Monday, August 31, 2009

The Product


The concept for Broadway In The Park is illustrated by its name. We want to present a top-quality musical theatre show (think CLOSBC or Reprise) for all to enjoy in a local park every summer. The production will be popular, family-friendly, and big enough to fill the park with musical excitement.

These shows would run for about five performances and will include a mix of professional, non-union actors and local amateurs. Orchestral accompaniment will be live and will be made up of professionals as well. We are blessed with quite a few talented individuals in the South Bay and will try to cast locals when appropriate to add to the "hometown feel."


Production values will be high. Shows will be mounted on a rented stage with a complete lighting and sound system. Sets will be fresh, fun, and colorful - perfect for presentation in a big space.

At the end of the day, Broadway In The Park's success will rest greatly on the quality of the productions. Our product will be something we can all be proud of - making El Segundo a destination for cultural tourism in the summer months and drawing folks all throughout the region to great outdoor theatre.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Getting Around The Blog

You've decided to join this awesome community known as The Moonlight Blog. Good for you! You are now part of a long-standing tradition of quality blogging that has been around since... well, the last few days. But it's been a good few days, yeah? In order to help you rock the blog to your full potential, we thought we'd give you quick tips on how to navigate the site and get the most out of the Moonlight experience:

Get Updates
We've made getting updates a snap with our subscription features. Just enter your email address in the "Get Updates Via Email" box to get updates sent directly to your inbox. Be on the lookout for a verification email in your inbox when you sign up - your subscription won't work unless you verify!

Comment
Our blog is a community. This forum allows you to share ideas and contribute your expert opinions. At the bottom of every post is a link that says "comments." Just click and share whatever's on your mind. You can leave your name (Name/URL) or go undercover by posting anonymously (Anonymous).

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Sometimes you'll want to share a post with a friend... especially if it's one of Jeff's super-sexy Video Blogs. How? Below every post is a graphic that says "Te!! A Friend." Just hover your cursor over the graphic to see your options. You can share using email by clicking on the picture of a postcard. Or, if you're tech-savvy, you can link a post via IM, personal blog, or social network. Sharing Jeff Cason has never been so easy!

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If there are any other features you'd like to see here, just let us know. We want you to feel at home on the blog so that the next several days will be as great as the last.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Coming Attractions: Wednesday, Aug 26

Every week we feature upcoming (and ongoing) performing arts events in the South Bay. If you would like to see an event added, send an email to broadwayinthepark@gmail.com and we'll include it!

-----LITTLE FISH THEATRE-----

WHAT THE BUTLER SAW
By Joe Orton

August 14 – September 19

Little Fish Theatre
777 Centre Street (at 8th)
San Pedro, CA 90731

(310) 512-6030
http://www.littlefishtheatre.org

===========

UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL
by Glen Berger

August 19 – September 3
(Wednesdays & Thursdays)

Little Fish Theatre
777 Centre Street (at 8th)
San Pedro, CA 90731

(310) 512-6030
http://www.littlefishtheatre.org


-----OLD TOWN MUSIC HALL-----

THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN
All-Singing Blend of Harmony and Humor

August 30

The Old Town Music Hall
140 Richmond St.
El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 322-2592
http://otmh.org


Monday, August 24, 2009

The Vision

Every organization has a vision, whether spoken or unspoken, that sets the course for all who are involved. When I first came up with this concept, I spent a lot of time looking at vision statements of other successful organizations to get insight. Over weeks I'd read a lot of long-winded visions that included the same, tired gobbledygook. It was boring and unfocused.

So I decided to throw out all the superfluous nonsense and get down to the basics. Here are the Six Core Beliefs that make up my vision for Broadway In The Park:
  1. Build a true community theatre.
  2. Treat everyone like family.
  3. Create fun that’s a little quirky.
  4. Deliver “wow” through service.
  5. Do more with less.
  6. Embrace and drive change.
I want this program to be fun, dynamic, and involve everyone on a community level - in a way that inspires people to own the program. This isn't about Jeff Cason bringing Broadway to El Segundo... it's El Segundo bringing the arts home.

Do the Six Core Values make sense without further explanation?
Do you buy it? How would you empower the community to own Broadway In The Park?

Friday, August 21, 2009

Mission Statement

Thanks to all of you who have already subscribed. Today's post marks the first of many where I will share ideas for you to check out and comment on. Below is a first draft of a mission statement for Broadway In The Park. The goal is to create something that is concise yet descriptive:

The mission of El Segundo’s “Broadway In The Park” is to serve the South Bay with professional summer theatre, provide a forum for local artists to present their work, and foster community support of the performing arts.

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Coming Attractions: Wednesday, Aug 19

Every week we feature upcoming (and ongoing) performing arts events in the South Bay. If you would like to see an event added, send an email to broadwayinthepark@gmail.com and we'll include it!

-----EL SEGUNDO YOUTH DRAMA-----

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
Directed by Kristie Rutledge

August 13 – 22

El Segundo High School Auditorium
640 Main St.
El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 524-2700
http://www.esyouthdrama.com

-----CULVER CITY PUBLIC THEATRE-----

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER
by Oliver Goldsmith
Directed by Alexander Wells

August 8 – August 23

Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park
Motor Ave At Braddock Dr
Culver City, CA 90232

=======================

AUNT FONDEEN AND THE LOST DUTCHMAN GOLDMINE
Written by Heidi Dotson
Directed by Sharon Savene

July 18 – August 23

Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park
Motor Ave At Braddock Dr
Culver City, CA 90232

http://ccpt.org

-----OLD TOWN MUSIC HALL-----

RIVERBOAT DIXIE
A Fine Dixieland Jazz Band

August 23

The Old Town Music Hall
140 Richmond St.
El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 322-2592
http://otmh.org

Monday, August 17, 2009

The Beginning

Welcome!

Welcome to the ES “Broadway In The Park” blog. Here you will find a community of excited and dedicated South Bay arts fans who are working together to redefine the meaning of community theatre.

What on earth is “Broadway In The Park?”

El Segundo’s “Broadway in the Park” is a summer theatre company that will present spectacular Broadway hits for the South Bay community. Every August, a local park in El Segundo will be transformed into a turn-of-the-century town social where community groups, good eats, and professional theatre come together under the stars. Of course, this organization hasn’t been created yet. That’s why you’re here. To help us design a program that our community can get excited about.

This blog is that first step to building that dream. Here you will find discussions, ideas, updates, and multimedia galore as we grow a theatre-loving tribe from the ground up. All we ask of you is to give your opinion. Tell us what excites you. Tell us what you think is stupid. Programs like these can make an impact on the whole community - but it only has value if the community has a voice.

So explore away. Over the next few days I’ll give you a better idea on what this crazy plan is all about. Thanks for checking us out and enjoy The Moonlight Blog.