Pioneer Valley Theatre News June 29, 2017

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser June 29-July 19, 2017 If you've been following the controversy surrounding the Public Theatre's recent production of Julius Caesar, here's an interesting take from the blog of the Chester Theatre Company. The next issue will include events through July 26. 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 Howlround A Collective Call Against Critical Bias by Howlround From the article:  Much ado has been made of the fact that Paula Vogel and Lynn Nottage, two Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatists, finally cracked the glass ceiling this season. These theatre veterans made their long awaited Broadway debuts, with Indecent and Sweat, which both garnered Tony Award nominations for Best Play. Surprisingly little attention was paid, however, to the announcement that these productions—the only new works by women on the Great White Way this year—would close early, in large part because they were doomed by the male critical establishment. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES Chester Theatre Company presents I AND YOU by Lauren Gunderson 6/29 2 & 8pm, 6/30 2pm, 7/1 8 pm, 7/2 2pm, 7/5 8pm, 7/6 2 & 8pm, 7/7 2pm, 7/8 8pm, 7/9 2pm Town Hall Theatre, 15 Middlefield Rd., Chester, MA Anthony arrives at Caroline's door bearing a battered copy of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass, an assignment from their English teacher. Due tomorrow. As the two let their guards down, this seemingly straightforward poetry project unlocks a deeper mystery that has brought them together. I and You is an ode to youth, fate, and the strange beauty of shared humanity. I and You is directed by Kristen van Ginhoven, Artistic Director of WAM Theatre, in her CTC debut. All performances will take place in the intimate setting of Chester's Historic Town Hall. Individual ticket prices are $37.50. Chester residents may purchase $10 tickets with valid i.d. at the door or by calling the box office. Student Rush $10 tickets are available day of show. Single tickets, season subscriptions, and flex passes may be purchased online, or by phone at 413.354.7771. Special rates for groups of 10 or more are available. Many performances are followed by Talkbacks, Cast Conversations, and Panel Discussions. More information online.  Chester Theatre Company, a professional theatre company located between the Berkshires and the Pioneer Valley--and convenient to both--is known for presenting high-quality productions with top-notch actors, directors, and designers from across the country since 1990. Founded by former Artistic Director of Dublin's Abbey Theatre, Vincent Dowling, CTC is now in its 28th season, and produces four thought-provoking plays each summer in the intimate setting of the Town Hall Theatre. Silverthorne Theater Company’s second Season production goes out on a limb (literally) with Aaron Posner’s brilliant comedy, Stupid F***ing Bird in the Company’s new space on the fourth floor of The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center (formerly The Arts Block) in downtown Greenfield. Stupid F***ing Bird runs June 29, 30 and July 1 with performances at 7:30 pm, and a 2 pm matinee on Saturday, July 1.  There will be a post-show talkback with the cast and dramaturg after the June 29 performance. The Hawks & Reed PAC is located at 289 Main Street on the Greenfield Common in the middle of the town’s Cultural District. It is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible.  Tickets are $20 general admission, $18 for students or seniors (65+) and may be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com. Full information and tickets available at www.silverthornetheater.org.  NOTE: the production contains strong language. Stupid F***ing Bird is rightly described as “a sort of adaptation of Chekhov’s classic play, The Seagull.” The familiar characters are there in all their tortured glory, even if the names are slightly modified. The themes of thwarted ambition and family conflict are played out in this thoroughly contemporary and achingly funny piece that leaves no doubt about the comedic genius of both Posner and his prototype.  THE CAST: The talented cast of seven, under the direction of Toby Vera Bercovici, includes Myka Plunkett as the young, vulnerable aspiring actress Nina. Michael Greehan’s Con is an idealistic young playwright who seeks to overturn conventional theater with a radical new ‘authentic’ voice. Con’s mother, Emma Arkadina, played by Lisa Abend*, is a highly successful actress but represents all that Con despises about conventional theater. Michael Schurter is Emma’s lover, Trigorin, himself a well-known writer. (*Member, Actors’ Equity Association) Con’s best friend Dev (played by Julian Findlay) is desperately in love with Mash (Linda Tardif), the household’s cook, who in turn is in love with Con who loves Nina.  Emma’s elder brother, Sorn, a doctor (played by Thom Griffin), takes the philosophical viewpoint of the passions and tensions that wrack this complex group of characters. Hampshire Shakespeare presents Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead  June 29. July 1, 14, 16, 20, 22. August 4, & 6 at 7:00 PM Massachusetts Renaissance Center, Amherst MA Directed by Calvin Atkinson Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is playwright Tom Stoppard's philosophical-comedic reaction piece to Shakespeare's greatest work. Through the eyes of two of Hamlet's minor characters, we see the story from another angle as the politically powerful step on everyone beneath them. This contemporary staging will get up close and personal, inviting the audience to laugh and ponder with our heroes as they explore identity, truth, and what might really be rotten in the state of Denmark.  Tickets available here. Hampshire Shakespeare presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare June 30. July 2, 13, 15, 21, 23. August 3 & 5 at 7:00 PM Massachusetts Renaissance Center, Amherst MA Directed by Ingrid Oslund This contemporary production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet will use this classic text to explore the cycles of abuse at play within the story and how they manifest supernaturally. By employing immersive staging and utilizing the full potential of this outdoor space, this show will take the audience on a journey through the haunted halls of the decadent Danish court, examining the trials and tribulations of those who dwell there. From the traumatic effects of a murder that destroys a country to the behavior of the Prince himself, this play explores the affects of madness on both an intimate and political level. Tickets available here. PaintBox Theatre presents  The Wizard of Oz Thursday, July 6: 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 7: 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9: 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Williston Theatre Weekday Performances for Camps, Groups and the Public Wednesday, July 12 and Thursday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m. The Shea Theater The classic story, beloved by children for generations. Can PaintBox do it with just a cast of three? Oh, we’ve lined up great actors: Jasmine Jiles (Grace in Grace for President), Connor Paradis (Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island), and Linda Tardif (Raggedy in Raggedy Anne), but how are they ever going to play all of the characters. Jasmine is playing Dorothy—that will keep her busy the whole show. So, Linda and Connor are planning share all of the rest including the Cowardly Lion, Tinnie, Scarecrow, the Wizard, Glenda, the Wicked Witch, and Auntie Em, not to mention Toto, winged monkeys, and all those munchkins. How will we do it? The way we do everything at PaintBox—with creativity, cleverness, and, lots of help from the audience, who will, of course, play the munchkins. How will we drop a house from the sky? You’ll have to come and see.   Williston Theatre, 18 Payson Avenue, Easthampton Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls Tickets: $10, Free for children under 2 Season Pass: $24 Groups (12+): $7 each, email paintboxtheatre@gmail.com Tickets at the door or BrownPaperTickets.com   413-923-7159 paintboxtheatre@gmail.com paintboxtheatre.com   New Century Theatre presents THE FOREIGNER by Larry Shue directed by Jack Neary July 6-15 Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter High School 15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley, MA New Century Theatre opens its 27th season with an inspired comic romp that feels more timely now than when it was written. Froggy, a British military demolitions expert on loan to the US Army, brings his friend Charlie, a socially awkward and painfully shy civilian, to a remote fishing lodge in Georgia. In a well-meaning attempt to cheer up his friend to ease his fear of conversing with strangers, Froggy tells everyone that Charlie is a foreigner who doesn’t speak a word of English. This one simple premise has made THE FOREIGNER one of the sweetest and most celebrated comedies of all time. The New Yorker said, "I laughed start to finish at one comic surprise after another." PVPA Performance Times: All evening performances are at 7:30 PM Sunday: Matinee at 2:00pm and 7:30 PM (PIZZA  and a  PLAY) No performance on Monday. Tickets available online or by calling 413-587-3933. Real Live Theatre presents SHE KILLS MONSTERS by Qui Nguyen directed by Dan Morbyrne July 7 at 8:00 PM, July 8th at 4 PM and 8 PM, July 9th at 4 PM The West End Community Space at Eastworks (near Riff's) 116 Pleasant St., Easthampton, MA She Kills Monsters is a funny, irreverent, gory, sexy, and surprisingly touching journey into the world of Dungeons & Dragons and the fraught relationship between two sisters. When Agnes finds her dead sister's Dungeon Master notebook, she must play the adventure to discover who her sister really was, and kill a shit-ton of monsters along the way. Dark Elves, Demon Queens, giant gelatinous cubes, Quantum Leap-obsessed devils, and cheerleading succubi, She Kills Monsters has something for everyone! Artwork by Jaime Vallés, www.jaimevallesdesign.com Tickets online. Ko Festival of Performance presents Jimmy & Lorraine performed by Hartbeat Ensemble Fri July 7, Sat July 8 at 8pm; Sun July 9 at 4pm Holden Theater, Amherst College, Amherst, MA JIMMY & LORRAINE is a meditation on the American political climate of the late 1950s & early 1960s through the lens of two writer/activists, James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry. Performed by Hartford's HartBeat Ensemble and written by Talvin Wilks, former Interim Director of New WORLD Theater at UMASS. The piece explores James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry’s extraordinary friendship, as they navigated speaking truth to power in their roles as activists/authors and gay people of color. Amherst College’s air-conditioned Holden Theater, S. Pleasant St, Amherst, MA. Tickets: $22 Adults / $18 Students & Seniors; $10 for SNAP/EBT cardholders. Tickets and Info www.kofest.com.  Box office (413) 542-3750.  Before July 3: (413) 427-6147.   Chester Theatre Company presents SKELETON CREW by Dominique Morisseau 7/13 at 2pm, 7/13 8pm, 7/14 2pm, 7/15 8pm, 7/16 2pm, 7/19 8pm, 7/20 2 & 8pm. 7/21 2pm, 7/22 8pm, 7/23 2pm Town Hall Theatre, 15 Middlefield Rd., Chester, MA In this "deeply moral and deeply American play" (The New York Times), Reggie has worked his way up to supervisor at a faltering auto factory. Now he has to decide whether he owes his loyalty to himself, to his bosses, or to long-time family friend Faye and the younger workers on the line, Dez and Shanita. In the spirit of August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle, this third play from Morisseau's Detroit Trilogy explores the hard choices facing Americans barely squeezing by. It was named by the New York Times as "one of six plays that reckon with an anxious America." Directed by Awoye Timpo. All performances will take place in the intimate setting of Chester's Historic Town Hall. Individual ticket prices are $37.50. Chester residents may purchase $10 tickets with valid i.d. at the door or by calling the box office. Student Rush $10 tickets are available day of show. Single tickets, season subscriptions, and flex passes may be purchased online, or by phone at 413.354.7771. Special rates for groups of 10 or more are available. Many performances are followed by Talkbacks, Cast Conversations, and Panel Discussions. More information online. Chester Theatre Company, a professional theatre company located between the Berkshires and the Pioneer Valley--and convenient to both--is known for presenting high-quality productions with top-notch actors, directors, and designers from across the country since 1990. Founded by former Artistic Director of Dublin's Abbey Theatre, Vincent Dowling, CTC is now in its 28th season, and produces four thought-provoking plays each summer in the intimate setting of the Town Hall Theatre. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer, Intern or Apprentice with New Century Theatre Seeking backstage crew, ASMs, board ops, costume assistants, set and lighting assistants, and many more opportinuties for our 2017 season.  Performances are at PVPA in South Hadley and the Academy of Music in Northampton. Internships run June 20-August 20, and can be designed for the whole time or for select shows and dates. Apprenticeships are for high school aged students, Internships are for college aged students and can also be tailored for community members of any age!  For more information, see the description and applications on the website or send an email.    Back Stage,  Run Crew, and Front of the House Volunteer Opportunities Hampshire Shakespeare Company is seeking  volunteers interested in assisting in the production of  our 2017 summer season of “Shakespeare Under the Stars,” which will include productions of Hamletand Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead in repertory.  Opportunities are available as run crew, sound and light board operators, and costume and front of the house assistants. The positions start immediately and run through late-August.  Interested applicants should send an email stating their availability and interests to  Jessica Thompson, Producer, at  hampshire.shakespeare.company@gmail.com. Prop Sale by Appointment  Hatfield, MA 2 barns of flats, props, some costumes (some flats 14' high x 6' wide down to 6' x 3') Not in perfect shape, but most more than usable) Email Tom Smith. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Youth Drama Programs taught by Becca Greene-Van Horn through LSSE in Amherst this Summer.  Gods, Goddesses and Percy Jackson: For 3-5 Grades. July 10-14: 9:30-12:30. Come join us on Mount Olympus as we “try on” the characters of those fun and fascinating Greek Gods. What would it be like to be Zeus, Hera, Hades, Athena, Poseidon or Aphrodite? What about Hercules, Perseus, or Prometheus? We will also explore the characters of the Percy Jackson novels, integrating the ancient with the modern. Through drama games, improvisation, scene work, storytelling and monologues, participants will gave a chance to learn about and explore the mythical world of heroes, gods, goddesses and beasts. Art activities will also be included. Fort River School. MPROV EXTRAVAGANZA:  For ages 11-18 (6-12 grade). July 17-21, 10-1 PM. This fun week is jam-packed with Improv!!!!  Inspired by the popular “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” show, this program 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. Fort River School. SING OUT! Musical Theater Audition and Performance Workshop. For ages 10-18 (5-12 grade). July 24-28, 1-4:30 PM. Come learn how to not only do your best at an audition, but how to perform a musical theater song! The Valley offers so many wonderful opportunities for young performers to audition for various children’s theaters, and local community theaters. Auditioning can be very challenging to even the most seasoned performer. It has to be approached in a very specific way. Once cast in a show, there are specific tips on how best to “sell” your song. Taught by former professional actress and “experienced auditioner”, Becca Greene-Van Horn, participants will work on performance songs/scenes, audition songs, learn basic audition technique, and practice performing in front of the group. Dealing with performance anxiety, stage fright and the disappointment of not being cast will also be addressed in this class. Participants will learn relaxation techniques and suggestions on how to maintain a positive attitude during the performance/audition process. Fort River School. CURTAIN UP: SUMMER ACTING WORKSHOP. For ages 11-18+ (6-12 grade). August 7-11, 2-5:30. Do you love to act? Are you longing to feel more confident and comfortable on stage? Want to practice your acting skills and learn new ones? Improve your comfort with improvisation and physical theatre. Learn audition skills and methods to help manage audition anxiety and stage fright. For all levels of experience, and taught by former professional actress and experienced drama teacher, Becca Greene-Van Horn. 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. Fort River School. To register, call LSSE: 413-259-3065 or to www.lsse.org  to register for summer drama programs. Ko Festival of Performance presents Telling Tales with Crankies Mon July 3 - Sat July 8; 10am-4pm Webster Hall, Amherst Colleg, Amherst MA Ines Zeller Bass of Sandglass Theater leads this 6-day workshop exploring a storytelling form that uses illustrated, rolling scrolls.  A crankie is an old storytelling art form that has recently become hot again. Workshops are geared for participants of all levels of experience, whose ages have run from 18-85. Learn more and register online https://kofest.com/product/telling-tales-with-crankies-2/ Ko Festival of Performance presents Compassionate Creativity with Kali Quinn Mon July 10 - Sat July 15; 10am-4pm Webster Hall, Amherst Colleg, Amherst MA Kali Quinn teaches this 6-day workshop on how to jump-start your creative process and reconnect to the things you value most through a variety of access points including movement, visualization, writing, visual art, meditation, making music, nature time, and storytelling. Learn how to facilitate group play and hone your own daily practice of artistic expression and mindfulness. Workshops are geared for participants of all levels of experience, whose ages have run from 18-85. Workshops will meet from 10 am – 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, in Studio II of Webster Hall on the Amherst College campus in Amherst, MA. More information or registration.  Ko Festival of Performance presents First Person - Crafting your Story for Performance with Gerard Stropnicky Mon July 17 - Sat July 22; 10am-4pm Webster Hall, Amherst College, Amherst MA Gerard Stropnicky teaches this 6-day workshop. Come with a story. (Or two. Or three.) Leave with a performance. (Or two. Or three.) Come without a story, and by the end of Day One, you’ll discover more compelling material than you’d ever think possible. “After all,” says theatre artist Gerard Stropnicky, “people are simply wonderful walking story anthologies.” Workshops are geared for participants of all levels of experience, whose ages have run from 18-85. Workshops will meet from 10 am – 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, in Studio II of Webster Hall on the Amherst College campus in Amherst, MA. More information and registration here. https://kofest.com/product/first-person-crafting-your-story-for-performance/ UMassTheater presents The Summer Theater and Performance Intensive Beginning July 23, 2017  UMass Theater, Fine Arts Center Find your voice as an actor and as a theater artist! Experience life on a college campus! Find your voice as an actor and as a theater artist at UMass this summer! From July 23 to August 5, the UMass Department of Theater will offer its first-ever Summer Theater and Performance Intensive, a 2-week theater-making course open to all high school students with a passion for performance, theater-making, and changing the world through theater. The intensive is designed for students with all levels of theater experience, since the nature of devised theater allows seasoned actors as well as novices to work at the level that challenges them creatively. Participants in the intensive will devise (co-create) and mount a new theater piece that reflects their concerns, hopes and ideas about their communities and the world. All students will perform in the piece, which will be presented publicly at the close of the session. The students will become an ensemble through rehearsal, impassioned discussions, theater games, acting exercises, and the unifying process of creating a new work of theater. The course will be taught by UMass Department of Theater faculty member Lena Cuomo and director Jen Onopa. Both Lena and Jen are committed to nurturing a new generation of theater practitioners and are incredibly excited to launch this new program. “We are so excited to offer a program that will give each individual student a chance to develop their own essential and unique voice ,” said Cuomo. In addition to the main theater program, members of the intensive will get a taste of college life. During their two weeks at UMass, students will live in UMass dorms, eat at the dining halls, and participate in optional evening social events and college prep sessions. The Department of Theater welcomes students of all races, ethnic origins, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identifications to apply. Some need-based scholarships will be available to students who may not otherwise be able to afford the program tuition. 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