Our New York debut is tonight!
For those that have missed it, our New York stage show debut occurs tonight! Gideon Productions is mounting our Kill Shakespeare: Live Graphic Novel at HERE for five nights beginning this evening. More about the event and tickets can be found here.
Break a leg, everyone! Lookin' forward to hearing how it went!
Tickets available for Kill Shakespeare in New York!
I posted two weeks ago that Kill Shakespeare: Live Graphic Novel will be performed in New York in March of this year (March 1-5) and tickets are now on sale! If you'd like to purchase tickets (going for $15), you can do so at this link.And the official press release is here.
If you're in New York - go check out the show! It's an amazing cast and production company that really, really love the production. I may try to head down there myself to check it out too...
Brush up your (Kill) Shakespeare!
Over the last few years we have received a great deal of acclaim and had numerous special moments. Some of our greatest moments have been on the academic side of things. We have been studied, analyzed and written about by scholars all over the world. We have been taught in adaptation classes on at least two continents. And I myself have lectured at Oxford as well as the Globe Theatre, both personal highlights and instances of dreams coming true.However, we are happy to announce something that might top all of that.The amazing Professor Carrie Cole of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania has now designed an entire course around the study and analysis of Kill Shakespeare - our concept, our books, our theatre show, and the brand! The write-up for THTR 481-004: Interdisciplinary Performance: The KILL SHAKESPEARE Exploratorium is:The conceptual philosophy of this course mirrors that of the Exploratorium in San Francisco, a museum of science, art, and human perception, “a twenty-first-century learning laboratory, an eye-opening, always-changing, playful place to explore and tinker”. This course shares the Exploratorium’s vision that “following your curiosity and asking questions can lead to amazing moments of discovery, learning, and awareness and can increase your confidence in your ability to understand how the world works.” For more information about the Exploratorium, check out: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ Eventually, I envision “The Exploratorium” as a rotating topics course, but I wanted to begin, however, with a topic (and a world) that I have personally grown passionate about: the creative universe of KILL SHAKESPEARE. KILL SHAKESPEARE is “An epic adventure that will change the way you look at Shakespeare forever”—a series of graphic novels created by Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery as the flagship component of Kill Shakespeare Entertainment Inc. KSE is “dedicated to creating an international transmedia entertainment franchise based on the KILL SHAKESPEARE intellectual property that "mashes up" the stories and characters of William Shakespeare, the most popular writer in history. It has released a successful award-nominated comic book and graphic novel series and is looking to expand into the formats of digital media, merchandise, film, video games, additional comic series and educational products”. The transmedia projects KILL SHAKESPEARE has already developed include a “live graphic novel” performance piece (think staged reading with art), and a board game that will be debuting this spring (which we may be among the first to beta-test). We are fortunate to have been given access to the franchise—and free reign to explore, tinker, explode and otherwise frolic in the universe that Conor and Anthony have created. Pending their travel schedule, one or both of the creators will be making a campus visit to IUP.And here are some photos of students in the first week of class, reading Kill Shakespeare and starting to learn more about the property:
We're hoping that the students will enjoy our story but in addition be inspired by the spirit of it to have fun in the sandbox that we've created and come up with new ways of telling our story. And we hope to be able to swing by class sometime to visit everyone!
The Kill Shakespeare Stage Show Is Going to New York!
Last year our KILL SHAKESPEARE: LIVE GRAPHIC NOVEL played in a number of cities (and internationally in Dubai) so we figured that it would be tough to top that year in terms of shows and performances. Well, 2014 is getting off to a great start for the show as it will be making its official New York City debut in March of this year!The creative Gideon Productions will be putting on the stage show for five performances from March 1 - 5th as part of the HERE: Coop's Sublet Series. The production will be directed by artistic director Jordana Williams (one of NYTheatre.com's 2012 People of the Year) and feature a great cast of equity and non-equity actors.
Yes, you may recall that Gideon put on the production at the 2012 New York Comic-Con but that was an abridged version of the tale. This will be a full production and, knowing the cast and crew, one that will really make the visuals and story fly.Tickets are not available for sale yet but once they are we will keep you updated.
Kill Shakespeare flies off the stage!
I was very fortunate to attend the G33K Art Show this past weekend in Kitchener, Ontario. Not only did I have a blast on Saturday at my table, hosting two workshops and panels, and meeting up with some old friends, but I also was able to attend Friday's night's KILL SHAKESPEARE: REINVENTED, a multidisciplinary production of our stage show.Despite technical difficulties (the artwork files could not be projected) it was a very fun show, with strong performances by the voice actors and interpretations of three key moments (the enchanting of the dagger by the Weird Sisters, a battle scene, and the reverse balcony) by circus performers. The reverse balcony was especially inspired, and the music performed throughout was perhaps the best of any production performed (that I have seen myself).Kudos to director/producer/performer Miroki Tong, as well as dramaturge Eric Weiss and the whole cast and crew. A great night!Here are some pictures (most photos taken by Duncan Clemens):
Kill Shakespeare returns to Kitchener-Waterloo!
It's been a while since any of the Kill Shakespeare have done a signing in the Kitchener-Waterloo area so this weekend provides us a chance to return.While Conor attends the Miami Book Fair (such a rough life he leads...), Anthony will be attending the G33K Art Show in Kitchener, ON this Friday and Saturday.
Friday night will feature the Gala Opening of the show, at which KILL SHAKESPEARE: REINVENTED will be making its debut. Featuring voice actors, animation and (most importantly) circus performers (with fire), it should be the most inventive take on our story. The show is at 8pm and info about tickets can be purchased here, being held at Kitchener City Hall. Check out this video for a preview:And on Saturday I will be exhibiting at the show throughout the entire day (11a - 8p) and also conducting two workshops: "How to Pitch and Market Your Comic" from 1-2pm and then "What Goes Through Your Head? – A Panel about Art, Industry and More" with myself and good friend Scott Chantler.So if you're in the K-W area come out and say hello, pick up a book, tshirt or anything else - it'll be great to see you!
The Stage Show Returns Next Month!
It was just announced earlier this week that on Friday, November 22nd our KILL SHAKESPEARE: LIVE GRAPHIC NOVEL stage show will be put on in Kitchener, Canada. The opening night celebration of the G33K Art Show, the show will be directed and produced by the multi-talented Miroki Tong. From what Miroki's told us it's going to be an interpretation of the graphic novel like no others before it - it's going to involve some circus arts, illustrations and potentially some animation. Should be great!I will also be attendance at the opening night show (Conor will be attending the Miami Book Fair that weekend) and will also be appearing at the show on Saturday, November 23rd to sell/sign books and tshirts as well as conduct a Pitching and Marketing workshop for attendees.
If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph area and have not had an opportunity to see our show, please come out and check it out. It'll be great to again visit the K-Dub area, at which Conor, myself and artist Andy Belanger spent a good amount of time (Conor and I for university, Andy for his youth and high school years).You can purchase tickets by clicking on the poster.
See Kill Shakespeare in Dubai this weekend!
Another dispatch from Cairo...Backstage Dubai is presenting Kill Shakespeare: Live Graphic Novel this weekend starting tonight! The shows are being held at The Fridge, and showtimes are:Fri, Apr 11/13 - 8pmSat, Apr 12/13 - 8pmSun, Apr 13/13 - 8pm
For more information check out this link.
Stage debut in Dubai!
I'm heading off to the second day of the Middle East Film & Comic-Con today but wanted to post this cast photo from yesterday's performance of KILL SHAKESPEARE: LIVE GRAPHIC NOVEL, which took place at the comic-con yesterday to strong audience reaction. Below are Conor and myself with the cast immediately after the show! More information to come.
Top Play of 2012!
It came to our attention earlier today that the Halifax stage production of Kill Shakespeare: Live Stage Reading (which played from Oct 30 - Nov 3 with Lions Den/Vile Passeist production companies) was named by The Coast's Kate Watson as the top play of 2012 in the city! Counting down her top picks, the production was listed as #1, stating:
"This was a unique theatre experience: A combination of projections from a graphic novel and radio-play-style dialogue. The engaging format coupled with an intriguing storyline made Kill Shakespeare a high point for me."
In addition, The Chronicle Herald also listed the production as one of the top twelve of the year, showing a great appreciation for Andy's artwork in the production. You can read their listing here.Congrats to the theatre companies, co-directors Dan Bray and Christine Daniels, the cast and crew, as well as our partner in the event, Hal-Con!
Photos from New York Comic-Con
As mentioned in an earlier post, our trip to New York for the Comic-Con there was an amazing time for us. We had some great meetings, finally(!) went to see the memorable Sleep No More, and, of course, had a great Comic-Con. We sold out of all of our books and almost all t-shirts, the Live Stage Reading on the Saturday was a success, and he met up with a lot of old and new friends.Here are some photos from the weekend:
Rehearsals for this Saturday's NYCC show
Conor and I arrived in New York earlier today and immediately brought all of our stock and supplies for the show to the Javits Centre. Afterwards, though, we were treated to an invite to visit a rehearsal of our Live Stage Reading which will be performed this Saturday at the New York Comic-Con.
Produced by Gideon Productions, it's a really talented cast and I'm excited to see what they do in front of a comic-con crowd. It should be fantastic - the actors were really sinking their teeth into the roles and Conor and I laughed quite a bit. They've got great foley work and two (!) musicians accompanying the action throughout.The show is on Sat, Oct 13th at 11am on the Variant Stage. If you're at the show check out the hour-long presentation for a great time!
Taking our act to New York next month!
Currently in the midst of a very busy September with stage shows, conventions, signings, and lots of work, we are currently prepping for our trip to New York next month to take part in this year's New York Comic-Con (Oct 11-14, Javits Centre, New York)!We will be at the show for the fourth year in a row, but only the second at our own table. We will be at BOOTH #2280 the entire weekend selling books, our ShakesGeare merchandise, signing books, and...... MAKING A VERY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. Sorry, I can't reveal what it is quite yet.In addition, we are excited that we will be bringing a condensed version of our KILL SHAKESPEARE: LIVE STAGE READING to this year's convention! After very successful shows in Tucson and Montreal earlier this month, we will be making our American comic-con debut with the show. Produced by Gideon Productions and directed by Jordana Williams, the hour-long version will be take place:
Saturday, October 13/11, 11am, Variant Stage
Watch some of New York's top up-and-coming actors bring Kill Shakespeare to life with using the images of Andy Belanger, recreate the dialogue as well as sound effects and music.
Montreal Comic-Con - and Live Stage Reading - was amazing!
I got back from Montreal yesterday evening and am still catching up on emails and correspondence but wanted to post a quick update from this past weekend. The entire weekend was a success for us and it's our second consecutive great show in Montreal. Lots of new readers, lots of returning readers, and lots of new friends!What made this weekend memorable, though, was our very successful Live Stage Reading on Saturday night. Playing to a packed crowd of about 300 or so the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company put on an amazing production of the Reading on Saturday night. The crowd laughed, they gasped, they thoroughly enjoyed it. Numerous people that night and the next day told us it was the highlight of the weekend for them.
I will be posting more photos in the next couple of days but here is an image from the show. The photo was taken by Chris Cater of Flux Fox Photography. And just wait until you see a video of he and I performing at our booth earlier in the day...
Rehearsal Photo
I've now been in Montreal for 48 hours and have been enjoying the city. The highlight, though, has been attending the two rehearsals with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company as they prepare to present our Kill Shakespeare: Live Stage Reading this Saturday at the Montreal Comic-Con.Here is a photo of the cast during one of the rehearsals:
More photos in the next day or two...
Anthony and Andy will be at Montreal Comic-Con this weekend!
In addition to putting on our Live Stage Reading at the Montreal Comic-Con this weekend, Anthony and Andy will be at the show the entire weekend selling books and ShakesGeare, signing books and hanging out. Make sure to come and visit us!
Anthony and the Kill Shakespeare brand will be at Table 1616. Andy Belanger will be just down the aisle at Table 1602. You can access a map of the convention at this link.Anthony will also be leading his How to Create and Market Your Indie Comic workshop on Sunday afternoon (the 16th) at 1pm in Room 511C. Last year's workshop was a huge success and this one should be even better.Of course, don't forget that we will also be mounting our Live Stage Reading on Saturday night at 7:45pm!I'll see everyone at the show!
See our Live Stage Reading in Montreal this Weekend!
Fresh off the enormous success of the presentation of Kill Shakespeare: The Live Stage Reading this past weekend in Tucson, AZ, we are back at it again! This Saturday will see us present our show at the Montreal Comic-Con. This is going to be our comic-con debut and we're excited about it!We are presenting our show this Saturday (the 15th) evening at 7:45pm in Room 510AC at the Palais des Congres (1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle).It will be open to anyone that attends the Comic-Con that day and also, I believe open to anyone that would like to come. So yes, it's a free show! The convention ends at 7pm on Saturday so this is the perfect way to finish off the show that day!
We are really excited to be working with the Montreal Shakespeare Theatre Company on this production. They are a great company that does Shakespeare productions in various schools in Quebec and are really jumping on this show. They also put together a really cool production of Cobra: The Musical a few years ago (and a number of 'sequels') and Ace and Aaron, the two heads of the company, are raring to make this their best production yet.So spread the word - it's going to be a great show on Saturday!
Terrific Turnout in Tucson!
I have to head out to the airport shortly to fly back to Toronto but wanted to post an image from last night's performance at the Arizona Theatre Company in Tucson. The show was amazing! Standing-room only (the most the Cafe Bohemia series has ever had in its short history!), the actors did an incredible job and the crowd really loved it!I'll write more about it in the next day or two - and include more photos - but in the meantime I wanted to post this photo.Thanks, Tucson!
Catch our stage show in Tucson on Saturday!
I posted about our upcoming stage show in Tucson just over a week ago but I wanted to post a reminder. Check out the US workshop debut of our Live Stage Reading this Saturday at Cafe Bohemia, part of the Arizona Theatre Company, this Saturday evening at 8pm! Details below in the poster for the event.I am also doing a signing at Tucson's Heroes and Villains the night before - this Friday (the 7th) from 5-7pm!
