About Rising Sun

Mission

To provide theatrical artists with artistic development programs and performance opportunities in order to strengthen the future of the American Theatre Community.

An Overview

A multi-faceted performing arts company, based in NYC, run by performing artists for performing artists. An innovative idea, to allow performers to create their own performance opportunities, The Rising Sun Performance Co, provides an opportunity to write, direct, create, network, learn, grow, take risks, and perform for its members.

Established in the autumn of 2001, The Rising Sun Performance Company was created with the intent to provide tri-state area non-equity theatrical artists with a supportive network community that encourages and presents outlets for creation, growth, exploration and risk taking to diversify and expand beyond the traditional theatre audience. Using the mulit-faceted talents of its members, culminating in lab sessions and performances of original and published works tours and outreach programs as tools to reach this goal. Based in New York City, The Rising Sun Performance Company is run by artists for artists to allow them to create their own opportunities instead of their opportunities creating them.

RSP takes pride in showcasing fresh, fledging artists alongside of up and coming professional artists in a supportive theatre community that nurtures its artists, without biased of race, sex, religion, or creed. We focus on talent and potential, rather than resumes and credentials. While training and experience are important aspects, and are taken into consideration; RSPC encourages new artists to apply. Our goal is to give exposure and experience to today's new talent to develop tomorrow's great stages.

The Rising Sun Performance company has non-profit fiscal sponsorship from The Field. The Field is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) organization serving the New York City performing arts community. Contributions made to The Field and earmarked for The Rising Sun Performance Company are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about The Field contact: The Field, 161 6th Avenue, New York NY 10013, (212) 691-6969, fax: (212) 255-2053, www.thefield.org. E-mail: info@thefield.org. A copy of The Field's latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, from the Field or from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271

A History

The Rising Sun Performance Company was created and founded by NYC performing artist, Akia. After watching herself and artist friends auditioning, and waiting months for quality opportunities to perform in productions that were inspiring and that they could be proud of, she said enough is enough. She realized that there was a need for a networking support system, and a safe environment to explore a variety of roles that one may not normally be cast in, especially those new to the city or fresh out of a training program. Akia wanted to create her own performance opportunities among other talented New York City Performers, and so she did just that.

After several attempts to find dedicated and talented cohorts to start the company, she was finally fortunate enough to team up with David Anthony, her founding administrator, in November of 2001. Within a matter of four months, the dynamic duo, formally cast mates at the NY Comedy Club, created a thriving 16-person group of multi-faceted performers. Actors, Singers, Dancers, Writers, Comedians, and Slam Poets, coming together to share and create.

Rising Sun started off with a bang, with their sold out NYC debut performance “An Evening in Cars,” a double billing of Marcus is Walking, by Joan Ackerman & Hell Cab by Will Kern. The Duo, not only produced these performances, but performed in them as well. With a 14-person cast, these performances were fantastic ensemble pieces, with each member of the cast playing three or more roles throughout the evening™s two performances. After the success of these performances and seeing the need of new performers, they realized there was more they could do.

From there RSP went on to tour an original version of Cinderella to Rhode Island, and in the same year produced a theatre festival which showcased close to 40 theatrical artists, 4 Original Plays (2 of which were world debuts), and Christopher Durang™s Baby with the Bathwater, culminating in 25 performances in an outstanding 11 days. In 2003 Rising Sun™s focus turned to original works touring a new version of Alice in Wonderland in RI and offering it as a free children™s performance in world famous Central Park, from there they produced the world debut of A Royal Toil, and closed their season with a sold out run of An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein, written by world famous and beloved poet Shel Silverstein, which they later restaged Off-Broadway at The Douglas Fairbanks theatre.

Since their inception, RSP has produced over 22 productions and events while showcasing the talent of over 60 Theatrical Artists and 7 Musical Acts. Many of RSP™s members have made their NYC debut through the company either by writing, directing or performing, have learned new theatre skills, and even explored alternate theatre careers. Some of our members have gone on to Broadway (Rent), National Tours (Aida) & Off-Broadway (Tony & Tina™s Wedding), Film and Television, gone back to graduate programs, and tested their hands at directing. Because Rising Sun’s name & reputation proceeds it, they have proudly been affiliated and created strong working relationships with The Field, Fractured Atlas, The New York Innovative Theatre Awards, The Actors Studio Drama School, Dance Theatre Workshop, Circum Arts, Whole Arts, The Four Corner Arts Center, The Theatre Development Fund™s Costume Collection & Play by Play Program, Audience Extras, Theatremania gold club, Material for The Arts, Point of You Productions, and Kitt Lavoie/Cry Havoc to name a few.

As a result of Rising Sun’s dedication to artistic development and quality theatre RSP has been approached by Just 4 Kids, The Boys & Girls Club of America, and the soon to be established Paul Butterfield Foundation, to develop a pilot theatre workshop for underprivileged children. Rising Sun is currently planning to travel with this program in the summer of 2006. In addition to its outreach programs RSP has another exciting season on its way!

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