Pioneer Valley Theatre News October 6, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser  October 6 - 26, 2016 So many great events in the next few weeks - make sure you check out the whole newsletter. You can always read it on the website as well! The next issue will include events through November 2. 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 THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from The Clyde Fitch Report Millenials and Arts: Can We Do It Their Way? by Ken Tabachnick From the article:  As the demographic wave bringing Millennials into positions of impact in society advances, many of us responsible for presenting or supporting the creation of culture are focusing on how to engage them. While endless characterizations of this large cohort exist, there is now hard data beginning to show that Millennials are more interested in participating in, and more appreciative of, the arts than various earlier generations. Consistent, though, with what we already know, they want to engage with arts and culture on their terms, in their way. It would be a serious mistake to think, therefore, that we can rely on earlier ways of engaging audiences without deeply considering what we know about this cohort, because the demographics and other macro changes have moved us to a new place as they have washed over us. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES Contra-Tiempo: Urban Latin Dance Theater’s Auga Furiosa! Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 7:30PM Fine Arts Center Concert Hall The newest work from this bold, multilingual Los Angeles based dance company challenges audiences to confront the harsh realities of race in our country. Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Oya, the Afro-Cuban deity of wind and storms, Agua Furiosa highlights Contra-Tiempo’s unique urban-Latin movement vocabularies to create a visually stunning and thought-provoking performance. Please Note: There will be a Strobe Light in use during this performance.  Dessert: Stay for a post-concert talk with the company.  Tickets available online. $35, $30, $20; Five College and 17 & Under: $10; Five College Faculty & Staff: Please call the Box Office The Majestic Theater presents MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott October 6 - 23 West Springfield, MA “Million Dollar Quartet” tells about the real-life events of Tuesday afternoon, December 4, 1956 at Sun Records' Memphis studio. Rockabilly star Carl Perkins was there working on a revamped version of the blues song “Matchbox,” when fellow Sun recording artists Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley drifted into the studio, and the quartet took part in a loose jam session that producer Sam Phillips had the foresight to record. A local reporter who was called and sat in headlined his newspaper article which ran the next day, “Million Dollar Quartet.” Cast members include Jay Sefton (Sam Phillips), Colin Patrick Ryan (Elvis Presley), Corbin Mayer (Johnny Cash), Brian Michael Henry (Jerry Lee Lewis), Dan Whelton (Carl Perkins) and Kaytlyn Vandeloecht (Dyanne). The play will be directed by the Majestic’s Producing Director Danny Eaton. Mitch Chakour is the music director, and set design is by Greg Trochlil. Stephen Petit is production stage manager, and associate stage manager is Aurora Ferraro. For additional information, visit the website.  Silverthorne  Theater Company presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)  Arts Block 4th Floor in Downtown Greenfield October 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 pm, with a 2:00 pm matinee performance on Saturday, October 15.   AKA The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr(Abridged), by Adam Long,  Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield (The Reduced Shakespeare Company), this comedy is a rollicking irreverent attempt to represent all 37 of Shakespeare’s works (poems included) in one evening’s entertainment. Three actors fly about the stage, now re-enacting the history plays as football with the crown tossed downfield to whichever contender can catch it. Othello is rendered in rap, and all the comedies are condensed into one quick take on happily-ever-after. During the second act of the play, Hamlet is attacked from all sides, finally winding up being performed (in a very shortened version) backwards.   The Silverthorne production features the talents of veteran Valley comedian Steve Henderson* (member, Actors Equity Association) with rising stars Julian Findlay and Schuyler Evans. David Rowland directs.  Tickets are available at the door or online. General admission is $19; students/seniors 65+ $17.  Pre-sale discount tickets will be available at the World Eye Bookstore, 156 Main Street, Greenvield, beginning September 15. Reserve over the phone at 413-768-7514. Audience involvement is a given with special attention paid to the squeamish. As often said, “If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!” The Today Show. “Pithier than Python. Irresistible.” New York Times. Happier Valley Comedy presents SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED  Saturday, October 8 at 8:00 PM Arts Block, Greenfield Happier Valley Comedy Show Monthly comedy show presents SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED Saturday October 8th. Arts Block (289 Main St., Greenfield) at 8:00pm. (Doors open at 7pm.) Tickets $13 at the door and in advance online at www.theartsblock.com. For ticket information, call 413-774-0150, for show info emailinfo@happiervalley.com. Facebook event. Happier Valley Comedy presents More Improv, More Better  Saturday, October 8 at 10:00 PM Arts Block, Greenfield More Improv, More Better Jam & Showcase: Open improv jam for everyone and anyone to play and watch improv games lead by Happier Valley Comedy friends. Plus a showcase set featuring an up-and-coming improv team. Saturday, October 8th. Arts Block (289 Main St., Greenfield) at 10-11pm. (Directly following the Happier Valley Comedy Show.) Free show (one drink minimum.) For moreinfowww.happiervalley.com or info@happiervalley.com. Facebook event. Smith College Department of Theatre presents New Playreading Series FRUIT IN WINTER written and directed by Emily H. Atkinson Thursday, October 13 at 7:30 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre 24 years ago, Audrey Fisher sold her soul to the devil. Then, she did something even worse, and the reckoning has finally come due. A lesbian love story, a demonic rivalry, and a tale of ambition, magic, and self-loathing, Fruit in Winter is a Faustus for the modern age, and a story for anyone who has felt that she would have to sell her soul to have it all. Free and open to the public. Happier Valley Comedy presents the Happier Family Comedy Show Saturday, October 15 at 4:00 PM Eastworks Community Room Happier FAMILY Comedy Show: Monthly improv comedy show for the whole family. Best for 5-12 year olds and their adults. Saturday, October 15th at 4pm.  Located at Eastworks' Community Room (Suite 160) 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton. Tickets at the door: $10/Adults, $5/Kids (3 yrs and under free), $30/Family Max. Purchase tickets online or at the door (*cash or check only at the door please*) For more info visit www.happiervalley.com. on facebook. Dean Parker Productions presents Mr. Mambo Saturday, October 15 at 8:00 PM Academy of Music Theatre Two-act musical comedy featuring the 80’s pop music of the recording artist Tiffany. Three high school seniors spend spring break in New York City competing on a dance competition reality show. Impressionable Kristen Aimes is convinced that the dynamic host for “Dance America,” Eric Archer – also known as “Mr. Mambo” – is infatuated with her. She is unaware that Eric’s interest in her is actually a publicity stunt, and that her secret admirer is really her best male friend, Johnny. Kristen and her friends each have a shot at the $1 million prize – until Eric’s vengeful ex-girlfriend, Amber, schemes to get them thrown off the show. More info online. Serious Play Theatre Ensemble presents White Rabbit Red Rabbit by Nassim Soleimanpour A.P.E. Gallery, 126 Main Street, Northampton MA October 15, 16, 17, 2016, 8:00 pm No set, no rehearsal and the script is unsealed by the one actor in the show who reads it for the first and only time.   White Rabbit Red Rabbit has been called a play. But it's a lively, global sensation that no-one is allowed to talk about. Its award-winning playwright, Nassim Soleimanpour, is Iranian. His words have escaped censorship and are awaiting your audience. Slyly humorous and audaciously pointed, this 'theater entertainment meets social experiment' is unlike anything, and will make you question everything.   Since its premiere in 2011 at the Edinburgh Fringe, "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" has been translated into more than 20 different languages and been performed over 1000 times by some of the biggest names in theatre and film including actors John Hurt, Stephen Rea, Sinead Cusack, Marcus Brigstocke, film director Ken Loach, and in the states by Nathan Lane, Alan Cumming and Whoopie Goldberg, to name but a few. Readers in Northampton: Jessica Litwak (10/15),  Kermit Dunkleberg (10/16),  and Patrick Gaughan (10/17) Springfield Armory presents WOW for Women October 16 at 12:00 and 2:00 PM Springfield Armory, Campus of STCC College, Springfield, MA WOW - Women Ordnance Workers were employed at the Armory during WWII, making guns and rifles for the Allies. Women did the work of what, then, "man's work". In 2 one-woman theatre performances, nationally award winning actress/writer Judith Black will take the stage, starring in both plays, one a comedy and the other a drama about WOW.  Between these performances, Albany Berkshire Ballet will stage its own version of "Rosie the Riveter" in a short program. FREE UMass Amherst Department of Theatre presents The Misanthrope Written by Molière, adapted by Constance Congdon ‘82G Directed by Mary Corinne Miller Rand Theater Wednesday, October 19, 2016, Half-Price Preview at 7:30 pm Friday, October 21, 2016, Opening Night at 7:30 pm Saturday, October 22, 2016, Performance at 7:30 pm Wednesday, October 26, 2016, Student Matinee at 10:00 am Thursday, October 27, 2016, Performance at 7:30 pm Friday, October 28, 2016, Performance at 7:30 pm Saturday, October 29, 2016, Performance at 2 pm Saturday, October 29, 2016, Performance at 7:30 pm Buy tickets Why put on a comedy written 350 years ago? Because these characters are still funny today — we see them on our TV screens in many contemporary comedies. Alceste is the neurotic introvert who simultaneously craves isolation and connection. His object of desire is Célimène, a social butterfly who carefully curates her image in a way any Instagram star would envy. She’s got Alceste and the painfully hip Oronte on the hook, along with countless others, while her best frenemy, Arsinoé, attempts to manipulate the situation so she can win Alceste for herself. Come enjoy a backstage pass to a live studio taping of the comedy “The Misanthrope” and see how pointedly Molière’s snarky observations about love and friendship translate to relationships played out in the context of our screen-obsessed modern-day world. Live Art Magazine Issue #4 Friday, October 21  Academy of Music Theatre Northampton Live Art Magazine is an annual performance event featuring live performances of art, ideas and music. The evening unfolds within the structure of a magazine. Department headings introduce a reading, a poem, a performance, a film clip, a live version of a radio piece. Short pieces up front, longer features and essays next. It's quick -- 8 min tops for features and 2-5 min for "shorts" (there's no MC). One live "issue" a year. It's a one-night-only annual event that is not recorded or photographed. A team of illustrators live draw the event, and that's the only documentation of the night. You have to be there to experience it. The show recognizes local and regional talent. It offers a space for artists to try new -- even risky -- collaborations. Buy tickets. Smith College Department of Theatre presents  STEEL MAGNOLIAS by Robert Harling Directed by Jennifer Sturley  October 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 7:30 PM Theatre 14 A story about the powerful friendship between six women in a small Louisiana town, who love each other with strength, humor, and courage through good times and bad. "Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving." —NY Daily News. $10 General, $5 Students and Seniors. Free for Smith students. Tickets available online or by calling 413-585-3220. Facebook event here. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF TEACHING IMPROV! BY HOSTING A FUNDRAISER FOR THE NORTHAMPTON SURVIVAL CENTER Don't Miss this Celebration on Friday Oct 28th in Northampton High School's Auditorium from 6:30-8:30 Heidi Haas is celebrating teaching Theater Improvisation by hosting a fundraiser for the Northampton Survival Center. The show will feature Heidi”s theater students, the Ookie-Wookies (grades 1st-5 th ) and the Pickle Heads (grades 6th-8 th ) and the Northampton High School troupe, Funktionlust! Funktionlust, now in its 12 th year is the only Improv group at NHS and has enough liveliness to power Childs Park! But with all their spontaneity and and enthusiasm., they have entertained their audiences at First Night, ImprovAlliance shows and with their fellow students at NHS! They are psyched to be on stage with all the younger Improvers! For More Information: Contact Heidi Haas Tickets $5 The Seth Show presents  TRUMP CARD Adapted from the monologue by Mike Daisey, Performed by Seth Lepore Directed by Linda McInerney of Eggtooth Productions Tuesday, November 1st THE WEST END (across from Riff's) EASTWORKS 116 Pleasant St Suite 160 When Seth Lepore found out that Mike Daisey made the script for his new standing room only show, TRUMP CARD, open-source and adaptable, he knew he had to jump at the chance. The Guardian hails the show as “...how an artful lie illuminates what we believe to be the truth more than any actual accounting of objective reality.” Using the bones of Daisey’s script as a solid foundation, Lepore chops up and remixes his own personal story into the fold, threading in the political quagmires of his home state of Rhode Island. From the love/hate relationship the people of Providence had with Mayor Buddy Cianci, to Lepore’s second cousin switching from Catholic priest to Mayor of his home town, Lepore conveys how the cult of personality is nothing new. How, in fact, Trump’s timing couldn’t be better... for the worse. If anything, we created all this monster together.  Linda McInerney of Eggtooth Productions directs this adapted version.  Advanced tickets are in limited batches and start at $8 and go up in two dollar increments until they reach $14 online. Get tickets now to save money. $15 at the door. Buy Tickets AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a actress, actor  and/or  comedian to co host a podcast focusing on a satirical look at entertainment and pop culture.  Must be comfortable on a microphone. Up on and interested in entertainment and pop culture. Have a good sense of humor with the right amount of sarcasm and snark.  If you think think this may be perfect for you, email Lorraine.  The New England New Play Alliance publishes a free weekly online newsletter with information about readings and full performances of new plays throughout New England. You can keep up to date with the latest shows and trends by subscribing. A pair of free tickets for each performances of Trump Card will be raffled in the New England New Play Alliance Newsletter. A raffle will be held a few days before each show. Subscribe now and watch the ticket giveaway section. Perform with South Hadley's Black Cat Theater! Black Cat Theater is looking for a male actor (50+) to play Mr. Brownlow in their production of Oliver! Performances are November 17-20, rehearsal schedule flexible. If interested and available please contact blackcattheater@gmail.com or call 413-563-6023. ECA+ ANNOUNCES ONLINE GRANT APPLICATIONS, GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP Easthampton City Arts+ (ECA+) announces new online applications for the upcoming 2017 grant cycle. Applications are being accepted for programming in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences for projects benefitting the residents of Easthampton. The deadline for applications is October 17, 2016. ECA+ has also scheduled a free Grant Writing Workshop on Sept. 14, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 43 Main St., Easthampton 01027. Attendees will learn about guidelines, priorities, and the new online application process. “Moving to online applications will make the process much easier for everyone, especially applicants,” said Christy Crutchfield, ECA+ Grants Committee Chair. “We can’t wait to fund innovative and engaging projects in 2017.” Online applications will be available on September 1, 2016, and ECA+ will also announce their funding allocation at that time. Each year the ECA+ Grants Committee, a Local Cultural Council, selects projects that strengthen and diversify arts and culture in the community. Projects must occur during 2017 and priority will be given to proposals that utilize Easthampton spaces and resources. Applications, however, will not be denied solely on this funding priority and will be evaluated based on local guidelines and those outlined by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Funding for the ECA+ Grants Committee is provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). Previously funded projects Bear Fest (2009), Art in the Orchard (2012), REACH (2013) and Unbuttoned (2015) have received recognition as Gold Star recipients, exemplary projects reflecting the mission of MCC. For more information please see easthamptoncityarts.com/grants. Easthampton City Arts+, formed in 2005, enriches lives through the integration of arts, culture and community and promotes revitalization and protection of Easthampton’s cultural assets. ECA merged with the Easthampton Cultural Council & Art Walk Easthampton to form ECA+ in 2011. Easthampton City Arts+ is funded in-part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Request for proposals for our upcoming New Vaudeville Holiday Spectacular at the Shea Theatre on December 16-18, 2016 Eggtooth Productions is presenting a holiday variety show at the Shea Theatre in Turners Falls, MA upon the theme of GRACE. Would you like to submit a 5-10 minute offering that could be a part of our show?  We provide the venue, the promotion, the tech, and any support (within reason) you might need to perform your piece. It could be theater, music, dance, circus arts, poetry, really anything that lasts under ten minutes and can be experienced upon a stage. Be creative!  Participants will be announced first week of November. Proposals due by October 31, 2016. Email Linda McInerney with your idea! Hampshire Shakespeare Company is looking for an experienced season producer to oversee the renowned Shakespeare Under the Stars 2017 summer season. Join us for the chance to bring the Bard’s work to the great outdoors and facilitate the creation of theatrical experiences from the most profound to the most playful. The producer will assist in hiring, creating a budget, and planning and overseeing the two Mainstage shows and Young Company show. Contract begins immediately and completes at the end of the season in late August. Please send resume and cover letter to hampshire.shakespeare.company@gmail.com. Accepting applications through October 22. Producer duties: takes overall responsibility for functioning of the season including fundraising and presence in community manages overall budget with an eye toward end-of-season net directly responsible for overall personnel management, including the hiring and supervision of TD, PM, administrative staff, and publicity oversees mentorship of production assistant program creates and ensures distribution of contracts in conjunction with board of directors provides updates to the board on process of all shows, attends production meetings as needed Qualifications: strong communication skills experience in budget management non-profit arts administration experience conflict resolution experience working with young people willingness to take initiative flexibility team player good sense of humor Compensation: $3,000-$3,500 (commensurate with experience) WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Playwriting & Screenwriting Consulting Individual consulting with playwright & screenwriter ROSE MARTULA to provide feedback or assist in editing scripts: PLAYS, FULL-LENGTH FEATURES, SHORTS, TV PILOTS or WEB SERIES. In whatever stage. I'm here to honor your vision, not alter. Let's do this! Contact Rose. Happier Valley Comedy present Workshop: Authentic Presentations Through Laughter: The "S.T.A.G.E." System to Public Speaking in Your Personal Voice Saturday, Oct. 8th, 2-5pm (3 hours) Hadley, MA $40 (This ALL LEVEL workshop is open to one and all! No experience necessary.) Great presenters possess a mix of humor, truth, and like-ability that come from self-awareness, practice, and knowledge of their audience. So how do you arrive at the pinnacle of presentations? Creating a performance that will keep eyes fixed on you, minds eager to hear more, and thoughts of new possibilities upon your final words are possible if you have the tools to build it. In this interactive workshop, you will learn Angela Lussier's signature STAGE System* for engaging your audience in a way that gets them to know YOU and your unique style while also leaving them with a compelling message crafted for them. You'll learn Pam Victor's "Through Laughter" approach to explore how easy-to-learn, non-performance improvisation training exercises can strengthen the vital muscles necessary for getting you relaxed and ready to present with confidence. And then you'll find out how the two approaches work together to create a memorable and meaningful performance. Over the course of this three-hour workshop, you will build a five-minute presentation and five people will get the chance to practice in front of the group while getting feedback from workshop leaders Pam and Angela. *S.T.A.G.E. stands for: S=Style T=Truth A=Art G=Group E=Energy About your teachers: Angela Lussier: "Stop waiting and start creating." Thats Angela's philosophy. She doesn't just walk her talk; she runs full-sprint likely wearing some brightly colored outfit. Most recently, she created the Speaking School for Women to train creative, entrepreneurial women to become well-paid, in-demand speakers. Even though she was a shy girl, it didn't stop her from becoming an award-winning speaker with 500+ presentations under her belt including 2 TEDx talks. She is the host of the Claim the Stage podcast and her work has been featured on ABC, NBC, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. She lives in Holyoke, MA with her husband, Nick, and two cats, Gratitude and Billy Bob. Pam Victor: "You are enough." That's Pam's philosophy. (Or at least one of them!) With the THROUGH LAUGHTER corporate development program and Zen of Improv classes, Pam happily spends her days (and most evenings) helping people believe they are enough...to trust in their "you-ness" (the beautiful thing that makes you you)...to pay attention to the moment and just take the next little step...to quiet their judgmental voices...to practice being of service to the moment and each other. This workshop is a product of the THROUGH LAUGHTER Program, which takes easy-to-learn, non-performance exercises that are use used to train improvisers, and applies them specifically to the professional setting in order to bring remarkably powerful growth to your business, school, or group and to the personal setting in order to show you that you're right and to make you righter. Tickets here. If you would rather REGISTER BY PHONE, call Brown Paper Tickets directly at 1-800-838-3006. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REGISTER ONLINE OR BY PHONE, PLEASE CONTACT SCOTT atschool@happiervalley.com to complete the process, old school-style. Facebook event here. Happier Valley Comedy presents Communication Through Laughter Greenfield Community College October 13 at 9:00 AM We hear a lot but how much do we really listen? More often than not, issues at work are born out of moments of missed communication. Let's strengthen your listening and speaking muscle. This workshop uses easy-to-learn improv exercises to hone the all-important skills of paying attention acutely, listening without judgment, and saying what you really mean in order to make you a more effective communicator in the workplace. And we're doing it all in a fun, laughter-filled workshop with surprisingly powerful results. Register here. This class is part of the Workforce Development Program at GCC. The class is $105. Happier Valley Comedy presents Improv Workshop: Spolin Improvisation with Hal Peller Sunday, October 16th 12:30pm - 4:30pm (4 hours) $45 Hadley, MA "[Viola Spolin's approach] is not an acting technique; it is learning to respect the invisible." - Paul Sills, Founder of The Second City and Viola's Spolin's son Hal Peller has been a facilitator of "Spolin Improvisation" since 1981, and we're lucky enough to have snagged him while he's here in the Happy Valley. Viola Spolin wrote the book on Improvisation for the Theater, first published in 1963, which consisted of over 220 games and exercises. This is considered to be the main origin of modern improvisation. The games have changed little over the years. Hal Peller been using this same book for over 35 years and has found it to be near foolproof for work with groups of all ages and experience levels. The games are designed to solve different problems that actors and improvisers face in every performance and to trip the player into their intuitive zone: where you know what to do without ever having the experience before. Also, you will learn the basics of space work which will help you in creating the stage picture for you and your fellow players.  ALL LEVELS: This workshop is appropriate for all levels of players, from beginners to advanced students.  ABOUT YOUR TEACHER:  Hal Peller is currently facilitating Improvisation Workshops in New York City.  His improvisation workshops were nominated for an INNY Award, Best Improvisation Workshop. He has also coached the Harold Team Eskimo Dance for which he was also nominated for "Best Coach." Hal has directed the Little Britches (an all women comedy group) and Brooklyn Improv Group (BIG).  He directed The Fine Young Comedians, a teen sketch comedy group that performed at Stand-Up New York and featured on ABC FAMILY TV. Hal facilitated workshops at the Broadway Theater Institute including Improvisation for the Theater, Theater Games for Non-Actors, Theater Games for Teachers (Staff Development), and Corporate Management Training.  Hal coaches stand-up comedians and theater companies throughout the world. Hal studied with Paul Sills, David Shepherd, Del Close and Martin Harvey Friedberg of Chicago's Second City Theater. Register here. If you would rather REGISTER BY PHONE, call Brown Paper Tickets directly at 1-800-838-3006. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REGISTER ONLINE OR BY PHONE, PLEASE CONTACT SCOTT at school@happiervalley.com to complete the process, old school-style. Facebook event here.  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|*