Derek Longhttp://dereklong.net/blog/2019-06-12T13:47:41-04:00Award-winning, Hollywood Actor, Director, and Producer Derek Long Moves to Asheville, NC2019-06-12T13:47:41-04:00internhttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/intern/http://dereklong.net/blog/award-winning-hollywood-actor-director-and-producer-derek-long-moves-to-asheville-nc/<p><b>ASHEVILLE, NC (June 12, 2019)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Award-winning actor, director, and producer Derek Long has relocated from Hollywood to Asheville, NC to engage in the region’s burgeoning, fertile theatrical community.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to his collaboration with local theater companies, Long plans to establish a local chapter of his acclaimed one-on-one performance classes where he helps participants build stage skills for an effortless performance. Tailored for dancers, actors, musicians, or any artist who is the center of attention, the performance class helps clients realize their full potential and develop the confidence to be in front of an audience. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Hollywood, Long played lead roles in numerous independent films such as </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Socket</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">3-day Weekend </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Make The Yuletide Gay</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which won him The People’s Choice Award at San Diego Film Fest. He continued to take on stage roles in Hollywood, Santa Monica and Long Beach, including such productions as </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hamlet, Cloud 9 </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Catching The Butcher</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. He continues to serve as a producer and panel judge for the nationwide festival, “Panndora’s Box New Works Festival”. This ongoing position will provide him the opportunity to explore and uncover new voices in theaters across the country.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I loved my 20 year career spent in California, and was eager to move back East to explore the culturally rich area of Asheville and it’s community of diverse artists,” said Long. “I’m beyond excited to jump into the next chapter of my communal arts exploration, and Asheville is the perfect place to be!”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Long’s first performance class in Asheville is scheduled for early next spring; just in time for the busiest season of the year for actors.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Derek is an incredible teacher, actor and guide!” said Terra K., a Hollywood-based client. “His approach is supportive and incredibly relevant. He creates a safe space for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to explore and grow and his methods for approaching the work translates immediately into real-word experience."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more information, email Derek at derek@dereklong.net or visit his website at https://www.dereklong.net/.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">###</span></p>
<p><b>About Derek Long:</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Derek Long is an award-winning film, television, voice-over and stage actor based in Asheville, who enjoys practicing his art in whatever corner of the globe it takes him. His work can be seen online, on DVD, VOD, cable and in-person on the stage. For the latest news on Derek Long and his upcoming attractions, visit https://www.dereklong.net/.</span></p>
<p></p>New Artwork is Here2019-01-27T12:53:02-05:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/new-artwork-is-here/<p>Once again, lucky enough to be working with the very talented Ryan de Quintal on the latest project. He's done design work in the past for us on "Of Mice and Men" and "Dog's Pond". <span>He hit another one out of the (race) park here!</span></p>
<p>I love his ability to capture the emotional essence of our productions using seemingly simple, bold imagery within a suggestive, resptrained palette. Join us Sundays, March 24th through May 5th to catch this rarely seen, Sam Shepard dark comedy at the <a href="http://www.whitefiretheatre.com">Whitefire Theatre</a> in Sherman Oaks. </p>
<p></p>Coming to the Wildfire Theater2019-01-15T12:55:52-05:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/coming-to-the-wildfire-theater-this-spring/<p>This Spring I'll be back at the fantastic Wildfire Theater directing one of Sam Sheppard's comedic plays. If you aren't already familiar with <em>Simpacito</em>, I urge you to come out to Sherman Oaks and enjoy this exploration of American angst turned into high (and lowbrow) comedy. We'll be up and running in April. Stay tuned for all the details!</p>Teaser For "The Dogs Pond"2018-10-04T09:41:21-04:00vannoppenhttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/vannoppen/http://dereklong.net/blog/teaser-for-the-dogs-pond/<p><span>Reminder to everyone! "The Dogs Pond" opens this weekend! Check out the teaser:</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DBcIpg9q4tY" width="80%"></iframe></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>You can pick up tickets at<span> </span></span><a href="https://thedogspond.brownpapertickets.com/" target="_blank">this link</a><span><span> </span>or take your chances at the door. Don't miss out of this World Premiere production! </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><strong></strong></span><span><strong>Showtimes</strong>: Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423</span></p>
<p><span>Sunday, Oct 7 @ 7PM</span></p>
<p><span>Sunday, Oct 14 @ 7PM</span></p>
<p><span>Saturday, Oct 20 @ 7:30PM</span></p>
<p><span>Sunday, Oct 21@ <g class="gr_ gr_15 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" data-gr-id="15" id="15">7PM</g></span></p>
<p><span>Saturday, Oct 27 @ 7:30PM</span></p>
<p><span>Sunday, Oct 28 @ 7PM</span></p>Got your tickets yet?2018-10-03T21:29:09-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/got-your-tickets-yet/<p>Just wanted to remind everyone in the LA area that my latest directorial effort "The Dogs Pond" opens this weekend! You can pick up tickets at <a href="https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3616272">this link</a> or take your chances at the door. We have a great cast and a lovely venue at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. Don't miss out of this World Premeiere production! </p>Tickets for The Dogs Pond Are On Sale Now2018-09-24T16:26:34-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/tickets-for-the-dogs-pond-are-on-sale-now/<p>Well, online tickets are officially available for purchase! You can go to the Brown Paper Tickets webiste by using this link; <a href="https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3616272">https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3616272</a> </p>
<p></p>
<p>Remember, all performances are in Sherman Oaks at <a href="https://www.whitefiretheatre.com">The Whitefire Theatre</a> which is located at <span>13500 Ventura Blvd. Make sure to visit the theatre website to check out the surrounding neighborhood's free parking options. It can be confusing, but the map provided will help you navigate it. No one wants to top off attending a great performance, only to find a parking ticket on their windshield!</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>Sunday, Oct 7 @ 7PM</span></p>
<p><span>Sunday, Oct 14 @ 7PM</span></p>
<p><span>Saturday, Oct 20 @ 7:30PM</span></p>
<p><span>Sunday, Oct 21@ 7PM</span></p>
<p><span>Saturday, Oct 27 @ 7:30PM</span></p>
<p><span>Sunday, Oct 28 @ 7PM</span></p>
<p></p>The Dogs Pond Cast2018-09-23T15:08:04-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/the-dogs-pond-cast/<p>With rehearsals well under way, I'd like to take a second and introduce the fabulous cast of actors that I've been getting to work with on this production. Some are old friends whom I've shared a stage with or directed and a few are new to me. They are all extremely deidcated and talented, so I know Travis Baker's words and characters are in good hands.</p>
<p>The show deals with a group of veterans coming together for a weekend to help out one of their own who is strugggling with PTSD and his place in life after his final tour of Iraq. I was very lucky and honored to be able to find many actors who are also veterans themselves. For them, me, and the audience, I know their experiences will help bring a level of authenticity to the material that cannot be matched. We are all truly blessed to have found one another.</p>
<p>Bergsey - Fred Manscuso</p>
<p>Stills - Josh Evans</p>
<p>Owen - Craig Hasenbank</p>
<p>Carter - Ryan de Quintal</p>
<p>Uncle Pete - John William Young</p>
<p>Enfield - Ted Wells</p>
<p></p>
<p>Stand by for impending news about schedule, location, and tickets! </p>There's A New Play In The Works2018-09-20T13:13:20-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/new-play-in-the-works/<p>Over a year after reading Travis Baker's new play "The Dogs Pond" during Pannndora Productions' New Works Festival, the play continues to linger in my mind. The situations, characters and dialogue remain vivid in my head. Well, it appears that I will finally be getting a chance to work through some of that and direct this incredible new work of theater. Many thanks to the fabulous ladies at Panndora Producitons for their support!</p>
<p>The play is a moving, humorous, and emotionally impactful exploration of the impact on veterans of the carnages of war. I'm really excited to get the chance to bring Travis' characters to life on the stage and to be able to bring this important work to the public's attention. Looks like we'll be lauching in October in Sherman Oaks. Come back here for more details!</p>Tickets on sale now for Jupiter Moon2018-05-02T15:02:51-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/tickets-on-sale-now-for-jupiter-moon/<p>The box office is open.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Here is the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ca--long-beach/jupiter-moon/?q=jupiter%20moon&loc=Long%20Beach%2C%20CA%2C%20USA&date=">link</a> on EventBrite.com for purchasing tickets to the world premiere of Jupiter Moon written by Bob Valine. Once again, we'll be working out of <a href="http://www.thegaragetheatre.org">The Garage Theater</a> in Long Beach. The dates are May 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 31 and June 1, 2, 3. Hope you can join us!</p>Jupiter Moon cast2018-05-02T14:48:19-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/jupiter-moon-cast/<p>Here is our talented cast for Jupiter Moon! They are hard at work rehearsing this great play by Bob Valine. Can't wait for everyone to see them in action. They are:</p>
<p><span>Erik Pfeifer, </span>Colleen McCandless, <span> Karen Wray, and </span>Paul Scott (along with director Sonja Berggren).</p>
<p></p>
<h3></h3>Jupiter Moon in rehearsals2018-05-01T16:11:14-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/jupiter-moon-in-rehearsals/<p>Jupiter Moon is the 7th full length play chosen for Panndora Prodcutions annual new works festival. I'm really exicted about this production since it was one of my top picks of the over 200 submissions last year. </p>
<p>This time out, I'm working as an executive producer on the show and I'm really <span>I am enjoying the challenges that presents. Its always rewarding to "wear a different hat" in your chosen field. </span></p>
<p>We've assembled a really great team to bring this famliy centered drama to the stage and I can't wait to share it with everyone. Here is a peak at the team.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Director - Sonja Berggren</p>
<p>Set Design – <span>Yuri Okahana </span></p>
<p>Light Design – <span>McLeod Benson </span></p>
<p>Sound Design – <span>Sonja Berggren & Derek Long </span></p>
<p>Stage Manager – <span>Jerica Bornstein</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>Tickets will go on sale soon and I'll post all the details here as soon as the box office opens. The dates will be May 18,19,26,27,31 and June 2,3. </p>Robot Monster the Musical... the Staged Reading has 3D?!?!?2017-11-29T18:16:15-05:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/robot-monster-the-musical-the-staged-reading-has-3d/<p>Next weekend's staged reading of <span>Robot Monster the Musical... the Staged Reading</span> will now include 3D video!!! No need to dig up your old pair of 3D glasses either, we'll have a pair waiting for you at the theater.</p>
<p>Don't delay! Admission is free! So get your name on the guest list today by clicking onto our Facebook page and leaving us a message about which performance you want to attend and how many are in your party.</p>
<p>See you there HU-mans!</p>Radio Monster 2.0 Staged Reading2017-11-14T12:49:07-05:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/radio-monster-20-staged-reading/<p>Well along the road to premiereing a revised version of the sci-fi, atomic era, alien musical we mounted at the Hollywood Fringe Festival this year. We've fine-tuned the material and come up with a super night of entertainment. I'm really excited that most of the original cast will return and the new additions to the group are top-notch. </p>
<p>If you are in town on December 9th (@8pm) or December 10th (7pm), you can attend either of these staged readings for free. Its being held at Studio/Stage at 520 N Western Avenue, LA, CA. All you need to do is follow this<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/919397241542465/"> link</a> to our Facebook page, click on the discussion tab and post your date request. Or, you can email me via this website and I'll see that your name gets added to the list. </p>Robot Monster Preview A Success!2017-06-06T15:31:28-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/robot-monster-preview-a-success/<p>The Robot Monster preview was a blast! Our talented cast played to a nearly sold-out house and the audience was with them every step of the way! The post-show, lobby chatter was lively and it looks like we may have a hit on our hands (fingers crossed). We ran a tad long, so will most likely have to address that before the next performance. We can't take away stage time from the following performers; that is considered bad form!</p>
<p>There are still a couple of seats left for this Saturday's show at 8pm, but they are going fast. You can purchase tickets <a href="http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/browse">here</a> for any of the remaining performances. </p>
<p></p>
<p><img alt="" height="800" src="https://static.dereklong.net/public/media/uploads/18766536_781598588683155_303924375889845809_o.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="" height="792" src="https://static.dereklong.net/public/media/uploads/18920901_781598585349822_5211362425327565330_o.jpg" width="594"/></p>
<p></p>Radio Monster on LA Talk Radio2017-06-06T15:22:31-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/radio-monster-on-la-talk-radio/<p>Last weekend, the Radio Monster producer Rich Silverman and I sat down for a talk with Sheena Metal of LA Talk Radio to discuss our upcoming Hollywood Fringe Festival entry. It was a lively discussion about all things theater, the genesis of the project, and our journey to bring it to the general public. Sheena is a great, lively host with great insight, a quick wit, and an unpredictable naughty side! It was a real pleasure getting to chat with her. You can play or download the podcast <a href="http://latalkradio.com/content/sheena-metal-experience">here</a>. Make sure you click on the 6/5 airdate.</p>
<p><img alt="" height="300" src="https://static.dereklong.net/public/media/uploads/xsheenametalexperience-ituneslogo.jpg.pagespeed.ic.24x2jfncdy.jpg" width="300"/></p>In Kings and Fools Review from Signal Tribune Newspaper2017-05-24T16:08:47-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/in-kings-and-fools-review-from-signal-tribune-newspaper/<p>We're two for two; another great review for In Kings and Fools! This time from the local Signal Tribune Newspaper. So pleased for eveyone involved, but sad to realize that this is the last weekend of perfomances. It's been a long and invigorating experience for me. Thanks again to all the folks at Panndora Prodcutions for allowing me to steer this ship. Your help, input and support means the world to me. I'm looking forward to reading all the submissions for next year's new play search! </p>
<p></p>
<p>The full review can be found <a href="http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/?p=34018">here.</a></p>Orange County Register Review of "in Kings and Fools" Is In2017-05-24T15:26:06-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/orange-county-register-review-of-in-kings-and-fools-is-in/<p>Well the review is in and it looks like all our efforts have paid off! The Orange County Register had lots of really nice things to say about our show. In fact, he couldn't really find anything negative to say at all. It's so great when audiences connect with material in the same way that you do. Kudos to our fantastic troupe of actors and techies on helping really make this show sing. And many thanks to the talented Kevin Daly for providing me with such a great peice of material to play with!</p>
<p>You can read the entire review <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/17/kings-and-fools-puts-family-discord-center-stage/">here</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>The Incomparable Karen Wray2017-05-15T10:16:20-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/the-incomparable-karen-wray/<p>Here's to my Stage Manager: The lady who walked the fine line between believing in me, and bustin' my chops. She worked twice as hard as I did, and, while my work is done, her work continues. I couldn't have done it without her.</p>
<p>Thank You, K. Dubs. A superhero, if there ever was one. <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" title="heart emoticon"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v8/f6c/1/16/2764.png" width="16"/></span></p>In Kings & Fools Is Coming Soon!2017-04-30T16:57:29-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/in-kings-fools-is-coming-soon/<p>Things are really coming together on <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">In Kings and Fools</span> </em>opening May 11th at the Garage Theater. This is a picture of our unique set design. We've got a super talented bunch of artists involved in the premiere of a really fantastic new play. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, here is the<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-kings-and-fools-tickets-33366501103" title="Event Brite"> LINK</a> to grab them up. But don't delay, some performances are almost sold out! </p>
<p></p>
<p><em>Here is a pic from a working Easter brunch with super-talented, multi-hyphenate artist and performer Karen Wray</em>.</p>
<p><img alt="" height="256" src="https://static.dereklong.net/public/media/uploads/screen_shot_2017-04-30_at_2.01.41_pm.png" width="388"/></p>Radio Monster Dates2017-04-03T16:47:04-04:00Alexander Colletthttp://dereklong.net/blog/author/abc/http://dereklong.net/blog/radio-monster-dates/<p>For all those interested in the world premiere of Radio Monster, The Musical, here are the scheduled performances during the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Tickets go on sale May 1st and there is usually a mad rush for seats. Don't delay grabbing a seat or you may miss out on the fun! The ticket link is <a href="http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/4492?tab=tickets">http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/4492?tab=tickets</a>. All performances will be held at the <a href="http://www.sacredfools.org">Sacred Fools Theatre</a>, 1076 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038</p>
<p></p>
<p>Sunday, June 4 8pm</p>
<p>Saturday, June 10 8pm</p>
<p>Thursday, June 15 5pm</p>
<p>Sunday, June 18 1:30pm</p>
<p>Friday, June 23 11pm</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>