For Immediate Release: August 29, 2005
Media Contact: Jessica Calter, Arden Theatre Company, 215.922.8900 x49

Arden Theatre Company announces its fall series of salons. Created from a desire to deepen the connection between art and audience, salons provide patrons with an up-close and personal dialogue with a carefully selected panel of artists and experts on a variety of topics. Salons are hosted by Arden's Associate Artistic Director Amy Dugas Brown. Salon attendance has increased 45% since the program's launch in the spring of 2003. Due to the increasing popularity of salons, the Arden has been able to broaden the topics from basic behind-the-scenes information to in-depth discussions on what it takes to bring a new musical or play to life. Time and time again salon attendees say that after having attended a salon their experience at the next show is that much richer.

Salons are $25 each, three for $70 or four for $80. In addition to the discussion, the price includes wine, coffee and hors d'oeuvres. Salons are held at Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd Street, Old City Philadelphia. Participants can register online at www.ardentheatre.org or by calling the Arden box office at 215.922.1122.

FALL 2005 SALONS

• The Secret of Scenic Painting
  Monday, October 17, from 6-7:30 p.m.
  
  How does plywood become iron, brick, marble or stucco? How does the back wall of the Haas turn into a cityscape, a seascape, or the South African sky? Meet the experts who design, conceive and execute these creations. We'll take you to the paint deck to see first hand how these techniques are put to effect. Willing salon attendees could find themselves wielding a paintbrush! Featured speakers: Barrymore Award-nominated set designer Donald Eastman and scenic painter Adam W. Riggar.
  
  
• Directing
  Tuesday, October 25, from 6-7:30 p.m.
  
  Is it all glamour or all guts? Find out what it takes to bring a play from the page to the stage with three of Philadelphia's most celebrated directors. Featured speakers: Jennifer Childs, Whit MacLaughlin, Terrence J. Nolen.
  
  
• And Now for Something Completely Different...
  Monday, November 7, from 6-7:30 p.m.
  
  Monty Python, Oscar Wilde, Absolutely Fabulous, Joe Orton. Funny is as funny does, but no humor is quite as biting as British comedy. Learn from one American actor and one British actor how to extract all the scathing laughs from comedic British writing. Featured speakers: Anthony Lawton and David Howey.
  
  
• All in the Family
  Tuesday, November 15, from 6-7:30 p.m.
  
  Tony Award nominees and brothers Robert Reale and Willie Reale are well loved for their fresh, fun A Year with Frog and Toad. Now in residence at the Arden for their next musical, the brothers will talk about their careers (in theatre, TV and film) and the ultimate familial collaboration – writing the book, lyrics and music to a full-scale musical. Featured speakers: Robert Reale and Willie Reale.
  
  
• On writing an OPUS
  Monday, December 5, from 6-7:30 p.m.
  
  Philadelphia playwright Michael Hollinger will talk about what is sure to become his masterpiece – his new play Opus, premiering at the Arden this winter. Actor Greg Wood, already cast in the leading role, will add insight and perspective on creating a new work for the stage. Featured speakers: Michael Hollinger and Greg Wood.
  
  

All salons will be held at Arden Theatre Company, located at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City Philadelphia. Participants can register online at www.ardentheatre.org or by calling the Arden box office at 215.922.1122.

Information regarding the Arden's theatre classes for children is also available on the Arden website.

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