Support My Show!

According to the United Nations, ONE out of every THREE women on the planet will be physically or sexually abused in her lifetime.

Quick links: Three ways you can support the cause:

1) Buy a ticket!

2) Make a donation!

3) Buy an ad in our program! Contact Andrea

I am proud to be granted the rights to direct a V-Day benefit production of  The Vagina Monologues, on May 22nd and May 24th at the Triad Theater in NYC. V-Day is a global activist movement to stop violence against women and girls.  

In addition to ticket sales, I have set up a fundraising page. My goal is to personally raise $1,000. If you can't attend the production on May 22nd or May 24th, this is a great opportunity for you to show your support!

As the organizer for the event, I was asked to pick a NYC based beneficiary. That was an easy choice! I wanted to pick an organization that uses theatre to empower young women. viBe Theater Experience is an organization that I have worked with in the past. I'm extremely passionate about their mission. viBe provides a safe space for under-served girls (ages 13-19) to express their voices, take on challenge and responsibility and gain the self-confidence to succeed personally, socially and academically.   See the YouTube video below for more information! 

We were asked to donate 10% of all net profits to V-Day 2011 Spotlight on Women of Haiti. After that, we have set a goal of 94 cents of every dollar raised to be donated to  viBe Theater Experience. Help us raise awareness. The truth is shocking. According to the United Nations, ONE out of every THREE women on the planet will be physically or sexually abused in her lifetime.

"The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do."

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

Favorite Lady Gaga Quotes

In honor of seeing Gaga tomorrow.... 
(Thanks to my sister for the AWESOME B-day present). 
Here are some of my favorite Lady Gaga quotes.

Dream big. Be true to yourself. And kick some ass while you're at it.
- Andrea

"I had a boyfriend who told me I’d never succeed, never be nominated for a Grammy, never have a hit song, and that he hoped I’d fail. I said to him, ‘Someday, when we’re not together, you won’t be able to order a cup of coffee at the fucking deli without hearing or seeing me." - Lady Gaga


"I'm just trying to change the world, one sequin at a time."
— Lady Gaga


"‎Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses, cuz we were born this way bitch!"
— Lady Gaga

"I used to walk down the street like I was a f'ing star... I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be - and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth."
— Lady Gaga


"I'd wear any of my private attire for the world to see. But I would rather have an open flesh wound than ever wear a band aid in public."
— Lady Gaga

"I would rather die than have my fans see me without a pair of heels on. And that's show business."
— Lady Gaga

"A middle finger is more New York than a corporate ambush."
— Lady Gaga

"That’s the most Warholian thing about what I do... I embrace pop culture. The very thing that everybody says is poisonous and ostentatious and shallow, it’s like my chemistry book... and I make what I believe to be art out of it." — Lady Gaga

"I am a feminist. I reject wholeheartedly the way we are taught to perceive women. The beauty of women, how a woman should act or behave. Women are strong and fragile. Women are beautiful and ugly. We are soft-spoken and loud, all at once. There is something mind-controlling about the way we're taught to view women. My work, both visually and musically, is a rejection of all those things. And most importantly a quest." — Lady Gaga


Do you have a favorite Gaga quote? Or just an inspirational quote in general?
Leave it in the comments!

Another Great Review!

Thanks for the great review! 

"Andrea created a great website for us: http://www.desidermatology.com -- she was very helpful at every step of the way and very prompt. highly recommend." -Basir Tareen

Read more reviews on Yelp!

The 2011 V-Day Cocktail Menu

A special thank you to our in-house bartender, Lauren Balaban. I mentioned that we needed a V-Day drink menu and within 30 minutes...this gem was in my inbox.

If any of you need a fantastic Assistant Director, you can't have her... she's all mine.

Without further adieu, I present....

The 2011 V-Day Cocktail Menu

The Feminist

Light Rum, Amaretto, Kahlua, & Peppermint Schnapps topped off with gingerale.

Vagina Punch

Light Rum & Dark Rum, fresh lime juice, orange and pineapple juice, with a dash of grenadine.

The Leg Opener

Vodka, Southern Comfort, Sloe Gin, Peach Schnapps, & Triple Sec, shaken w/ orange juice and grenadine, served up.

In The Pink

Our version of the NYC Cosmopolitan, shaken with a splash of grapefruit juice, served up.

A Mimi In Miami

Tequila, Midori Liquor, Triple Sec, sour mix & fresh lime juice, served on the rocks.

The Moaner…

A sidecar, on the rox, made with Bourbon, Triple Sec, fresh lemon juice & topped off with Grand Marnier

Don't miss out on a wild night! Get your tickets to "The Vagina Monologues" now:
(100% of the proceeds go to charity)
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/168529

Do you have a fun idea for the V-Day drink menu? Leave it in the comments!

Get Your Tickets!

For Tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/168529

We expect to sell out immediately. There is a large cast and a limited number of tickets. 

Get your tickets now...
The show is outrageous, sexy, raw and empowering. Not for the faint of heart.

Bonus? There is a bar in the theatre. This is sure to be a wild night. 

Tickets:
$20.00 General Admission
$100.00 VIP Seating
2 drink minimum.

Dates:
May 22nd, 2011 @ 3pm
May 24th, 2011 @ 7pm.

"The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. 

But above all, the world needs dreamers who do."
-Sarah Ban Breathnach

Can't make the show? Make a donation. Even $10 helps! http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/andreabertola/thevaginamonologues

Videos for your Website!

The New York Website Designer is thrilled to announce a partnership with Russ Geltman, to provide an exclusive package for clients! Russell Geltman is a New York based Cinematographer who got his start in Television in Los Angeles, working as a Union Camera Assistant on shows such as "Entourage", "ER", and "Deadwood". With this partnership, you can have Hollywood quality videos on your website!

For online videos, Russ uses state-of-the-art, equipment resulting in unrivaled quality for a truly affordable price.  Contact Andrea to discuss your budget for your online video needs and we will provide you with a proposal.

View Russ's Reel:

Five Reasons Why You Should Add Video to Your Website:

1)  The Personal Touch.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million. A video gives your website visitors a well-rounded picture of who you are while setting a welcoming vibe. (It’s also a great way to show there is an actual human being they are interacting with…and not a SPAM company!)

2)  Search Engine Optimization. By posting your video on YouTube, you will increase your online visibility by 125%. Videos help generate a buzz and drive traffic to your site. Especially if the video goes viral! Read more about Search Engine Optimization >>>

3)  Keep Visitors on Your Website. You want to keep visitors on your website for as long as possible. 69% of internet users watch video online (Pew Research 2010). Visitors  are more likely to watch an entire video clip than they are to read an entire webpage, blog post or article.

4)  Credibility. An educational video will help you to establish yourself as an expert. Online educational videos have risen in adult viewership from 22% to 38% since 2007. (Pew Research, 2010). By providing useful information, how-to-videos and online seminars; your clients will regard you as a trusted expert.

5)  The ‘WOW’ Factor. Show your website visitors that you have your finger on the pulse with the latest technology. Your website is modern and your use advanced marketing tools will only be a positive reflection of you and/or your company! 

For more information visit: www.TheNewYorkWebsiteDesigner.com

The Cast!

I'm delighted to announce our cast! 


Fierce. Passionate. Talented.

V-Day New York City, Triad Theatre (The Vagina Monologues)

May 22, 2011 at 3pm

May 24, 2011 at 7pm

Important: Cast members! You should have received this memo via email, along with the script.

If you didn't, please contact me right away. 

AndreaBertola@gmail.com

In order of appearance...

WE WERE WORRIED: THE CAST

INTRO TO HAIR: ANNETTE
HAIR: JULIA

THE WEAR AND SAY LIST: THE CAST

INTRO TO THE FLOOD: CINDY

THE FLOOD: FRANCES

THE VAGINA WORKSHOP: KIRA

VAGINA HAPPY FACT: SUE

INTO TO BECAUSE HE LIKED TO LOOK A IT: JULIA

BECAUSE HE LIKED TO LOOK AT IT: AVEL

VAGINA NOT-SO-HAPPY-FACT: CINDY

INTRO TO KAMBRI'S TESTIMONIAL: JUSTINE

KAMBRI'S TESTIMONIAL: KAMBRI

MY ANGRY VAGINA: TAY AND QUENNA

INTRO TO MY VAGINA WAS MY VILLAGE: DANA

MY VAGINA WAS MY VILLAGE: JUSTINE AND OLIVIA

INTRO TO COOCHIE SNOORCHER: LISA

THE LITTLE COOCHIE SNORCHER THAT COULD: CAROLYN

MY SHORT SKIRT: TALIA, LISA, DANA

INTRO TO RECLAIMING CUNT: FRANCES

RECLAIMING CUNT: JESSICA

A SIX YEAR OLD GIRL WAS ASKED: CINDY AND SUE

INTRO TO THE WOMAN WHO LOVED TO MAKE VAGINAS HAPPY: TALIA

THE WOMAN WHO LOVED TO MAKE VAGINAS HAPPY: ERICA

INTRO TO I WAS THERE IN THE ROOM: CAROLYN

I WAS THERE IN THE ROOM: ANNETTE

INTO TO MYRIAM (SPOTLIGHT MONOLOGUE): KIRA

SPOTLIGHT MONOLOGUE: CINDY, AVEL, JESSICA AND THE CAST 

Auditions!

V-Day: The Vagina Monologues

Audition Announcement!!

We are proud to be a participant in the V-Day New York City 2011 campaign. We have been granted the rights for a V-Day benefit production of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues” to raise money and awareness for local organizations that work to stop violence against women and girls. Directed by Andrea Bertola.

Want to be on stage? Come to this meeting!

Have fun, explore the script, be empowered

and meet cool women willing to take a risk!

Looking for a diverse group of women.

(All ages, ethnicities, and types are requested)

Bonus!

No acting experience necessary, we’re looking for real women to portray real stories in a professional production. Some participants will be allowed to read from note cards. You will be challenged to test your limits in evoking truthful emotions for a dynamic performance.


Audition Details:
Date: April 3, 2011
Time: From 1 pm UNTIL 5 pm.*
*This will be a group audition, please arrive promptly at 1pm.


Location: 
CAP21
18 West 18th Street, #6
New York, NY

If you want to be a cast member, please make your best effort to join us!

Performance dates:
5/22/11 @ 3pm
5/24/11 @ 7pm

Performance venue: 
The Triad Theater

PLEASE RSVP "YES" IF YOU PLAN ON AUDITIONING....

If you are unable to attend, please contact Andrea at AndreaBertola@gmail.com


Also- If you are interested in being involved behind the scenes...contact Andrea.

Ensemble Building Activity

STUPID HUMAN TRICKS

AIM:    To practice ensemble building with young students by sharing and teaching unique talents/quirks. 

OBJECTIVE: To share and learn to celebrate their unusual tricks and then teach them to their classmates. Every student has an unusual trick they can do! It's a unique little quirk, which makes them special.    

STUDENTS WILL:

• Share their unique tricks in a goofy talent show setting.
• Learn how to be a patient teacher
• Be open minded to learning something that seems impossible
• Have pride in their unique "quirks"
• Learn to look vulnerable in front of their peers when performing a new skill/trick that is difficult/hard to master.
• Be a supportive audience for each other during a vulnerable presentation.
• Approach a "silly" activity with seriousness.

PROCEDURE:

Explain to students, “This activity is called, "Stupid Human Tricks". 

1. We explain what a 'stupid human trick' is: “Everyone has an unusual trick they can do! It's a unique little quirk, which makes you...you! There are no excuses! Everyone has something!”
2. Give students some examples:
1. Body Tricks: double jointed body parts, wiggling your ears, touching your tongue to your nose
2. Athletic Tricks: splits, flips, handsprings, stand on your head,
3. Knowledge Tricks: say the 50 president's names in less than a minute, sing the alphabet backwards, recite the "I had a Dream Speech"
4. Misc: Shakespeare Sonnet in another language, drinking water from a straw up their nose, etc..

3. Explain the rules:

• The trick has to be performed in ONE MINUTE or less.
• Have 2 - 3 kids show examples.
• They will pair up with someone they have NOT worked with yet.
• They will practice together for 5 - 7 minutes.
• They have to teach their partner their "trick". 
• This is the key lesson: Even if it is a body trick that would be impossible to teach...they must commit, modify and work together to teach each other the trick to the best of their ability.
• They must practice presenting their trick as an "act". Beginning, middle and end. (Intro, Trick, and Bow)

4. Group comes together as a whole and we present as many partners as possible.

• Remind students that they are on stage and they must commit to presenting their tricks as a full scale scene.

FOLLOW-UP:Discus why this activity is relevant to our work in the theatre: (Working together, patience while learning something difficult, being vulnerable on stage, presenting the trick as a finished scene).

Ask the students:  “Was it harder being the teacher or the student? Why?”

“How did it feel to present a trick that you haven’t mastered yet?”

The Nine Word Play

THE NINE WORD PLAY

(30 minutes or more)

AIM: How do we create a performance piece using language and staging?

OBJECTIVE: To allow young students to experience a mini version of the theatrical process of creating performances using language and physical movement.

STUDENTS WILL: Select nine words as the text for a performance piece and stage, rehearse and perform them.

            PROCEDURE:

1.         Ask the students to partner into groups of three.

                        2.         Tell them that each group will create a Nine word play.

                                    Each member of the group is responsible for writing THREE

                                    words each giving them a total of NINE words.

                        3.         The FIRST word for each person must be their FIRST NAME.

                                    The SECOND and THIRD words must be words that they associate                                      with themselves. Words that tell us something about them.

                        Example           ANDREA     ITALIAN    PSYCHIC

                                                               MATT    SKATEBOARD    PUNK

                                                               LAUREN      THEATER    PINK

                        4.         Now that they have the LANGUAGE or the text for their play

                                    as a group they must decide how to stage it. What performance

                                    style do they want to use.

                                    Examples:  Musical,  Classical,   Abstract,  Realistic dialogue  etc.

                        5.         Tell them they must put it on its feet. How do they want to stand?

                                    WORK TOGETHER and move as they say their words.

                        6.         They can say the nine words in any way they wish, as many times as

                                    they wish. They can say each other’s words, repeat them, and break

                                    them up, say them together as a chorus etc.

                        7.         Model with two volunteers an example of a nine word play.

                        8.         Give them ten to 15 minutes to work then share each group’s

                                    presentation.

SUMMARY: You have just gone through a mini version of the theatrical process

from creation to execution. This is how plays are made; we start with a theme,

create the language or the text of the play then stage it physically in a space.