Pioneer Valley Theatre News February 4, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   February 4-24, 2016 Auditions for OUR LADY OF KIBEHO by Katori Hall are this Sunday and Monday at Smith. Check out the listing below for more information, including a casting breakdown. Smith is excited to have guest director Nicole A. Watson visiting for the production. Come audition! Lots of great job opportunities and workshops towards the bottom of the newsletter - don't forget to read the whole thing! The next issue will include events through March 2. 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 THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from American Theatre Playwrights and TV: It's Not Just About the Money by J. Holtham From the article:  This is an old story. Not an old story like Cain killing Abel or the Trojan War. Not even old like “boy meets girl, boy loses girl, girl dies in a tragic blimp accident.” It’s plenty old nonetheless—and, as with everything old, seemingly ever new. It is always being freshly discovered. Every six or seven months, some venerable magazine or newspaper discovers that there are playwrights (playwrights!) writing for television. There’s a kind of undercurrent of marvel to these articles: Isn’t it just so amazing that playwrights (playwrights, I say again!) are supporting themselves with money earned by writing? And writing for television, no less? The idiot box! The boob tube! Come, everyone, and gawk at the geeks, these articles seem to say. Behold the half-artist/half-hacks! Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES The Majestic Theater presents AN INSPECTOR CALLS by J.B. Priestly  February 4-14  The Majestic Theatre, West Springfield The Birlings are a prosperous middle-class family. Arthur Birling, a wealthy mill owner and local politician, and his family have just finished a celebratory dinner in their comfortable home in Brumley, England. The happy occasion is that their daughter, Sheila, has just become engaged to Gerald Croft, the son of her father's chief competitor. But then a mysterious stranger arrives, announcing himself a police inspector — Inspector Goole — and begins to interrogate them all about their possible responsibility in the death of a young working-class factory girl. The result of his questioning leads each person to believe they've in part contributed to her death — but is Inspector Goole truly who he claims to be? An Inspector Calls is a fascinating study of human nature and society. More information and tickets online. Smith College Department of Theatre presents 4.48 PSYCHOSIS by Sarah Kane Performed by Kitty Lixin Lin Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6 at 7:30 PM Acting Studio 1 (T100), Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College What's the relationship between one's body and her own mind? Why do we have the need to love and be loved? An exploration of the human psyche with Sarah Kane's final work 4.48 PSYCHOSIS.  *TRIGGER WARNING* The play deals with contents including clinical depression, self-harm, and suicide.  FREE and open to public. More information on Facebook. The Drama Studio presents Winter Shorts Friday, February 5th, 7:30pm Saturday, February 6th, 4pm & 7:30pm Sunday, February 7th, 3pm Kristin's Rainbow an ensemble piece created by faculty member Amelia Hays-Rivest and members of the 2010 ACT Class. Kristen, age 10, is emotionally numb from her parent’s constant fighting and is unable to respond to the needs of her friends or her younger brother Jason.  A mysterious girl named Iris appears who recognizes Kristen’s dilemma and encourages her to experience a rainbow of emotions.  Having confronted anger, confusion, happiness, envy and sadness, she is ready to embrace hope and resume relationships with her family and friends. On The Chin by Steve Hays   Two camp counselors, Pete Stanley and Jeanne Davies, are hiking up Mt. Mansfield with nine campers from Camp Trelawney in Vermont.  Pete and Jeane want the trip to be a positive, bonding experience for their young charges, but they are dealing with a romance from the previous summer which turned sour.  The campers learn a lot about themselves on the hike. To reserve tickets call us at (413) 739-1983 or email us. Tickets for Winter Shorts: $18 Adults, $10 Students, Drama Studio Students FREE! The Majestic Theater presents The Majesters Improv Comedy February 9 The Majestic Theatre, 131 Elm St. West Springfield, MA An evening of musical improv comedy featuring the valley's best spontaneous comics. More info online.    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. 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 directed by Monique Robinson Tuesday, February 23 at 7:30 PM in Acting Studio 1 (T100) Free and open to the public. See the Facebook event. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Smith College Department of Theatre presents Auditions for OUR LADY OF KIBEHO by Katori Hall Directed by Nicole A. Watson Sunday, February 7, 7-10 PM Monday, February 8 by appointment (email us!) Callbacks: Monday, February 8, 7-10 PM Acting Studio 1 (T100), Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, 122 Green Street, Northampton Performances April 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 7:30 PM, Theatre 14 No preparation necessary. Perusal scripts available in Josten Performing Arts Library. Watch the video to learn more about the director and this production.  To schedule a Monday audition, please email artsinfo@smith.edu. No appointment necessary for Sunday auditions. Characters: THE TRINITY Alphonsine Mumureke, 16 year old Rwandese girl, cultural name means "Leave her alone, she speaks the truth" Anathalie Mukamazimpaka, 17 year old Rwandese girl, culture name means "one who settles the arguments and brings peace" Marie-Clare Mukangango, 21 year old Rwandese young woman, culture name means "Woman" THE CHURCH Father Tuyishime, head priest at the school Sister Evangelique, head nun of the school Bishop Gahamanyi, the town bishop, head of the Butare Diocese Father Flavia, Italian, an investigative priest from the Holy See, the "miracles office" at the Vatican THE CHORUS Nkango, Anathalie's father, a farmer Emmanuel, young boy who is cured of AIDS Girls 1-4, classmates at Kibeho College Villagers 1-3, Kibeho villagers 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. Call for Production Staff for "Moon Over Buffalo" - Black Cat Theater Black Cat Theater, a community theater group based in South Hadley, MA, is seeking letters of interest and resumes for the positions of Director, Producer, and Stage Manager their Spring comedy, “Moon Over Buffalo”! Rehearsals will be held on Mondays and Thursdays.  Show dates will be in early June. Email a letter of interest & resume to blackcattheater@gmail.com by Friday, February 12. Ashfield Community Theater is happy to announce auditions for Quick-Change Room: Scenes From a Revolution, its 2016 spring play.  We need five women and five men for this raucous, backstage farce about a St. Petersburg theater ensemble coping with changes brought on by the collapse of the Soviet Union. The young are pushing aside the old, job security is suffering, and even Chekhov is no longer sacred as the theater kisses up to an emerging capitalist audience.   Auditions will be at the Belding Library at 344 Main St. in Ashfield from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, and 6:30 to 8:30 on Monday, Feb. 15. Callbacks, if necessary, happen on Tuesday, Feb. 16. No one will have to learn a Russian accent for this play, and no monologues are required for the auditions.  Experienced and new actors are welcome.  We aim to have fun at our auditions, so come give it a try.    The shows will be on May 27, 28 and 29 and June 3 and 4 in Ashfield.  Rehearsals begin in March. Please bring a list of all conflicts you may have during the rehearsal period.  All auditioners must be 17 or older.  We also need help creating program and poster art and help building sets and getting advertising.  Ashfield Community Theater has been producing high-quality shows for two decades. Call Jackie at 625-9413 for more information. See the Facebook page here. AUDITIONS for Six Flags New England Summer Shows & Entertainment February 21 11-3, February 28th 11-3, March 12th, 11-3 Six Flags New England Human Resource Center, 1756 Main Street, Agawam MA Now hiring! Over 75 Paid performance arts positions for spring and summer 2016 season!  Seeking:   ACTORS (Comic & Improv, Superhero portrayal, Hosts and Emcees) DANCERS (Characters & Magic Assistants) THEATER TECH(Sound & Lighting)  VARIETY PERFORMERS (Strolling jugglers, stilt walkers, balloon artists, etc.) WARDROBE/ SEAMSTRESS DRUMMERS THEATER USHERS Must be at least 16 years old to apply. Some roles require 18+.  Shows include Mainstage Magic shows, World Famous Looney Tunes and DC Comics Justice League, original comedy interactive stage shows such as StoryTale, street improv comedy teams, and much more!  More on Facebook. 413-786-9300 ext.3320 for more information. SFNE hires over 75 people for their entertainment team each summer and expands up to 200 roles in September for Frightfest! Lots of employee perks such as exclusive events, free tickets, scholarship opportunities, and more. SFNE will also be holding auditions at Holyoke Community College onWed March 2nd, 11AM-4PM in the Fine & Performing Arts Center. The Academy of Music will offer a free tour of the historic theater on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 5:15 p.m. Early registration strongly advised! Led by Academy of Music Development Coordinator Kathryn Slater, the tour will provide insight into the history behind this Northampton mainstay, including details about the organization’s founder and interesting notes about the many revitalizations. Built in 1891, the Academy of Music was the first municipally owned theater in the U.S., and home to the first stock theater company in the nation, the Northampton Players, formed in 1912. For nearly 125 years, the Academy has hosted an impressive array of performers, and the building holds the tales. See for yourself the century-old hole cut in the stage floor for Houdini’s disappearing act; Cole Porter’s grandfather clock; dressing rooms used by Sarah Bernhardt, Boris Karloff, Ethel Barrymore; and more. Step on the stage and see the Academy of Music from a whole new perspective, and take in the results of the 2014 restoration that refurbished the 800-seat auditorium, which earned a Mass. Historical Commission Preservation Award. This walking-and-talking tour begins promptly at 5:15 p.m. in the main lobby and is expected to run approximately 45 minutes. Admission is free, but reservations are required, as attendance is limited to 20. Reservations may be made through the Academy of Music Box Office by calling (413) 584-9032, ext. 105, Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., or by e-mailing boxoffice@aomtheatre.com. 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) 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|*