Pioneer Valley Theatre News August 31, 2017

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser August 31 - September 20, 2017 Book your audition slot for Beauty and the Beast with Amherst Leisure Services Community Theatre today! Give them a call at 413-259-3065.  There are quite a few exciting job opportunities with deadlines approaching - take a look at the list below. And don't forget to submit your job opportunity if you are hiring. The next issue will include events through September 27. 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 Call 413-259-3065 to make an appointment! THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround "The Play's the Thing": Is Theatre our Ideal Empathy Workout by Maia Kinney-Petrucha From the article:  The first time I cried at the theatre, I was eleven. It was a local production of West Side Story, and after being altogether unimpressed by the film, I wasn’t expecting much. Yet, when I could clearly see the tears on Maria’s face as she held Tony’s lifeless body, even from my cushioned seat, I was right there with her. I had never been in love. I had never lost someone I loved. I was not a Puerto Rican immigrant from the 1950s. I was sure the actress didn’t necessarily share the same history as well, but there she was embodying that pain. There I was, feeling my heart wrench with everyone else’s in the room, audience and performer alike, and understanding a mix of emotions I had never encountered. It was education. It was connection. It was power. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES Presented by Eggtooth Productions and the Shea Theatre  Deus Ex Machina Immersive Theatre at the Shea August 31-September 1, 2017 at 7:30 and 9:00 pm 71 Avenue A Turner's Falls, MA Come play with our ghosts.  Enter a once in a lifetime immersive experience starring the Shea Theatre. Only 18 people will experience each performance. We will sell out so please purchase your tickets early:  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3049710 Directed by John Bechtold, Deus Ex Machina puts the historic Shea theater at the center. Be a witness to the magic created in the front and the back of the stage. Become part of the show, a vaudeville rehearsal, the ghosts of the past, the costuming, the makeup through dozens of disorienting and thrilling encounters, and reunite when it the world resolves at the end of the evening. Featuring your favorite actors: Amelia Chalfant, Andrew Plimpton, Emma Ayres, Fiona Herter, Jack Golden, Reynolds Whalen, Katherine Adler, Katie Spurgin, Linda Tardif, Lindel Hart, Lori Holmes Clark, Marina Goldman, Michayla Robertson-Pine, Monte, Enzo, Pax, and Atticus Belmonte, and Troy David Mercier. Tickets $20 general; $100 SPECIAL SHEA LIGHTING FUND SUPPORT - BRING YOUR TICKET TO THE BOX OFFICE AND FOR AN ADDITIONAL $80 (ALL GOES DIRECTLY TO THE SHEA) YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A ONE ON ONE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE. THE MYSTERY IS YOURS AND THE SHEA BENEFITS! The Majestic Theater presents THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY September 7 Through October 22 Majestic Theater, West Springfield The Majestic Theater celebrates the launch of its 21st Season with the opening of “The Bridges of Madison County” on September 7. The Tony Award-winning musical was adapted from Robert James Waller's 1992 book, which also inspired the hit film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.   The story revolves around Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride living in Winterset, Iowa in 1965. She has had eighteen years of a largely unfulfilling farm life, and when her husband Bud and two teenage children leave Iowa to attend a national 4H fair, she looks forward to a weekend free from responsibility. But then a stranger named Robert Kincaid, a photographer for National Geographic, drives up seeking directions to the covered bridges he's been assigned to photograph, and from that moment both of their lives change.   Cast members include Heather Hannon (Francesca), John Baker (Bud Johnson), Joe Casey (Robert Kincaid), Bryan Austermann (Michael), Molly Damon-Rush (Carolyn), Margie Secora (Marge), Kevin Reid (Charlie), and Kaytlyn Vandeloecht (Marian/Club Singer/Waitress). Theater Project Founder Danny Eaton is producing director, Mitch Chakour is music director and set design is by Greg Trochlil. Costume design is by Dawn McKay, and Dan Rist is lighting designer. Cate Damon is stage manager, and production manager is Stephen Petit.   Ticket for the play range from $23-$33 and are now available by calling or visiting the box office during its hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm. Tickets are now also available for the rest of the Majestic's 21th Season lineup, which includes “Crimes of the Heart” (November 2-December 10, 2017), “Alabama Story” (January 4-February 11, 2018), “Outside Mullingar” (February 22-April 1, 2018) and the season closer, “Guys and Dolls” (April 12-May 27, 2018). For additional information, visit the website.   Exit 7 Players presents A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams September 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8:00 PM September 10 and 17 at 2:00 Pm Exit 7 Players Theatre, 37 Chestnut Street, Ludlow, MA Directed by Bob Laviolette Explosive, passionate, and heartrending, A Streetcar Named Desire is modern American theatre at its best. When fading Southern belle Blanche DuBois arrives on the doorstep of her sister Stella’s apartment building in New Orleans, she is unwittingly entering a lion’s den. Wounded by romantic abuses, loss, and dangerous mistakes, Blanche prefers her world kept in dim, flattering light, fuzzy at the edges. She is shocked by Stella’s simple existence, her new low-class habits, and most of all, her crude, simple husband, Stanley. Stanley is fierce and unpredictable, moving from violence to softness in an instant, and he and Blanche begin a cruel, sadistic dance that’s only possible end is pain.  With his signature poetic prose, muggy Southern Gothic setting, and psychological insight, Tennessee Williams’ mighty play, and his troubled, eccentric heroine, unravel before our very eyes. Cast List Blanche Dubois - Stephanie Gilbert Stanley Kowalski - Gio Castellano Stella Kowalski - Jami Wilson Harold Mitchell "Mitch" - Matthew O'Reilly Eunice Hubbell - Nancy Colby Steve Hubbell - James Reilly Pablo Gonzalez - Luis Serrano Neighbor Lady/Flower Seller/Nurse - Carol Cisek The Young Collector - Andrei Danilchenko The Doctor - Jeffrey Flood Tickets and other information are available online and by contacting the box office at (413)583-4301 Happier Valley Comedy presents Happier Valley Comedy Show featuring We Made A Thing September 9 at 8:00 PM 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA (Northampton Center for the Arts, Arts Trust Building, Lower Level Entrance) September brings a very special show for you! First up is the debut of the Valley's newest two-person superteam, "We Made a Thing" featuring Scott Braidman and Pam Victor. In "We Made a Thing," Scott and Pam live two other people's lives until the the show is over and they have to stop. If you like patient, character-based, discovery-rich improvlusciousness, "We Made a Thing" is just the thing. Then, The Ha-Ha's welcome former state representative Ellen Story, who will tell stories of her life, which serves as the hilarious fodder for a series of silly scenes brought to life by the talent improvisers. More information.  Tickets are available at the door for $13. Doors open at 7:30pm. Join us in our new home! Happier Valley Comedy presents More Improv, More Better: After-Show and Jam September 9 at 10:00 PM 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA (Northampton Center for the Arts, Arts Trust Building, Lower Level Entrance) The "More Improv, More Better Jam & Showcase is an open improv jam and short performance that runs from 10-11pm on the second Saturday of each month, directly following the Happier Valley Comedy Show. Play improv games lead by a Happier Valley Comedy School Jam Leader and watch a short improvised set featuring student improv group.  OPEN TO EVERYONE AGE 18+! (Yes, even you!) Come watch. Come play. Come laugh. More information.  Suggested donation is $3-5. Happier Valley Comedy presents Happier FAMILY Comedy Show September 16 at 3:00 PM The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art,125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA Let's make your happy family HAPPIER! Join us at The Happier FAMILY Comedy Show!  Every show is all new and created on the spot based on your suggestions. Best for 5-12 year-olds and their adults. This improv comedy show is funny for the whole family! The third Saturday of every month 3-4pm  at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA Tickets available at the door* $5/children $10/adults 4 years and under are FREE! Discounts available for groups of 8+ too! http://www.happiervalley.com/happier-family-comedy-show.html *Attendees do not need to purchase museum entrance.  **Note: Museum members get a discount for Show tickets. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies Academy of Music Theatre Arena Civic Theatre Black Cat Theater Chester Theatre Company The Country Players Eggtooth Productions Exit 7 Players Ghost Light Theater Hampshire Shakespeare Company Happier Valley Comedy New Century Theatre PaintBox Theatre Pauline Productions Real Live Theatre Red Thread Theater Serious Play Theatre Ensemble St. Michael's Players TheatreTruck Westfield Theatre Group Is your theatre company missing? Email me! 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 creating a budget, hiring administrative staff, and overseeing the two Mainstage shows and Young Company show. Contract begins immediately and completes after the Board retreat, which is held no later than September 2018. Producer duties: takes overall responsibility for functioning of the season with the advice and consent of the Board, including fundraising and presence in community manages large scale budget with an eye toward end-of-season net (e.g. stipends for staff, fundraising income, program ads) directly responsible for the hiring and supervision of Production Manager, House Manager, and Publicist attends monthly board meetings and provides updates to the board on process of all shows, receiving relevant information from the Production Manager may attend production meetings at the request of the Production Manager may oversee mentorship of production assistant program Required Qualifications: strong communication skills experience in budget management non-profit arts administration experience willingness to take initiative flexibility team player good sense of humor Preferred Qualifications: conflict resolution grant writing experience experience working with young people Please send resume and cover letter to hampshire.shakespeare.company@gmail.com. Accepting applications through August 31, 2017. While Hampshire Shakespeare is a community theatre, the company offers a small stipend for much of its production staff. All stipends are commensurate with experience and company budget. The Academy of Music is hiring a part-time Box Office Manager: The Academy of Music box office manager is responsible for controlling all aspects of tickets sales for the Academy. The box office manager works closely with the accountant, website manager and the renters of the Academy to make sure ticket sales and money are brought in balance, information for ticket sales is accurate and timely, and customer or renter concerns are addressed in a courteous and professional manner. The box office manager trains and supervises personnel that work with ticket sales. This may include training new employees on computer software, handling credit card payments and potential difficulties. The box office manager works closely with staff to help with problem solving challenges and to support their work environment. The box office manager responds to customer complaints and deals with any issues that arise at the ticket counter. The box office manager sets the ticket and show pages through Ticketfly and website platform. Qualifications: • 2 years of relevant experience working in a box office environment for non-profit venue or organization • Strong computer skills • Broad knowledge of box office protocols and procedures • Excellent customer service skills • Knowledge of Ticketfly.com, on-line ticket sales, credit card procedures • Strong bookkeeping skills Education: • Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent • Extensive experience in a box office environment Please send resume and three references by September 7th to Theater Manager Addie MacDonald @ amacdonald@aomtheatre.com Serious Play Theatre Ensemble/Social Media Assistant for Fall-Spring 2017-18 Location:  Northampton/Leeds MA  with-    Rehearsal Studio  #233/ Eastworks Bldg., Easthampton    Home Office/ Northampton, MA   A brief description of position: Part-time Paid Position starting in end of August for designing and posting SOCIAL MEDIA  for Serious Play Theatre Esnemble toward fundraising and project production updates & also handle box office and ticketing thru brownpapertickets. We need someone to be in charge of coordinating engaging social media postings on Facebook, Instagram; regularly update our website with information, photographs and videos; help with outreach and public listings/press releases of productions; coordinate our online yearly Nov-Dec fund-raising campaign with National Giving Tuesday.   Please contact Artistic Director, Sheryl Stoodley 413-588-7439 or email your resume Assistant to the Event Coordinator at Eastworks    Eastworks is a 500,000-sq.-ft. mixed-use, revitalized mill. We are a dynamic community of artists, designers, craftspersons, tech and software firms, wellness-centered businesses, nonprofits and community-based organizations. We have a long history of fostering community by offering exciting, flexible spaces for events large and small, public and private. The Assistant to the Event Coordinator will work closely with the Event Coordinator and the rest of the Events team to assist clients with preparation for events, which include weddings, theater performances, screenings, art shows, fundraisers, meetings and cultural events in three unique venues at Eastworks. The candidate will be a personable, diplomatic, detail-oriented and adaptable problem solver who possesses excellent communication skills (written and oral). This is a great entry-level opportunity for a recent college graduate in hospitality, management or a similar field. This is a part-time position (20 hrs/week) with possible additional hours; must be available to work weekends and evenings as needed. Compensation: $15.00/hr.  Please send cover letter and resume to events@eastworks.com. NUTCRACKER Community Auditions Each year, we welcome dancers from all over Western Massachusetts to take part in one of our seasonal ballets! Nutcracker auditions for Community members take place Saturday September 9, 2017. Dancers aged 5-7 audition 10:30-12:30 Dancers aged 8-10 audition 1:00-3:00 The performance fee is $49 and rehearsals begin in October on Friday or Saturdays depending upon the role. FOR AUDITIONS: Please wear comfortable clothing and hair off of the face. It is not necessary to wear leotard and tights. Please contact the studio for details. www.poineervalleyballet.org JA'DUKE AUDITIONS Open casting call and age appropriate casting for "Sister Act". *Must be in at least 9th grade to audition* WHEN: Attend one of the following audition times: Friday, September 8th @ 6:00pm OR Saturday, September 9th @ 10:00am WHERE: Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts 110 Industrial Blvd Turners Falls, MA 01376 WHAT: Audition Info *Dancing/Movement You will be asked to learn and perform a short piece of choreography. Please dress appropriately for dance and movement. *Singing Be prepared to sing a song for the show. For more information please visit: https://jcpa0.wixsite.com/shows/auditions Email Kimberly at: jcpa@jaduke.com Call Ja'Duke at 413-863-0001 Smith College Department of Theatre presents AUDITIONS CREATURE By Heidi Schreck Directed by Isabelle Brown ‘19 After being pestered by devils for more than half a year, Margery Kempe – new mother, mayor’s daughter, and proprietress of a highly profitable beer business – is liberated from her torment by a vision of Jesus Christ in purple robes. Visions are hard to come by, even in 1401. Should we trust the new Margery, with her fasting and her weeping and her chastity fixation, or burn her with the other heretics? Can a woman of insatiable appetites just up an audition for sainthood? AUDITIONS: Sunday and Monday, September 10 and 11, 7-10 PM Acting Studio 1, Mendenhall Center, Smith College, Northampton. Call backs on Wednesday, September 13, 7-10 pm, Acting Studio 1  Performances October 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 PM; Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center, Smith College, Northampton. Roles for 6 Actors. No preparation necessary. Sides will be provided from the script. Questions? email artsinfo@smith.edu Seeking a diverse cast for Runaways Community members are encouraged to audition Sept. 11 and 12 for UMass Theater's fall musical The UMass Department of Theater is holding auditions for its production of Runaways, a musical that calls for a large cast that includes members of the LGBT community, performers of color, and deaf actors who use ASL. We also look forward to welcoming to our cast those who have personal experience as members of the homeless or runaway community. Extensive theater training is not required. Audition details: Sept. 11 & 12, 6:30-10:30 Sign up for an audition slot at https://tinyurl.com/umassrunaways. Please prepare about 30-60 seconds of your favorite song (musical or your favorite pop song). This will be sung a cappella. In addition to a song please also prepare a one-minute monologue or poem. Actors may be asked to move, so please dress comfortably in attire that allows for easy unrestricted movement.    Please check in with the stage management staff in the Theater Green Room when you arrive.  Please BE READY TO BEGIN YOUR AUDITION PROMPTLY at your chosen audition time (Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your audition to allow check-in, paperwork and warm-up time.) CALLBACKS: Will be posted on the UMass Department of Theater blog page: http://umassauditions.blogspot.com/ Runaways will have performances Nov. 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11 at 2 p.m., and a school matinee at Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. Questions? Contact stage manager Matt Morin. Audition phone lines are LIVE for ALSCT's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST! Call Amherst Leisure Services at 413-259-3065 for your appointment!   AUDITIONS: Friday, Sept. 15; Saturday, Sept. 16, Sunday, Sept. 17 Callbacks Monday, September 18   Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater (ALSCT) brings Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the classic “tale as old as time” to the UMass Bowker Auditorium stage in January, 2018. Lavish sets and costumes, a full live orchestra, and enthusiastic audiences fill the 600-seat theater for nine performances. Actors, singers, and dancers ages 7-107 are encouraged to audition.   ALSCT strives to be inclusive in casting and welcomes talented performers and theater enthusiasts of all backgrounds to participate in auditions and/or be a part of the behind-the-scenes team.   For more information, see www.alsct.org.   Director: Dave Grout Musical Director: Cindy Naughton Choreographer: Mary Ann Holmes Conductor: Max Sherrill AUDITIONS William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing Directed by Ryan Bird PERFORMANCE DATES: February 9-11 and 16-18, 2018 AUDITIONS: Closed auditions Sunday & Monday September 24 and 25, 6:30-9pm by appointment.   Click here to schedule your appointment. Actors who arrive without an appointment will be see on an “as available” basis.   Please note that appointments will be in 15 minute blocks and times are first come/first served. Call backs, as needed, by invitation on Wednesday, September 27 Please note that auditions are being held at the United Church of Christ in Ludlow, MA (a few blocks from Exit 7 theater) located at 51 Center St. Ludlow, MA. Please email bird_rmb@hotmail.com if you have any questions. AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: All actors must be 18 years of age or older by audition date.   All races, genders, shapes and sizes are encouraged to audition.   All roles are open.   All ages listed in role description are approximate only.   Actors should bring a theater resume and headshot if they have one.  Actors who wish to be considered for the roles of Beatrice, Benedick, Claudio, Hero and Dogberry should prepare an approximately one minute comedic Shakespearean monologue.   Actors who are open to any role should familiarize themselves with the script and be prepared to read from the script. REHEARSALS: Tentatively scheduled for Sunday-Wednesday beginning on or shortly after October 29th. With a break over the Thanksgiving and Winter holidays. Please be prepared to list conflicts with rehearsal dates at time of audition. ROLES: 4-12 women and 7-12 men. Approximal half of the roles are gender neutral and very flexible on age More information about each role. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Heidi Haas Improv  Theater improvisation increases spontaneity, creativity and self-confidence. We will work on tuning into one’s scene partners, creating bold characters and developing skits with each other. The students will have opportunities to perform in the community, for family and friends Middle School Group~ Weds. 3:00-5:00, Beginning September 6 Elementary-Age Group~ Thurs. 3:30-5:00, Beginning September 7 Heidi Haas 584-5562   Heidi_Haas@comcast.net www.heidihaasimprov.com Acting Classes with New Century Theatre NCT Producing Director Sam Rush teaches two courses beginning this Tuesday, September 12, 2017.  Cost for the eight-week course is $275. Classes will be held at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street in Northampton, MA. To register, send an email to Sam Rush (srush@newcenturytheatre.org) or call 413-587-3933 to hold a spot. You can click on this link to download a registration form. Acting for Non-Actors - Instructor, Sam Rush   Ages 18 and up (or by instructor permission)   Tuesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m.   Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street  September 12 - November 7  (no class on October 10)  Course Description: The perfect course if you have never taken an acting class before but have always wanted to try or had a class once way back when and want to try again. With NCT Producing Director Sam Rush, you'll have a chance to explore your inner ham in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. Using improvisation, text and original source material, you'll learn fundamental acting techniques that may just serve you the rest of your life - on stage or off.   Scene Study Intensive - Instructor, Sam Rush Ages 18 and up (or by instructor permission)  Wednesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m.  Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street   September 13 - November 7  (no class on September 20)    Course Description:  This class is for actors with previous experience and for students who have taken the Acting for Non-Actors course and wish to continue their study of the actor's craft. We'll start right away with scene study work and exercises that support the rehearsal process. J-ART in partnership with Phantom Sheep Productions presents Comedy Improv Classes Adults & Teens (15+) Mondays beginning September 18 to October 30  Springfield Jewish Community Center Week Fall Session. Mondays 7-9PM starting September 18th. All levels welcome and challenged at own pace.  Sharpen quick thinking! Unleash creativity and characters! Build confidence! Enjoy the power of collaboration! Improve acting and stage presence! Relax and laugh! (a lot)! Taught in a very fun, encouraging, and constructive atmosphere. Facebook event here.  Open to the public. Discounts available for JCC and J-ART members 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|*