VCU grads bring ‘stripped-down’ theater to Richmond
“To witness (Callan and Restivo) founding their their own company is inspiring to say the very least … I believe all young theater artists should take example of both these people.”
Samantha Foster
Contributing Writer
The brainchild of VCU graduates Tommy Callan and Lucian Restivo and current VCU student Lisa Hardt, Stage B is Richmond’s newest source for edgy, stripped-down theater.
After graduating, Restivo was planning a production of Neil LaBute’s “reasons to be pretty” when he and Callan decided to take the plunge and follow their dream to make their own theater company.
“The biggest question we ever had was when we do it,” Callan said.
Because they have no permanent theater house, Stage B has held productions at venues across Richmond. Stage B’s past plays have explored sex, drugs and homosexuality. Through their productions, they hope to promote the discussion of taboo subjects in a public forum.
Their productions avoid expensive lighting, sound or costumes, which Callan describes as a “stripped-down” approach to theater. Stage B’s strategy allows the actors and directors to focus more on the acting and conveying the message of the play.
The theater company is funded by donations, attendance and Kickstarter.com, which is a project-funding website made specifically for artists and designers. Once the artist meets his or her initial monetary goal, all money made after that goal is kept.
Stage B has an upcoming holiday fundraiser at Gallery 5 in December, as well as a night of staged readings of Clay Chapman’s pieces at Chop Suey Books on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Currently, Callan and Restivo are also working on a commissioned piece called “Brew” about Richmond’s coffee culture. It will be performed at the Globehopper Coffeehouse and Lounge on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Nov. 11–20 at 8 p.m.
VCU student Martha Johnson has been working as a stage manager for “Brew.”
“To witness (Callan and Restivo) founding their own company is inspiring to say the very least,”she said. “I believe all young theater artists should take example of both these people.”
“We like to use the talent we know comes from VCU’s excellent theater department,” Callan said.
Callan is hopeful that people will spread the word about Stage B, considering it is a small and locally produced company. Stage B has open auditions a for each play, and donations are accepted.
To attend any one of Stage B’s plays or readings, there is a flat rate of $10 for general admission and $8 for anyone with a valid student ID. Their Facebook page is the best place to find out about any upcoming performances.
