Our Story

BURGER KING TURNED THEATER

For all of you who want to own a theater, I’m here to say that it can happen, even if it seems impossible.

Yes it’s true.

Our space used to be a Burger King– Fluorescent lights, tile floors, plastic seats, and a stairwell in the middle of what now is our stage. Many people ask how we came about, so I’ve decided to put it in writing. One day my husband said (for about the fifth time) “We need our own space.” For some reason this time I said, “ok” instead of rolling my eyes and saying, “Yeah right, as if we have the money for that!” So , taking the advice of the guys over at The Pantheon Theater, we took the train to 34th street and walked down the block, looking up at all of the buildings to see if we could see any empty space. We came to 412 8th Ave. and saw a sign that said, “Office Space for Rent.” We almost kept on going, but then decided, what the heck, lets call. Andy (our fabulous landlord now) happened to be right around the corner, came over, showed us the space, told us how much, and we said, “ok, we’ll take it.” (Can you believe we took the first space we saw?) How those words came out of our mouths is still a mystery. We had no savings and had just cut up all of our credit cards. Don’t ask me how we got from that day to here. I can’t really answer it. We’re coming up on our first year and I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder or been more amazed. What they say is true, “If you want something bad enough, it will happen.” (Especially if you have a husband who works as hard as mine) So here we are. Why the name The Actor’s Playground, you ask? Well– that’s easy. If we don’t make it a point to have fun in this business and “play” then there is no point. Thank you for your support of The Actor’s Playground. It is appreciated more than you’ll ever know.

Sincerely,

Heather Aldridge– Venitucci

The Actor’s Playground Theater Company

THE ACTOR'S PLAYGROUND is a company with a strong commitment to fostering the growth of emerging and established national and international artists (writers, actors, directors) through the production of NEW (no previous full productions) CHARACTER DRIVEN works.

Our Company:

The Actor’s Playground is a new company in it’s Second season. Originally conceived of and started by Guido and Heather Venitucci, it is a place where all artists are welcomed to express their visions and voices and work together as part of a community.

Because we are still a relatively small company, we have the ability to produce readings, workshops, and productions of works that may get overlooked by larger companies. We are interested in character driven works that challenge the actors, directors, and audience.

Our first reading series took place during July and August of 2002 and was a great success. The common thread in all those works was that they were works of substance, wit, honesty, and intelligence. We hope to bring more great works to the stage with our next series.

OUR BIO'S

GUIDO VENITUCCI, a native Italian, started his acting career in Rome where he studied theater at The Academy of Drama. He was cast upon graduation in a tour of MURDER BY DEATH by Neil Simon, which led him to a starring role in the award winning TV series CLASSE DI FERRO. After a long television run, Guido left Italy to pursue his love of theater in New York City. Since moving to New York, he has performed in a production of FORU H CLUB by Sam Shepard and directed several projects, among them being the original play, THE SET UP,PIZZA MAN by Darlene Craviata and The Actor's Playground Production of BRILLIANT TRACES. His film work includes ZOO and Wes Anderson's THE ROYAL TENNENBAUMS opposite Luke Wilson. For the past five years Guido has found great fulfillment in teaching cold reading and scene study classes to actors in the city who share his commitment and love for acting. With this new company he looks forward to directing and performing.

HEATHER ALDRIDGE-VENITUCCI moved to New York City at the age of 18 to pursue her dream of acting on stage and in front of the camera. Along the way she has found great pleasure in helping others follow their dreams as well through producing,casting and assistant teaching with Guido Venitucci.Heather also has begun an ARITST'S WAY GROUP to help artists find their true joy and unleash their creativity. Her acting credits include FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS , PIZZA MAN , GRACE'S CURSE, BRILLIANT TRACES and VICTIMS/TRUST, all of which she produced. Her other credits include TRUST and THE SET UP as well as the film TUMBLEWEEDS starring ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE, Janet McTeir. Most Recently Heather played a crazy woman in April Peveteaux's film DOG POKER."

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