Pioneer Valley Theatre News December 31, 2015

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   December 31-January 20, 2015 Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and best wishes for the new year. If you aren't already planning on it, don't forget that today is FIRST NIGHT NORTHAMPTON! Check out the full schedule here.  The next issue will include events through January 27. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before next Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com Submit Your Theatre Event THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround 2015 Blog in Review part 1: The Most Shared Articles by Ramona Ostrowski From the article:  This week, the HowlRound editors are sharing the most-read and most-commented on pieces from our sections, as well as the articles that have stuck with us the most. Here, Ramona writes about the five most-shared blog posts.  [If you haven't read anything about theatre all year, here's your chance!] Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES The Seth Lepore Show presents The Seth Show: A Year to Live  Tuesday, January 5 at 7:00 PM NEW LOCATION: Eastworks, Club 121 (formerly Apollo Grill) The show is still the first Tuesday of the month. It's still at Eastworks, but now we're moving down the hall to the 121 CLUB (formerly Apollo). It's a new year and a new location, but time is still ticking away towards the inevitable demise of our host. With 5 months left of his life, we get to hear about a significant shift Seth had at age 15. One that changed his entire perspective on life and set him on track towards finding his version of the truth. This will be the most brutally honest show that Seth will have done this far. Of course it'll be hysterically funny, but it will also be the most serious he's ever gotten on stage. Not to be missed. $8 at the door. Cash bar!! Chairs with tables! Couches! Happier Valley Comedy Show presents The Ha-Ha's in "The Buckingham" with special guests Scott Braidman & Mosie McNally Saturday, January 9 at 8:00 PM Arts Block in Greenfield Monthly comedy show featuring improv comedians The Ha-Ha's  in "The Buckingham" with special guests Scott Braidman & Mosie McNally.  More info online. Breastless: a new play by Laurel Turk directed by Jeannine Haas performed by Laurel Turk, Emily Fox, Emily Bloch and Dorian Gregory January 14-17, 21-24 Thursday-Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 2:00 First Congregational Church, Ashfield, MA. Friendship Hall   429 Main Street (route 116) One woman's determinedly truthful exploration of body image and sexuality after double mastectomy. Intimate monologues are juxtaposed with wry humor, song, and movement. Anyone with a body will find something to relate to in this piece.  One of this year’s Double Take Fringe Festival favorites as a staged reading, BREASTLESS is being given a full production at Pauline Productions directed by Jeannine Haas.  Advanced Sales Recommended as seating is limited, buy tickets online. Thursdays are Discount Nights $15 Friday-Sundays $20 All shows are $5 more at door (cash and check only at door) Wheelchair Accessible J-ART at the JCC presents Closer Than Ever -- Presented By J-Art Cafe January 16 at 8:00 PM, January 17 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Springfield Jewish Community Center Auditorium Starring Ben Ashley, Devon Bakum, Luis Manzi, and Lisa Rizzo, featuring Bill Martin, and Directed by Becca Coolong, Closer Than Ever is a nonstop exploration of everyday struggles in the "modern world." Topics ranging from unrequited adoration... to aging... to Muzak are tackled with resounding sincerity and precisely placed hilarity. Each song is a unique story told by a new character taking audiences not only into the songbook of Richard Maltby and David Shire, but into the minds of the individuals facing these completely universal challenges.  On Saturday, January 16, J-ART at the Springfield JCC raises the curtain on a new theater-going experience, J-ART Café. By offering short run productions that feature performance opportunities for all age groups, the JCC is opening its doors for more opportunities for area performers as well as more opportunities to present lesser known works. Made to order pizzas and desserts will be available at each performance. Tickets: $15, $20 Patron Reserved Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (413) 739-4715, or by visiting the front desk at the Springfield JCC. More information online. The Majestic Theater presents The Majesters Improv Comedy January 19, February 9 The Majestic Theatre, 131 Elm St. West Springfield, MA An evening of musical improv comedy featuring the valley's best spontaneous comics. More info online.    AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Wet Paint Theatre will be holding auditions for its first show, "To Kill a MockingJay" a musical parody of "The Hunger Games," on January 2nd, 2016 from 4-6PM and January 4th, 2016, from 4:30-5:30PM at The Drama Studio in Springfield. If you're interested in auditions, please message us on Facebook or contact Dan Kelly at 413-427-4280 to sign up for a 20 minute slot. Due to content of the show, auditions are for ages 13+. The show will be performed at The Drama Studio on March 18-20, 2016. Valley Light Opera is seeking nominations and applications for the artistic/stage director for our 42nd annual production, the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta Ruddigore.  Ruddigore is to be performed at the Academy of Music Theatre on two weekends in early November 2016.  The VLO stage and music directors work closely with one another and with the production team to achieve the high caliber results commensurate with VLO's distinguished history. Stage Director • Creates overall artistic concept of the show. • Works with set and costume designers, the choreographer, music director, and technical staff to carry out the concept. • Rehearses principals and chorus in dialogue, acting, blocking, and dancing. Please note that all participants in VLO are volunteers, including all producers, directors, performers and crews.  For those interested in applying as stage director, please submit the following documents electronically to director@vlo.org no later thanJanuary 6, 2016: 1. Letter of interest and artistic concept  2. Theater or music resume 3. References Nominations are also encouraged and may be submitted to the same email address, director@vlo.org.  Applicants who are unfamiliar with VLO are encouraged to explore our website. We are giving applicants a little extra time to apply, in light of the holiday season. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, starting immediately, and will be accepted until January 15, 2016. Finalists may be invited to make a presentation to the VLO board after that date. Questions:   President 2014-2015: Graham Christian phone: (413)-253-8962 e-mail: graham.christian.gmail.com AUDITIONS for the dramatic satire "We're Happy About the Whole Thing" presented by the Ware Community Theater/Ware Historical Society Friday, January 8th, 2016 from 7-9 PM; Saturday, January 9th from 12-2 PM; Sunday, January 10th from 12-2 PM Ware Senior Center, 1 Robbins Road in Ware Drama, music, and dance are a part of this historic script and we request that you bring a piece of music you wish to showcase your talents during the try-outs and allow time for reading a portion of the script. Questions: Please call: Cindi @ #413-967-3887. With the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, the center of commerce shiftedto the factory village where it exists today. The upper dam of the Ware River was built in 1824 to run the manufacturing complex. Ware was home to three major manufacturers: Otis, Stevens and the Gilbert companies, who were noted for their production of textiles, clothing and shoes. Their demand for labor brought numerous immigrant families, primarily French, Irish and Polish, to this rich job market. By the early 20th century the Ware mills employed almost 6,000 people. The Great Depression era nearly signaled the demise of the mills. But, the citizens of Ware banded together to buy shares in the struggling companies. The purchase was the first employee buy-out of a major manufacturer in America. Ware Industries was born, preserving the livelihood for hundreds of families. Ware's then-Chief of Police Bartholomew Buckley coined a new phrase for Ware, calling it “The Town that can’t be licked!” Life Magazine heralded the event in their May 23, 1938 issue with an article entitled Life Goes to a Party: Ware, Mass. Celebrates Comeback. Needed: 30+ Male/Females Ages 16+ Show Dates: April 8,9, and 10th More info on the Facebook event page. 2016 SEASON OPEN AUDITIONS!!! "PETE'S ANGEL" Written by Christopher A. Desmarteau Pete's Angel is a touching story about a middle-aged veteran whose soulmate passes away from breast cancer. Ruthann's love for Pete is so deep that after crossing through to the other side she refuses to move on until she rescues Both Peter and their daughter Becky from the depths of their own personal hades. This hell was created with the death of Pete's Angel. Ruthann was the rock of her family and a major reason Pete survived after he was discharged medically from The United States Army. This story explores the question, "what happens after we die?" Could it be that one's unfinished business is simply helping those left behind return to the light? How can we move on after being torn apart by the loss of a loved one? OPEN AUDITIONS: January 9th & 10th from 7pm-9pm @ THE WORLD WAR 2 CLUB 50 Conz Street Northampton, MA 01060 The Freedom Banquet Hall Please email me a recent picture and acting resume at: blue14426@yahoo.com SHOWTIMES FOR THIS SPECIFIC PLAY WILL BE MARCH 4,5,6,18,20 2016 @ 7PM @ The World War 2 club Hampshire Shakespeare now hiring 2016 directors! Hampshire Shakespeare Company is looking to hire two directors for our Mainstage Shakespeare Under the Stars 2016 summer season! Join us for the chance to put Shakespeare in the great outdoors and be part of a talented community that will innovate and enchant as we breathe new life into old words. Our 2016 Season A Midsummer Night’s Dream  June 29-July 3, July 6-10.  Macbeth July 20-24, July 27-31. Potential directors should have experience with community theatre and directing Shakespeare. We have a proud artistic tradition of outdoor performances with limited tech, which emphasizes the relationship between actor and audience. Potential director candidates are encouraged to consider the advantages and limitations of outdoor theatre in their concept proposals. Salary: $800 - $1,000 Application deadline: January 19, 2016. Interested candidates should email resume and concept proposals.   The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts seeks set design volunteers to help put together some props for their 1950’s themed Spring fundraiser. The Food Bank will pay for any materials. Perks include free tickets to the event, social media recognition, press release inclusion, program book inclusion, and more. For more information, please contact Heather Clark at The Food Bank at 413-247-9738 or heatherc@foodbankwma.org before January 31st. Would you like to have your work on stage in some format at the Academy of Music Theatre to benefit the Arts? Here’s your chance! The Really Big Gong Show Four Sundays in February Event #5 February 28th  – 2 PM, Academy of Music Theatre A showcase of the best local talent in the Valley’s favorite variety show at the communities’ most beloved theater. Win prizes! See your friends and loved ones display their talents! Send your ideas for The Really Big Gong Show to ssanderson@northamptonma.gov with subject: RBGS 2016 Entry or call (413) 587-1247 and leave a message for Steve Sanderson. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Phantom Sheep with J-ART present LaughCrafters: Comedy Improv Jam Workshop Monday, January 4 at 7:00 PM Springfield JCC In partnership with J-ART, Phantom Sheep Comedy Troupe presents an evening of improv jam workshop! Kick off the New Year with a night of improv games that we'll teach and play alongside with you! Brush up on skills! Get a taste of our upcoming class! Meet new people! Laugh and have fun! All levels welcome. Fee*: $5/ $3 for JART & JCC Members  * Free for those registered for the weekly class starting January. 413-739-4715 to register. Phantom Sheep has been teaching weekly improv classes at the Springfield JCC for all age levels since 2014. Their next sessions for K-6 begins January 9th and for teens/adults (15+) begins January 25th. More information on Facebook.  Phantom Sheep with J-ART present LaughCrafters: Comedy Improv Classes (6 week course) Mondays 7-9PM beginning January 25 Springfield Jewish Community Center The next 6 week session of this highly successful and fun class continues at the Springfield JCC! Learn new theater games and exercises. Sharpen Quick Thinking. Build Confidence on and off stage Improve acting and stage presence. Unleash creativity and characters. Relax and laugh (a lot). All taught in a very fun, encouraging, and constructive atmosphere by experienced professionals.  Tuition: Only $75 Sign Up Today!  improv@phantomsheep.com or call 413-739-4715 Those who register for this class are also invited to the jam workshop January 4th for free! Phantom Sheep is Western MA's own professional troupe of writers and performers. They have been teaching improv and have produced shows for Six Flags and many area libraries and schools together for over 15 years. More information on Facebook.  Double Edge Theatre's Spring Training Intensive March 18 - 20, 2016   Join Double Edge Theatre for a weekend of physical training, improvisation, and work with circus objects and aerial techniques! The Spring Intensive is ideal for emerging and professional artists who are interested in developing their own work in an ensemble context. For more information, visit the website.    The Spring Intensive will take place on the grounds of Double Edge Theatre's Farm, located at 948 Conway Road in Ashfield. Spaces are limited, so apply today! 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|*