Pioneer Valley Theatre News February 18, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   February 18-March 9, 2016 Tomorrow is the last day to buy tickets for Play with Your Food - it's a fundraiser for New Century Theatre's 26th season and a whole lot of fun. You get a delicious four-course meal from Spoleto and a show in between courses. Check out the link below to purchase tickets and see more information.  Today is your last day if you are applying for the Box Office Manager position at the Academy of Music. The Academy is also looking for a volunteer to be run crew for Uncle Vanya. Contact me if you are interested! The next issue will include events through March 16. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before next Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com Submit Your Theatre Event Get your tickets today! THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from The Stranger That'swhatshesaid Didn't Ask Permission Because They Didn't Have To, Says Attorney by Rich Smith From the article: Yesterday afternoon, Jeff Nelson, the attorney representing That'swhatshesaid, sent his official legal response to representatives at Samuel French and Dramatist Play Services. Both theatrical publishing titans sent cease-and-desist letters, citing copyright infringement (and, in DPS's case, "theft") to That'swhatshesaid's creators—performer Erin Pike, playwright Courtney Meaker, and director HATLO—demanding they stop performing the play. In response, Nelson's letter asks the publishers to cease and desist sending their cease and desist orders. In addition to making the argument that the fair use doctrine would protect That'swhatshesaid if anyone took the creators to court, Nelson also offers a little theater criticism of his own. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES Amherst College presents Twine: After Troy Written and Directed by Maria Elena Marione ‘16 February 18-20, 8PM, Kirby Theater Admission is free Reservations recommended (413) 542-2277   “The ships are in the harbor now. An answer’s on it’s way -- with shadows black like alley cats, can you stand to hear it named? This was our city before they tore the walls down.” Waiting outside the gates of the city that has been their home for centuries, four women scavenge for a future in the rubble of their gutted past. Using the threads of stories passed down for generations, they begin to weave themselves a new mythology -- one in which chaos gives way to creation, silence is supplanted by strength, and the love of sisters, mothers, and daughters unravels into women who survive.   Twine: After Troy is a collaboratively-developed performance written and directed by Maria Elena Marione ‘16. Performers Alina Burke ‘17, Darienne Madlala ‘16, Emily Willick ‘18, and Mahalia Banton ‘19 step into and out of the stories of women who, like them, birthed the world from chaos. Scenic design by Theater and Dance Graduate Assistant Madison Cortez ’13, costume design by Mercedes Alpine ’16, and lighting design by Resident Lighting Designer Kathy Couch.   For more information about Twine: After Troy and other arts events on the Amherst College campus, go to amherst.edu/arts, and facebook.com/AmherstArts Smith College New Playreading Series: LIVY IN THE GARDEN written and directed by Ellen W. Kaplan directed by Hannah Sachs '16 Thursday, February 18 at 7:30 PM in Acting Studio 1 (T100)   Livy is about to give birth, and she’s terrified. She enters a fairy tale world where older women, wise women, help her into the ‘forest’, through the dangers, and into the birth rituals of ancient times. Free and open to the public. See the Facebook event. Springfield Museums presents Help Save the Monkey! A new puppet comedy adventure! Friday, February 19 at 11:00 AM. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA www.helpsavethemonkey.com www.springfieldmuseums.org Tickets are free with purchase of museum admission (prices here). Note: Seating is limited and available first-come, first-serve (but its a pretty big theater). 8-year-old Howard and 80-year-old Lillian must rush to save her monkey who is about to land from space. Despite set-backs, anxieties, and lasers, their friendship helps them on this epic adventure. Underscored by fabulous original music, this sublimely silly work uses puppets, dance, and fake mustaches to explore the themes of failure, resilience, and aging. The action spills into house and we will ask you, the audience, to help save the monkey! This new work from collaborators Liz Hara & Marta Mozelle MacRostie, with directorial consultation from Brianna Sloane, premiered in the 2015 New York Children's Theater Festival, was supported through a 2014 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant and a 2014 Artist Residency at Standard ToyKraft, and was workshopped at Dixon Place's PuppetBlok! Hampshire College Theater presents Pullman Car Hiawatha February 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 at 8:00 PM Mainstage, Emily Dickinson Hall, Hampshire College Thornton Wilder's Pullman Car Hiawatha is a one-act play set on a train traveling from New York to Chicago in December of 1930. When Harriet dies, conventional time is suspended, and the only true measures of existence are life and death. As a result of the following metaphysical journey with personified places, hours of the day, the weather, the planets, and supernatural beings, we return to reality with a new realization of our own identity in this vast universe. Happier FAMILY Comedy Show Saturday, February 20 at 4:00 PM All new monthly show for all ages!  Saturday, Feb. 20th at Eastworks' 121 Club (formerly Apollo Grill) in Easthampton from 4-5pm.  Ticket price: $10/adults, $5/kids, $20/family max.  More info at www.happiervalley.com. New Century Theatre presents PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD Tuesday, February 23 at 6:30 PM Spoleto Restaurant, 1 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA Seasoning this year with a tangy four course dinner, blending a glass of spirits with an original spirited comedy guaranteed to titillate all the senses. This "tour de course" is written by playwright Jeffrey Stingerstein and directed by Glenn Proud and Brianna Sloane. Proceeds from the event will benefit New Century Theatre. Tickets for Play with Your Food are $100 and can be purchased by clicking the link below or by calling 413-587-3933. For more information please email info@newcenturytheatre.org. Click here to purchase "Play With Your Food" tickets online. Smith College New Playreading Series: WADE IN DA WATER written and performed by Monique A. Robinson Tuesday, February 23 at 7:30 PM in Acting Studio 1 (T100) Tired of being blamed for the aftermath of natural disasters the United States Federal Government attempts to play the blame game by suing the most catastrophic storm of the 21st Century: Hurricane Katrina. When Hurricane Katrina, revealed to be the Yoruba Orisha Oya (The goddess of Hurricanes, transition, and guardian of the graveyard), agrees to be tried but only if it will allow humanity to progress towards healing, awareness, forgiveness, and a requiem for the dead. Expect the unexpected as gods, politicians, news anchors, as well as regular folk are summoned to testify in the greatest trial in history. Free and open to the public. See the Facebook event. Umass Amherst Department of Theatre presents LOVE AND INFORMATION By Caryl Churchill Directed by Nikoo Mamdoohi Curtain Theater 2/25/16 Half-Price Preview at 7:30 2/27/16, 3/1/16, 3/2/16, 3/3/16, 3/4/16 at 7:30 3/5/16 at 2:00 & at 7:30 In acquiring the gadgets we use to connect, have we lost the reason for our communication: how to share our feelings, care for others, and love? Love and Information prompts us to see ourselves, our lives, our concerns, and all our longings in surprising new ways. Churchill’s dazzling language draws us into brief encounters with a series of characters, until the story that emerges is not about individuals, but about humanity and connection.  Buy tickets Post-show discussions every night—free with admission, immediately following the performance. Learn more about the play. Mount Holyoke College Department of Theatre Arts presents  Fefu and her Friends by María Irene Fornés February 25, 26, 27 at 7:30, February 28 at 2:00  Rooke Theatre, Mount Holyoke College You are cordially invited to join Stephanie (call her Fefu, please) and her seven female friends for an intimate country-house gathering.  On the agenda: cocktails; discussions of love, sex, art and philosophy; singing; poetry recitation; kissing; hallucinations; a water fight.  Oh, yes, there is also a shotgun, which may or may not be loaded with live ammunition. The number of guests is limited.  For reservations, please contact Rooke Theatre Box Office, (413) 538-2406 or rookeboxoffice@gmail.com. More information online. Smith College Department of Theatre presents ORLANDO by Sarah Ruhl directed by J. Mehr Kaur  February 26, 27, March 3, 4, 5 at 7:30 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre Based on Virginia Woolf's biographical parody, ORLANDO is a musical romp through time about passionate love, gender nonconformity, and the Royal English Court. A young nobleman wakes up one day and realizes she is a woman. The play follows her journey through the centuries as she navigates her gender identity while writing an epic poem about an ageless Oak Tree. This magical comedy penned by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony award nominated playwright Sarah Ruhl promises a clever exploration of the importance of discovering one's true self. Tickets $10 General, $5 Seniors and Students, Free for Smith students. Call 413-585-3220 or buy online. Facebook event here. The Seth Show: A Year To Live (3 Months Left) Tuesday, March 1 at 7:00 PM 121 Club, Eastworks 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA With only 3 months left to live, Seth gets legal, figuring out his will and other practical crap. Characters from his former one-man shows start popping up all over the place, commenting on the way he's dealing with his short time left on Earth. Basically, telling him he's doing it *all wrong*. Seth's best friend from childhood makes a special apperance, telling the audience about the effect this is having on him. This one is going to be bittersweet and funny as fuck. Facebook event here. The Majestic Theater presents The Majesters Improv Comedy March 1, April 19, May 10 and June 7 at 7:00 PM The Majestic Theatre, 131 Elm St. West Springfield, MA An evening of musical improv comedy featuring the valley's best spontaneous comics. Tickets for the Majesters shows will be $7 and sold at the door only the night of each show. The troupe takes suggestions and inspiration from audience members. Seating is general admission. More info online.  J-ART at the JCC presents Shrek the Musical March 3 at 7:00 PM, March 5 at 8:30, March 6 at 3:00 PM March 10 at 7:00, March 12 at 8:30, March 13 at 3:00 PM Herbert M. Goldstein Auditorium, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA Book & Lyrics By: David Lindsay-Abaire Music By: Jeanine Tesori Directed by: Jasmine Joy Kearse Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatrical and Neal Street Productions. J-ART returns for a thrilling, hilarious musical adventure in a land far, far away. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears. More information on Facebook. Amherst College Department of Theater and Dance presents The Right Move Written by Lara Min ‘16 Directed by Hans Meyer March 3-5, 8PM, Holden Theater Admission is free Reservations recommended (413) 542-2277 What is the actual difference between dating and hooking up? A close-knit group of friends attempts to navigate their post-grad Manhattan lifestyle until their anxiety-ridden neighbor upstairs crashes a party and sends them all into disarray. The Right Move is a hilarious and deeply reflective story of money, success, drugs, and dysfunctional relationships.   The playwright, Lara Min ’16, is a Theater and Dance, and Mathematics double major.  Visiting Artist Hans Meyer returns to Amherst College to direct.  Scenic design by Lynndy Smith ‘17, costume design by Noah Tager ’18, and lighting design by Resident Lighting Designer Kathy Couch.   For more information about The Right Move and other arts events on the Amherst College campus, go to amherst.edu/arts, and facebook.com/AmherstArts Bay Path University presents James and the Giant Peach March 4 at 7:30 PM, March 5 at 2:00 and 7:30, March 6 at 11:00 (Sensory Friendly | ASL Interpreted Performance) and 2:00 Mills Theatre | 588 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA 01106 When orphan James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a mysterious potion which results in a tremendous peach, and launches a journey of enormous proportions! Featuring wickedly tuneful orchestrations, steampunk styled costumes and a curiously quirky book adapted from the classic Roald Dahl tale, children and adults alike will fall in love with the magical sweetness of a young boy on a whirlwind adventure to find his chosen family. Hop by up to one hour before each performance to weave your own web, color in your favorite characters, and hear an abridged retelling of Roald Dahl's whimsical tale. Be sure to visit Spider and Sponge's Whackery Snackery for show-related treats! Following the performance, there will be a meet and greet with each of the characters. Buy tickets ($5 - $12) online at Baypath.tix.com or call the Box Office(413) 565 – 1307. Enter promotional code "FamilyBundle" to purchase 2 Adult and 2 Child tickets for $30. Academy of Music Theatre presents UNCLE VANYA Friday and Saturday, March 5 and 6 at 7:30 PM Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main St., Northampton, MA 01060 The Academy of Music Theatre presents Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" in a contemporary adaptation by Pulitzer Prize-winner Annie Baker. Lauded as “wholly absorbing,” “devastatingly beautiful,” and filled with “astonishing verbal magic,” this intimate, immersive adaptation brings colloquial language to this internationally beloved story of human relationships and yearning.  Directed by Linda McInerney, starring Daniel Popowich, Myka Plunkett, Susanna Apgar, Jeannine Haas, Thom Griffin, Bill Dwight, Linda Putnam, and Bill Stewart. Tickets and more information online. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES The Academy of Music is hiring a part-time Box Office Manager.  The Box Office Manager is responsible for controlling all aspects of tickets sales for the Academy of Music Theatre. The Box Office Manager works closely with the Theater Manager, Executive Director, and renters of the Academy to make sure ticket sales are accurately set up and go live on time with accuracy, ticket revenue is balanced, and customer and renter concerns are addressed in a courteous and professional manner. The Box Office Manager trains and supervises box office event personnel. This may include training new employees on computer software and online ticketing systems, box office policies and procedures, customer service best practices, and troubleshooting. The Box Office Manager works closely with this part-time staff to keep them updated on department developments, help with problem solving, and support their work environment. The Box Office Manager responds to customer complaints and deals with any issues that arise at the ticket counter or via patron feedback. How To Apply:Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience to Theater Manager Alison Klejna at aklejna@aomtheatre.com or 247 Main St., Northampton, MA 01060. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Thursday, February 18th. Apply by: February 18, 2016 To see the full description and qualifications, click here. AUDITIONS for Six Flags New England Summer Shows & Entertainment February 21 11-3, February 28th 11-3, March 12th, 2-6PM Six Flags New England Human Resource Center, 1756 Main Street, Agawam MA Six Flags is hiring over 75 people to join their Entertainment Team- Actors, Dancers, Tech, Drummers Seamstress, Variety Performers, and Ushers!  This is the perfect opportunity to get paid doing what you love- performing in a creative fast paced thrilling environment for an audience of thousands daily! Roles include licensed character portrayal (WB & DC Comics), street comedy teams, magic show, Fairy Tale parody interactive show ("StoryTale"), and much more for spring and summer shows with opportunity for more shows in fall Frightfest season! More on Facebook. Must be at least 16 years old to apply. This is a paid position, including for rehearsals. Part time work also available. Great perks such as free park tickets, employee exclusive events, skill workshops for further development, and more! There will also be an open call held at Holyoke Community College onMarch 2nd, 11-4PM.   Please contact 413-786-9300 ext.3320 or eboucher@sftp.com for more information. Springfield Jewish Community Center presents auditions for Into the Woods' Jr. 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA Auditions are Tuesday, February 23rd from 3-7 – Callbacks are February 25 from 3-7. *Actors should prepare any song and a joke, monologue, or story that shows stage presence.  *There will be a dance audition on Thursday, February 25. Actors should come dressed to move.  Tuesdays: 3:30 - 5:00 and Sundays 2:15 - 5:00  Rehearsal Dates: March 8, 13, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 (I added some Mondays to make up for the missed Sundays), April 3, 5, 10, 12, 26, May 1, 3 We then start 2 weeks of tech: May 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 Preview: May 19th (Thursday @ 6pm) Performances: 2 on the 22nd (11:30 and 3:00 PM) and one on the 23rd  Facebook event here. Springfield Jewish Community Center is searching for a Choreographer for youth theater production - Into the Woods, Jr. We are looking for a choreographer to work with the J-Art Youth group at the Springfield Jewish Community Center. Working with the director, Tony Jones, the choreographer will be a major part of the production team and should have experience working with kids. Please contact tonyjonesdrama@gmail.com to set-up a meeting. You may also submit resumes to this email address.  Information on dates and performances can be found on the Facebook Audition page. Auditions for Smith College Studio Productions February 28 and 29 Studio Production Auditions will be held Sunday, February 28, 7-10 PM and Monday, Febryary 29, 7-10 PM, in Acting Studio 1 (T100). Callbacks will be on Tuesday, March 1, 7-10 PM. No appointment or preparation necessary. Perusal scripts will be available in Josten Library. A WINTER'S TALE by William Shakespeare Directed by Samantha Biatch '16 Performances April 27, 29, 7:30 PM, Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre MAD FOREST by Caryl Churchill Directed by Kitty Lixin Lin '16 Performances April 26, 28, 7:30 PM, Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre A WINTER'S TALE cast: Parts for 11 actors (most playing multiple combines roles) gender-blind, Five College and community members welcome, all ethnicities. One role for a child aged 6-12. MAD FOREST cast:  Parts for 11 actors. Gender-blind, Five College and community members welcome, all ethnicities. Questions about Auditions? Email artsinfo@smith.edu The Academy of Music is looking for a volunteer for a Run Crew position for the production of Uncle Vanya.  Must be available from 6-10 PM Monday, February 29 through Saturday, March 5.  For more information, please email Nikki.  TheatreTruck hosts a roving Meet & Greet for The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Community This month, join us in Amherst!  Please help spread the word and add your company members and colleagues to the guest list. A casual night out of chatting and networking. What is the most pressing issue facing Pioneer Valley performing artists? American artists? Come talk about it. Grab a drink, say hello, talk up your latest project.  We hope to see you there.  Monday, February 29 7:30pm High Horse, downstairs bar area  24 N Pleasant St, Amherst MA Website. Opportunity to join a new teen vocal ensemble! Tom Kopyto Music Lessons in East Longmeadow is forming a new vocal ensemble, inspired by TV shows like “Glee”, for highly skilled high school aged singers! This ensemble will be focused on performance and advanced vocal training. Singers will work collaboratively to draw from a variety of contemporary genres including: pop, R&B, Rock and others, to create original arrangements. They will then form setlists for the purpose of performing at different community events. Coaching will be provided in technique related to singing multi-part harmonies (with both instrumental accompaniment and a capella), song arrangement, style, and stage presence as well as other performance skills. For more information and to schedule a short assessment, call 413-563-9809 or email kacie@tomkopyto.com. About the instructor: Kate Saik holds a Master’s Degree in Voice Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. She is an accomplished and versatile performer who has sung in a wide array of genres including pop and jazz bands, musical theater and opera. Kate has worked around the country as a voice and piano instructor, and as a director, producer and drama coach. Hampshire Shakespeare Company is hiring for our upcoming 2016 summer season of Shakespeare Under the Stars. Looking for a publicist, technical director, and associate producer. More information is available on our website and interested applicants can address inquiries to hampshireshakespeare.com. Join us for the chance to put Shakespeare in the great outdoors and be part of a talented community that will innovate and enchant as we breathe new life into old words. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Giving a Sh*t About Everything and Everyone PART 2 Community Engagement: Getting clear about overused but useful concepts Sunday, February 21, 1:00-4:00 PM Flywheel Arts Collective 43 Main Street, Easthampton   During Part 1 we look at how AS220 created a model for artist-ownership with three mixed-use buildings including live/work, galleries, performance spaces and Fab Labs.  In Part 2 we'll examine how community is built and sustained from the perspective of AS220, the Network of Ensemble Theaters and cross-sector organizations who dig underneath the principles of Vision, Values, Communication, Dialogue, and Intention. Basically, how do you build community without driving each other nuts?   Co-facilitated by Seth Lepore (The Seth Show, Easthampton Co.Lab), Amrita Ramanan (Double Edge Theatre) and Sita Magnuson (Easthampton Co.Lab) Acting Classes at New Century Theatre! NCT Producing Director Sam Rush teaches two courses beginning this Tuesday, March 1, 2016.  Cost for the eight-week course is $275. Classes will be held in the Mendenhall Center for Performing Arts on the Smith College campus - Green Street, Northampton, MA To register, send an email to Sam Rush (srush@newcenturytheatre.org) or call413-587-3933 to hold a spot. You can Click on this link to download the PDF information and registration form. Acting for Non-Actors Instructor, Sam Rush  Ages 18 and up (or by instructor permission)   Tuesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m.   March 1 - April 19  Course Description: The perfect course if you have never taken an acting class before but have always wanted to try or had a class once way back when and want to try again. With NCT Producing Director Sam Rush, you'll have a chance to explore your inner ham in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. Using improvisation, text and original source material, you'll learn fundamental acting techniques that may just serve you the rest of your life - on stage or off.   Scene Study Intensive Instructor, Sam Rush  Ages 18 and up (or by instructor permission)  Wednesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m.  Northampton, MA  March 2 - April 20 Course Description:  This class is for actors with previous experience and for students who have taken the Acting for Non-Actors course and wish to continue their study of the actor's craft. We'll start right away with scene study work and excercises that suport the rehearsal process.  Double Edge Theatre's Open Training  March 13 from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Photo by Maria Baranova   Join Double Edge Theatre for a two-hour training session, tour of Double Edge Theatre's Farm in Ashfield, and a home-cooked meal with the Double Edge ensemble. All levels - even the simply curious - are welcome to attend!    For more information or to sign up, visit the website. Happier Valley Comedy Show presents Mindfulness Through Laughter Six Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm, beginning March 16 Holyoke Community College Mindfulness and improv each promote significant personal and professional growth - and this class combines them both. As enlightening as it is irreverent. As funny as it is thoughtful. But YOU don’t need to be funny! Just a willingness to play and live in the moment in an extremely supportive, positive, and affirming environment, where we laugh and learn through easy, relevant theatrical exercises and improv games that get us up on our feet, out of our heads, and into the moment. Would you like to reap the many benefits of mindfulness while having a ton of fun? The first step is saying “Yes, and... Instructor Pam Victor. More information online. Double Edge Theatre's Spring Training Intensive March 18 - 20, 2016   Photo by Maria Baranova   Ideal for artists from any discipline, the Spring Intensive engages participants in Double Edge's physical training methodology and techniques for ensemble collaboration. Participants will experience 3-4 training sessions daily in and out of doors at Double Edge Theatre's Farm, located at 948 Conway Road in Ashfield. For more information, visit the website. Happier Valley Comedy Show presents Mindfulness Through Laughter Six Thursdays 2:30-4:30 beginning April 7 Greenfield Community College How would you like to practice being more mindful, staying in the moment, and paying attention to the present while laughing all The Way? Join professional improv comedian, teacher, and author, Pam Victor, as we replace “Om” with “Ha!” in MINDFULNESS THROUGH LAUGHTER, where you’ll reap the rewards of mindfulness while playing easy improv games in an extremely supportive, affirming environment. It’s like yoga for your funnybone and soul (without the bendy stuff). More information online. Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*