Page 15 - Santa Monica Playhouse BFF Free Festivall Booklet as of Sept 2024

A Sampling of Artists’ Comments for BFF

“Council Members,

My name is Paul Linke, and I want to thank you for supporting the Santa Monica Playhouse and the
Binge Free Festival. Thanks to you, I had an opportunity to bring my critically acclaimed IT’S TIME to
the community of Santa Monica. This seems so appropriate, as I created the show at another Santa
Monica venue, The Ruskin Group Theatre, and it was directed by a long time Santa Monica resident
Edward Edwards. The Playhouse has long supported my work and provide such a wonderful cultural
addition to the landscape of your city. I encourage you to continue to support The Santa Monica
Playhouse and the Festival. “Man cannot live by bread alone!” Theatre, Music, Dance, and the Fine Arts
are essential to a community’s well-being. We, the artists appreciate the support you provide.

Gratefully, Paul”

“Many thanks Evelyn! That was a great response after we did the preview for the Binge festival! Your
theatre is so warm and welcoming. When I perform here, I feel like I’m coming home.” Fiona Goodwin
(A Very British Lesbian – previewed at the BFF, then came a Main Stage Guest Production, now tours
internationally)

“Thanks so much for all your help with our production and seeing it continue to improve.” Kelly O’Keefe
and Monique DuBose (Mulatto Math)

“THANK YOU for the opportunity to perform in the BFF. I truly appreciated the opportunity to
workshop a new solo production and it was amazing to have the support of the Playhouse. I am inspired
by your true passion and respect for the theatre and theatre artists and I look forward to working with the
Playhouse in the future!” Johanna Middleton (Timeline: 27)

“Thank you to you both and the Playhouse for offering me the opportunity to present a new expanded
version of my play, The Brick. Producing theatre can be expensive but with the help of the Binge Free
Festival and its sponsors the city of Santa Monica and both the Santa Monica and LA County Arts
Commissions, you made it possible for a small one-man show to take the first steps towards new
opportunities. My respect, admiration and sincere thanks to you and the Binge Free Festival!” Bill Berry
(The Brick)

“I had a great time at the BFF yesterday. I think it was my best show ever. Thank you for the
opportunity!” Lynne Jassem (From Como to Homo)

“I liked everyone so much at that meet & greet that I want to follow through with my promise to see their
shows! I would much rather see theatre than a movie. I know I will enjoy them!” Sandra Thigpen
(performer, Squilililogee)

“Thank you!! It was tremendous fun, and super interesting from many standpoints. Hopefully we can do a
regular/semi-regular Yoga for Artists class. So great for overall health, and cultivating the artist's
instrument. Blessings!” Obi Ndefo (teacher, Yoga for Artists)

“I'm very excited to be bringing my show ‘Phat Trane: FOUND’ to the BFF. Sincere thanks for all the
great work SMP has done and continues to do!” B. Sharkey