Press release here:
With ‘NERVE’ Local Artist Launches Theatre Arts Company
Asheville – NERVE, by playwright Adam Szymkowicz, will be showing from September 17-26 at North Carolina Stage Company as part of the company’s annual “Catalyst Series.” NERVE will be the inaugural production for Bat & Horse Theatre Arts, a new production company founded by local artist Joshua Batenhorst. Running the gamut from realism to surrealism to puppetry to modern dance, NERVE is a darkly romantic comedy that explores the many questions and vulnerabilities associated with blind dating in the on-line age. Tickets are available in a “choose your own ticket price” range of $12 – $27 and can be ordered by calling the NC Stage box office at 828-239-0236.
Batenhorst is familiar with the difficulties of starting a theatre company. He came to Asheville in 2002 to serve as an artist in resident for then upstart North Carolina Stage Company during their first year of existence. “I felt NC Stage’s vision was really inspiring and matched my personal goals. I came here to help build a theatre community, and I think that mission has had some success over the last seven years.” After working for NC Stage, Batenhorst worked with a variety of local theatre companies before settling into a full time position as the arts integration facilitator at ArtSpace Charter School where he also serves as the school’s drama specialist.
With NERVE, Batenhorst will once again team with NC Stage. Now in its sixth year, NC Stage Company’s Catalyst Series features performances from local, grassroots theatre companies. NC Stage collaborates with these exciting companies to expand its own programming while providing resources for innovative theatre. Visit www.ncstage.org for more information about the series.
Why NERVE for Bat & Horse Theatre Arts’ first production? “The play is edgy, dark, funny and weirdly romantic,” Says Batenhorst. “It’s also the first of Mr. Szymkowicz’s plays to be produced in Asheville. He is a very talented new playwright whose work is being performed all over the United States. I’m excited to be able to serve as matchmaker for Asheville’s first date with Adam Szymkowicz.” Batenhorst is also excited about a possible appearance from the playwright. “He’s working in Atlanta right now, and is hoping to come up for the show. We haven’t set any dates, but look for an announcement soon.” You can find more information on Szymkowicz from his blog at http://aszym.blogspot.com/, and Facebook users can join discussions about the new company and the play by searching “Bat & Horse Theatre Arts” on Facebook.
The play features local actors David Ostergaard and Kerri Brantley-Ostergaard, a husband and wife team who also run the national touring company Bright Star Children’s Theatre. Brantly-Ostergaard, a veteran performer with local sketch comedy group LYLAS and the LaZoom Comedy Tours is particularly excited about the show. “It gives me a chance to be in a play with my husband and the play itself falls into a strange category of avant-garde/realism/I don’t know what to call it! It is unique. I haven’t got a chance to do any ‘straight’ acting in a while, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Tickets and show times: Tickets are $12 – $27 and patrons may choose their own ticket price for every performance. Call (828) 239-0263 or visitwww.ncstage.org for tickets. NERVE runs Thursday through Saturday, September 17-26. Show time is 7:30 p.m. For the full Catalyst Series schedule, visit www.ncstage.org.
Location: North Carolina Stage Company performs in a 99-seat theatre in downtown Asheville, entrance is at 15 Stage Lane, off of Walnut St. one block off Haywood St., next to the Rankin Ave. parking garage.