"The Escape Thingy" is a Semifinalist for the 2018 Bay Area Playwrights Festival

So thrilled that my new play "The Escape Thingy" is a Semifinalist in the prestigious Bay Area Playwrights Festival. I'm honored to be selected among over the 700 submissions for their 41st annual festival. I have also been entered into the BAPF pool of writers that are considered for the other developmental opportunities at Playwrights Foundation, including their monthly Rough Reading Series.

comedy, play, playwriting, theater, writingDeborah ValentiBay Area Playwrights Festival, The Escape Thingy
New Play "The Escape Thingy" Finalist for 2018-2019 Reva Shiner Comedy Award

So proud that my play "The Escape Thingy" is a Finalist for the 2018-2019 Reva Shiner Comedy Award! Ten finalists were selected from over 1,000 submissions by Bloomington Playwrights Project. What a wonderful honor. 

In this 5-person comedy, two very different couples meet in an "Escape Room" game night, each needing very different types of escape. The clock is literally ticking as they attempt to solve the puzzles, distinguish facts from alternative facts, and weigh the risks of unlocking the door to the dangerous world outside.

This new play, written as part of the Playwrights Union New Play Challenge 2017, is also a Semifinalist for the 2018 Ashland New Play Festival and the 2018 Bay Area Playwrights Festival.

awards, comedy, play, playwriting, theaterDeborah ValentiReva Shiner Comedy Award, Playwrights Union, Bloomington Playwrights Project
Appearing on FX's "Baskets" Tuesday March 6!

Check your local listings for FX's "Baskets" next week -- I'll be appearing in the "Woman's Conference" episode. SUCH fun working with the generous and kind Louie Anderson. And wonderful to meet Jackie Garcia (playing "Jan") as well as these two talented gentlemen.

You can see the clips on my updated acting reel HERE.

Clearly, it's a very difficult job, but somebody has to do it. 

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acting, comedy, TVDeborah ValentiBaskets
LIVE on "SAYS YOU!" Public Radio Show 2/18

So excited to be a panelist on the public radio show "Says You!" on Sunday, Feb 18!  I LOVE games, and word games especially. Here's the description from the show's website: "Take one word, add two teams, create three definitions and throw in a live audience. And, that’s Says You! – the last word in radio quiz shows since 1996. If you could play badminton with words, it would sound much like Says You!"

Count. Me. In.

And if you're not sure if you're local station carries "Says You" then check here. OR you can always just listen to the podcast after we air, which will be available via iTunes, Google Play, or via the Says You! app. (I'll post a link here once it is uploaded.)

Wish me luck! I plan to sleep on my dictionary the night before so that I'll be prepared. I am quite sure that will yield excellent results.

comedy, live performanceDeborah ValentiSays You!, radio, word game
NYC Casting for My New Play "Miss Keller Has No Second Book"

Met so many wonderful, talented, generous actors and actresses while in New York and casting for the world premiere of "Miss Keller Has No Second Book." It was a fast trip made easy by the amazing casting director Michael Cassara and his team. Looking forward to getting into rehearsals in early March at Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, FL, with our opening night set for March 31. Thanks to all who auditioned for us!

live performance, play, playwriting, theater, writingDeborah ValentiMiss Keller Has No Second Book
NEW COMMERCIAL VO DEMO!

In just 60 seconds, you can hear me get all commercially and voicey. This great demo was produced by the wondrous Ed Cunningham at Ed's ChopShop, and it was a blast to work on with him! Please take a listen if you have literally 60 seconds to spare and share (and you know you do):

Voiceover Demo 2018 for Deb Hiett. Repped by Avalon Artists Group (Stephany Burns) 323-692-1700, Los Angeles, California, USA.

acting, commercialsDeborah ValentiVoiceover, VO, commercial, announcer, Ed's ChopShop