the outer loop

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off our first blog of the year with one of our luckier finds from 2015. Sissel is a Norwegian born photographer and cinematographer who has truly captured our hearts and minds with her provocative work. Last fall, she screened her thesis project at one of our Talk Hards to a rapt audience. Her vision is original and thoughtful. Though her work alone speaks volumes, here are a few words from the artist herself. 

Self Portrait - Photo by Sissel Annett

Where do you come from?

I was born in Stavanger, Norway.

Inspirations?

My biggest inspiration is my life. But inspirations are all around us, if you just open your eyes, heart and mind to welcome it in to your life. There is no bigger inspiration than that.  

What are you working on now? 

After I moved to New York I have started to work on several photography projects with different techniques. Everything from mixed media that I started experimenting with a couple of years ago to different format cameras.  

Photo by Sissel Annett

Amazing! Where can we see more?

You can see some of the work on my instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sisselannett/ 

This is where I can test out the response from people.  

Here’s her website as well: http://www.sisselannett.com/

As always, don’t forget to hit us up on Facebook, Twiiter, and Instagram. We’ve got some super exciting developments coming up SOON so be sure to sign up for our newsletter HERE. Seriously, you want to sign up for this.

She’s Outer Loop’s resident playwright and our favorite “up and coming artist to watch.” Despite her youthful appearance, Lindsay writes with the experience and sublty of a wizened sage. (Yes, a wizened sage.) Some of us at Outer Loop have been working on her plays for years now, and we will never tire of her thoughtful and nuanced style. At last, we are thrilled to humbly introduce her to you.

What’s your art?

So many things! I feel most closely connected to playwriting and most energetic about art when I'm working in theater. But first and foremost, I came to art as a poet. And poetry is really the thread throughout all of my work, whether I'm writing a play, a short story, a piece of non-fiction, or even when I'm just imagining what a scene will visually look like on the stage and how characters will engage with one another and move through space. Poetry informs all of that.

Where do you come from?

Rochester, New York

Inspirations?

I was going to separate these into artistic inspirations and life inspirations, and then I realized those are really the same thing for me. So, in no particular order: Gertrude Stein, Virginia Woolf, Tennessee Williams, Caryl Churchill, Don Delillo, Sandra Cisneros, Charlie Kaufman, Marguerite Duras, my mom, my grandma, Amara VerValin, Jessica Hagedorn, this really awesome human you might know named Michael Herman, actors and how on earth they do what they do, my friends at the Parole Preparation Project, all of the incredible voices fighting to end mass incarceration, and my students.

What are you working on now?

I feel like I'm about to start working on a new play. I say "feel" because it's sort of bubbling up at the moment. I'm finishing up my MFA program at LIU Brooklyn next month, so I'm sort of in a period of transition. Right now I'm writing a lot of poetry and creative-non fiction for classes, and trying to help my thesis play, STILL, find a home in the world.

Awesome! Where can we see more?

You can hear me read some new work at KGB Bar in the East Village, Friday, December 4th, at 7pm. And you can always find me at the Outer Loop's monthly salon, Talk Hard, at Over the Eight Bar in Brooklyn.

Your favorite .gif or meme?

As always, don’t forget to hit us up on Facebook, Twiiter, and Instagram. Our next event is this TUESDAY, 12/1 at Over The Eight Bar at 8:00pm. Admission is free, and we’re raffling off a ticket to a Broadway show, so don’t miss it!

We finally got our very own Artistic Director to sit down with us long enough to snap a picture and ask him a few questions. Michael keeps himself so busy making magic happen throughout the city of New York and in Rochester that this was a very rare opportunity. Like, albino-humpback-whale rare.

photo by Rachael Yoder

What’s your art?

I like to think of myself as a storyteller and an experience creator. Translation: I LOVE directing! Especially new plays. I'm also the Founding Artistic Director of The Outer Loop, an acting coach and a teacher.

Where do you come from?

This question is surprisingly difficult for me to answer. I was born in Huntington, New York... spent my childhood in Plantation, Florida... then NYC, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Morocco and a few other countries in Europe. Oh, and then Los Angeles, Miami and Belize. I guess to me, "Where do I come from," means "Where did I grow up?" And to that I have to say, "On 46th Street."

photo by Rachael Yoder

Inspirations:

Music, the ocean, the sun, the darkness. And brave, genuine, visionary artists of all ages.

What are you working on now?

I'm so lucky to be working right now at NYU, alongside one of the most respected theater educators in the country. Talk about inspirations, she's certainly on that list. So, much of my time this year is being spent in and around the classroom, working with the next generation of theater makers and leaders. It's an amazing experience!

I'm also working hard to take The Outer Loop to the next level. As a small non-profit theater company in NYC, it's a constant struggle... fundraising, budgeting, recruiting, producing, planning... did I mention fundraising? In 2016, we'll be increasing The Outer Loop's reach, project list, budget and ability to fulfill our mission. I'm also looking to expand my acting & audition coaching biz. So you know, all that kinda fun stuff!

Michael coaching and directing earlier this month in Brooklyn. Photo by Rachael Yoder

Upcoming shows/projects:

Talk Hard/Vote Hard: Election Night 11/3

Our super-cool monthly salon for playwrights, actors, directors, poets, musicians, singers, djs, painters, writers, dancers, filmmakers, spoken word and hip hop artists, to get a peek at any new piece they're working on, in front of a supportive but critical audience.

Brunch Beats: A House Music Experience 

A new experimental weekly residency. Brunch Beats is a fun, relaxed, music-based networking opportunity for artists of all kinds - and friends of artists - to enjoy great food and tunes in a super-cozy sunshine-y setting. Coming Spring 2016!

EVOLve: A New Human Experience 

Amazing, where can we see more?

Not only can you see more here, but you can DONATE too :)

The Outer Loop Theater Experience

www.outerlooptheater.org

For inquiries about acting & audition coaching, please visit my facebook page here. 

Your favorite .gif or meme?

I don't think this is a .gif or a meme, but I like it a lot:

Shana’s been making our sides hurt (in a good way) for a while now, so we knew we had to get the word out about her. Thankfully, we’ll all get to share in the Shana Goodness (get it?) when she hosts next week’s inaugural Laugh Hard: An Outer Loop Experience.

photo by David Noles

What’s your art? I'm an actress, singer, comic and sous-chef (just kidding, I'm not a chef).

photo by Forrest Leo

Where do you come from? I hail from the holy land of Livingston, NJ. I hesitate to tell people that because it's where Chris Christie is from. We went to the same high school and apparently he was on the football team. I don't know how he fit into the uniform. 

Inspirations: My mother, Gilda Radner, Sarah Silverman, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Tig Notaro, Kristen Schaal, Key & Peele, Kristen Wiig, Sia, Brian Wilson, Amy Schumer, Billy Joel, Elton John...

What are you working on now? I'm hosting a comedy show at Over The Eight on September 28th, produced by the amazing Outer Loop Theater Experience! I want to host a comedy show with absolutely no boundaries and kind of break away from the traditional stand-up format. I'll incorporate sketch comedy, music, dance, it'll be a whole thing! Because to me comedy is so much more than standing there with a mic and telling jokes. Anyone can talk about penises, but only a brave handful will do an interpretative dance about penises.

Amazing, where can we see more? On my YouTube channel!

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCLY0-zs273dkB_QytRwyaRg

(I don't have a fancy domain name yet, still figuring out this whole technology thing 'cuz I'm from 1952)

Do you have a favorite .gif or meme? What's a .gif or meme? I'm from 1952...

Ellen enchanted us with her original songs and incredible voice at last month’s Talk Hard: Brooklyn. Right now she’s out on tour with her band, Chamber Band. We will miss her, but while she’s away we can still read up on how she makes her magic.

What is your art? I'm a performer, composer, and playwright. I like making things. Where do you come from? I grew up in the woods of Fairfax, VA twenty minutes outside of DC. What are you working on now? Well- a number of things actually! My band, Chamber Band is on tour to promote our sophomore album, Careers, which drops in September. I'm SO PUMPED for its release, we are all super stoked to share it with the world.

In addition, I've been recording demos for my second EP with my dear friend and collaborator, Russell Elliot. The record's set in an nonsensical abandoned cave cabaret- or at least that's what I picture in my mind. Think, girl in a bandshell with a skeleton rhythm section. Like, literally skeletons playing instruments. 

I'm also developing a new musical called PhotoGenesis about a girl named Cas who, thanks to Apollo, discovers her destiny in a world where the earth has mysteriously stopped spinning. I have shows coming up at some awesome locales that I'm amped for. On August 30th@ 9PM, I'm playing at Pete's Candy Store (which is one of my favorite BK venues). And I've also curated a night of emerging and distinct songwriters at Muchmore's in Williamsburg on September 12th @ 9PM, I'll be performing there, too!  

Amazing. Where can we see more? You can sign up for my newsletter and see more things on my website:www.EllenWinterMakesThings.com I'm also on the social media places (ie tweeter, instaphoto, facenovel, youtunnel- yeah, that sounds right). What's your favorite .gif or meme? Honestly, I'm torn between two right now, so I hope these will suffice.

Our next group in the Loop comes in the form of a dynamic duo. Meet the creators of iLLA: A Hip Hop Musical - a story about swagger, struggle and self love. They brought down the house last month at our Talk Hard: Harlem and we just HAD to get to know these guys a little better. They answered our hard-hitting interview questions and it’s clear they’re onto something big. We’d also like to mention that they’re at 88% of their fundraising goal. Don’t forget to donate!

Jevares: 

What’s your art? My Art is MUSIC. Any form of music. I love it. I sleep, eat, breathe music all day everyday. 

Where do you come from? I'm originally from Montgomery, AL, but I have lived in Marietta, GA for over 22 years now. 

Inspirations: Musically my inspirations are Timbaland, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Sam Cooke, The Temptations, Journey. (I know....an interesting list for a 29 year old), and my parents.

What are you working on now? Right now, when I'm not composing iLLA: A Hip-Hop Musical, I'm a vacation swing with The Book of Mormon: On Broadway and both national tours, I am also a full-time Dad.

Ronvé:

What’s your art? Writing, rapping, producing, and acting.

Where do you come from? Born in Queens, NY, raised in Marietta, GA.

Inspirations: Loud music: walking, driving, showering or cleaning while loud music is blasting; conversations, current news events, and good theatre or film.

What are you working on now? iLLA: A Hip Hop Musical – a story of swagger, struggle and self love.  It tells the story of a high school ballet dancer who has dreams of becoming a famous rapper, but must overcome obstacles ranging from a dysfunctional home life, social issues and also being involved in an interracial relationship.  This show is hilarious, entertaining, heart warming and most of all – relevant to today’s issues.  

Amazing, where can we see more? We are participating in the New York Musical Theatre Festival this summer.  Our shows are: Monday, July 20th at 4pm and 8pm and Thursday July 23rd at 5pm. Also check out our website at  http://illathemusical.com.  Then find us on facebook, twitter and instagram – all @illathemusical. You can also donate HERE, on our indieGoGo page.

Your favorite .gif or meme: I love this question. I have a few but at the moment I can't stop watching "Kanye at the Bulls Game"

BONUS!

Here’s iLLA’s latest video that was filmed at our last Talk Hard. If you’re interested in Talking Hard with us, email [email protected]

Our second featured artist on our blog series is another staff member. This month it’s the multi-talented Managing Director, Rachael Yoder. As we continue to introduce you to the Outer Loop team, you’ll find out more about what makes us tick as a company and as artists. Or... as a company of artists...

What’s your art? Acting, Outer Loop-ing and more recently, Photography.

Where do you come from? Niskayuna. What...never heard of it? 

Inspirations: Coffee, sunshine & fitness. Best when mixed together. What are you working on now? I’ve found that as an actor, it’s super helpful to nurture your other creative interests to stay inspired. So I recently dug up my old film camera and I’ve been messing around with it... which has been a lot of fun!  Although maybe not for the people who live with me who don’t want to be photographed while they’re making french toast. 

Amazing, where can we see more? Why, thanks! You can peek at my actor business on my website: www.rachaelyoder.com. 

You can check out some of my photos on flickr, right here :  https://www.flickr.com/gp/128073250@N08/1y2684 (a preview can be found at the bottom of this post!)

And of course, you can experience all things Outer Loop right here: www.outerlooptheater.org 

Your favorite .gif or meme: Ok it’s a vine... but I’m a big fan of “Ryan Gosling won’t eat his cereal” 

Selections from  “In Black & White” 

by Rachael Yoder

Welcome to our new blog series! In “Who’s Playing at The Outer Loop?” we will feature a new artist and their work! Starting things off is our very own Social Media Manager, Rachael Logue. We’re welcoming her to the team by featuring her in our debut edition. 

What’s your art? Acting, writing, and now - Social Media Marketing Manager at The Outer Loop - a brand new job which I’m super stoked about.

Where do you come from? Houston, TX (New York, 3 1/2 years)

Inspirations? The golden age of Hollywood and musical theatre.

What are you working on now? My new one woman show - Prada, Po’Boys, and Pearls. It started when I began posting Facebook statuses of hilarious and true one liners spoken by my grandmother. I continued to record her and write things down. One day, a director and friend of mine said, “Oh, that’s your one woman show.” Fast forward two years later to when Rachael and Michael invited me to my first Talk Hard. I was so inspired by the premise of the event, that I shared my first “Nana” story. After I read, Michael said, “...and The Outer Loop is gonna produce that.” True to his word, we are in development and looking at producing the show this fall. I’m beyond excited. ***Scroll to the very end for a sample of my show!!!***

Amazing, where can we see more? Why thank you. My acting website is www.rachaellogue.com. If you're an artist who'd like to be featured here on the blog, contact me at [email protected]

Your favorite .gif or meme? I find this is the perfect response to most things in life.

Excerpt from “PRADA, PO’BOYS, & PEARLS” 

by Rachael Logue