Since I began contributing to Sugarzine, I’ve had the chance to cover an array of topics such as music and film. I’ve had the chance to sit and down and chat with the likes of Jesse Malin and my personal favorite interview Crispin Glover. I have noticed, however, that most of my contributions to the theater section of this fine publication have mostly been limited to reviews. Don’t get me wrong. I love having the chance to check out the New York theater scene and venture out to see all types of productions. It’s really given me the opportunity to reconnect with my first love. I’ve reconnected so much in fact that I have taken on a small production of my own in the form of a series of V-Day charity events including a performance of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.” During my adventures back into the land of New York theater, I encountered two fascinating women. This inspired me to put my skeptical reviewers pen down and focus on the people that keep the art of theater alive by any means necessary.
Let me introduce Cheryl King. She is the director of Stage Left Studio, which happens to be the only solo show repertory in New York City. After a 13 year career in comedy, she decided to plant roots in our fair city and create her own solo show, the internationally acclaimed “not a nice girl”. This led to the formation of Cheryl King Productions and in January 2006 she opened Stage Left Studio in midtown Manhattan.
January of 2006 also saw the opening of the Sage Theater in Times Square, which is where I met Diana Blake. A little over ten years ago, Diana turned what was once a childhood knack for performing into a form of therapy and eventually her profession. While going through chemotherapy, Blake decided to take a class entitled “What to Do With the Rest of Your Life.” After noticing her enthusiasm for theater, her instructor suggested she create her own comedy show. Not only was the show a success but her oncologist noticed that her side effects from treatment were less than normal. Within only a few years, Diana was performing regularly and opened her own theater in Houston. An extended business trip brought her to New York where she quickly fell in love with the city and decided to open her theater here.
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I’ve always been an admirer of women who owned their own businesses. I often wonder what it takes to build not only a business from the ground up but an actual facility like a theater. Both ladies agree it takes someone who doesn’t mind doing it all.
Cheryl comments, “It takes someone who has multiple talents and skills, in management, promotion, communication, and organization. It also requires someone who is willing to do whatever task needs to be done – from hosting shows in a glamorous black gown, to scrubbing down the floor, to soothing frazzled artists nerves.” Diana adds, “Someone who can balance the business end without losing the fun and creative side of things.” After all, this is supposed to be fun isn’t it?
Connecting and networking with peers is also cited by both women as an extremely important part of the business. “Theater is a communal activity, and requires community building. I think a theater owner needs to keep that in mind at all times,” says King. Ms. Blake’s philosophy is very community based as well however she’s all about blurring the barrier between audience and performer. She believes in putting all types of people on stage and finding the performer in everyone. “Even if you don’t want to perform for a living, we were once little kids who loved to sing and dance and tell stories. I like to remind people of this part of themselves. It seems to open up something in their lives that is beautiful to see.”
Cheryl’s goal with Stage Left is to foster up and coming talent and help young artists produce material that will eventually move to larger theaters. This is something that is very rare in theater today. “The focus required to perform is much different from what you need to produce. My mission is to provide a venue where artists can develop their material free from the burden of producing.” She also cites Manhattan prices to be prohibitive to a growing artist. Many artists can not afford theater space, production costs, technical costs as well as promotion costs. “Handling all these jobs means that you have to divert your focus from the writing and acting into those other activities. I offer two options-I rent the theater for a reasonable fee or I co-produce those artists who I believe can bring in an audience. My goal is for them to sell out my space so many times in a row that they have to move to a bigger space.”
“Stage Left Studio” and “Sage Theater” have both celebrated their one-year anniversary, which is a feat for any business in New York. It’s been a long road for both but they’ve made it through the construction, the fire permits and all the necessary red tape that comes with owning your own space. Having already hit this great milestone, I suspect great things to come from both theaters. Cheryl King and Diana Blake are true pioneers and women with this philosophy toward theater should be supported. Both theaters boast a full calendar with many upcoming events. Here are a few that are definitely worth looking in to.
“Now That You’ve Seen Me Naked” – a musical sketch comedy about relationships opens at “Sage Theater” just in time for Valentine’s Day and runs until April. For showtimes and ticket information, visit http://www.nowthatyouveseenmenaked.com.
“The Forbidden Kiss: The Erotica Series” and the weekly showcase of new talent “What’s Happening?” is currently at “Stage Left Studio.” Check http://www.stageleftstudio.com for a full schedule of events.
For rehearsal rates and performance schedules:
Sage Theater: http://www.sagetheater.us
Stage Left Studio: http://www.stageleftstudio.com
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