monologues were based on truth? Some of them were just heartbreaking. I had tears in my eyes at one point. Even if it is all fictional, it got it's point across.
I suspected that there must have been some truth to the pieces, but I've been deceived before. It brings the show to a different level, and much more heartbreaking in some cases. ..."
And to answer the question. Yes, every piece was based on Truth, whether it was a personal testimony, like "3 Step Program" which discussed male sexual abuse or based on research, like "In the Kitchen With Stand and Deliver" which explained the formation of semen, or mixed items "like "Uncut Facts" which talked about circumcision. I guess we'll see what issues come up next year. See you in the autumn, when we begin preparing for Read Our Lips.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Director’s Note
“Stand and Deliver” has been a very interesting show to develop. Magda and I have done “Read Our Lips” for the past two years (a local show inspired by the “Vagina Monologues”), and it became clear that the men needed a chance to speak about themselves, too. We have taken the organizational template of “Read Our Lips” and applied it to “Stand and Deliver.” We preserved our core values of gender diversity, raising money to support an organization that works to end violence, and the belief that everyone has something important to say and when they say it with authenticity, it becomes profound.
To that end, we assembled our cast of four men, two women and a transperson, and began the process of teasing out what each cast member had to say about penises, the condition of having a penis, and the condition of being a man. Each cast member wrote their own pieces for the show and developed them through rehearsals.
We found that refuting the stereotype was a predominant theme throughout the show. Thinking about this, I realized that a big part of the feminist project has been unpacking the definition of “what a woman is,” but our social definition of manhood has not undergone a similar process. Because of this, several of our cast felt the need to innumerate the stereotypical qualities of a man before they could move into the meat what they had to say. The word “stereotype” is actually said enough to feel repetitive. However, each of these pieces actually addresses a different aspect of the stereotype, including sexual performance, orientation, physical characteristics, and manly activities.
Additional themes that popped up included male stoicism and emotional constriction, the ways in which society sorts us into gender roles based on our anatomy, and violence against men. Just as much humor as pain came out in what we all had to say, and the show uses monologue, dialogue, puppets, poetry, and music to express the wide range of our experiences.
What most profoundly affected me about this show was learning about violence against men. Just as “Read Our Lips” donates our proceeds to a charity that works to end violence against women, we wanted to donate the proceeds of “Stand and Deliver” to a charity that works to end violence against men. Magda is a librarian, and even with her googlemancy we had trouble finding such charities. We only found one in the Nashville area, the Sexual Assault Center, who treats everyone regardless of gender. The money we raise will be especially earmarked for the part of their program that deals with men and boys.
I knew about the scandal in the Catholic Church, but that was about all I knew. Through doing this show, I learned that the well-known statistic of “1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime” is only half the story. An appalling 1 in 6 men will suffer sexual abuse before age 16. Once again, I found myself thinking that sexual abuse against women is in our social awareness because activists have spoken up about it and worked on it, but that sexual abuse against men has not received nearly the attention. Just as the gender definitions and stereotypes of women have been deconstructed more effectively than those of men, so too the issue of violence against women is more visible than that of violence against men.
This has all made me more passionate than ever about working on gender issues and equality. I firmly believe that rigid ideas about gender do violence to us all, and that we need to work to end violence against everyone. Speaking up about our own experiences, both funny and tragic, sheds light and raises awareness about gender issues, and I believe that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard.
Chelsea Loves, Director
To that end, we assembled our cast of four men, two women and a transperson, and began the process of teasing out what each cast member had to say about penises, the condition of having a penis, and the condition of being a man. Each cast member wrote their own pieces for the show and developed them through rehearsals.
We found that refuting the stereotype was a predominant theme throughout the show. Thinking about this, I realized that a big part of the feminist project has been unpacking the definition of “what a woman is,” but our social definition of manhood has not undergone a similar process. Because of this, several of our cast felt the need to innumerate the stereotypical qualities of a man before they could move into the meat what they had to say. The word “stereotype” is actually said enough to feel repetitive. However, each of these pieces actually addresses a different aspect of the stereotype, including sexual performance, orientation, physical characteristics, and manly activities.
Additional themes that popped up included male stoicism and emotional constriction, the ways in which society sorts us into gender roles based on our anatomy, and violence against men. Just as much humor as pain came out in what we all had to say, and the show uses monologue, dialogue, puppets, poetry, and music to express the wide range of our experiences.
What most profoundly affected me about this show was learning about violence against men. Just as “Read Our Lips” donates our proceeds to a charity that works to end violence against women, we wanted to donate the proceeds of “Stand and Deliver” to a charity that works to end violence against men. Magda is a librarian, and even with her googlemancy we had trouble finding such charities. We only found one in the Nashville area, the Sexual Assault Center, who treats everyone regardless of gender. The money we raise will be especially earmarked for the part of their program that deals with men and boys.
I knew about the scandal in the Catholic Church, but that was about all I knew. Through doing this show, I learned that the well-known statistic of “1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime” is only half the story. An appalling 1 in 6 men will suffer sexual abuse before age 16. Once again, I found myself thinking that sexual abuse against women is in our social awareness because activists have spoken up about it and worked on it, but that sexual abuse against men has not received nearly the attention. Just as the gender definitions and stereotypes of women have been deconstructed more effectively than those of men, so too the issue of violence against women is more visible than that of violence against men.
This has all made me more passionate than ever about working on gender issues and equality. I firmly believe that rigid ideas about gender do violence to us all, and that we need to work to end violence against everyone. Speaking up about our own experiences, both funny and tragic, sheds light and raises awareness about gender issues, and I believe that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard.
Chelsea Loves, Director
Monday, April 20, 2009
Out & About
Well, the publicity slowly grows...
See this article in Out and About. Unfortunately, they don't mention the Sexual Assault Center, but those people that come to the show will definitely learn about our father charity.
See this article in Out and About. Unfortunately, they don't mention the Sexual Assault Center, but those people that come to the show will definitely learn about our father charity.
Monday, April 13, 2009
We've been on the radio, folks...
Our dear Alex Brooks has been the Voice of Stand and Deliver for the last two weeks. If you didn't catch him on WVRU (91.1 FM) on the April 5th for "Nerd Prom" or April 11th for "Out of the Closet" (aka "Queer Talk"), make sure to tune in to hear him spread the gospel on "Pocket Ninjas" on an upcoming Friday night. We'll let you know the date and time as soon as we have it confirmed.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Our cast...
Chelsea Loves, Director, is a passionate non-man-hating feminist and co-producer/director of Read Our Lips for the last two years. She firmly believes that men are people, too, and that there are important things to be said by penises as well as vaginas as we all navigate the shifting sands of gender. Enthralled by decadent pleasure, she loves women and men, featherbeds, and the free and honest expression of people.
Magda Oakewoman, Producer, is proud to be an egalitarian feminist which means she like boys, girls, and pretty much any groovy person, who respects joy, beauty, and love no matter the genitalia. She is not really a hippie- just a librarian, who desperately seeks balance. As the director of "Read Our Lips" for the last two years, she thoroughly relishes her role as the Virgo producer and Dionysian performer for this show.
William Prater, Venue Coordinator, has been in over 40 productions, all around Nashville and the surrounding areas. He has produced and performed in The Laramie Project, helping raise over 5,000 dollars benefiting The Matthew Shepard Foundation. He is also part of Can't Stop The Serenity, a global fundraiser for Equality Now. He is always happy to use the Arts to help entertain and educate the masses and wishes to thank Magda and crew for yet another opportunity in that effort! Oh, and L.U.D.
Alex Brooks is a native Nashvillian and a proud male member of this fine cast. Before now most of his production experience has been behind the scenes, doing backstage work or musical accompaniment, so this is really his first foray into both writing and acting for a show. He's quite excited about this but is trying hard to hide the evidence. His next major writing project after Stand and Deliver will be an updated version of his resume, which will be performed in an H.R. office near you.
Kell Coulter is a proud member of the metal band Circle of Signs and a budding devotee to Kali. An accomplished musician, dancer, and actor, Kell brings to Stand and Deliver a burning love of Death Metal and long history of theatre, opera, film, television, and musical performance (both solo and in groups). Though afflicted with Gender Dysphoria, Kell is blessed to be part of a supportive Community while trudging the road to happy destiny.
Martin Holsinger is a member of a team that violated the ban on contact with primitive cultures to come to Earth. He has resided here through several human lifetimes, working with his team to try and modulate the dangerously high levels of testosterone found in the typical human male. He appreciates our great scenery, vibrant music, and cool spiritual teachers, but is deeply concerned that we will self-destruct and not make it into the Federation.
P.J. Lockabey is a musician, iterate philosopher, and iconoclast. Other than knowing lots of big words, he also tries to write, spends his days in research and contemplation, and reads the dictionary for fun. He is a big geek, and enjoys that fact to the fullest.
Chris Martin is the result of a top secret government project from the 70's to create the ultimate sex machine. At the age of three he stowed away on a pirate ship and was promoted to captain at age five. By the time he was seven he had grown rich and tired of pirating so he jumped ship in Japan to learn the mysterious arts of the Ninja and was not seen again until recently when he showed up at rehearsals for Stand and Deliver.
Emily Mount loves to knit and recently started making socks. This is her fourth season with Nashville in Harmony. She lives in East Nashville with 3 people, 2 cats, and 1 dog. She loves the entire Joss Whedon ouvre. Her spirituality is eclectic and includes Buddhist and Pagan aspects. Also, she is moving beyond the designations of bisexuality into pansexualism.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
New & improved press release!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Magda O.
The Bardic Circle Players
615.945.2856
stand.and.deliver.Nashville@gmail.com
William Prater
Prater Productions
615.260.9659
williamprater@praterproductions.org
STAND AND DELIVER: MEN ARE PEOPLE, TOO
"Stand and Deliver" Raises Money for Sexual Assault Center
Prater Productions and The Bardic Circle Players Present "Stand & Deliver: An Exploration of Manhood" on Friday, April 24 @ Little Hamilton, 7pm; Saturday, April 25 @ Revive, 7pm; Sunday, April 26 @ Mad Donna’s, 1pm. Tickets are a special donation of $10 to the Sexual Assault Center.
What is the definition of "Man"? Who really identifies or completely rejects that standard? How do men deal with molestation, pornography, and stereotypes? These are just a few of the questions posed and answered by "Stand and Deliver: An Exploration of Manhood". Inspired by nationally known "The Vagina Monologues" and the local production "Read Our Lips", this two hour show created by some of Nashville’s brightest minds explores different interpretations of masculinity by modern society and more. All pieces are original and written by the cast, which includes men and women. Covering both comedic and serious topics, this show has something to offer everyone.
"Stand and Deliver" is a fundraiser for the Sexual Assault Center, a local facility which provides sexual assault services for people of all genders, ages, and financial classes. Their mission is "to end sexual violence and provide healing for children, adults, and families affected by sexual assault through counseling and education." See above link for more information.
"Stand & Deliver" performances will be:
* Friday, April 24 @ Little Hamilton, 7pm
1318 Little Hamilton Ave., Nashville, TN 37203
* Saturday, April 25 @ Revive, 7pm
1703 Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37203
* Sunday, April 26 @ Mad Donna’s, 1pm
1313 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206
Tickets are a special donation of $10 to the Sexual Assault Center, cash and check accepted. Reservations: 615-945-2856 or Stand.And.Deliver.Nashville@gmail.com .
# # #
If you would like more information about this show, or to schedule an interview with the director, please call the director Chelsea at 615-943-4636, email Stand.And.Deliver.Nashville@gmail.com or check out our blog, www.standanddelivernashville.blogspot.com or visit the website http://www.praterproductions.org/ .
Contact information:
Magda O.
The Bardic Circle Players
615.945.2856
stand.and.deliver.Nashville@gmail.com
William Prater
Prater Productions
615.260.9659
williamprater@praterproductions.org
STAND AND DELIVER: MEN ARE PEOPLE, TOO
"Stand and Deliver" Raises Money for Sexual Assault Center
Prater Productions and The Bardic Circle Players Present "Stand & Deliver: An Exploration of Manhood" on Friday, April 24 @ Little Hamilton, 7pm; Saturday, April 25 @ Revive, 7pm; Sunday, April 26 @ Mad Donna’s, 1pm. Tickets are a special donation of $10 to the Sexual Assault Center.
What is the definition of "Man"? Who really identifies or completely rejects that standard? How do men deal with molestation, pornography, and stereotypes? These are just a few of the questions posed and answered by "Stand and Deliver: An Exploration of Manhood". Inspired by nationally known "The Vagina Monologues" and the local production "Read Our Lips", this two hour show created by some of Nashville’s brightest minds explores different interpretations of masculinity by modern society and more. All pieces are original and written by the cast, which includes men and women. Covering both comedic and serious topics, this show has something to offer everyone.
"Stand and Deliver" is a fundraiser for the Sexual Assault Center, a local facility which provides sexual assault services for people of all genders, ages, and financial classes. Their mission is "to end sexual violence and provide healing for children, adults, and families affected by sexual assault through counseling and education." See above link for more information.
"Stand & Deliver" performances will be:
* Friday, April 24 @ Little Hamilton, 7pm
1318 Little Hamilton Ave., Nashville, TN 37203
* Saturday, April 25 @ Revive, 7pm
1703 Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37203
* Sunday, April 26 @ Mad Donna’s, 1pm
1313 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206
Tickets are a special donation of $10 to the Sexual Assault Center, cash and check accepted. Reservations: 615-945-2856 or Stand.And.Deliver.Nashville@gmail.com .
# # #
If you would like more information about this show, or to schedule an interview with the director, please call the director Chelsea at 615-943-4636, email Stand.And.Deliver.Nashville@gmail.com or check out our blog, www.standanddelivernashville.blogspot.com or visit the website http://www.praterproductions.org/ .
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The rehearsals are coming along, swimmingly. Building and building until a final climax? I can't wait.
We've got a new logo- see David's fabulous contribution to the right!
Plus, Chelsea & I have decided to turn our responsibilities head-over-heels. I'm now in charge of production, while she is carrying the energy of the show on-stage as our director. So far, so good, but I have to confess it definitely feels different. I wonder which job I like more.
See also to the right, links to the 1 in 6 website, a great resource which specifically focuses on men healing from sexual abuse, and R.A.I.N.N., which provides a hotline for anyone who needs help surviving assault.
Watch this space for venue confirmations soon and mark your calendars for April 24-26!
- Magda
We've got a new logo- see David's fabulous contribution to the right!
Plus, Chelsea & I have decided to turn our responsibilities head-over-heels. I'm now in charge of production, while she is carrying the energy of the show on-stage as our director. So far, so good, but I have to confess it definitely feels different. I wonder which job I like more.
See also to the right, links to the 1 in 6 website, a great resource which specifically focuses on men healing from sexual abuse, and R.A.I.N.N., which provides a hotline for anyone who needs help surviving assault.
Watch this space for venue confirmations soon and mark your calendars for April 24-26!
- Magda
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