Night Before Christmas Carol - New Jersey 12/20/11

http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2011/12/college_corner_actor_portrays.html

BRANCHBURG — This week, David zum Brunnen will portray Charles Dickens in a one-person staging of “The Night Before Christmas Carol” at the Theater at Raritan Valley Community College.

The play is set in Dickens’ study on the night in 1843 when he developed the idea for his ghostly Christmas book. Zum Brunnen portrays 17 characters from the novel in the production written by Dickens scholar Elliot Engel.
Performances will be Tuesday at noon and 7 p.m.

The show is recommended for ages 14 and older. Both performances feature a pre- and post-show discussion and light refreshments.

Tickets are $10 for the noon performance and $25 for the 7 p.m. show. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (908) 725-3420 or go to rvccarts.org.

The theater is located on the RVCC campus at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg.

From The New York Times: Night Before Christmas Carol at Raritan Valley Community College

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/nyregion/events-in-new-jersey.html?_r=1

BRANCHBURG, NJ - The Theater, Raritan Valley Community College “The Night Before Christmas Carol.” David Zum Brunnen, actor, in a one-man show. Dec. 20 at noon and 7 p.m. $10 and $25. The Theater, Raritan Valley Community College, Route 28 and Lamington Road in North Branch. (908) 725-3420; rvccarts.org.

Night Before Christmas Carol program air dates for 2011.

Merry Christmas, America!

EbzB Productions The Night Before Christmas Carol will air on the following public television stations in 2011...

KET - Kentucky Educational Television, varied air dates

Idaho Public Television, varied air dates

KLRU - Austin, TX, Mon 12/19 9PM

KCTS - Seattle/British Columbia 12/19 varied air tines & and other varied air dates

WKNO-Memphis, TN 12//23 8PM

WPSU - State College, PA, 12/24 9PM

KBYU - Provo, Utah, 12/25, 12 Midnight

Please check your local listings for air dates and times near you! Or you can order the DVD directly from EbzB Productions at www.ebzb.org/merchandising.shtml and watch it anytime you wish!

Happy Holidays and "God Bless Us, Everyone!"

The Night Before Christmas Carol @ Weldon Auditorium in Manning, SC.

The Night Before Christmas Carol @ Weldon Auditorium in Manning, SC, December 9, 2011,

http://www.weldonauditorium.org/Christmas.html

WELDON AUDITORIUM 2011-2012 Season

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS CAROL
December 9, 2011.......7:30pm......Reception to Follow Concert

Join Charles Dicken's for a very special night in 1843 as he creates his ghostly classic "A Christmas Carol." David Zum Brunnen's one-man show portrays Charles Dickens and seventeen additional familiar characters from Dickens' story. The show is historically accurate, highly humorous and full of Happy Holidays.

"David absolutely becomes my great-grandfather on stage. - Cedric Charles Dickens, Great Grandson of Charles Dickens

Broadway World: War Bonds

http://raleigh.broadwayworld.com/article/Holly-Springs-Cultural-Center-Presents-War-Bonds-Songs-Letters-of-WWII-20111202

Upcoming: War Bonds, December 7, 2011, Holly Springs Cultural Center

Dec 7, 2011 - War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of WWII, 7:30pm Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine, Holly Springs. Info: 567.4000 or hollyspringsnc.us.

Jan 20: Serena Ebhardt – “In One Era and Out the Other” : Polk Arts Alliance

Jan 20: Serena Ebhardt – “In One Era and Out the Other”

January 20 – 7:30pm
Serena Ebhardt: In One Era & Out the Other
Vanguard School, 22000 US27, Lake Wales
This cabaret featuring Serena Ebhardt is a patriotic history of the United States from 1901-2001. Serena turns past into present as she leads audiences through her patriotic prism to highlight historical events, headline news and popular song. This one-woman, musical romp mixes familiar songbook standards with the momentous events that shaped America’s 20th century.
Tickets for the Live Performance Series are: $20 for Arts Council members; $25 for non-members; students $5 and can be purchased by calling 863-676-8426.

Compliment: EbzB Arts-In-Education

EbzB: Arts-In-Education Take A Stand! M. B. Pollard Middle School

The host teachers were elated and said that they had never seen their students open up so honestly to one another before. "There just hasn't been the venue for that kind of openness, empathy, and critical thought," said teacher, Dawn Streets. One of the host teachers, Elizabeth Carriel, said that she "has no doubts that these kids will always remember this experience."

EbZb Productions taught 8th grade students to conduct oral histories and then to craft the stories they gathered into a play. The kids and host teachers wanted to focus on the topic of "bullying." During their interviews, they gathered stories about homosexuals in the military, domestic violence, and the Civil Rights Movement (one of their African American teachers shared a story about going to a restaurant that refused to serve him b/c of his skin color).

The kids were so into it! They also each selected a pop cultural slide that resonated with them around the topic of "standing up for one's self, for others, and for what's right." All of the slides were compiled into a slide show that ran as a back drop/set for the performance.

The teachers were elated and said that they had never seen their students open up so honestly to one another before. One of the host teachers, Elizabeth Carriel, said that she "has no doubts that these kids will always remember this experience."

I just had to share with you the inspiration I felt. Not all of you are able to attend every event that we host, but you should be able to revel in and to know about the valuable gifts we contribute here. Like these inspiring 8th graders, we give our community hope and a reason to stand.

-Molly Matlock, Executive Director, Chatham County Arts Council

Night Before Christmas Carol | mymcpl.org - Mid-Continent Public Library

Night Before Christmas Carol

Platte City

November 28, 2011 - 1:00pm

Show All Times and Locations for this Event

Age Groups: Ages 8 and up, Family
Room: Programming Room
Sign up required

Join Charles Dickens in his study for a very special night. On this evening in 1843, he creates his holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol". Renowned Dickens scholar, author, playwright and lecturer, Elliot Engel has crafted a work that allows David zum Brunnen to portray the 17 Christmas Carol characters and Charles Dickens himself. Recommended highly by the Dickens family, MCPL is privileged to offer this performance to continue its Dickens' tradition!

The Night Before Christmas Carol at the RVCC Theatre - New York Theater | Examiner.com

The Night Before Christmas Carol at the RVCC Theatre

Rick Busciglio

Northern New Jersey Theater Examiner

November 23, 2011 - Like this? Subscribe to get instant updates.

Actor David zum Brunnen will present a one-person staging of The Night Before Christmas Carol, Tuesday, December 20,at noon and 7 p.m. The presentation is part of the Theatre’s Tuesdays with Stories series.

"Join “Charles Dickens” in his study for a very special night.The Night Before Christmas Carol is an historically accurate and highly humorous holiday production by renowned Dickens scholar Elliot Engel. It is set in 1843 on the night that Charles Dickens dreams up his idea for a ghostly little Christmas book that becomes world famous. As the winter morality tale is composed, “Dickens” shares his inspirations with the audience members. Award-winning actor David zum Brunnen portrays Charles Dickens, as well as 17 familiar characters from the famous Christmas Carol. Dickens’ own great-grandson, Cedric Charles Dickens, has said of the actor in this role: “David [zum Brunnen]—absolutely becomes my great-grandfather on stage!”

The Tuesdays with Stories series is recommended for individuals age 14 and older. Both performances include a pre- and post-show discussion, as well as light refreshments. Tickets cost $10 for noon performances and $25 for 7 p.m. shows.

For the eighth year in a row, Courier News readers voted The Theatre at RVCC as the “Best of the Best” in 2011 in the “Theater” category. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. A variety of subscribers’ packages are available for all Theatre series. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for a variety of performances.

RVCC’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. Serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 40 years, the College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates. RVCC @ Bridgewater, located at 14 Vogt Drive, offers technical, trade, credit and non-credit courses.

The College is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

Compliment: War Bonds at University of West Alabama

Dear David and Serena,

Thank you for your kind words. I, in turn, must tell you of the many, many compliments I have received on your performance. You helped to make the evening a very special one for the attendees. This afternoon at a ladies’ club meeting, one of the club members who attended Tuesday evening said that she felt she was at a dinner theatre in New York. Not bad to be compared to performances in New York. :>) You were both a hit. We are very appreciative for your sharing your talents with us.

Best,
Mary Pagliero
Presenter
The University of West Alabama

Compliment: War Bonds at University of West Alabama.

David,
Thanks so much for your email. I assure you that the pleasure was ours. I wish that everyone that we have for our fine arts council's performances would be as great to work with as you all were. It was a lovely evening and we thank you so much. I hope you have a safe trip home and best wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Sometime when you have time please send me something about the Dickens holiday show so that I can have it for future reference.

Thanks so much,

Vivian D. Hauser
Secretary/Bookkeeper & Associate in Acquisitions
Julia Tutwiler Library
The University of West Alabama

Compliment: Take A Stand! EbzB Arts In Education

Thank you! It was great collaborating with you both. Something I will definitely take with me in the years to come.

Warm regards,
Michelle Rotante
8th grade Language Arts
Margaret B. Pollard Middle School

Compliment: War Bonds, 11/11/11

"It was our pleasure having you with us for the whole day on Friday. We've heard nothing but great reports from the Veterans and the benefactors of the event, so I think it was a big hit."

-Rich Harrison, Blue Crab Festival, Myrtle Beach, SC

War Bonds - University of West Alabama. 11/15

War Bonds - University of West Alabama. November 15, 2011.

Sumter County Fine Arts Council

Compliment: Take A Stand! EbzB Arts-In-Education.

"My reflection on this experience will always be wonderful. The Chatham Arts Council director asked me last night in an interview if I thought they would remember this years from now. I related a middle school stage experience I had, and said I was certain this would be recalled for them many times over their lives. They'll be times when they don't make the right choice and remember it, and many times when they do and remember it, and many times when they just tell someone about the experience. What a gift!"

-Elizabeth Carriel
8th Grade Teacher
MB Pollard Middle School

Compliment: Take A Stand! EbzB Arts In Education.

A moment to share:

Last night, I experienced the absolute magic of observing (and video taping thanks to Bett Wilson Foley) the 8th grade performance of "Take a Stand" at Margaret Pollard Middle School.

This was a play that Serena Ebhardt & David Zum Brunnen of EbzB Productions produced as one of ChathamArts' residencies in the schools. The residency was made possible by Briar Chapel Development and the NC Arts Council.

EbZb Productions taught 8th grade students to conduct oral histories and then to craft the stories they gathered into a play. The kids and host teachers wanted to focus on the topic of "bullying."

During their interviews, they gathered stories about homosexuals in the military, domestic violence, and the Civil Rights Movement (one of their African American teachers shared a story about going to a restaurant that refused to serve him b/c of his skin color).

The kids were so into it! They also each selected a pop cultural slide that resonated with them around the topic of "standing up for one's self, for others, and for what's right." All of the slides were compiled into a slide show that ran as a back drop/set for the performance.

The teachers were elated and said that they had never seen their students open up so honestly to one another before.

One of the host teachers, Elizabeth Carriel, said that she "has no doubts that these kids will always remember this experience."

I just had to share with you the inspiration I felt. Not all of you are able to attend every event that ChathamArts hosts, but you should be able to revel in the joys of each.

Like these inspiring 8th graders, you and the arts give our community hope and a reason to stand.

-Molly Matlock, Chatham County Arts Council

11/11 War Bonds ShowHonor Flight Myrtle Beach | Honor Flight Myrtle Beach

11/11 War Bonds ShowHonor Flight Myrtle Beach | Honor Flight Myrtle Beach

http://www.condo-world.com/myrtle-beach-condo-rentals-blog/2011/11/war-bonds-the-songs-letters-of-wwii.html

http://littleriverrotary.org/?p=579

http://business.brunswickcountychamber.org/events/details/war-bonds-the-songs-letter-of-wwii

http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/10/15/2446121/veterans-day-show-fundraiser.html

EbzB Productions: Arts In Education - Chatham County, NC

Take A Stand!
An anti-bullying play written by MB Pollard Middle School Students based on oral histories from citizens of Chatham County, NC.

http://takeastandmbpollard.blogspot.com/

November 10, 2011, 7 p.m. Free!

EbzB Arts In Education - Anson County, NC

BEYOND THE COLOR PURPLE
http://ansonnewtechebzb.blogspot.com/
A performance created by the students of Anson New Tech High School in association with EbzB Productions.
Sponsored by the Anson County Arts Council with funding from the North Carolina Arts Council.
Ansonia Theatre, Wadesboro, NC
November 3, 2011 @ 7 p.m.

Compliment: War Bonds

Thank you for the wonderful presentation of War Bonds at the Liberty Branch of MCPL. You are truly outstanding performing artists! The musical selections and the letters took the audience back to a very difficult time in our history. Making another connection with the audience during your question and answer session was a special and touching way to close the program. Bravo to you!

Sincerely,
Chris Eaton
Missouri County Public Libraries

EbzB: Arts In Education. Take A Stand!

In One Era and Out The Other at Deep Dish Gala - Chapelboro.com

In One Era and Out The Other at the Deep Dish Gala - Chapelboro.com

War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II | mymcpl.org - Mid-Continent Public Library

War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II | mymcpl.org - Mid-Continent Public Library

War Bonds: the Songs and Letters of World War II at the Midwest Genealogy Center last year was quite a hit, and it is coming back to MGC this fall. War Bonds, presented by EbzB Productions, is a multi-media musical journey through a war that redefined the world. By watching several couples in the audience at last year’s production and their response to the songs and dialog, the program hit sentimental as well as soft spots in their hearts. The actors encouraged audience participation as they came off the stage, sang to, and sat on the laps of audience members. During one tender song, I saw a woman reach over and clasp the hand of her companion. This brought a tear to my eye as in my imagination I saw them reliving memories from their war years apart. Definitely, I will be attending the next War Bonds program when it comes to the Midwest Genealogy Center on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. You can sign up on the website or by calling (816) 252-7228. We hope to see you there!
Charlotte M.
Midwest Genealogy Center
Tags: family programs, events

COMPLIMENT: In One Era

"Serena Ebhardt recently performed portions of her “In One Era and Out the Other” review at the fundraiser for our local independent theater. Her performance was definitely the highlight of the event. Everyone left feeling happy they had attended and uplifted about our country. Thank you Serena and EbzB!"

Doris Friend

Deep Dish Theater Gala Chair

EbzB's QR Code

Scan with your mobile device!

In One Era and Out The Other Demo Reel

In One Era and Out The Other
Demo on YouTube

Deep Dish, Great Gala . . . - Chapelboro.com - Serving the Greater Chapel Hill, Carrboro Area.

Deep Dish, Great Gala . . . - Chapelboro.com - Serving the Greater Chapel Hill, Carrboro Area.

...The Gala is Deep Dish’s big event fundraiser of the year. Guests will be entertained by Serena Ebhardt, who performed at Deep Dish this summer to sold-out crowds. Ms. Ebhardt will perform an excerpt from her cabaret "In One Era and Out the Other," an American History revue told through song.

Ebzb's Channel - YouTube

Look!!

Find our demo reels on EbzB's Channel - YouTube.

Compliment: Wrights of Passage

David and Serena--

Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation [Wrights of Passage]. I loved every minute of it, and when you cried the words "He is airborne"--a thrill went down my back.

I cannot wait to see you in some production again in the future.

Best,
Garry

Garry J. Crites, PhD
Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Duke Continuing Studies

Life IS So Good

Life Is So Good

Promotional Video

Featuring Mike Wiley and David zum Brunnen

For booking information, contact ebzb@earthlink.net

Deep Dish Theater Announces Second Annual Gala, 10/2

Deep Dish Theater Announces Second Annual Gala, 10/2 with a performance of In One Era and Out The Other by Serena Ebhardt.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute -- Duke Continuing Studies

September 19, 2011 - EbzB performs The Wrights of Passage for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University, Durham, NC. Click here for more information:
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute -- Duke Continuing Studies

Anson New Tech High School - EbzB Productions

In One Era and Out the Other | mymcpl.org - Mid-Continent Public Library

In One Era and Out the Other | mymcpl.org - Mid-Continent Public Library:

In One Era and Out the Other

This one-woman, musical romp mixes familiar songbook standards with the momentous events that shaped America's 20th century.
In One Era and Out the Other
Midwest Genealogy Center
September 8, 2011 - 7:00pm
Show All Times and Locations for this Event

Age Groups: Ages 13 and up, Family
Room: Programming Room
Sign up required

Siren Serena Ebhardt turns past into present as she leads audiences through decades of historical events, headline news and popular song. This one-woman, musical romp mixes familiar songbook standards with the momentous events that shaped America's 20th century. It is all just a little bit of history repeating with an all-inclusive, uplifting look towards the future.

PHOTOS: In One Era and Out the Other

Take a look at the In One Era and Out The Other Photos!

“In One Era and Out the Other” Stars Serena Ebhardt in a Patriotic History of the U.S. from 1901 to 2001 | Triangle Arts and Entertainment

Patriotic Cabaret Set at Deep Dish | The Pilot: Southern Pines, NC

EbzB | ChathamArts Blog

In One Era and Out the Other in Chapel Hill, NC 27515 at The Deep Dish Theater Company, Aug 6 | Tickets & Event Information

In One Era and Out the Other in Chapel Hill, NC 27515 at The Deep Dish Theater Company, Aug 5-7 | Tickets & Event Information

EbzB Productions' THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS CAROL WINS SILVER AND TWO BRONZE TELLY AWARDS AT 32nd ANNUAL TELLY AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Linda Day, lindad@tellyawards.com
Phone: (212)675-3555

EbzB PRODUCTIONS WINS SILVER AND TWO BRONZE TELLY AWARDS AT 32nd ANNUAL TELLY AWARDS FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS CAROL

Telly again proudly honors the very best commercials, videos, films and
www.tellyawards.com

New York City, NY -- (June 24, 2011) The Winners of the 32nd Annual Telly Awards have been announced. With nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this year’s Telly Awards has been one of the most successful and competitive in the long history of the Telly Awards.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.
For its 32nd season, The Telly Awards once again joined forces with YouTube to give the public the power to view and rate videos submitted as part of this year’s People's Telly Awards. In addition to recognition from the Silver Telly Council, the judging panel that selects Telly Award winners, the Internet community helped decide this year's People's Telly Award Winners.

This year’s Winners include companies, agencies and organizations of all sizes, from large multinational media companies to small ad agencies and local production houses. A sample of Winners includes: EbzB Productions, Turner Studios, evans hardy + young, Jack Morton Worldwide, BSX Digital Productions, Michigan State University, Quigley-Simpson, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., FOX SPORTS NET, Nickelodeon, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Bass Pros Shops Film & Video Productions, Lockheed Martin, Miami Dolphins Ltd., Vox Pop Films, AEG Network LIVE, Kansas City Chiefs, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Outdoor Channel, Time Warner Cable, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Cause & Effect Productions, Inc., The Lighthouse Film Company, Eveo, Inc. To view the complete list of Silver Telly winners for the 32nd Annual competition, please visit www.tellyawards.com.

A prestigious judging panel of over 500 accomplished industry professionals, each a past Winner of a Silver Telly and a member of The Silver Telly Council, judged the competition, upholding the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents. The Silver Council evaluated entries to recognize distinction in creative work – entries do not compete against each other - rather entries are judged against a high standard of merit. Less than 10% of entries are chosen as Winners of a Silver Telly, our highest honor. Other outstanding work is awarded a Bronze Telly. For a complete list of Silver Telly Council Members, please visit www.tellyawards.com.
To find out more about the Telly Awards, please visit our website at www.tellyawards.com.

Please contact Linda Day at the Telly Awards (lindad@tellyawards.com) for public relations inquiries: (212)675-3555.

EbzB: WFAE 90.7 FM

WFAE 90.7 FM

United Arts Council: Arts Integration Workshop with EbzB Productions and Mike Wiley

Artists from EbzB Productions (www.ebzb.org) and Mike Wiley Productions instruct Wake County Public School teachers on how to use Theatre Arts to achieve arts integration and 21st Century Skills in elementary education. Teachers conducted interviews for source material, wrote and edited an original script, and did a live performance entitled THE WHEELS ON THE BUS. THE WHEELS ON THE BUS explores the balance between the ideas of integration, diversity and neighborhood schools. In attendance for the performance were education leaders, arts council leaders, and Wake County public school teachers.

Click It or Ticket!

Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen in
NC Click It or Ticket commercial.
Click Here to view...
YouTube - CIOT $125

The Midsummer Music Menagerie - War Bonds

Welcome to livinglakecountry.com

May 2011

The Midsummer Music Menagerie

Submitted By Robin Krakauer

Oconomowoc, WI – With the warm weather approaching and plans for summer events starting, make sure you mark your calendar for these two spectacular OAC shows - Laura MacKenzie and the Lads and War Bonds – The Songs and Letters of World War II.

July 7 @ 7:00 PM, War Bonds – The Songs and Letters of World War II will transform the main stage into a by- gone era. Actual veteran’s stories create this sentimental journey back through the days when blackouts and rationing were a small sacrifice in order to obtain freedom. This production is a warm reminiscence and harrowing reminder of a time when the whole world seemed upside down.

Award winning artists, Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen of EbzB Productions, a husband and wife team, bring in all the authenticity of period uniforms and clothing, along with the music, ambiance and props from the era.

“This show has taken off in ways we never thought would happen. We realized we had this treasure trove of information and that people needed to share stories about their experiences in WWII. It was important to us to document these life-changing moments in our history – not only for the people who lived through it, but for their families and future generations, “ – said Ebhardt.

This is the second season the OAC is offering the Midsummer Music Menagerie. These are both must see events!

Tickets are on sale now at the OAC box office. Adults and senior citizens are $18. Students are $8. Reserved seats. Service fees apply to all ticket sales. Call the box office at 262-560-3172 or order online at www.theoac.net.

###

www.EbzB.org: Gates County High School Residency - EbzB - Picasa Web Albums

"Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty"

An original courtroom drama created through an EbzB Arts-In-Education Residency at Gates County High School.
Gates County, NC

www.EbzB.org: Gates County High School Residency - EbzB - Picasa Web Albums

David & Serena,

Thank you so much for all you did for the kids at the High School; they will always remember what you caused them to think about, such as how many good things are here for them. People have a tendency get so busy in life; they forget to appreciate what is in their back yard or under their nose!!! They will pass these things on to their families without even realizing it. You accomplished it in a beautiful way. Most of us older citizens realize the treasure we have here, you helped to relay that message to the next generation. We are so fortunate to have Barbara [Toti] in the school system; she has a wonderful rapport with so many "different interest" kids. Over the years many kids have "found" themselves in her class. Your expertise made this project memorable in many ways. Hopefully this will help people realize that the courthouse is valuable to our legacy.

Good luck to you as you intermix with the young people in NC, the good things don't get much attention, keep up the good work!!!

Come back any time, please recommend the State Park to others, we are so proud of the things we have here and of the things we do not have!!! You are welcome to come during harvest time; it is a good time of the year.

You can be proud that everything turned out so well. The quilters enjoyed meeting you.

Again, we appreciate all that you accomplished here,
Looking forward to your return visit.

Rita Lane
Owner, Lawrence Lane House
Gates County, NC

EbzB - Chatham County: Let It Rock! Arts In Education

APT: Excellence in Communications

Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen appear in North Carolina's "Click It or Ticket" Televised Public Service Announcement's.

APT: Excellence in Communications

Compliment - War Bonds: Janesville, Wisconsin

April 26, 2011

Dear David and Serena,

As I said, [War Bonds] was pretty much a perfect project in my opinion. Coming from an arts education background, my favorite projects are those that teach without patrons realizing it. It’s even better with people sharing their personal stories. I learned so much about my own family’s history because of this show. A perfectly beautiful day.

I’d be happy to have you back in the future and am willing to provide references to encourage others to book you as well.

Emily Gruenewald
Presenter
Janesville Performing Arts Center
Janesville, WI

Wrights of Passage Statistics by Stephen Wall

I thought I would just share that I had the chance the other night to look back over our many shows, and by my count our last performance of "Wrights of Passage" in Shelton, Washington was our 250th performance! I would imagine we have performed this show for well over 100,000 people by this point.

Other fascinating trivia, is that we have performed the show in 42 NC counties (out of 100), plus, of course, shows in SC, NJ, OH and WA. Also, Wake County still holds the lead with 30 performances, but Davie placed a strong second with 21 performances. Orange was third with 18 performances, with Clark County, Ohio and Cleveland County, NC completing the top 5 with 13 performances each.

Well, just thought I would share, since we are occasionally asked about the number of times we have done the shows during our Q&As.

Again, I trust that all is well, and I hope to see you soon.

Stephen Wall

EbzB Follow Up: Jones County, NC

War Bonds: July 7, 2011 - Oconomowoc Arts Center

War Bonds: July 7, 2011 - Oconomowoc Arts Center: Event Information

War Bonds, April 16, 2011 - Janesville Messenger Sunday

War Bonds Onstage at Janesville, WI on April 16, 2011!

See article here: http://bit.ly/fBElds

CSI - Janesville Messenger Sunday

Mike Wiley: Creating Theatre from the Past | Black Issues Forum | PBS Video

EbzB Productions' Friend and Associate:

Mike Wiley: Creating Theatre from the Past | Black Issues Forum | PBS Video

EbzB Productions is the original co-producer with Mike Wiley Productions of "Dar He: The Lynching of Emmett Till" and "Life Is So Good." Serena Ebhardt also directed "Blood Done Sign My Name."

Watch the full episode. See more Black Issues Forum.

War Bonds: Performances - Janesville PAC. Bringing the Arts to Main Street

War Bonds - Performances - Janesville PAC. Bringing the Arts to Main Street

War Bonds

4/16/2011 2:00 PM
4/16/2011 7:30 PM

Janesville Presents! invites you to take a sentimental journey back to World War II through the popular songs of the period and actual veterans’ personal letters from the front lines. Actors David Zum Brunnen and Serena Ebhardt fill the stage with wartime memories and 22 songs, including “I’ll Be Seeing You”, ”Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, and “As Time Goes By”.

In addition to the performances Janesville Presents! will be celebrating local World War II vets through a series of events the week leading up to the show:

JPAC Your Lunch April 9 at noon - showing of the Janesville 99 documentary "In the Hands of the Enemy"

WWII Essay Contest - we want to hear YOUR family's World War II sotries of the warfront or the homefront. Submit a 500 essay telling a true World War II era story for the cahnce to win 2 tickets to War Bonds and dinner at The Armory. Sumbit your essay by April 1 to jvlpresents@aol.com or mail to Janesville Presents!, PO Box 8251, Janesville, WI 53547.

Living History on Display! - Larry Splinter will have his World War II ambulance and other wartime artifacts on display in front of JPAC before the War Bonds performances on Saturday, April 16.

This amazing journey through the period of World War II will not soon be forgotten.

Tickets are
Adults -- $23
Veterans and Military personnel -- $13
College students -- $10
Students (under 18) -- free

Compliment - Jones County, NC: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future

Thank you so much for all your dedication to the project at Jones County Senior High School.
Last night truly exhibited a successful culmination of this step of the project.
Your talent and expertise is so evident in the outcomes of your projects I have viewed.
Serena, I wish you could see my body language now. It would prove that I tell the truth.
Hopefully we can continue a working relationship in Jones County.

Carolyn Lane
Jones County Arts Council
Pollocksville, NC

EbzB Workshop: United Arts Council Arts Integration Institute

EbzB Productions will present Advanced Workshops for the United Arts Council's Arts Integration Institute.

When                               June 20-24, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where                              Cary Community Arts Center, Cary, NC
Fees                                $350 for each school team
Participant stipends          Up to $100, based on attendance
Teacher Renewal Credit Up to 3.0 credits

www.unitedarts.org/artsed/aii/application/aii-2011brochure.pdf

EbzB Arts In Education: Jones County Senior High School, NC

https://picasaweb.google.com/ebzbebzb/EbzBJonesCountySeniorHighSchool?feat=directlink

EbzB Arts In Education Residency - Chatham Central High School, Bear Creek, NC

EbzB Teaching Artist, Serena Ebhardt guides Chatham Central High School students as they create a play about their community. Students are taught the tools of the Actor (Breath, Body, Eyes, Face, Voice and Gesture). These tools are applied to text created from interviews with older generations of Chatham County. The interview questions, "What brought you to Chatham County?" and "What did you bring to Chatham County?" are designed to seek information from older citizens about their history, migration, and contributions to the community.

Guided by writer Mimi Herman, students will also contribute their own creative writing and poetry to enhance the final script. The bluegrass band, Chatham County Line has given permission for recordings of their music to be used in the final production. This project will culminate in a public performance by the students for their peers and community.

EbzB Productions (ebzb) on Twitter

EbzB Tours Gates County, NC with Gates County Senior High School AP History Class in Preparation For Local Drama.

Click Here To View EbzB's Tour of Gates County, NC

EbzB: Arts In Education. Gates County High School Residency.

Gates County, NC - Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen of EbzB Productions teach students from Gates County Senior High School the tools of an actor.

Gates County Senior High School received a Level I Artist Residency grant from the NC Arts Council. The grant to bring in EbzB Productions, will help students create a drama based on oral histories from Gates County, NC.

EbzB asked students to interview older citizens from Gates County and transcribe the interviews to create a script. The script will be staged in the Old Gates County Courthouse for a public performance on May 12, 2011.

The AP History class and the Drama class have combined for this project. In addition to learning about Theatre Arts, the students are also learning about Gates County History. The students are serving as community builders and consensus builders for Gates County. By interviewing older citizens for the project, students are bridging generation and communication gaps in the county.

Drama Teacher Barbara Best Toti says, "These kids are having experiences and meeting people through this project that they wouldn't have otherwise." Everyone is talking to each other -- and listening.

The students are being asked to listen and record the reflections of older citizens. They are learning about the history, condition, conflicts and beauty of Gates County, North Carolina in an interactive way.

For more information about Gates County, NC, visit: http://www.gatescounty.govoffice2.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={9FA438DA-A6A9-48BA-B015-DBA6C392FF0D}

EbzB Productions is the recipient of the North Carolina Theatre Conference's Constance Welsh Theatre For Youth Award for providing quality entertainment and educational opportunities through theater to North Carolina's youth. EbzB Productions is recognized by the North Carolina Arts Council Touring Artist Directory and in the South Carolina Arts Commission AIE Roster of Approved Artists. Additionally, EbzB Teaching Artists have been trained by The Lincoln Center Institute and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to teach Arts In Education Workshops.

Thank You: The Wrights of Passage, Olympia, Washington

Serena,

Thanks for sharing your talents for the benefit of our children, for all the extra work customizing a "Pacific NW verson" of the show, and your pleasant manner.

Wishing you safe travels,

Kris Bartruff
Olympia Junior Programs
Olympia, WA

David zum Brunnen and Stephen Wall in
"The Wrights of Passage" by Serena Ebhardt

The Legacy of Paul Green — North Carolina Public Radio WUNC

The Legacy of Paul Green — North Carolina Public Radio WUNC

The Legacy of Paul Green

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN NOW! WUNC-Radio Podcast

Thursday, March 17 2011 by Amber Nimocks and Frank Stasio
The Legacy of Paul Green

www.paulgreen.org

You may recognize the name Paul Green as that of the playwright who penned the long-running outdoor drama "The Lost Colony" or gave his name to the theater that houses the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Playmakers Repertory Company. Green's legacy is actually much greater. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, wrote screenplays for Hollywood and fought for decades in his home state of North Carolina for progressive causes and social justice. As part of our North Carolina Literary Lights series, host Frank Stasio explores the legacy of Paul Green with Laurence Avery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor emeritus of English and author of "A Paul Green Reader" (UNC Press/1998); Marsha Warren, executive director of the Paul Green Foundation; and actors Serena Ebhardt and Steven Roten.

Harsh Ground, Holy Ground

Dear David and Serena,

Enclosed please find a copy of the recently completed film, Harsh Ground, Holy Ground. It comes with our gratitude for the important roles you played to bring these stories to life. The response has been extremely positive because of the historical soundness, and visually engaging images of the film. Thank You!

Arliffe Mumford, EdD
Director, School of Ministry Episcopal Diocese of NC
http://www.episdioncschool.org/

Minnow Media
http://www.minnowmedia.net/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minnow-Media/72439846953

EbzB Productions: In One Era Backstory

In One Era and Out The Other
Herstory: September 11, 2001
by Serena Ebhardt

IN ONE ERA AND OUT THE OTHER : http://www.ebzb.org/era.shtml

My husband and I were in the doctor’s office at 8:45 a.m. on September 11, 2001, hoping. We’d been trying, for three years, to get pregnant. As a juvenile diabetic, I was told I might not live past the age of 25 and certainly wouldn’t be able to have children. This was hope against hope.

As our OBGYN came to speak to us, her cell-phone rang. She checked caller ID, apologized to us, and took the call. It was a friend asking if the doctor’s husband, a commercial airline pilot, was flying his usual route from Raleigh, North Carolina to New York.

“No. Why?”

Her friend informed her that a plane had just hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

We assumed an accident and went on anxiously hoping.

As our doctor broke the joyous news that finally, we were expecting, her phone rang again. She checked caller ID, apologized, and took the call. This time it was her husband.

A second plane had hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center. As a member of an FAA investigation team, her husband was called to duty. He called to say goodbye as he began his drive to New York. (The airport had been shut down.) Now we knew it was more than an accident. I was indeed pregnant. Confirmation. In the confusion, we continued to focus and hope.

A few minutes later, I was in the lab. As I was having blood drawn, the radio blared the breaking news. A third plane had hit the Pentagon. The air buzzed with speculation, confusion, and fear. Yet I sat amongst it all filled with my own private joy and hope.

While driving from the OBGYN’s office to my Diabetes doctor’s office, we heard more reports. A fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania.

The mix of feelings was overpowering. Surrealism. Enthusiasm. Confusion. Joy. Fear. Wonder. Isolation. Excitement. Anxiety. Hope. America’s despair was in a head-on collision with my hope for the future.

“I don’t know what kind of world you’ll be bringing this child into,” said the second doctor as he cautiously walked the emotional middle ground.

“Don’t worry, “ I replied in what must have seemed a Pollyanna tone. “My son is going to be one of the good guys.”

It wasn’t naiveté. I know first-hand that this world is full of disaster, disease, distress, and death. Now, when my son asks me why bad things happen, I tell him that I believe it is so that we may have an opportunity to create good from them. The juxtaposition allows us to fully appreciate the peace of the mundane. History helps confirm that, through the eras, the human-spirit prevails.

History connects us. Events, tragic or momentous, have a way of uniting us in the most authentic way. Every American remembers where they were when they heard the news of V –Day, Kennedy’s assassination, Neil Armstrong’s moon landing, September 11, 2001. These events galvanize and connect us. They prompt us to tell our own oral histories and enlighten the common journey of the human spirit.

As an observer, you will be tempted to find meaning in the words and images presented to you during this performance. As in life, the meaning that emerges for you is one of your own making— based on education, emotion and experience. Regardless of the propaganda presented here, the only meaning truly intended is that “America is what YOU make of it.”

As with all EbzB Productions, it is my hope that this performance will celebrate the triumph of the human spirit; and inspire ongoing discussions that connect and unify us. United We Stand!

- Serena Ebhardt

Olympia Junior Programs: The Wrights of Passage

Stephen Wall and David zum Brunnen in EbzB's THE WRIGHTS OF PASSAGE. Olympia, Washington.

Wrights of Passage in Olympia, WA

EbzB Arts In Education - EbzB - Picasa Web Albums

EbzB Arts In Education - EbzB - Picasa Web Albums

EbzB Arts In Education Residencies
Spring 2011
Chatham Central High School, Bear Creek, NC
Gates County High School, Gatesville, NC
Jones County Senior High School, Trenton, NC

EbzB Arts In Education: Gates County High School

EbzB Teaching Artists

at Gates County High School, Gatesville, NC

Feb. 22—War Bonds: Songs and Letters of World War II - Info - Trevecca Nazarene University - Nashville, TN - Trevecca.Edu

Life Is So Good Meets Its Author

Mike Wiley, Richard Glaubman, and David zum Brunnen meet in Troy, Alabama for a performance of Life Is So Good.

Richard Glaubman is the co-author of the book, Life Is So Good, with George Dawson.

Mike Wiley and David zum Brunnen adapted the book for the stage and are the actors in the production. Life Is So Good, the play, is directed by Serena Ebhardt. It is co-produced by EbzB Productions and Mike Wiley Productions.

Life Is So Good!

Listen Now! The New New South on THE STATE OF THINGS, WUNC

LISTEN NOW!!

Serena Ebhardt on THE STATE OF THINGS

The_New_New_South.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object)

Meet the New, New South, Part II — North Carolina Public Radio WUNC

Meet the New, New South, Part II

Tuesday, January 25 2011 by Amber Nimocks, Frank Stasio, and WFAE |

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International Civil Rights Museum, downtowngreensboro.org

Meet the New New South: In the past decade, 1.5 million new residents have moved to North Carolina, a trend that is echoed across the region. As demographics and economic forces change, the South changes with them. WFAE and WUNC began an on-air conversation last summer about the New New South. We continue that conversation, as hosts Mike Collins of “Charlotte Talks” and Frank Stasio of “The State of Things” talk with guests about food, theater and cultural tourism in a special joint broadcast. Joining the program are Michael D. Harris, curator of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art & Culture in Charlotte; Margo Knight Metzger, public relations director for the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development; Kathleen Purvis, food editor for the Charlotte Observer; Greg Cox, dining critic for The News & Observer of Raleigh; Marcie Cohen Ferris, coordinator of Southern Studies at the Department of American Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill; Steve Umberger, resident director of Festival Stage in Winston-Salem; and Serena Ebhardt, co-founder of the theater company EbzB Productions, based in Chatham County.

Listen Now!

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Life Is So Good: The Tropolitan -- Troy University's Official Student Newspaper -- January 20, 2011

Richard Glaubman introduces 'Life Is So Good'
Jason Johnson A&E Editor
Author Richard Glaubman was in Troy last week to see the production of "Life Is So Good," a play based off of his book by the same title that tells the story of 103-year-old Texas Native George Dawson.
The book and the play tell the story of Dawson's remarkable life, showing the changing times of past century through his eyes.
Glaubman met with Dawson after he read an article about him learning to read after 98 years of being illiterate.
After meeting him they formed a friendship.
"I realized pretty early on that Dawson had a remarkable memory," said Glaubman. "The stories didn't come out for a good while though. Not until we became friends and I had been staying with him at his house."
Glaubman was here in Troy to give a series of lectures on the writing of his book and to give some tips on creative writing in general.
Before the play, which happened to be the first Glaubman has seen the performance, he gave a short introduction and discussed his time spent with George Dawson.
"George had never spoken to a white man in normal conversation before," said Glaubman. "After I opened up to him he began to trust me and invited me to live in his home for a while. "
Actors David zum Brunnen and Mike Wiley conceived and wrote the stage production and they took the stage once Glaubman had finished his introduction.
"Life Is So Good," is a two-man show that is based around narration.
One character would narrate and when the time in the story called for it the two men would use minimal stage props and exceptional acting to paint a picture for the audience.
Mike Wiley played George Dawson and a host of other characters through the show.
He is a graduate of Catawba College in Salisbury North Carolina and has over ten years of credits in theatre for young audiences.
David zum Brunnen who played Richard Glaubman has served as General Manager for Hedgerow Theatre, The Philadelphia Area Repertory Theatre and PlayMakers Repertory Theatre.
The two men were very talented and professional both on and off the stage.
The opening act was the two men meeting for the first time.
Wiley and Brunnen used scenes from Glaubman's second book titled "More Than a Book; A Story of Friendship," which is about the process of meeting George Dawson and writing "Life Is So Good."
The opening chapter of the book is George Dawson's personal account of seeing his childhood friend being hanged for something he did not do.
It's a really strong image that brings the readers emotions out very early.
The stage play of "Life Is So Good" was centered on the same thing.
Throughout the course of the play the actors would unexpectedly jump back to this gruesome scene until it climaxed with at intermission with Dawson's friend Pete finally being killed.
The rest of the play consisted of the more memorable scenes from the book.
This is where Wiley really showed his talents.
He was more than convincing as an elderly gentleman, from his choice in dialogue right down to his body language and eye movements he sold me.
He was as good as George Dawson.
Brunnen really did a good job of character acting.
His roll seemed quite difficult because he had to jump back and forth from the compassionate and uncomfortable Richard Glaubman to the hateful white men of the early 1900's with no time in between.
The play's conclusion was the end of George Dawson's life and the battle that
Glaubman went through trying to get Dawson to sign the rights of his story over to a white stranger from far away.
"I really enjoy the stage production," said Glaubman. "It really painted a very accurate account of 'Life Is So Good.'"
The book and the play are both well written and both based on quite a remarkable story.
The overall feel of the stage production is uplifting but it really hits hard.
The racy scenes aren't sugar coated, which helps for the message to sink in.
When I asked Richard Glaubman how meeting and befriending George Dawson had changed his life he had this to say.
"I try to be a better listener and to not judge but truly listen. I try to be grateful for what I have and be helpful to others when I can."
The moral of the play is simply George Dawson's mantra throughout his life--that is, despite all the hardships, Life Is So Good, and I do believe it's getting better.

Life Is So Good: Author shares insight

Richard Glaubman, David zum Brunnen, Mike Wiley: Life Is So Good Performance, Troy, Alabama

By Jaine Treadwell
TroyMessenger.com

The two men had nothing in common.

But George Dawson needed to tell his story and Richard Glaubman needed to listen.

As Dawson talked and Glaubman listened, both of their worlds were changed.
Dawson was an African-American living an obscure life in South Dallas. Glaubman was a teacher and writer living comfortably in Seattle.

Odds of the two ever meeting were astronomical and a meeting would never have happened except for a newspaper article that caught Glaubman’s eye and tugged at his heart.

The article told the story of Dawson, who at age 98 had learned to read.
For some reason, the story captured Glaubman’s interest and he was soon on a plane bound for Dallas to meet Dawson.

“I’m not sure what compelled me to get on a plane to talk to an old man that I didn’t know,” Glaubman told those who attended his lectures at Troy University Thursday. “But sometimes you just know when the time is right.”

The first meeting was a bit uncomfortable for Glaubman as he and Dawson were from two different worlds. And, he said, it was probably the same for Dawson.

“Before he learned to read, the only sense of the world George Dawson had was what others were telling him,” Glaubman said. “And what he was hearing was filtered through their opinions. He had always wanted to learn to read but never had the chance. He was delighted at having learned to read.”

Dawson’s favorite reading material was the newspaper and he was finding the world a new and exciting place as he was no longer having to depend on others to tell him what was happening in the world around him. He was beginning to think for himself.

Glaubman realized the importance of Dawson’s story and Dawson agreed to tell it to him.

Over time, the two men became friends and Glaubman was invited to live with Dawson while his story unfolded.

“We were in the grocery store and Dawson was reading the labels on one product after another,” Glaubman said. “I asked him why he was doing that and he said, ‘Because I can.’”

Dawson’s reading level was rather low so he especially enjoyed reading children’s books to his great-grandchildren.

“Once, when we were driving along the highway, I could hear him reading the billboards just as I had done when I was about 6 years old,” Glaubman said. “His excitement at being able to read was much the same as mine had been. The sequence was the same.”

Together, with Dawson talking and Glaubman listening, they co-authored a book about Dawson’s life and his eagerness to learn to read at age 98.

The book titled, “Life Is So Good” is George Dawson’s autobiography. It’s the story of his struggles and his greatest triumph, learning to read at a very advanced age.

It’s also a book of inspiration because it comes for the heart of a man who treated others like he wanted them to treat him. It’s the story of a man who lived for the day because he had no promise of tomorrow.
It’s the story of a man who graciously and humbly accepted his “celebrity.”

When people crowded around him, Glaubman said Dawson said, “I’ve been ignored for a hundred years, if they want to talk to me, that’s all right.”

Dawson traveled to Glaubman’s home state for a book signing and attended a party in his honor.
“I didn’t think I would live so long that there would be a party where it didn’t matter what color you are,” he said.

Dawson died in 2001 but he lived long enough to attend a party like that and to know that the challenge that he had met and won will inspire others to learn to read no matter what their age and that they, too, can walk into another world all because they learned to read.

Glaubman isn’t sure whether Dawson ever read, “Life Is So Good.”

“He said that he had so many other things to read and that he had already read it,” Glaubman said, laughing. “That was George Dawson.”