Here’s a little confession. I have been to New York City exactly once in my life, and that was less than a year ago, when I attended a friend’s birthday party there and saw my first Broadway show (… it was “Hadestown,” and yes, it was awesome). I liked it (the play AND New York), but had no idea when I’d have another reason to visit. Well, this October, I will be returning to perform my one-person show “Polar Bears” at the United Solo Theatre Festival, a major undertaking for which I am seeking supporters through a new  GoFundMe campaign and a simple request to tell everyone you know in New York City to make plans to see this heartwarming true story (about a very big lie) on Tuesday, October 25 (and possibly other dates, if this one sells out). But before that, it seems I am going to NYC in just over a month, to see an industry reading of my award-winning play “Galatea,” which will be presented on Thursday, September 8 at the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, with a rather dazzling cast: Caroline Aaron (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Edward Scissorhands”), Mel House (“Break Like You,” “Broken Bird”), John Rothman (“Sophie’s Choice,” “Ghostbusters,” “One Mississippi”) and Ben Mehl (“You,” season two). And thanks to actor-director Bob Ari (and Sonoma County playwright Bob Canning, who sent Bob the script) for being excited enough with my “robot play” to want to help move it to the next level. Stay tuned, please spread the word and as always, thank you for all your support.

— DAVID TEMPLETON