Celtic Connections

Welcome to ICTC’s Celtic Connections, an inspiring, informative and free series of virtual experiences designed to connect us during the COVID-19 pandemic, during our pause of in-person programming.

 

Honoring the Past; Celebrating the Future

“Honoring the Past; Celebrating the Future” Episode 3
Kate LoConti Alcocer, newly appointed Executive Artistic Director of the Irish Classical Theatre Company, introduces herself and details her long association with the Company. She also makes a major announcement about the first offering in ICTC’s 30th Anniversary Season.

“Honoring the Past; Celebrating the Future” Episode 2
The Irish Classical Theatre Company presents former Producing Director and current Associate Director Fortunato Pezzimenti to continue the Company’s history, from the Calumet to The Andrews Theatre. He also gives us a glimpse of what the future holds for ICTC.

“Honoring the Past; Celebrating the Future” Episode 1
The Irish Classical Theatre Company presents celebrated recounter, Vincent O’Neill, Artistic Director, as he shares 30 years of history in this very personal and nostalgic episode, as he sets the stage for his well-earned retirement.

Inside ICTC

“Inside ICTC” Episode 3
The Irish Classical Theatre Company presents an informative segment in which Associate Director, Greg Natale, discusses his roles as Production Manager and Technical Director, sharing some keen insights into the creative process that occurs weeks, and sometimes months, in advance of the opening of each play.

“Inside ICTC” Episode 2
Associate Artistic Director of the Irish Classical Theatre Company, Kate LoConti Alcocer, takes us on a fascinating tour of ICTC’s home, the Andrews Theatre. From the stage to the dressing room, Kate shares some little known facts and charming personal observations as we travel into areas seldom seen by the general public.

“Inside ICTC” Episode 1
The Irish Classical Theatre Company takes us on a personal tour of its home, The Andrews Theatre, guided by ICTC Artistic Director Vincent O’Neill – with special attention to the Chris O’Neill Lounge. Vincent shares some fond and sometimes irreverent reminiscences, in this entertaining, peek behind the scenes.

Fireside with Vincent O’Neill

“Fireside with Vincent O’Neill” Episode 3
The Irish Classical Theatre Company, Buffalo, New York, presents a collection of both humorous and extraordinarily moving Irish poems read by ICTC Artistic Director Vincent O’Neill, including works by Patrick Kavanagh; Paul Durcan; Patrick Pearse. Notably included is “Letter To A British Soldier on Irish Soil” by Patrick Galvin.

“Fireside with Vincent O’Neill” Episode 2
The Irish Classical Theatre Company continues its literary tour, traveling from Dublin, South to Kerry and North to Belfast, to explore the brilliant works of Irish poets. This collection, read by ICTC Artistic Director Vincent O’Neill, include poems by Brendan Kennelly; Raymond Calvert; and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill.

“Fireside with Vincent O’Neill” Episode 1
The Irish Classical Theatre Company celebrates Dublin, the epicenter of Irish culture, in this collection poems read by ICTC Artistic Director Vincent O’Neill. They include “Dublin Made Me” by Donagh MacDonagh; “I Hear An Army Charging Upon The Land” by James Joyce; and “If Ever You Go To Dublin Town” by Patrick Kavanagh.

All Hands on Deck! The Virtual Voyage of Sea Marks

“Celtic Connections: All Hands on Deck! Building a Film from a Play – Episode 9”
This week, we are thrilled for you to meet Travis Carlson and Megan Gonsalves from Pan-American Film Division, who discuss the process of creating a film from a play. Join us! Be sure to watch to the end of the episode; we’ve included the official Sea Marks Trailer! Closed Captioning is available.

“All Hands on Deck! Building a Connection – Episode 8”
In this charming and insightful episode, the stars of Sea Marks, Chris Kelly and Kristen Tripp Kelley, are back! Chris and Kristen unveil the art and process of forming a connection with the camera, and how film acting differs from stage acting.

“All Hands on Deck! Building a History – Episode 7”
In this rare and absolutely charming episode, ICTC co-Founders, Vincent O’Neill and Josephine Hogan, join with Associate Director and Sea Marks director, Fortunato Pezzimenti, to reminisce about the first production of Sea Marks, and the early days of Irish Classical.

“All Hands on Deck! Building a Mood – Episode 6”
Tonight’s episode introduces us to the sixth facet: Lighting Design. What does a Lighting Designer do? Join us this week, as Kate interviews Sea Marks designer Jayson Clark, on his favorite things about Lighting Design and the exciting challenges of translating theatre to film. This episode includes time lapse footage from our light test; take a look!

“All Hands on Deck! Building a Look – Episode 5”
Tonight’s episode introduces us to the fifth facet: Costume Design. In this episode, Sea Marks’ Vivian Del Bello joins us to share her process and design for our historic production. We share many of Vivian’s research images during this behind-the-scenes look. Not to be missed!

“All Hands on Deck! Building a Set – Episode 4”
Tonight’s episode introduces us to the fourth facet: Building a Set. ICTC Executive Director, Kate LoConti Alcocer, interviews ICTC veteran Set Designer, David Dwyer, on his process, and what went into creating the physical world of Sea Marks. During this episode, we see a sneak peek of the set through photos and time-lapse videos.

“All Hands on Deck! Building an Image – Episode 3”
Tonight’s episode introduces us to the second facet: Building an Image. This week’s episode was filmed in the Andrews Theatre Lobby and honors the CDC guidelines for social distancing. Closed Captioning available.

“All Hands on Deck! Dramaturgy with Katie Mallinson – Episode 2”
ICTC Executive Director, Kate LoConti Alcocer, interviews, Katie Mallinson, renowned Dramaturg and Buffalo Theatre Artist about the role of Dramaturgy and how it creates context for the world of a play. Katie uses her Dramaturgy expertise and experience to unearth the concepts within ICTC’s production.

“All Hands on Deck! The Virtual Voyage of Sea Marks – Episode 1”
Tonight, Kate introduces us to this ambitious 10-week Series, which highlights the many facets of ICTC’s first virtual production. “All Hands” will take us through Summer to the Opening of Sea Marks, which will stream online from October 16 through November 1. Join us, as we embark on this journey to explore the creative forces behind this production. Closed Captioning available.

Interplay

“Interplay: The World of Acting – Episode 4”
The final episode of Celtic Connections Interplay features ICTC Executive Director, Kate LoConti Alcocer, interview Chris Kelly and Kristen Tripp Kelley about the art of acting. These seasoned actors deconstruct what goes into the art of performance, and share personal anecdotes of their own experiences. This interview differs from previous episodes, in that it had a decidedly casual tone, and depicts three friends unveiling the connections of their long history together. We hope you like it! Closed Captioning available.

“Interplay: The World of Sound Design” Episode 3
ICTC Executive Artistic Director Kate LoConti Alcocer introduces us to ICTC’s Resident Sound Designer Tom Makar to explore the intricate and nuanced process of integrating sound design organically into the world of the play. Using his extensive knowledge and experience of designing sound for over 125 of ICTC’s productions, Tom provides insight into how he creates the magic of sound in The Andrews and how to translate it into a digital medium.

“Interplay: The Art of Directing” Episode 2
ICTC’s Executive Director was quick to zero in on an unparalleled guest to speak on this topic – friend and former Producing Director Fortunato Pezzimenti, who has been at the helm of over 100 productions for the Irish Classical Theatre Company. Spanning his career of over 30 years, this multi-award-winning Director shares his vast knowledge and experience. He lets us in on some personal stories that lead us through the intricacies of his highly successful directorial process. Closed Captioning is available.

“Interplay: Stage Management” Episode 1
The Irish Classical Theatre Company, Buffalo, NY, invites you to join us for Celtic Connections – Interplay, the first in a series of four Zoom interviews, as ICTC Executive Artistic Director Kate LoConti Alcocer explores the process of taking a play from “page to stage” with long time Production Stage Managers, Michelle Eisen and Reneé Radzavich. Closed Captioning available.