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A few months ago, I approached my friend Anna Ostroff (who runs a non profit arts organization called Arts for All) with a daydream I had, about starting a hands-on Shakespeare workshop for in-need kids in Chicago. The workshop would not only expose children to Shakespeare as literature, but also teach them about the collaborative nature of theatre: how text, lighting/effects, music, dance, scenic design, and people come together to make a play come alive. Arts for All, Inc. (AFA) was founded to provide artistic opportunities to in-need youth communities, free of charge. The in-need populations are typically children who have little means or opportunity to explore the arts due to economic disadvantages, physical and mental disabilities, hospitalization, socialization issues, emotional trauma, and other life challenges. Anna was thrilled about the idea, and as only she can do... she set about to make my daydreaming into reality. The first AFA Chicago Satellite is now officially underway, in the form of my Shakespeare Workshop! I have designed a lesson plan around THE TEMPEST, we've found an in-need K-8 public school that is interested in hosting us, and a friend of Anna's (Lisa Dellagiarino, who helped to start Arts for All in 2003 and who now lives in Chicago,) has agreed to be our Program Manager here in Chicago. We've also established a timeline: the first workshop will launch in the spring of 2010. So now all we need now is the funding! We are currently reaching out to our friends, family members, and co-workers, seeking donations to get this exciting program underway. No amount is too small, and with Illinois' arts budget slashed by 58% over the last three years, children in Chicago need us more than ever! If you would like to make a donation, here are your options: 1. Send a check. Checks should be made out to "Arts for All, Inc." Please write "Chicago Satellite" in the memo line, and then mail to: Arts for All, Inc. 419 Lafayette Street Second Floor New York, NY 10003 2. Donate via the Website. Go to: http://arts-for-all.org/give and click on the "Donate Now through Network for Good" button. This will allow you to donate using your credit / debit card, or Paypal (and please write Chicago Satellite in the designation section). 3. Pledge. If you can't find it in your budget this year, we are also accepting pledges for January of 2010. Email me with your pledge, at carawinter1975@gmail.com, and we'll include your pledges in our budget. Remember, Arts for All, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization and 100% of your donation to AFA Chicago is tax-deductible! If you are unable to make a monetary contribution, we will also happily accept In Kind donations of office supplies, food / beverages for our final presentation, time / services, etc! I hope you'll consider donating to this amazing project. *** OCTOBER 2-8, 2008 Fractured Atlas, a not-for-profit Arts service organization I belong to, is making me their FEATURED MEMBER for the week of Oct 2nd! Images of my work - as well as a Q&A - will appear on their own website: www.fracturedatlas.org as well as their MySpace page and their Facebook page. Come check me out! *** UPDATE: I was just cast in The Barbara Wolff Classics Series at CAP21, a reading series of celebrated plays and musicals. I'm playing a small role (Mrs. Spencer) and singing in the ensemble. Here's the info: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Book by George Furth Lyrics and Music by Stephen Sondheim ACT I: March 17, 2008 7:30 PM ACT II: March 24, 2008 7:30 PM All seats are FREE, but reservations are recommended. FOR TICKETS CALL 212-352-3101 Or to make a reservation online: http://www.cap21.org/coming.htm#MONDAY_READING *** My latest (and most beautiful) production... Avery Max Winter Born: August 19, 2007 7 lbs 7 oz  My play, SOCIAL WORK, was chosen to be produced as part of Summerfest 2007 at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre. Performances were July 13, 14 & 15. Our production team included Alan Ostroff (Director) and Anna Roberts (Associate Producer / Assistant Director), and our cast included Stas May, Catherine Gowl (below), Margaret Laney, Aaron Matthias, Noel Hunter and Tori Tschopp. Thanks to all who supported us! UDPATE!! Our own Margaret Laney (Joyce) was named Best Actress of Summerfest 2007!!  SOCIAL WORK ~ by Cara Winter Margaret O'Brien is an insightful, talented therapist... except when it comes to her own life. When she falls in love with a recovering alcoholic, Margaret must come to terms with her own addictions, demons, and fears. Starring Catherine Gowl & Stas May. (Photo: N. Warren Winter)  |