Bloomington Playwrights Project named 'hot spot' by travel agency

Sonja Johnson, developmental director of the Bloomington Playwrights Project, beamed as she proudly displayed a certificate and letter of congratulations that the theater company received in early March. Her smile echoed those of her coworkers after the online travel agency Travelocity named BPP as one of the Top 10 "Local Secrets, Big Finds" of Indiana. \nThese "hot spots" were chosen from nominations that exceeded 30,000 nationwide, and a top 10 chosen for each state. Nominated by "information seeking" travelers, these "hidden gems" provide a brief glimpse at local sites, businesses and events, according to a press release. According to Travelocity's review at http://svc.travelocity.com, when checking out the upcoming events at the BPP, "you will see something that you may never have the chance to see again." \nTravelocity's editor-at-large Amy Ziff, who was involved with the project, could not be reached by press time. \n"I thought it was a hoax at first, but when we realized it was the real thing we were so excited," Johnson said while working on a large stack of "thank you" notes to donors. \nThis excitement resonates in the BPP office and theater, where all the action happens. The BPP is a non-profit organization this year celebrating more than 25 years of service. The theater company focuses primarily on the production of both local and national contemporary plays. Aside from very gracious donations, the company also relies on four full-time staff members, a board of directors and from 30 to 35 regular volunteer actors and artists for these usually first-run productions. \nJohnson said he believes the BPP gives local artists a chance to exercise their talent. This is especially true for undergraduate IU students who might not get as much time and experience as they'd like with primarily graduate-run University productions. \n"We have a ready-made group who is just as committed to us as we are to them," Johnson added. \nArtistic Director Richard Perez, who is currently performing in his self-written, one-man show called "Secret Things," said he was also very enthusiastic about the travel giant's formal recognition. Perez reading a quote from Travelocity's letter of recognition, the BPP is "one of the most authentic, truly local spots."\n"It's a pretty cool honor," Perez said. "It's about the people who come through the doors and about the people we serve."\nBeing the winner of the Bloomington Area Arts Council's 2004 Arts Leadership and Cultural Organization Award, the BPP prides itself in the culturally diverse array of plays that are produced every season. Although this company is not completely new to being recognized, it is the first national award that it has received. \n"It is a well deserved recognition of what is not only known as a local and state treasure, but a national one as well," said Board of Directors President Robert Arnove. Arnove, who also serves as a Chancellor's Professor of Education at IU, said he was "delighted" about the recognition. \nDuring the last 25 years, the BPP has performed more than 400 plays. In addition to the plays of the regular season, "Special Silver Events" are happening throughout the rest of this and next year to top off the 25th anniversary. For more information, visit the BPP Web site, www.newplays.org.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Elizabeth Wepler at ewepler@indiana.edu.