DEADBEAT "THE Play to See" at Indy Fringe; Further Auditions set for Male Cast Member

DEADBEAT AUDITIONS 

SCORE A HIT!

by Crystal V. Rhodes

“It’s going to be the adult show to see.”  That’s a quote from Deborah Asante, director of the upcoming comical mystery, Deadbeat, written by members of Speed City Sisters in Crime Mystery Writers.  The play will be featured in the 2018 Indy Fringe Theatre Festival, August 16-26.

Auditions were held on Tuesday, June 26th for performers to act in the One Act play.  I had the pleasure of sitting through those auditions and I can say without any reservations that Indianapolis is teeming with creative acting talent.  It was on full display Tuesday.

Asante, an award winning director, actress, producer, storyteller and writer, is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Asante Children’s Theater of Indianapolis (A.C.T.), established in 1990.  She’s been putting performers through their paces for quite a while.  As part of the auditions not only were performers asked to read from the Deadbeat script, but she challenged them to improvise suggested scenarios on the spot, and the results were dynamic!

The two female leads in Deadbeat were cast from this audition and to say that they will bring the show to life is an understatement.  It looks like Deborah’s assessment that Deadbeat is going to be the show to see at the Indy Fringe is right on point!

Another round of auditions will be held for males only on July 5th.  This time the Speed City Sisters in Crime producers are looking for a man to play the title character.  If someone out there knows of anyone who would like to be a part of his exciting journey, or if you are an actor yearning for the spotlight contact MB “Michael” Dabney at 317-509-6490.  Further information regarding the time and place for the audition will be announced soon.

 Deadbeat is written and produced by Speed City Chapter of Sisters In Crime, a national mystery writing group.  It is the first project of its type undertaken by any chapter.

Tickets for the 2018 Indy Fringe will go on sale in July.  

DEADBEAT will be presented at the IndyFringe Basile Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis, IN

THURSDAY             AUGUST 16      9:00 P.M.

SATURDAY             AUGUST 18      9:00 P.M.

MONDAY                 AUGUST 20      9:00 P.M.

THURSDAY             AUGUST 23      7:30 P.M.

FRIDAY                    AUGUST 24      6:00 P.M.

SUNDAY                   AUGUST 26      7:30 P.M.

____________________

C.V. Rhodes is co-author of the Grandmothers, Incorporated cozy mystery series with fellow author, L. Barnett Evans.  Visit their website at www.grandmothersinc.com.  Rhodes is also the author of the romantic suspense Sin Series and the Stillwaters Series. Visit her website at www.crystalrhodes.com.

Chapter Member Releases New Cyber Thriller

Cyberkill: 
Bits and Bytes That Steal and Kill

Massive cyberattacks hit slot machines in mob-run Las Vegas casinos. Private investigator and computer consultant Wolf Ruger joins a cabal of infosecurity experts in the world of ransomware, bots, sinkholes and sandboxes. Meanwhile, Wolf agrees to investigate seemingly unrelated murders at an Indianapolis medical clinic. 
His hands are full maintaining steamy relationships with two women, each desiring a no-strings-attached arrangement. An Iraq vet, Wolf manages violence-induced PTSD episodes as he solves brutal murders and international cybercrimes, undeterred by beautiful women and organized crime. 

“Cyberkill,” scheduled for publication in late June 2018, is Book One of The Cybercode Chronicles. 

Ross Carley served as a military intelligence officer and an engineering professor. He is a cybersecurity and computational intelligence consultant. His two previous novels are Dead Drive (2016), a private investigator murder mystery, and Formula Murder (2017), set in the fast-paced formula racing industry. He belongs to the Indianapolis Chapter of Sisters in Crime and lives with the love of his life Francie. They split their time between Indianapolis, IN and Fort Walton Beach, FL. 

Visit his new website www.RossCarleyAuthor.com,  and his Facebook page www.Facebook.com/RossCarleyBooks

Auditions Set June 26, 6-9 pm for Deadbeat -- Two Female Lead Actors Needed

Auditions for DEADBEAT, a murder mystery that will premiere on the opening night of this year’s IndyFringe theater festival, will be Tuesday, June 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Fringe, 719 E St Clair Street, Indianapolis.

Call backs will be June 28.

The original one-act play, written and produced by the Speed City chapter of Sisters in Crime, is being directed by noted local director Deborah Asante.

Play description: What happens when a deadbeat’s murdered body is discovered by his long-suffering wife and her oldest friend? The women face a dilemma like no other as they deal with the dark underpinnings of their relationship and each woman’s deep suspicion that the other is the killer.

Needed: 2 female actors – Abigail, a somewhat timid, long-suffering wife; and her friend Celeste, a strong, sassy, assertive woman – and 1 male actor, the husband and murder victim.

Age range for all three – late 30s to mid-40s. Race is not specified.  Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script and participate in some improvisation. Could take 30 minutes.

Positions are paid.

Rehearsals will begin July 7. Performances are Aug, 16, 18 and 20; and Aug. 23-24 and 26 at the IndyFringe Basile Theatre.

If you or someone you know might be interested, contact MB “Michael” Dabney at 317-509-6490 to schedule a time. If no answer, leave a message and the call will be returned.

June 23 Speaker: Forensic Expert Michael Medler to Discuss "Real" Forensics for Writers

"Real Life CSI"

Saturday, June 23, 2018
12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. 
Barnes & Noble, 8675 River Crossing Blvd
(next to Keystone at the Crossing)
GUESTS INVITED

Speaker:  Michael Medler
Retired Director, Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency and Indiana State Police Officer


Mike Medler, recently retired Indianapolis-Marion County Forensics Services Agency director, long-time Indiana State Police officer, and forensic expert — will discuss one of his most riveting murder investigations, one that tested even his expertise with the principles of forensic sciences. Presented as a “who dunnit,” Mike’s program promises to confound even the keenest, most twisted imaginations among the Speed City Sisters in Crime members. Prepare to squirm.
As Mike describes the case … in early 1979, along a remote county road in rural Wells County, a farmer discovered the nude and disfigured body of a female. The nearest farm residence was over two miles away, and the fields surrounding the body were yet to be planted with corn and soybeans for the summer. The Wells County Sheriff’s Department and the coroner called in the Indiana State Police to work the crime scene, as well as attend the body’s post-mortem examination. Forensics broke this case open, but a local optometrist played a key role, too. ... More to come!

Mike Medler began his law enforcement career in 1976 as an Indiana State Police Trooper. Over the next 29 years — rising from trooper, to first sergeant, to lieutenant, to major, to lieutenant colonel — he: 
Worked as a crime scene technician
Became one of the state’s first officers trained in bloodstain analysis and reconstruction and frequently was called to court to testify as an expert witness
Trained as an expert fingerprint examiner
Managed the ISP’s satellite regional laboratories and their field support sections
Was responsible for the ISP’s training and personnel division
Took charge of the Indiana State Police Training Academy
Was instrumental in the expansion of the new Indiana Forensic and Health Sciences laboratory in Indianapolis
Led additional improvements of the facilities and staffing within the laboratory system
Developed “7-Step Crime Scene Protocol” for management of the Crime Scenes
Led the development of Indiana State Police’s first “random drug testing” program.
Headed the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, including criminal investigations, gaming and the laboratory division.
And served as adjunct faculty at I.U.-Kokomo, IUPUI, and University of Indianapolis.

In 2005, he retired from the Indiana State Police and was appointed laboratory director for the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency. He retired in February after serving more than 12 years.

Mike earned his BA in political science/pre-law from Wabash College, simultaneously attended the University of Virginia and the FBI National Academy, and completed numerous forensic, investigative and management/leadership programs. His professional memberships include: American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, Board of Visitors in the Investigative and Forensic Sciences program at IUPUI, Advisory Board at Harrison College, and Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team for Marion County. He also is a past board member of the Domestic Violence Network in Indianapolis.

Deborah Asante to Direct "DEADBEAT"

Deadbeat Directed !  

By Crystal V. Rhodes 

It’s signed, sealed and delivered!  

Deborah Asante is all ours.  She will direct Deadbeat the One Act comical mystery written by members of the Speed City Sisters in Crime as the chapter ventures into the world of live theatre at the 2018 Indy Fringe Theatre Festival.  

Asante, a seasoned actress, producer, storyteller and writer, as well as a director, is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Asante Children’s Theater of Indianapolis (A.C.T.).  Established in 1990, The Asante Children’s Theatre is a “youth development organization committed to enriching the lives of young people so they become empowered citizens of the world.”

Ms. Asante, and her staff, have guided A.C.T. into twenty-eight years of theatrical success in Indianapolis.  For a group of mystery writers new to maneuvering the uncharted waters of the Indy Fringe, having Ms. Asante aboard is like manna from heaven.  This means that the play, Deadbeat, will be in experienced hands.

The award-winning director is well respected in the Indianapolis theatrical community.  Through A.C.T, she has trained thousands of young people in the theatrical arts.  A.C.T. alumni have been accepted into some of the most prestigious Schools for the Performing Arts in this country, others have performed on stage and screen, and one former A.C.T. alumni was even nominated for an Emmy for his inventive choreography.

The Speed City Sisters in Crime chapter is delighted to welcome Deborah Asante aboard.  Our members can hardly wait to see how she works her magic on Deadbeat.  There’s a long road ahead, but it looks like our chapter is moving on up!
____________________
C.V. Rhodes is co-author of the Grandmothers, Incorporated cozy mystery series with fellow author, L. Barnett Evans.  Visit their website at www.grandmothersinc.com.  Rhodes is also the author of the romantic suspense Sin Series and the Stillwaters Series. Visit her website at www.crystalrhodes.com.

June Brings Opportunities to Talk Writing and Books With Speed City Sisters in Crime

Speed City Sisters in Crime members will be hitting the highways in Indiana over the next two weeks for three different programs around the state.  This weekend (Saturday, June 9), Chapter members will be meeting readers and fellow writers  at an art fair in Kirklin, Indiana and an author fair in Bloomington at the Monroe County Public Library. On both weekends, noted writer and Chapter member Larry Sweazy will be teaching a classes for writers at the Indianapolis Writers Center.

It's a great time to meet up with our members, discuss writing, their books and maybe becoming a member.

Kirklin Art Fair, Kirklin, Indiana:  Saturday, June 9, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Speed City Sisters-in-Crime will have a book table for sales of all of our anthologies.  The table will be located on Min Street in Kirkland. Authors Janis Thornton, Janet Williams, and N. W. Campbell will be available to talk writing and sign books.

Monroe County Public Library, Bloomington, IN:  Saturday, June 9, 2 - 4 p.m.

Writers and Chapter member Brenda Stewart, Stephen Terrell and Russ Carley will be in Bloomington to discuss the Sisters in Crime murder mystery anthologies.  Brenda has served as editor for all of the Speed City Sisters in Crime anthologies to date, and has written stories appearing in each book.  Stephen has a two short stories in the latest anthology, and has written two legal thrillers, Stars Fall and The First Rule. Russ has written two thrillers set in the world of Formula 1 racing and has a new book coming out in late June. 

Indianapolis Writers Center:   June 9 and June 16,  1 - 4 p.m.

Larry Sweazy will be teaching two classes.  On June 9, he will teach  "Writing Your First Novel." The following Saturday, June 16, he will teach a time management class for writers titled “How Much Time Do You Really Have.”  The fee for each is $75, with a lesser fee for Writers Center members.

Wild Deadwood Reads, Deadwood, South Dakota: June 7-9

If you happen to be in Deadwood, South Dakota, you can also meet Speed City Chapter member Diana Catt, who will be meeting readers and signing books at the annual Deadwood festival.

Deadbeat: Or How a Group of Speed City Sisters in Crime Wrote a Play (Part 1)

DEADBEAT: An Adventure in Play Writing

By Crystal V. Rhodes 

It’s almost here!  

After nearly a year of preparation, the Speed City Chapter of the Sisters in Crime Mystery Writers will be participating in its first Indy Fringe Play Festival, which runs from August 16th through August 27, 2018.  It has been a long haul, one that began in May 2017 when the Speed City Chapter made the decision to write a play and enter it in the Indy Fringe Live Theatre Festival as a fundraising event.  

This was a historic decision!  Out of the 40 plus chapters of Sisters in Crime, throughout the United States, the Indiana chapter is the first to try such an endeavor and our daring members delved into this endeavor with creative fervor.

The Sisters in Crime Playwright Workshop created and those involved crafted a One Act play that it named Deadbeat, a comical “who done it” with a twist.  It took more than eight drafts, two readings and close to a year for the play to be completed but it did happen, and finally the day the membership had been waiting for arrived.  On May 28th, Memorial Day, the six dates on which Deadbeat would be presented at the 2018 Indy Fringe Festival were revealed to our Chapter President in an email:

DEADBEAT will be presented at the IndyFringe Basile Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis IN

THURSDAY            AUGUST 16 9:00 P.M.
SATURDAY            AUGUST 18      9:00 P.M.
MONDAY               AUGUST 20      9:00 P.M.
THURSDAY            AUGUST 23      7:30 P.M.
FRIDAY                  AUGUST 24      6:00 P.M.
SUNDAY                 AUGUST 26     7:30 P.M.

The fact that we finally received these all-important dates is terrific, but can you believe that we will be presenting a theatrical production on a Monday night?  At 9:00?   Yes, folks, somebody at the Fringe office put on a blindfold and threw darts at a board and the Speed City Chapter of Sisters in Crime was presented with some very challenging dates and times for Deadbeat.  Despite this, the Speed City Chapter is composed of a group of resilient trailblazers who dare to think outside the box!  We mean to make this production of Deadbeat a success.  So, over the next few weeks I will be sharing the Speed City Chapter of Sisters in Crime’s daring foray into the exciting World of the Indy Fringe Festival—the Good, the Bad and the Ugly (and let’s hope there won’t be any of the latter). 

Stay Tuned.  It might turn out to be a bumpy ride!  
____________________
C.V. Rhodes is co-author of the Grandmothers, Incorporated cozy mystery series with fellow author, L. Barnett Evans.  Visit their website at www.grandmothersinc.com.  Rhodes is also the author of the romantic suspense Sin Series and the Stillwaters Series. Visit her website at www.crystalrhodes.com.

Chapter Member Larry Sweezy Teaching June 9 & 16 at Indianapolis Writers Center

Larry Sweazy, noted author and Speed City Sisters in Crime member, will teach two classes this month at the Indianapolis Writers Center. 

Larry will speak on Writing Your First Novel on June 9 (1-4 p.m.).   

According to Larry, the big secret about writing a first novel is finishing it. Great ideas tire out. Real life gets in the way. Doubt over takes the dream. In this interactive workshop, Larry will share proven tips and help you to build the skills beginning or seasoned writers need to finish that special first novel.  For more information on this program, CLICK HERE.

The following week, on June 16 (1-4 p.m.), Larry will again teach at the Indianapolis Writing Center. This time he will address issues of time management for writers with day jobs. His session is titled: “How Much Time Do You Really Have.”

Registration for each program is $75 for non-members, $48 for members, and $42 for student, teacher, senior and military members. For more information on this program, CLICK HERE.

On June 30, between noon and 4 p.m., Larry will be signing copies of his latest project at the Noblesville Barnes & Noble:  The Trading Post and Other Frontier Stories: A Five Star Anthology.

Larry is the author of the Trumaine Mystery Series, as well as numerous short stories. You can learn more about Larry at http://larrydsweazy.com