Pioneer Valley Theatre News January 28, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   January 28-February 17, 2015 Another great week of shows. And if there is anything missing, submit it today!  The next issue will include events through February 24. 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 American Theatre Theatre's Technical Jobs: Much More Than Meets the Eye by Stuart Miller From the article:   We’re living in what is sometimes called the Information Age—an apt name for the constant flow of facts and data in which we swim, all made possible by ever-accelerating breakthroughs in computing. The catch, of course, is that, in a society where the one constant seems to be technological change, we may have too much information to process, too many systems to learn—and much of it will be obsolete by the time we’ve taken it in. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES The Majestic Theater presents AN INSPECTOR CALLS by J.B. Priestly  January 28-February 14  The Majestic Theatre, West Springfield The Birlings are a prosperous middle-class family. Arthur Birling, a wealthy mill owner and local politician, and his family have just finished a celebratory dinner in their comfortable home in Brumley, England. The happy occasion is that their daughter, Sheila, has just become engaged to Gerald Croft, the son of her father's chief competitor. But then a mysterious stranger arrives, announcing himself a police inspector — Inspector Goole — and begins to interrogate them all about their possible responsibility in the death of a young working-class factory girl. The result of his questioning leads each person to believe they've in part contributed to her death — but is Inspector Goole truly who he claims to be? An Inspector Calls is a fascinating study of human nature and society. More information and tickets online. ALIEN CITIZEN: An Earth Odyssey Written and performed by Elizabeth Liang January 30 at 7:00 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College Alien Citizen: an earth odyssey is a funny and poignant one-woman show about growing up as a dual citizen of mixed heritage in Central America, North Africa, the Middle East, and New England. Free and open to the public. More information on Facebook. The Seth Show: A Year to Live Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00 PM 121 Club in Eastworks 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton With 4 months left to live, Seth lets one of the characters he's created that just won't go away take the mic. Emanual Manual will wax poetic about his philosophical approach to death, which is really just a bunch of absurd bullshit that is quite funny, if not preposterously accurate at times. More on Facebook.   The Majestic Theater presents The Majesters Improv Comedy 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 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. Smith College Department of Theatre presents Auditions for OUR LADY OF KIBEHO by Katori Hall Directed by Nicole A. Watson Sunday, February 7, 7-10 PM Monday, February 8 by appointment (email us!) Callbacks: Monday, February 8, 7-10 PM Acting Studio 1 (T100), Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, 122 Green Street, Northampton Performances April 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 7:30 PM, Theatre 14 No preparation necessary. Perusal scripts available in Josten Performing Arts Library. Watch the video to learn more about the director and this production.  To schedule a Monday audition, please email artsinfo@smith.edu. No appointment necessary for Sunday auditions. Characters: THE TRINITY Alphonsine Mumureke, 16 year old Rwandese girl, cultural name means "Leave her alone, she speaks the truth" Anathalie Mukamazimpaka, 17 year old Rwandese girl, culture name means "one who settles the arguments and brings peace" Marie-Clare Mukangango, 21 year old Rwandese young woman, culture name means "Woman" THE CHURCH Father Tuyishime, head priest at the school Sister Evangelique, head nun of the school Bishop Gahamanyi, the town bishop, head of the Butare Diocese Father Flavia, Italian, an investigative priest from the Holy See, the "miracles office" at the Vatican THE CHORUS Nkango, Anathalie's father, a farmer Emmanuel, young boy who is cured of AIDS Girls 1-4, classmates at Kibeho College Villagers 1-3, Kibeho villagers Call for Production Staff for "Moon Over Buffalo" - Black Cat Theater Black Cat Theater, a community theater group based in South Hadley, MA, is seeking letters of interest and resumes for the positions of Director, Producer, and Stage Manager their Spring comedy, “Moon Over Buffalo”! Rehearsals will be held on Mondays and Thursdays.  Show dates will be in early June. Email a letter of interest & resume to blackcattheater@gmail.com by Friday, February 12. Ashfield Community Theater is happy to announce auditions for Quick-Change Room: Scenes From a Revolution, its 2016 spring play.  We need five women and five men for this raucous, backstage farce about a St. Petersburg theater ensemble coping with changes brought on by the collapse of the Soviet Union. The young are pushing aside the old, job security is suffering, and even Chekhov is no longer sacred as the theater kisses up to an emerging capitalist audience.   Auditions will be at the Belding Library at 344 Main St. in Ashfield from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, and 6:30 to 8:30 on Monday, Feb. 15. Callbacks, if necessary, happen on Tuesday, Feb. 16. No one will have to learn a Russian accent for this play, and no monologues are required for the auditions.  Experienced and new actors are welcome.  We aim to have fun at our auditions, so come give it a try.    The shows will be on May 27, 28 and 29 and June 3 and 4 in Ashfield.  Rehearsals begin in March. Please bring a list of all conflicts you may have during the rehearsal period.  All auditioners must be 17 or older.  We also need help creating program and poster art and help building sets and getting advertising.  Ashfield Community Theater has been producing high-quality shows for two decades. Call Jackie at 625-9413 for more information. See the Facebook page here. The Academy of Music will offer a free tour of the historic theater on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 5:15 p.m. Early registration strongly advised! Led by Academy of Music Development Coordinator Kathryn Slater, the tour will provide insight into the history behind this Northampton mainstay, including details about the organization’s founder and interesting notes about the many revitalizations. Built in 1891, the Academy of Music was the first municipally owned theater in the U.S., and home to the first stock theater company in the nation, the Northampton Players, formed in 1912. For nearly 125 years, the Academy has hosted an impressive array of performers, and the building holds the tales. See for yourself the century-old hole cut in the stage floor for Houdini’s disappearing act; Cole Porter’s grandfather clock; dressing rooms used by Sarah Bernhardt, Boris Karloff, Ethel Barrymore; and more. Step on the stage and see the Academy of Music from a whole new perspective, and take in the results of the 2014 restoration that refurbished the 800-seat auditorium, which earned a Mass. Historical Commission Preservation Award. This walking-and-talking tour begins promptly at 5:15 p.m. in the main lobby and is expected to run approximately 45 minutes. Admission is free, but reservations are required, as attendance is limited to 20. Reservations may be made through the Academy of Music Box Office by calling (413) 584-9032, ext. 105, Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., or by e-mailing boxoffice@aomtheatre.com. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES 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! 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Pioneer Valley Theatre News January 21, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   January 21-February 10, 2015 Auditions for the 24 Hour Theatre Project are this Saturday at Smith. Get involved with this super fun day of theatre making! See the listing below for more information. And if you are looking to be involved in some other way (stage management, props or costumes crew, etc.) let me know! La Boheme performs at the Academy of Music this Friday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00. A professional 40-piece orchestra and a cast of professional opera singers from the region - this promises to be a phenomenal show. Don't miss it! Classes at Smith (and the other colleges) start back up on Monday. Stay tuned for more information about their upcoming season. Auditions for Katori Hall's OUR LADY OF KIBEHO will be held in February. You can see the full season of theatre, dance, and music events here.  The next issue will include events through February 17. 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 Tickets available online, more information on Facebook THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround Write Something Funny: Why Comedy Is Vital to the Future of Theatre by Hank Greene From the article:   There is something wonderful about a theatre full of laughter. I’ve experienced moments of tragedy as an audience member so tense that you would shush a pin for dropping, have been enraptured by spectacle storytelling, and have had my personal values challenged by deep intellectual pieces that sit with me for weeks. But there is something different about a theatre full of laughter. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES Breastless: a new play by Laurel Turk directed by Jeannine Haas performed by Laurel Turk, Emily Fox, Emily Bloch and Dorian Gregory January 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 The Majestic Theater presents AN INSPECTOR CALLS by J.B. Priestly  January 21-February 14  The Majestic Theatre, West Springfield The Birlings are a prosperous middle-class family. Arthur Birling, a wealthy mill owner and local politician, and his family have just finished a celebratory dinner in their comfortable home in Brumley, England. The happy occasion is that their daughter, Sheila, has just become engaged to Gerald Croft, the son of her father's chief competitor. But then a mysterious stranger arrives, announcing himself a police inspector — Inspector Goole — and begins to interrogate them all about their possible responsibility in the death of a young working-class factory girl. The result of his questioning leads each person to believe they've in part contributed to her death — but is Inspector Goole truly who he claims to be? An Inspector Calls is a fascinating study of human nature and society. More information and tickets online. Panopera presents LA BOHEME Friday, January 22 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, January 24 at 2:00 PM Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton Eggtooth Productions presents FRANKENSTEIN A new play by Lindel Hart and MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH  A new opera by Clifton J. Noble Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 PM Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton La Bohème will feature a full orchestra and cast drawn from the region’s best players and singers. As Alan Schneider, stage director, states, “Puccini’s masterpiece has always been a celebration of and warning about the artist's life. As such, what better spirit could a new opera company invoke?” La Bohème runs in repertory with Frankenstein and Masque of the Red Death. Eggtooth Productions’ (formerly Old Deerfield) commission of the new play, Frankenstein won glowing four and five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer, “It’s a hypnotic beginning to an intense adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel. Lindel Hart’s Creature, at first naked and mute, grows in stature throughout, scrabbling towards humanity; tragically, his innocence is supplanted by evil as he learns to hate Victor Frankenstein. For Victor abandons the Creature, fleeing when he feels horror at the first sight of his creation. Hart’s performance dares you to look away – how he moves and the sounds he makes, ensures you won’t,” according to The Scotsman.  The one hour show will be preceded by excerpts from an opera based upon Edgar Allan Poe’s gothic tale “The Masque of the Red Death,” where no amount of riches, architecture, or bacchanalian excess can cheat death and keep the Plague outside Prince Prospero’s castle walls. In an excerpt from Clifton Noble’s one-act opera based on the Poe story, Prince Prospero (tenor Alan Schneider) will reveal his plan for avoiding the Plague: “Fear not! We’ll seal ourselves away – No red shall work within these walls.” More information on the Facebook Event. Tickets for both productions available online.  ALIEN CITIZEN: An Earth Odyssey Written and performed by Elizabeth Liang January 30 at 7:00 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College Alien Citizen: an earth odyssey is a funny and poignant one-woman show about growing up as a dual citizen of mixed heritage in Central America, North Africa, the Middle East, and New England. Free and open to the public. More information on Facebook. The Seth Show: A Year to Live Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00 PM 121 Club in Eastworks 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton With 4 months left to live, Seth lets one of the characters he's created that just won't go away take the mic. Emanual Manual will wax poetic about his philosophical approach to death, which is really just a bunch of absurd bullshit that is quite funny, if not preposterously accurate at times. More on Facebook.   The Majestic Theater presents The Majesters Improv Comedy 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 AUDITION for the 24-Hour Theater Project 2016! Saturday, January 23, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM T100 Acting Studio 1, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College 122 Green Street We perform six 10-minute plays, written, directed, and produced within 24 hours. The focus in our project is the playwriting– the scripts are 10-minute plays, not skits, and are performed as written; they are not improvised. We're looking for 5 - 10 actors to fill out our company. Actors in the Project work only one day, but it's a long, arduous, albeit fun, day. You must be able to commit to the date of Saturday, March 12 - from 8:00 a.m. to the end of the second show, approx. 11 p.m. Actors of varied ages- teen through elder, and of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition. For questions or further information, please call (413) 588-8043. TheatreTruck hosts a roving Meet & Greet for The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Community Monday, January 25 7:30pm @ Northampton Brewery 11 Brewster CT, Northampton MA Please note: You've asked and we've listened-- the event time has changed. We will now kick off at 7:30pm, in the bar area.  A casual night out of chatting and networking. What is the most pressing issue facing Pioneer Valley performing artists? American artists? Come talk about it. Grab a drink, say hello, talk up your latest project. We hope to see you there.  RSVP on the Facebook event! 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. Smith College Department of Theatre presents Auditions for OUR LADY OF KIBEHO by Katori Hall Directed by Nicole A. Watson Sunday, February 7, 7-10 PM Monday, February 8 by appointment (email us!) Callbacks: Monday, February 8, 7-10 PM Acting Studio 1 (T100), Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, 122 Green Street, Northampton Performances April 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 7:30 PM, Theatre 14 No preparation necessary. Perusal scripts available in Josten Performing Arts Library. Watch the video to learn more about the director and this production.  To schedule a Monday audition, please email artsinfo@smith.edu. No appointment necessary for Sunday auditions. Characters: THE TRINITY Alphonsine Mumureke, 16 year old Rwandese girl, cultural name means "Leave her alone, she speaks the truth" Anathalie Mukamazimpaka, 17 year old Rwandese girl, culture name means "one who settles the arguments and brings peace" Marie-Clare Mukangango, 21 year old Rwandese young woman, culture name means "Woman" THE CHURCH Father Tuyishime, head priest at the school Sister Evangelique, head nun of the school Bishop Gahamanyi, the town bishop, head of the Butare Diocese Father Flavia, Italian, an investigative priest from the Holy See, the "miracles office" at the Vatican THE CHORUS Nkango, Anathalie's father, a farmer Emmanuel, young boy who is cured of AIDS Girls 1-4, classmates at Kibeho College Villagers 1-3, Kibeho villagers The Academy of Music will offer a free tour of the historic theater on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 5:15 p.m. Early registration strongly advised! Led by Academy of Music Development Coordinator Kathryn Slater, the tour will provide insight into the history behind this Northampton mainstay, including details about the organization’s founder and interesting notes about the many revitalizations. Built in 1891, the Academy of Music was the first municipally owned theater in the U.S., and home to the first stock theater company in the nation, the Northampton Players, formed in 1912. For nearly 125 years, the Academy has hosted an impressive array of performers, and the building holds the tales. See for yourself the century-old hole cut in the stage floor for Houdini’s disappearing act; Cole Porter’s grandfather clock; dressing rooms used by Sarah Bernhardt, Boris Karloff, Ethel Barrymore; and more. Step on the stage and see the Academy of Music from a whole new perspective, and take in the results of the 2014 restoration that refurbished the 800-seat auditorium, which earned a Mass. Historical Commission Preservation Award. This walking-and-talking tour begins promptly at 5:15 p.m. in the main lobby and is expected to run approximately 45 minutes. Admission is free, but reservations are required, as attendance is limited to 20. Reservations may be made through the Academy of Music Box Office by calling (413) 584-9032, ext. 105, Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., or by e-mailing boxoffice@aomtheatre.com. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES 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|*