FRESH PRODUCE'd L.A.: A Platform for New Writers, Actors and Directors

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 02, 2014

L.A. actor/producer Riva Di Paola is passionate about nurturing new artists and creating innovative new work.

So she formed a nonprofit organization called FRESH PRODUCE'd (http://www.getfreshproduced.com), which provides a forum for up-and-coming screenwriters, playwrights, actors and directors. Founded in New York City two years ago, Riva brought together actors and directors from the top theatre schools in the country to help fledging writers develop original experimental new work. FRESH PRODUCE'd now has a branch in L.A.

“It’s a platform for the next generation of storytellers to have their voices heard,” explained Di Paola.

Each month, new writers submit original pieces that are performed live on the FRESH PRODUCE'd L.A. stage. The organization combines its core cast members with local guest actors and works with directors to develop the piece. Three new short plays or screenplays hit the stage on the third Thursday of every month.

Since the new branch opened, FRESH PRODUCE'd L.A. has produced 36 new works, collaborated with more than 200 artists and helped to promote the work of dozens of writers from all over the country. In addition to their work with FP, our writer-collaborators have had readings and work presented at Ars Nova, the Public Theater, and MCC Theater at the Lucille Lortel Theater, to name a few. Additionally, we produced three readings of S.H.I.E.L.D. actor and playwright Brett Dalton’s new play FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW for Broadway League producers and we were selected by a Huffington Post contributor as one of her top theater companies in New York City, alongside the Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons and The Wooster Group.

“We welcome works in all phases of development,” said Di Paola. “We work closely with writers to tailor the rehearsals and performances to the needs of their pieces, from staged readings, to modestly-staged productions.”

FRESH PRODUCE'd L.A.’s monthly workshops offer screenwriters and playwrights valuable feedback from industry professionals as well as their peers. In addition, they offer actors and directors a community to grow in, and a place to be seen by casting and producers.

Part of the revenue necessary for running this operation comes from the modest $5 suggested donation for performances and workshops. It takes a lot more money, however, to produce and stage events. Di Paola is looking to raise $10,000 to expand FRESH PRODUCE'd L.A. into producing full productions of new work.

Toward that end, she has launched a Kickstarter campaign, which can be viewed at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/725391898/fresh-produced-la-supporting-new-works-and-new-art.

To promote the kickstarter campaign FPLA is hosting a Live-Streaming Event on their Youtube Channel on Thursday June 5th, 4:30- 6p.m. PST- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLHSFHuQ7rs&feature=share.

For full event line-up and details go here- https://www.facebook.com/events/246908208842509/.

Donations of any amount are welcome. For contributions of $50 and more, backers can receive T-shirts, opportunities to perform onstage and sponsorships.    

In a short period of time, FRESH PRODUCE'd L.A. has developed a strong local following. Performances and workshops have been held in front of enthusiastic, standing-room-only crowds.

“This is a wonderful way to discover new talent,” said JV Lombardi, creative executive at Quadrant Pictures.

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