There is an undeniable irony that the semi-quarterly July Theater Potluck dinner was held at Starving Artist Studios, (801 Orienta Ave, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL). The potluck was held Sunday, June 24th from 7pm – 10pm. There was a torrential rain storm on my drive up I-4. I figured the rain might thin the crowd, but when I entered, the place was packed.
Starving Artist Studios, run by Tim Evanicki is a brand new facility that teaches dance, acting and music. Each room is themed after an area of NYC. The room where I settled in to sketch had pictures of Union Square on the walls. A large mirror lined one wall, so this room was set up for dance. All the walls were freshly painted and several rooms had pianos and drum sets.
Everyone brought a plate of great food, drink or dessert. There was plenty to choose from. Conversations bristled as people shared good times and good conversation with friends from our theatre community. This wasn’t about performing, this wasn’t even about networking. It was a chance for people to be themselves and take a moment to breathe with all the people making our Central Florida Performing Arts Community VITAL! I kept bumping into people I know in the food line. John DiDonna joked with me about sketching. “Can’t you put the pencil down just once and have a drink and relax?” “I’ll relax as soon as I finish this one sketch, I promise.”
In the next room, Terry Olson started a theater trivia game. He said, “Name a theater production that features rain!” “Singing in the rain!” someone shouted back. “A Steady Rain!” “Rain on Broadway!” “The Diviners!” “Twelfth Night!” The answers kept coming. These theater folk know their stuff.
Tonight is Third Thursday. “Granted“, at the City Arts Factory (9 South Orange Avenue), is a showcase for artists who had grants from United Arts. I received a grant last year to help with the expense of art supplies for this blog. Three of my sketches will be on display and for sale. The work will be on display through September 14th.