Pioneer Valley Theatre News May 17, 2018

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser  May 17 - June 6, 2018 Happy Commencement weekend to the class on 2018! (And for those of us who live there, perhaps a good weekend to see a show that's not in Northampton). There are some good ones in Ashfield, Springfield, Montague... get out of town! The next issue will include events through June 13. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before 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 Taking Action: An Artist Becomes an Advocate by Jessica Litwak From the article:  There is no doubt that making a commitment to assist artists at risk is tough. It is challenging enough to read about the plight of persecuted populations in the papers or watch news of oppression on television. The narratives and images yank at our hearts, cause our stomachs and throats to knot up. Sometimes the images haunt us for days. Eventually, though, we change the channel, toss the paper out, and get on with our lives. But when working closely with people in danger, people whose lives are affected by violence and tyranny to the extent that they can no longer live, work, create, or love freely and safely, it’s a whole different matter. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com Want to know even more about events in the Pioneer Valley and beyond, including reviews, interviews, and previews? Check out In the Spotlight, Inc. PERFORMANCES Smith College Department of Theatre presents Spring Studio Productions May 17, 18 at 7:30 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts Smith College MOTHERING HER MEMORIES written and directed by Zoe Rose Kriegler-Wenk ‘18 Linnea and her daughter Heather must navigate a notable shift in their relationship when the progression of Linnea’s Alzheimer’s prompts Heather to take on a maternal role. RED BIKE by Caridad Svich directed by Marty Bongfeldt AC ‘19 featuring Alana Young ‘18 What kind of future will you have living in these here United States? Remember when you were eleven years old and you had a bike, one that made you dream about a world bigger than the one in which you live? This is that memory. Except it is now. Free and open to the public, no reservations Ashfield Community Theater is extremely happy to announce the opening of our political satire, "It Can't Happen Here," which runs two weekends beginning Friday, May 18. The play is about the election of a fascist American president, Buzz Windrip, his ensuing crushing of civil rights, and the underground rising against him by a Vermont editor, Doremus Jessup, and his family and friends. Shows are at at Ashfield Town Hall, 412 Main St., at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 18, Saturday, May 19, Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26. An afternoon show also happens at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 20. Tickets are $6 opening night and $12 all other shows. Reserve them at acth.org or buy them with cash/check at the door. The hall is handicapped-accessible. Unity House Players present The Music Man  May 18 and 19 at 7:30 PM, May 20 at 2:00 PM 245 Porter Lake Dr, Springfield, MA By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best. Meredith Willson's six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation. Join us for this classic piece of Americana directed by Gene Choquette with Musical Director, Elisabeth Weber! Tickets Happier Valley Comedy presents Happier FAMILY Comedy Show Saturday, May 19 at 3:00 PM The Eric Carle Museum (125 W. Bay Rd, Amherst) A high-energy, interactive comedy show for the whole family! Come shout out suggestions, or even join us onstage, and we'll create the entire show on the spot. The third Saturday of every month at 3pm at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA. (Audience members are not required to pay museum admission to see the show. More information. Arena Civic Theatre presents an evening of One Acts Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 PM Montague Common Hall Join us for an evening of one-acts spotlighting  local artists! Featuring: No DeLorean, by Stephen Fruchtman Behind Closed Doors, by Hannah St. Jean 2082, by Izzy Salant Savage The Musical (selections),  by Nicolette Blount and Lindel Hart and music by Nicolette Blount and John Waynelovich Tickets $10  Available at the door Reserve by calling 413-233-4368 Cash or Check ONLY Pauline Productions Presents  I AM MY OWN WIFE by Doug Wright Thurs. May 31 at 7pm  Opening Night All Tickets $18 Friday June 1 at 8pm Sat  June 2 at 8pm Sun June 3 Matinee at 4pm (Discussion to follow) Wed.   June  6 at 7pm  Wed. Night All Tickets $18 Thurs.  June 7 at 7pm Fri.       June 8 at 8pm Sat       June 9 at 8pm First Congregational Church of Ashfield 429 main St. (Route 116) Rylan Morsbach who wowed audiences with his one-man performance of Scaramouche  Jones (2010) returns to Ashfield to perform in Pauline Productions’ (PaulineLive.com) I Am My Own Wife by playwright Doug Wright.  This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Winning modern classic tells the fascinating true life story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, born Lothar Berfelde, who remarkably survived both Nazi Germany and Soviet controlled Berlin as a transgender woman. Actor Rylan Morsbach portrays over 30 characters in this tour-de-force performance as we follow the many threads that make up Charlotte's life.  “An experience that is intellectual, theatrical, funny, and poignant…without forgiveness and sentiment [it] unravels the story of one life."  NYTheatre.com. Tickets:  BrownPaperTickets.com (until 2 hrs before show) $18 Student, $22 General and At Door ($3 more, cash or check). Three Fundraising Performances for: Serious Play / Edinburgh Fringe Performance Exchange An international exchange of compelling performances. Taking work of inspiring Valley performers to the Fringe festival every August, and bringing back bold and authentic work for local audiences. When & Where: Friday June 1 st, 8PM, Hallie Flanagan Theater, Smith College in Northampton Tickets: In advance at www.brownpapertickets.com ($15 Seniors & Students / $18 General Public, $20 at the door ) Time: Each show is 50 mins with an intermission in between Additional information: email or call 413-588-7439 Serious Play Theatre Ensemble presents the two shows going to the August 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival:  John Sheldon’s The Red Guitar directed by Sheryl Stoodley A virtuoso guitarist, a red Stratocaster, a life in sound In 2016, The Red Guitar struck the right chord in Scotland, earning a coveted 5-star review with The Herald’s highly respected music reviewer Rob Adams and has been invited to return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August. His candy apple red Fender Stratocaster in hand, John takes us on a trip, careening through the rise of guitar music in the nuclear age, from Folk through Blues and Rock, to a vision of the future in which the past is vibrantly alive, a heartfelt yet unsentimental performance. Just when you think you are seeing a deconstruction of popular music, you sense something else taking place, a quickening, an awakening of senses long lost, a reclaiming of sounds you thought were consigned to history. Something unexpected is being made right in front of you, a sound loop sculpture plucking chords of your memory. John, a master guitarist who played lead in Van Morrison's band at the age of 17, wrote songs for James Taylor, unknowingly drew praise from Jimi Hendrix, and whom Ed Ward of National Public Radio called "One of the great guitarists of our time," uses a unique blend of storytelling, unearthly sounds, and wicked, layered guitar licks, to send us zipping through the folds of time and space, emerging into the light of a simple, transformative melody. John's ironclad belief in the power of sound pervades the whole performance, the conviction that music is not just entertainment, but a soul saving enterprise, worthy of the lifelong commitment he has made to it. His technical skill never overwhelms the story, the poignant, the humorous, the moments of connection, of illumination. The journey continues, setting a course to the center of who we truly are: vibration. In the same evening, Serious Play also presents: DO IT NOW: Manual Override directed by Sheryl Stoodley Three master artists collaborating with a mutual message for change Danger!! Danger!! Systems are being corrupted or broken. A crash surely lies ahead. No time to waste. We must take back control! Do It Now. Manual Override. Pulling the controls together are John Sheldon on electric guitar, Tony Vacca on all things percussion, and Paul Richmond’s beguiling William S. Burroughs-like spoken word. The trio takes on anything from the mundane envy for a neighbor’s dog to nuclear power posturing to interracial tension, turning them into poetic flashes of text that erupt from a hotbed of music. Non-verbal communications on stage, based in trust and intuition between masters at their craft, creates theatrical moments with authentic music interwoven with Richmond’s text. An evening of food for the mind as well as the soul. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies Is your theatre company missing? Email me! Academy of Music Theatre Arena Civic Theatre Black Cat Theater Chester Theatre Company The Country Players Eggtooth Productions Exit 7 Players Ghost Light Theater Hampshire Shakespeare Company Happier Valley Comedy Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts Ko Theater Works/Ko Festival of Performance Majestic Theater New Century Theatre PaintBox Theatre Pauline Productions Real Live Theatre Red Thread Theater Serious Play Theatre Ensemble Silverthorne Theater Smith College Department of Theatre St. Michael's Players TheatreTruck Turbulent Times Theater Westfield Theatre Group Wilbraham United Players The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation is accepting applications from emerging directors and choreographers for paid opportunities to observe the work of master directors and choreographers as they create productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at leading regional theaters across the country. Through the program, SDCF Observers may have access to the entire rehearsal process, from first rehearsal through opening night. Observers also will have the invaluable opportunity to observe first-hand the techniques, disciplines, approaches, and insights of master artists as they create new productions and revive classics.  Each observer receives a weekly stipend of at least $250 as well as a project travel stipend.  Anyone with serious interest in pursuing a career in directing and/or choreography may apply to the Observership program. A $25 application fee is required to apply for those unaffiliated with SDC. Any observer who is not already a member of SDC will be awarded a free, one-year SDC associate membership. See the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation website for complete program guidelines and application instructions. Link to Complete RFP Springfield College Theater hiring a Technical Direction/Scenic Designer Springfield College Fuller Arts Center and scenic shop Beginning Fall 2018 Provide technical direction and scenic design for Springfield College Theater, supervised and directed by Prof. Martin Shell.  We produce one play each semester. Fee per show. Applicants with an MA or MFA may also apply to instruct a stage production course as an adjunct. TD does not require the grad degree, but please provide your resume of experience. Contact mshell@springfieldcollege.edu The Northampton Arts Council's ArtsEZ 2018 Grant Round has a deadline of May 18, 2018 Individuals as well as schools and arts organizations are encouraged to seek funding for creative projects to be held in Northampton, Florence, and Leeds. The grants are funded by the proceeds from the Arts Council’s signature events: The Silver Chord Bowl, Transperformance, and First Night. The Arts Council will award up to $20,000 in grants to local artists and arts groups. Grants will be awarded in the following categories: dance, film/video, literature, mixed media, music, schools, theater, and visual arts. Individual artists and arts organizations will receive equal consideration for grants. Last spring, the Council awarded $18,000 to 34 recipients with grants ranging from $250-$1,000.        To apply, please complete the ArtsEZ Spring 2018 Online-Only Application Form. It is a simple form with short questions, a place to upload supporting materials and a required project budget. Only one grant application per person or organization will be considered.  Please carefully review the Arts EZ Spring 2018 guidelines for criteria and eligibility requirements. Guidelines are available on our website. Projects must start no earlier than July 1, 2018, and must be completed by June 30, 2019. This local round of funding would not have been possible without the support of numerous local businesses, arts organizations, and artists that have helped make our fundraising efforts such a huge success. To read our guidelines, or download a practice application, visit our website. Contact Brian Foote with grant questions bfoote@northamptonma.gov or 413-587-1069. Valley Light Opera announces auditions May 24, 25 and 28th for its 44th annual Fall production, Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers to be presented in the Fall of 2018 at the historic Academy of Music in Northampton, Massachusetts November 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th at 7:30 PM and 4th and 11th at 2:00PM. Music Director: Aldo Fabrizi Artistic/Stage Director: Michael Budnick Choreography: Susan Edwards Dresser and Nicole Newell All roles are open. Set in Venice and Spain, this lively and colorful work  includes some of Sullivan's most beautiful and soaring tunes along with extravagant singing and dance ensemble numbers. True to form, the operetta is also full of Gilbert's most biting satire and hilarious wit. No one is safe and the society and government targets are still relevant to modern day. The Gondoliers is the most popular and often-performed of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operettas after the "Big Three ."  Unique among the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operettas, The Gondoliers includes roles for no fewer than 9 principals, along with many opportunities for named characters with speaking roles and featured solos in the ensemble. As usual, Valley Light Opera's The Gondoliers will be performed as a full, elaborately staged production, complete with a large orchestra and ensemble, splendid sets and the sumptuous costuming for which the company is renowned.  AUDITION SIGNUP IS REQUIRED!! Please sign up for a slot here. Walk-ins may be accommodated if there is time, but audition slots usually fill up fast.   Auditions will take place at the following locations, dates and times: Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst MA Thursday May 24th from 7-9:30PM Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 North Maple Street, Hadley, MAon Friday May 25th from 7-9:30PM and on Monday, May 28th from 11AM-4PM. Callbacks may be requested at the directors' discretion and will take place at Bangs Community Center, Amherst on May 31st.  Rehearsals will be in Hadley and/or Amherst, start in early September and are typically held on two weekdays from 7-9:30 and Sundays 5-9:00 (with snacks coordinated by rotating cast member volunteers and company dinner on Sundays) Rehearsals will be at the Academy daily in the evening during tech week just prior to opening night.  Auditioners should be familiar with plot summary and descriptions of the show and characters/relevant music selection for the part they are auditioning. A great general resource is The Gilbert and Sullivan Archive here  The 1961 D'Oyly Carte Opera recording is one the best and is available on line with dialog here (Act 1) and here (Act 2) Piano-Vocal scores will be placed on reserve at Jones Library in Amherst and Forbes Library in Northampton. There is also a Schirmer piano vocal score onscribd.com here. Character descriptions, vocal ranges, required audition vocal selections and readings (sides) may be accessed at the links provided below, and are also available on our web site at vlo.org. Character descriptions. Principal Character Readings. Note as of 5/13 we updated this link with an additional page that may be used for reading Duke, Luiz, Duchess and Casilda.  Vocal Selections: Vocal Ranges: Auditioners should prepare to sing one number from the Gilbert and Sullivan canon or music in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan or similar musical theater. (Please bring sheet music if not from The Gondoliers - Piano accompaniment will be provided.)  Additionally, auditioners for principal roles should be prepared to sing the musical selection indicated for their character. Auditioners may also be asked to match pitch and/or demonstrate vocal range.  Auditioners for lead roles should be prepared to read from the indicated dialog and are strongly encouraged to practice and work on their character interpretation prior to the audition. All auditioners should bring comfortable shoes as you will be asked to demonstrate your movement and dance capability. There will be opportunities in the cast for participants with varying levels of dance experience and expertise, as well as featured dance roles.  Audition forms are accessible via the Google Drive link here. or on our web page at vlo.org, and will also be available at the audition. Please fill out your audition form in advance or arrive early enough to complete it prior to your audition. Valley Light Opera is committed to diversity and everyone is encouraged to audition and participate. We traditionally may cast some children in the ensemble. Age and gender are noted as played on stage - we may cast across age and gender as long as the actor can play the indicated age and remain true to the gender of the character and vocal range.  We also have MANY roles behind the scenes. If you have a talent for theatre arts and sciences, or want to learn - we welcome volunteers at all levels for backstage, technical, costume, administration, publicity and assistants to the production team - whether or not you audition or are cast! Valley Light Opera is a primarily volunteer organization and is a not-for-profit based in Amherst, MA. Each year for over 40 years the VLO has produced fully-staged, orchestrated and lavishly costumed productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and other large musical theater works. Rehearsals are typically in Hadley or Amherst, and performances at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Applicants who are unfamiliar with the VLO are encouraged to explore our website at vlo.org. Questions? You can leave us a message here or email the directors at VLOGondoliers2018@gmail.com. You can also visit our facebook page at facebook.com/valleylightopera Arena Civic Theatre Proudly Announces Auditions For ANNIE Book by Thomas Meehan, Music by Charles Strouse & Lyrics by Martin Charnin Directed by Megan Healey Music Direction by Anthony Ferreira Choreography by Sue Dresser Produced by Dawn Mayo Auditions will be held the following dates (you must only attend one): Sunday May 27th 1-4 PM Monday May 28th 6-9 PM Callbacks (if necessary) by invite only May 30th 6 PM at the Chi Omega House – 47 Olympia Drive in Amherst   ALL ROLES AVAILABLE With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Presented at the Shea Theater Arts Center – 71 Avenue A in Turners Falls September 20, 21, 22 & 23 of 2018 FACEBOOK EVENT. CALL FOR STAGE MANAGER   (South Hadley, MA) Black Cat Theater is seeking letters of interest and resumes for the position of Stage Manager for their Fall musical The Wizard of Oz. Rehearsals begin in September and show dates will be in November. Email letter of interest and resume to blackcattheater@gmail.com by Saturday, June 2. MAJESTIC THEATER ANNOUNCES JUNE AUDITION SCHEDULE FOR 2018-2019 SEASON West Springfield, MA (4/30/18) – Auditions for both Equity and non-Equity performers for roles in the upcoming 2018-2019 Season will be held at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater in June according to Producing Director Danny Eaton.  This will be the 22th Season since the Majestic was re-opened for live theater in March 1997. Equity performers will be scheduled to audition June 4 & 5; non-Equity performers will be scheduled to audition June 6, 7, 8 & 9. Both Equity and non-Equity performers are encouraged to apply. The specific hours are: Equity: Monday, June 4: 10am – 6pm Tuesday, June 5: 10am - 6pm Non-Equity: Wednesday, June 6: 6-10:30pm Thursday, June 7: 6-10:30pm Friday, June 8: 6-10:30pm Saturday, June 9: 10am - 3pm Actors will be auditioned for parts in the following productions: “Johnny Guitar” (September 6 – October 21, 2018), “The War and Walt Whipple” (November 1 – December 9, 2018), “The Mountaintop” (January 3 – February 10, 2019), “Boeing-Boeing” (February 21 – March 31, 2019) and “The Marvelous Wonderettes” (April 11 – May 26, 2019). Equity auditions are scheduled in five minute time slots and participants must prepare a monologue. If auditioning for a musical, performers must bring sheet music of their choice. An accompanist will be present. Equity performers may be asked to stay longer, if time permits, and read from prepared script selections. Non-Equity auditions are scheduled in 10 minute time slots. Non-Equity performers new to the Majestic should prepare a monologue of their choice and, if singing, bring an instrumental CD accompaniment as well as a picture and resume. They will also be asked to read from prepared script selections. To book an audition, call the Majestic Theater at 413.747.7797. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Heidi Haas - Improv workshop for families Friday, May 18 They will be held at the Florence Civic Center next to Lilly Library from 4:00-6:00. All ages and abilities are encouraged to join the fun. It’s a great opportunity for people who want to play and try out improv. The cost is $25 per family. Any questions, contact me at 413-584-5562 or email me at Heidi_Haas@comcast.net.  MAKE LEARNING WITH REAL LIVE THEATRE THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SUMMER! We are psyched to launch five brand new summer workshops for theatre makers of all backgrounds, interests, and levels of experience. All workshops are led by RLT members and educators and will take place at the North Star Building on Route 116 in Sunderland, MA. Join us for any or all of these fabulous afternoons - discounts are available for those interested in more than one! Saturday July 21st 1-4 PM: Theater Making with a Conscience with Ellen Morbyrne Saturday July 28th 1-4 PM: Rooting and Rising: Cultivating Community and Championing the Creative Spirit with Angelica Polk and Julissa Rodriguez Saturday August 4th 1-4 PM: The Art of the Director with Toby Vera Bercovici Saturday August 11th 12-4 PM: Choreographing Intimacy with Toby Vera Bercovici and Ellen Morbyrne Saturday August 25th 1-4 PM: Instigating Hope and Change Through Theater with Ezekiel Baskin and Trenda Loftin CLICK HERE for more information on each workshop, our educators, and how to register! Feel free to email reallivetheatre@gmail.com with any questions. 3 unique workshops as part of the 27th Annual KO FESTIVAL OF PERFORMANCE, held each summer on the beautiful Amherst College campus in Amherst, Massachusetts. Join us for one or more of our 6-day intensives, led by expert teachers, who are adept at gearing their classes for multiple levels of experience.  July 9 - 14, 2018 SOUND AND FURY An Embodied Approach to Voice, Text & Sound Design for the Theatre with RICHARD NEWMAN, Co-Artistic Director of The Hinterlands (Detroit) July 16 - 21, 2018 FIRST PERSON: Crafting Your Story for Performance with Gerard Stropnicky, Co-Founder Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble (PA) July 30 - August 4, 2018 THEATRE AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT with Helen Stoltzfus of Black Swan Arts & Media (San Francisco) All classes meet from 10 am - 4 pm on the Amherst College campus. More information. Submit your workshop or class or audition or performance or job or any other theatre opportunity here! 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