FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES:

AN EVENING OF ORIGINAL 10-MINUTE PLAYS Dec. 10 | 7 p.m.

artsxchange.org/event-details/spotlight-series

CONTACT: Angela Oliver, media@artsxchange.org, 404-624-4211

ArtsXchange sponsors evening of original plays by writers, actors formerly on strike

The Spotlight Series to highlight injustices plaguing Atlanta

EAST POINT, Ga. — Great ideas are often born through challenging times, says Chantal Maurice, actor and founder of CoStar Coaching.

When the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists unions went on strike earlier this year, Maurice thought of an outlet for local strikers to keep their creativity in motion.

“Artists struggle when they aren't able to exercise their gifts and talents,” she said. “The strike impacted artists mentally and financially, but The Spotlight Series allowed me to create something of purpose; a reason for artists to continue to create within the strike rules.”

The Spotlight Series, an evening of seven original 10-minute plays by Atlanta-based writers, directors and producers, will debut at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Paul Robeson Theater at ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St. in East Point.

The ArtsXchange is sponsoring the event as part of its Paul Robeson Theater Incubator program, which provides free performance space for independent and emerging playwrights who embody his legacy.

A nine-year career in TV and film has connected Maurice to many. Thus, she was able to “network across,” a term Issa Rae coined, she said, to find writers, directors and producers.

“Any opportunity that I get, I will always look to the left and right of me and push my peers forward,” Maurice said.

The plays tackle various sociopolitical matters, especially those plaguing Atlanta.

“Sibling’s Keeper,” written by Kim Akia, exposes various forms of sex trafficking and the plight of the rescuing process, with Atlanta following Washington, D.C. in the highest rates of human trafficking.

“Mask Off," written by Kayla Bennett, explores the role news media play in creating negative narratives about marginalized communities. And Onaji Rouse’s "Getting Repped” highlights racial discrimination in the workplace.

While The Spotlight Series began solely for creators, Maurice said it has evolved her goals, such as her plan to partner with corporate diversity and inclusion departments to create more inclusive workspaces, using theater to highlight equity issues.

“Art is one of the most powerful tools in activism because it forces people to feel,” she said. “Theater has the power to evoke emotions and broaden perspectives. It can empower people to take action.”

Tickets are $30 and are available online or at the door.

ABOUT THE ARTSXCHANGE

The ArtsXchange, d/b/a the Southeast Community Cultural Center, was incorporated in 1983 and opened The Arts Exchange In 1984 in Grant Park, reshaping the landscape of Metro Atlanta’s arts scene. In East Point since 2017, the ArtsXchange empowers artists, social justice activists, and creative entrepreneurs to engage communities with innovative artistic learning experiences and cultural exchange. Our programming is designed to be inclusive, diverse, and to encourage positive change as participants come to a better understanding of themselves and others. Our art is our activism.

ABOUT COSTAR COACHING

After working as a Career Consultant at a prominent NYC Acting Studio and booking roles on shows like: Blue Bloods, Quantico & Mr. Robot, Chantal found herself helping many of her actor friends prep for their TV Auditions. After a year of informal coaching and consulting, CoStar Coaching was birthed in 2016. The Mission of CoStar Coaching is to Empower Actors to their Full Potential through acting training, audition coaching and career consulting.

CEO & Founder, Chantal Maurice, is an award-winning actress/filmmaker and proud member of SAG-AFTRA. She has booked over 15 television shows and several films, from recurring as Rashida Flowers on “Grey's Anatomy” (ABC) to guest Starring as Dr. Katrina Randal on “Queen Sugar” (OWN).