Pioneer Valley Theatre News December 3, 2015

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   December 3-23, 2015 There are lots of great holiday (and non-holiday!) shows coming up this month! Take a look below - and submit anything that is missing for next week! Here's a fun resource: free historical costume patterns.  The next issue will include events through December 30. 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 Contact me for more information! THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround Why Are There So Few Women Leading Theatres and What Can Be Done About It? by Sumru Erkut and Ineke Cedar From the article:  When people unfamiliar with the world of theatre learn that our current research is on why there are too few women leading major US theatres, their first comment is, “But it’s better than it used to be, right?” We say, “No, the situation hasn’t changed for decades.” They respond with, “I don’t understand, look at Lynne Meadow, look at Diane Paulus.” We say, “Yes, there are a few illustrious examples.” Unfortunately, comparisons with the “bad-old-days” and mention of token successes also showed up frequently in our interviews with 100 theatre professionals. Furthermore, they added, “Racial minorities have it worse, that’s where we should focus our attention to diversify leadership.”  Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES NHS improv show featuring FUNKTIONLUST December 3 at 6:30 PM Northampton High School, Black Box Theatre Now in their 11th year, FUNKTIONLUST will entertain you with their spontaneity and creativity. This is a great way to de-stress in the holiday season. No cost, donations welcome.  This will be a family friendly show! Smith College Department of Theatre New Playreading Series presents DUST written and directed by Susanna Apgar Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 PM Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre Is the truth always clean?  Is the truth EVER clean?  In this dark comedy, three grown children and their partners (or decided lack of partners) come home to their widowed mother's increasingly dirty house for Thanksgiving.  As the wine flows, and clever gibes give way to real vulnerabilities, layers of relationships are peeled back, and a family digs at what lies underneath all of that mess.   Also, there is a kitten named Mailbox. Featuring actors Jeannine Haas, Julie Waggoner, Jaz Tupelo, Tim Cochran, Robyn Sutton-Fernandez, Ashley Malloy, Michael Bird, and Susanna Apgar. Free and open to the public. See the Facebook event for more information. The Majestic Theater presents THE FABULOUS LIPITONES December 3-6 The Majestic Theater, West Springfield “The Fabulous Lipitones” is the next production in the 19th Season of plays at West Springfield's Majestic Theater. The musical comedy by John Markus and Mark St. Germaine follows the story of The Lipitones, a barbershop quartet from rural Ohio. When the lead singer suffers a fatal heart attack while holding the final note at a competition, the remaining members must find a replacement or give up the avocation that's been part of their lives for the past thirty years. The sole candidate at the audition is a mechanic who is twenty years younger than the group, wears a turban, carries a ceremonial dagger and goes by the name of “Bob,” short for Baba Mati Das. With that, the group finds a terrific new singer, and learns to co-exist with someone from an entirely different culture. The play runs October 29 through December 6. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the box office at (413) 747-7797.  For more information, visit the website.  Majestic Theater presents HOME FOR THE HOLLY-DAYS Wednesday-Sunday, December 9-20 Majestic Theater, West Springfield Rock and roll blends seamlessly with holiday tunes when the Majestic Theater presents “Home for the HOLLY-Days December 9-20 at the West Springfield venue.   Producing Director Danny Eaton will reunite the lead performers in the Majestic's previous production of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” when Ben Ashley (Buddy Holly), Aaron Porchelli (Big Bopper) and Frank Manzi (Richie Valens) take the stage. Joining the trio will be Ray Guillemette, Jr., Woody McLoyd, Stacy Ashley, Darcie Champagne, Lori Efford and – in a special guest appearance – Santa Claus.   Eaton will direct the show, and Musical Director Mitch Chakour will lead a band that includes Tim Hosmer, Don Rovero and Cliff Schofer. More information available online.  PERFORMANCE PROJECT December 11th & 12th at 8:00 PM Holden Theater Tickets are free.  Reservations recommended. Box Office 413.542.2277 The Amherst College Department of Theater and Dance is proud to present Performance Project, an evening of original dance and theater works created by Five College students as part of their work in Performance Studio taught by Visiting Resident Artist Peter B. Schmitz.  Lighting designs by students in Lighting Design taught by Resident Lighting Designer Kathy Couch.  The performance features a variety of pieces, including Body Haunt, choreographed by Alexandra Leite (HC), which explores the impact of body shaming in performance dance. The piece engages the audience to reflect on how they are watching (and judging) the bodies that are on stage. The dancers are in a battle with their own destructive thoughts that evolve and manifest physically throughout the course of the dance.   Daphne Thompson’s (AC) “the stuff of movies” explores our generation’s tendency to watch films for content instead of form, basing how we go about our lives on cinematic manipulations (specifically, those of the romantic comedy) rather than honest, spontaneous, and messy experience.  Under the narration of the Academic, film conventions are experimented with, explained, and put into practice on the stage.    Playing Pretend is a piece choreographed by Lauren Horn (AC) that explores the identity we put forth for all to see and the one we keep to ourselves. The words for each of the solos were created by each of the dancers.    Elena Marione’s (AC) Arrastreo is the murmur of all our mouths, a frightened and wondrous exploration of attention, identity, and the things we leave behind.   A Flickering Candle, written and directed by Mark Hawkins (AC), follows the tragic relationship of a young man and woman amid alcohol addiction, forcing us to consider whether people truly change.  Silverthorne Theater presents A Special Holiday Event: Stage Reading of Dylan Thomas' A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 PM, Centennial House Bed and Breakfast, 94 Main St, Northfield and Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 PM, Beehive Parlor, Deerfield Inn, 81 Old Main St, Deerfield. Along with the reading will be a performance of Celtic holiday harp music presented by Piper Pichette (The Pied Harpist), followed by a Holiday Story Slam, when audience members will vie for prizes for telling the best Holiday tale as determined by audience vote.   Tickets for this fundraiser for Silverthorne Theater’s summer season are $30 for the Northfield performance, $35 for the Deerfield event. The ticket price includes holiday treats and beverages. Seating is limited. Reservations may be made online on the Special Events page of the website. This event is suitable for adults and children 12 or older.   Questions and further information: email  or call 413-768-7514.  Happier Valley Comedy presents The Happier Valley Show with THE HA-HA'S with special guests "Pat and Misch Breakup" December 12 at 8:00PM Arts Block in Greenfield This month's all new show features The Ha-Ha's performing "The Fourth Wall" with special guests, musical improv show "Pat and Misch Breakup" Tickets $13 at the door or online.  Phantom Sheep presents LaughCrafters:Holiday Show Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30PM Agawam Library, 350 Cooper St, Agawam, MA Western MA comedy troupe "Phantom Sheep" is proud to be returning to the Agawam Public Library with a free performance featuring lots of live improvised scenes created right on the spot based on audience suggestions along with a few pre-recorded sketches.   The Phantom Sheep Players repertoire includes Western MA natives Eric Boucher, Tommy Lynch, Jesse Redmond, Greg Seymour, Jeff Tingley, and Kevin Zabawa. They have over 15 years working together writing, performing and producing shows and workshops for schools, libraries, special events, and the theme park industry. They have also been teaching and performing at the Springfield JCC and will begin their next session of weekly improv classes in January.  This Holiday show has been their annual tradition to celebrate the season with the local community.   More info on Facebook. The Drama Studio presents FACE OF THE DRAGON Friday, December 18 at 5:00 PM The Drama Studio, 41 Oakland St. Springfield, MA In the ancient Chinese city of Wu the young streetsweeper, Han, longs for a different life - sweeping the gates of the city was not what he desired. When the marauding Wild Horsemen come to attack the city, the bumbling Mandarin decrees that all inhabitants should pray to the Great Cloud Dragon for help. After a little beggar is ridiculed for announcing herself the dragon, Han shows generosity that touches the beggar’s heart and allows her to reveal her true Dragon form. FREE for everyone and fun for the whole family! More info on their website. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Director of Musical Production   Mohawk Trail Regional School in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts is looking for a  creative individual with a background in educational theater to direct/produce a  creative musical production for students in grades 9-12.     Schedule: Beginning casting in December, and rehearsals to begin on a regular basis in  January for the staging of the show in early March.   The successful candidate will be able to engage students and community  members in an original production that showcases student talent and ingenuity  both onstage and behind the scenes.   Applicants should have experience  managing all aspects of a production, including fundraising, community outreach,  and promotion. The director/producer will work with a team of educators who  have experience with staging productions, including lighting, direction, and  music.  The specific musical will be determined by the team of educators.   Forward cover letter, resume, licensure, transcripts and recommendations to:  Superintendent of Schools, Mohawk Trail Regional School District, 24 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.    Application deadline:  Open until filled.   The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,  gender identity, disability, religion or sexual orientation. AUDITIONS for Spring Productions at Amherst College Thursday & Friday, December 3 & 4 at 7 PM Studio 2, rm. 122 Webster Hall, Amherst College   Elena Marione ’16 Senior Project (performs February 18-20) Written and Directed by Elena Marione Rehearsals will begin during interterm   Elena Marione's Senior Thesis is a devised exploration of memory, myth, and the insatiable need for communication and connection that unites us. The intersections of text, movement, space, and individual stories will fuel a small-cast ensemble as it grapples with questions like: What if we could remember beyond the boundaries of our own lives? What can we make of the dust on the mantelpiece, the ice on the sidewalk, and the echoing footsteps of those that came before us? Individuals from all backgrounds and interests are encouraged to audition, especially those interested in collaborative work.   Lara Min ’16 Senior Project (performs March 3-5) Written by Lara Min, directed by Hans Meyer, guest artist Rehearsals will begin during interterm   Set in a New York City apartment, this comedy follows six twenty-something adults (3 women, 3 men) and their attempts to tackle their professional and personal expectations after college. The play confronts the cultural stigmas often associated with one’s emotional vulnerabilities, and focuses on the relationship between James – a naive investment banking analyst who realizes he may not be following his passions – and Emma, an offbeat college dropout dealing with a demanding anxiety disorder.  All six characters play a significant role in the play, each with a substantial monologue exploring topics like loneliness, depression, and dependency. Scenes from the play will be provided during auditions, no preparation necessary. Send Him Home (performs March 24-26) Written by Daphne Thompson ’16, directed by Ron Bashford Rehearsals will begin the first week of spring classes   Send Him Home is a dramatic comedy that takes place during the course of a minor league baseball season, centering around relief pitcher Robin Fulton and his experience on a new team.  Throughout the season, he develops strange, unexpected friendships with his teammates while facing adversity and tragedy that threaten his understanding of family, the pursuit of a dream, and his love of the game.  The play boasts several large roles for male actors of varying types and distinct personalities, as well as two supporting female roles.  All are encouraged to audition; no previous acting experience or preparation required! Exit 7 Players presents auditions for The Exit 7 New Short Play Contest Monday, December 7 and Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 PM Exit 7 Theater (37 Chestnut Street, Ludlow MA) More than 40 roles are available in these 8 comedies and 8 dramas. The age range of male roles is 14-60’s. The age range of female roles is 17-60’s. Please bring a headshot and resume if available along with a photo ID. Actors will read selected sides from the scripts, which were chosen from a submission pool of over 700 plays from all over the United States and from several other countries. Scripts can be found online. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to perform in original plays, many of which will be Massachusetts premieres, and several world premieres, written by new, emerging, and established voices in contemporary playwriting. If you have any questions, please email the Exit 7 Players Attn: Play Contest. Real Live Theatre presents AUDITIONS for "The Life and Death of Queen Margaret"  December 13, 2-5 PM The North Star Building, 45 Amherst Rd, Sunderland MA Real Live Theatre is looking for women aged 16+ to fill 6 roles in their new Shakespeare show, The Life and Death of Queen Margaret. The show is a feminist retelling of Henry VI Parts I-IIIand Richard III from the perspective of Queen Margaret, Shakespeare’s best-written female character. Please prepare a 1-2 minute classical monologue and be prepared to read sides at the audition. Auditions December 13, 2-5pm at North Star (45 Amherst Rd., Sunderland MA.);  Rehearsals will start in late May, with performances in late July or early August. Email to sign up for an hour slot & for more info. Props/Set Manager for UNCLE VANYA Seeking set/props manager for Academy of Music Theatre's production of "Uncle Vanya," Annie Baker version, to be staged March 4 & 5, 2016. Set/props manager will work closely with the director and technical director. She/he will be responsible for arranging safe transportation of loaned and/or rented set and props pieces; both for load-in and return. Set/props manager will work with director/technical director to oversee the placement of set/props pieces. Set/props manager will be required to attend any relevant production meetings, rehearsals, shows. This is a paid position.  Please send letter of interest to Executive Director Debra J'Anthony at djanthony@aomtheatre.com. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Apply Today: Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield is currently accepting applications for their 2016 Winter Intensive from January 1 - 7! Intensives are ideal for artists of any discipline who are interested in a holistic training method and in developing their own work in an ensemble context. Participants take part in 3-4 training sessions daily including: - physical training - work with large objects - improvisation - vocal exploration and song - research - individual & group etudes - directed scenes - indoor/ outdoor site-specific work - dramaturgy - design The sessions take place both in Double Edge's indoor training spaces and outside in the fields, hills, pond and pastures of the Farm. Intensives are open to participants of all levels of experience. For more information or to apply, see the website or send an email. We offer partial scholarships through the Timothy O'Brien Fund to emerging artists from underserved communities in our region. 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|*