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Linda Holland Rathkopf is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans across performance, visual art, and writing. Throughout her career, she has continually explored new creative avenues, maintaining a focus on self-expression, storytelling, and engagement with her audience.

Rathkopf began her artistic journey as a cabaret singer in Manhattan, performing original material in renowned nightclubs such as The Duplex, Grand Finale, and Reno Sweeney. Her work garnered positive reviews for her vocal talent, engaging personality, and comedic flair. She was recognized as a semi-finalist in the Arista and Columbia Records songwriting competitions, and appeared in Actors’ Equity showcase productions, including the Off-Broadway production Piano Bar.

In the years that followed, Rathkopf shifted her focus to painting and sculpture. Her work, often described as "whimsical snapshots of the American Scene in two and three dimensions," is known for its blend of satire and sympathy. She has exhibited widely in New York City and throughout the Northeast, with over 15 exhibitions to her name. Notably, Rathkopf was the sole featured artist at Lincoln Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration, and her work has earned numerous accolades, including First Prizes at the Chautauqua National Exhibition and recognition at institutions such as the Aldrich Museum and the Brooklyn Museum.

In addition to her visual art, Rathkopf is a playwright. Her plays have been produced and read in a variety of settings, including New York City, Connecticut, Louisville, and Fort Lauderdale. Among her notable works are Who Stole the Mona Lisa?, which is part of the permanent archives of the Louvre in Paris, and The Kindling Effect, which explores the subtle tensions within a marriage. Other plays include The Airport Encounter, First Tier, and None So Blind, each reflecting her interest in complex characters and the nuances of human relationships. Rathkopf has been recognized as a semi-finalist in the Eileen Heckart Ten Minute Play Competition and a finalist in the Prestor John Productions 15-Minute Play Competition.

Rathkopf has also written for anthology publications, with three short stories featured in Cup of Comfort collections. Her children's book, Bedtime Stories For Kids Who Have Heard It All, is currently awaiting publication, and she is in the process of working on her first novel as well as a new play.

Through each of her creative endeavors, Rathkopf brings a distinctive voice and perspective, consistently pushing the boundaries of her craft while maintaining a commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences across multiple mediums.

Linda Holland Rathkopf
linrath2000@yahoo.com
917.670.3976

Professional Summary

Multidisciplinary artist with extensive experience in performance, visual arts, and writing. Accomplished as a cabaret singer, painter, sculptor, and playwright, with a portfolio of work across New York City, the Northeast, and beyond. Noted for combining humor, emotional depth, and social commentary in various forms, with accolades from critics and recognition in prominent venues and institutions.

Education

Details about education, if applicable (e.g., degrees, certifications, etc.)

Performance Experience

Cabaret Singer / Performer
The Duplex, Grand Finale, Reno Sweeney, New York, NY

  • Developed and performed original material in solo cabaret shows

  • Semi-finalist in Arista and Columbia Records Songwriting Competitions

  • Received favorable reviews for vocal talent, comedic timing, and stage presence

    • Show Business (5/1/79): "A lovely voice, appealing personality, and a flair for comedy… she has the potential of a great performer."

  • Appeared in Actors' Equity showcase productions, including Off-Broadway's Piano Bar

Visual Art Experience

Painter and Sculptor

  • Exhibited more than 15 times in New York City and throughout the Northeast, including solo and group shows

  • Work described as "whimsical snapshots of the American Scene in two and three dimensions," blending satire and sympathy

  • Featured in numerous prestigious venues and museums, including the Brooklyn Museum, Aldrich Museum, and Pen and Brush Gallery

  • Recognized as the sole featured artist at Lincoln Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration

  • Awards:

    • First Prizes in Sculpture at the Chautauqua National Exhibition, Aldrich Museum, and Artists of Northeast USA

    • Best in Show (1500 entries), Artists of Northeast USA (Curated by Andre Emmerich, President of Art Dealers Association)

    • Exhibited in major venues including Brooklyn Museum and Lincoln Center

Playwriting

Notable Plays

  • Who Stole the Mona Lisa? – Produced at Innerspace Theatre, NYC, and archived in the permanent collection of the Louvre Museum, Paris

  • The Kindling Effect – Produced at Yankee Rep, Instant Theater, Pantheon NYC, Valley Players Theater, VT

  • The Airport Encounter – Produced in NYC, Connecticut, Louisville, Denver, Oakland, and Fort Lauderdale

  • First Tier – Produced at Valley Players Theater, VT

  • None So Blind – Read at Women's Initiative Playwrights (Dramatists Guild)

Awards and Recognitions

  • Semi-finalist, Eileen Heckart Ten-Minute Play Competition

  • Finalist, Prestor John Productions 15-Minute Play Competition

Publications

  • Short Stories: Published in Cup of Comfort anthologies

  • Children’s Book: Bedtime Stories For Kids Who Have Heard It All (Awaiting publication)

  • In Progress: Currently working on a novel and new play

Skills

  • Playwriting (Drama, Comedy, One-Act Plays, Full-Length Plays)

  • Performance (Solo Cabaret, Stage Presence, Original Material)

  • Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Mixed Media)

  • Writing (Short Stories, Children’s Books)

  • Collaboration and Adaptability in Multiple Creative Disciplines

Exhibitions & Productions

  • Solo Exhibitions: Lincoln Center 20th Anniversary Celebration (NYC), Artists of Northeast USA (NYC), Aldrich Museum, Brooklyn Museum

  • Group Exhibitions: Various galleries and museums in the Northeast USA

  • Theater Productions: Innerspace Theatre (NYC), Yankee Rep (VT), Pantheon Theater (NYC), Valley Players Theater (VT)

Professional Affiliations

  • Actors' Equity Association

  • Dramatists Guild

  • Art Dealers Association (ADA)