| Above the Influence The Young Artist Project |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
LA MIRADA, CA – Put 6 promising teenage artists in a workshop environment with no creative limits, stir with
the guidance of a veteran director and cook under the pressure of a public performance within weeks and
what do you get? You get a theatrical event that blends drama, poetry, comedy, dance and storytelling.
Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group’s Second Young Artist Project is currently providing this kind
of crucible for a talented troupe of former strangers who are suddenly experiencing the joy and pressure of
creating professional theatre. They will perform their evening program at 7 p.m. on August 2 at the La or
visit PhantomProjects.com.
The Young Artists Project is the brainchild of Steve Cisneros, Phantom Projects Founder and Artistic
Director, who launched the program in 2007 as part of his company’s 10th Anniversary.
“I didn’t know if there would be good creative chemistry in the group,” said Cisneros, who is directing the
workshop. “But at the first meeting the cast immediately began bouncing ideas around and we all became
enthusiastic about the possibilities. I think audiences are going to experience something that is both
innovative and meaningful.”
The participating artists are Brian DeSplinter (Los Angeles), Victoria Hogan (Trabuco Canyon), Iman
Howard (Temecula), Justin Kelly (La Mirada), Kendra Klinchuch (Trabuco Canyon), Max Rosenblum
(Beverly Hills).
The Young Artist Project brings together aspiring theatre artists between the ages of 15 and 21 to merge
their unique talents – whether writing, directing, acting, singing, dancing, etc. – in a collaborative effort to
develop one-act plays and performance pieces by members of the group. All are asked to contribute in
more than one area over a two-week rehearsal process leading up to the public performance in La Mirada.
Over 100 applicants applied online or by phone. 20 were brought in for individual interviews to decide what
talents they could bring to the project. Only 6 were selected.
“Each year, we hope that the Young Artist Project will allow young people to have their visions come to life
in a major Southland venue,” said Cisneros. “They will contribute to a performance that is completely
written, created and performed by some of Southern California’s brightest young artists. It should be as
exciting for the audience as it will be for these future stars to test their talents.”
“Because it is a fluid rehearsal project, as much for development and encouragement of the creators and
performers as to prepare for a specific show, the great benefit for the participants will be the emersion into
a ‘real working environment’ like they will eventually experience at a professional theatre,” he said. “We are
also optimistic that from this first class of 2008 we will forge relationships with new collaborators who will play
a part in our regular season productions and tours to schools.”
Each year, Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group mounts a season of plays at the La Mirada
Theatre for the Performing Arts and touring productions to elementary, middle and high schools in Los
Angeles and Orange Counties. The upcoming 2008-2009 Season of fully staged productions in La Mirada
include interpretations of classic work currently on school curricula (The Grapes of Wrath, October 23,
2008, The Outsiders, February 23, 2009) as well as one original script, by veteran teacher Bruce
Gevirtzman, (The Center of the Universe, May 20, 2009; Author of An Intimate Understanding of America’s
Teenagers: Shaking Hands with Aliens) that addresses issues of immediate concern to teenagers.
For more information call 714-690-2900 or visit www.PhantomProjects.com. You can also join in the
community at www.MySpace.com/PhantomProjects
YOUNG ARTIST WORKSHOP CAST BIOS
Brian DeSplinter, 21 (Los Angeles): Spent four years at the Denver Regional Theatre Academy before
studying at the New York Film Academy, the Los Angeles Acting Corps, and Shakespeare's Globe theatre
in London, England. This fall he will begin his final year as a theatre major at the University of Notre Dame
in South Bend, Indiana. He has written, directed, and acted in several original stage and film projects at
both the regional and university levels. He looks forward to a career as a writer, director, and actor as well
as a Notre Dame victory over USC this season! He wants to thank his Mother and Father to whom he owes
everything. GO IRISH!
Victoria Hogan, 17 (Trabuco Canyon): She is currently studying acting at The Laguna Playhouse, and
has participated in several of their productions. Her most recent credits include: Sleeping Beauty (Beauty),
Everyday Heroes (Shawna), and the west coast premieres of The Great Squirrel Uprising (Franklin) and
The War at Home (Kathleen). She was also recently in the Main Street Player's production of Alice in
Wonderland (White Rabbit), and is enrolled in her school's Improv team and film class. In her free time,
Victoria loves to write, sing, and make films. She would love to thank everyone involved in this production,
and hopes that everyone enjoys the show!
Iman Howard, 15 (Temecula): At 10 years old Iman started out in pageants and stopped pageant life as
soon as she got discovered by 21st Century Entertainment when she turned 11. Through 21st Century she
met her future manager Carla Alexander. Iman's first television appearance was in a promotional spot for
TV 1. Recently she just filmed the Barak Obama "Yes We Can" video. In her free time she dances at
Artistic Dance Academy where she trains in Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet and this upcoming season Break Dance
and Lyrical. She runs Cross Country and is a hurdler for her high school track team. Iman also enjoys
writing. When she has a free moment she loves to hang out with her close friends.
Justin Kelly, 18 (La Mirada): Has been acting and singing for as long as he remembers. His first role in
the 5th grade as the lead male in Hansel and Gretel left him with a thirst for the stage. He pursues all
avenues of the entertainment industry and hopes to be doing big things in the future. He would like to thank
all of his friends and family for all of their advice and support, and he especially wants to thank his mother
for her words of encouragement. Justin is truly thankful to every member of the audience tonight and is
happy that people are interested in hearing what his generation has to say. :)
Kendra Klinchuch, 17 (Trabuco Canyon): Delighted to be making her debut on the La Mirada stage. She
has been performing with the Laguna Playhouse for 7 years as a member of their Repertory program, and
stage credits include The Homecoming (Patty-Cake Spencer), Romeo and Juliet, Together and Alive At
Last (Betsy Hays), The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (Zurline), the Improv Troupe, The Final Take
(Cameron Focas), High School Musical (Susan), and The Sleeping Beauty (Una). Other performances
include The Traveling Lady, How to Eat Like a Child, Honk!, Les Miserables, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and
Into the Woods. She is an active member of National Charity League, a dedicated honors student, and an
avid writer who recently co-wrote and directed her first play.
Max Rosenblum, 21 (Beverly Hills): Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He is a graduate of Beverly
Hills High School and is currently enrolled at Cal State Northridge. His goal in life is to affect some positive
change in the world. He plans to do this as a filmmaker, with his own production company for his films to be
made. He loves film, sports, history and is a lover of all art. He has been acting for 2 ½ years now, and
enjoys it thoroughly. The concept of 6 young people creating an entirely new piece of material intrigued
him. He enjoys brainstorming ideas with similarly minded people. Youth’s potential and how it can be
exercised by youth is a very powerful message. He hopes to accomplish creating a relevant and potent
piece with some fellow peers.
# # # # #
MEDIA: FOR INTERVIEWS AND PRESS PHOTOS AND B-ROLL, please email press@phantomprojects.com
or call 714-690-2900
the guidance of a veteran director and cook under the pressure of a public performance within weeks and
what do you get? You get a theatrical event that blends drama, poetry, comedy, dance and storytelling.
Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group’s Second Young Artist Project is currently providing this kind
of crucible for a talented troupe of former strangers who are suddenly experiencing the joy and pressure of
creating professional theatre. They will perform their evening program at 7 p.m. on August 2 at the La or
visit PhantomProjects.com.
The Young Artists Project is the brainchild of Steve Cisneros, Phantom Projects Founder and Artistic
Director, who launched the program in 2007 as part of his company’s 10th Anniversary.
“I didn’t know if there would be good creative chemistry in the group,” said Cisneros, who is directing the
workshop. “But at the first meeting the cast immediately began bouncing ideas around and we all became
enthusiastic about the possibilities. I think audiences are going to experience something that is both
innovative and meaningful.”
The participating artists are Brian DeSplinter (Los Angeles), Victoria Hogan (Trabuco Canyon), Iman
Howard (Temecula), Justin Kelly (La Mirada), Kendra Klinchuch (Trabuco Canyon), Max Rosenblum
(Beverly Hills).
The Young Artist Project brings together aspiring theatre artists between the ages of 15 and 21 to merge
their unique talents – whether writing, directing, acting, singing, dancing, etc. – in a collaborative effort to
develop one-act plays and performance pieces by members of the group. All are asked to contribute in
more than one area over a two-week rehearsal process leading up to the public performance in La Mirada.
Over 100 applicants applied online or by phone. 20 were brought in for individual interviews to decide what
talents they could bring to the project. Only 6 were selected.
“Each year, we hope that the Young Artist Project will allow young people to have their visions come to life
in a major Southland venue,” said Cisneros. “They will contribute to a performance that is completely
written, created and performed by some of Southern California’s brightest young artists. It should be as
exciting for the audience as it will be for these future stars to test their talents.”
“Because it is a fluid rehearsal project, as much for development and encouragement of the creators and
performers as to prepare for a specific show, the great benefit for the participants will be the emersion into
a ‘real working environment’ like they will eventually experience at a professional theatre,” he said. “We are
also optimistic that from this first class of 2008 we will forge relationships with new collaborators who will play
a part in our regular season productions and tours to schools.”
Each year, Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group mounts a season of plays at the La Mirada
Theatre for the Performing Arts and touring productions to elementary, middle and high schools in Los
Angeles and Orange Counties. The upcoming 2008-2009 Season of fully staged productions in La Mirada
include interpretations of classic work currently on school curricula (The Grapes of Wrath, October 23,
2008, The Outsiders, February 23, 2009) as well as one original script, by veteran teacher Bruce
Gevirtzman, (The Center of the Universe, May 20, 2009; Author of An Intimate Understanding of America’s
Teenagers: Shaking Hands with Aliens) that addresses issues of immediate concern to teenagers.
For more information call 714-690-2900 or visit www.PhantomProjects.com. You can also join in the
community at www.MySpace.com/PhantomProjects
YOUNG ARTIST WORKSHOP CAST BIOS
Brian DeSplinter, 21 (Los Angeles): Spent four years at the Denver Regional Theatre Academy before
studying at the New York Film Academy, the Los Angeles Acting Corps, and Shakespeare's Globe theatre
in London, England. This fall he will begin his final year as a theatre major at the University of Notre Dame
in South Bend, Indiana. He has written, directed, and acted in several original stage and film projects at
both the regional and university levels. He looks forward to a career as a writer, director, and actor as well
as a Notre Dame victory over USC this season! He wants to thank his Mother and Father to whom he owes
everything. GO IRISH!
Victoria Hogan, 17 (Trabuco Canyon): She is currently studying acting at The Laguna Playhouse, and
has participated in several of their productions. Her most recent credits include: Sleeping Beauty (Beauty),
Everyday Heroes (Shawna), and the west coast premieres of The Great Squirrel Uprising (Franklin) and
The War at Home (Kathleen). She was also recently in the Main Street Player's production of Alice in
Wonderland (White Rabbit), and is enrolled in her school's Improv team and film class. In her free time,
Victoria loves to write, sing, and make films. She would love to thank everyone involved in this production,
and hopes that everyone enjoys the show!
Iman Howard, 15 (Temecula): At 10 years old Iman started out in pageants and stopped pageant life as
soon as she got discovered by 21st Century Entertainment when she turned 11. Through 21st Century she
met her future manager Carla Alexander. Iman's first television appearance was in a promotional spot for
TV 1. Recently she just filmed the Barak Obama "Yes We Can" video. In her free time she dances at
Artistic Dance Academy where she trains in Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet and this upcoming season Break Dance
and Lyrical. She runs Cross Country and is a hurdler for her high school track team. Iman also enjoys
writing. When she has a free moment she loves to hang out with her close friends.
Justin Kelly, 18 (La Mirada): Has been acting and singing for as long as he remembers. His first role in
the 5th grade as the lead male in Hansel and Gretel left him with a thirst for the stage. He pursues all
avenues of the entertainment industry and hopes to be doing big things in the future. He would like to thank
all of his friends and family for all of their advice and support, and he especially wants to thank his mother
for her words of encouragement. Justin is truly thankful to every member of the audience tonight and is
happy that people are interested in hearing what his generation has to say. :)
Kendra Klinchuch, 17 (Trabuco Canyon): Delighted to be making her debut on the La Mirada stage. She
has been performing with the Laguna Playhouse for 7 years as a member of their Repertory program, and
stage credits include The Homecoming (Patty-Cake Spencer), Romeo and Juliet, Together and Alive At
Last (Betsy Hays), The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (Zurline), the Improv Troupe, The Final Take
(Cameron Focas), High School Musical (Susan), and The Sleeping Beauty (Una). Other performances
include The Traveling Lady, How to Eat Like a Child, Honk!, Les Miserables, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and
Into the Woods. She is an active member of National Charity League, a dedicated honors student, and an
avid writer who recently co-wrote and directed her first play.
Max Rosenblum, 21 (Beverly Hills): Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He is a graduate of Beverly
Hills High School and is currently enrolled at Cal State Northridge. His goal in life is to affect some positive
change in the world. He plans to do this as a filmmaker, with his own production company for his films to be
made. He loves film, sports, history and is a lover of all art. He has been acting for 2 ½ years now, and
enjoys it thoroughly. The concept of 6 young people creating an entirely new piece of material intrigued
him. He enjoys brainstorming ideas with similarly minded people. Youth’s potential and how it can be
exercised by youth is a very powerful message. He hopes to accomplish creating a relevant and potent
piece with some fellow peers.
# # # # #
MEDIA: FOR INTERVIEWS AND PRESS PHOTOS AND B-ROLL, please email press@phantomprojects.com
or call 714-690-2900
| PRESS COVERAGE |
