34 - 24 82nd Street # 4 L

Jackson Heights, NY 11372

718.457.1208 (home/fax)

garyjohnla@juno.com (e-mail)

4 June, 1999

RE: ANDREA ANDRESAKIS

To Whom it May Concern,

I am a member of the Society of Stage Directors & Choreographers (as well as 3 other theatrical unions) and have been in the theatre for more than twenty years. Performing credits have included Broadway, Hollywood, Vegas and national and international tours. As a director/choreographer I have worked in many regional theatres, Civic Light Operas, dinner theatre, summer stock, University theatre and Off-Broadway productions. Recently, I had the opportunity and good fortune to work with Ms. Andresakis at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford, New York. This letter will serve as an introduction and heartfelt recommendation to her.

Westchester Broadway Theatre has operated as an Equity dinner theatre for more than twenty-five years. It is New York’s longest running, year-round, union theatre and is well respected for its productions. Last year, prior to mounting the musical “La Cage Aux Folles” there, the management offered to hire an assistant for me. As rehearsals would be fast and intense, we agreed that having someone who was well trained as a director and choreographer would be invaluable to maximize our time and efforts.

I had met Andrea the prior year at a networking meeting sponsored by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. We had had many interesting conversations and shared similar backgrounds and artistic taste. I knew that she was versatile and had an extensive resume both as a performer and director/choreographer. When the option of having an assistant arose, I immediately thought of Andrea and called her. As it turns out, she was unavailable at the time due to other work-related commitments. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

This year, I was hired by the producers of WBT to direct and choreograph a new production of “Camelot.” Again, it was clear I would need an assistant, and this time more so, as I was working on another big theatrical project in New Jersey simultaneously. “Camelot” would rehearse for a total of ten days (including technical rehearsals) and my time was really at a premium. I needed someone I could trust, even in my absence. I telephoned Andrea again, knowing she could handle the arduous requirements ahead. Fortunately, she was available this time!

Andrea had many different tasks including the taking and delivering of voluminous notes for me, running important errands, communicating with the design team (as changes were made) and dealing with actors’ problems & concerns. More importantly, I depended on her to run scenes and production numbers (in another studio) while I continued to do the initial blocking. This she did with great aplomb. I fully trusted her to maintain my direction and “clean” the dances. Her work was and is meticulous. Since I valued her judgment, I would often ask her opinion afterwards and took many of her suggestions. I was amazed by her calm demeanor and ability to apply herself as musician (she reads music well), actor, dancer, communicator, technician, administrator, mentor and friend to the company and staff, as needed. What struck me in particular was her professionalism and ability to take whatever curves came her way. (And they came!) Whatever the time or scenario, she always made herself available and dealt with the situation promptly and efficiently. She even surpassed my high expectations of her.

My experience with Ms. Andresakis proved so pleasant and positive, that I fully intend to work with her again, if she is interested or available. It is rare to find an artistic relationship that is so “simpatico” and I am grateful for it. Certainly, I believe the future for Andrea will be bright. In addition to being versatile, she has “staying power” and is extremely committed to her craft. She has great willingness to learn and expand her horizons. Her background as a performer is a plus and was instrumental in her ability to work and communicate with actors. Her knowledge of other artistic mediums serves her well too and makes her well-rounded as a person and artist. She is unafraid of uncharted waters and takes artistic risks. I learned this through our experience together, as well as through conversations with colleagues.

As I mentioned previously, I will welcome the opportunity to work with Andrea again and unhesitatingly recommend her to you. Ability like hers deserves to be nurtured and developed and I admire her desire to do so through her life and work experience. If she is applying to you for the latter, I hope you will consider her carefully, as she has so much to offer and is extremely capable.

I have come to realize that she was much more than an “assistant” and is fully capable of directing and choreographing in the same venues that I am currently working. I doubt she will “need” to work for me again, as her career is flourishing. I am lucky to had such an experienced person to collaborate with and am eternally grateful to her.

If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to telephone me at the above number. I will be more than happy to talk with you on Andrea’s behalf.

Most Sincerely,

Gary John La Rosa

Director/Choreographer - SSDC