I met Dana Castellano only once when my 10-minute play was read at the Women’s Theater Project’s "Girl Play" last year. She was an energetic supporter of "Girl Play" and my short interaction with her made an impact that this was someone who really loved the theater community.
Castellano was diagnosed in January with stage 4 cervical cancer, and the theater community is rallying around her with support. On Monday, the South Florida Theater League will present "The Dana Plays," a play reading fundraiser inspired by Castellano, a beloved member of the local theatrical community.
The evening, which begins at 8 p.m. in Miami Shores at the Miami Theater Center, has evolved as an adjunct to the League’s Summer Theater Fest PlayReading Festival. Among playwrights contributing to "The Dana Plays" are Andie Arthur, Christopher Demos-Brown, Jessica Farr, Tony Finstrom, Avi Hoffman, Michael McKeever, Juan C. Sanchez, Deborah Sherman, and Paul Tei.
It will raise funds for the American Cancer Society and for Castellano to help her defray the heavy costs of her treatments.
Castellano has been a passionate supporter of and involved with South Florida theater for over 10 years in both Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She has been an active member of the board of directors the Women’s Theater Project and has dedicated her time and energy a number of theatrical projects.
Her plight has led to the formation of a support group, Team Chaos, whose mandate is to raise funds for, and awareness of her situation. Donations can be made directly to Dana Castellano’s support group, Team Chaos here: http://tinyurl.com/jw92mak
Tickets for "The Dana Plays" are $15 each, with any extra donation welcome, and will be available at the door of the theater the evening of the performance.
For more information about "The Dana Plays," Dana Castellano, or the South Florida Theater League, please contact Andie Arthur at Contact: Andie Arthur at andie@southfloridatheater.com / 954-557-0778 or Carol Kassie at ckassie@gmail.com / 561-445-9244.
The Miami Theater Center is located at 9806 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami Shores. Call 305-751-9550
