The Federal Bureau of Entertainment is a theatrical producing organization founded in 1997 but with roots beginning in 1980. The focus of our efforts, with a few exceptions, is the development, marketing and promotion of high quality professional one-person shows. We are dedicated to the proposition that solo shows, as we prefer to call them, are easier to produce and less expensive to present than other kinds of shows. The net impact is that they can be more profitable, yet just as enjoyable, entertaining and stimulating as larger and more complex offerings.
The company was founded in 1997 and evolved out of the activities started by JSA Publications, Inc., a successful packager of non-fiction books for the general trade publishing industry. The company’s founder and director, Joseph S. Ajlouny, has a significant background in journalism, theatre, publishing, licensing and entertainment marketing. It was his desire to create a producing and presenting organization utilizing these complimentary skills that served as the impetus for the establishment of the Bureau. Thus far the company has produced and presented over two dozen shows in theatres across the US and Canada, as well as the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a number of festivals and universities in North America and Europe.
Joseph is a writer and attorney with a 15-year career in newspaper syndication and book packaging. Building upon the experience he gained in these fields and meshing them with his life-long interest in theatre, he assumed control of a Pontiac, Michigan based performing arts venue in March 1998 and managed it until December 2000. During this period he produced and presented over 200 shows characterized only by their excellence and variety. The Bureau was established as a result of his conclusion that the opportunities he discovered within theatre could be professionally and successfully engaged. The principal opportunity he identified was the need to establish a theatrical organization dedicated to the promotion of one-person shows.
Patte is a writer who comes to the Bureau following a long career in business to business sales management. Like so many others today, she decided to abandon the proverbial asphalt jungle and follow her heart. Consequently she decided arts management is what she wanted to pursue, and she’s done so with a gusto characteristic of highly paid athletes. In addition to mastering our marketing and sales efforts, she has become our resident webmaster, research manager and all-around team leader. When not promoting bureau shows and activities, Patte enjoys songwriting, gardening and “hanging out” with her kids.
Thelma embarked upon a new career following the successful rearing of three children (and now seven grandchildren). For many years afterward she managed her husband’s sales and marketing company, wearing more caps than a hat tree. After his retirement, she channeled her amazing energies into the computer graphics field and subsequently established her own company, called Desktop Dynamics. In her position as the Bureau’s promotions manager she creates and manages all facets of our ambitious and highly targeted outreach efforts.
Angela is one of those young women who knows how to do anything and everything required (or requested) of her. She is a dynamic personality with personal interests in the performing arts, new technologies and travel. As the Bureau’s office manager she runs the show and tells everybody what they are supposed to be doing. And she is very good at it too!
Everything about the Bureau’s range of activities is unique. Our relatively small size, dedicated staff and singular purpose makes this statement a reality and not a platitude. Our focus, productions and professionalism are always at the forefront of our efforts, and our desire to continually learn and improve is a fundamental tenet of our organization’s master plan. Our openness, sincerity and commitment to excellence is and will remain a touchstone of our success. We encourage all interested parties to communicate with us in the Contact Us link within this website. You will find we are eager to hear from you and all about your ideas.
