A Cutting-Edge Talent Showcase AUSTRIAN SCREENWRITING SHOWCASE 2025 Words from the creators “It really exceeded my expectations. As for the production itself, I thought the actors and what director Matt Toronto did directing it, really brought the scene powerfully to life. As I was watching it, I found myself really emotionally moved. It was a great theatrical experience and it inspired me to think about filming the scene that was performed. I thought it would work well as a short film and sizzle reel for when I seek funding. Also after the performances, industry folks approached me and requested my script. So both artistically and in industry terms, it was a really rewarding experience.”— Takeo Hori“There’s honestly nothing better for a screenwriter than seeing an actor portraying a character you created. It’s inherently a collaborative medium, so watching others interpret your work is kind of what it’s all about. The team at Casino were so collaborative and helpful along the way, they made the process so fun and engaging.”— Nathan Patton “Casino Theatre was an invaluable experience for me. First off, it was deeply emotional to hear and see these characters I've spent so much time with coming to life before my eyes. But Casino Theatre also afforded me an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the industry I'd otherwise have had no access to. I'm really grateful for everything Casino Theatre has done to support me and my project!”— Kristina Grosspietsch“My favorite thing about the Casino Theatre was getting to see my script performed. To have actors, not just do a cold reading, but to have them staged and directed. And it was just a lot of fun to get to come together with a group of writers, actors, a director, a producer, and artists and put a performance together.”— Joey Day Hargrove “I thought it was awesome cause I'd never been to Los Angeles before and it was a really good first exposure to all the people there. I was very nervous when I got there but everyone ended up being very nice and easy to talk to. It was fantastic to see the scenes I wrote performed live. All the actors and actresses did great. I'm glad it went as well as it did.”— Johnny Cruz“It was the perfect match for me because while I direct film and TV, I spent years of my life in theatre as an actor and director. It is sort of a merging of my particular talents. When Anders came up with the idea, I was thrilled with it and I immediately volunteered my services. To me, it was a match made in heaven to be able to work in both the film world and theatre world at the same time. It’s been really rewarding, combining these two disciplines in a way that’s really compelling but also serves the artists and helps get their voices out there.”— Matt Toronto Our Friends
