Casting Director Jenny Rawdin on free entertainment in New York City
By Jenny Rawdin
'Tis the season to be jolly!
I think this happy little saying really refers to the summer. I am what you call a bona fide city girl, so I'm here to tell all of you to take part of the culture that New York City has to offer in the summer months. And even though these events are all tons of fun, they can also be a great opportunity to network with people in the entertainment industry! I have cast dozens of people after having met them at public events in the city.
And did I mention that everything I am talking about is completely and utterly free?
One of my favorite spots is the Hudson River Park. This park spans the west side of Manhattan, from Houston Street to 55th Street. It's an amazing part of NYC that I recently discovered with my mountain bike and my own two feet! There are free concerts, outdoor movies for kids and adults, and much more. The park's slogan is "Take Me to the River," and you should do just that! Their outdoor movies are a popular event, so take yourself there quick and get the best seat in the house.
Many of the summer's most high-profile events take place right in the middle of Central Park. Central Park hosts free concerts, theater, dance groups, and other performances almost every day during the summer. Check out their 2008 line-up at www.summerstage.org. Warning: These events can get very crowded. If you'd rather avoid the masses, don't forget that the events held in the northern sections of the park!
Many New Yorkers forget about the World Financial Center, where you can see the most spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty! It also hosts awesome art shows, outdoor movies, and beach volleyball games!
So hop to it people! Get your sneakers on and shake your groove thing all over the Big Apple. Summer goes by in a blink of an eye, so don’t miss these amazing opportunities to have fun and make new connections. I hope too see you in the great outdoors of NYC!
Jenny Rawdin - MTV Casting Director. Jenny has been casting actors, singers, dancers, and models for MTV's Total Request Live, the hit pop-culture-driven video countdown show. She also works on MTV Specials and MTV events and has been working in the film and television industry in New York City for six years.
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