Just Do It is a monthly themed reading and performance series in its 4th season at Theatre Charlotte. Vito Abate, an actor originally from New York, is producer and director of the series, which originated in NYC's East Village in the early 90’s.
A cross between Saturday Night Live and This American Life, each show explores a theme, and participants are given 10 minutes each to express that theme through a play, poem, story, film, song, or other medium of choice.The show also features regular segments like 768 Words (pieces performed in exactly 768 words) and On the Spot (a 5-minute piece created during the show and performed at the end).
But what truly sets this series apart is its uncensored and experimental nature. "I didn't have to be limited to being any one talent in particular. Just Do It opened the lid on experimentation and creativity," says veteran participant, Carol Butler.
For Abate, Just Do It is about personal triumph. "People who never saw themselves writing and performing have had that opportunity," he says. "Others have perhaps exorcised demons by voicing publicly things that have been long held private." To Tiffaney Moore Borgelin, a local voice coach, this is a reality: "I had an unexpected turn of events in my health, and Vito encouraged me to use my art as therapy during recovery."
Just Do It also facilitates professional development. Actors and directors who usually wait for others to bring work to them are able to perform their own work instead. And performing arts teachers like Borgelin can practice their craft and show students they still do what they teach.
Abate further emphasizes professionalism through adherence to draft deadlines, time/word limits, pre-show technical rehearsals, and audience development. According to local playwright and novelist Jenny Hubbard, who recently performed an excerpt from her novel in progress, Just Do It forces writers to "hone a work and make it fit within the time frame, which is good for the revision process."
The Season 4 Finale is Friday, May 28th at 8:00pm. The show is themed "The Last Time" and will include short plays, 1st person non-fiction, short stories, and original song. This is a great opportunity to come see what the show's all about, support area writers and performers, and enjoy some great local talent! Admission is only $5, and a cash bar is available. Theatre Charlotte is located at 501 Queens Road.
For updates on Season 5 dates and themes, bookmark the show's website or become a Facebook fan. Performances are lined up 4-6 weeks prior to the show, unlike an open mic night. To participate, email Vito Abate at justdoitcharlotte@yahoo.com.
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