Author Archives: Phenomenology Inc

Phenomenology Helps Academy for the Fine Arts Find Funds for Dance Studio

FREDERICK, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, stepped up to assist the Academy for the Fine Arts to raise ten thousand dollars in critical funds to finance a state-of-the-art dance studio for Frederick County Public School students.

AFA brings together approximately 100 students across 10 public high schools who are interested in learning visual art, dance, music, and theatre. Even though AFA serves students from all 10 FCPS high schools, it does not receive any direct funding and must rely on allotments from the general budget provided by Governor Thomas Johnson High School, where AFA is located.

"As a corridor for the performing arts, a core component of our mission is to provide high value resources and opportunities for professional, amateur and student artists in Frederick, Maryland," said Artistic Director and CEO of Phenomenology, Jeffery Keilholtz. "As soon as this need was brought to our attention, our team connected AFA to important partners that could help."

Keilholtz worked with AFA Coordinator, Jonathan Kurtz, to position the non-profit organization as fiscal sponsor for AFA, to attract grant funding. As a result, AFA secured financing through a generous grant from Delaplaine Foundation, Inc.

"We cannot thank our community partners enough for getting involved and recognizing our need. We have been waiting five years to create an adequate studio space for our dancers and we are excited to finally make that happen. These funds will allow our program to expand and add new areas of focus, with the goal of reaching more FCPS students to help them prepare for their post-secondary experience."

Funds will be used to install a sprung dance floor in a new studio space. To date, dance students share the TJ High School auditorium stage for rehearsal with theatre students. A new studio will allow dancers and actors to have adequate and separatee rehearsal spaces to meets the needs of each program.

For more information about Phenomenology visit: https://phenoart.org/.

About Phenomenology, Inc.:

Phenomenology, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative production model to raise the quality of life for performing artists and technicians by creating meaningful partnerships in the entertainment industry - coupled with the production of high-value projects - to generate a first-of-its-kind corridor of professional activity between Frederick, Maryland and major media markets. More information: https://phenoart.org/

*LOGO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/19-0108s2p-Phenomenology-300dpi.jpg

Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, stepped up to assist the Academy for the Fine Arts to raise ten thousand dollars in critical funds to finance a state-of-the-art dance studio for Frederick County Public School students.

Related link: https://phenoart.org/

Phenomenology Virtually Connects Broadway Talent to Public Schools During COVID-19

FREDERICK, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, is facilitating connections between Broadway performers and the Academy of Fine Arts, which brings together more than 80 students across 10 public high schools who are interested in learning visual art, dance, music and theatre.

As public school programs across the United States struggle to establish meaningful curriculum due to remote and socially-distanced learning, caused by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, Phenomenology decided to take action to help bring master class programming to the AFA, featuring numerous Broadway performers, including, Jon Rua ("Hamilton"), Matt Wolpe ("Finding Neverland"), Jawan Jackson ("Ain't Too Proud"), Ginna Claire Mason ("Wicked") and others.

"As a corridor for the performing arts, the central mission of Phenomenology is to bring Broadway talent, projects and opportunities to Frederick, Maryland," said Jeffery Keilholtz, CEO/Artistic Director of Phenomenology. "Because of the leadership structure of our organization, Phenomenology is uniquely positioned to help connect AFA students to many of the most exciting performers on Broadway, and we are committed to increasing those opportunities for students in this new school year in a safe and effective way."

Broadway performers will conduct master classes for AFA students in remote fashion, where students and performers connect with each other online and in real time.

The AFA is an artistic community and career pathway program for Frederick County Public School students in grades 10-12. According to AFA Coordinator, Jonathan Kurtz, students participate in rigorous instruction that prepares them to enter some of the most demanding collegiate and professional arts programs. Some AFA classes are also for college credit.

"Phenomenology is providing access to Broadway professionals given that travel is not a possibility in our COVID-19 environment," says Kurtz. "Students are still able to learn from the experience of professionals and engage with them, thanks to the connections that Phenomenology provides."

Earlier in 2020, Phenomenology worked with AFA and area schools to facilitate a virtual performance opportunity for Maryland students by having Jackson ("Ain't Too Proud"), as their audience. Jackson also provided one-on-one insight with many of the student performers. Phenomenology also arranged to have Mason ("Wicked"), as a surprise AFA commencement speaker for graduating students in 2020.

Jackson and Mason are working with AFA students again, thanks to this new, more robust initiative facilitated by Phenomenology.

For more information about Phenomenology visit: https://phenoart.org/.

About Phenomenology, Inc.:

Phenomenology, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative production model to raise the quality of life for performing artists and technicians by creating meaningful partnerships in the entertainment industry - coupled with the production of high-value projects - to generate a first-of-its-kind corridor of professional activity between Frederick, Maryland and major media markets.

More information: https://phenoart.org/

Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, is facilitating connections between Broadway performers and the Academy of Fine Arts, which brings together more than 80 students across 10 public high schools who are interested in learning visual art, dance, music and theatre.

Related link: https://phenoart.org/

‘Ain’t Too Proud’ Star, Jawan Jackson, Hits a High Note with Students During Pandemic

FREDERICK, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, is teaming up with Jawan Jackson, star of the hit Broadway musical "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," to encourage high school musical theater students in Frederick, Maryland.

With statewide shutdowns across Maryland, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, many theater students who would have otherwise performed in their high school musicals during the spring semester will be unable to showcase their talent, on stage, this year. As a result, Jeffery Keilholtz, CEO/Artistic Director of Phenomenology, decided to take action.

"We were encouraged by many Broadway stars who have used their social media platforms to inspire students during the COVID-19 challenge," said Keilholtz of he and his organization's Board of Directors, "so we chose to join forces with one of the kindest and most talented musical theater actors on Broadway, to lift the spirts of students who go to school in Frederick County."

In cooperation with Jackson, the "Ain't Too Proud" sensation agreed to "be the audience" for Frederick County high musical theater students, Keilholtz explains. For a set period of time, students are able to post the songs they would have otherwise sung on stage and post them online. In turn, Jackson will view the posts and provide a personalized message of encouragement for those that do.

Jackson has also agreed to answer questions posed by some of the students in a private email exchange, arranged by Phenomenology. "We hope to create a safe space for students to still perform, and also provide a mentorship opportunity with one of Broadway's top performers," says Keilholtz. "It's the least we can do for Frederick County students and we couldn't be more thrilled to have a powerhouse like Jawan as a partner."

Now through April 25, Frederick County high school students can participate when they post a song they sing to their own social media pages and tag Phenomenology or post directly to one of the organization's social media platforms on Facebook (@phenoart), Twitter (@phenoart) or Instagram (@phenoart2).

For more information about Phenomenology visit: https://phenoart.org/.

About Phenomenology, Inc.:

Phenomenology, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative production model to raise the quality of life for performing artists and technicians by creating meaningful partnerships in the entertainment industry - coupled with the production of high-value projects - to generate a first-of-its-kind corridor of professional activity between Frederick, Maryland and major media markets. More information: https://phenoart.org/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0407s2p-Jawan-Jackson-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Jawan Jackson, star of the hit Broadway musical, "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Time of the Temptations."

*LOGO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/19-0108s2p-Phenomenology-300dpi.jpg

Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, is teaming up with Jawan Jackson, star of the hit Broadway musical "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," to encourage high school musical theater students in Frederick, Maryland.

Related link: https://phenoart.org/

‘Blair Witch Project’ 20th Anniversary Screening Planned for Oct. 18 in Maryland

FREDERICK, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, announces its participation with Eduardo Sanchez, co-director of the "The Blair Witch Project," to bring his critically-acclaimed motion picture back to the big screen for one night in a special 20th anniversary screening, on October 18, in Frederick, Maryland, at the Weinberg Center for the Arts.

Hailed in 1999 by the New York Times, upon its theatrical premiere, as perhaps the "most inventive departure from standard horror fare" one can imagine, "The Blair Witch Project" pieces together the story of three film students who vanish after traveling into a Maryland forest, leaving only their footage behind. Shot over eight days with a budget of only $60,000, "The Blair Witch Project" went on to gross more than $240 million worldwide and is largely credited with bringing the "found footage" sub-genre to mainstream audiences.

The film was set in Burkittsville, Maryland, in western Frederick County, only a short distance from the historic Weinberg Center. "The Blair Witch Project" was distributed by Artisan Entertaiment.

"We've been humbled by the reception of the Blair Witch 20th anniversary screenings we've done this year," said Sanchez. "But this screening is special for me because it'll bring many of the local 'Blair Witch' cast and crew together with the film's most devoted fans, in the county where the 'Blair Witch' takes place. It's going to be a fun night."

In coordination with Phenomenology, the anniversary screening is also sponsored by the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Film Office and presented by 72 Film Fest, the Frederick Film Office and Sanchez's company, Haxan Films.

"We are honored and thrilled to support Ed and his vision to bring this special anniversary screening to Frederick," said Jeffery Keilholtz, CEO & Artistic Director of Phenomenology. "All of the partners for the event are coming together in a collaborative way to make this a memorable night for everyone."

The event will feature a screening of the original film, followed by a Question & Answer session, including Sanchez, and co-stars Mike Williams and Ed Swanson, among others. Film memorabilia will also be on display.

A lightly catered pre-show reception will commence at New Spire Stages, located at 15 W Patrick Street, with a chance to meet the filmmakers. Admission to the pre-show event is available at $50 per person and includes access to the screening.

Pre-show activities start at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are available at: http://www.mdtix.com/blairwitchprojectanniversary.html.

The anniversary screening kicks off 8 p.m. at the Weinberg Center, located at 20 W Patrick Street. For fans who only want access to the screening and post-show Q&A, tickets are available for $15 per person at the Weinberg Center, by calling the box office at 301-600-2828, or by visiting: https://weinbergcenter.org/shows/20th-anniversary-of-the-blair-witch-project/.

Net proceeds go to benefit Phenomenology, New Spire Stages and the Weinberg Center for the Arts.

About Phenomenology, Inc.:

Phenomenology, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative production model to raise the quality of life for performing artists and technicians by creating meaningful partnerships in the entertainment industry - coupled with the production of high-value projects - to generate a first-of-its-kind corridor of professional activity between Frederick, Maryland and major media markets.

More information: https://phenoart.org/

Media Contact:
Jeffery Keilholtz
CEO & Artistic Director
Phenomenology, Inc.
646.335.3917
jeff@phenoart.org

IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0918s2p-blair-witch-poster-300dpi.jpg
Caption: "Blair Witch" movie poster; credit, Artisan Entertainment.

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0918s2p-Eduardo-Sanchez-300dpi.jpg
Caption: Eduardo Sanchez, on location in Burkittsville , Maryland, where "The Blair Witch Project" was filmed.

Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, announces its participation with Eduardo Sanchez, co-director of the "The Blair Witch Project," to bring his critically-acclaimed motion picture back to the big screen for one night in a special 20th anniversary screening, on October 18, in Frederick, Maryland, at the Weinberg Center for the Arts.

Related link: https://phenoart.org/

‘Sopranos’ star Jamie-Lynn Sigler to lead a powerful cast at MANHATTANonPATRICK on September 27

FREDERICK, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, announced it has secured "Sopranos" star Jamie-Lynn Sigler to lead a powerful cast in the staged reading of a new play for MANHATTANonPATRICK at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in suburban Washington D.C. on September 27.

Well known for her work in "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway, HBO's "Entourage" and her unforgettable role as Meadow Soprano in HBO's ground-breaking television series "The Sopranos," Sigler will lead a four person cast as a cutthroat attorney in "Second Derivative," a full-length crime drama previously workshopped with the Maryland Ensemble Theatre and Off-Broadway with The Actors Company Theatre in 2016. The play was workshopped with both MET and TACT under a previous working title and Sigler was not a part of either project.

"We are thrilled to have Jamie join us for this performance," says Jeffery Keilholtz, Artistic Director & CEO of Phenomenology, and also "Second Derivative" playwright. "MANHATTANonPATRICK is the flagship theatre program for Phenomenology, specializing in the production of high-value limited engagement stage performances, with the purpose of identifying high-potential regional performers and technicians and giving them unique opportunities to showcase their gifts."

In its inaugural outing, MANHATTANonPATRICK will premiere a dynamic staged reading of "Second Derivative" for one night only at the historic Weinberg Center for the Arts - on Patrick Street, in Frederick, Maryland. The cast also includes Keilholtz, himself a Frederick native, along with Bru Ajueyitsi and Amanda Shafer. Mr. Ajueyitsi is from Washington D.C. and Ms. Shafer is from Frederick.

Critically-acclaimed actress, Ashlie Atkinson, of Spike Lee's Oscar-winning film, "BLACKkKLANSMAN", and Broadway's, "The Ritz", is attached to direct.

The evening will feature a red carpet reception, performance and post-show Q&A. Admission to the after party with cast members and the director is also available to a limited number of ticket buyers at an additional cost.

Adds Keilholtz, "The privilege of bringing together all of this talent, including both Jamie, as a performer, and Ashlie, as director, adds enormous value to the promise of MANHATTANonPATRICK and the endeavor of Phenomenology to create a new corridor of professional activity between Frederick, Maryland and major media markets - beginning with New York City, the theatre capital of the world."

Tickets for MANHATTANonPATRICK are available to the general public beginning August 15 at https://weinbergcenter.org/ or via box office hotline: 301-600-2828.

For more information about MANHATTANonPATRICK, visit the Phenomenology website: https://phenoart.org/.

About Phenomenology, Inc.:

Phenomenology, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative production model to raise the quality of life for performing artists and technicians by creating meaningful partnerships in the entertainment industry - coupled with the production of high-value projects - to generate a first-of-its-kind corridor of professional activity between Frederick, Maryland and major media markets.

More information: https://phenoart.org/

Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, announced it has secured "Sopranos" star Jamie-Lynn Sigler to lead a powerful cast in the staged reading of a new play for MANHATTANonPATRICK at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in suburban Washington D.C. on September 27.

Related link: https://phenoart.org/

Phenomenology Wins Major Grant for 2019 Theatre Project

FREDERICK, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, today, announced its receipt of a major grant award, presented by Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. for its inaugural theatre project in 2019.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Delaplaine Foundation and are deeply grateful to its Board of Directors for their belief in our vision," remarked Jeffery Keilholtz, Artistic Director & CEO for Phenomenology. "We are a new organization on the scene, so the backing of a distinguished institute such as Delaplaine Foundation is both humbling and exciting."

Established in 2018, Phenomenology, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces dynamic projects across the breadth of performing arts, including theatre, film, television, and more.

MANHATTANonPATRICK, its inaugural outing, will feature a one-night red-carpet theatre production of a new play. Cast both out of New York City and Frederick, Maryland, the production will feature acclaimed stars on the same stage as high-potential, undiscovered actors and technicians - many of whom call, or have called, Frederick their home.

More information about MANHATTANonPATRICK: https://phenoart.org/manhattanonpatrick/

Delaplaine Foundation provided Phenomenology with a grant award of $7,500 to help produce MANHATTANonPATRICK.

"One of our pillars of focus at Delaplaine Foundation is support of the visual and performing arts," said Delaplaine Foundation President, Marlene Young. "We see this from both an educational aspect, as well as cultural enrichment. We believe that Phenomenology's mission ties into that focus as an addition to an ever-vibrant arts community landscape in Frederick."

According to its website, Delaplaine Foundation awards grants "to support a variety of programs for deserving non-profit groups, which help fulfill its mission of education, preservation, and enlightenment."

Learn more about the Delaplaine Foundation at: http://www.delaplainefoundation.org/html/

Phenomenology's inaugural MANHATTANonPATRICK production is anticipated to premiere on Patrick Street, at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Md.

"In addition to other projects we have in development, it is our intention for MANHATTANonPATRICK to focus much needed attention on high-potential, undiscovered talent from this region; and it is our hope that the success of the program spurns it on as a bi-annual event. We are confident that the financial support from Delaplaine Foundation will help us achieve success."

About Phenomenology, Inc.:

Phenomenology, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative production model in Frederick, Maryland, with a mission to create opportunities that enhance the public exposure of local professional artists and technicians by producing high value performing arts projects to showcase their gifts. These activities will help to enhance the cultural value of Frederick, Maryland and enable the organization to give back in additional ways, including advocacy for children and working families, by building links between the arts, education, and the social sciences.

More information: https://phenoart.org/

Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, today, announced its receipt of a major grant award, presented by Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. for its inaugural theatre project in 2019. Phenomenology, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces dynamic projects across the breadth of performing arts, including theatre, film, television, and more.

Related link: https://phenoart.org/