Toasting the Magis

Celebrating a historic run on the Prep stage with some wonderful human beings.

Rep Radio Interview

I talk about taking over as the new head of PTW and also talk about all the other hats I wear in the Philly Theatre Community.

104DMhowiebrown by represented

Blogging For Act II Playhouse

The following is a post I wrote for Act II's blog.  See other posts on the Act II blog HERE.

The New Guy, But a Familiar Face

Today’s blog post is from our new Development Director Howie Brown, a familiar face to the Act II family.

Audience Services Manager Beth Dietzler (left) and Howie work to get out the season announcement to subscribers.

Act II has become a second home to me in the past year. I had the time of my life last winter running around the aisles of the theater as Tony Braithwaite made fun of the inhabitants of the Oval Office in First Impressions and continued that thrill ride as the Ed McMahon to Tony’s Johnny Carson in Heeere’s Tony! In addition to being on stage for these special events, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing countless productions in Act II’s wonderful intimate space.

As an audience member at yesterday’s matinée performance of The Pride of Parnell Street, I had a new aspect thrown into the mix of my Act II experience – being an Act II staff member.

In March, I took over as the Development Director at the Playhouse and as I watched the powerful performances yesterday, I found myself constantly checking in with the audience members around me. I guess typically as an audience member, I’m more “selfish” and am there to take in the show for myself. After the final bow and some quick process time, I like to share my experience with friends and other audience members.

But yesterday was different – not I only did I experience the show as a regular patron, I felt extra pride watching audience members enjoy their journey, knowing I’m apart of the team making it all possible.When David Whalen’s character made a joke and as a result the gentleman in the row in front of me laughed, as I smiled I laughed more heartily. When poignant moments between the actors made the woman behind me sigh, I sensed an added dose of empathy inside myself. I look forward to sharing this group experience with you again during Art.