FINALE NIGHT JUDGES

Want to know a little bit more about our panel of judges at last night's finale? Here are links to their work.

Michael Roderick started Small Pond Entertainment five years ago when he found that it was virtually impossible for an artist to be at their best when they also had to produce. He developed a system for the advancement of a producing organization to be the umbrella for shows that lacked producers. Over the years Small Pond has become a major name in the NYC Theatre Community having presented shows in numerous venues and with hundreds of different artists. As Artistic Director, Michael has produced over 30 shows since his arrival in NY in September 2002. He has also been the organizer of networking events that have included representatives from The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Fractured Atlas, and RWS casting and Associates. He holds a BA in Secondary Ed English and Theatre performance from Rhode Island College and an MA from NYU in Educational Theatre Colleges and Communities. Michael also teaches English at LaSalle Academy where he is the head of the drama program. He has written 15 plays and his play "I'll do it Tomorrow" will be published in the 2004- 2005 Best American Short Plays published by Applause books. He also plans on eventually publishing a book about his first year teaching called "Stage Fright", as well as a young adult novel titled "Norin's Quest: Beyond the Gates of Lavender. He also blogs daily at oneproducerinthecity.typepad.com.

Matte O'Brien is a graduate of Syracuse University. He is the producing artistic director of Rope Swing Entertainment. As a prolific playwright. His works include, "The Meaning of Life," "Morning has broken," and soon to be seen on Broadway this spring, "White Noise."

First night of performances a success!

Last night was Friday the 13th- and boy did it show on stage! Seriously though, despite some technical difficulties, last night's show was a huge success.

Here are some comments from the audience-
This show is not to be missed! There is still a chance to see the three winning shows from last night, this Sunday the 15th at 7PM. Or come see a brand new set of 6 ten minute plays TONIGHT AT 8PM-

All shows are on the 5th floor of the Roy Arias Theatre in the Times Square Art Center at 300 West 43rd Street.

Don't miss out!

"Hilarious"

"Original"

"INVENTIVE, Very Stylized."

"Screwball!"
"Awesomeness!!"
"Sick."

"Great! A 10."
"Hot"
"Took to a new level of delightful..."

"Tasteless."

"Phenomenal."

"Innovative, yet comprehensible."

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Esi Sogah

Esi Sogah is delighted to be involved with her first From the Hip Festival. She is especially thrilled to have a chance to work with Diamando and Danika again after all these years. Favorite roles include Helene in "Sweet Charity" and Susan in "Company". Born in Wilmington, DE, raised in Ithaca, NY, and currently living in New York City, Esi spends her days editing romance novels and other fiction for Avon Books.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Shara Ashley Zeiger

SHARA ASHLEY ZEIGER is thrilled to be working with From the Hip! Most recently she performed in "Wawapalooza: The Dark Roast" on The Society Hill Playhouse's Mainstage as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. In New York Shara's performed with La MaMa E.T.C., PS 122, American Globe, and more, and around the country at Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, National Theater for Arts and Education, etc. Shara's awaiting the festival premeire of indie spy thriller "Harts Ridge," and recently shot some print for GSK. You can see Shara clowning around doing various physical theatre and stand-up comedy around the city. She holds a degree in Drama from Ithaca College and is an alum of The National Theater Institute, Studio 5, and Zen of Clown. http://www.youtube.com/user/sharaashleyz

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: David Tracy

DAVID TRACY most recently appeared in the 2009 Philadelphia Fringe/Live Arts Festival production of GETTING YOUR LIFE. He has been seen in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT touring Germany, Austria (performing at the famed Vienna Opera House), and Italy. He has appeared in SWEENEY TODD, THE MUSIC MAN, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Puck), THE JUDAS KISS (Robbie), EVITA (Magaldi), THE VELVETEEN RABBIT (The Little Boy), SHE LOVES ME (Kodaly), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Frank N. Furter) and spent two seasons with The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival appearing in RICHARD III, TWELFTH NIGHT, WINNIE THE POOH, and THE FESTIVAL GREENSHOW. As a concert artist, David has performed his solo show at THE DUPLEX and DON'T TELL MAMA'S and regionally, with the Reading Symphony Orchestra (PA). He hosted NYC’s SHOTGUN THEATER FESTIVAL (Gene Frankel Theater & 45th Street Theater) and back in the day, performed onboard Spirit Cruises. He is excited to be working on this project with the LEFT HIP team although he misses Gail and her dog.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Melissa Abreu

Melissa “Meli” Abreu began studying the art of Acting after interning for Spike Lee on his movie, “Inside Man”. She joined Kimball Studio shortly thereafter and booking gigs. She’s worked on two Indie Features (Buena Gente, showing at the Queens International Film Festival) and The Day We’ve Waited for, PSA (Stick With The Plan), Theatre (Sisters and The Vagina Monologues, as the Coochie Snorcher) and music video (I Am The World); Meli’s also in pre-production for a short film inspired by Junot Diaz. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Horror Festival and thanks From the Hip, her Family, Friends and Caballeros for their support!

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Leah Dietrich

Leah is thrilled to be back for another From The Hip festival after last being seen as Fern in Intimate Strangers. She is from Clearwater Florida and graduated with a BA in theater from Florida State University. She is currently interning at Primary Stages and loving it. Leah is taking class and enjoying life in the city.