Escape to Create Artists on Stage In Seaside January & February

Seaside’s Escape To Create (E2C) artist residency launches its 25th season with the arrival of a dozen artists selected from an international pool of applicants for the renowned creative retreat. During their residency artists, authors, filmmakers, playwrights, and musicians will bring a little magic to the South Walton community. 

What does the Pulitzer Prize, London’s West End, Moscow English Theatre, Cinema LaClef, Paris, African American Arts Alliance, Pitch Music Awards and Chicago Art Institute have in common with Walton County? Following a tradition dating back to 1993, the seven distinguished artists honored by these cultural institutions will arrive in Seaside on January 4th to participate in Escape To Create, the multi-disciplinary non-profit artist residency that has gained national attention for its longstanding relationship with the town of Seaside and for its special commitment to educational outreach in Walton County.

During their Jan-Feb stay, artists will contribute workshops, master classes and classroom visits in schools throughout the region. A series of programs and performances showcase their creative excellence at the Seaside REP Theatre in a unique array of awarded dramatic plays, music, art, literary and environmental readings to the area. They will live and work in Seaside cottages donated for their month-long creative projects and in support of their contributions to the larger community through educational outreach and performance. Read about this year's E2C artists online.
 
The 2016 E2C performance season opened Jan. 9 with a sold out performance of A Six Sided Man by playwrights Nicholas Collett and Gavin Robertson on stage at the Seaside Repertory Theatre. Performances continue throughout January and February.         

2016 Escape to Create Performance Schedule (January)
Nicholas Collett and Gavin Robertson
Saturday, January 9th at 7:30PM 
The British take the stage with The Six-Sided Man, a dark, comic meditation on the nature of choice and the question of fate. Praised as masters of their craft throughout the UK, Nicholas Collett and Gavin Robertson deliver the subtle nuanced performances that set a new record for ticket sales on the West End. Prepare to laugh, gasp and question your own existence! 
 

Sandra Jackson-Opoku and Caitlin Horsmon 
Wednesday January 13 at 7:30PM
Awarded author and poet Sandra Jackson-Opoku retraces the steps of the great Harlem Renaissance writer and famous Floridian Zora Neale Hurston. Screening a selection of her awarded experimental and short films, Caitlin Horsmon discusses her unique approach to the art of cinema and media arts. 

Ryan Heinlein 
Friday, January 22, at 7:30PM
From the forefront of the redhot Kansas City Jazz scene, composer and trombonist Ryan Heinlein presents an entertaining multi-media musical journey featuring recordings by his fusion band, Project H. With commentary, video and performance. 

Adam Kraar 
Wednesday, January 27 at 7:30PM
Actors from across the region revive The REP’s popular script-in-hand readings with playwright Adam Kraar’s lyrical drama Dream Of A Deer At Dusk. Finalist for the National Playwrights Conference, the plot centers on an idealistic 15-year-old girl’s determination to rescue a 27-year-old autistic man from the persecution of their small town.        

Dr. Katrina Schwartz and William Souder Sunday, February 7 at 4:00PM
Under a Wild Sky
William Souder's gripping presentation of the self-taught artist and explorer who defied the scientific establishment of his time to create the world's greatest ornithological masterpiece, The Birds of America.  Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, an illustrated presentation and special video segment.      

Interdisciplinary scientist Katrina Schwartz assesses the security of Florida's Waters of Destiny: Policy, Politics, and Preservation for the 21st Century.

Michele Caniato and Cam Ray
February 12 at 7:30PM
Opening hearts and minds with a Musical Valentine featuring awarded composer-in-residence Michele Caniato and NW Florida's premier jazz pianist, Cam Ray. 

Charis Cotter
Saturday, February 20 at 1:00PM
The Ghosts of Grates Cove: Traditional Stories of Newfoundland
Awarded YA author Charis Cotter's special presentation of the beloved "ghost" stories of Newfoundland. Enthralling tales for ages 9 and over.

Jeff Black
Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7:30pm
Critically acclaimed for his poetic songwriting style, Nashville recording artist Jeff Black performs audience favorites and newly written songs.
 

All E2C performances at Seaside REP Theatre are featured in the SoWal Events Calendar. February brings a new group of artists and performances to be announced.

Tickets for the Escape to Create performance series at The Seaside REP are available at www.lovetherep.com or via telephone at 850-231-0733. Ticket purchases support Escape to Create Residencies and Educational Outreach throughout Walton County.

Come out to enjoy the work of visiting artists from all over the world on stage here in SoWal. Experience the performances in the Seaside REP's intimate theater located in Seaside, Florida just behind Modica Market on Quincy Circle.
 

For additional information on Escape to Create and the 2016 artists-in-residence, visit www.escape2create.org. Escape to Create is a celebration of art, life, and community in Seaside, Florida. Welcome 2016 E2C artists to South Walton, Florida.

Performance schedule and tickets available at http://lovetherep.com.