Ethan Directs Documentary on International Child Trafficking
7/1/09

Picture
Ethan speaks with the Director of Photography, Vincent DeLuca, on the set of 'Following the Snakehead.'
Ethan is currently finishing principle photography on a short documentary, tentatively titled "Following the Snakehead," which documents Chinese children who are trafficked to the U.S. for labor purposes. The documentary started filming earlier this year and hopes to be completed by fall 2010.

From the website: "Every year, Chinese human smugglers, known as 'snakeheads', use transnational, illicit networks to transport persons from China into the United States. Migrants pay fees as high as $80,000, and are subject to exploitation and brutality in the course of their journeys, as well as  retribution upon themselves and their families should they be unable to pay." To watch Ethan describe the film, click here.

To learn more about the film, visit www.snakeheadthefilm.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Ethan Directs Short Film, "Second Glance"
10/15/09

No Jacket Required teamed up with Bite the Apple Productions to create a great little short film that highlights the random encounters that can only happen in New York City.  Shot in Central Park, the cast includes Tod Engle (Law and Order SVU, The Sopranos) and Laura Williams.  Ethan, Tod, and Laura have worked together previously on the stage, and most recently Ethan and Tod performed in the award winning play, Confirmation.

Watch Ethan talk about the film below or visit www.secondglancethefilm.com or more information.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Outstanding Actor New York International Fringe Festival 2009!
8/31/09

The 2009 recipients for FringeNYC's Overall Excellence Awards were announced last night at the closing night party for the New York international Fringe Festival, held at The Gramercy Theater.

In total, five Outstanding Actor awards were given out throughout the night, and  Ethan received one for his portrayal of Joe Kortig in Vinnie Marano's comedic drama, Confirmation, which received a four-star review from Time Out New York as well. Others who received an Outstanding Acting award for their work during the 2009 NYFringe were Alyson Weaver (La Ronde), Autumn Hurlbert (A Contemporary American's Guide to a Successful Marriage), Colin DePaula (Mutti's After Supper Stories), and Ken Barnett (La Ronde).
Picture
Picture
Picture
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Confirmation Behind the Scenes Videos
7/31/09

Do you like behind the scenes videos? Do you like behind the scenes videos about the largest international theater festival?  Then you should check out Behind the Fringe - a short video series that takes a  behind the scenes look at what it takes to put up a NY Fringe show! Follow the lovable cast of Confirmation as they stumble through lines, tech, rehearsals, and publicity!  See the whole series!

Find more out about Confirmation (including character video shorts) at www.confirmationtheplay.com.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

NJR's Presents Behind the Bard Teaser
1/18/09

No Jacket Required is proud to present "Behind the Bard," a web-series mocumentary that follows the original NYC cast of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged" as they prepare for their international debut in Belgium Brussels.  The series examines what happened to each cast member after the NYC performances, what paths they have chosen to travel, and whether or not they will ever perform together again.
Features: Ethan Downing, Timothy Dudek, Robert Nguyen, Darren St. George.

Watch the Full Series

__________________________________________________________________________________________

NJR's "Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged" to Perform in Brussels, Belgium
12/10/09

Picture
No Jacket Required will be performing "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged"  for the International School of Brussels (ISB) and their community during the week of January 18th.  The Cast includes all original NYC members: Ethan Downing, Timothy Dudek, and Darren St. George.

Directed by Robert Nguyen, and written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, "...Shakespeare Abridged" is a hilarious, fast-paced, Monty Python-type romp through Shakespeare's plays. Three male actors take audiences through 37 plays, which are condensed down to a 90-minute free-for-all, making mincemeat of the Bard. Improvisation, audience participation, pop culture, and local references are in store, as well as the fastest, funniest, "Hamlet" you're likely to see.

For more information visit the show's Belgium webpage at: http://njrbelgium.weebly.com

Don't forget to check out the brand new web-series, "Behind the Bard," a mocumentary that follows the original NYC cast and their tumultuous split after their final performance featuring Ethan, Timothy, and Darren.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

"Predisposed" Accepted to Sundance!
12/08/08

Phillip Dorling's short film, Predisposed, has been officially selected as one of the short films that will play at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

The film stars Frozen River actress, Melissa Leo, and Ethan Downing.  It tells the story of a conservative son's plight to change his family's hopeless situation and how he is pulled into the messy mission of helping his manipulative, drug addicted mother score.

This year the Festival's Short Film Program comprises a record 96 short films from 5,632 submissions, from U.S. and international filmmakers. The 2009 Sundance Film Festival runs January 15-25 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah. 

For more Predisposed news please click here.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

"The Hayley Project" Episode 8: To Be Or Not To Be
10/23/08

Ethan finished filming a featured role in Pound4Pound's episodic feature, "The Hayley Project," last summer with friend, and co-actor, Dennis Hurley ("The Albino Code" and "Bear Guy").  "The Hayley Project" premiered this fall with much anticipation.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

"Predisposed" Accepted in Woodstock Film Festival!
7/30/08

Philip Dorling's short film, Predisposed, has been accepted into the Woodstock Film Festival.  Written by Dorling and Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia, The Painted Veil), the film stars Melissa Leo (Homicide Life on the Street, 21 Grams) and Ethan Downing.  To read more, including a note from the director, click here.

(Festival photos now available!)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged!
7/2/08

Ethan has started rehearsals for No Jacket Required's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged! Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, "...Shakespeare Abridged" is a hilarious fast -paced, Monty Python-type romp through Shakespeare's plays. 

Three male actors take audiences through 37 plays, which are condensed down to a 90 minute free-for-all, making mincemeat of the Bard.  Improvisation, audience participation, pop culture and local references are in store, as well as the fastest, funniest, "Hamlet" you're likely to see!

Directed by Robert Nguyen, No Jacket Required will be performing FREE versions of the show in Central Park throughout July and early August.  Click here for specific dates.  To see the show in its entirety, purchase tickets for the limited run August 14th - 30th before it sells out!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

One-Act to be Produced
4/28/08

Ethan's one act play, "Coffee & Fools" is set to be produced by the American Theater of Actors this summer.  The production will be directed by Jane Bacon at the American Theatre of Actors.  Show dates are tentatively set for June 11th-15th.  Those wishing to reserve tickets in advance may call: 212-581-3044.

For more about "Coffee & Fools" check out the website or NY Theatre.com.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

My Dinner with Amy - EXTENDED!
12/28/07

Tony Fiorentino's new romantic comedy, "My Dinner with Amy," has been extended by the American Theatre of Actors for an additional run after a successful premiere.  The limited extension will take place after New Year's, and will run Wednesday (1/2/08) through Sunday (1/6/08).  Michael Bordwell will be filling the role of "Nathan" for Ethan on Thursday (1/3/08) due to prior engagements.  If you didn't have a chance to see it the first time around, make it your New Year's resolution to come and see it and you won't be disappointed.  For more information about tickets or the original announcement, see below.
 
EXTENDED - WEDNESDAY (Jan. 2) - SATURDAY (Jan. 5) 8:00 P.M.
SUNDAY (Jan. 6) 3:00 P.M.For Reservations Call: 212.581.3044
Tickets: $15.00   Map

11/29/07 - Ethan was cast last night in a new play by Tony Fiorentino premiering in New York at the American Theatre of Actors', called "My Dinner With Amy."  The show will run December 19th - 23rd, Wednesday - Sunday in ATA's Seargent Theater.  Produced by ATA, the show is a comedy that will have anyone who has ever been on a blind date laughing.  Rehearsals begin Saturday in preparation for the run.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

"Predisposed" - IT'S A WRAP!!
11/18/07

Filming wrapped Sunday for Predisposed on a very high note.  Leaving the climactic scene for the end of the shoot, Director, Philip Dorling, was able to spend the entire day shooting the last scene of the film.  Dorling had already started some of the editing during the shoot, but will spend the next two months going through the footage to work towards the final project.  Hopes are high, with goals set on the festivals.
Click here for more about Predisposed.

Below: The cast and crew of Predisposed at the wrap party. (click here for more photos)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

"Predisposed"
11/01/07

Ethan Downing was recently cast to play the male lead in Philip Dorling's short film, "Predisposed," written by Philip Dorling and Ron Nyswarner (Philadelphia and The Painted Veil) with Melissa Leo (21 Grams  and Homicide Life on the Street).   Filming is scheduled for November 13th - 18th in upstate New York. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Brooklyn Film Race
8/18/07

Ethan teamed up with Junction Jump to write, shoot, and edit a short film in twelve hours for the Brooklyn Film Race 2007.  The end result was "Brush Hour," a four minute short that tells the story of a man in a rush for work and the magical powers of his wife's brush.  Directed by Jason C. Tyrrell (writer/director Snooze), "Brush Hour" will premiere with the other short films on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at Cobble Hill Cinemas in Brooklyn from 9:00pm-11:00pm.  Tickets will be available at the door on a first come first serve basis. 

For more information about the films, the screening, or tickets please click here.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Johnson Merger - WRAPPED!
7/15/07

 

 

Shooting wrapped this weekend for Lucky 14 Productions' short film, "The Johnson Merger." 



PHOTO: Ethan waits, center, with some of the cast between takes.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Johnson Merger
7/6/07

Lucky 14 Productions recently cast Ethan in the independent short film, "The Johnson Merger."  Filming is set to begin this week.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

ATA - "Love's Labour's Lost"
6/23/07

Ethan will be playing the role of "Moth," the witty page to the bombastic Spanish swordsman, Don Adriano Armado, in American Theatre of Actors' production of Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost," directed by James Jennings. The show will run July 11th - 28th, Wednesday - Saturday at 8:00pm in ATA's outdoor, garden theatre.  The cast includes: Jane Bacon, Michael Bordwell, Katie Brown, Ned Cray, Ethan Downing, Tim Dudek, Bill Growney, Paul Hansen, David Holt, Jessica Jennings, Raul Julia, Jr., Raphaela Rose Primos, Rebecca Ryan, Brandon Walker, and Kevin Woods.
Map
Cost: $15.00
For Reservations call 212.581.3044 or smarttix

__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Hayley Project 
6/22/07

Ethan finished filming a featured role in Pound4Pound's episodic feature, "The Hayley Project," as Hamlet last Saturday.  Cast includesDennis Hurley ("The Albino Code" and "Bear Guy").
PHOTO: Ethan (left) and Dennis (right in blue shirt) listen to comments between takes (click for more photos).

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

American Theatre of Actors - "The Winter's Tale"
6/13/07

Ethan was recently cast, and is currently performing, in ATA's production of Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale."  Directed by ATA's Artistic Director, James Jennings, and produced by the American Theatre of Actors, the show will run from June 13th - 30th (Wednesday - Saturday) at 8:00pm in ATA's outdoor, garden theatre (located at 314 West 54th Street)  The cast includes: Tzaddi Allick, Charles Baker, Michael Bordwell, Katie Brown, Andrew Carter, Ken Coughlin, Jane Culley, Ethan Downing, William Greville, Kitty Hendrix, David Irving, Jessica Jennings, Raul Julia, Jr., Amanda LaPergola, Hamilton Meadows, C.J. Sailor, Jack Wallace
Map
Cost: $15.00
For Reservations call 212.581.3044 or smart tix

__________________________________________________________________________________________

NativeAliens Theatre - "The Girl Most Likely To"

Ethan finished performing with NativeAliens Theatre Collective this spring in "The Girl Most Likely To" at the Independent Theater.  Directed by Jodi Smith, the show parodied the screenplay by the same name, written by none other than the demi-goddess of plastic surgery herself, Joan Rivers.  Click here for pictures of the show.