[Capdist-announce] CAPITAL REGION FESTIVAL OF THEATRE TAKES OVER UALBANY CAMPUS CENTER SUNDAY JUNE 15th 2025

[Jillian Becker]

[image: CRFT Logo.jpg]

*Publicity Contact*



*Jillian Becker*

 Vice President

Jillianbecker1025 at gmail.com

518-210-8090





*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*



June 9, 2025



*CAPITAL REGION FESTIVAL OF THEATRE** CAPS OFF INAUGURAL FESTIVAL WEEKEND
WITH FULL DAY OF DRAMATIC FUN AT UALBANY*



*CR**★**FT is taking over the UALBANY Campus Center on Sunday, June 15,
2025, and filling it up to the brim with workshops, panel discussions,
performances and more. *



ALBANY, NY – The Capital Region Festival of Theatre, (CR★FT), takes a bow
on its inaugural weekend Sunday, June 15, 2025, but not before it fills the
UAlbany campus center with workshops, panel discussions, and performances
showcasing everything that Capital Region Theatre has to offer. Programming
will be running from 10am - 6pm, and change every 50 minutes, in the Campus
Center West board room, multi-purpose room, studio and auditorium, plus
check out the theatrical vendor fair and exhibits in the Great Hall.



The multi-purpose room will be the location for workshops covering topics
ranging from improv to stage management and lots in between. Starting the
day off at 10am with a workshop on vocal techniques, *Lisa Franklin*,
Broadway voice teacher, will be exploring warmups, breathing, posture, and
diction, plus audition tips to refine technique and repertoire. At 11am *Olivia
Szczurko-Walton* will present Improv Beyond the Stage. This improv workshop
is open to all ages, as you are welcome to discover the essence of improv
through games and exercises, building listening, support, and confidence.
Next up, hone your audition techniques with *Aaron Joshua Moore* from 12pm
– 1pm. Master audition techniques, gain confidence and perform mock
auditions and get feedback to refine your skills for classical and
contemporary roles.



At 1pm, everyone will gather in the Campus Center West Auditorium for our
Keynote Presentation. Playwright *Sharr White* will deliver an address and
engage in a conversation with *Paul Grondahl*, Opalka Endowed Director of
the NYS Writers Institute. Festival-goers also have the opportunity to see
one of White’s one act plays, *A Sunrise in Times Square*, directed by CR★FT
President Patrick White, as part of the One Act Festival taking place all
day in the auditorium.



Workshops reconvene at 2pm, with ACTORS AT ARMS: UNARMED STAGE COMBAT
presented by *Molly Waters *and *Siobahn Shea*. Practice safe techniques to
enhance scene realism, build confidence, and bring action to life—plus,
enjoy a thrilling sword demo finale. At 3pm, *Diana Chabai-Booker* teaches
a workshop on stage management essentials – organization, blocking, props,
and pro tips for actors and directors alike. Then at 4pm attend the
INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING DESIGN FOR THE STAGE workshop presented by *Laura
Darling* & *David Zweirankin*. Explore lighting design fundamentals (color,
intensity, texture, and effects) to enhance storytelling, mood, and tone.
Lastly, at 5pm *Dr. Krysta Dennis *teaches an INTRODUCTION TO THE MARGOLIS
METHOD FOR ACTORS. The Margolis Method melds instinct, intellect, and
physics—to refine emotional expression, expand creativity, and enhance
drama.



Over the course of the day, there are 7 different panel discussions on a
wide range of topics happening in the Campus Center West Boardroom. At 10am
moderator *Bill Kellert* leads a discussion among Artistic Director
panelists *Jarel Davidow, Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, Carol Max, Jean-Remy
Monnay, John Saunders, Owen Smith & John Sowle*. Next at 11am, moderator *Sarah
LaDuke* leads panelists *Ari Edelson, Joanna Palladino & Howard Sherman* in
a discussion on Fighting Censorship Today. Enjoy a SET DESIGN BEGINNINGS
discussion at 12pm with panelists *Adam M. Coons, Laura Darling, Michael
McDermott, Jennie Sinnott & David Zweirankin*, also expertly moderated by *Bill
Kellert*. After our keynote address, the discussions start again, this time
led by moderator Aaron Joshua Moore. Moore will lead a PLAYWRIGHTS OF COLOR
panel including *D. Colin, Carol L. Durant *and *Morgan Elizabeth Heyward*.
Moderator *Kevin McGuire* leads a YOUNG SCHOLARS panel at 3pm, where CR★FT
is happy to welcome *Aaliyah Al-Fuhaid, Keith Dubois, Annabelle Duffy, Jake
Goodman, Hassan Laing, Rachael Montilla & Gabriella Pizzolo* into the
discussion. DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSIVE CASTING is the topic for
moderator *Eunice S. Ferreira* with panelists *Hettie Vyrine Barnhill,
Jean-Remy Monnay & Angelique Powell *at 4pm. Then at 5pm THEATRE FOR SOCIAL
JUSTICE concludes our panel discussion lineup. This discussion is moderated
once again by *Eunice S. Ferreira* and includes panelists *Hettie Vyrine
Barnhill, D. Colin, Kristoph Di Maria & Michael Kennedy*.



In the Campus Center West’s Studio West, you’ll find puppets and
playwrights. At 10am and then again at 12pm, join *Electric City Puppets*
for LOCAL GHOSTS, a hilarious, ghostly adventure where local legends come
to life! Then from 2pm to 6pm, join us for the CR★FT Satellite *Playwright*
*’**s Jam*, where new plays come to life–cast straight from the audience!
Playwrights from the Capital District showcase their latest works, spanning
comedy, drama, the absurd, and the mysterious. Feel like acting? Step up
and take a role on the spot! Whether you're a writer, actor, or theatre
lover, bring your energy and imagination for this spontaneous afternoon of
storytelling.



All day long, stop by the Campus Center West Auditorium and check out the CR
★FT One Act Play Festival. With pieces 30 minutes long, to as short as 7
minutes, there is no shortage of drama. For more details on the One Acts,
and all CR★FT events, please download our complete program of events for
Sunday, and the entire Festival at *my.yapp.us/CRFT
<http://my.yapp.us/CRFT>* our mobile app for all things CR★FT.



As you are selecting your day’s events from our theatrical menu, keep your
energy up by grabbing some complimentary breakfast and a free box lunch.
All Sunday events are at UAlbany, 1400 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12222.



For more detailed information on this and all CR★FT events, please visit
the CR★FT website at www.crftinc.org, and follow CRFT on Facebook,
Instagram and TikTok.



 Members of the media are encouraged to contact Jillian Becker, CRFT Vice
President, with further inquiries at jillianbecker1025 at gmail.com or
518-210-8090.


*###*
[image: CRFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS.jpg]

-- 

Jillian Becker
Consulting Artistic Director
Drama Kids of the Capital Region
Vice President
CRFT, Inc.
Capital Region Festival of Theatre
Inaugural Year June 12-15 2025
jillianbecker1025 at gmail.com
518-210-8090
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