Thursday, July 7, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre News July 7, 2016

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

  July 7-27, 2016


Do yourself a favor and go see a show this weekend!

I will be out of the country next Thursday - there will still be a newsletter, but the deadline to submit is this Saturday night.

The next issue will include events through August 3. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before Saturday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com

Submit Your Theatre Event
THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS:
from Howlround
Classic Engagement: What Theatres Can Learn from a Missouri Music Store

by Lauren Smith
From the article: 

On Saturday mornings for several decades, people have entered Westgate Music in Sullivan, Missouri (population 7,000) for a “jam session.” The store is a hub for country music and community gathering in the northern Ozarks. I grew up in Sullivan, but rarely went to Westgate until my father, a self-proclaimed non-musician 50-something, started taking guitar lessons. He began visiting Westgate weekly, and I, home between freelance stage management contracts, went with him. I quickly became fascinated with the music (what former owner Jerry Thurmond calls “Southern Country Gospel”) and the group of people who gathered to drink coffee, talk about the status of hay/corn/cattle/the election, while playing and listening to music together. I was surprised by the sense of community within the store’s walls, a togetherness that I couldn’t remember experiencing anywhere in Sullivan during my childhood. Westgate’s jam sessions provide opportunities for connection among local artists and citizens in a number of ways. From their example, I have pulled three principles that theatres, particularly those that produce classic works, might emulate to provide such a gathering space for their communities.

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
July 7-9
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
July 7-10

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.
Chester Theatre Company presents The World Premiere of "My Jane"
by Daniel Elihu Kramer

July 7-10, with performances Thursday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Thursday, 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.
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.
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 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
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.

PaintBox Theatre presents Great Race of the Tortoise and the Hare
Performances at Williston, Easthampton
Friday July 22: 7:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday July 23 and 24 10:30 and 1:00

The greatest sports story of all time. Welcome to The International Raceway. Our contestants: The Tortoise: PaintBox newcomer Michael King vs. The Hare: Kelsey Flynn. Yes! Kelsey Flynn is coming out of retirement. She is dusting off her rabbit ears and jumping into the race. We promise lots of cheering and excitement as we present this folktale dash for glory.
 
Info:
Tickets: Available at the door or at BrownPaperTickets.com.
Admission: $10.00 for single tickets. 
Group Discount: 15 people or more - $7.00 per ticket - email Tom for details
Web site: PaintBoxTheatre.com
Questions: Tom@TomMcCabe.com
Phone: 413-923-7159
Ko Festival of Performance presents WHEN I PUT ON YOUR GLOVE, by Sandglass Theater

ERIC BASS, after 30 years, is passing the puppets from his signature piece into new hands. The result, performed by his daughter, SHOSHANA BASS, weaves AUTUMN PORTRAITS material with reflections about the complexity of navigating generational artistic legacy.  Fri., July 22 and Sat., July 23 at 8:00 pm; Sun., July 24 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 atwww.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.  
Arena Civic Theatre presents Yankee Tavern 
Presented at the White Church Community Center,
16 Memorial Street Deerfield, MA 01342
7/22, 23, 29 & 30 at 8:00 PM and
7/24 & 31 at 2:00 PM.

A thriller set in a New York bar about to be demolished. Adam, a young graduate student, finds himself caught in a web of intrigue as he grapples with questions about his impending marriage, his late father's best friend (who may be a paranoid schizophrenic), and a mysterious stranger who appears to knows far more than he should about the 9/11 attacks.

Suddenly outlandish theories become dangerous realities. Coincidence or conspiracy? Written by Steven Dietz and directed by Jennifer Coliskey. The cast includes Dominic Bairds as Adam, Carolyn Caron as Janet, Jim Merlin as Ray, and Tom Kokonowski as Palmer.

Tickets $16 General Admission, $13 Seniors/Students, $10 Children (12 & under) and are available at the door or by calling to reserve at (413) 233-4368 or onlineFacebook event.

Serious Play! Theatre Ensemble presents 
Fringe Kick Off Party for The Red Guitar

Hosted by Nancy Simons and Richard Sclove
 
Sat July 23rd    8pm to 10pm
54 Shutesbury Rd, Leverett MA
 
Long time Serious Play collaborator, John Sheldon, will be performing a solo show 
in the outdoor courtyard at Nancy Simons' home in Leverett.
 
This performance will showcase John's The Red Guitar Fringe-length piece being produced & directed for the Edinburgh Fringe by Serious Play Theatre Ensemble.
John will also perform a set of other original songs in the second half of the evening.
 
John's a virtuoso guitarist and Pioneer Valley musical favorite who at 17 played as lead guitar with Van Morrison. In The Red Guitar, John performs a one-of-a-kind rock and roll fueled musical autobiography.
 
Help send us off to Edinburgh, Scotland in Western Mass style!
Doors open at 7:30/ show starts at 8:00 (There will be a short intermission.)

Tickets $15 & drinks are by donation
RSVP purchase a ticket via Paypal / or at the event
Follow Serious Play on Twitter
Link to Serious Play's new official page on Facebook for up to date information on all of our new projects and productions.
MAJESTIC THEATER SUMMER CHILDREN’S THEATER presents
TREASURE ISLAND


Monday, July 25 - 10am, 1pm & 6:30pm
Tuesday, July 26 - 10am, 1pm
Wednesday, July 27 - 10am, 1pm
 
Sunday August 14 - 2pm & 6:30pm
Monday, August 15 - 10am, 1pm & 6:30pm 
Tuesday, August 16 - 10am, 1pm
Wednesday, August 17 - 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.
AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
The Academy of Music is hiring a House Manager! See the full job description here.
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
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.
Two new openings for our Summer Program for Children 
Two slots just opened up for our single two week session of summer theater for children ages 8-13 at Eaglebrook School in Deerfield.

 August 1-12, 2016

The program is a two-week theater intensive where we build an original version of a well-known play through improvisational games. All actors will have the opportunity to use text if they choose, and all students will learn plots and characters of classic plays, but the actors will have a great deal of choice in the characters they play and the words they say. In the past six years we have done several original mysteries, Moliere's The Physician in Spite of Himself, and  Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and last year's critically acclaimed tragicomedy, Hamlet. Come play! After all, the play's the thing...

 Running time of camp, 9 am to 3 pm with mornings devoted to theater games and then on to rehearsal. Lunch will be provided in the beautiful Gibbs Dining Hall. Recess will take place in the afternoon with activities including walking to the Rock, swimming in Schwab pool, playing on the fields, and enjoying the gym. Performance last Friday afternoon to showcase week's work with parents and friends invited to each performance. 
 
More information at: www.eggtooth.org

The cost is $560 with a limit of 15 children. A check may be made payable to Eggtooth, 102 Highland Ave. Greenfield, MA 01301. For more information call Linda at 413-522-1445.

Founded in 1922, Eaglebrook School is a located on 750 acres along Pocumtuck Ridge in Deerfield, MA just off of Routes 5 and 10 in the village of Old Deerfield. The Percival Theatre is a 260 seat theatre featuring beautiful acoustics and flexible seating. For directions:

www.eaglebrook.org

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