Pioneer Valley Theatre News October 1, 2015

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   October 1 - 21, 2015 Northampton Arts Council grants has announced their deadline for applications for 2016 projects: October 15. They are holding a Q & A session on Wednesday, October 7th for anyone with questions about the process. Check out the listing in the opportunities section below for more information - don't miss this chance to get your project funded!  The next issue will include events through October 28. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com Submit Your Theatre Event THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from The Guardian Can you make any kind of living as an artist? by Elizabeth Day From the article: Jennie Rooney is the first to admit she has something of a split personality. By day, she is an in-house lawyer for a television company. By night, she is something different altogether: a novelist. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES The Majestic Theatre presents A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE  by Tennessee Williams October 1 - 18, 2015 Wednesday - Sunday The Majestic Theatre, West Springfield   Streetcar not only one the Pulitzer Prize for Drama 1948, but more than any other play ushered in a new dramatic naturalism to the stage. "The Method", as it became known, woudl revolutionize American Theater forever. Blanche DuBois, fragile and penniless and having lost the family home, once a large plantation, to creditors, finds herself in the French Quarter of New Orleans and under the roof of her sister, Stella, and her husband, Stanley Kowalski. She finds Stanley "common" but strikes up a relationship with Mitch, one of his poker buddies, until old truths are forced into the open. A Streetcar Named Desire is our first Tennessee Williams production at the Majestic — you won't want to miss it! More information at tickets available online or call (413) 747-7797. Theatre Guild of Hampden presents DOUBT, A PARABLE by John Patrick Shanley The Greenhouse Theater 2 Somers Road Hampden MA October 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 PM, October 4 and 11 at 2:00 PM Set against the backdrop of a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, Doubt is the story of a strong-minded woman faced with a difficult decision. Should she voice concerns about one of her male colleagues…even if she’s not entirely certain of the truth? The acclaimed production of this new play, which won prolific writer John Patrick Shanley the Tony Award for Best Play, moved from its off-Broadway home at Manhattan Theatre Club to Broadway’s Walter Kerr Theatre. Ben Brantley of The New York Times raves that the show is, “sharp, subtle and superb.” There’s no doubt–this play is sure to be a hit and a must-see for any theater lover. More information online. The Academy of Music presents MIRAGE: A CIRCUS LIFE Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 PM Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street, Northampton The Academy of Music brings Brattleboro's Nimble Arts' brand new circus arts production to the stage in a stunning display of gravity-defying feats. Developed this year, "Mirage: A Circus Life" is the story of eight Americans putting together a production and exploring what that means, focusing on what each individual contributes to the process. Nimble Arts represents “a new American circus” that differs from the group-trained, government-subsidized European style; each artist brings his or her training and unique abilities to the table, and the production grows out of the resulting synthesis. Based around a unique, free-standing aerial rig that transforms between the first and second acts of the show, the group’s aesthetic takes a poetic approach to more traditional, vaudevillian circus arts, making Mirage perfect for the family and special enough for a date night out. Tickets and more information available online. The Seth Show: A Year to Live Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00 PM Every first Tuesday of the month through May 2016 Eastworks, Suite #160 During Season 2 Lepore explores the theme ‘A Year to Live’ on the first Tuesday of each month. While exploring new material as if he has a short time left on Earth, Lepore will challenge himself and his audience anew, creating a framework for the inevitable part of life we all must face. More details online.   Happier Valley Comedy Show:  SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED Saturday, October 10 at 8:00 PM Arts Block Cafe (289 Main St., Greenfield) What happens when you put one theater actor following the script line by line in a scene with one improviser who has no idea what the script is and has to make everything up as it goes along? You get SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED! We've got a fantastic line up of highly respected Valley stage actors paired with the Valley's best and brightest improvisers to create this very popular show that is sure to make your holiday weekend into a HA-HA!-liday weekend! Audiences can look forward to a full evening of comic entertainment rated PG-13 in this handicapped-accessible space. For more information about The Happier Valley Comedy Show, visit the show website. Tickets $10 in advance online and $13 at the door. Smith College Department of Theatre New Playreading Series presents ALWAYS PLENTY OF LIGHT AT THE STARLIGHT ALL-NIGHT DINER Written and directed by Darcy Parker Bruce MFA '16 Thursday, October 15 at 7:30 PM Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre A SUPER queer time travel adventure. With Dinosaurs. A cross between Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and Fried Green Tomatoes. Free and open to the public     Eggtooth Productions presents The Double Take Fringe Festival Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17 beginning at 6:00 PM Various venues in Downtown Greenfield 8 short shows in 8 sweet venues, all in walking distance in downtown Greenfield. Everything you ever dreamed of in a weekend of theater, and 20 bucks gets you into everything! Tickets available online. More information on their website. Eggtooth Productions' Double Take Fringe Festival presents INNOCENT KIND OF LOVE written by Rachel F. Hirsch and directed by Kathryn B. McNall October 16 and 17 at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM Wheelhouse in the ArtsBlock Building at 289 Main Street, Greenfield, MA Do we choose love or does love choose us? Dale Johnston, a lonely, middle-aged restaurant manager in a small Alabama town has his world turned on its head when his dream girl comes to work for him. But for Dale, perhaps dream and nightmare are one in the same. Is society placing unnecessary obstacles in Dale's way, or does he simply have a skewed view of reality? Playing four performances on October 16th and 17th at 6:00pm and 8:00pm both evenings. Festival tickets can be purchased online. Facebook event here. Unapologetic: a collection of narratives Studio Theatre, Emily Dickinson Hall, Hampshire College Oct 16-18, 22-24 at 8:00 PM   Unapologetic is a collection of women-centric pieces. This series of works will present several different narratives performed in the same space. What does feminist theatre mean to the individuals who experience it? What conversations are created post performance when one person considers a piece to be feminist and another does not? How can one space support three different narratives without claiming a universal experience? Featuring: Marisol by Jose Rivera, Haiku by Katherine Snodgrass, and selections from 365 Days/365 Plays by Suzan Lori Parks. Ghost Light Theater presents Evil Dead: The Musical October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31 at 8:00 PM Shea Theater in Turners Falls 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376 Evil Dead: The Musical unearths the old familiar story, [where] boy and friends take a weekend getaway at abandoned cabin, boy expects to get lucky, boy unleashes ancient evil spirit, friends turn into Candarian Demons, boy fights until dawn to survive. Based on the cult classic Evil Dead movie trilogy created by Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell. Kevin Tracy directs the work, which features a book and lyrics by George Reinblatt, music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and Reinblatt. Music direction by Eric Johnson and conducted by Ted Trobaugh. Produced by Megan Healey. Choreography by Sarah Devine. Fight choreography by Emily Eaton. The cast includes Joe Van Allen (as Ash), Erin Fitzgerald (Linda), Samantha Hinds (Cheryl), Christine Voytko (Annie), Emily Eaton (Shelly) Monique Dubois (Fake Shemp/Moose), Christopher Rose (Ed), Colin Allen (Scott), Russell Nadeau (Fake Shemp) and Josh Mason (Jake). Tickets are available through Eventbrite for $20 ($5 more for splatter zone pass with poncho). For more information, visit the website or Facebook. *This show is in no way appropriate for young audiences*   AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES AUDITIONS: Smith College Department of Theatre STOP KISS by Diana Son, directed by Jennifer Sturley '17J YELLOW FACE by David Henry Hwang, directed by Megumi Lee '17 Auditions will be held Sunday and Tuesday, October 4 and 6, 7-10 PM Callbacks for YELLOW FACE on Wednesday, October 7, 7-10PM Callbacks for STOP KISS on Thursday, October 8, 7-10 PM TV Studio No preparation required. Sides from the script will be provided. THEATRE STUDIO PRODUCTIONS All shows at 7:30 PM - Acting Studio 1 (TV Studio) Thursday and Saturday, December 10, 12 STOP KISS by Diana Son, directed by Jennifer Sturley '17J After Sara arrives in New York to teach school, she meets Callie, a traffic reporter who has lived in New York for over a decade. Sara and Callie's first kiss provokes a violent attack by a bystander. STOP KISS tells their story before and after the brutal hate crime that reverberates through their lives in unexpected ways. "...irresistibly exciting...a sweet, sad, and enchantingly sincere play." -The New York Times Friday and Sunday, December 11, 13 YELLOW FACE by David Henry Hwang, directed by Megumi Lee '17 When a Caucasian man is accidentally cast in the role of an Asian man in a play, an elaborate and expensive attempt to save face results in a semi-autobiographical exploration of race and the interactions between media and politics. YELLOW FACE is a powerfully unapologetic look at cultural identity in America. "YELLOW FACE is that rarity in theater, a pungent play of ideas with a big heart. Picaresque tale brings to the national discussion about race three much-needed commodities: a sense of humor a mile wide, an even-handed treatment and a hopeful, healing vision of a world that could be." -Variety The Northampton Arts Council has set an October 15th deadline for applications from organizations, schools and individuals for grants that support cultural activities in the community.   The online application form is now open and available here. The application process will be online only. Please do not submit paper applications. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Northampton, Florence, and Leeds, including exhibits, writings, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures. The Northampton Arts Council will hold open office hours at their location at 240 Main Street, Memorial Hall Room #1 Northampton, MA 01060 on Wednesday October 7th from 4:30 PM – 6:30PM for any potential applicants looking for advice on the application process. CREW CALL: Night at the Wax Museum directed by Tony Jones  Production of J-Art Youth Theater: 2nd – 9th Grade  Interviews will be held the week of October 19th Springfield Jewish Community Center The Springfield Jewish Community Center is looking to fill these PAID positions: Stage Manager – required to attend all rehearsals  Costumer – required to attend at least 5 rehearsals  Lighting Designer & Board Operator  – required to attend at least 5 rehearsals  Sound Designer and Operator – required to attend at least 5 rehearsals  2 Tech Weeks: Jan 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27 Preview/Dress Rehearsal: January 28 6:00pm Performances: January 30th at 7:30pm, January 31st at 11:30 and 3:00pm (dates may be subject to change). Rehearsal Dates: Tuesdays (3:30-6:00) And Sundays (2:30-5:00) Nov 17, 22, 24, 29, Dec 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, Jan 3, 5, 10, 12, Auditions for youth are Tuesday, October 27th from 3:00-7:00pm with Call Backson Tuesday, November 3rd 3:00-7:00pm To schedule an interview with the director, please email a resume or Letter of Interest to Tony Jones. University of Massachusetts Amherst - Assistant Professor, Scenic Design, Theater Department The Department of Theater in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts invites applications for a tenure-track position in Scene Design at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin September 1, 2016. This professor, specializing in scene design, will be an impressive professional practitioner and teacher who will bring experience and vision to the Department. The successful candidate will teach MFA graduate and undergraduate courses in such areas as Scenic Design, Drawing/Rendering, Architectural History, Scenic Painting, Scale Model Building, Drafting, Computer Skills, and collaborative classes across theater disciplines. The professor is also responsible for the scene design, scenic art and properties design of the department's main stage season, the supervision of student designers and artisans, as well as contributing other specialties to complement departmental offerings. The professor will collaborate closely with all production areas including the Scene Shop Faculty and Staff, consisting of the Faculty Technical Director, Scenic Construction Director, 2 graduate students, and numerous undergraduate work-study and practicum students. Two newly renovated theaters include a 450-seat proscenium and a 100-seat flexible performance space.  Participation in departmental and university service is also a responsibility. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Requirements: MFA in Scene Design by time of hire Extensive experience as a professional scene designer at the national level Evidence of ongoing creative achievement Demonstrated excellence in teaching scene design at the college level Additional Information: The university is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body.  The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members.  Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic degree and career.   Application Instructions: To apply submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae (or detailed professional resume), a link to your online portfolio, and the names and e-mail addresses of three references here. Applicants should apply by the priority deadline of  November 2, 2015, in order to ensure consideration. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Fall Drama Classes Taught by Becca Greene-Van Horn at LSSE in Amherst Start Next Week Fall drama and acting classes through LSSE are now open for registration. Below is a description of the classes offered for 3rd grade through Adult. All Classes meet at the Bangs Center in Amherst. www.lsse.org  or call 413-259-3065.   Make Me Laugh: For grades, 3-5, meets on 8 Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 PM starting October 1. Love to laugh? Then you’ve come to the right place! Taught by former professional actress and experienced drama teacher, Becca Greene-Van Horn, participants will have a blast learning improvisation, drama games and practicing comedy scenes! Participants will increase their listening and collaborative skills, as well as verbal and physical confidence on stage.  An informal demo will be presented at the end.   Youth Improvisation: For Grades 6-8, meets on 8 Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00 PM starting Sept. 29. A take-off on the popular “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” show, this popular class will give participants an opportunity to hone their improvisational skills in a humorous, playful, nonjudgmental, and supportive setting. The acting exercises, drama games and scene work are designed to encourage young actors to take creative risks, while increasing their improvisational comfort level and self-confidence. Participants will increase their listening and collaborative skills, as well as verbal and physical confidence on stage. Participants will visit Hampshire College for a fun evening of Improv with Hampshire students and perform for a young audience.   ACTSMART Improv Company: For High School, meets 8 Wednesdays from 3-5 PM and starts September 30. Come be part of the 2015-16 ACTSMART IMPROV COMPANY! Actors will be trained in Improv, Playback Theater and other ensemble acting techniques. The company will perform in schools, community settings and organizations, addressing the relevant issues that youth face: peer pressure, bullying, conflict management and more. One to two public performances will be scheduled as part of the class at a school, or after school program, and one for the general public.   This year I am also starting a Junior ACTSMART Improv Company, that will carry on the wonderful work that the teen ACTSMART group has been doing. Seasoned ACTSMART actors will have an opportunity to mentor and teach the younger (7-9 grade) group some of the skills that they have honed and perfected. Please let me know if your middle schooler/high schooler is interested in these two groups. Email me at becca@greene-vanhorn.com   Adult Improv: Acting for Fun and Pleasure:  For 16 years and up, meets 6 Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 PM and starts Oct. 6. Come learn improvisation skills and drama games just for the fun of it! This class is for 16-adult participants of all ages and abilities. Improvisation teaches us to think on our feet, be in the moment and learn to trust our instincts; all the while having a great time. Taught by former professional actress and experienced teacher, Becca Greene-Van Horn, the class will focus on the basics, and also encourage participants to stretch themselves into previously unknown and hilarious territory!   ADULT ACTING WORKSHOP: 8 Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 PM starting October 1. For 16 and up. In this new and fun class, participants, 16 to adult, will learn how to work on monologues and scenes with former professional actress and experienced drama teacher, Becca Greene-Van Horn. The acting exercises, drama games and scene work are designed to encourage new, and/or more experienced actors to take creative risks, while increasing their stage presence, comfort level and self-confidence.   ***YOUTH ON BROADWAY 2016 AUDITIONS: Just a heads up for all you musical theater kids/teens! YOB 2016 auditions will be this Fall! Will update you as soon as the dates are set. Scholarships available.   Please register by calling 413-259-3065, or going to www.lsse.org . Phantom Sheep comedy troupe with JART presents  LaughCrafters: Comedy Improv Classes for young adults Every Tuesday for 4 weeks, beginning October 6th at 7:00 PM Springfield Jewish Community Center, Dickenson St. Springfield, MA The next 4 week session of successful comedy improv classes begins Oct. 6th at the Springfield JCC.  Learn theater games and exercises, sharpen quick thinking, build stage confidence, unleash creativity, ease stress and laugh...a lot! All taught in a very fun, encouraging, and constructive atmosphere by experienced professionals.  This session will focus on adding scene structure and character development. Great for writers and performers. All experience levels welcome and open to the general public. Meeting every Tuesday 7-9PM for 4 weeks. Only $60 for the 4 week session.  Discounts available for JCC and JART members. Payment plans also available. Contact improv@phantomsheep.com or 413-739-4715 to register. Phantom Sheep is a professional comedy troupe with over 15 years of experience together teaching, performing, and producing shows and workshops. They specialize in improv, sketch comedy, and even theme park entertainment. They have been partnered with the Springfield JCC since spring 2014 providing classes and production consultation.  There work has also been seen at Six Flags, various schools and libraries, and West Hartford's Improvaganza.  Visit online or on Facebook. Facebook event here.    Happier Valley Comedy presents Redefining Failure Through Laughter (A Personal Growth Through Improvisation Workshop) with Pam Victor of The Zen of Improv (For Everybody!) Saturday, Oct. 10, 3:00-5pm (2 hours) Hadley, MA Fee: $25 (plus $6 OFF coupon to that night's Happier Valley Comedy Show) *limited amount of discounts available for college students and professionals* Pre-requisite: Just a willingness to disempower failure. EVERYONE can do this workshop. Weathering mistakes and overcoming setbacks are tricky but absolutely vital both at work and at home. In this workshop, improv exercises provide many experiences that help you understand that defining something as a "failure" only sets up roadblocks; and instead you can see it as a judgment-free event, freeing you to move forward with more confidence and creativity.  And you learn it all through laughter! Empower yourself by disempowering failure with this powerful workshop. EMAIL TO REGISTER! About Your Facilitator: Pam Victor is a teacher, improviser, and author in Western Massachusetts. She designed and teaches the Zen of Improv a multi-level improv curriculum as well as the entire Through Laughter Program. Pam writes the “Zen of Improv” series, a sassy (and sometimes saucy) look at the alignment of improvisation and Zen thinking as well as the well-respected "Geeking Out with..." interview blog series. Along with legendary improvisers TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi, Pam is the co-author of Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book. Pam is the founding member of The Ha-Ha’s with whom she performs at The Happier Valley Comedy Show (Arts Block Cafe/Greenfield), which she also produces. She's a regular performer with the Majesters (Majestic Theatre/W. Springfield), and when she's lucky she graces the stage with her dear friends at ImprovBoston. A graduate of Smith College with a Master's in Education from Iona College, Pam has received improv  training from iO Theater (Chicago), Annoyance Theatre (Chicago), ImprovBoston, and from Second City teachers. More information online. UMass Arts Extension Service presents Artist-in-Business Training Join AES for the Springfield Artist-in-Business (AIB) training on Friday, October 16 - Saturday, October 17, 9 am - 4:30 pm at the UMass Center at Springfield. In this two-day intensive, artists learn best business practices and create elements of their marketing/business plans, leaving with next steps to build – or expand - their unique business. For more information visit our website. To register directly for the training, click here. The registration fee for the Springfield AIB training is only $25 for Springfield and Indian Orchard based artists. The registration fee for all other artists is $40. Note: use the drop down menu on the registration page to select the proper fee. This training is a project of the UMass Amherst Arts Extension Service's Arts Entrepreneurship Initiative with partners Art for the Soul Gallery and the Springfield Museums. 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|*