I’m an ensemble member of a pretty great theatre company here in Chicago called WNEP (What No one Else Produces) and this summer, we’ve got two original one-act plays coming up!
RAINBOWS AND LOLLIPOPS by Dave Goss (to be directed by Rebecca Langguth)
THE TRIBUTE by Rebecca Langguth (to be directed by Amanda Rountree)
Both one-acts will be performed at the Zoo Studios in Ravenswood from July 26th – Aug 17th! More details on the show (and auditions for both plays) will be out soon!
Louisville, Kentucky is a fantastic little city/big town. I was very lucky to perform my first one-woman show, The Good, the Bad, and the Monkey there a few years back. Well, I guess they must have liked me or something (or maybe they just liked the monkeys?), because they’ve invited me back! Produced in conjunction with the Bunbury Theatre Company, I will perform 185 Buddhas in the beautiful and historic Henry Clay building in downtown Louisville this September. (I just hope no one will be disappointed about the absence of monkeys.)
The Chicago Reader says, “Amanda Rountree is a riot!” Audience members have described the show as “inspiring,” “funny,” “beautiful,” and “a must-see!“ The Chicagoist picked this show as one of their “three to see.” Click here to watch a trailer for the show. You can also click here to read a review of the show.
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, directed by Jen Ellison
Bunbury Theatre in the Henry Clay building
604 S. Third Street
Louisville, KY
$14
Saturday, September 7, 8pm
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
The art of improvisation creates stories from thin air, making the unseen seen. For Amanda Rountree, this is not just an art form, but a way of life — one that includes unexpected twists and turns — leading, if not to mastery, to enlightenment. Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, and directed by Jen Ellison, this show follows the artist on her path with all of the funny and touching moments along the way.
Whether your preferred method is drawing, writing, or acting; working with clay, numbers, or food; raising crops, children, or awareness; building cars, homes, or statues–express yourself however you need to. No one else can do it for you. You are the only person who can tell the world about you. Expressing yourself sincerely and from the heart is not a selfish act. Yes, you will learn about yourself. But through your genuine expression, we all learn more about ourselves.
I teach theatre classes in and around Chicago to all ages. A few years ago, I began a reflection ritual with very young students. It worked so well, that I started using it with my older students, and even adults. Yesterday, I was feeling a little grumpy while working out in the gym, so I did this reflection ritual silently, to myself. I felt so much better after! Then I thought, “Why don’t I do this more often? I should do this every day.”
Here is the little closing ritual I lead at the end of many classes. But I discovered that I can do this any time. I share it here in hopes it can bring others joy.
Place one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart. Feel your heart beating and your belly moving every time you take a nice, deep breath. Think of one thing you did today that you feel good about. Put it in your heart. Take a deep breath in and out. Think of something someone else did today that you enjoyed or that you were delighted by or grateful for. Hold it in your heart. Take a deep breath in and out. Finally, think of something you did today with another person or people–something that you were a part of–something you helped create. Put it in your heart. Take a deep breath in and out.
This is an easy way to reflect and it doesn’t take much time at all to do. But I’m always a little happier afterward.
I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: One cannot do a solo show alone. I had great help from the obvious suspects, of course, like my director, Jen and the technical support of Joey and Andrew. But there were also others who helped with a variety of skills and talents, including, most definitely, my amazing opening acts! I was very lucky to have gotten so many talented people to open for my solo show.
One cannot do a solo show alone!
Thanks to everyone who helped me!
In addition to all of these people on my list of “Who To Thank” I add every single audience member who carved out a bit of time on their schedule to see the show. Life is busy and it can be hard to make time to see a bit of art on a Thursday night. So I’m grateful and honored for everyone who took the time and came out. Beyond that, I again thank the audience members who were generous enough with their enjoyment of the show to tell me (an actor’s ego thanks you for that) and to tell others. I had quite a few audience members over the run who had heard about the show because someone they knew saw it, loved it, and suggested it. And let me tell you, it certainly gives a performer a warm fuzzy feeling to look out into the audience and see so many familiar faces! Yet it gives the same performer another type of joy to look out into that crowd and realize she doesn’t recognize every single face; that there are people who came–not because they’re supporting their friend–but they just want to see a good show, and heard that this was one.
I hope I gave everyone–friends and strangers–a good show.
The Chicago Reader says, “Amanda Rountree is a riot!” Audience members have described the show as “inspiring,” “funny,” “beautiful,” and “a must-see!“ The Chicagoist picked this show as one of their “three to see.” There is only one more show left: this Thursday (TONIGHT!), March 28 at 8pm and I am so very excited that the funny and talented Amy Sumpter opens for me on closing night! Click here to watch a trailer for the show. You can also click here to read a review of the show.
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, directed by Jen Ellison
Studio Be
3110 N. Sheffield Ave.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door Buy Tickets!
Thursday, March 28 at 8pm
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
The art of improvisation creates stories from thin air, making the unseen seen. For Amanda Rountree, this is not just anartform, but a way of life — one that includes unexpected twists and turns — leading, if not to mastery, to enlightenment. Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, and directed by Jen Ellison, this show follows the artist on her path with all of the funny and touching moments along the way.
The Chicago Reader says, “Amanda Rountree is a riot!” Audience members have described the show as “inspiring,” “funny,” “beautiful,” and “a must-see!“ The Chicagoist picked this show as one of their “three to see.” There is only one more show left: this Thursday, March 28 at 8pm and I am so very excited that the funny and talented Amy Sumpter opens for me on closing night! Click here to watch a trailer for the show. You can also click here to read a review of the show.
Amy Sumpter is a comedic actress who has focused mainly on stand-up for 5 years. She is a regular performer of The Kates, can be seen in Beast Women, and if you’re lucky you may see her performing in her car. Just pretend you didn’t see her talking to herself…she is doing bits! She is also in an all female Beastie Boy tribute band called She’s Crafty.
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, directed by Jen Ellison
Studio Be
3110 N. Sheffield Ave.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door Buy Tickets!
Thursday, March 28 at 8pm
Amanda Rountree in 185 Buddhas
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
The art of improvisation creates stories from thin air, making the unseen seen. For Amanda Rountree, this is not just anartform, but a way of life — one that includes unexpected twists and turns — leading, if not to mastery, to enlightenment. Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, and directed by Jen Ellison, this show follows the artist on her path with all of the funny and touching moments along the way.
I am having a delightful time performing my one-woman show, 185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar… I can’t believe that the run is almost over! When I got online this morning, I was greeted by a lovely message from an audience member who saw the show last night. Here is the message:
“I cannot stop thinking about your show, it’s still talking to me in so many ways. It needs to go viral, more viral than the book of Mormon.
I’m going to promote it to as many people as I can force. Thank you for writing it and sharing it with us.” -Tareq M.
You don’t have to take his word for it, come check it out on your own! …But you only have one chance left!
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar (with opening act, Amy Sumpter)
Amanda Rountree in 185 Buddhas
Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, directed by Jen Ellison
Studio Be
3110 N. Sheffield Ave.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door Buy Tickets!
Thursday, March 28 at 8pm
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
The art of improvisation creates stories from thin air, making the unseen seen. For Amanda Rountree, this is not just an artform, but a way of life — one that includes unexpected twists and turns — leading, if not to mastery, to enlightenment. Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, and directed by Jen Ellison, this show follows the artist on her path with all of the funny and touching moments along the way.
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, directed by Jen Ellison
Studio Be
3110 N. Sheffield Ave.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door Buy Tickets!
Thursday, March 28 at 8pm
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
The art of improvisation creates stories from thin air, making the unseen seen. For Amanda Rountree, this is not just an artform, but a way of life — one that includes unexpected twists and turns — leading, if not to mastery, to enlightenment. Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, and directed by Jen Ellison, this show follows the artist on her path with all of the funny and touching moments along the way.
There’s a different opening act every night! And I am delighted to announce that Amy Sumpter is opening for me on closing night! I guess maybe you’re lucky you waited this long to see the show…..’cause she’s pretty awesome. See you there!
The Chicago Reader says, “Amanda Rountree is a riot!” Audience members have described the show as “inspiring,” “funny,” “beautiful,” and “a must-see!“ The Chicagoist picked this show as one of their “three to see.” There are only two more shows left: this Thursday, March 21 and next Thursday, March 28 at 8pm. Click here to watch a trailer for the show. You can also click here to read a review of the show.
Amanda Rountree in 185 Buddhas
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, directed by Jen Ellison
Studio Be
3110 N. Sheffield Ave.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door Buy Tickets!
Thursdays in March at 8pm
185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
The art of improvisation creates stories from thin air, making the unseen seen. For Amanda Rountree, this is not just an artform, but a way of life — one that includes unexpected twists and turns — leading, if not to mastery, to enlightenment. Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, and directed by Jen Ellison, this show follows the artist on her path with all of the funny and touching moments along the way.
