INTIMAN THEATRE WILL OFFER 6^TH ANNUAL BLACK NATIVITY GOSPEL WORKSHOP, A FREE EVENT LED BY PASTOR PATRINELL WRIGHT AND JACQUELINE MOSCOU, ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 FROM 12-5 PM IN THE INTIMAN STUDIO

INTIMAN WILL ALSO HOLD OPEN AUDITIONS FOR BLACK NATIVITY, ITS ANNUAL HOLIDAY PRODUCTION, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 22; SLOTS ARE OPEN FOR NON-EQUITY SINGERS AND DANCERS

SEATTLE— Intiman Theater will host an afternoon of free training in gospel performance led by Pastor Patrinell Wright, founder of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, on Saturday, August 23 from 12-5 pm in the Intiman Studio. The Black Nativity Gospel Workshop, now in its 6^th season, is offered annually in connection with Intiman’s holiday production of Black Nativity. Pastor Wright has performed in the show and created each season’s musical direction and arrangements since its first production in 1998.

Part theater, part concert and part church service, Black Nativity is a holiday classic and Seattle tradition. The first act retells the Christmas story through the words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes; the second act transforms Intiman’s stage into a joyous “nondenominational church” that unites artists and audiences of different faiths, ages, backgrounds and beliefs through the heart-stirring power of song, story and dance.

The Gospel Workshop is open to aspiring performers who are interested in becoming part of the Black Nativity Choir, and enthusiasts who simply love to sing.

For more information or to reserve a spot, participants should call 206.269.1901 ext. 355 or email chelseyr@intiman.org. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

On Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22 from 6-9 pm, Intiman’s casting department will hold open auditions for the 2008 production of Black Nativity, which will run November 29-December 27. Director Jacqueline Moscou, Pastor Wright and choreographer Kabby Mitchell III will see non-Equity choir members (sopranos, altos, tenors and basses) and dancers. Prospective choir members should be able to sing traditional gospel music; dancers should be accomplished in contemporary dance.

Auditions must be booked in advance. To reserve a spot or for additional information, interested singers and dancers should call 206.269.1901 ext. 342 or email chelseyr@intiman.org.

Intiman Theatre gratefully acknowledges The Boeing Company for its sponsorship of the Black Nativity Gospel Workshop and other special events around this season’s production.