11th Annual Native American Actor's Showcase.

The American Indian Community House presents its 11th Annual Actor's Showcase, an event that publicizes the Performing Arts Department's extensive file of Native actors. Casting agents and other industry members are invited to this annual evening of performances. The Actor's Showcase was established to demonstrate the wide range of Native talent and encourage the development of vehicles that transcend the stereotypes that often relegate Native Actors to limited roles within the 'industry.' It also serves to educate performers 'on the business, ' by bringing them together with agents and other key players. The evening is part of 'Indian Summer' and is also open to the public. The American Indian Community House (AICH) is an urban Indian center that services the needs of the Native people living in New York City and welcomes Native visitors to the city. AICH was founded in 1969 and has become a de facto 'neighborhood' serving as a meeting place for the diverse Native community of the New York City area. The Community House offers a variety of services ranging from substance abuse and HIV counseling, to career assistance. It is also home to the only Indian owned and operated art gallery in New York City. The AICH's Performing Arts Department has become an important resource for Native visual and performance artists. Through its programming, performance has become an important educational vehicle, both for the Native and non-Native NY community. The Badger's Corner, initiated in the 1980's, is an education-via-entertainment vehicle for the AICH's visual and performing arts department programs. Taking its name from the Pueblo legend of the four-legged creature who led the Pueblo people out of the underworld after the great flood, the intent of its programming is to inform and challenge people to rethink their concept(s) of Native American people and customs. All performances at AICH are presented under the auspices of the Badger's Corner. 'Indian Summer' is an annual event at AICH and an occasion for artists to present their latest works to the community and the general public. All performers, whether new to the field or veteran practitioners, are encouraged to present their work. Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics