Pioneer Valley Theatre News September 15, 2022

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser September 15 - October 5, 2022 Smith College Theatre is hiring an Assistant Technical Director! Come work with me!  From the Valley Advocate StageStruck column: the 2022-23 season in the Valley is underway, and here's the first opening - a big, lively production of Mamma Mia at the Majestic Theater and puppets in the Green Mountain festival in Brattleboro. The next issue will include events from September 22 - October 12. 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 Serious Play Theatre Ensemble presents A Very Special Writing Workshop with Claire Titelman September 24-25 Email for more information. Westfield Theatre Group presents Marvin's Room October 14-22 More information here. YOUR EVENT HERE $5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing! Email me to reserve your dates. Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Google Calendar Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround Everything Everywhere: Perspectives from “Third-Culture” Theatremakers in the Sinophone Community by Livian Yeh From the article:  The Beginning I was watching a play about a Chinese immigrant. This was my first trip to the theatre since the great you-know-what. I sat in the audience, savoring the feeling of the glossy program between my fingers. The play was great. I’d forgotten how fun the genre can be, how nice it felt to see real people onstage. And then, The Moment happened: one of the main characters held up a piece of paper, and her interlocutor asked what she was writing. Wait, my brain said, Isn’t it obvious? She had written down her last name in Chinese for the entire theatre to see. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES “MAMMA MIA!” TO OPEN MAJESTIC THEATER’S 25th SEASON   West Springfield’s Majestic Theater will kick off its 25th Season with Mamma Mia! which runs September 8 – October 16.  The beloved jukebox musical, with music and lyrics by Benny Anderson & Bjorn Ulvaeus, and book by Catherine Johnson, incorporates the music of pop group Abba in telling the story of Donna, a woman living a quiet life on a Greek island whose life is upended when her daughter Sophie becomes engaged.  Never knowing the identity of her father, Sophie invites the three men who may be her dad to the wedding.   Producing Director Danny Eaton is directing the play.  Associate Producing Director is Sue Dziura, Mitch Chakor is music director, and Stephen Petit is production stage manager.  The set was designed by Greg Trochlil, and Dawn McKay is costume designer.  Daniel Rist is lighting designer and Doug Wallace is sound designer.   Cast members include Cate Damon (Donna), Vivienne Damon (Sophie), Marty Bongfeldt (Tanya), Lori Efford (Rosie), Ben Ashley (Sam), Russell Garrett (Harry), Gene Choquette (Bill) and Sam Snyder (Sky).  Others cast members include Caelie Scott Flanagan, Natasha Ellis, Den Hernandez, Steven Sands and Michael Garcia.   Ticket prices range from $31 - $37 and can be obtained by visiting or calling the box office at (413) 747-7797 during hours of operation (Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)   Audience members are required to wear a mask while in the building unless actively eating or drinking in the café.  Doors to the theater will open one hour before the start of a show, which is also when the café opens.  For more information, visit www.majestictheater.com Happier Valley Comedy HVC's Fun Fridays: Storytelling Standup Showcase September 16 at 5:30 PM Happier Valley Comedy's Next Door Lounge (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA) Watch Happier Valley Comedy talent try out their latest material, laugh together, raise a glass, and support up-and-coming standup comedians. Doors open at 5:30. Showcase starts at 7pm. Free! Tickets UMass Theater: Celebrating 50 YearsAn adventurous and joyful 2022-2023 season marks the anniversary of the department's founding FLAMINGO MURMURATION An outdoor performance piece created by designer Anya Klepikov Directed & choreographed by Rudy Ramirez Production coordinator Fleur Kuhta September 17 at 2:00 pm, with rain dates Sept. 24 or Oct. 1 ILC/Blue Wall lawn (pond side of the Campus Center) Free, no reservations necessary Inspired by starling murmuration, this piece is a witty and much pinker version of the celestial phenomenon where a flock of starlings moves as one in response to environmental perturbations. There’s whimsy and delight to be found in dozens of participants, all sporting flamingo pool floats, performing coordinated movements, but there’s a thoughtful enquiry for audiences to ponder as they watch: are we humans capable of acting in concert for our evolutionary benefit? Happier Valley Comedy HVC Presents: Not In Charge! September 17 at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA) A cast of experienced improvisers dive into a variety of formats based on audience suggestions. Second Saturday of every month at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. Tickets WAM Theatre Commemorates Banned Books Week with "Erased Histories: A Free Conversation Series" WAM Theatre is delighted to announce a series of lively conversations with scholars, artists, and community members who will tell the true stories of Black and Indigenous Women who were Civil Rights pioneers. These FREE events will take place throughout Berkshire County, and in collaboration with The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield, and Stockbridge Library. The series is presented in connection with WAM Theatre’s upcoming production of CADILLAC CREW and is funded by the Brabson Library and Educational Foundation. This special series of conversations is taking place as part of Banned Books Week (September 18-24). The week is a timely effort to underscore the vital role of historically and presently banned books in school curriculum, public education, and access. The Erased Histories conversation series will feature scholars, artists, and community leaders telling true stories that are often missing from history books. We invite you to join us in listening to live and original retellings of stories that changed the face of history. Our honored speakers will include: Indigenous Historian Heather Bruegl (Oneida/Stockbridge-Munsee), Storyteller Onamuni Jean Moss, Community Leader Gwendolyn VanSant (CEO and Founder of Multicultural BRIDGE), Professor Frances Jones-Sneed, Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes, Storyteller, Inspirational Speaker Amber Chand, and Artist/Educator Nicole M. Young-Martin. WAM Theatre is thrilled to be partnering with libraries throughout Berkshire County to present the conversations in free and easily accessible public spaces. WAM’s partners on this series include Berkshire Athenaeum (Pittsfield, MA), Clark Art Institute Auditorium (Williamstown, MA), and the Stockbridge Library Association (Stockbridge, MA). We join together for Banned Book Week to celebrate the power of storytelling as a way to uplift voices that have been historically silenced. ERASED HISTORIES: A Conversation Series In collaboration with the Clark Art Institute, the Berkshire Athenaeum, and Stockbridge Library Association. Saturday, September 17, 2pm Clark Art Institute Auditorium in Williamstown, MA Featuring Professor Frances Jones-Sneed (MCLA) and artist/educator Nicole Young-Martin Tuesday, September 20, 6pm Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, MA Featuring Indigenous Historian Heather Breugl (Oneida/Stockbridge-Munsee) and Community Activist Gwendolyn VanSant (Multicultural BRIDGE) Saturday, September 24, 3pm Stockbridge Library Association, Stockbridge, MA Featuring: storyteller and inspirational speaker Amber Chand. Available Virtually throughout October Online as part of WAM Theatre’s Spotlight Series Featuring Indigenous Historian Heather Buegl (Oneida/Stockbridge-Munsee), Storyteller Onawumi Jean Moss, and Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes. Happier Valley Comedy The Happier Valley Championship September 24 at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA) In this competitive comedy show, two teams of improvisers face off through scenes and games to see who can win the ultimate prize: your laughter! Fourth Saturday of every month at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. Tickets Eggtooth Productions presents Deus Ex Machina Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 at 7 and 9 pm Tickets are $35 here: www.showclix.com/events/27957 First produced in 2017, Deus Ex Machina is a mesmerizing immersive production for an audience of only 18 members per show. With an intimate 1:1 cast to audience ratio and the entire Shea Theater as our set, participants will have a series of sublime engagements with an array of characters inspired by the building’s storied history as 1920s vaudeville house to a 70s hippy commune and, of course, a theater venue over a span of decades. In addition to a number of beloved Eggtooth performers, including board member and Broadway makeup designer Joe Dulude II and WRSI host Monte Belmonte, Deus will feature special guests Matthew Glassman, former co-artistic director at Double Edge Theater (Ashfield, MA) and Tara Boland, former Associate Enrichment Director of immersive theater giants Punchdrunk (London, UK). Director/Designer: John Bechtold, with scenic and costume design by Julia Whalen and makeup design by Joe Dulude II. Choreography by Lori Holmes-Clark. Performances: September 29 - October 1. We want to include all so if ticket price is prohibitive contact lmciner@gmail.com for a discount. MIFA Victory Theatre Angela Davis, A History of the United States 9/30 at 7:30 PM, 10/1/22 at 7:30PM & 10/2/22 Matinee at 2PM Rooke Theater, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA 01075 MIFA Victory Theatre presents French theater company Compagnie L'Héliotrope in "Angela Davis, A History of the United States" The play, mixing narration, speeches, video, and rap music, tells the story of Angela Davis, American Black activist, professor and author, who faced a turbulent life during the civil rights movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Actress Astrid Bayiha alone on stage exudes rage at injustice and discrimination through the power of words and music with the help of musician-composer Balde AliMbaye. Don't miss Astrid Bayiha in Angela Davis' fierce journey! Face Masks Required Free parking at Gorse Lot, 27 Morgan St., South Hadley, MA. Show Dates/Times: Friday, September 30, 2022, at 7:30 pm - In French with English supertitles, FREE Student Performance (Student I.D. Required unless under age 13), Non-Student General Admission $20 Saturday, October 1, 2022, at  7:30 pm  - In English with French supertitles General Admission $20, Students $15 Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 2:00 pm Matinee - In English with French supertitles General Admission $20, Students $15 https://www.mifafestival.org/events Means of Production Theater Co. Waiting for Lefty - A Benefit for the Pioneer Valley Workers Center 09/30 @ 7:30pm, 10/1 @ 7:30pm, 10/2 @ 2:30pm, 10/4 - 10/8 @ 7:30pm The Institute for the Musical Arts - Goshen At the height of the Great Depression, Clifford Odets' Waiting for Lefty rocked the class consciousness of America while setting a new standard for theatrical realism. Though it debuted in 1935, the play continues to resonate in light of increased unionization and labor activity across the country, as well as the general reevaluation of the culture of work brought on by COVID-19. In our 2022 production, a meeting of union truck drivers frames a series of vignettes that offer a glimpse into the lives and loves of union agitators. Why are they agitating? What do they deserve? What will they have to do to get it? Ticket sales will benefit the Pioneer Valley Workers Center, a social justice and immigrant rights organization that champions labor rights across Western Massachusetts. Additionally, the first three performances will be followed by panel discussions with local labor organizers. Performances will occur in the barn at the Institute for the Musical Arts, 165 Cape Street, Goshen, Massachusetts. We will ask that audience members wear masks for the duration of the show. https://waitingforlefty.brownpapertickets.com/ HCC Alumni Players Phillips Festival 2022 October 8 at 7:30 PM Holyoke Community College Leslie Phillips Theater Holyoke, MA An evening of original, short plays written, directed, and staged in in 24 hours.   From Concept to Curtain ... IN ONE DAY The Festival is to benefit the Leslie Phillips Fund for the Arts and Arts Education at Holyoke Community College https://lesliephillipsfestival2022.brownpapertickets.com We are also celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the HCC Players, Holyoke Community's theater ensemble at the Festival. Westfield Theatre Group, A Department of the Westfield Woman's Club Marvin's Room October 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7:30 PM and October 22 at 2:00PM Westfield Woman's Club, 28 Court Street, Westfield, MA Scott Pherson's Obie and Drama Desk award winning comedic drama Marvin's Room explores interpersonal relationships within a family experiencing a series of crises and life choices. Frank Rich of the New York Times called Marvin’s Room: “…one of the funniest plays of this year as well as one of the wisest and most moving” With resonant and timely themes, Marvin’s Room casts a sensitive but often darkly humorous light on caregiving, sibling relationships, teenage rebellion, abandonment, mental health and loss. The play evokes deep empathy and understanding, smiles of recognition, laughter and sympathy for our shared human condition. Audiences may alternately laugh and cry, but they will no doubt emerge having had a deeply affecting experience. Directed by Michael O. Budnick Produced by Eva Husson-Stockhamer and Sophie Stevenson Set Design by Eva Husson-Stockhamer with Robert Clark, Set Builder Costume Design by Theresa Allie Lighting Design by Frank Croke Publicity by Sally Memole Cast: Bessie: Tracy Grammer Lee: Gilana Chelimsky Hank: Joe Wilcox Ruth: Theresa Allie Dr. Wally: Jim Merlin Dr. Charlotte/Director: Nicole Calero Charlie: Calaeb Vertig Bob/Marvin: Jon Golden http://westfieldtheatregroup.com AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES K and E Theater Group Auditions – GREY GARDENS THE MUSICAL   We’re working on our Season Three! K and E Theater Group is holding auditions for our March 2023 Mainstage Production of GREY GARDENS THE MUSICAL.   GREY GARDENS is the hilarious and heartbreaking story of Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, once bright names on the social register who became East Hampton’s most notorious recluses.   Auditions can be scheduled IN PERSON (with COVID protocol) on Sunday, September 18, 2022, BY APPOINTMENT in Southampton at the First Congregational Church of Southampton, 212 College Highway (large white church), 6:00-10:00 PM. To schedule your audition, please click here.   Additionally, video submission materials are also being accepted and considered by September 17, 2022, at 11:59 PM. To submit a video audition, please click here.   Callbacks are IN PERSON and currently scheduled for Friday, September 23, 2022, in Southampton.   To audition and perform, all performers and production team members will be fully vaccinated and have received at least one booster against COVID-19. Please bring proof of vaccination card and photo ID. Masks will be worn during in-person auditions.   Visit KETG.org/auditions for character breakdown and more information on how to sign up for your audition slot or submit your material. Some roles have been cast already.   GREY GARDENS runs March 16-19, 2023 at Mapleton Hall in Suffield, Connecticut.   Don't forget to like us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or visit KETG.org for more information!   Come make a meaningful impact on our students and in our community  and submit your application for the  Assistant Technical Director position. This person will provide support for both the theatre and dance departments on campus. They will take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. They will also supervise the scenic design and technical aspects of all Dance performances; assist with the daily operation of equipment and spaces; manage student workers, mentor and teach beginning and advanced students.  Smith College is committed to the values of diversity, inclusion, and equity and the work it takes to enact them and we hope that  you will  join us in that commitment. Additionally, we offer exceptional benefits, many available starting on the first day of employment! Blue Cross Blue Shield affordable, low-deductible medical insurance  Low to no-cost Dental, Vision and Life Insurance options Generous Paid Holidays and time off A Retirement Plan with a 9% Employer Funded annual contribution Tuition Benefits with family offerings Essential functions Production Support Assist with the preparation of all theatre and dance productions. Examples of this support include, but are not limited to: Maintaining and modeling safe practices during the production process Scenic planning and execution Ordering and budgeting supplies Drafting, Design consultation, Engineering, Furniture repair and construction Properties creation Rigging, painting, and stage preparation Problem solve for technical needs as necessary during dance performances  Research and learn new practices, equipment, and materials used in theatre and dance production and design work Attend rehearsals, performances, production and scheduling meetings as needed Student Supervising Supervise, instruct, and mentor the THE 200 and DAN 200 student production crews, the interns and scene shop work study for the theatre and dance departments Actively assist in the development of a learning ethos in the scene shop that encourages beginning and experienced students to develop skills, confidence, inclusiveness, autonomy and leadership  Co-instructor for the scene shop focus on THE 200  Facility Maintenance Assist in maintenance of the performance and classroom spaces in the Mendenhall performing arts complex  Work with the Five College Dance Production Manager and students to maintain equipment and provide technical supervision of the Scott Dance Studio Maintain records of shop inventories, maintenance schedules, and safety checks Safety Ensure a safe and hazard-free environment for all workers  Train students and staff on the safe use of the power tools and machinery in the shop and stage spaces  Have knowledge of, model and manage safe practices for students, staff and faculty when working at height and using the tools and machinery in the shop and stage spaces  Minimum Qualifications Knowledge and demonstrated experience with scenic and property construction techniques; knowledge and demonstrated experience with wood and metal working tools; knowledge and demonstrated experience with rigging, drafting, tool maintenance and repair. Must be able to work standing for long periods of time, lift up to 50 lbs. Demonstrated knowledge of safety protocols used in construction, rigging and production.  We will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet the needs required of the position.   If you are someone who has the  technical skills to do the job and a desire to work directly with students, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and submit an application for the position! Skills The ability to organize and prioritize work in order to meet an assigned deadline. Ability to multitask, pay consistent attention to detail, respond effectively to various work styles and communicate effectively with faculty, students and staff. Preferred Qualifications Experience teaching, leading and working collaboratively with diverse constituencies, especially college students. Knowledge of Q-lab and Vectorworks programs. Basic knowledge of sound and lighting equipment. Knowledge of, or interest in, automation practices for the performing arts. Additional Information  Applications will be accepted until position is filled. We seek to pay competitively and equitably based on factors such as the position and individual qualifications.  While actual pay will vary based on these factors, target pay is generally around $22 - $27/hour. Apply Here. HCC Alumni Players Phillips Festival 2022 October 7 at 6:30 PM through Performance October 8 at 7:30 PM Holyoke Community College Leslie Phillips Theater Holyoke, MA Looking for Actors, Directors, and Stage Crew to be a part of the Phillips Festival 2022, an evening of original short plays celebrating the 50th anniversary of the HCC Players and benefitting the Leslie Phillips Fund to support Arts and Arts Education at HCC https://forms.gle/wyWm1S1jJYpxh7Tr7 This is how the Phillips Festival process works.  People who are interested in participating sign up to either act, direct, write or stage manage. On Friday Oct 7th, all participants meet and the actors audition with a provided piece.   Then the writers are assigned actors, props, and other play elements by random draw.  Then they have until 6 AM on Saturday to write a 10-minute play.  Early Saturday morning, October 8th, the participants meet back at Holyoke Community where the directors are given their plays, again by random drawing.  The actors and directors rehearse all day and perform the finished product at 7:30 Saturday night. Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Individuals Mass Cultural Council’s Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Individuals offers unrestricted grants of $5,000 to creatives and gig workers to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set a path for growth. Application Process UMass Fine Arts Center Job Opening: Performing Arts Programming Office Support Since its founding in 1975, the UMass Fine Arts Center has been a central force in the cultural, social, and academic life of the University, the Five College campuses, and the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. The Fine Arts Center's combination of educational, visual, and performing arts programs not only makes us unique, but it also secures a very vital and necessary position for us to meet the diverse needs of scholars, faculty, students, alumni, and the broader community. Job Summary The Clerical Assistant provides administrative and coordination support to the performing arts department in the areas of contracting, purchasing, timekeeping, budgeting, artist services, funding, and marketing. https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/515508/clerical-assistant UMass Fine Arts Center Job Opening: Performing Arts Asst. Curator Since its founding in 1975, the UMass Fine Arts Center has been a central force in the cultural, social, and academic life of the University, the Five College campuses, and the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. The Fine Arts Center's combination of educational, visual, and performing arts programs not only makes us unique, but it also secures a very vital and necessary position for us to meet the diverse needs of scholars, faculty, students, alumni, and the broader community. Job Summary The Performing Arts Assistant Curator works with the Performing Arts Curator to manage the performing arts department during the 2022-2023 season and devise a 2023-2024 season that reinforces the identity and goals of the Fine Arts Center (FAC). The position supports a coherent, innovative, and socially relevant performing arts and culture season featuring artists, projects, and outreach and engagement activities from across disciplines, genres, and cultures, including music, dance, theatre, family shows, international, and more. This is a temporary position. https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/515779/temporary-professionalperforming-arts-assistant-curator Scenic Artist/Painter – MAJESTIC THEATER 131 Elm St West Springfield, MA 01089 About the Company The Majestic Theater has been bringing locally-produced live, professional theater to the Pioneer Valley since 1997. Every season at the Majestic consists of five productions, including at least one musical, which typically run for six weeks. In addition to the subscription season, the summer includes children's theater, concerts, plays, improvisational comedy shows, and more. Job Description The Scenic Artist works closely with the Scenic Designer in accomplishing all texture and painted effects of a production.  The scenic artist will oversee painting crews as needed.  Candidate should have a working knowledge of painting techniques such as marbling, wood grain, etc., and understand paint mixing and stenciling.   Experience in a professional or collegiate theatrical shop would be helpful. Work schedule based upon productions: five season productions (August – April), children’s theater (May – June), additional productions as scheduled. Hourly compensation based upon experience.   Hourly range $20 to $25.  Benefits to be determined. Interested applicants should email sue@majestictheater.com with cover letter and current professional resume. Grant Application Opens: August 1st, 2022 Grant Application Closes: September 16th, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts  Flexible Funding We are excited to announce 2022’s round of Flexible Funding, which will provide general operating support to nonprofits that benefit our region. As part of the Foundation’s strategic vision, preference will be given to organizations, who missions are in the following areas: Diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces and institutions, prioritizing racial equity. A strong start for all children though high-quality early education and care. Accessible and more affordable post-secondary education and training, providing pathways to completion and employment. A vibrant and local arts and creativity ecosystem to support self-expression, economic vitality and connection. Preference will also be given to organizations where leadership is racially diverse. Learn More Here https://communityfoundation.org/nonprofits/flexible-funding-cfwm WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Anyone who organizes or attends auditions or is involved in casting for the theatre, is recommended to take 30 minutes to listen to this conversation between casting director Victor Vazquez and dramaturg/performer Tatiana Godfrey.  Part of WAM Theatre's Spotlight Series, they talk about some of the problems that we run into in the traditional casting process, especially in terms of racial or gender stereotyping, and some of the opportunities and suggestions he has for better ways of placing actors in roles.  https://www.wamtheatre.com/spotlight-series-with-casting-director-victor-vazquez/ Serious Play Theatre Ensemble presents A Very Special Writing Workshop with Claire Titelman Dates:  Saturday September 24th and Sunday September 25th Place:   Blue Barn at Bramble Hill Farm, 593 South Pleasant St, Amherst MA Time:  11am-4pm each day, which includes an hour long lunch break on the farm; (bring your own lunch & cold drink) water bottles available. Price: $175 More info:  Email Claire Titeman at claireprompts@gmail.com to see if there's a spot left and she will give you info on payment, etc. Limited enrollment.  Feel free to reach out with any questions! Covid protocol:  The class will be masked and you must be able to show proof of vaccination. About the class: This is a playful and challenging class with exercises and writing prompts that run the gamut from surreal to straightforward, from very deep to very dumb. They will encourage you to get out of your head, delve into your unconscious, and develop your authentic voice, leading to vulnerable, funny, fierce, strange, and surprising work. We will subvert elements of memoir, theater, fiction, and other genres to help inspire creativity-- all with a curriculum that’s designed for artists of all kinds: writers, comedians, performers, filmmakers, visual artists, and non-artists interested in exploring creative expression. Dropouts, shut-ins and people picked last in gym class are welcome!* *Jocks, geniuses and the well-adjusted also welcome. This is an inclusive class.  PRACTICE STUDIO, with Chalia La Tour A Weekly, 90 minute Drop-In Class, ​​Open to All Levels of Experience Mondays starting September 26th | 12-1.30pm EST | On Zoom $20/Week, $65/Month | Open to All Sign up! Like any art form, acting is a practice. In Practice Studio you will be given held space to do just that. Practice. Practice tuning into yourself. Practice releasing & empowering your voice. Practice generously offering and vulnerably revealing yourself. Each week Tony Award nominee and Broadway Black’s Antonyo Award Recipient for Best Featured Actor in a Broadway Play, Chalia La Tour (Slave Play Broadway, Yale MFA) will guide you through a progression of exercises & deep internal exploration to aid you on a path where your artistry is ever growing. This class is perfect for maintaining a sharpness of skills, preparation for auditions, or revitalizing your connection to your work. What does practice make? Better. INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUAL THEATER SEPT 28 – 7:00 pm ET A free informational webinar for playwrights, actors, directors, and theater educators with little or no experience in virtual theater. Presenter/Moderator Dr. Jack Tierney (aka Jack McT) defines and describes the current state of the art of virtual theater and introduces a pair of sequential follow-up events: a "How-To" WEBINAR “How to Produce Your Play for Virtual (ZOOM) Theater;” and a "Hands-On" WORKSHOP "Producing Your Play for Virtual (ZOOM) Theater. Because the outcome goal of the workshop is that each participant will produce a “virtual staged-reading” of their own original play, this event will also involve a viewing of out-takes and highlights of a “virtual staged-reading” of a work-in-progress, and a viewing of a new new musical as a model and example for participants. The session include opportunities for Q & A. NOTE: PARTICIPATION LIMITED TO THE FIRST 25 SIGN-UPS! DO NOT MISS OUT!  SIGN UP HERE TODAY! Improv Workshop for Beginners with Head of Happiness Pam Victor! Saturday, October 1st ​1:00-3:00pm ​Happier Valley Comedy Theater ​(1 Mill Valley Rd in Hadley) ​$25 Prerequisite: None! All are welcome. ​Does the idea of performing in front of people scare the dickens out of you? Have you ever watched improv and thought, "I could never do that!"? Have you ever watched improv and thought, "Hell, I could definitely do that!"? Do you not give a flying fig about improv comedy but want to learn some tricks to become more confident speaking in public and more mindful in the moment? Interested in checking out what's going on at Happier Valley Comedy? Are you curious about improv but you don't consider yourself a scaredy cat? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, "Improv for Scaredy Cats (And Non-Scaredy Cats Too!)" is the workshop for you. It's designed especially for the improv newbies, improv-curious, and anyone who wants to step outside their comfort zone. Once you get started, you'll soon see it's not that scary after all. Head of Happiness Pam Victor leads you through a very gentle, easy approach to improv comedy in a positive and accepting atmosphere where failure is disempowered. (At HVC, we believe it's only a mistake if you don't learn from it.) Our main focus is to have as much joy and ease as humanly possible in two hours! More information. Completely Ridiculous Productions The Fun of Failure 1-4pm on Saturday October 15th, 22nd, 29th, November 5th, 12th, 19th, December 3rd and December 10th. Through games, original song writing, improvisation and a series of fundamental Clown exercises, we will strengthen their ability to listen; to play without shame; to be generous with others and themselves; to be courageous and vulnerable enough to fail, fail again and then fail better. Over the 8 weeks we will investigate a series of group and solo exercises, warming ourselves up for the introduction of the Red Nose(!) and the glorious triumphs and epic disasters to follow. There will be tricks, costumes, maybe even a little show that you'll put on for all of us! No matter what we're going to have fun, like a lot of fun, maybe too much and then a little more. And laughter, lots and lots of laughter - all in pursuit of unfettered joy, radical acceptance and Empathic Vulnerability: the willingness to fully see an other, while being fully seen by an other, all while staying open to the possibility of transformation. More information. Submit your workshop, class, audition, performance, or any other theatre opportunity here! Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies Academy of Music Theatre Amherst Community Theater Arena Civic Theatre A.C.T. Youth Theatre Black Cat Theater Chester Theatre Company CitySpace Cold Spring Community Theatre Completely Ridiculous Productions Drama Studio Double Edge Theatre Eggtooth Productions Exit 7 Players Ghost Light Theater Greenfield Community College's Theater Department Hampshire Shakespeare Company Happier Valley Comedy Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts K and E Theater Group Ko Theater Works/Ko Festival of Performance Majestic Theater Mount Holyoke College Rooke Theatre No Theater Northampton Community Arts Trust Northampton Playwrights Lab PaintBox Theatre Panopera Pauline Productions Performance Project Phantom Sheep Players Play Incubation Collective Real Live Theatre Red Thread Theater Royal Frog Ballet Serious Play Theatre Ensemble Shakespeare Stage Shea Theater Arts Center Silverthorne Theater Smith College Department of Theatre St. Michael's Players Starlight's Youth Theatre, Inc. Strident Theatre Theater Between Addresses TheatreTruck Turbulent Times Theater UMass Department of Theater UMass Theatre Guild Unity House Players Valley Light Opera Ware Community Theatre Westfield Theatre Group Wilbraham United Players World and Eye Want to know even more about events in the Pioneer Valley and beyond, including reviews, interviews, and previews? Pioneer Valley Theatre Google Calendar In the Spotlight, Inc. Berkshire on Stage Stagestruck ArtsBeat TV/Radio and News Column 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|*