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Intimate "downtown" theater in a Broadway House setting. Studio Dante is the creation of Michael and Victoria Imperioli. It is an unexpected jewel-box that was built to house progressive new plays in a setting inspired by the grand architecture and design of traditional 19th century venues. Studio Dante is committed to producing writers who inhabit a fresh point of view and have the courage to investigate difficult emotional terrain. Each New York premiere features accomplished actors and outstanding production values in a rare, welcoming space. Victoria Imperioli Victoria studied architecture and design at The School of Visual Arts in New York City while also attending classes at NYU. She has been involved in various projects in both Europe and the US since the early 90s. Victoria has developed a distinct and often admired style of her own. Her work has recently been featured in Architectural Digest Magazine. Studio is just the latest installment of her work. Michael Imperioli Michael Imperioli is currently a lead on the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Sopranos" for which he received a Best Supporting Actor EMMY Award and GOLDEN GLOBE nomination. In addition to his role as a cast member, Michael has written five episodes of the show. Michael has appeared in over 30 films including the voice of Frankie in Shark Tale, opposite Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renee Zellwegger, and Jack Black, Campbell Scott's Hamlet and Peter Matteil's Love in the Time of Money, My Baby's Daddy, and Goodfellas. Michael has worked with acclaimed directors Spike Lee (Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, Clockers, Girl 6) Hughes Brothers, Nancy Savoca (Household Saints,) and Gary Winnick (Sweet Nothing opposite Mira Sorvino) and has Executive Produced and co-written the Spike Lee directed film, Summer of Sam. On the New York Stage his work includes critically acclaimed performances in Aven 'U Boys, Displaced Persons (Opposite Martha Plimpton), Half Deserted Street, The Writing on the Wall and Little Blood Brother. Studio Dante was launched as part of his ongoing commitment to the New York Stage. Francine Volpe Francine Volpe's most recent play THE GIVEN opened at Studio Dante in October, 2006 and was directed by Michael Imperioli and Zetna Fuentes. The play was subsequently named a finalist for the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Award. Her play Late Fragment was produced at Studio Dante in September, 2005 and was also produced by The New Company in London in July, 2006. Her one-act play "Sweethearts" was commissioned by The New Company and premiered in London in May, 2005. Other one-act plays include: "The Confession" (produced at the Atlantic Theater), "The Broker" (Soho Rep), "Call The Person You Love" (Dance Theater Workshop, Soho Rep), and "When Everyone Was Looking" (Soho Rep). Francine's play Appreciation received a workshop production at The Juilliard School. Other workshops include Stars and Boy (both for Soho Rep). Francine was the recipient of a two-year Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwriting Fellowship at The Juilliard School where she completed her graduate study. She has twice received grants from the Lecomte du Nouy Foundation. Toni Marie Davis Toni joined the staff at Studio Dante in 2005 as Managing Director. With a production and management background, she has previously worked with HERE Art Center, Forbidden Broadway, The New School-Eugene Lang College, Roundabout, Hampton Shakespeare Festival and LesFreres Courbousier. She earned her B.A. from The Colorado College (Pam Riley Award, Theatre) and is a graduate of The Alabama School of Fine Arts (Theatre Service Award, Smith Book Award). Board of Directors Roger Haber (President), Sharon Angela, Howard Axel, Jean-Claude Baker, Richard & Zora Brown, Michael & Victoria Imperioli, Joseph & Adeline Laurita, Randi MacColl, Nick Sandow, and Tina Thor Press Representatives Bridget Klapinski, Darren Molovinsky Seri Lawrence |
