A letter from the Artistic director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

For many years I have been experimenting and performing in various fields both in the US and Italy. While serving as an officer for arts organizations, I had the chance to observe and learn what works from a management standpoint and make choices that best apply to Mare Nostrum Elements. Based on my experiences, I felt the need to create a more nourishing and respectful environment for performers.

In a recent board meeting it became apparent that our Organization needs a space to call home in order to conduct its activities and all outreach programs for the artistic and local community. As a commitment to our neighborhood  which is greatly underserved when it comes to artistic and creative venues, we are currently seeking a space in Woodside, Queens.

The facility will be named The Wave Center and will be the permanent home for Mare Nostrum Elements for rehearsals, the creation of new projects and the outlet for our trademark Movement Theater Training The Wave Within! As we prepare for our next major production, Mediterranean Voices, it is vital for us to have a space to accommodate rehearsals for a 20+ cast and store instruments and props. Also in order to advance The Wave Within! it is imperative to have a space to offer workshops, master classes and outreach programs for artists, children and the local community.

When not in use by Mare Nostrum Elements, The Wave Center will offer subsidized rental rates of $10 – $15/hour to the many artists in need of rehearsal space. The same rates will be extended to fitness and arts instructors that will commit to charge no more than $10/class. This will allow the instructors to strengthen their teaching skills and build a following while making their class affordable and accessible to the community.

Please keep checking our website for update on The Wave Center,

Thank you for your support,

Nicola Iervasi

Sample Program Descriptions

• The Wave Within! workshops Ongoing weekly 2-hour class; bi-annual weekend and week-long intensives for pre-professional and professional performing artists and non-professional individuals in the local community.

• Staging/Choreographic LAB Bi-annual 12-hour laboratory for professional and emerging choreographers and directors. Participants will be guided to edit, direct and stage both ready and newly choreographed material.

• Young Artists Mentoring LAB (3 days) Bi-annual 9-hour laboratory for High School and College students. Participants will explore and develop personal movement expressions through the interdisciplinary elements of The Wave Within! This program is conceived to help young artists become aware of their skills and limitations, helping them to understand and choose their artistic calling and find their true voice.

• Subsidized Rental $10 – $15/hour rental rates for dance and theater rehearsals. The Wave Center will give priority to artists working on an upcoming event and who will commit to using The Wave Center as their exclusive or main rehearsal space. In exchange, The Wave Center will facilitate space rental and storage space throughout the rehearsal process.

• The Young Wave (Outreach) Free 1 ½ hour movement class conducted in a nurturing, non-technique-based environment for children 3-5 years old and their accompanying adult (parent, babysitter)