It was 2005, baby. The year we predicted would be one of our best!
And boy was it! Little did we know what this year held for us. We started off by losing almost all we had in a fire that destroyed our administrative offices. But like a phoenix raising from the flames, we moved into new offices at the 501 Studios and kept on keepin' on with our original opera, Genghis Khan, got hooked up with the acclaimed Rena Shagan Associates after the final installment of our record breaking radio sci-fi trilogy, The Intergalactic Nemesis:Twin Infinity with a 2006/2007 tour in the works. Then was the first full production of Dan Dietz's, Americamisfit and of course, our 9th annual SVT Best Holiday extravaganza.
Download the SVT 2005 Annual Report (PDF)
[ Genghis Khan- a new opera by Jason Neulander and Graham Reynolds ]
A world premiere by the directing and composing duo that brought you MotherBone and Cry Pitch Carrolls.
He has conquered half of the planet's land masses. He has united his Mongolian people. His name plants terror in the hearts and minds of his foes. Now Genghis Khan wants the ultimate prize: eternal life. Music composed by Graham Reynolds and a libretto written by Jason Neulander create an opera that asks the question: How do you want to be remembered?
MARCH 17 - APRIL 9, 2005 @ THE OFF CENTER (2111-A HIDALGO STREET)
[ Intergalactic Nemesis: Twin Infinity by Ray Colgan, Jason Neulander, Chad Nichols ]
The year is 1942, the world is at war, and on this day, after a nine year romance, Molly and Ben are getting married. But when Ben doesn't show up at the altar, Molly knows something is terribly wrong. What she doesn't know is that, once again, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. What she also doesn't know is that another Ben, from another future, needs her help too! Nine years in the making, The Intergalactic Nemesis: Twin Infinity concludes the greatest science fiction trilogy ever told. The best part? No Ewoks!
"Perfect summer entertainment!" --The Austin American-Statesman
JUNE 3-25 2005 @ THE OFF CENTER (2111 HIDALGO-A)
[ The Salvage Vanguard Labor Party ]
Become a card carrying member of SVT's Labor part at one of the most artistic events in Austin. Drink up at our cash bar. Take home cool stuff, including a commissioned song by our Resident Company Members, from our silent auction. And best of all, all proceeds go to pay the talented artists who work on our shows. It's a win-win for everyone! Strength. Solidarity. SVT.
OCTOBER 16 6:30 until 9:00PM ALLGO 701 TILLERY STREET
[ Americamisfit by Dan Dietz ]
A new play by award-winning SVT resident playwright Dan Dietz. Big and Little Harpe were kids caught in the thick of the American Revolution. Now they’re all grown up and ready to launch a revolution of their own…against the democracy. Watch as their story collides with American rebels from George Washington to J. Robert Oppenheimer, all to the driving rhythm of rockabilly music. Of Mice and Men meets Natural Born Killers meets your high school American History class taught by a Jerry Lee Lewis look-a-like, this production will have you tapping your feet while watching your back. OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 19, 2005 @ THE OFF CENTER (2111 HIDALGO-A)
[ The Best Salvage Vanguard Holiday Ever ]
You know it's your new favorite holiday tradition! Pack yourself in with others and celebrate the magical season SVT-style. As usual, we're featuring the writers we've worked with over the past decade. And of course the annual singalong! Deck the halls, indeed. BYOTinsel.
DECEMBER 9 & 10, 2005 @ LITTLE CITY ESPRESSO BAR & CAFE (916 CONGRESS AVENUE)
But that's not all! No no no! Check out some other highlights from this year:
SVT on NPR
On April 14, 2005, Salvage Vanguard Theater made its first national splash on All Things Considered on NPR. Featured as part of the “American Stages” series by Bob Mondello, Salvage Vanguard Theater spread the word about how to keep young audiences coming to the theater.
Death of a Cat--finalist for PEN Award
C. Denby Swanson’s The Death of a Cat was one of four finalists for the prestious PEN literary awards for playwrighting. SVT premiered this play in the Fall of 2004 to rave reviews and popular acclaim.
Best of Austin 2005--Twice!
For the second year running, Artistic Director Jason Neulander and company member Lee Eddy were each voted “Best of Austin” winners in the Austin Chronicle Readers’ Poll. Jason won for “Best Theatre Director” and Lee won for “Best Actress”. One more year of this and it might go to their heads! (Nahhhh.)
Austin Critics’ Table Awards
Salvage Vanguard Theater was nominated for a whopping 14 Austin Critics’ Table Awards in 2005 including “Best Production of a Drama” for The Death of a Cat and “Best Musical Production" for Genghis Khan. Jason Neulander was nominated for his directing work on both productions. Chase Staggs took the award for “Best Scenic Design” and Laura Cannon won “Best Costume Design” for their work on Genghis Khan and The Death of a Cat. Jason Neulander and Graham Reynolds won for “Best Original Musical Composition” for Genghis Khan.
B. Iden Payne Awards
Salvage Vanguard Theater was nominated for 15 B. Iden Payne Awards this year, including multiple nominations for Genghis Khan and The Death of a Cat. Most surprising (and cool) was Brent Werzner’s nomination for “Best Actor in a Comedy” for playing the two Ben Willcotts in The Intergalactic Nemesis: Twin Infinity; the first time in the awards’ history that an actor was nominated for a role played on book.
SVT to Tour the Nation
In June, SVT signed with Rena Shagan Associates, a booking agency based in New York. Salvage Vanguard Theater will tour The Intergalactic Nemesis nationally in the 2006-7 theatrical season. Speaking of which…
SVT at the PAC
… the UT Performing Arts Center has booked Salvage Vanguard Theater’s The Intergalactic Nemesis into its 2006-7 season in the 1,200-seat Hogg Auditorium. Look for this show on September 8, 2006.
Dietz on the National Stage
2005 was a big year for SVT’s resident playwright and actor Dan Dietz. In addition to receiving a commission from the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville to write a new play for the 2006 Humana Festival, Dietz’s work was presented by New Jersey Rep (Tilt Angel); the New Work Now festival at the Public Theater in New York (tempOdyssey); and the Summer Play Festival in New York (tempOdyssey). Curious Theatre in Denver will also be producing tempOdyssey in 2006.
Reynolds Scores Scanner
Graham Reynolds, SVT’s resident composer, had a busy year as well. In addition to writing a new symphony, a new opera, and several smaller pieces, Reynolds composed and recorded the score for the new Richard Linklater film “A Scanner Darkly” starring Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson, and Winona Rider. Way to go Graham!
Labor Party Raises Record Funds
This year the Salvage Vanguard Labor Party raised $30,000, a company record. Every penny will go to pay the artists SVT works with over the next year.
Golly what a year! Bring it on, 2006.