Hello from Beyond Broadway!
My name is Malini Singh McDonald, and I’ll be joining Amy King Ruggaber in the Beyond Broadway Column here at The Write Teacher(s). I am a native New Yorker who has been involved in the arts for my entire life. A passionate and experienced artist and producer, I have twenty years of practical experience in the NYC theatre scene. I’ve served the theatre in many aspects of which I’m very proud – actress, director, producer, stage manager, costume designer, prop designer, theatre reviewer, publicist, radio presenter, and writer/monologist. I am is the founder of Theatre Beyond Broadway, a boutique PR firm that specializes in the marketing for the independent artist. I’m also the Executive Director of Black Henna Productions, and the newest member of The Write Teacher(s) Team! You can learn more about me and my work at www.theatrebeyondbroadway.com and www.malinism.com.
|
WHO |
Andrew J. Koslosky |
| WHERE |
Queens & Long Island, NY |
| MISSION |
The Josephine Foundation raises money and distributes 100% of these funds to help give special individuals and approved programs an opportunity to achieve their goals in life. Through the disciplines of properly run music, arts and sports programs, young people and adults can reach for their dreams regardless of race, creed, nationality, gender, age or financial status. |
| AFFILIATIONS |
None. |
When I created my company, Theatre Beyond Broadway, a couple of years ago, my goal was to promote projects being produced on the fringe of commercial theatre focusing on independent companies operating on the local level. I grew up and learned the nuts and bolts of theatre in school and on the local level. That included producing shows with my company, Black Henna Productions as well as working with various wonderfully talented companies all over the New York City. The bulk of my credits are based in Manhattan and Queens but I love going deep in the other boroughs and outside the 50 miles of the city limits to support local arts. My knowledge of producing theatre was pretty simple. I figured you either produce a show by being a non-profit or by getting investors. Since I was unable to receive a 501(c)3 status in the early post-9/11 days, I became a bit obsessed with learning more about non-profits while I produced my shows. I have been pretty steadfast in my passion for theatre and the arts. Besides being an important outlet for expression, the arts teach the skills to live life.
In 2006, my best friend, Amanda Doria, asked me for a “big favor”. She was performing in a production called Broadway Blockbusters and the company was in need of a spotlight operator for the run of the show. She was excited to be a part of this show, so I gladly said yes. It was exactly what I needed after directing and stage managing back to back shows. I was ready to sit in the balcony by myself, wait for my cue, then go. When I showed up at the first night of tech rehearsal, I was immediately impressed by the director, Andrew J. Koslosky. He was professional and spoke to the crew with respect. Though that was my one production with him, I continued to support his productions and learn more about his company, The Josephine Foundation.
The Josephine Foundation was created in 2002 in honor of Koslosky’s late mother, Josephine, an ardent supporter of the arts and sports as a means for young people to strive toward their dreams. Prior to creating the foundation, Koslosky, a native New Yorker, was another working actor. He sang at weddings, baptisms, and funerals in order to support himself as a college student. In 1985, while singing at a wedding, Koslosky was approached by a guest. The guest told him about an audition for the role of Ravenol in the touring production of Jerome Kerns’ Showboat. That lead to many tours including Godspell, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, various concerts, headlining on cruise ships for a couple of years, and even the Las Vegas strip. He also continued to sing at “many classical and liturgical concerts as a featured soloist at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, and in New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.” Even though he was performing all over the world, he always came back to the community to help with shows and fundraisers.
It was after Josephine’s passing that Koslosky made the decision to create the non-profit in order to keep her spirit alive. She believed through “the disciplines of properly run music, arts and sports programs, young people and adults can reach for their dreams regardless of race, creed, nationality, gender, age or financial status.” In keeping with this mission, every year The Foundation hosts its annual Follow Your Dreams Gala where grants are awarded to various sports, arts, music, and theatre programs. The Foundation also annually presents the “Josies”, awards presented to performers who have achieved excellence in the arts for that calendar year.
I asked Koslosky what was the daily goal for the Foundation. He believes that because of the internet, there is a substantial amount of information available. However, processing the information hasn’t been taught. Arts and sports programs teach young people the skills necessary to properly process this information. Skills that are absolutely vital in order to balance one’s life, explore, and create. “Our mission statement is a guideline for living a good life… giving and having fun doing it… it is imperative that we stay a step ahead and meet the huge demand that is before us.” How true this is, as arts programs are continuing to be cut from schools. Young people need to be well-rounded even if they don’t go into the arts , just like artists need to be well-rounded even if they don’t go into the sciences. What then is the big dream for this Foundation which has already given away $2 million dollars over the last decade?
“Someday I hope we will be able to fund over $100k in scholarships and $100k in grants during each calendar year. All this, while continuing to do all in our mission statement. This would be a good thing.” – Andrew J. Koslosky
It is a good thing.
To learn more about The Josephine Foundation, please visit www.thejosephinefoundation.org.
Live, Love, Learn,