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the standard: a work ethic connecting talented, engaged artists in the pursuit of excellence.
The standard aims to create, develop and produce new work, generating opportunities for artists of every concentration, to expand and elevate their craft .
We aim to be a source of inspiration, support and service, providing a space for individual exploration and discovery nourished by a collective commitment to growth as an artistic community.
"There is no lack: if you are an actor, act; if you are an artist, create...”
The standard is an artist collective born out of the idea that There is no lack. If you are an actor, act. If you are an artist create. The collective is devoted to uplifting the creative community of which we are a part by providing opportunities for artists of all kinds to elevate their craft, develop their work and provide a platform to showcase that work with an eye towards future production.
Actors, writers, directors, visual artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, and artists of all kind are welcome to bring their ideas and work together in order to better hone their craft and raise the standard of art in America. Through our workshops, staged reading, presentations, and outreach, the standard wishes to serve the community of artists in need of a place to develop their unique skills and share their talents with the world. Our season includes:
Living Legends Series
legend (n.)- a person or thing that inspires legend.
An award ceremony dedicated to the honor of an individual who has left his or her mark in the world of art. These legends inspire many to become great and have truly exemplified what it is to be legendary. The first recipient of the award in 2010 went to Woody King Jr.
Standardized: a reading series
standardize (v.)- to cause something to hold a given level of quality or attainment.
An ongoing series focused on nurturing playwrights and screenwriters by providing them with a developmental space to hear their work in the company of an audience read by a cast of professional actors. We select new, previously unproduced works that speak to the standard aesthetic - art that is dynamic, diverse, intelligent and provocative - based on criteria of current artistic merit and future promise. The readings are followed by a brief talk back with the writer and a reception for the artists and audience alike.
We are commited to encouraging a diverse range of new work by both emerging and established playwrights and accept submissions on an ongoing basis. Past Productions include:
Claudia by Danielle Davenport (dir. Thaddeus Daniels)
Freeman in Paris by Herb Newsome (dir. Herb Newsome)
Follow Me To Nellie's by Dominique Morrisseau (dir. Kamilah Forbes)
Contrary To Popular Belief by Nathan James (dir. Herb Newsome)
Sweetwater by Eena Woods (dir. Thaddeus Daniels)
Brothers From the Botton by Jackie Alexander (dir. Jackie Alexander) Co-Production with The Billy Holiday Theater
Re:Definition by Glenn Gordon (dir. Chadwick Boseman)
Co-Production with The Continuum Project
The Grove by Mfoniso Udolfia (dir. TBA)
Standard Salon
salon (n.)- a fashionable assemblage of notables ( as literary figure, artists, statesman) held by custom at the home of a prominent person.
The salon series is a chance for people, from all walks of life, to come together and share thoughts, reflections and ideas through targeted discussions on topics of interest to our community. A laid, casual environment allows for the participants to engage in comfortable conversation moderated by one of the standard members, while drinks and light refreshments help to fill your tummy and your soul.
Standard Outreach
outreach (v.)- to surpass in reach; to extend beyond capacity
The standards mechanism for giving back to the broader community, with a particular focus on reaching young people in the arts. Previous outreach projects have included storytelling and theater games with 2nd graders at P.S. 75 (Manhattan NY), Career Day at Boys and Girls High School (Brooklyn, NY), Guest Artist ACting Workshop at Monument Mountain High School (Great Barrington, MA) and Acting in the Professional World After College, a workshop at the University of Albany (Albany, NY).
The Actor Workout
workout (v,)- to practice or excercise to improve one's physical fitness, ability or performance.
An opportunity for actors to congregate and stretch there artistic muscles by working on various skills that will help to improve their craft. Prior workout have included, Cold Reading Workshops, Monologue Workshops, Boot Camp Workout, and much more. Just as athletes train and musicians jam, we believe that professional actors too can benefit from a place to hone our craft amoung peers in a relaxed environment. Actor Workouts are open to any and all levels of artist. If you would like to take part, or have an idea for a specific workout, be sure to contact us.
Founding members Herb Newsome, Joy Hooper and Nicoye Banks.
Members ChiChi Anyanwu, Thaddeus Daniels and Azania Shange.
The standard with living legend honoree Woddy King Jr. and guests.
The cast from the standardized: a reading series reading of Freeman in Paris by Herb Newsome.
Storytelling and creation with the students at P.S.75 in Manhattan.
Actor Bootcamp Workout with personal trainer Ngozi Anyanwu.
