2005
May - The Journey Begins
Co-founders Teresa Michelle Lasley and Rhonney Greene established Under the Spell Productions at a seed money fundraising event in Washington D.C.
June - One Act Showcase
Under the Spell Productions presented its first show, a One Act Showcase at New York City’s Producer’s Club. The show featured Elois Beasley’s Fallen Angel, and the world premiere of Lyanisha Gonzales’ Fantasy Girl.
2006
April - It Goes Unsaid, NYC Preview
Under the Spell Productions presented a preview reading of the new work, It Goes Unsaid at New York City’s TBG Studios, to prepare for the show’s premiere in Los Angeles.
The performance piece was written by Rhonney Greene, Teresa Michelle Lasley, and Derek Lee McPhatter, with additional material by Qelsi Qualls and Will Castillo.
A blend of dramatic monologue, dance, film, spoken word and photography, It Goes Unsaid explores the color complex in communities of African descent.
May - It Goes Unsaid, Los Angeles
It Goes Unsaid made its world premiere in the UCLA Raw Performing Arts Series, along with the work of Saul Williams, Staceyann Chin and other notable performing artists. A featured spot on KJLH Radio catapulted the show to success and a sold out premiere.
2007
June - It Goes Unsaid, Harlem
Under the Spell Productions and independent producer Bryan E. Glover mounted a full production of It Goes Unsaid for Harlem audiences at East Harlem’s Poet’s Den.
July - Highlighting the Power of Theater Benefit
After an amazing run of It Goes Unsaid in Harlem, Under the Spell Productions hosted a benefit event, celebrating two years of success.
August through December - Words Rising: New Dawn Reading Series
Building upon its commitment to opportunities, Under the Spell Productions piloted the Words Rising New Dawn Reading Series, an open competition for emerging dramatic writing talent.
2008
April – Words Rising New Dawn Reading Series
Under the Spell Productions presented a staged reading of Guensley Delva’s You’ve Changed, the winning script of the Words rising competition.
Following the presentation, Under the Spell announced its season partnership with FeVA Productions, launching a campaign for a production in London.
May - It Goes Unsaid London
It Goes Unsaid premiered at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts in the Accidental Festival, curated by London University’s Central School of Speech and Drama.
2009
November – The Next Chapter Celebration
The company welcomed supporters, old friends, partners and more to a special celebration in anticipation of the 2010-2011 season. The show featured a special guest performance by the multitalented Femcee, LaJune. Proceeds provided core support for the upcoming 2010-2011 season.
2010
February 2010 – Citizen Jane and The Fire This Time Festival
Under the Spell Productions co-produced Citizen Jane, a short play by Derek Lee McPhatter for Horse Trade Theater Group’s first annual The Fire This Time Festival.
Rhonney Greene directed the production to sold-out houses for the entire run of the festival. It featured the performing talents of Tygerlily, Dylan Kammerer, LaJune, Darren Mallet, and Sheree Renée Thomas
September 12, 2010 – Through the Ages (co-production)
The Kraine Theater, 4 PM (84 East 4th Street, NYC)
Under the Spell Productions continues its partnership with Horse Trade Theater Group, A Mile in My Shoes Productions, and the leadership of the Fire This Time Festival
http://www.horsetrade.info/Season12/TheFireThisTime.html
The first performance was a concert event fundraiser, with proceeds to support the artists for the second season of the festival.
September 15, 2010 – The Seeing is Believing Cycle: Exploring Violence
Dwyer Cultural Center, 7 PM (258 St. Nicholas Avenue , NYC)
The company presented a panel discussion focused on violence, featuring panelists Yasmin Hurston Cornelius and Jeremiah Kyle Drake.
The Seeing is Believing Cycle fosters the development of new socially relevant artistic projects.
December 10 – 12, 2010 – The Lattice Crashes – Workshop Staging
The Tank (354 West 45th Street)
Under the Spell Productions partnered with Executive Producer Seitu Jemel Hart on the next phase of development of The Lattice Crashes, by Derek Lee McPhatter. Pat Golden signed on as director of the project and spearheaded an intense script development and rehearsal process, culminating in three staged workshop performances at The Tank.
The show featured the performing talents of Juan Javier Cardenas*, Bridgit Antoinette Evans*, Anthony Gaskins, Renita Martin*, Yvonne Same, Jaime Lincoln Smith* and Renee Williams.
* actors appearing courtesy of Actors Equity Association
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