January Client Letter

January, 2019

Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends,

We’re proud to share our clients’ activities

The Big Broadcast! the14th annual Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College recreation of a live 1940s radio show returns to Chapin Auditorium, Mount Holyoke College, on March 2.It’s created and directed by Mark Gionfriddo, and starring Brian Lapis as emcee Fred Kelley. Tickets now on sale at The Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA and the UMass Fine Arts Center Box-Office. 413-545-2511, 800-999-UMAS or www.fineartscenter.com. .

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The Capitol Steps perform every Friday and Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, in Washington, DC. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Their public radio New Years Eve special,Politics Takes A Holiday, airs on many NPR-member stations New Year’s Eve and January 1. They also perform throughout the year at theatres coast-to-coast. Note: The government shutdown is not impacting their DC performance schedule.  For details: http://capsteps.com/

Kevin Rhodes begins the New Year conducting performances of The Nutcracker at the Vienna State Opera Ballet, and ends January conducting performances of their new, highly-acclaimed production of Sylvia. For details:https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/artists/opera/detail/artist/943-rhodes-kevin/

Steven Schoenberg, pianist and composer, laucnhed a new website in December, designed by Claudia Palmira, a terrific designer I used to collaborate with on projects for New England Public Radio. http://claudiapalmira.com/  For details on Steven Schoenberg: http://stevenschoenberg.com/

Mike Thornton, my longtime colleague at The Capitol Steps, released his new jazz album: Homeward. Mike recorded portions of it before a live audience at The Egremont Barn in The Berkshires in 2017. For details:https://mikethorntonjazz.com/  or preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgcADUg11Ws

Jeanne Yocum’s The Self Employment Survival Guide has gained major attention in the media, on blogs, and amongst those with start-ups or those thinking of starting one in the New Year. . https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/the-self-employment-survival-guide/

More Shameless Self-Promotion

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB airs weekly on Fridays at 8AM. Tune in on 89.5fm/WSKB, or stream viawww.wskb.org or www.westfieldtv.org. You can find old episodes archived on WSKB’s YouTube Channel.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjzPcoGhNs723gdf2cFc1pQ

I’m really proud of a two-hour special I co-produced and co-hosted with the cast of TheaterWorks’ Christmas on The Rocks at the theatre.. Yes, that’s Randy Harrison in the cast. Thanks, Peter Cowles, Patrick Berry, and The TheaterWorks team. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMDIbGFgCDc

My ArtsBeat columns and theatre reviews for Westfield News Group, and articles for Succeeding in Small Businessare catalogued at Random Notes From a P.R. Guy: http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/

I’ll be taking a little work break December 31-January 2. 

Best wishes for a joyous  holiday season and a happy New Year..

Westfield New Group ArtsBeat 12/26/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/26/18. The final installment o the Best o The Year trilogy. Performances and innovators who made this year's theatre so memorable.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-2018-year-in-review-part-iii/

ArtsBeat Radio / 89.5fm-WSKB / December 21

ArtBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 12/21/18. Theatre Critics roundtable--the best of the year.  J. Peter Bergman from Berkshire Theatre Critics Association, Chris Rohmann from The Valley Advocate, Fred Sokol from Talking Broadway, and Mark G. Auerbach from The Westfield News Group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdA06dKctcg

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/19/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 12/19/18. ArtsBeat 2018 Year in Review, Part II. The outstanding plays, musicals, directors, and designers in WMass and No,CT area theatres this year. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-2018-year-in-review-part-ii/

Mark G Auerbach Public Relations / Year End Letter

This year, as in previous ones, I’ve chosen to honor the spirit of giving, by making contributions to some worthy non-profit organizations in my community that mare making efforts to better life for many. The money I could have spent on cards, postage, and client gifts, can go to make someone’s world better.

It’s been a great year for me workwise with some interesting projects and events to keep me busy from The Jazz Ensembles at Mount Holyoke College’s The Big Broadcast! to the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative’s WMass Film and Media Exchange.. I did my annual stint with The Capitol Steps in Cambridge, and the publicity for two  shows in Torrington, CT and Northampton, MA. Those were for producer The Mike Thornton Agency. I’m now doing national press and social media support for The Capitol Steps and their national Make America Grin Again tour. Their New Year Special, Politics Takes A Holiday, airs at the end of the month on many NPR member stations.

I also did some public relations work for composer Steven Schoenberg, conductor Kevin Rhodes, and author Jeanne Yocum, whose book, The Self Employment Survival Guide launched last Spring..

The journalism side of my life picked up. In addition to writing the weekly ArtsBeat column and providing theatre reviews for The Westfield News Group, I wrote for the blog Succeeding in Small Business. 89.5fm/WSKB, where I was a frequent arts contributor, offered me the opportunity to produce and host a weekly show, ArtsBeat Radio, which airs Fridays, an is available for download as a podcast from YouTube.

I’m especially proud of three programs, each two hour specials live taped on location. Patrick Berry and I interviwed the Berkshire Theatre Group’s creative team from the Fitzpatrick Main Stage in Stockbridge, a celebration of their 90th season; and joined the TheaterWorks company on their set for Christmas on The Rocks. I did a Capitol Steps special from The Cranwell resort in The Berkshires.

My columns, reviews, and radio programs live on my blog Mark.My.Words. http://wordsbymarka.blogspot.com/

There was plenty of pool time this summer, and time spent with my 99 year old father. I co-chaired my Northfield Mount Hermon milestone reunion, an exhilarating experience as 125 classmates returned in June. I’m taking a much needed break from NMH after years of volunteerism.

Here’s hoping that your holidays are terrific, and hopes for peace, health, and happiness in the coming year.

Best,

Mark

My December Succeeding in Small Business Column

My ecember column for the award-winning "Succeeding in Small Business" blog. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/small-business-social-media-resolutions-for-the-new-year/?fbclid=IwAR0qCMIFHnZj7HbvqtFbppkbYw2bXeKvuIiXEkvhnK7JWNb0iKcU5PkUhN4#.XBJ0FCMrJaV

Review: Hamilton Hits Hartford

Westfield News Group review of "Hamilton" at The Bushnell.  Yes, it's great!
https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-hamilton-at-the-bushnell/

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/12/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/12/18. 2018: The Arts Year in Review. Part 1. The Newsmakers. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-255/

ArtsBeat Radio / Westfield News Group Radio Special: TheaterWorks

The Westfield News Group / ArtsBeat Radio special on TheaterWorks' "Christmas on The Rocks" for 89.5fm/WSKB, with hosts Patrick Berry and Mark G. Auerbach, producer Peter Cowles, and from TheaterWorks: Eric Ort, Tom Bloom, Jenn Harris, Randy Harrison, and Jacques Lamarre. Thanks to Rob Ruggiero, Freddie McInerney, Cecilia Chapman, and Michael McKiernan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMDIbGFgCDc

Review: Storm Large at The UMass Fine Arts Center

Westfield News Group review: Storm Large's Holiday Ordeal at the UMass Fine Arts Center. https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-storm-larges-holiday-ordeal-at-the-umass-fine-arts-center/

Westfield New Group ArtsBeat 12/5/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 12/6/18. "Home For The Holidays" at Te Majestic, Kevin Winkler's new Fosse book, and "Hamilton" comes to Hartford, plus arts news for WMass and NoCT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-254/

Review: Christmas on the Rocks at TheaterWorks

Westfield News Group review of "Christmas on The Rocks" at Hartford's TheaterWorks. It has rapidly become the new holiday season tradition for area theatregoers who need their season spiked with an abundance of laughs, some holiday spirit, and a first-class 90 minute laugh riot. Randy Harrison joins the cast this year. https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-theaterworks-christmas-on-the-rocks/

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/28/18

Westfield News Group ArtBeat 11/28/18. Christmas Carol everywhere. A radio play at Silverthorne. An improv at Sea Tea Comedy. A Civil War Christmas at CT. Rep, and art news for WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-251/

Calendar Listings: The Capitol Steps / Politics Takes A Holiday

CALENDAR LISTINGS

THE CAPITOL STEPS: POLITICS TAKES A HOLIDAY

Public Radio Special Taping Before A Live Audience

Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7:30PM

Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 7:30PM

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Amphitheater

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. 20004

Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Ticket and venue information: (202) 312-1555 or 

http://www.capsteps.com/live/reagan04.html

The Capitol Steps, the political musical satire group that has been putting the “mock” in democracy since 1981, will be taping their semi-annual public radio special, Politics Takes A Holiday, before a live audience on Friday and Saturday, December 14-15,  at 7:30PM, at the Amphitheater of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, DC.  The radio special will feature songs from their current show, Make America Grin Again, which runs every Friday and Saturday in the RonaldReagan Building and International Trade Center Amphitheater.

With plenty of opportunities to find laughs in the buffoonery in our nation's capital, the Capitol Steps work overtime to capture the new administration's antics in satire and song. And since the Capitol Steps mine their laughs from materials ripped from today’s and tomorrow’s headlines, you never know whether Stormy Daniels, Vladimir Putin, Bernie Sanders, The Supreme Court, Omarosa, or Kim Jong-un might appear from Mar-A-Lago or The White House.

The Capitol Steps’ performance of mostly new material and some old favorites “is cheaper than therapy,” says Capitol Steps co-founder Elaina Newport. “No matter who is making the news, we all need a laugh. And as fast as a politician can send a tweet, we add a new song or joke. Our show transcends all political views – if we get the politician you agree with in the first song, we’ll get the politician you disagree with in the next song.  We’re equal-opportunity satirists!”

The Capitol Steps began when a group of Congressional staffers got together to provide entertainment for a holiday office party on Capitol Hill.  They provide their unique mix of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast.  Each show consists of about thirty songs and skits covering everything in the news, with characters and wigs flying on and off stage, and “more costume changes than a Cher concert,” saysNewport. The Capitol Steps perform in Washington DC every weekend, tour nationally throughout the year, and have appeared on “The Today Show,” “ABC News Nightline,” “CBS Evening News” and on specials for NPR. 

The Capitol Steps’ puliuc radio special, Politics Takes A Holiday, will air on public radio stations coast-to-coast over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Check your local NPR member station for local listings. For program details: http://www.capsteps.com/radio/

The Capitol Steps perform in Washington DC every weekend year-round, and several touring productions travel to performances coast-to-coast. For details: http://capsteps.com/

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ArtsBeat Radio / 89.5fm-WSKB / 11/23/18

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB. 11/23/18. TheaterWorks' Michael McKiernan previews "Christmas on The Rocks"and Gonomad Travel's Max Hartshorne shares places to go and things to do in The Hilltowns of WMass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzgcmH109aA

ArtsBeat Radio / 89.5fm-WSKB / November 16

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB for 11/16/18. Mark G. Auerbach chats with Kevin Winkler about his new book "Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical", and with Travis Daly, who previews "A Christmas Carol" at Berkshire Theatre Group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah-LpztRb7s

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/21/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/21/18. A Christmas Carol, A Connecticut Christmas Carol, Christmas on The Rocks, Leslie Odom Jr, Storm Large's Holiday Ordeal, Hamilton and other holiday fare in WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-252/

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/14/18

Westfield News Group 11/14/18. Westfield’s Nick Burrage heads to “Cats”. New initiatives at WAM Theatre and Hartford’s Theaterworks. The Whit performs “The Laramie Project”, and arts news for WMass and No.CT.. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-253/

ArtsBeat Radio 89.5fm/WSKB. 11/9/18

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB. 11/9/18. Mark G. Auerbach interviews WMass arts reporters Peter Bergman and Gail Burns about the "Berkies", The Berkshire Theatre Critics Awards. And, Pink Martini's Storm Large chats about "Storm Large's Holiday Ordeal" enroute to the UMass Fine Arts Center next month.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZC9ZMHjIcw

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/7/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 11/7/18. "A Connecticut Christmas Carol" returns to Goodspeed. "Christmas On The Rocks" returns to Hartford's TheaterWorks, and The Capitol Steps bring their post-midterm election "Make America Grin Again" to Cambridge Thanksgiving weekend, and arts news for WMass and NoCT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-250/

Westfield News Group Review: Fiddler on The Roof

Westfield News Group review of "Fiddler on The Roof" at The Bushnell in Hartford. Still so relevant and affecting in today's headlines; a beautiful production with  Israeli starYehezkel Lazarov as "Tevye". https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-fiddler-on-the-roof-at-the-bushnell/

Succeeding in Small Business / November column

My November column for Succeeding in Small Business. "T'is the Season".
https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/saying-thanks-to-your-small-business-customers-during-the-holidays/#.W-BTKyMrJaV

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB for November 2, 2018

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB for November 2, 2018 Mark G Auerbach interviews John Montanari, Artistic Director of Valley Classical Concerts, and Debra J'Anthony from Northampton's Academy of Music Theatre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T4nm3H6VAk

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/31/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/31/18. Ebon Moss-Bachrach headlines Selected Shorts at UMass, Berkshire Theatre Critic Awards nominees, and other arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-249/

Succeeding in Small Business October Article

My October article for "Succeeding in Small Business". Media lessons learned from other's examples good and bad. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/media-relations-learning-from-the-examples-of-others-both-good-and-bad/?fbclid=IwAR2fy0wiF9b7OsWdRQSK6n1ygUy4KOoZBKk-ZPZ-2J1qfd55dZuGu-rHWNY#.W9hctiMrJaV

ArtsBeat Radio October 26

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB, October 27. Danny Eaton talks about his new play at West Springfield's Majestic Theater, and Don Sanders, from MIFA shares a progress report on the restoration of Holyoke's Victory Theatre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8YxcshvFdg

Calendar Listings: The Capitol Steps Washington DC Performances

CALENDAR LISTINGS

THE CAPITOL STEPS

MAKE AMERICA GRIN AGAIN

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Amphitheatre

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. 20004

Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Ticket and venue information: (202) 312-1555 or 

http://www.capsteps.com/live/reagan04.html

The Capitol Steps, the political musical satire group that has been putting the “mock” in democracy since 1981, perform every Friday and Saturday at 7:30PM, at the Amphitheater of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, DC. Their current show, Make America Grin Again, includes songs and satire from their new CD of the same name.

With plenty of opportunities to find laughs in the buffoonery in our Nation's Capital, the Capitol Steps work overtime to capture the new administration's antics in satire and song. And since the Capitol Steps mine their laughs from materials ripped from today’s and tomorrow’s headlines, you never know whether Stormy Daniels, Vladimir Putin, Bernie Sanders, Jeff Sessions, or Kim Jong-un might appear from Mar-A-Lago or The White House.

The Capitol Steps’ performance of mostly new material and some old favorites “is cheaper than therapy”, says Capitol Steps co-founder Elaina Newport. “No matter who is making the news, we all need a laugh. And as fast as a politician can send a tweet, we add a new song or joke. Our show transcends all political views – if we get the politician you agree with in the first song, we’ll get the politician you disagree with in the next song.  We’re equal opportunity satirists!”

The Capitol Steps began when a group of Congressional staffers got together to provide entertainment for a holiday office party on Capitol Hill.  They provide their unique mix of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast.  Each show consists of about thirty songs and skits covering everything in the news, with characters and wigs flying on and off stage, and “more costume changes than a Cher concert,” says Newport. The Capitol Steps perform in Washington DC every weekend, tour nationally throughout the year, and have appeared on “The Today Show,” “ABC News Nightline,” “CBS Evening News” and on specials for NPR. 

The Capitol Steps perform in Washington DC every weekend year-round, and several touring productions travel to performances coast-to-coast. For details: http://capsteps.com/

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Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/24/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/24/18. Theatre Re's "The Nature of Forgetting" at the UMass Fine Arts Center, theatre composer Alexander Sovronsky, from Berkshires to NYC an C, and arts news for WMass and No. CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-248/

Review: Henry V at Hartford Stage

Westfield News Group review of Shakespeare's Henry V at Hartford Stage. Director Elizabeth Williamson stages this production arena-style, with gender-blind casting. It works! https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-shakespeares-henry-v-at-hartford-stage/

ArtsBeat Radio: 10/19/18: Back to School with Matt & Matt

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 10/19/18. Back to school with Matt and Matt. Matt Longhi showcases music and dance programs at UMass/Amherst. Matt Pugliese talks about theatre at UConn. CT. Repertory Theatre and Nutmed Summer Series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l6-Z7jwAbw

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/17/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/17/18. "Fiddler on The Roof" tour heads to the Bushnell, "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" at Playhouse on Park and other arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-247/

Media Release: the Capitol Steps Bring "Make America Grin Again" to Cambridge on November 24

THE CAPITOL STEPS RETURN TO CAMBRIDGE WITH THEIR “MAKE AMERICA GRIN AGAIN” TOUR ON NOVEMBER 24.

Cambridge, MA--In their first Baystate appearance after the Midterm Elections, The Capitol Steps return to Cambridge for their annual Thanksgiving visit with their Make America Grin Again tour, Saturday, November 24 with two performances at 5PM and 8PM at Sanders Theatre on the Harvard campus.

The Capitol Steps spoof the characters on both sides of the aisle with their songs and satires, putting the “mock” in democracy. According to Mike Thornton, the actor who has played presidents from Reagan to Trump in his 20-plus years performing The Capitol Steps, “I wouldn't have believed that the Congress and Trump could get any crazier than last year; but once again, Washington proves otherwise. One of Trump's tweets in the show states "Many people are saying that my meeting with Vladimir Putin was the lowest point of my career but they're wrong - I can go much lower".  And our fans are more grateful than ever for the desperately needed release of endorphins”.

The Capitol Steps have elevated political satire to an art form. Before The Daily Show, Full Frontal, and The Colbert Report, the Washington, DC-based comedy troupe gave audience laugh cramps with their bipartisan lampooning.  The Capitol Steps began in 1981 as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize their employers, and haven’t let up since. 

The Capitol Steps have been a national institution for over 37 years, providing a unique blend of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast.. Their annual Cambridge visit, now a Thanksgiving weekend holiday tradition, spoofs material is ripped from today’s headlines., The Capitol Steps can’t predict can’t just who are our winners and losers, but expect some musical commentary from Donald and Melania Trump, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Kellyanne Conway,The Supreme Court, Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, Omarosa, and Stormy Daniels. (and even some Democrats- SAD!). Most importantly folks can expect to be entertained, laugh incessantly, and leave in a great mood- because the Capitol Steps are cheaper than therapy!

Tickets for The Capitol Steps performances at Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, 45 Quincy Street in Cambridge, MA are available at the Harvard Box-Office.  For details:  617-496-2222 or https://www.boxoffice.harvard.edu

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials, visit their website, www.capsteps.com, or find The Capitol Steps on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter (@capsteps)

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Review: The River at Theaterworks

Westfield News Group review of Jez Butterworth's chamber mystery "The River" at Hartford's Theaterworks. Rob Ruggiero directs a play about a man who confronts past and present loves in a fishing camp on a river. https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-the-river-at-theaterworks/

Updated Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative's "Perfect Pitch"

PERECT PITCH: 5TH ANNUAL WMASS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE, OCTOBER 20 IN SPRINGFIELD, MA FEATURES HOLLYWOOD SCRIPT CONSULTANT PILAR ALESSANDRA.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents its 5th annual WMass Film and Media Exchange, “The Perfect Pitch,” on Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 9:30AM-4:30PM at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place in downtown Springfield, MA. This year’s Exchange is designed for aspiring and established screenwriters, playwrights, novelists, producers, directors and anyone wanting their idea heard by industry decision makers!  The template for pitching is great for marketing professionals and executives too.   

Special guest, renowned Hollywood Screenplay Consultant, author, and Pitch Expert Pilar Alessandra will be conducting two seminars on Creative Screenwriting (Character & Dialogue Development) and "Pitching Your Project." Pilar will give attendees the template for pitching an idea. She will guide you through the elements you need to express your story, your inspiration and your characters so that industry professionals lean in and say, "yes!" Daniel Fierst from the entertainment law firm of Fierst, Kane & Bloomberg, LLP will also offer a session on the legal aspects of selling your screenplay or project. There will be an the unique opportunity for some participants to pitch their projects to Pilar Alessandra.

Pilar Alessandra started her career as Senior Story Analyst at DreamWorks SKG. In 2001, she opened the Los Angeles-based On the Page Writers’ Studio, dedicated to teaching and consulting with screenwriters and TV writers at all levels. She’s the author of the top-selling scriptwriting book, “The Coffee Break Screenwriter,” and host of the popular “On the Page Podcast.” An in-demand speaker, she’s been a guest instructor at Disney, DreamWorks Animation, ABC, CBS and AFM, and has taught screenwriting and pitching at production companies and film festivals all over the world. For more information about Pilar Alessandra, her classes, consultations, book and podcast: "http://www.onthepage.tv

The 2018 WMass Film and Media Exchange is made possible in part with grants from the Community Foundation of Western MA and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Sponsors and media partners to date include: Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, IMAGINE Magazine, New England Public Radio, Wachsler CPA, LLC, and The Westfield News Group, Green Fire Writers, Berkshire Women Writers, Women in Film and Video New England, Berkshire Theatre Group and WAM Theatre.

Tickets for the WMass Film and Media Exchange, which include continental breakfast,  lunch and free parking at the Springfield Sheraton, begin at $129, with a student rate of $75 with valid student ID. Prices increase at the door to $159. Space is limited. For program and ticket information: 413.528.4223 or www.berkshirefilm.org 

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

ArtsBeat Radio / 89.5fm/WSKB/ October 12

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB for October 12. Diane Pearlman from Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative's "Perfect Pitch: WMass Film and Media Exchange with Pilar Alessandra" and Jeffrey Dreisbach, casting partner at McCorkle Casting, and a plug for Goodspeed's "The Drowsy Chaperone". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh4KQlSyuA0

Review: The Drowsy Chaperone at Goodspeed

Westfield News Group review. Goodspeed Musicals' "The Drowsy Chaperone". A spectacular valentine to Broadway musicals and the people who love them.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-goodspeed-stages-the-drowsy-chaperone/

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/10/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/10/18. Goodspeed announces upcoming season. WMass Film and Media Exchange features scriptwriting consultant Pilar Alessandra in Springfield, and arts news or Wmass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-246/

Review: The Glass Menagerie at Barrington Stage

My Westfield News Group review of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" at Barrington Stage. I foun Julianne Boyd' staging, Alexaner Sovronsky's music, and Mark H. Dold's performance exceptionally fine. https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-the-glass-menagerie-at-barrington-stage/

ArtsBeat Radio, 89.5fm/WSKB for October 5, 2018

ArtsBeat Radio, 89.5fm/WSKB for October 5, 2018. Mark G. Auerbach interviews Mark Adam Rampmeyer, wig designer for Goodspeed's "The Drowsy Chaperone" and Juliana von Haubrich, set designer for WAM Theatre's "Ann".  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqLjJBnxh74

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 10/3/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 10/3/18. Jayne Atkinson is "Ann"at WAM Theatre; Shakespeare's "Henry V" at Hartford Stage, and arts news for WMass and No.CT.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-245/

Westfield News Group Review: Naked at Berkshire Theatre Group

Westfield News Group review of Luigi Pirandello's "Naked" at Berkshire Theatre Group. "Incredibly spot-on and relevant. Director Eric Hill,has showcased the best actors seen on Berkshire Theatre Group stages in recent years, and a fine group of designers. Together, they make Naked a richly satisfying theatre experience.  
https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-naked-at-berkshire-theatre-group/

Media Release: 5th WMass Film and Media Exchange

BERKSHIRE FILM AND MEDIA COLLABORATIVE PRESENTS “THE PERFECT PITCH” AT THE 5TH ANNUAL WMASS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE, OCTOBER 20 IN SPRINGFIELD, MA.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents its 5th annual WMass Film and Media Exchange, “The Perfect Pitch,” on Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 9:30AM-4:30PM at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place in downtown Springfield, MA. This year’s Exchange is designed for screenwriters, playwrights, novelists, producers, directors and anyone with a great idea who wants to learn the best practices for getting a screenplay noticed by the studios. 

Special guest, renowned Hollywood Screenplay Consultant and Pitch Expert Pilar Alessandra will be conducting two seminars on Screenwriting (Character & Dialogue Development) and "Pitching Your Project." Fred Fierst from the entertainment law firm of Fierst, Kane & Bloomberg, LLP will also offer a session on the legal aspects of selling your screenplay or project. There will be an opportunity for participants to pitch their projects to Pilar.

Berkshire Film and Meia Collaborative’s Executive Director, Diane Pearlman, is thrilled to be offering this day of professional workshops in western, MA, “No longer do you have to live in New York City or Los Angeles to create great content. With so many TV, film and podcast outlets, we want to give our professional community (and those who want to “break-into” the business) the tools to be competitive and the opportunity to learn from one of the best!”

Pilar Alessandra started her career as Senior Story Analyst at DreamWorks SKG. In 2001, she opened the Los Angeles-based On the Page Writers’ Studio, dedicated to teaching and consulting with screenwriters and TV writers at all levels. She’s the author of the top-selling scriptwriting book, “The Coffee Break Screenwriter,” and host of the popular “On the Page Podcast.” An in-demand speaker, she’s been a guest instructor at Disney, DreamWorks Animation, ABC, CBS and AFM, and has taught screenwriting and pitching at production companies and film festivals all over the world. For more information about Pilar Alessandra, her classes, consultations, book and podcast: "http://www.onthepage.tv

The 2018 WMass Film and Media Exchange is made possible in part with grants from the Community Foundation of Western MA and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Sponsors to date include: Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, IMAGINE Magazine, New England Public Radio, Wachsler CPA, LLC, and The Westfield News Group. Media partners to date include Berkshire Theatre Group and WAM Theatre

Tickets for the WMass Film and Media Exchange, which include continental breakfast,  lunch and free parking at the Springfield Sheraton, begin at $129, with a student rate of $75 with valid student ID. Prices increase after October 15 to $159. Space is limited. For program and ticket information: 413.528.4223 or www.berkshirefilm.org or  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/western-ma-film-media-exchange-screenwriting-pitching-your-project-tickets-50514277564

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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ArtsBeat Radio 89.5fm/WSKB 9/28/18

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 9/28/18. An hour with Julianne Boyd, Artistic Director of Barrington Stage Company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0gXPISqKyE

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/26/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/26/18. "The Glass Menagerie" at Barrington Stage; "The River" at TheaterWorks in Hartford, and other arts news for WMass and No.CT.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-244/

Review: The Play That Goes Wrong

Westfield News Group review of "The Play That Goes Wrong" national tour at The Bushnell. https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-the-play-that-goes-wrong-at-the-bushnell/

News from Mark G Auerbach Public Relations October 2018

October, 2018

We’re proud to share our clients’ activities

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative hosts its 5th annual Exchange in Springfield on October 20. Pilar Alessandra from On The Page will teach workshops on pitching screenplays and scripts. For details on Pilar Alessandra: https://www.onthepage.tv/  For event details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/western-ma-film-media-exchange-screenwriting-pitching-your-project-tickets-50514277564?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventurl_text

The Big Broadcast! the annual Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College recreation of a live 1940s radio show returns to Chapin Auditorium, Mount Holyoke College, on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Tickets go on sale later this Fall. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For details: ask me.

The Capitol Steps perform every Friday and Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center,  in Washington, DC. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. They also perform throughout the year at theatres coast-to-coast. Their new CD, Make America Grin Again, is now available For details: http://capsteps.com/

The Mike Thornton Agency brings The Capitol Steps back to Cambridge, MA for their annual Thanksgiving show, Saturday, November 24 at 5PM & 8PM, Sanders Theatre, Harvard University. Tickets are on sale at the Harvard Box-Office. For details:  617-496-2222 or https://www.boxoffice.harvard.edu

Steven Schoenberg, pianist and composer, released his latest CD, What’s Going On? last year. It’s a series of improvisations on well known standards rom “The Sounds of Silence” to “When You Wish Upon A Star “ For the All About Jazz review: https://www.allaboutjazz.com/notable-and-nearly-missed-2017-skip-heller-by-c-michael-bailey.php  For details on Steven Schoenberg: http://stevenschoenberg.com/

Jeanne Yocum, author of The Self-Employment Survival Guide: Proven Strategies to Succeed as Your Own Boss, will present her workshop, The Thrills (and Chills) of Self-Employment, including myths of self-employment, benefits of being your own boss and the self-employment mindset. Q&A to follow presentation on October 4, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill, NC. For details: https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/the-self-employment-survival-guide/

More Shameless Self-Promotion

89.5fm/WSKB’s ArtsBeat Radio airs weekly on Fridays at 8AM. Tune in on 89.5fm/WSKB, or stream via www.wskb.org or www.westfieldtv.org

My ArtsBeat columns and theatre reviews for Westfield News Group, and articles for Succeeding in Small Business are catalogued at Random Notes From a P.R. Guy: http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5m/WSKB 9/21/18

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 9/21/18. Mark G. Auerbach chats with actors Tara Franklin and James Barry, stars of Pirandello's "Naked" at Berkshire Theatre Group.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRBZZljNdzE

September Article for Succeeding in Small Business

The Elevator Speech. My September article for "Succeeding in Small Business".
https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/your-elevator-pitch-getting-it-right/#.W6OTZFJRf6c

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat for 9/19/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/19/18. Pirandello's "Naked" at Berkshire Theatre Group, "The Play That Goes Wring" at The Bushnell and arts news or WMass and No.CT.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-243/

Review: Make Believe at Hartford Stage

Westfield News Group Review: Bess Wohl's "Make Believe" has its world premiere at Hartford Stage. https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-make-believe-world-premiere-at-hartford-stage/

Review: Shakespeare & Company's HIR

Westfield News Group review of Taylor Mac's HIR at Shakespeare and Company. https://thewestfieldnews.com/review-shakespeare-company-presents-taylor-macs-hir/

ArtsBeat Radio/ 89.5fm/WSKB / 9-14-18

ArtsBeat Radio Springfield Symphony 75th Season Special / 89.5fm/WSKB / 9-14-18. Mark G. Auerbach chats with composer Adam Schoenberg, SSO Maestro Kevin Rhodes, and SSO Principal Tuba Player Steve Perry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Zwr5b_zbU

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/12/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/12/18. "The Drowsy Chaperone" heads to Goodspeed. Barrington Stage's summer hit "The Cake" heads to NYC and arts news for WMass and No.CT.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-242/

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 9/7/18

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB for 9/7/18. Mark G. Auerbach chats with Daniel Elihu Kramer, Artistic Director of Chester Theatre and Longmeadow musician Dave Brinnel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcK5bQDGX0k

Westfield New Group ArtsBeat 9/5/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 9/5/18. HIR at Shakespeare & Company, The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s 75th Season, Peter and the Starcatcher at Playhouse on Park and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-241/

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 8/31/18

ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB 8/31/18. Hartford Stage Season Preview. Mark G. Auerbach chats with Hartford Stage Associate Artistic Director Elizabeth Williamson an Jackson Gay, director of Bess Wohl's "Make Believe". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxfqDO0Tb04

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 8/29/18

Westfield News Group ArtsBeat 8/29/18. Bess Wohl's "Make Believe" has a world premiere at Hartford Stage; Joe Iconis at Barrington Stage, and arts news for WMass and No.CT.
https://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-240/

News from Mark G Auerbach Public Relations / September

Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends,

Please note: Our offices will be closed on Monday, September 3, .

.

We’re proud to share our clients’ activities

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative hosts its 5th annual Exchange in Springfield on October 20. Pilar Alessandra from On The Page will teach workshops on pitching screenplays and scripts. Tickets on sale September 15. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For details on Pilar Alessandra: https://www.onthepage.tv/ For event details: www.berkshirefilm.org.

The Big Broadcast! the annual Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College recreation of a live 1940s radio show returns to Chapin Auditorium, Mount Holyoke College, on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Tickets go on sale later this Fall. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For details: ask me.

The Capitol Steps perform every Friday and Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center,  in Washington, DC. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. They also perform throughout the year at theatres coast-to-coast. Their new CD, Make America Grin Again, is now available For details: http://capsteps.com/

The Mike Thornton Agency brings The Capitol Steps back to Cambridge, MA for their annual Thanksgiving show, Saturday, November 24 at 5PM & 8PM, Sanders Theatre, Harvard University. Tickets are on sale at the Harvard Box-Office. For details:  617-496-2222 or https://www.boxoffice.harvard.edu

Steven Schoenberg, pianist and composer, and author and WMass gallery owner Richard Michelson, have collaborated on a new musical, Dear Edvard, which will be workshopped on Martha’s Vineyard on September 3. Steven appeared on ArtsBeat Radio to talk about this performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0KBQfzrcvI For information on that performance: http://mvplayhouse.org/theater/2018/09/dear-edvard/. For details on Steven Schoenberg: http://stevenschoenberg.com/

Jeanne Yocum, author of The Self-Employment Survival Guide: Proven Strategies to Succeed as Your Own Boss, will present her workshop, The Thrills (and Chills) of Self-Employment, including myths of self-employment, benefits of being your own boss and the self-employment mindset. Q&A to follow presentation on October 4, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill, NC. For details: https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/the-self-employment-survival-guide/

The Westfield News Group will sponsor a production of Pirandello’s Naked at The Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge, September  27-October 28. Eric Hill directs. For details: https://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org. For information on the Westfield News Group: .http://thewestfieldnews.com/  

More Shameless Self-Promotion

89.5fm/WSKB’s ArtsBeat Radio airs weekly on Fridays at 8AM. September guests include Elizabeth Williamson and Jackson Gay from Hartford Stage’s Make Believe; composer Adam Schoenberg, Maestro Kevin Rhodes, and tubist Steve Perry previewing the Springfield Symphony 75th season. Actors James Barry and Tara Franklin talk about Berkshire Theatre Group’s Naked, and Barrington Stage’s Julianne Boyd previews The Glass Menagerie.  Tune in on 89.5fm/WSKB, or stream via www.wskb.org or www.westfieldtv.org

My ArtsBeat columns and theatre reviews for Westfield News Group, and articles for Succeeding in Small Business are catalogued at Random Notes From a P.R. Guy: http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/

Bring on foliage season!