C.C. Playwright Festival 2016
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Columbus Creative Arts + Activism and SAFI Custom Home Body has forged a new partnership with The Arkansas Repertory Theatre (The Rep) to present the C.C. Playwright Festival (CCPF), celebrating and amplifying fresh new voices in Theatre Arts. Bob Hupp, Producing Artistic Director of The Rep, has graciously partnered and designated the use of The Annex, an educational and performance space located at 518 Main Street in the heart of the Creative Corridor. Slated for Summer 2016, the CCPF performance dates will be released in the upcoming weeks.
ABOUT THE CCPF: CCPF sets the stage for five one act plays to be selected, work shopped, and fully produced. Fusing arts and activism, the CCPF honors the legacy of Attorney Christopher C. Mercer, Jr., Civil Rights Humanitarian and hometown hero for Little Rock, AR and abroad. His legal career spanned 59 years and his commitment to humanity was lifelong.
ABOUT THE ANNEX: The AR Rep Education Annex sits on the adjacent corner from The Rep in the crux of the Creative Corridor. Rustic and posh, accented with a glass façade, chandeliers, hardwood floors, and state of the art equipment, The Annex will primarily serve as an expansion for The Rep’s Summer Musical Theater Intensive (SMTI) young artist program. The space will also be used for experimental theatre showings and intimate performances.
ABOUT THE REP: Arkansas Repertory Theatre exists to create a diverse body of theatrical work of the highest artistic standards. With a focus on dramatic storytelling that illuminates the human journey, The Rep entertains, engages and enriches local and regional audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
CCPF SUBMISSION DATES: Monday, November 30, 2016 – Monday, January 4, 2016
PLAYWRIGHT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Playwrights can submit work in the following areas: Social Justice, Health + Wellness, Historical Fiction/ Non-Fiction, Relationships, and Education. Seven (7) characters or less is encouraged, and characters can range in any age or ethnicity. Play structure should be in a readable format and can not exceed 30 pages, 10 – 12 point font. Submissions should also include the following: Playwright contact information (name, address, email, telephone number), title of the play, character name(s) and brief character description(s), and playwright’s notes (summary or stage directions for production purposes). If selected, playwrights will have the option to direct their own play or have a director assigned. Selected works will be notified via email by February 1, 2016.
OUR GOALS: CCPF hopes to raise $5,000.00 to contribute to the following:
Playwright Stipend
Actor Stipend
Craft Services (during rehearsals and during the festival weekend)Technical Crew Support
Creative Team
Props
Costumes
Lighting/ Sound/ Scenic Elements
Print/ Press/ Promotional Materials
Commemorative Theatre Programs
Cast and Crew Tee Shirts
ABOUT ATTORNEY CHRISTOPHER C. MERCER, JR.: “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” This was one of my dad’s favorite quotes – a simple phrase illuminating that even the most minuscule beginning can transform into a gigantic display of nurturing strength and tremendous power. This quote is also indicative of my father’s story. On March 27, 1924 in Pine Bluff, AR, the little acorn of Christopher Columbus Mercer, Jr. (C.C.) began to sprout. He was nurtured by his mother, Tarvell Linda Mercer. She was a mighty oak in her own regard, as she raised her two sons C.C. and Harry, and was the owner of a laundry service. She fortified her boys with diamond precision strength, teaching them to be viable citizens, to be of service, and to be compassionate to all mankind.
Though the nurturing Mother Mercer oak was tilling the earth and planting morals and values in her sons, the nature of the south had a twisted way of teaching them the torments of humanity. As a young man, our father was steeped in a volatile environment of segregation and racial oppression. Experience is life’s hardest teacher; many times you get the test before you learn the lesson. The visibility of his skin color was cruelly a determining factor in how he was treated by Whites. Mandated by law to attend segregated schools, C.C. was often denied access to tangible resources like new books or school supplies… what may have appeared to be a disadvantage was a motivating factor in his determination to complete his studies with high marks and focus on how to help others attain better access to those resources that had been denied.
Through his law practice, C.C. became recognizable locally and internationally as a legendary gentleman of his craft. While in private practice, he advocated for the community and rendered legal services often times when his clients could not pay. His little acorn grew roots in Little Rock, AR and grew limbs that stretched worldwide, offering legal advice and a strong sense of compassion to all mankind. Though many remember him as a legendary attorney, going to court with his briefcase in tow, always prepared when he approached the bench, mentoring young law students as they began to lay their roots in the legal world, I will remember him as great man. My father would check us (Justin and I) out to school to go to court with him. We would watch him in action and smile and wave from the benches behind the counselors table. Also, he was quite the gamesman. He loved to play cards and his favorite game was dominoes. He taught us how to play, bones faced up, before we entered school… and most often he would beat us! And after a long day at the law library, after our mother had tucked us away in bed, we would hear the latch of the lock flipping open and we would jump out of bed, run downstairs, and he would lift us both up into his arms… giving us a giant hug and kiss, his limbs surrounding us in love.
In 1924, my Daddy’s little acorn began to grow into that mighty oak, being revered as giant of his time. On November 20th, 2012, his passing was merely a monument to his transformation as a martyr of justice. We, his children, and those who admired his commitment to mankind will nurture the legacy of his story, housed in the roots and limbs of his towering tree. Many may harbor memories of his legal career, but we will remember him as a magnificent man. He was a stellar attorney, however the job he did best was being my father.
ABOUT THE CCPF PRODUCERS:
COLUMBUS CREATIVE ARTS + ACTIVISM
The mission of Columbus Creative is to foster activism through artistic expression, signature programming, public relations, and creative consultation. Columbus Creative is energized by the spirit of my father, Attorney Christopher C. Mercer, Jr. He encouraged my dreams, talent, creativity, and ability to communicate well through personal connections and writing. I want to live my life in the way that he did by serving through my art.
SAFI CUSTOM HOME BODY
"Safi" means "fresh" in Swahili. My design philosophy is fresh, creative, eclectic, cultural, and universal. Using a bold mix of patterns, colors, and natural materials, SAFI has custom home décor, wearable signature pieces, and luscious body care products. Stay connected! For more information about SAFI, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ccSAFI or email [email redacted].
BE OUR VILLAGE: Help CCPF reach its goals! Please donate to our campaign. Together we can accomplish the work of investing in new talent and fresh voices in theatre arts. Please help us continue the work of building the vibrant arts community in Little Rock, AR and beyond!
For more information, email Crystal C. Mercer at [email redacted] or visit www.facebook.com/ColumbusCreative88.
ABOUT THE CCPF: CCPF sets the stage for five one act plays to be selected, work shopped, and fully produced. Fusing arts and activism, the CCPF honors the legacy of Attorney Christopher C. Mercer, Jr., Civil Rights Humanitarian and hometown hero for Little Rock, AR and abroad. His legal career spanned 59 years and his commitment to humanity was lifelong.
ABOUT THE ANNEX: The AR Rep Education Annex sits on the adjacent corner from The Rep in the crux of the Creative Corridor. Rustic and posh, accented with a glass façade, chandeliers, hardwood floors, and state of the art equipment, The Annex will primarily serve as an expansion for The Rep’s Summer Musical Theater Intensive (SMTI) young artist program. The space will also be used for experimental theatre showings and intimate performances.
ABOUT THE REP: Arkansas Repertory Theatre exists to create a diverse body of theatrical work of the highest artistic standards. With a focus on dramatic storytelling that illuminates the human journey, The Rep entertains, engages and enriches local and regional audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
CCPF SUBMISSION DATES: Monday, November 30, 2016 – Monday, January 4, 2016
PLAYWRIGHT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Playwrights can submit work in the following areas: Social Justice, Health + Wellness, Historical Fiction/ Non-Fiction, Relationships, and Education. Seven (7) characters or less is encouraged, and characters can range in any age or ethnicity. Play structure should be in a readable format and can not exceed 30 pages, 10 – 12 point font. Submissions should also include the following: Playwright contact information (name, address, email, telephone number), title of the play, character name(s) and brief character description(s), and playwright’s notes (summary or stage directions for production purposes). If selected, playwrights will have the option to direct their own play or have a director assigned. Selected works will be notified via email by February 1, 2016.
OUR GOALS: CCPF hopes to raise $5,000.00 to contribute to the following:
Playwright Stipend
Actor Stipend
Craft Services (during rehearsals and during the festival weekend)Technical Crew Support
Creative Team
Props
Costumes
Lighting/ Sound/ Scenic Elements
Print/ Press/ Promotional Materials
Commemorative Theatre Programs
Cast and Crew Tee Shirts
ABOUT ATTORNEY CHRISTOPHER C. MERCER, JR.: “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” This was one of my dad’s favorite quotes – a simple phrase illuminating that even the most minuscule beginning can transform into a gigantic display of nurturing strength and tremendous power. This quote is also indicative of my father’s story. On March 27, 1924 in Pine Bluff, AR, the little acorn of Christopher Columbus Mercer, Jr. (C.C.) began to sprout. He was nurtured by his mother, Tarvell Linda Mercer. She was a mighty oak in her own regard, as she raised her two sons C.C. and Harry, and was the owner of a laundry service. She fortified her boys with diamond precision strength, teaching them to be viable citizens, to be of service, and to be compassionate to all mankind.
Though the nurturing Mother Mercer oak was tilling the earth and planting morals and values in her sons, the nature of the south had a twisted way of teaching them the torments of humanity. As a young man, our father was steeped in a volatile environment of segregation and racial oppression. Experience is life’s hardest teacher; many times you get the test before you learn the lesson. The visibility of his skin color was cruelly a determining factor in how he was treated by Whites. Mandated by law to attend segregated schools, C.C. was often denied access to tangible resources like new books or school supplies… what may have appeared to be a disadvantage was a motivating factor in his determination to complete his studies with high marks and focus on how to help others attain better access to those resources that had been denied.
Through his law practice, C.C. became recognizable locally and internationally as a legendary gentleman of his craft. While in private practice, he advocated for the community and rendered legal services often times when his clients could not pay. His little acorn grew roots in Little Rock, AR and grew limbs that stretched worldwide, offering legal advice and a strong sense of compassion to all mankind. Though many remember him as a legendary attorney, going to court with his briefcase in tow, always prepared when he approached the bench, mentoring young law students as they began to lay their roots in the legal world, I will remember him as great man. My father would check us (Justin and I) out to school to go to court with him. We would watch him in action and smile and wave from the benches behind the counselors table. Also, he was quite the gamesman. He loved to play cards and his favorite game was dominoes. He taught us how to play, bones faced up, before we entered school… and most often he would beat us! And after a long day at the law library, after our mother had tucked us away in bed, we would hear the latch of the lock flipping open and we would jump out of bed, run downstairs, and he would lift us both up into his arms… giving us a giant hug and kiss, his limbs surrounding us in love.
In 1924, my Daddy’s little acorn began to grow into that mighty oak, being revered as giant of his time. On November 20th, 2012, his passing was merely a monument to his transformation as a martyr of justice. We, his children, and those who admired his commitment to mankind will nurture the legacy of his story, housed in the roots and limbs of his towering tree. Many may harbor memories of his legal career, but we will remember him as a magnificent man. He was a stellar attorney, however the job he did best was being my father.
ABOUT THE CCPF PRODUCERS:
COLUMBUS CREATIVE ARTS + ACTIVISM
The mission of Columbus Creative is to foster activism through artistic expression, signature programming, public relations, and creative consultation. Columbus Creative is energized by the spirit of my father, Attorney Christopher C. Mercer, Jr. He encouraged my dreams, talent, creativity, and ability to communicate well through personal connections and writing. I want to live my life in the way that he did by serving through my art.
SAFI CUSTOM HOME BODY
"Safi" means "fresh" in Swahili. My design philosophy is fresh, creative, eclectic, cultural, and universal. Using a bold mix of patterns, colors, and natural materials, SAFI has custom home décor, wearable signature pieces, and luscious body care products. Stay connected! For more information about SAFI, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ccSAFI or email [email redacted].
BE OUR VILLAGE: Help CCPF reach its goals! Please donate to our campaign. Together we can accomplish the work of investing in new talent and fresh voices in theatre arts. Please help us continue the work of building the vibrant arts community in Little Rock, AR and beyond!
For more information, email Crystal C. Mercer at [email redacted] or visit www.facebook.com/ColumbusCreative88.
Organizer
Crystal C. Mercer
Organizer
Little Rock, AR
