New Theatre Space at the Deering Estate at Cutler Boosts Performing Arts in South Dade
(MIAMI, January 14, 2014) - The Deering Estate at Cutler will unveil South Dade’s newest performing arts space on Saturday, January 25, 2014, with the grand opening of its Theatre Lab Project. The 1920’s themed celebration includes the premiere performance of the 2nd annual South Florida “One-Minute Play Festival.” The VIP opening reception will take place at 6:30 pm, followed by the 8:00 pm performance that is open to the community.
The $70,000 project, which converted the Visitor Center Auditorium into a 95-seat theatre, was made possible with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, Mr. & Mrs. John Fox, and the Deering Estate Foundation.
"Everywhere you go in South Florida, we want you to have an encounter with art. The renovated theatre space at the Deering Estate at Cutler will help accomplish that by bringing more high quality performances into South Dade," said Dennis Scholl, Vice President for Arts at Knight Foundation.
The improved hybrid theatre will expand opportunities for performing and literary arts residencies and diverse annual programming at the Deering Estate at Cutler. Already the Deering Estate is a magnet for art enthusiasts, with programs and events such as the Artist in Residence Program, the Living Artist Concert Series, Master Classes, Workshops & Lectures, Youth Arts Day & Music Fest, and the Deering Estate Festival of the Arts.
Enhancements to the existing Visitor Center Auditorium to create a hybrid theatre space include: the expansion of audience seating capacity to 95, audio/visual equipment upgrades to the light grid and production room, installation of theatre curtains and appropriate flooring to the stage and audience areas for optimum sound and experience.
A red carpet tip of the hat to the 1920’s theatre scene kicks-off the theatre space grand opening event, made possible by Reception Sponsor MIAMIGO! and the Deering Estate Foundation. The evening will feature literary and theatre characters of the day, a 1920’s Style Theatre-poster lined entryway, onsite interviews, cocktail reception, and guest speaker presentations.
Three performances of the 2nd annual South Florida “One-Minute Play Festival” are scheduled for Saturday, January 25th at 8 pm and on Sunday, January 26th at 3 pm and 7:30 pm in the newly renovated theatre space.
The One-Minute Play Festival (#1MPF) is America’s largest and longest running short form theatre company, founded by Producing Artist Director, Dominic D’Andrea. The festival features one-minute plays by over 30 established and emerging South Florida playwrights who are commissioned for this event. Directed by Nicole Stodard, Steven Chambers, Sheri Allender, Ivan Lopez, Gladys Ramirez, Wendy White, & Andie Arthur. Please note that the performances contain mature content. For more information please visit www.oneminuteplayfestival.com.
Tickets are $20 per show and can be purchased online or by calling 305-235-1668 ext. 233. For more information please visit www.deeringestate.org.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more information please visit www.KnightFoundation.org.
Located along the edge of Biscayne Bay, the 444-acre Deering Estate at Cutler is an environmental, archeological and historical preserve. The Estate is part of the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, which manages the Estate on behalf of the State of Florida. The Deering Estate is also a cultural and educational facility that features classes and programs for children and adults, teacher training and research opportunities. The Estate also serves as a small conference center for community organizations and corporate groups who share Charles Deering’s interest in the environment, botany, history, fine arts, antiques, rare books and wine. For more information on the Deering Estate's educational and cultural programs, please visit www.deeringestate.org.