WIT Voices

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am greatly humbled by this conferment on me of the high honor of the Bette Rae Brown Award for service. What a privilege it is for me to be the recipient of this gift! There are so many dedicated members who contribute their talents and time, such as our president Talmadge Ragan; newsletter editor, Enci; past president Trish Ostroski; Justine Visone; Sarah Simmons; and Jen Ritchkoff –- actually the entire board is a hard-working bunch. I so cherish my membership and association with such high-caliber women and men, who, in my opinion, are an example of the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the theater arts community of Los Angeles.

This award is a reminder to me that Bette Rae Brown was a rock of steadfast support and served the organization for over 20 years. In addition to being a past officer and board member, she was an inspiration to all of us. I hope that I, too, can influence the membership to express their talents in Women in Theatre projects.

The “Deck Chairs” series was a pilot production for Women In Theatre and was a great success. These two-women twist- in-the-tale playlets had great roles for women, and the WIT directors, cast, and crew fulfilled the artistic requirements. It was a fun endeavor for all involved. I was fortunate to have a wonderful committee, especially Joan Marlowe, Deborah Greenberg, Julie Hubbard, and Meia Carr, who turned the project motor on and kept it running for several months. It is my hope that we can have such performances again at various libraries, including the Ahmanson at Los Angeles Central and the arts library, The Brand, in Glendale. Enclosed is an article written in the Daily Breeze.

Trish Ostroski is an amazing producer whom I am indeed favored to work with on the Red Carpet committee — also headed by Trish — and witness the development of ideas coming to fruition. I am sure the October 20, 2007, will be another memorable ceremony.

I close with additional thanks to the men within our group who sparked our Playreading series, headed by Justine and Sarah, in their performances in “Kiss of the Spider Women,” which I produced. I have had several men actors ask me if we’ll consider another male play on playreading.

Sundays; and I simply reply, “How about writing an original play about men, that women can relate to, in the 2000s.”

Again, I thank you for this special distinction.

Sincerely,

Anita Noble