Announcing Grrl Wrap 2011 and Grrl Summer Apps!

IN THIS ISSUE

1. You are invited to Grrl Wrap, a celebration of arts projects by the year-round participants of Grrl Action.
2. Grrl Action summer program applications now available! Download here.
3. For information about becoming a year-round Rude Mechs corporate sponsor, or about sponsoring The Eye Ball, email Development Director Christian Stagg at christian@rudemechs.com

presents

Grrl Wrap

a celebration of the new works by the participants of Year-Round Grrl Action

ADMISSION IS FREE!
no reservations needed

SATURDAY, MAY 14TH AT 7:00 PM
at The Off Shoot, 2221 Hidalgo

the easternmost end of The Off Center complex

Come celebrate this year's participants of Grrl Action's year-round program with a presentation of the Grrls’ work. Everyone is invited!

The format is a little different this year. We invite you to take in visual images of the grrls’ art projects as they give a presentation on the process of developing, creating and performing their work this last year. Meet the amazing mentors who guided the grrls through these projects, and enjoy a cookie or three as we cheer the young artists on!

COME OUT AND SUPPORT THESE AMAZING YOUNG WOMEN!
And if you feel like you've got some time, cash, interest, click here to see how you can join the fun!

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Grrl Action Summer Workshop 2011

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW!

Grrl Action is a three-week summer workshop in which teenaged girls envision, create, publish, and perform original works for the stage based on their own life experiences. Girls between the ages of 13-16 are eligible.

To apply, download the Information and Application Packet for the Summer 2011 Class.

WORKSHOP: June 27 - July 15, classes from 9:00am - noon, at The Off Shoot
PERFORMANCES: July 16 & 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm
WHERE: The Off Center, 2211-A Hidalgo St.

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BECOME A SPONSOR!

Corporate Sponsorship for one of Austin's finest theatre companies.

The essence of the “new” Austin is found in its contradictions - our city’s chic sophistication is still marked by a laid-back attitude, our fascination with high tech will probably never exceed our passion for Barton Springs, and you can still wear your shorts to a five star restaurant. But while Austin is still a small town at heart, it has nevertheless grown into a very big city over the past two decades. As we celebrate our continued growth, we also face the challenge of retaining our cultural character and uniqueness – the reason many people have chosen to make Austin their home in the first place. By supporting Rude Mechs, you have the opportunity to help define the character of our city and make a significant impact on the cultural life of our community. The reality is the arts cannot survive without support from local businesses and corporations. In this climate of growing enthusiasm but also stark economic realities, we invite you to make an investment in local arts and artists to help preserve and deepen the character of Austin.

If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, let's get you on board by June 1st! Just send an email to info@rudemechs.com and let us know you are interested!

Feel the Glee! Stitchlab event to benefit Grrl Action!

We are thrilled to report that the upcoming Stitch Lab's 1st Annual Indie Crafitivity Scene will benefit Grrl Action by donating a portion of the sales to our program!

Come on out, shop local and celebrate Stitch Lab's Grand Opening, while supporting Grrl Action on December 19th and 20th from noon to 8 pm, at 1000 S. 1st St..

Congressman Doggett to Attend Grrl Action

Rude Mechs is thrilled to announce our selection as one of only three Austin-area agencies to receive funds from the National Endowment for the Arts American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. The funds will be used to support the preservation of jobs surrounding our outreach program for teenaged girls, Grrl Action, and the development of our new musical titled I've Never Been So Happy.

We are also deeply honored that Congressman Doggett plans to attend the Saturday, July 25th performance (2 pm) of Grrl Action to meet Grrl Action participants and their families and to say a few words to the Grrl Action audience before the show.

I've Never Been So Happy is chugging along

G'bye Again Method Gun

We're sad to see The Method Gun go. Everyone that worked on it kicked serious tail and it was a total thrill to have it running during Fusebox Festival. We can't wait to take it on the road next Spring!



H'lo Again I've Never Been So Happy
First - We were featured in Stage Directions Magazine and they recorded the interview - Lana, Peter, Kirk and Thomas talking for at least 40 minutes about the making of I've Never Been So Happy. Here's a podcast of our interview.

Right now we are gearing up to do some more work on I've Never Been So Happy. We're taking a new approach and only developing this piece as money becomes available. Usually we set a premiere deadline and then produce it come hell or high water - which usually means we lose money or that we premiere a show that will need more work later. This time we are spending only what we have and stopping development in its tracks until more money becomes available. We would love a commission.

In the meantime, we are very proud to receive development support from two new sources: The University of Texas New Musical Theatre Initiative has requested a two-week development workshop on the piece to be done on their students. We will spend June 1 - 12th collaborating with the UT cast to create new scenes and music and projection ideas. On the 13th, we'll present a very casual showing of what we accomplished during the two week workshop.

The very next day, Peter, Lana, Kirk and Thomas will fly off to The Orchard Project (Hunter, NY) to continue dreaming on the production and to figure out what we'd like to present in September '09 with our last chunk of change. We are looking forward to decompressing from the UT workshop, hanging out with The Team (NYC) and perhaps finding some answers about this piece.

SAVE THESE SUMMER DATES!
July 25th & 26th - Grrl Action Summer Performances (FREE!)
August 22nd - The Sci f-Eye Ball - that's right.

Rude News - Statesman Reviews Method Gun; Tenebrism this weekend; Grrl Wrap next week!

IN THIS ISSUE

1. TIGER says: The Method Gun is up, running and brilliant! Keep reading to see what The Statesman has to say in their review. Buy your tickets here and now!

2. Tenebrism by Minneapolis phenoms Lamb Lays with Lion runs THIS Thursday - Sunday after The Method Gun.

3. Grrl WRAP - It's a festival and the Opening Reception is this Saturday @ 2pm at Willow Arts. Support Grrls!

THE METHOD GUN

Now through May 2, 2009 (Thursday - Sunday at 8pm)
"The Rudes craft compelling theater... 'The Method Gun' packs more intensity and more poignancy... And the Rudes' tweaks have made it much more intimate and immediate... And the final scene... emerges as one of the most polished, gorgeous, breathtaking and riveting moments on an Austin stage. To this critic, 'The Method Gun' still ranks as one of the best productions to grace the Austin stage."

– Jeanne Claire van Ryzin, Austin-American Statesman 2009

Keep reading to see what all the ...'s are about!

Tickets: Online Reservations: http://www.rudemechs.com.
Phone Reservations through Brown Paper Tickets: 1-800-838-3006.

Where: The Off Center (2211-A Hidalgo St., Austin, TX 78702)

Ticket Prices: Friday & Saturday: Sliding Scale $12 - $25; Thursday & Sunday: Pay-What-You-Can
Fusebox Festival passes will be accepted on a limited basis.

The Method Gun has received support from Creative Capital Foundation, Rockefeller MAP Fund, The Orchard Project,
The National Endowment for the Arts, The Humanities Institute and The Harry Ransom Center.
Rude Mechs is supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

Photo by Bret Brookshire

tenebrism

Rude Mechs is crazy proud to present the work of Minneapolis-based theatre company Lamb Lays with Lion with their original performance, Tenebrism. Tenebrism is the first experiment in the Theatre of Disruption. Performed in an intentionally fragile atmosphere, Lamb Lays with Lion blurs the line of performance and reality by sharing its failure with the audience. Tenebrism is inspired by the religious imagery of Renaissance painter Caravaggio, Martin Scorsese’s "The Last Temptation of Christ," and legendary rock star Ian Curtis and his iconic post-punk band, Joy Division.

The host, Jeremey, promises the audience a show about Jesus, Joy Division, and Caravaggio. However, as Tenebrism unfolds, it becomes clear that the real performance is in witnessing just how hard it is for Jeremey and his assistant, Jayne, to get the show to “go on” at all. Tenebrism is the result of Lamb Lays with Lion’s “Theatre of Disruption” approach to creating ensemble performance. Tenebrism is performed by Lamb Lays with Lion founding-members, Jeremey Catterton and Jayne Deis. Tenebrism promises to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

When: April 16 - 19, 2009 (Thursday - Sunday at 10:30 PM - after Rude Mechs' The Method Gun) Latecomers very welcome!!

Where: The Off Center (2211-A Hidalgo St., Austin, TX 78702)

Tickets: Tickets are sold only at the Box Office each performance night beginning at 9:30 PM. No reservations accepted.

Ticket Prices:
CASH ONLY!!! Sliding Scale $5 - $25

GRRL WRAP

a festival of art projects by the participants of Grrl Action's 2008/2009 class



GRRL WRAP FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

Grrl Wrap Opening Reception
Saturday, April 18, 2 - 4 pm
featuring photography by Shelby, collage by Isaura, costumes by Monique, ceramics by Emelia
Willow Arts, 1617 Willow St., Austin, TX 78702

Cafe Grrl
Tuesday, April 21, 7 - 9 pm viewing, 8 pm poetry reading
featuring illustrations by Lola and costumed poetry by Geneva
Cafe Mundi
1704 E. 5th St. #100, Austin, TX 78702

Grrl Salon
Wednesday, April 22, 7 pm
featuring a documentary by Isaura and a performance by Trey
ISESE Gallery at The Warfield Center on the UT campus (Jester Center A232A)
201 E. 21st St., Austin, TX 78705

Grrl Finale
Saturday, April 25, 2 pm
performances by Anna, Bryanna and Christina featuring all the grrls
The Off Center. 2211-A Hidalgo St., Austin, TX 78702

Tickets: Admission to the performances is FREE. Donations welcome!

RUDE NEWS - A MESSAGE FROM TIGER: TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE METHOD GUN!

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Tiger says: The Method Gun opens next week! Click here to purchase tickets!
2. Mark your calendars, Rude Mechs presents Tenebrism by Minneapolis phenoms Lamb Lays with Lion.
3. Absolutely do not miss Grrl WRAP - an arts festival of new works by Grrl Action year-round participants.
4. Big love to our 2008/2009 Season Sponsors! And if you are interested in joining us for 2009/2010, let us know by June 1st!

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SERIOUSLY - NO FOOLIN' - NOW'S THE TIME TO BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW!!!! Most of you missed it at The Long Center last year (we have ways of knowing these things), and to those of you that did see it last year: it's very much worth another viewing what with the new cast, the new ending, costumes, staging and video... The only thing you can really count on is TIGER!

The Method Gun
created by Rude Mechs
directed by Shawn Sides
written by Kirk Lynn

When: April 9 - May 2, 2009 (Thursday - Sunday at 8pm)
There is no performance on Sunday April 12th.

Tickets: Online Reservations: http://www.rudemechs.com.
Phone Reservations through Brown Paper Tickets: 1-800-838-3006.
Friday April 10th and Saturday April 18th are reserved for a private groups. Should tickets become available for those nights, we will shoot you an email. Tickets are available for all other performances.

Where: The Off Center (2211-A Hidalgo St., Austin, TX 78702)

Ticket Prices: Friday & Saturday: Sliding Scale $12 - $25; Thursday & Sunday: Pay-What-You-Can

Fusebox Festival passes will be accepted on a limited basis.

"The Method Gun... is nothing short of the best work this theater collective has done in its 13 years as it has carved out its well-respected reputation on the international indie theater scene." – Jeanne Claire van Ryzin, Austin-American Statesman

"Top 10 Theatrical Treasures and Pleasures of 2008" - Austin Chronicle

"In the arts, the Eight from '08" - Austin-American Statesman

This original performance explores the life, ethos, and techniques of actor-training guru, Stella Burden, as recounted through the eyes of her students. Ms. Burden’s training technique, The Approach, fused Western acting methods and more dangerous METHODS in an effort to infuse even the smallest of roles with SEX, DEATH and VIOLENCE. We promise: guns, pendulums, “Streetcar,” and physical danger. We make no claims on behalf of narrative, common sense, or safety.

Using found text from the journals and performance reports of Stella Burden’s company, “The Method Gun” re-enacts the final months of her company’s rehearsals for their nine-years-in-the-making production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Stella left the company under mysterious circumstances in 1972, and the actors’ diaries express a sense of desperation, inadequacy, frustration, and confusion universal to performers - and which infuses ‘regular’ life. Set amid swinging pendulums and talking tigers, “The Method Gun” bounces between interior monologues, rehearsal sequences of “Streetcar,” and group interactions - all gleaned from historical documents - to express a longing for the return of inspiration and a more believable Presentation of Self in Everyday Life.

The Method Gun has received support from Creative Capital Foundation, Rockefeller MAP Fund, The Orchard Project, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Humanities Institute and The Harry Ransom Center. Rude Mechs is supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

Photo by Bret Brookshire

Media Sponsor:

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2. TENEBRISM

Rude Mechs is crazy proud to present the work of Minneapolis-based theatre company Lamb Lays with Lion with their original performance, Tenebrism. Tenebrism is the first experiment in the Theatre of Disruption. Performed in an intentionally fragile atmosphere, Lamb Lays with Lion blurs the line of performance and reality by sharing its failure with the audience. Tenebrism is inspired by the religious imagery of Renaissance painter Caravaggio, Martin Scorsese’s "The Last Temptation of Christ," and legendary rock star Ian Curtis and his iconic post-punk band, Joy Division.

The host, Jeremey, promises the audience a show about Jesus, Joy Division, and Caravaggio. However, as Tenebrism unfolds, it becomes clear that the real performance is in witnessing just how hard it is for Jeremey and his assistant, Jayne, to get the show to “go on” at all. Tenebrism is the result of Lamb Lays with Lion’s “Theatre of Disruption” approach to creating ensemble performance. Tenebrism is performed by Lamb Lays with Lion founding-members, Jeremey Catterton and Jayne Deis. Tenebrism promises to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

When: April 16 - 19, 2009 (Thursday - Sunday at 10:30 PM - after Rude Mechs' The Method Gun) Latecomers very welcome!!

Where: The Off Center (2211-A Hidalgo St., Austin, TX 78702)

Tickets: Tickets are sold only at the Box Office each performance night beginning at 9:30 PM. No reservations accepted.

Ticket Prices:
CASH ONLY!!! Sliding Scale $5 - $25

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3. GRRL WRAP - a festival of art projects by the participants of Grrl Action's 2008/2009 class

GRRL WRAP FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

Grrl Wrap Opening Reception
Saturday, April 18, 2 - 4 pm
featuring photography by Shelby, collage by Isaura, costumes by Monique, ceramics by Emelia
Willow Arts, 1617 Willow St., Austin, TX 78702

Cafe Grrl
Tuesday, April 21, 7 - 9 pm viewing, 8 pm poetry reading
featuring illustrations by Lola and costumed poetry by Geneva
Cafe Mundi
1704 E. 5th St. #100, Austin, TX 78702

Grrl Salon
Wednesday, April 22, 7 pm
featuring a documentary by Isaura and a performance by Trey
ISESE Gallery at The Warfield Center on the UT campus (Jester Center A232A)
201 E. 21st St., Austin, TX 78705

Grrl Finale
Saturday, April 25, 2 pm
performances by Anna, Bryanna and Christina featuring all the grrls
The Off Center. 2211-A Hidalgo St., Austin, TX 78702

Tickets: Admission to the performances is FREE. Donations welcome!

Rude Mechs Secure Funding for Grrl Action Facility

Recent stories on Rude Mechs' success at raising $80,000 toward the creation of a new home for Grrl Action - The Off Shoot!

AustinOnStage.com

Austin American Statesman blog "Seeing Things"

Updates from Rude Mechs

Performances last weekend were once again thrilling. We are so proud of the young women that participated. Rather than go on and on, I'll just post a link to the blog by Jordi Finlay, Editor-in-Chief of Paper Dolls, a new online magazine for girls.

And The Evil Eye Ball is right around the corner. We are still looking for more fabulous items from local businesses for the auction. Don't miss it - August 23rd at The Off Center.
So far the Live Auction includes a trip for you and up to seven of your luckiest friends to Mar Virado, a secluded Brazilian resort. No kidding. It's fabulous. We've also got an evening with the L Style/G Style editors and four cover stars!






And finally we've come up with a title for the musical formerly known as The Leash. The new title is I've Never Been So Happy. We're going to take two runs at it before we premiere it next year. You'll be able to see work-in-progress showings in December and in April.

This is a picture from a concert-reading we performed at First Night Austin last year. It was very cold.



Right - last thing - no picture for it - it looks like we are going to do a Haunted House this year. We've been kicking around this idea forever and may just get our shit together in time...