Retta Blaney, M.A., M.F.A. Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

New York, New York, United States

Writing and editing quarterly print magazine, Alzheimer’s TODAY, and semi-annual magazine for donors, Teal Times. Editing articles by doctors on AFA’s medical advisory board, web copy and brochures. Interviewing caregivers and people affected by memory loss diseases for Q&A features.

Generate my own ideas and work on assignments for national newspapers and magazines. Skilled at interviewing, research and writing compelling narrative and covering news and complex subjects, tailoring my work to the target audience/reader. Known for always meeting deadlines.Publications include:* The Washington Post* Newsday * The Baltimore Sun* National Catholic Reporter* The Jewish Week* American Theatre* Crain’s New York Business As a Theatre Critic and a voting member of the Drama Desk, my commentaries appear in national publications as well as my blog - - Life Upon the Sacred Stage (link below).

Write company profiles and features, write and edit newsletters, cover events, conduct interviews, write press releases.Organizations include:* Episcopal Charities* The Bruce Cohen Group* Trinity Wall Street* General Theological Seminary* ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty)* Evergreene Architectural ArtsPress Agent for Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes in his campaign for State Attorney General; responsible for writing speeches, press releases, op-eds and ghost writing a weekly column for the Jewish Press, as well as serving as a surrogate speaker at candidate forums. My books:"Working on the Inside: The Spiritual Life Through the Eyes of Actors." Author. Features interviews with Kristin Chenoweth, Dudu Fisher, Edward Herrmann, Liam Neeson, Phylicia Rashad, Vanessa Williams and many others. (Sheed & Ward, 2003)."Journalism Stories from the Real World." Editor. Introduction by Walter Cronkite. An anthology of journalism stories, many set in historical contexts such as the Kennedy assassinations, the Vietnam War and the integration of the Boston public school district (North American Press, 1995).The Joy of Arts and Theater, my essay contribution to "The 7 Joys of Life," edited by Dr. Amit Nagpal. (The Publisher, New Delhi, 2012).

Greater New York City Area

I conceptualized and launched the marketing department for EastView, a new Salvation Army independent senior living residence in East Harlem. Results: Occupancy increased by 10 %. * I originated all the copy for the website, brochure and advertisements and researched and compiled a neighborhood guide of businesses, services, entertainment and houses of worship for residents.* Designed and guided tours, photographed residents and their activities for daily postings on EastView’s Facebook page * Conducted extensive marketing. Skills: Excellent engagement with people, initiative, organization.

New York

Independent Contractor: I was recruited each fall for five years to support the fundraising team producing the annual Gala, which raised between $500,000 and $800,000 annually. I designed and implemented print and digital communication projects — writing press releases, feature stories and brochures, editing copy, contributing to the script for the Gala, and writing and following up on solicitation emails and invitations. Skills: Fundraising; tight, clear writing; editing; creativity; research (10/2014 to 12/2018)

Queens, New York, United States

Taught Public Relations Writing, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, grammar, spelling, punctuation and concise prose. I organized the class into four groups, assigning each to cover a nonprofit I had arranged for them to work for pro bono. They met with their clients and developed a comprehensive PR package consisting of a company profile, backgrounder, pitch letters and press releases.

New York, Ny

As founding producer of Broadway Blessing, I created a joyful, celebratory launch of the new theatre season, offering the performing arts community the opportunity to gather every September for a free evening of song, dance, and story with A-list performers, including James Barbour, Boyd Gaines, Edward Herrmann, Lynn Redgrave, Melissa Errico, Marian Seldes, Frances Sternhagen, Billy Porter and Tituss Burgess. I produced this event for 16 years and will produce again this September for the 25th anniversary celebration. * Raised and allocated budgets * Established goals and objectives for these productions* Planned and implemented programs from beginning to end* Publicized and Marketed to the New York City community* Supervised a team of volunteers With my strength in relationship building and managing diverse constituencies, I was able to grow this program from a small event in midtown in 1997 into an annual one at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.I produced several works by the late acclaimed composer/playwright Elizabeth Swados, beginning in December 2005 with the revival of Missionaries, Swados’ choral drama about the lives, work and murders of four American church women in El Salvador in 1980, a crime that made headlines around the world.

Brooklyn, Ny

Developed the news reporting class, sending students out to cover events in the city and then return to the classroom to write stories on deadline. Through my intense editing of their work they learned the importance of accuracy, proof-reading, spelling, punctuation, tight writing and the use of details.In my feature writing class I taught students the craft of storytelling, how to research and to prepare strong interview questions and how to write engaging profiles.

Taught in the Graduate Studies program at New York University’s prestigious Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. In my courses I emphasized the importance of fact-checking, accuracy, research and proofreading. Taught students how to master interviewing skills, to be persistent and to develop good judgment. I worked to shape them into ethical professional journalists. While at N.Y.U., I created a news service by coordinating with editors of community newspapers to have student work appear weekly under their bylines. Many students received their first bylines because of my efforts. My excellence in teaching was honored by the The Society of Professional Journalists with a Journalism Educator of the Year Award.

Master Of Arts, Modern Drama

Master Of Fine Arts (Mfa), Play-Writing

Education record

Education record