Thursday, June 30, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre News June 30, 2016

*|MC:SUBJECT|*
Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter
View this email in your browser

  June 30-July 20, 2016


Bakersfield Mist opens at New Century Theatre tonight, Midsummer Night's Dream at Hampshire Shakespeare Company opened yesterday - and Silverthorne's The Miser and My Jane at Chester Theatre are both on this weekend as well. 

There are some truly fantastic workshops coming up as well. Click to see the full newsletter in a browser so you can check out all the information - and register before they fill up!

The next issue will include events through July 27. 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 Howlround
Thoughts from a Youngster on Attracting Youngsters to the Playhouse

by Abraham Benson-Goldberg
From the article: 

I’m a young. It’s what my friends and I call ourselves—the youngs. And indeed, in my country of residence, Israel, I’ll be a young for a long while yet.

This past month, while visiting my family in Seattle, WA, I went to the theatre a few times. I was shocked to realize that at twenty-six, I no longer qualified for a “young” audience ticket. Even further, I was shocked to discover that the price differential was approximately forty-fifty dollars. Finally, I was shocked to sit through performances with half-empty houses.

Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
PERFORMANCES
New Century Theatre presents BAKERSFIELD MIST
by Stephen Sachs
Directed by Sam Rush
June 30-July 9
Theatre 14,
Mendenhall Center for the
Performing Arts, Smith College, Northampton

Unemployed Maude Gutman, living in a trailer and knocked about by life, buys a $3 painting at a tag sale as a joke and discovers it just might be a Jackson Pollock original, worth millions. She invites cultured art expert, Lionel Percy, to her California home to authenticate the work. When he hesitates to acknowledge the painting as authentic, the sparks fly between the pair as the debate rages through the night. A funny, moving play that explores questions of art, self-worth, class and the nature of criticism, BAKERSFIELD MIST is a play that will have you laughing while you cry.


Tickets available online or by calling 413-383-3220. Facebook event here
Hampshire Shakespeare Company Presents
A Midsummer Night's Dream

By William Shakespeare

June 30-July 3 & 
July 6-10
Performances start at 7:30pm and are outdoor. Please come early. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful space before the show begins. 

Directed by: Ingrid Oslund

This production will transform the natural environment of our outdoor theater into an urban wonderland through gesture, dance and music. The audience will be guided on a tour from the Gated Community of Athens, where the rich, privileged lovers lead their sheltered lives, all the way to Forest, a broken down city with a punk rock energy and leather-clad fairies. The repression of the rich will be overthrown, the fairies will fight relentlessly for anarchy, and the touring performance artist collective The Mechanicals will dazzle with their conceptual, experimental production of "Pyramus and Thisbe". Come and be a part of this unique journey that the audience won't soon forget!

Tickets online. Facebook.
Silverthorne Theater Company presents THE MISER

6/30 (7:30 pm) 7/1 (7/30 pm); 7/2 (2 & 7:30 pm)
Sloan Theater, Greenfield Community College, One College Dr., Greenfield

This contemporary adaptation of the classic French farce will have you aching with laughter at the absurdity of the lust for lucre! “In an era of opulence and concern for wealth, a revival of Molière's high comedy ''The Miser'' could hardly be more appropriate. Molière's Harpagon, a skinflint so mean-spirited that he makes his own children beggars, is more than a personality type. He is a malefic social force whose insane acquisitiveness creates outwardly radiating ripples of corruption, turning family, servants and acquaintances into flatterers, flunkies and extortionists.” (NY Times) “There is nothing like spending the evening with a good dose of Molière.”  (Talkin’ Broadway)

Seating is unassigned; house opens 30 minutes before curtain. Cash or checks only; ATM on site. Handicapped accessible; air conditioned. More information online.
Chester Theatre Company presents The World Premiere of "My Jane"
by Daniel Elihu Kramer

June 30-July 10, with performances Wednesday,Thursday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and T
hursday, Friday, and Sunday at 2 p.m.  
15 Middlefield Road,
Chester, MA 01011

A struggle to survive. A romance with dark secrets. Two love affairs—Jane and Rochester, and Jane and her readers. The sweeping drama of Charlotte Brontë’s beloved novel Jane Eyre is given a contemporary twist as the story of Jane’s journey from Victorian hardship to independence and happiness works its magic on people today. A moving look at how deeply a book can affect readers nearly two centuries later.

CTC offers a full schedule of post-show audience engagement events, including Talkbacks after Thursday matinees and Saturday night performances; Cast Conversations following Friday matinees; and a Panel Discussion following the Sunday, July 3, matinee.

More information online.
The Majestic Theater presents Improvisational Comedy with The Majesters

Featuring a troupe of the best improv comics from across the Pioneer Valley and beyond for an evening of unscripted comic mayhem.  The program begins with improv scenes similar to "Whose Line is it Anyway," and is followed by a storyline that's developed with help from the audience.  Improvisational Comedy with The Majesters takes place Wednesday nights at 7pm July 6-August 24.  Tickets are $7.

IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY WITH THE MAJESTERS SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, July 6 - 7pm - $7
Wednesday, July 13 - 7pm - $7
Wednesday, July 20 - 7pm - $7
Wednesday, July 27 - 7pm - $7
Wednesday, August 3 - 7pm - $7
Wednesday, August 10 - 7pm - $7
Wednesday, August 17 - 7pm - $7
Wednesday, August 24 - 7pm - $7
PaintBox Theatre presents RAGGEDY ANN

July 8 at 7:00 PM, July 9 and 10 at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM
Williston Theatre, 18 Payson Avenue, Easthampton
Tickets here.

July 15 at 7:00 PM, July 16 at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM
The Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls
Tickets here.

PaintBox Theatre's season opens with Linda Tardif as a living doll. Eight stories folded into one big production? Why not? But if Linda is Raggedy Ann, who will play the dozens of additional characters? No problem: Myka Plunkett and Connor Paradis can do it all! With costume changes galore, we are certainly in for a wild time. They may even draft members of the audience to help.
Ko Festival of Performance presents KO KABARET.
Fri., July 8 and Sat., July 9 at 8:00 pm; Sun., July 10 at 4:00 pm.  
Holden Theater, Amherst College, Amherst, MA

Different lineup each night. Celebrating 25 years, KoFest brings favorite artists back from as far away as New Orleans and as close as Amherst for a 3-day VARIETY SHOW / GALA.  

Tickets $25 for 25 years. $21 Student & SR. $5 off you see more than one.  To order before July 4, call 413-427-6147  or online anytime.  After July 4, Box Office line: 413-542-3750.  

Part of Ko Festival of Performance, celebrating its 25th season, a perennially popular summer theater experience in Western Massachusetts.  July 4-August 7, 2016 on the beautiful campus of Amherst College.  KoFest presents five weekend-long theatrical performances, two special single events, and three 6-day intensive theater workshops.  
Happier Valley Comedy presents SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED
Saturday, July 9 at 8:00 PM
Arts Block, Greenfield

July 9 brings us our most popular show SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED!

SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED features a cavalcade of talented improvisers and stage actors from the Pioneer Valley in a half-scripted, half-improvised, totally unique and fun show! SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED combines one actor performing from a script with one improviser making it all up on the spot to mix up a wild and wooly show unlike anything thing you've seen before. This show usually plays to a sold-out crowd, so you'll definitely want to get your tickets in advance to guarantee your seat.

**This show often fills up fast, so we suggest arriving by 7:30 to stake out the best seat! **

Audiences can look forward to a full evening of comic entertainment rated PG-13 in this handicapped-accessible space. For more information about The Happier Valley Comedy Show, visit the show website.

All-new shows every month!
The Happier Valley Comedy Show are
on the SECOND SATURDAY of every month 8:00 - 10:00pm
at the beautiful, first floor Arts Block

To reserve a ticket click here.
Facebook event here.
Happier Valley Comedy presents
MORE IMPROV,
MORE BETTER
THE AFTER-SHOW
SHOW & JAM

Saturday, July 9th directly after the Happier Valley Comedy Show
The Arts Block, 289 Main Street, Greenfield MA 01301
Admission is free. One drink minimum required.

The "More Improv, More Better" After-Show is an open improv jam and showcase that runs from 10-11pm on the second Saturday of each month, directly following the Happier Valley Comedy Show. Play improv games lead by a Happier Valley Comedy School Jam Leader and watch a short improvised set featuring select Advanced Improv student teams. 

Open to one and all! (Yes, even you!) Come watch. Come play. Come laugh. Come drink. Come waplaughink*!

The showcase performance will feature an enthusiastic group of Advanced Zen of Improv students, banded together out of mutual curiosity, love and interest in The Harold and other long forms of improv. 

For more info, see www.happiervalley.com or email info@happiervalley.com.

*"waplaughink" is a combination of watch, play, laugh, and drink...a rare and wonderful simultaneous event of joy and mirth.
Facebook event here.

 
Ko Festival of Performance presents THE LITTLE FARM SHOW | NACLTheatre
Sunday, July 10 at 4:00 pm
On the Amherst College Observatory Lawn off Snell St. in Amherst, MA

An all-ages musical extravaganza about farming, food and taking care of the earth.   “The greatest show on dirt” (NY Times).   Tickets $9 Adults / $7 Children under 12. 

To order before July 4, call 413-427-6147  or online anytime.  After July 4, Box Office line: 413-542-3750.  

Part of Ko Festival of Performance, celebrating its 25th season, a perennially popular summer theater experience in Western Massachusetts.  July 4-August 7, 2016 on the beautiful campus of Amherst College.  KoFest presents five weekend-long theatrical performances, two special single events, and three 6-day intensive theater workshops.  
MAJESTIC THEATER SUMMER CHILDREN’S THEATER presents THE FROG PRINCE: A Musical
 
Monday, July 11 - 10am, 1pm & 6:30pm
Tuesday, July 12 - 10am, 1pm
Wednesday, July 13 - 10am, 1pm
 
Sunday July 31 - 2pm & 6:30pm
Monday, August 1 - 10am, 1pm & 6:30pm 
Tuesday, August 2 - 10am, 1pm
Wednesday, August 3 - 10am, 1pm

The Majestic will also present children’s theater this summer.  “The Frog Prince: A Musical," "A Little Princess" and "Treasure Island" will be presented in July and August.  Admission is $9 per person.  Those who purchase tickets to all three plays at the same time join "The Snack Club," which entitles them to get free snack at each play.
Majestic Theater presents Nicki's Night at Open Mic
July 12 at 7:00 PM
Majestic Theater, West Springfield

Nicki Meldonian has been part of the Majestic family since she was 8 years old. She has been part of the Majestic Children's Theater cast & crew for the past 7 years, was Myrtle Mae in "Harvey," has worked on numerous productions crews, stage managed, and has worked in the box office.

On Tuesday, July 12, the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA is throwing a fundraiser to help Nicki raise money for college. She is transferring from Holyoke Community College to Anna Maria College where she will study music therapy in an aim to help those with mental and physical challenegs through the gift of music. All proceeds from Nicki's Night will go towards her college tuition.

Nicki's night will run like a traditional Majestic Open Mic night and will kick off the Open Mic summer series! Hosted by Floyd Patterson, each performer will have 10 minutes to entertain, and the audience will vote to determine the top 3!

Nicki will sing, and she has invited others to perform inclosing: Luis Manzi, Mike King, Meghan Lynn Allen, Jordan Reed, Freddie Marion, the Majestics Band, Giuseppe Santaniello, Emery Henderson, Chris Eriquezzo, and more!

If you're unable to come and would still like to donate, this is the link to Nicki's GoFundMe page. Nicki's page also gives more information about her plans for college.Any amount donated is much appreciated! 

Majestic Cafe opens at 6PM. Open Mic begins at 7PM. General Admission and Ballot is $5. Two great raffles with fabulous prizes! More info online.
New Century Theatre presents TIME STANDS STILL
by Donald Margulies
Directed by Nicole Ricciardi
July 14-23
Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College, Northampton

Pulitzer Prize-winner Donald Marguiles has crafted an insightful, stylish, and splendid theatrical experience in TIME STANDS STILL. Iraq war photojournalist Sarah Goodwin is recovering in America from severe injuries suffered in a roadside bomb blast. As she recuperates in her Brooklyn loft with her longtime lover James, she wrestles with some sudden, and at times hilarious, mid-life crises. As those around her continue to live in the safety of a world without war, she must decide whether to embrace that same world or go back to the life she loves in Iraq—a world filled with danger, misery and moral compromise.

Tickets available online or by calling 413-383-3220. Facebook event here

Silverthorne Theater Company presents TWO ROOMS
July 14-23
Sloan Theater at Greenfield Community College

American professor Michael Wells’ (Charles Holt)  captivity by Lebanese terrorists stretches on for years. Back in the US, wife Lainie (Emily Bloch), who strips his study bare in an effort to recreate his prison conditions, is caught in the crossfire as official State Department policy wars with media demands to grab the headlines with her husband’s plight. Carmela Lanza-Weil portrays Ellen Van Os, charged by her foreign office minders to keep Lainie in line while ambitious journalist Walker Harris (Jay Sefton) urges her to go public to secure his release.  “[T]his arresting work deals with a subject much in the minds of contemporary society—the taking of innocent hostages by political terrorists... the play illuminates both the numbing agony of the one detained and also the helpless fury of those who are left behind.” (NY Times)

Rebecca Daniels, a Turners Falls resident, will direct Lee Blessing’s drama. Recently retired from her position as chair of St Lawrence University’s Performing Arts Department, Daniels has a long career in as a director, educator and scholar. She was a founding member of Portland OR’s premiere professional theater, Artists Repertory Theater.

Two Rooms opens July 14 and runs through July 23. On Thursday, July 21, a panel of local Middle East specialists will join the director and cast after the show for a talkback about the themes and contemporary relevance of the play.

Nighttime show curtain time is 7:30 pm; Saturday matinees at 2 pm. Tickets are $19 general admission, $17 students/seniors (over 65). Group rates for 10+ are available. Pre-sale discount tickets are available at the World Eye Bookshop, Main Street, Greenfield, and Broadside Books, Main Street, Northampton, after June 1. They are now available by calling 413-768-7514 or online at Brown Paper Tickets or at silverthornetheater.org

Double Edge Theatre presents Once a Blue Moon (Cada Luna Azul) 
Previews: July 15 - 17 
Performances: July 20 - August 22, Wednesdays - Sundays at 8 p.m.
All performances will take place at Double Edge's Farm, 948 Conway Road in Ashfield, MA 

Once a Blue Moon (Cada Luna Azul) is inspired by magic realism and many Latin American stories, including Alejandro Jodorowsky's Where the Bird Sings Best, Isabel Allende's Eva Luna, writings by Borges and Marquez, as well as poetry by Pablo Neruda and Octavio Paz, Imagining Argentina by Lawrence Thornton and the film Black Orpheus. The story reflects an increasingly universal situation in which “progress” displaces people, in this case causing a flood. It is a story of memory, culture, and song, imbued with the excitement of Latin American carnival. Audience members, traversing the landscape, encounter and mingle with the townspeople of Agua Santa.

For tickets and more info., visit the website.
Ko Festival of Performance presents IF I CAN’T JUGGLE, IT’S NOT MY REVOLUTION with Sara Felder.  
A compendium of favorite bits + new material by America’s favorite queer, Jewish juggler and solo performance artist.  

Fri., July 15 and Sat., July 16 at 8:00 pm; Sun., July 17 at 4:00 pm at Holden Theater, Amherst College. 

Tickets $20; $16 Students and Seniors. Call about a limited number of $8 tickets.  To order before July 4, call 413-427-6147, or online anytime at www.kofest.com.  After July 4, Box Office line: 413-542-3750.  

Part of Ko Festival of Performance, celebrating its 25th season, a perennially popular summer theater experience in Western Massachusetts.  July 4-August 7, 2016 on the beautiful campus of Amherst College.  KoFest presents five weekend-long theatrical performances, two special single events, and three 6-day intensive theater workshops.  
Introducing our ALL NEW Show...
The Happier FAMILY Comedy Show!

Funny for the whole family (and perfect for kids 5-12 and their adults)! Get your family-friendly funnies in this totally interactive, high energy improv comedy show on the third Saturday of every month. 

Our next show is coming up!
Saturday, July 16th
4-5 pm (doors open at 3:45)
The Community Room of the Eastworks building (116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton)
Tickets at the door: $5 Kids, $10 Adults, $30 Immediate Family Max. **Payments by cash or check only**

For more info on the show click here: 
www.happiervalley.com

Answers to your FAQs:
IS THIS SHOW FAMILY FRIENDLY? Um, yeah! By its very definition and design. This show is rated G. We think it's most appropriate for kids 5-12, but everyone is welcome.

WHAT MAKES A FAMILY? Love makes a family. You don't need to be related to come to the family show. You don't even need to be a kid! 

WHAT IS THE FAMILY MAX TICKET THING? It's our immediate family discount. So you pay only $30 max for an immediate family circle. But our tickets are super reasonable anyway: Kids are only $5. Their adults are $10.

Facebook event here.
Any more questions? Email info@happiervalley.com
Ko Festival of Performance presents
KoFest STORY SLAM and PARTY

July 17 at 8:00 PM
Holden Theater, Amherst College, Amherst, MA

True, first-person stories of “CELEBRATION” ¬– told, perhaps, by you. Visit kofest.com to see how you may participate. 

All tickets $15. CASH BAR and PRIZES!  To order before July 4, call413-427-6147, or online anytime at www.kofest.com.  After July 4, Box Office line: 413-542-3750.

Part of Ko Festival of Performance, celebrating its 25th season, a perennially popular summer theater experience in Western Massachusetts.  July 4-August 7, 2016 on the beautiful campus of Amherst College.  KoFest presents five weekend-long theatrical performances, two special single events, and three 6-day intensive theater workshops.  
MAJESTIC THEATER SUMMER CHILDREN’S THEATER presents 
A LITTLE PRINCESS

 
Monday, July 18 - 10am, 1pm & 6:30pm
Tuesday, July 19 - 10am, 1pm
Wednesday, July 20 - 10am, 1pm
 
Sunday August 7 - 2pm & 6:30pm
Monday, August 8 - 10am, 1pm & 6:30pm 
Tuesday, August 9 - 10am, 1pm
Wednesday, August 10 - 10am, 1pm

The Majestic will also present children’s theater this summer.  “The Frog Prince: A Musical," "A Little Princess" and "Treasure Island" will be presented in July and August.  Admission is $9 per person.  Those who purchase tickets to all three plays at the same time join "The Snack Club," which entitles them to get free snack at each play.
NCT Kids! presents A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD

Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale
Music by Robert Reale
Directed by Cate Damon
Musical Direction by Mitch Chakour

July 20-23 and August 3-6
Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College
122 Green Street, Northampton, MA

Join NCTKids this summer for a tuneful re-telling of Arthur Lobel’s beloved classic children’s books Frog and Toad. In A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, follow best friends--worrywart Toad and confident Frog--as they sing and dance their way through a year in the swamp with all their hopping, crawling, flying friends. All the gentle joy and fun of Lobel’s books come to life in this charming, funny, Tony award-nominated musical for kids of all ages!

More information and tickets available online. Call the box office for tickets at 413-585-3220 or email with any questions. Facebook event here.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
GCCtheater - Greenfield Community College
Calling All Local Playwrights!

Local playwrights' one-act play submissions for GCCtheater's Fall Production. Submissions due by July 1. 
Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton is looking for a director for the annual spring musical this year - March 2017. We have a generous stipend to offer someone with experience (preferably) working with high school students. Our standards are high and the production team is strong. We can provide excellent support to the right candidate.

More information online.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Phantom Sheep and Agawam Public Library present a Comedy Improv Teen Workshop
"Laugh Out Loud at the Library"

June 30 at 6:00 PM
Agawam Public Library

Phantom Sheep is proud to return to the Agawam Library presenting their hands on workshop for teens teaching techniques and skills used by improvisers to think quickly, boost confidence, and create hilarious scenes on the spot!

Free for ages 12-18
For more information and to sign up, please call the Youth Services Librarians at 413-789-1550 ext. 3
Facebook event here
Ko Festival of Performance presents KoFest Workshop: "Dynamic Space / Poetic Object" with Nick Ularu

July 4-8, 2016; 10am-4pm daily
Webster Hall, Amherst College

KoFest Workshop Week 1: DYNAMIC SPACE / POETIC OBJECT: The Intersection of Theater Design & Installation with Nic Ularu, Romanian designer & theater artist

Working in both traditional and non-traditional spaces, and with traditional and non-traditional materials, we will shape visual inspiration into rendered ideas, visual metaphors, and theatrical objects. Participants will embrace the dynamic energy of these forms, as they collaborate to expressively transform the spaces that will be used by the Ko Festival for the opening weekend of eclectic performances, celebrating 25 years of innovative work. 

Workshops are geared for participants of all levels of experience, whose ages have run from 18-85.

FMI about all three KoFest 2016 Workshops: www.kofest.com /413.427.6147
Register here.
Happier Valley Comedy presents "What's Your Status" Beginner/Intermediate Improv Workshop with Claire Zick

Saturday, July 9 11:15-1:15 PM
Hadley, MA

PREREQUISITE: Completion of Zen of Improv 1 or beyond or the equivalent from another comedy school.

Status plays a key role in scene interactions. Keith Johnstone thought playing with status transformed scene work, made scenes more authentic and actors more observant. In this class, we will explore the concept of status, play with status shifting, and identify our own tendencies towards low and high status characters.


REGISTER NOW.
More information here.


About Claire Zick: CLAIRE ZICK moved to West Hartford, CT from Seattle where she was an ensemble member at Unexpected Productions, Seattle's first and most reputable improv theater company. She performed weekly in Seattle Theatresports™ and long-form shows such as HAROLD, SPOKEN, BLANK SLATE, FAKESPEARE, THE MELANIE GAME, CAMPFIRE, A(N) IMPROVISED CHRISTMAS CAROL, BLACK-EYED BLONDE, IMPRESSIONISTIC HORROR, and improvised versions of movie genres. She was also the Assistant Artistic Director and only female member of Sisters of Sal, a long-form improvisational comedy troupe that won Seattle Cage Match and performed with Ryan Stiles. Claire runs the improv program at Playhouse on Park and has taught hundreds of improvisers the art of "Yes, and". She produces, directs and performs in shows throughout Connecticut including the CT Cage Match series, Improvaganza, and Franklin's Peaches and Friends. She has studied improv at Unexpected Productions, Magnet Theater, and UCB Theatre. Her instructors have included Randy Dixon, Matt Smith, Jill Farris, Armando Diaz, Christian Capozzoli, Rachel Hamilton, Ed Herbstman, James Eason, Keith Johnstone and Mick Napier. Locally, she has been seen in VANITIES, ISN'T IT ROMANTIC, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE and LEND ME A TENOR as well as other scripted and improvised productions in theaters around the state. 

if you are unable to register online, please emailinfo@happiervalley.com
Happier Valley Comedy presents Transformation: Advanced Improv workshop with Claire Zick

Saturday, July 9 2:00-5:00 PM
Hadley, MA

PREREQUISITE: Completion of at least one Advanced Improv class or equivalent at another comedy school.

Come learn how to add more physicality in your improv and explore the magic of transformation. Learn how to transform scenes seamlessly without editing, build group mind, and deepen your awareness and connections with your scene partners. Come prepared to move!

REGISTER NOW.
More information here.

About Claire Zick: CLAIRE ZICK moved to West Hartford, CT from Seattle where she was an ensemble member at Unexpected Productions, Seattle's first and most reputable improv theater company. She performed weekly in Seattle Theatresports™ and long-form shows such as HAROLD, SPOKEN, BLANK SLATE, FAKESPEARE, THE MELANIE GAME, CAMPFIRE, A(N) IMPROVISED CHRISTMAS CAROL, BLACK-EYED BLONDE, IMPRESSIONISTIC HORROR, and improvised versions of movie genres. She was also the Assistant Artistic Director and only female member of Sisters of Sal, a long-form improvisational comedy troupe that won Seattle Cage Match and performed with Ryan Stiles. Claire runs the improv program at Playhouse on Park and has taught hundreds of improvisers the art of "Yes, and". She produces, directs and performs in shows throughout Connecticut including the CT Cage Match series, Improvaganza, and Franklin's Peaches and Friends. She has studied improv at Unexpected Productions, Magnet Theater, and UCB Theatre. Her instructors have included Randy Dixon, Matt Smith, Jill Farris, Armando Diaz, Christian Capozzoli, Rachel Hamilton, Ed Herbstman, James Eason, Keith Johnstone and Mick Napier. Locally, she has been seen in VANITIES, ISN'T IT ROMANTIC, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE and LEND ME A TENOR as well as other scripted and improvised productions in theaters around the state. 

If you cannot register online, please email info@happiervalley.com
Phantom Sheet with J-Arts present Comedy Improv Drop in Jam Workshop
July 11 at 7:00 PM
Springfield Jewish Community Center

In partnership with J-ART, Phantom Sheep presents an evening of improv with a jam workshop!

Join us for a night of improv games that we'll teach and play alongside with you!
Brush up on skills!
Get a taste of our upcoming classes!
Meet new people!
Laugh and have fun!

All levels welcome.

Fee: $5*
* Free for those who register for upcoming 5 week session that startsJuly 25th!  

Sign Up Today! 
improv@phantomsheep.com
or call 413-739-4715
Facebook event here.
KoFest Workshop Week 2: FIRST PERSON: Crafting Your Story for Performance with GERARD STROPNICKY

July 11-16, 2016; 10am-4pm daily
Webster Hall, Amherst College

Come with a story. (Or two. Or three.) Leave with a performance. (Or two. Or three.)

Come without a story, and by the end of Day One, you’ll discover more compelling material than you’d ever think possible. “After all,” says theatre artist Gerard Stropnicky, “people are simply wonderful walking story anthologies.”

Gerard Stropnicky has been working in story for twenty years. This award-winning director has helped create compelling work from interview, gathered story, letters to the editor, even advertisements, recipes and children’s games. He’s written, directed and acted in countless styles; he’s coached diverse thousands of performers, professional and not, young and old, from every walk of life, to bring their stories to vivid life.

We’ll play with monologue, and help each other create scenes. We’ll experiment with styles, colors and tones. We’ll make ourselves vulnerable to our stories, and to one another. The workshop will draw on the work of the late playwright and poet Jo Carson, Stropnicky’s long-time creative partner, as well as other practitioners of Story Work, and will culminate with a showing. This on-your-feet writers and performers story intensive is designed to release the enormous potential energy already alive in you and your story.

Workshops are geared for participants of all levels of experience, whose ages have run from 18-85.

FMI about all three KoFest 2016 Workshops: 
www.kofest.com /413.427.6147
Register here.
KoFest Workshop Week 3: CREATING SOLO PERFORMANCE: Amusing the Muse (or – The Art of Juggling the Truth) with Sara Felder

July 18-23, 2016; 10am-4pm 
Webster Hall, Amherst College

In this workshop – a Ko favorite – we will develop performance material using objects, character work, monologues, humor and material from our own lives. In the safe space of our hands-on laboratory, we will search our memories, lies and truths in the joyful and rigorous work of creating fun and meaningful solo theater. We will write, try on different performance styles, create images, play with objects, investigate characters, consider different narrative voices, find the humor in the pain (and vice versa,) experiment, fail, laugh, support each other and surprise ourselves.
This workshop happily greets all explorers — from first-timers to seasoned professionals. Theater folk, dancers, musicians, storytellers or those who are simply curious are welcome to join us as we amuse (or schmooze, or cruise) the Muse.

This workshop sold out the previous times we’ve offered it. Early registration recommended.

Workshops are geared for participants of all levels of experience, whose ages have run from 18-85.

FMI about all three KoFest 2016 Workshops: 
www.kofest.com /413.427.6147
Register here.
Happier Valley Comedy presents the Zen of Improv One-Day Intensive
July 24 at 10:00 AM

In the Zen of Improv One-Day Intensive, we'll be covering all the prime exercises from Zen of Improv 1 and some from Zen of Improv 2 in order to fully immerse ourselves in this uniquely natural and self-affirming approach to improvisation. Open to all levels of players, we practice learning how to be more aware of the scene that's revealing itself onstage and following where the scene wants to go...while letting go of the need to work so damn hard and "make stuff up." 

This approach is all about improvising with mindfulness, performing from a place of ease, and playing the scene in the here and now - it's good for the stage and it's good for the soul!

Pre-requisite: None. This intensive is great for people who want to get the whole Zen of Improv 1 curriculum in one improvluscious day as well as experienced performers who'd like to get a healthy dose of the Zen of Improv way.

After this workshop, participants will be eligible to go on to the Zen of Improv 2 (for beginning improvisers) or Zen of Improv 3 for (experienced improvisers.)

If you are unable to register online, please email.
Facebook. More info online.
LaughCrafters:Comedy Improv Classes! 
Teens (15+) and Adults. SUMMER SESSION!
The fun continues with this successful series at the JCC!

5 Weeks= Mondays 7-9PM 
(July 25th-August 22nd)

Sharpen quick thinking!
Build Confidence!
Improve acting and stage presence!
Unleash creativity and characters!
Relax and laugh (a lot)!
Taught by professionals in a very fun, encouraging, and constructive atmosphere.
All levels challenged at their own pace.


Tuition: $80* General Public, *$75 if paid by 8/1/16! 
Those registered are also invited to the July 11th improv jam as an added free bonus!

Class size is limited! 
Register Today! 
413-739-4715 
improv@phantomsheep.com

Facebook event here.
 
Discounts available for JCC and J-Art Members.

An intensive advanced class is also offered for those who have been studying with Phantom Sheep over the past few sessions.
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|*