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Framing My America by Tracy "Symphony" Hall at the Strand Theater

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: 09/29/2022

CONTACT: Elena Kostakis, 443-874-4917, [email protected]

The Strand Theater, 5426 Harford Rd., Baltimore MD 21214

Strand Theater Company continues the 15th Anniversary Season with

the World Premiere of

Framing My America

Written and Directed by Tracy “Symphony” Hall

Baltimore, MD—The Strand Theater Company proudly continues its 15th Anniversary Season as Baltimore’s women-centric company with the World Premiere of Framing My America, written and directed by Baltimore’s multi-talented artist, Tracy “Symphony” Hall.

About the show:

This body of work is an interdisciplinary Choreopoem that infuses HIS-Story & the ARTS, with just a splash of supernatural fantasy. Take a brisk stroll through time as “I too sing America,” although some selections may not be harmonious and pleasing to thine ears. Reminisce about family as treasures are discovered by the Founding Fathers. Whistle “Dixie” and enjoy this bumpy ride through AMERICA.

Cast: Tracy "Symphony" Hall, Alanna Kiewe, Ronald Malone

Featuring the art “PIXELS” by Baltimore born Artist: Mandela Brown, from his Shakra collections, as well as various local Musicians, Griots, Dancers, and Vocalists.

Framing My America opens on Friday, October 14, and runs through Sunday, October 30, 2022. Thursday-Saturday performances start at 8pm, Sunday matinees start at 2pm. Tickets are $20 General Admission, $10 for students, seniors, and artists.

All performances take place at 5426 Harford Rd. Baltimore MD 21214.

Mask wearing is required for attendance.

Performance Dates/Times:

Friday, October 14, 8pm (Opening Night, followed by Reception)
Saturday, October 15, 8pm
Sunday, October 16, 8pm
Thursday, October 20, 8pm (Industry Night)
Friday, October 21, 8pm
Saturday, October 22, 8pm
Sunday, October 23, 2pm
Friday, October 28, 8pm
Saturday, October 29, 8pm
Sunday, October 30, 2pm (Closing)

Ticket Information: Visit www.strand-theater.org to purchase tickets.

Ticket Prices: General Admission - $20, Student/Senior/Artist - $10

About the Playwright

Tracy “Symphony”Hall is an alumna of Morgan State University, and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and a minor certification in Music-Vocal Performance. She is a Baltimore County Public Schools Secondary Vocal Music Teacher. Tracy is currently enrolled in Towson University’s MFA Program and will receive her Master’s Degree in the Spring 2024. She is an active alum of the Ira Aldridge Players (IAP), and a member of Alpha Psi Omega (National Theater Honor Society). She has worked on and off stage in various areas of theatre at Morgan State University & Towson University. She has also had those experiences in professional and community houses. Recently Tracy has created programs and developed curriculum that will allow children early exposure to theatre while enhancing Reading and Language development.

She is a member of the Performing Arts Ministry at Life Music Christian Fellowship (LMCF) her church home for over 20 years. Tracy has received training and certification as a Teaching Artist through Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Summer Arts Learning Academy(SALA), & Dance & BMore. She has tutored and taught many actors in Baltimore over the years in varying capacities. She has also shared techniques & critical tools that will engage and inspire future Spoken Word Artists.

Although Tracy has a passion for teaching, she is no stranger to the stage and feels quite at home. She has utilized her education in Theatre and branched off into Directing & Playwriting. In March of 2021 Tracy was selected by Rep Stage as a Playwright to premiere her piece in LOVE/language, which was a virtual event that featured the writings of various DMV selected Playwrights. That piece means even more to Tracy now, as the actor from her piece has gone on and made her Broadway debut! “It’s a 6 degrees of separation thing.” Tracy is super excited to make her debut at the Strand Theatre. She is the Playwright, the Director, and an Actor in their production. This connection to Strand is a special one since her initial introduction to this theatre was via the late and so so great Dr. Shirley Basfield Dunlap. “Dr. D was not only my Instructor & Mentor, she was my friend…SHE WAS EVERYTHING and I AM EVERYTHING ELSE. Tracy dedicates this body of work and her performance to “Dr. D” Ase!

Press Packets & Interview Requests:

Complimentary press passes are available for the Opening weekend, October 14-16, 2022. Please contact Elena Kostakis at [email protected] to reserve your tickets and to arrange interviews.

About the Strand.

The Strand Theater Company champions challenging and provocative theater that especially celebrates women’s diverse voices and perspectives while bringing together the creative talents of all genders as artists, technicians, and administrators. We invite patrons to experience some of the region’s best contemporary and reinterpreted works for the stage in our intimate North-East Baltimore theater.

Since launching in 2007, the Strand has presented over 60 full-length plays, including 17 World Premieres; offered 75% of the artistic positions on its productions—as playwrights, directors, designers, stage managers, and actors—to women; provided affordable theater space to many organizations and independent artists; and is an active of the Hamilton-Lauraville Main Street small business community.

In August 2011, the Strand was honored as one of Baltimore magazine’s “Top 5 Baltimore Theaters,” along with CENTERSTAGE, Everyman, the Hippodrome, and Single Carrot. To learn more about the Strand Theater Company, visit www.strand-theater.org

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