The Busking Bonanza, a Free Summer Theater Preview, Is Now Accepting Applications From Theater Companies

The Busking Bonanza, a summer festival that offers free previews of Off-Off Broadway productions running June through August, is currently accepting applications from theater companies that would like to participate in the event.

The Busking Bonanza will take place three times during the summer in Union Square Park. On June 8, July 20, and August 17, from 12-3pm, people will be able to listen to a live Vaudeville band and see a sampling of scenes from Off-Off Broadway shows currently in production, all for free. It is an opportunity for theater companies to reach out to potential audiences by showing them their work and by passing out postcards and flyers; it is also a chance to network with other companies. And, of course, it’s a great opportunity for audiences to decide what shows might be of interest to them.

Each Bonanza has ten different companies presenting ten minutes of their current or upcoming production in a circus-like atmosphere. A Ringmaster introduces each show by announcing the name of the company, the title of the show, the venue name, and the dates of the production. Individual Buskers will be moving through the park during the event, passing out printed material and directing audiences to the performance. Stagehand Clowns, which will usher the performers on and off the stage, will also distribute pamphlets with the companies’ information to audiences.

Companies wishing to participate in the Busking Bonanza can get more information and an application form by visiting www.subjectivetheatre.org and clicking on “Upcoming Projects.” There is no fee for the application or to participate in the event. To participate in the June 8 Bonanza, the application deadline is April 30, 2003; for the July 20 Bonanza, apps are due June 1; and for the August 17 event, forms should be in by July 1.