Pioneer Valley Theatre News April 27, 2023

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser April 27 - May 17, 2023 Some news from the Valley Advocate about theatre reviews! Jarice Hanson will be taking over as theater editor for The Valley Advocate.  She is Professor Emerita in the Department of Communication at UMass Amherst, and has been active in theater in the Valley and beyond for over 30 years. She’s a member of AEA, the professional association for stage actors, and SAG-AFTRA, the union for film and television performers. On stage locally, she has performed at the Majestic Theater, New Century Theater, Pioneer Valley Summer Theater and in a variety of independent productions as well as other Valley venues. She’s reviewed theater from Hartford to the Berkshires. With a Ph.D. in Radio-TV-Film from Northwestern University and a Performance Studies BA from Northeastern Illinois University, she has been involved with every form of media, but loves live performance more than any other form. The next issue will include events from May 4 - 24. 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 Easthampton Theater Company presents God of Carnage May 11, 12, 13 at 7:30PM, May 14 at 2PM - CitySpace's Blue Room in Easthampton Tickets and More Information Human Agenda Theater presents Mira and the Liminal Dimension  April 28, 29 and 30 at Hawks and Reed in Greenfield Tickets and More Information Starlight Youth Theatre presents Mamma Mia! May 5 at 7pm, May 6 at 1pm and 7pm Tickets and More Information Easthampton Theater Company seeks Show/Director Proposals Google Form Here Deadline is May 1! 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 Values-Led, Commons-Based Creative Producing by Romona Rose King and Abigail Vega From the article:  Ramona Rose King: Hi my friend, thanks so much for sitting down with me today. I wanted to take some time on this, your last day as the creative producer of HowlRound, to reflect on the work you’ve done, what you’ve learned, and what others can learn from it, too. So to start, can you tell me a little bit about your journey with HowlRound and the Latinx Theatre Commons (LTC)? What originally drew you to this work? Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES The Smith College Department of Theatre presents La Ruta by Isaac Gómez in Theatre 14 on April 27, 28, 29 at 7:30 pm directed by Monica Lopez Orozco.  To the U.S.-owned factories in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, La Ruta is just a bus. But to the hundreds of women who live, work, and often disappear along the route, it symbolizes much more than that. Inspired by real testimonies, and using live music to evoke factory work and protest marches, La Ruta is a visceral unearthing of secrets buried in the desert and a celebration of the Mexican women who stand resiliently in the wake of loss.  Reserved tickets are $5-10 online at https://smitharts.booktix.com. Spanish language translation is available at the April 27, 28, & 29 performances. Audiences should know that this play is about femicide and contains strong language, references to sexual violence, trafficking, and simulated fireworks. It is appropriate for people ages 16 and up. For more information contact boxoffice@smith.edu BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY COMES HOME TO MAJESTIC THEATER APRIL 27 THROUGH MAY 28   The life story of one of the most influential pioneers of 1950’s rock and roll comes to the Majestic Theater with the return of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story April 13 through May 28.  The rock musical by Alan James was the first play presented when the Majestic re-opened to the public in March 1997, and it became an immediate crowd-pleaser.   The play follows the musical path of the young man from Lubbock, Texas who created some of rock’s first big hits including “That’ll Be the Day,” “Rave On,” “Oh Boy,” and “Peggy Sue,” among others featured in the show.  Holly led the way in writing and producing his own songs, as well as playing all the instruments with his band, The Crickets.  Buddy also features many other hit tunes of the era including “Chantilly Lace” and “La Bamba.”   Cast members include Dan Whelton, Caleb Koval, Shaun O’Keefe, Tina Sparkle, Josh Karam, Jacob Nichols, Chelsea Nectow, Josh Mason, Steve Henderson and Brad Shepard.  Producing Director Danny Eaton will direct the play, and Sue Dziura is associate producing director.  Music director is Mitch Chakour and Stephen Petit is production stage manager.  Set director/technical director is Josiah Durham, and Dawn McKay is costume designer.  Dan Rist is lighting designer and sound design is being handled by Doug Wallace.   According to Eaton, “The demand for another presentation of Buddy has never subsided.  Over the years our audience members have kept requesting that we present the show again, and we figured it would be a great addition to our 25th Anniversary Season at the Majestic.  The show is timeless, the songs are brilliant, and the story of Buddy Holly, one of the most talented and endearing figures in early rock and roll, has touched audiences around the world.”   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.)   Effective March 2023, audience members are encouraged to wear face masks, but they are no longer required at the Majestic.  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 Westfield Theatre Group 1776! 4/28, 4/29 at 7:30 PM Westfield Womans Club ,28 Court Street Westfield  MA 3 Matinee shows also available on the Saturday dates. New ticketing website so seats can be reserved online! www.westfieldtheatregroup.com Wilbraham United Players Little Women - The Broadway Musical 4/28, 4/29 at 7:30PM and 4/30 at 2:30PM Wilbraham United Church Fellowship Hall Stage, 500 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095 The Wilbraham United Players are proud to present “Little Women – The Broadway Musical” starting on Friday, April 21st, and continuing through Sunday, April 30, 2023. This production will take place on the Fellowship Hall Stage at Wilbraham United Church at 500 Main Street in Wilbraham. A Musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic American Novel, this Civil War era musical story of love and family is a New England classic. Little Women follows the adventures of four sisters; rambunctious Jo, practical Meg, sweet Beth, and romantic Amy March as they embark on a coming of age tale filled with drama, romance and humor (and song!) all under the eye of their beloved Marmee while their father is away during the Civil War. Jo is trying to sell her writings, but her publishers are not interested – at least not until she weaves in the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in 19th century Massachusetts. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with self-discovery, heartache, and hope. The relationship of the four March sisters and their family prove that even during a time of conflict there is still love. Book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein;  this production is directed by Deb Trimble with musical direction by Benjamin Maniscalchi. Tickets can be purchased online at the Players’ website at www.wilbrahamunitedplayers.org. Tickets. Pauline Productions in association with Ko Festival of Performance First Person Fresh: A Festival of Women's Solo Performance 4/28/23 at 7:30 PM, 4/29/23 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM, 4/30/23 3:00 PM The Blue Room at CitySpace, 43 Main St., Easthampton Seven women debut their new "first person" solo theatre pieces. The pieces range from comic to serious, and poetic to music-filled, with themes that include mental health, love, loss, and show biz. Each of the pieces, which vary in length from 20 to 45 minutes, have been divided into two separate programs. To see the entire Festival, purchase tickets for both Program A and for Program B. PROGRAM A: Fri. 4/28 7:30 pm & Sat. 4/29 3:00 pm An ADHD Girl’s Guide to…WHOA! — Sue Tracy Stories Gone Missing — Alice Barrett Alp Me Make It thru the Night — Jarice Hanson Telling the Story/Untelling the Diagnosis — Beth Filson PROGRAM B:  Sat. 4/29 7:30 pm & Sun.4/30 3:00 pm Holding Space — Vanessa Adel Friendship, A Love Story — Jo-Anne Hart Love, Death, & Warthogs — Laura Wetzler Directed by JEANNINE HAAS (Artistic Director/Pauline Productions) and SABRINA HAMILTON (Artistic Director KoFest), with Liesel De Boor Tickets: $10 - $30 available online at KoFest.com and at Door if available **Masks must be worn during the performance to protect the most vulnerable among us. Tickets and more information.  PAULINE PRODUCTIONS in association with KoFest presents First Person Fresh! A Festival of Women’s Solo Performance  April 28-30 at CitySpace 43 Main St. Easthampton MA Featuring new writing by Vanessa Adel, Alice Barrett, Beth Filson, Jarice Hanson, Jo-Anne Hart, Sue Tracy & Laura Wetzler Directed by Jeannine Haas, Sabrina Hamilton, & Liesel De Boor Lighting Design by Ezekial Baskin Masks Required.     Limited Seating.    Tickets at KoFest.com  Program A  Fri. April 28 at 7:30/Sat. April 29 at 3pm: Alice Barret, Beth Filson, Jarice Hanson, Sue Tracy Program B Sat. April 29 at 7:30/Sun. April 30 at 3pm: Laura Wetzler, Vanessa Adel, Jo-Anne Hart Laura Wetzler in Love, Death, & Warthogs Starting from her first crazy gig in the Catskills and ending with her bizarre misadventure as a part-time safari guide, musician & filmmaker Laura Wetzler’s rollicking new first-person narrative explores themes of love, death, identity, cancer survival, the magic of music, and the joy of being of use. Bravely sailing into the maelstrom of family memories, the reverie of lovers lost and found, and the unknowns of living in a human body, Laura navigates what to her is a very confusing world in six funny, poignant scenes featuring original songs from her critically acclaimed CDs. Love, Death, & Warthogs is Laura Wetzler’s first work for the theater. Singer songwriter guitarist Laura Wetzler is a recording artist, writer, speaker, and award-winning filmmaker, touring in over 100 shows each year. “Superb performances” New York Times; “Great voice, great writing!” WBAI NYC.  Her CDs Flying, Songwriter’s Notebook, Kabbalah Music, Again! Again! & The Fracking Blues receive wide airplay.  Laura’s first film, What Happened at the Veterans Home? (2021) which she wrote, directed, produced, and scored, has won 14 international awards, including Best Screenplay in Paris, Palm Springs, & Philadelphia, Best Humanitarian Film in Prague, and Honorable Mention at the Cannes World Film Festival, and is now available for streaming.  INTO THE WOODS by Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine Directed by Rudy Ramirez  April 28, 29, May 4, 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m. May 6 at 2 p.m. In the Rand Theater $20 general admission, $10 students and seniors Tickets sold through the Fine Arts Center Box Office (call 1-800-999-UMAS or visit the website).  The first time you watch Into the Woods, the popular 1987 musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, you may get up at the end of Act 1 thinking the show is done altogether, and we wouldn’t blame you. In the true fairytale fashion, matches are made, curses are broken, and everyone lives happily ever after — until they don't. In Act 2, our beloved fairytale characters find out what comes AFTER the happily ever after as they face a threat that is quite literally bigger than themselves.  That complicated take on fairy tale endings is part of what has director Rudy Ramirez, a MFA student in directing at UMass Theater, and the rest of the company so intrigued by this modern classic musical, which runs April 28 to May 6 in the Rand Theater at UMass. By turns witty and poignant, this production also features musical direction by Western Mass-based musician David Cavallin. Tickets are on sale now! Human Agenda Theater Mira and the Liminal Dimension 4/28 and 4/29 at 7 pm and 4/30 at 2 pm Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, Level 4 "The Perch" in Greenfield, MA Mira and the Liminal Dimension is a collaboratively created original theater piece, investigating the concept of Liminal Space as it applies to our lives and our world. We follow the titular character, Mira, as she finds herself stuck Alice in Wonderland-style in the “Liminal Dimension,” a place that embodies the in-between and the strange. She is guided by many in her journey, but in particular by a spirit of the dimension, Janus. With Janus’ help, Mira grapples with being stuck in between, in her life, in her job, and in her soul. More information Follow @HumanAgendaTheater on instagram for updates, trailers, and more! RIVEN A New Play in Development Conceived and directed by Marina Zurita Created in collaboration with performers Laila Garroni, Josanna Vaz, and Isabelle Bushue April 29 and 30, 2023 At the A.P.E. Gallery 126 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060 Work-in-Progess Performance: SATURDAY April 29th at 7:30 pm and SUNDAY April 30th at 2:30 pm Suggest donation $5-$20 at the door Riven is a new play in development based on interviews with Brazilian waste pickers, which investigates the intersections between motherhood and the accumulation of waste. The story of Riven centers the interweaving lives of Melina and Alessandra, two black Brazilian catadoras (waste pickers) working at a scrapyard in the city of São Paulo. As these two women sort through piles of waste in the predictable day-to-day of the scrapyard, they face the impacts of a chaotic and unforgiving world outside. Melina and Alessandra must sort through not only the accumulated discards of others, but through the accumulations of their own complex relationship. Meanwhile, there is Little Girl, a Chinese child who weaves ghost-like through the world of the play. She is a child waste picker rescuing objects from the piles of neglect around her – immersing them in her imagination and tracing a world of her own. Riven raises awareness and gives voice to the global community of waste pickers – an invisible community that expands beyond Brazil, accounting for more than 20 million people around the world. Waste pickers collect–from streets and landfills–materials to be recycled and, therefore, contribute tremendously to the conservation of natural resources. A community that lives at the fringes of society, waste pickers sort our discards and in doing so care for a future other than their own. This work-in-progress sharing will be followed by a post-show conversation. Join the creative team and, through dialogue, support the development of Riven. Riven is being workshopped as a part of the LAB at A.P.E. which supports the development of new work through residency, mentorship, and ongoing conversation with peers in the field of performance making. The LAB is a collaboration between A.P.E. and Serious Play Theatre Ensemble. UMass Amherst Theater FRINGE FEST '23 May 1-21 Online and locations around UMass campus Free, some events require or encourage reservations Details online SCHEDULE OF EVENTS The Parable Task designed by Percival Hornak, Caleb Bailey, Cameron Hoskins, Elie Abramovich, Crow Traphagen, and Luna Barros Live May 1 - 9 on the UMass campus and over Discord No reservations required The Parable Task is an Alternate Reality Game that brings players into the fictional world of Moradna University, where they must join forces with the school newspaper to investigate an increasingly suspicious megacorporation and major funder of the university.  Cabaret directed by Fleur Kuhta May 12, 13, 14 at 7 p.m., May 13 at 2 p.m. Room 413, Bromery Center for the Arts Dear Berenson: Isabella Stewart Gardner and her Museum May 16 at 6:30 p.m. Room 204, Bromery Center for the Arts The reading of a work-in-progress, this is a new play set in the late 1880s about the Boston art collector and patron Isabella Stewart Gardner and her working relationship with her art advisor, Bernard Berenson*. This will be an informal event with an opportunity for audience feedback at the end. With Stephanie Carlson, Matthew Suchecki, Rebecca Hicks, Iris Sowlat and other actors.  (*Characters in the play are based on real historical figures.) The Insanity of Mary Girard directed by Liv Darling May 17 & 18 at 7 p.m. Curtain Theater Beatrice's Dragon: A Tavern Tale written and directed by Claudia Maurino May 19 at 8 p.m. and May 20 at 2 p.m.  Room 413, Bromery Center for the Arts Reservations strongly encouraged with details TBA Beatrice's Dragon is a new play that was written by the director in a playwriting class in the fall of 2022. This performance is part of the longer process of new play development and has come about after edits, revisions, and work with a dramaturg. The play tells the story of three women who work at a tavern in a small town and whose once-stagnant lives are changed forever by the discovery of a dragon egg in the middle of the woods. It is a story both magical and quotidian about finding your path and making your choice —with a healthy dose of fairies, ghosts, evil villains, and restaurant drama sprinkled throughout.  Dolls of New Albion: A Steampunk Opera directed by Michael Donnelly May 20 at 8 p.m., May 21 at 4 p.m. Curtain Theater  Redefining Resilience created by Sophia Schweik May 17-21 The Arts Bridge, Bromery Center for the Arts No reservations required An interactive photography gallery showcasing the diverse coping mechanisms of people within the broader Western Mass community. Hiroshima an installation by Drishti Chauhan, details TBA Reservations will be encouraged or required for some performances; please visit our Fringe Fest '23 page for details and links. Springfield Technical Community College "Laughing for All the Wrong Reasons: A Night of Dark Comedy" May 4, 5 &  6 @ 7:00PM Scibelli Theater, Springfield Technical Community College, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA, 01105 Six short plays by 6 award winning playwrights.   Admission is free. Donations gratefully accepted. Northampton High School Funky-Tones May 4 at 6:30 PM Northampton High School Funky-Tones Returns! Join NHS’s improv troupe, Funktionlust and acapella group The Northamptones In the high school auditorium on May 4th! Each group with perform with a Jam at the end. The show is family friendly! Suggested donation of $5 to raise money for the music Dept. Greenfield Community College Theater Strange Dances: A Night of One-Acts May 4, 5, & 6 at 7:30 PM Greenfield Community College's Sloan Theater A night of three student-directed one-acts. Two, of which, were written and directed by the students themselves. Three nights only May 4, 5, & 6 in the newly renovated Sloan Theater at Greenfield Comunnity College. Tickets $10 General, $5 Students/Seniors Reserve tickets. Pay cash at the door. Starlight’s Youth Theatre Mamma Mia! May 5 at 7:00 PM, May 6 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Academy of Music in Northampton, MA Starlight’s Youth Theatre is excited to present Mamma Mia! the musical May 5th & 6th, 2023. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs, from “Dancing Queen” and “Take A Chance On Me” to “Super Trouper” and “Thank You For the Music,” Mamma Mia’s enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek Island paradise. Artistic Director, Cyn Strycharz, and Music Director, Deb Salli, lead a group of talented teens in grades 7-12 in this exciting production with performances of two casts at the Academy of Music in Northampton at 7:00 on May 5 and 1:00 and 7:00 on May 6. Tickets are $14 for students, $18 for seniors, and $22 for adults and can be purchased at this link , or you may visit or call the Academy of Music box office at 413-584-9032 ext.105. Box Office Hours are 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday. Additional service fees apply to all ticket purchases. Starlight’s programs are supported in part by grants from the Amherst Cultural Council, a local agency, as well as Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The Mamma Mia! production is participating in the Card to Culture Program, offering 10 seats at a discounted price of $10 to any patrons with a valid EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare card on the day of show. To purchase these tickets, please visit or call the box office Tuesday through Friday 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The box office opens one hour before the show starts. Limit 4 tickets per cardholder per show. Tickets are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. Find out more Serving students throughout western Massachusetts for 16 years, Starlight’s Youth Theatre is dedicated to providing quality education and production of children’s theatre. Starlight’s priority is the development of the child, using theatre as the tool to build self-esteem, communication and confidence. Starlight's Website What:   FREE workshop readings of a new play A special project of The Medical Reserve Corps of Franklin County   When & Where:         Friday, May 5 at 7:00pm – Buckland Town Hall (Shelburne Falls) Thursday, May 11 at 6:30pm - Greenfield Community College Dining Hall Wednesday May 24   11am - South County Senior Center, South Deerfield   About the play: The voices of older adults living in western Massachusetts combine to form the core of this performance experience that reflects the drama, the conflict, the inexplicable, and the (un)reality of adapting to constant change during the COVID-19 pandemic.   These first-person stories– sometimes poignant or sad, sometimes humorous, or joyful - are supplemented by narratives from members of the Medical Reserve Corps and others who worked in hospitals, clinics, and vaccination sites.  Together, the stories offer rich insights- and some surprises- into how those of us in rural Massachusetts navigated the unknown territory of a global public health crisis.   A talkback after each workshop reading will provide an opportunity for the audience to respond to the production and contribute their insights towards the further development of the project.   This performance is co-sponsored by Greenfield Community College’s Department of Community Engagement and the Franklin Medical Reserve Corps. This program is supported in part by grants from the Buckland, Deerfield, Greenfield, and Sunderland local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.   The Franklin Medical Reserve Corps partnered with Greenfield Community College’s Department of Community Engagement to interview and record the oral histories of 27 older adults in our area. These recordings are archived in Digital Commonwealth, a digital archive managed by the Boston Public Library.                                                                       ----------- Producers:  Corinne McKeown, Director of the Medical Reserve Corps of Franklin/Berkshire County; Carmela Lanza-Weil, MRC Special Projects Consultant Interviews conducted by Denise Schwartz and Craig Clemow Written & directed by Carmela Lanza-Weil Dramaturg/Script Consultant - Rebecca Daniels Featuring:  Jane Barish, Amanda Bowman, Marina Goldman, John Reese, Tricia Yacovone-Biagi with additional assistance from Eve Brown-Waite and Judith Sharp.    For questions, email info@wmmrc.org  Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School "Radium Girls" May 5 and 6 at 7:00 PM PVPA 15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley, MA 01075 Radium Girls is set in the early 20th century, when radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. PVPA’s production of Radium Girls, produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock Illinois, directed by PVPA Theater Teacher Molly Scerbo and Assistant Director Cadence Maldonado, PVPA ‘25, features performances by PVPA's Middle School actors. www.pvpa.org/shows Tickets available online or at the door as follows:, $10 general/ $7 seniors & military/ $5 alumni/ $3 students Easthampton Theater Company God of Carnage May 11, 12, 13 at 7:30PM and May 14th at 2PM CitySpace Blue Room, Old Town Hall, 243 Main Street, Easthampton, MA Yasmina Reza's Tony Award-winning play God of Carnage comes to Easthampton! Directed by Michael O. Budnick working with a multitalented production team, this dark comedy explores tensions underlying the thin veneer of civilized behavior. Set in a Brooklyn apartment, "God of Carnage" follows two sets of parents who meet to discuss a playground altercation between their children. As the afternoon progresses, the polite facade of social etiquette quickly breaks down, revealing more primal instincts. What starts as a civilized conversation quickly devolves into a chaotic and hilarious battle of egos and emotions. With great wit, biting social commentary, and a little chaos, we watch each character descend into their worst impulses. Originally written in French and translated into English by Christopher Hampton, "God of Carnage" has been performed to critical acclaim in theaters around the world. The play won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play, as well as the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play will be performed in the newly renovated Blue Room of the Old Town Hall, which is the first phase of an expansive revitalization that will give rise to an exciting new arts and performance space in Easthampton. http://easthamptontheater.com AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Silverthorne Theater is seeking a Stage Manager to collaborate with us on our upcoming production of The Cake, by Bekah Brunstetter, directed by Gina Kaufmann and assistant directed by Ezekiel Baskin.  Rehearsals begin on May 9th and performances are June 9 - 18 at Hampshire College. The stipend is $750.  If interested in more information, please contact Ezekiel Baskin at silverthornetheater@gmail.com Easthampton Theater Company Call for Show/Director Proposals Request for Proposals Easthampton, MA Easthampton Theater Company is requesting show/director proposals for its 2023-24 productions. Access our Google form with the details here Deadline is May 1! Valley Light Opera Auditions for VLO's fall show of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Iolanthe" May 4 5-8, May 5, 5-8 p.m.; May 6, 10-3 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 N Maple St, Hadley, MA Announcing Auditions for Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe, Valley Light Opera's 47th fall show with performance dates on November 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, and 12 (Sundays are matinees). vlo.org Serious Play Theatre Ensemble is now working with an enthusiastic and most capable Tour Coordinator (recommended by NEFA) who is actively seeking New England colleges & venues interested in presenting MOVING WATER in late fall 2023 through 2024, with timely post-show discussions on rising water and climate change. To this end, we will be auditioning actors for the roles of LUNA & DREW for our devised collaborative production MOVING WATER-- conceived by Serious Play Ensemble, written by Eric Henry Sanders, and directed by Sheryl Stoodley. AUDITIONS will be held in our Eastworks Studio (in Easthampton), 116 Pleasant St., on Sunday May 14 & May 21, and will be scheduled between 2pm & 6pm. Additional auditions will be held on Wednesday, May 17 from 6-9pm.   (Seeking non-equity actors.) Please phone 413-588-7439 to schedule an audition appointment, or for more information on our touring plan & rehearsal schedule. ROLES OPEN include: LUNA (25-35 yrs.)- requires an experienced Latinx female actor- fluent in Spanish, with movement (dance) experience- physical theatre acting ability. DREW- (20-35 yrs.)- requires experienced male actor- some “soft shoe or tap dance” ability helpful, but not necessary. The Northampton Arts Council is now accepting performer applications for First Night Northampton 2024 On Sunday, December 31, 2023, the Northampton Arts Council will present the 38th annual community New Year’s Eve celebration and festival of performing arts. Since 1985, First Night Northampton has filled our Paradise City with a 12-hour family-friendly festival of the arts, culminating in a traditional ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. Proceeds from First Night Northampton will benefit local artists and community arts activities. We look forward to receiving many proposals and creating a diverse, exciting, family-friendly event. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2023. Proposals are reviewed as they are received, so early applications are recommended. Please submit separate applications for each proposal. Proposals without support materials will not be reviewed. We will be notifying applicants at the end of October. To apply to perform at First Night Northampton 2024, please complete the online application, which can be found at firstnightnorthampton.org. Check out the First Night Northampton 2023 playlist on YouTube. Academy of Music Technical Director  –  Full Time Position Reports to: Executive Director The Technical Director (TD) has the daily responsibility for the theatrical technical operations of the Academy, including lighting, sound, set design and construction, and coordinating necessary theatrical maintenance. The Technical Director will act as crew chief, determining number of stagehands and scheduling staff for all productions.  The TD will act as liaison with the steward of I.A.T.S.E. Local 232, communicating the number of stagehands required and will oversee union crew during production. The TD is responsible for all technical operations during all shows.  Duties and responsibilities include: Determines the necessary technical supports, such as lighting, sound, staging, and special needs, necessary for events and performances presented at the facility in advance of production dates. Engineers and provides for set ups, maintains and operates all house systems including but not limited to rigging, lighting, projections and sound systems for theater, dance, music, and other productions and projects; assists guest designers and artists with technical matters. Engineers, supervises and assists with set and stage construction, installation and management.  Oversees stage crews and back stage staff; responsible for hiring and firing non-I.A.T.S.E stagehands and for maintaining records of job performance for all stage hands. Makes recommendations for training. Orients Academy renters and visiting productions to safety, technical characteristics and other areas of facility operations; facilitates the use of the technical facilities by the resident company and others engaged by or renting the Academy. Monitors the condition of and maintains all Academy theatrical equipment including lighting, sound, projection and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and replacement within budget; performs preventive maintenance on equipment; prepares annual budget for equipment purchases and maintenance. Assists with the preparation and control of Academy production budgets; maintains inventory and orders specialized supplies.  Provides estimate for production costs prior to rental contract execution and for Academy productions; provides invoice for work performed to Executive Director. Assists Front of House Manager with facility maintenance. Any other tasks assigned by Executive Director Qualifications: At least 3 years of relevant experience with a performing arts venue Working knowledge of current techniques, methods and procedures of theater, dance, and music productions and presentations including stage, set, sound and lighting design and implementation; stage management; computerized lighting systems; stage carpentry; appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Ability to lift and carry 50lbs Excellent communication and interpersonal skill Master Electrician preferred  BFA in Technical Theater or commensurate experience Experience working in a union house preferred The Majestic Theater is seeking to hire a Business Manager The Business Manager is a full-time staff person working with the Box Office Manager, theater Accountant, and Producing Director to: · Plan and manage all daily operations of the Theater & Cafe · Manage theater marketing and fundraising projects QUALIFICATIONS · A professional demeanor and an upbeat attitude · Willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse group · Organized and able to assume responsibility · Comfortable with software technology, including: Word, Excel, Outlook, TeamViewer  and box office systems · Education and experiences that would be beneficial · Reliable transportation JOB DETAILS · Starting as soon as available. · Annual salary to be determined based upon experience. · Benefits available and to be reviewed. · Average 40 hours a week, with nights and weekends, because we are a theater! Job Type: Full-time Salary: From $50,000.00 per year Schedule: 8 hour shift Weekend availability Experience: Must have experience with Live Theater  Management-People and Projects Work Location: In person Interested candidates should sent a current resume and cover letter to Associate Producing Director Sue Dziura at sue@majestictheater.com More information. Shakespeare & Company seeks two young, local actors to alternate in the role of Raynell: a bright, hopeful, seven-year-old Black girl who appears in the final scene of August Wilson’s Fences.  August Wilson’s Fences will play a six-show week at Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse in Lenox, Mass., Tuesdays through Sundays with some evening and some afternoon performances. Rehearsals begin Tuesday, June 27, with previews starting Saturday, July 22; the show opens on Thursday, July 27, and closes Sunday, August 27. A Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama, Tony Award winner for Best Play, and part of the playwright’s acclaimed American Century Cycle – August Wilson’s Fences is part of a series of 10 plays that charts the African American experience throughout the 20th century. It follows the story of Troy Maxson – a working-class Black man struggling to provide for his family in the 1950s.  The young actors will share the role, performing in shows on a scheduled rotation. The actors do not need to be at all rehearsals, and schedules can be flexible; adult, backstage supervision and a weekly salary will be provided. For more information contact Producing Associate Ariel Bock, abock@shakespeare.org or (413) 637-1199 ext. 107. MAJESTIC THEATER ANNOUNCES AUDITION SCHEDULE FOR 2023-2024 SEASON   Auditions for both Equity and non-Equity performers for roles in the upcoming 2023-2024 Season at the Majestic Theater will be held in June, according to Producing Director Danny Eaton.  This will be the 26th Season of performances since the venue was re-opened for live theater in March 1997.   Auditions will be held at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield on the following dates:   Monday, June 5 – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Equity Principal Actors only) Tuesday, June 6 – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Equity Principal Actors only) Wednesday, June 7 – 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Equity and Non-Equity Actors) Thursday, June 8 – 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Equity and Non-Equity Actors) Friday, June 9 - 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Equity and Non-Equity Actors) Saturday, June 10 – 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Equity and Non-Equity Actors)   Equity Principal Actors and Non-Equity Actors will need to schedule their in-person auditions at the Majestic during the allocated times.  To book an audition time, performers must call the theater at (413) 747-7797.   An accompanist will be onsite June 5 and 6 for singing auditions.  On other audition dates, performers are encouraged to bring an instrumental track to accompany them.    Actors will be auditioned for parts in the following productions: Bright Star (musical) which runs September 7 – October 15, 2023, Moonglow (romantic comedy) which runs October 26 – December 3, 2023, The Importance of Being Earnest (comedy) which runs January 4 – February 11, 2024, The Ladyslipper (contemporary drama) February 15 – March 24, 2024, and The Play That Goes Wrong (contemporary farce) April 18 – June 2, 2024. See cast breakdown here.   Non-Equity performers new to the Majestic should prepare a brief monologue of their choice, and bring a picture and resume.  They will also be asked to read from prepared script selections.    People auditioning and performing at the Majestic must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  Interested in performing at a Play Incubation Salon this year? We are seeking artists who are interested in sharing 10 minutes or less of a work in progress that has the potential to spark civic dialogue, and for which they desire feedback/input from an audience primarily comprised of other artists. Use this link to our salon submission form where, in addition to sharing information about what you’d like to present, you will be prompted to submit the questions they would like to pose to the audience in advance. The audience will be guided through 10 minutes of feedback where they aim to only answer and address the questions that the presenting artists has asked. There is more detailed information about this on the salon registration page. You can access a video with more details about the salon, as well as a link to the registration form for info about feedback, at www.playincubation.org/salon. If you’d like to view a sample salon, you can do so here! What can you share in 10 minutes? Here are some examples: 2-3 new songs 1-3 poems A chapter or partial chapter of a novel A monologue A 10 minute scene from a play A 10 minute scene from a video piece A dance piece or a 10 minute portion of a dance piece WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Sanctuary Play Practice: Exploring Yoga & Theatre Monday, August 7th through Friday, August 11th (9 AM-2 PM daily) Sanctuary, Thornes Marketplace Level 3, 150 Main St, Northampton, MA, 01060 Join us for a fabulous week of daily yoga practice and theatre-making, as we use our bodies, breath, and voices to develop skills for acting and storytelling. Every day will include yoga techniques, theatre games, and creative exercises designed to unleash each student's unique expression, as well as foster dynamic group creation. Plus, all the summer fun of daily outdoors time and a special day spent walking and swimming in our beautiful local nature! On the last day, we'll host a sharing at 1pm for families to get a peak at what the students have been practicing this week. Play Practice is open to students ages 10-13 of all experience levels (including no previous experience) and all physical abilities—yoga and theatre are for every body! Reach out to us with any questions. Play Practice is led by Ellen Morbyrne, a local teacher and parent with over 20 years of experience as both a theatre-maker and a yoga practitioner. Ellen has been teaching and directing theatre at North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens since 2003, has taught theatre locally at high schools and homeschool co-ops and at the Drama Studio, and has been teaching yoga to folks of all ages since 2009. She is the cofounder of Real Live Theatre and teaches weekly yoga classes at Sanctuary. https://www.yoga-sanctuary.com/special-programming/play-practice-exploring-yoga-theatre 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 Easthampton Theater Company 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 Local Theater Critic Max Hartshorne 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|*