Americans for the Arts, the 40year nonprofit organization for advancement of the arts in the States, has released its first national Creative Industries Study. The survey conducted analyzed in detail the locations of arts-related businesses, institutions, and organizations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The study was created by evaluating six industry categories including: performing arts; museums/collections; visual/photography; film, radio, TV, design/publishing; and schools/services. The Creative Industries Study reveals that 11 standard metropolitan statistical areas have more than 10,000 arts-related businesses, institutions, and organizations (both for-profit and nonprofit) each. Where did Houston fall on the list?…

Stage and Film Actor Dies at 80

"To grasp the full significance of life is the actor's duty, to interpret it is his problem, and to express it his dedication."~ Marlon Brando

Legendary actor Marlon Brando has passed away at the age of 80 in a Los Angeles hospital on Thursday. The cause of death is still unknown.

Brando was born on April 3, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, but grew up in Illinois. After expulsion from a Military Academy and digging ditches with his father, Brando set off to New York City to study acting with Stella Adler at Lee Strasberg’s Actor’s Studio…

Fringe Festival key to many performers' careers
Nigel Hatton, Star Tribune

Published July 27, 2003 STAG27

The Minnesota Fringe Festival lasts only 10 days each summer, but for many performers the event is the key to year-round stage action. Success in front of a Fringe audience can boost a career.

"I look at the Minnesota Fringe Festival as a place to take artistic risks and try out new material," said Edina native and New York City resident Rene Foss, a 1999 and 2000 festival performer who returns this year. "There are people coming from all over. You have an opportunity to meet other performers, see what other people are doing. There's a plethora of creativity."