Pioneer Valley Theatre News February 28, 2019

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser February 28-March 20, 2019 This is the last weekend to catch THE MOORS at Smith College. It's also a great weekend to catch Boeing Boeing at the Majestic or an improvised musical at Happier Valley Comedy. Or audition for an upcoming show! There are also job postings below for Technical Directors and Managing Directors. The next issue will include events through March 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 THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround Harm Reduction in the Storefront Theatre Community by Tara Branham From the article:  A collaborator of mine, the poet, playwright, and activist Kristiana Rae Colón, once asked me: “What would a people-centered theatrical process look like?” As a director, it was definitely one of those record-scratching moments. I had thought my process was great, that the rehearsal room was a joyous one. And while it did have its moments, I realized it didn’t truly center people; I was focused on telling the story. By operating from the assumption that everyone in the room was there to tell the story at all costs, the rooms I created required a sacrifice for the good of the play both, from myself and those working with me. After all, the show must go on, right? I have harmed people, or, more specifically, I have allowed those under my leadership to be harmed by the steadfast practicing of this adage that every theatremaker is taught as Truth. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com Want to know even more about events in the Pioneer Valley and beyond, including reviews, interviews, and previews? In the Spotlight, Inc. Berkshire on Stage Stagestruck Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet PERFORMANCES Smith College Department of Theatre presents THE MOORS by Jen Silverman directed by Isabelle Brown February 28, March 1, 2 at 7:30 PM Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre Two sisters and a dog live out their lives on the bleak English moors, dreaming of love and power. The arrival of a hapless governess and a moor-hen set all three on a strange and dangerous path. The Moors is a dark comedy about love, desperation, and visibility. Tickets available online or by calling the box office at 413-585-3220. BOEING-BOEING LANDS AT MAJESTIC THEATER FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 31 “Boeing-Boeing,” a classic French farce by Marc Camoletti, will be presented at West Springfield's Majestic Theater February 21 – March 31. The comedy, translated and adapted by Beverley Cross, premiered in London in the 1960s where it ran for seven years. A 2008 Broadway revival garnered Tony Awards for Best Actor (Mark Rylance) and Best Revival of a Play. The story is set in Paris, home to an American architect and lothario named Bernard who is “engaged” to three different air hostesses who don't know each other exists. All along Bernard has been carefully arranging their arrivals and departures based on the their flight schedules into Paris's Orly Airport. This arrangement works for him until one day he is visited unexpectedly by Robert, an old school chum from America. As Robert arrives, various flight schedules are changed, and the three women begin showing up at once. Critics describe “Boeing-Boeing” as a “madcap, politically incorrect, door-slamming romp of a comedy.” Majestic Theater veteran Rand Foerster will direct the play with Danny Eaton serving as producing director. Greg Trochlil is set designer, Dawn McKay is costume designer, Dan Rist is lighting designer and production manager is Stephen Petit.  Actors include Jack Grigoli (Bernard), Scott Renzoni (Robert), Christine Anthony (Bertha), Kyle Boatwright (Gloria), Katie Mack (Gabriella) and Larissa Marten (Gretchen). Tickets for these shows range from $24-$34 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. For additional information, visit www.majestictheater.com.   Happier Valley Comedy presents The Understudies: An Improvised Musical March 2 at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA Be part of the fun as four improvisers create an entire musical from scratch. Saturday, March 2nd at 7pm at the new Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). And stick around after for the 9pm showcase and open improv jam! Tickets: $10 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. K and E Theater Group Presents SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD March 7, 8 & 9 at 7:30 PM and March 10 at 2:00 PM Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA "It's about one moment" for Western Massachusetts’ bold, new theater company, K and E Theater Group presents Tony Award Winner Jason Robert Brown’s first musical, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, one weekend only, March 7-10 at Northampton Center for the Arts in Northampton. The musical is presented as a collection of songs, artfully blending pop, jazz and gospel in powerful solo and ensemble numbers sweeping us into the multiple journeys that result in that “one moment” where we decide to stand our ground, take one step, and eventually find our way home. SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD features Ben Ashley, Paula Cortis, Melissa Dupont, and David Webber. Musical Direction by Bill Martin and Direction by KETG President and Artistic Director, Eddie Zitka. All performances are at Northampton Center for the Arts, located at 33 Hawley Street in Northampton, Massachusetts. Tickets are general admission for $25.00. There is no reserved seating. Visit www.KETG.org for more information about our company and our production. Tickets. The Drama Studio Inc. presents The Wolves 3/08/19 @ 7:30 PM, 3/09/19 @ 7:30PM, 3/10/19 @ 6:30PM, 3/15 @7:30PM, 3/16 @ 7:30PM, 3/17 @ 3PM & 6:30PM 41 Oakland St. Springfield, MA 01118 Left quad. Right quad. Lunge. A girls indoor soccer team warms up. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.  *This show contains strong language and mature content. *Currently our facility is not handicap accessible TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-EXCHANGEABLE. Online ticket sales close 5 hours prior to the start of the performance.If the event is listed as sold out please contact us as 413-739-1983 for wait listing and potential availability. wolves.brownpapertickets.com Happier Valley Comedy presents The Ha-Ha's & Friends: Sparkle Hour! March 9 at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA Longtime local favorites The Ha-Ha's perform a completely improvised comedy show with a special guest - this month we welcome Philip Markle from NYC performing a musical one-man show! Saturday, March 9th at 7pm at the new Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). And stick around after for the 9pm showcase and open improv jam! Tickets: $13 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. March 9 and 23: Piti Theatre's 10th annual SYRUP: One Sweet Performing Arts Festival, Shelburne Falls Come experience a unique Hilltown tradition where the joy of the performing arts meets the sweetness of sap! Piti’s celebration of spring for family audiences at Shelburne-Buckland Community Center, 53 Main St. on Saturday, March 9 starts with a Pancake Party at 11 am! Award winning physical comedian Alex the Jester as seen on PBS and off-Broadway headlines the Festival at 3:30 pm followed by Alex's teen/adult workshop Primal Talk: Non-Verbal Stuff Made Fun! Piti’s much loved musical "Olde Coleraine" is at 2:30 and join us for pancakes, syrups, skits, and a CD release party from 11 - 2:30. Plus free Real Pickles and Red Sox raffle! Tix: $12/$10 students & seniors/$5 children at ptco.org/syrup or 1-800-838-3006.   Day 2 of SYRUP on Saturday, March 23: Tell them you saw it when! Piti Theatre's Jonathan Mirin, clown-dancer Narieka Masla, pianist Laura Josephs and vocalist Christian Schwedbler share their works-in-progress @ The Barn at 31 Water Street in Shelburne Falls. 2:30 pm: Masla's "Learning to Tango" followed by Mirin's comedic, autobiographical "Canary in the Goldmine" at 3 pm about his wife's developing a mysterious illness which turns out to be electro-sensitivity. Josephs and Schwedbler send us into the night with piano/vocal works by Mendelssohn, Vaughan Williams, Ravel and Ives. And yes, there will be syrup tasting between each and every artist! March 23rd is a free event recommended for ages 15+ Reservations strongly suggested because The Barn at 31 Water Street is an intimate venue. Reserve by emailing: info@ptco.org. Complete festival info: ptco.org/syrup Ghost Light Theater presents March's Wednesday Workshop Play Reading March 13 at 7:00 PM Gateway City Arts, Holyoke, MA March’s reading is TEDDY BEAR by Gayle Hudson. Young Becca accepts a twisted and quest-filled path to freedom from an unnerving attachment to a dark and controlling force. TEDDY BEAR is a disturbing and magical fantasy about getting out of the dark. With live music by Zoe Darrow. Directed by Jasmine Caamano. Wednesday Workshop is a monthly reading series hosted by Ghost Light Theater and Gateway City Arts, presenting staged readings of local and new works to showcase the broad range of creative theatrical talents in the Valley. As well as a performance, the intention is to make Wednesday Workshop an opportunity for artists from our many communities to come together to meet and socialize. In the interest of making the event financially accessible, the series runs on a pay-what-you-will model with a suggested donation of $5. The donations will be split between Ghost Light and each month's featured author(s). Please also consider coming early to order dinner from The Bistro, to support our generous venue; food and drink from The Bistro can also be brought into the performance. After the show, The Bistro will be open for food, drinks, and socializing. Facebook. Northampton High School Theater and Music Departments Present Grease Tickets Now Available for Rollicking 1950s Musical, to be Staged in NHS Auditorium, March 14-16 Northampton, MA, February ​14​, 2019 -- ​The Northampton High School (NHS) musical players are rarin’ to knock our socks off in their production of Grease in the NHS Auditorium on March 14, 15, and 16. The beloved coming-of-age Broadway musical, set in 1959 at fictional Rydell High School, features an ensemble cast and crew of NHS who will bring the sock-hop, the Burger Palace, and other raucous elements of ‘50s youth culture to life, inviting the audience to hop onto the roller-coaster of teen-age romance, angst, and hilarity. With its colorful characters, intricate production numbers, and memorable songs, ​Grease ​evokes the most delightfully entertaining aspects of high school life in the 1950s. Comments Lucia Dostal, a member of the cast, “Yes, practices can sometimes be long, but every dance number we do makes us more excited. We get the feeling that this show is going to be amazing. It’s high-energy and high-focus.” Director Marie Brown, a local performer, designer, and educator, is coordinating creativity from every corner of Northampton High. Musical direction is provided by Beau Flahive, creator/arranger/teacher of NHS’s famed ​a capella group, the Northamptones. The 80-person cast, crew, and band include several of Beau’s ‘Tones, singers from the NHS chamber choir and chorus, members of the Funktionlust improv troupe, NHS Band members, and students representing a range of activities and interests. A production of the NHS Theater and Music Departments, ​Grease ​also features choreography by Eddie Zitka, president and artistic director of K and E Theater Group. When the curtain comes down, you’ll want to hand-jive your way directly to Herrell’s Ice Cream for a rootbeer float to complete your night of wistful time travel. Tickets for ​Grease ​are available at ​brownpapertickets.com ​(yes, a sellout is expected). Call words are “Grease!” and“Northampton High School Auditorium.”   Grease w​ill be staged at the following dates and times:  •Thursday, March 14, 2019, 7pm. •Friday, March 15, 2019, 7pm. •Saturday, March 16, 2019, 2pm; and •Saturday, March 16, 2019, 7pm.   Ticket prices are as follows: •Northampton High School Students and Staff: $6.17 ($5 + service fee) •Non-NHS Students, and Members of the Senior Community: $11.34 ($10 + service fee) •General Public: $16.52 ($15 + service fee) Grease i​s presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Follow the activity on Instagram at @nhsgrease2019 and on Facebook at “NHS Grease The Musical.” Happier Valley Comedy Presents The Happier Family Comedy Show March 16 at 3:00 PM Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA Monthly family-friendly improv comedy show, great for 5-12 year olds and their adults. It's funny for the whole family! Saturday, March 16th at 3pm at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (125 W Bay Rd., Amherst). Tickets at the door: $10/Adults, $5/Kids, Free/4 yrs and under (Reduced admission for museum members). For more info: www.happiervalley.com. Happier Valley Comedy Presents: Not In Charge March 16 at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA Join the talented group Not In Charge for a polished, fast-paced improv show inspired by the improvisers' real life stories! Saturday, March 16th at 7pm at the new Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). And stick around after for the 9pm showcase and open improv jam! Tickets: $10 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. Future of the Performing Arts in Easthampton Sunday, March 31, 2-4PM Flywheel Arts, Easthampton Old Town Hall 43 Main Street, Easthampton Performing arts organizations, organizational leaders, performers, musicians, artists, and interested community members are invited to attend a convening on the Future of Performing Arts in Easthampton II. Join CitySpace and performing arts stakeholders for a tour of the Old Town Hall and presentation and discussion about the next steps for the Old Town Hall’s 2nd floor performing arts and community space. We are looking for your feedback on the vision and facility plan, and how CitySpace’s next steps fits into the performing arts eco-system of Easthampton and the Pioneer Valley. While you are in Easthampton, come check out two city-wide events — come early for Easthampton WinterFest: City-Wide Festival and stick around for Art Walk Easthampton! This convening is presented in partnership with CitySpace, Pioneer Valley Theatre News, Flywheel Arts Collective, and others. The Future of Performing Arts in Easthampton II is a follow-up and outcome from the 2013 charette that mobilized CitySpace to restore and manage the 2nd floor space into a flexible performing arts and community space. Since then CitySpace has been actively creating the strategies for the next steps including finalizing architectural construction design, and cost estimates with Kuhn Riddle Architects. The Future of Performing Arts in Easthampton II is free and open to the public. Facebook event.  AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES UMass Amherst Department of Theatre presents Auditions for Baltimore by Kirsten Greenidge Directed by Josh Glenn-Kayden Feb.  28, 7-10 p.m.  The Rand Theater When a racist incident divides her first-year students, reluctant resident advisor Shelby finds herself in the middle of a conversation she does not want to have. As pressure to address the issue mounts from residents, the new dean, and even her best friend, Shelby must decide if she will enter the fray or watch her community come apart at the seams. Sharp, funny, and searing, Baltimore is about racism on college campuses and how we learn to talk to each other. This spring, we will be producing a 30 minute cut of Baltimore, to be performed at New Africa House. We will rehearse in the first two weeks of April and perform in the second two weeks. This version will be performed for invited audiences of RAs, university officials, Campus Climate Ambassadors, etc to spark discussions around issues our campus currently faces. Additionally, we will be providing discussion facilitation training for any interested students. These students will run post show discussions in the spring after the workshop performances. This workshop is a collaboration with the Office for Equity & Inclusion    Audition Information We will be holding auditions on the evenings of Wednesday, February 27 and Thursday, February 28 from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Callbacks will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, March 2 from 1:00pm-5:00pm.  Actors will be asked to read sides from the play. You can access sides and sign for slots on the Sign Up Genius.   What: Summer performing job opportunities! Six Flags New England 2019 spring and summer Talent Auditions Six Flags annual talent auditions for actors, singers, dancers, characters, super heroes, musicians and technical staff for spring and summer shows. Where & When: Saturday, March 2, 2019, 11am – 3pm Six Flags New England Human Resource Center 1756 Main St., Agawam, MA Details:  Apply ahead at www.sixflags.com/sfnecasting  Must be 16 or older and have an energetic and enthusiastic personality.  Dance and character applicants will learn a short movement combination.  Actors should prepare a two minute comic monologue.  Superhero applicants must be physically fit, between 5’7” – 6’3” and meet casting requirements. Hero applicants should call for additional information and submission process.  Headshot & Resume appreciated.  Call (413) 821-2620 for more info and casting requirements or visit sixflags.com/sfnecasting. AUDITIONS MARCH 2, 9 & 16 FOR CHILDREN'S THEATER AT MAJESTIC THEATER Auditions are currently being booked from 10am – 6pm on March 2, 9 and 16 for parts in this summer's lineup of Majestic Children's Theater at West Springfield's Majestic Theater. Performers aged 14-19 are encouraged to call the theater at (413) 747-7797 during business hours (Monday through Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm) to schedule an appointment. They will be asked to read scenes during their audition. Performing a monologue (not to exceed one minute in length) and singing are encouraged, but not required. If singing at the audition, performers may bring an instrumental CD to accompany themselves. If the instrumental song is stored on their phone, the theater will provide a bluetooth speaker. Shows being performed on a rotating schedule this July and August are “Disney's Mulan Jr.,” “Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat” and “Charlotte's Web.” The Theater Project is a non-profit company that Producing Director Danny Eaton founded in 1991. Since March 1997 it has been in residence in West Springfield's historic Majestic Theater, a century-old venue that was recently named "Best Place to See Theater" and “Best Live Theatre Company” in newspaper polls. In addition, Eaton's work at the Majestic was honored with a Regional Award for Outstanding Achievement in the American Theatre by the New England Theatre Conference. For additional information, visit www.majestictheater.com. Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater (ALSCT) presents Auditions for The Pied Piper! March 4 at 4:00 PM Amherst Regional Middle School, Amherst MA Here’s a delightful opportunity coming soon from ALSCT—our annual Children’s Theater production! Every year ALSCT teams up with Missoula Children’s Theatre to bring one of their fun and fabulous productions to Amherst. Missoula Children’s Theatre (htt://www.mctinc.org) comes to town with two directors, the sets, the costumes and bundles of energy and enthusiasm to put on a show in only one week! This year they’re bringing “The Pied Piper”, an original twist on a familiar story that weaves its way through a landscape full of surprises! Auditions are on Monday, March 4th at 4pm at the Amherst Regional Middle School. We'd love to see you there! For more information, just check out the alsct.org website. Come with a smile, ready to have fun—adventures are waiting! (Two performances on Saturday, March 9th, at 1:30 & 4 pm!) Facebook. Academy of Music Theatre seeks Technical Director Description: The Technical Director (TD) has the daily responsibility for the theatrical technical operations of the Academy of Music Theatre, including lighting, sound, set design and construction, and coordinating necessary theatrical maintenance. The Technical Director will act as crew chief, determining number of stagehands and scheduling staff for all productions. The TD will act as liaison with the steward of I.A.T.S.E. Local 232, communicating the number of stagehands required and will oversee union crew during production. The TD is responsible for all technical operations during all shows.  Duties and responsibilities include: Determines the necessary technical supports, such as lighting, sound, staging, and special needs, necessary for events and performances presented at the facility in advance of production dates. Engineers and provides for set ups, maintains and operates all house systems including but not limited to rigging, lighting, projections and sound systems for theater, dance, music, and other productions and projects; assists guest designers and artists with technical matters.  Engineers, supervises and assists with set and stage construction, installation and management. Oversees stage crews and back stage staff; responsible for hiring and firing non-I.A.T.S.E stagehands and for maintaining records of job performance for all stage hands. Makes recommendations for training. Orients Academy renters and visiting productions to safety, technical characteristics and other areas of facility operations; facilitates the use of the technical facilities by the resident company and others engaged by or renting the Academy. Monitors the condition of and maintains all Academy theatrical equipment including lighting, sound, projection and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and replacement within budget; performs preventive maintenance on equipment; prepares annual budget for equipment purchases and maintenance. Assists with the preparation and control of Academy production budgets; maintains inventory and orders specialized supplies. Provides estimate for production costs prior to rental contract execution and for Academy productions; provides invoice for work performed to Executive Director. Assists Front of House Manager with facility maintenance. Any other tasks assigned by Executive Director Qualifications: At least 3 years of relevant experience with a performing arts venue Working knowledge of current techniques, methods and procedures of theater, dance, and music productions and presentations including stage, set, sound and lighting design and implementation; stage management; computerized lighting systems; stage carpentry; appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Ability to lift and carry 50lbs Excellent communication and interpersonal skill Master Electrician BFA in Technical Theater or commensurate experience Experience working in a union house preferred How To Apply: Please send cover letter and résumé to Executive Director Debra J'Anthony at djanthony@aomtheatre.com by March 12, 2019. No phone calls, please.  Apply by: March 12, 2019 Salary: competitive About this Organization: The Academy of Music Theatre is an 803 seat non-profit performing arts center located in the beautiful college town of Northampton, Massachusetts. OPENING: MANAGING DIRECTOR The Northampton Center for the Arts is seeking a Managing Director for ongoing and increasing programming and development in our new home in the Arts Trust building at 33 Hawley Street. For over 30 years, the Center has provided affordable space for artists, performers, and educators while developing programming dedicated to arts education, multidisciplinary collaborations, and community connections. The successful candidate for the position of Managing Director will possess practical knowledge and experience of scheduling and supporting a variety of visual and performing arts events.  She/he/they will be comfortable being a public face of the Center, possess excellent communication skills and will be adept at networking and outreach.  She/he/they will serve as the general manager for the Center, overseeing staff in a collaborative working environment, and supervising the building facilities. She/he/they will act as chief administrator for the Center, and a liaison to Northampton’s civic, non-profit, and commercial institutions, the greater Northampton arts community, and the partner organizations programming the spaces at 33 Hawley.  The Managing Director will understand how to implement mission and vision in practice, and will guide the Center during its current period of exceptional growth and transition.  This is a full time position, including some evenings and weekends, with a salary that is competitive and commensurate with experience. If you are an experienced arts administrator with a background in presentation and performance, and excellent communication skills, we want to meet you! For a complete job description, please click here. Qualifications: Experience in performance/event space management Experience with event planning/production and/or project management Excellent written and verbal communication skills Resourcefulness and adaptability in multifaceted operations and range of partners Experience with financial record keeping systems such as Excel or QuickBooks Experience with social media platforms Experience with Mailchimp and Squarespace or similar platforms How To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@nohoarts.org.  Please clearly label all files with first and last names. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but priority will be given to applications received by March 18, 2019. Smith College Department of Theatre seeks Technical Director Position Summary: Supervise and instruct students in technical responsibilities for the theatre complex and assist the instructor of set design courses.  Responsible for scene shop operations and the safe use of theatre spaces in the Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts. Duties and Responsibilities: Supervise the Assistant Technical Director, student interns, assistants, and crews in the use and maintenance of all shop and stage equipment and stage properties, the setup and safety of flexible seating, dismantling and recycling of all scenery; organization of the technical and stage crew, and general shop and stage safety. Create all construction drawings and direct the engineering, construction and rigging of all scenery including the scheduling of scenic construction, scene painting, installation of technical elements. Maintain, organize, and inventory all shop equipment, scenery, properties, platform storage, traps, flying equipment, floor treatments, rehearsal and stage spaces. Prepare annual stage and shop budget request and supervise all expenditures. Assist with the instruction of design and technical areas as requested by design faculty. Consult with the Assistant Technical Director, who serves part-time as the Technical Director for the Department of Dance, regarding dance production needs in theatre spaces. Assess the production needs of non-Departmental groups, provide a list of pre-approved technical staff, and/or approve the qualifications of visiting technical personnel. Supervise the safe use of theatre spaces, including the scene shop and technical equipment, with the exception of lighting and sound equipment. Oversee the maintenance of all performance spaces. Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education/Experience: Master of Fine Arts degree in appropriate field or professional equivalent experience. Skills:  Must have requisite technical skills in all aspects of construction, carpentry, metal work, and stage rigging, as well as a complete knowledge of shop and stage equipment. Knowledge of Vector Works and/or Auto CAD design software required. Knowledge of theatrical automation a plus. Additional Information: Smith College is an EO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer APPLY ONLINE before March 30. Sex and Power Looking for Lighting Designer and Stage Manager! Performances will be in early spring at the Northampton Arts Trust. Small stipend available.  Actor, dancer, interfaith minister Joanna Rush girlsplains the complexities of Sex and Power in our culture. Enduring date rape and gang rape in real life she went on to a career in movies and on stage playing various species of seductress, which, by the way, exposed her to misogyny as practiced internationally throughout history. Covering ground that ranges from evolutionary biology to Greek mythology, the invention of masculinity, our socio-economic systems, and anecdotes from her own acting career, she provides insights that can help us heal today’s sorry state of sexual affairs. Rush’s creative, nontraditional outlook offers hope and a road map for how we can progress and ride the #MeToo movement into a healthier sexual landscape for all. More information here. Contact Joanna with questions. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Happier Valley Comedy presents Happier Kids Improv Workshop March 2 at 10:00 AM Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA Calling all kids! Join long-time improviser Kelsey Flynn for a fun-filled one-time improv comedy workshop.  For kids’ eyes only: We’ll spend the morning playing lots of crazy fun improv games together like Bus Stop, Bunny Bunny, and Hitchhiker. If you don’t know how to play the games, don’t worry! They’re super easy to learn! Whether you’re brand new to improv or have played a bunch of these games already, you are guaranteed to laugh because that’s what improv is all about. For adults’ eyes only: In recent years, research studies have shown that laughter is known to reduce stress hormones, boost brain power, and increase energy and focus, in addition to being contagious. Using fun and low risk comedy improv games (all suitable for elementary school aged kids), we’ll laugh as well as strengthen self-expression and communication skills. The morning workshop is appropriate for 8- to 10-year olds, and the afternoon workshop is appropriate for 11- to 13-year-olds. https://www.happiervalley.com/happierkids.html Serious Play Theatre Ensemble presents Moving Water- Exploratory Workshops March 2, noon, April 6th, noon to 3PM; April 27th, 11AM to 2PM Serious Play Studio #233, Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA Join Serious Play Artistic Director, Sheryl Stoodley, and Visual Artist Rosalyn Driscoll in a collaborative exploration of water in word, movement, sound, and text.  Three Saturday workshops, open to the community To register, contact Serious Play (seriousplaytheatre@gmail.com)  Be sure to include chosen date, your name, phone number, and e-mail address Dress for movement  Make, find, or bring a vessel to hold water Participants 20+, limited enrollment  Fee $20, pay at the door Happier Valley Comedy presents Free Your Mind: Beginner/Intermediate Improv Workshop with Philip Markle March 9 at 10:00AM Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA We start with our core belief that loving the hell out of whatever is happening onstage is the key to strong, successful scenes. You will learn that there is no right or wrong way to improvise - and that you become powerful as a performer by embracing your mistakes and failing gloriously. This class pairs this sense of artistic freedom with a focus on creating from a strong point of view, to be specific and surprising in your choices, and to confidently navigate the vocabulary and concepts that make-up long-form scenic improv. Then, we focus on the performer as part of the scene by diving into the dynamics that make up surprising and believable two-person, three-person, and group scene work. Lastly, we focus on the performer as part of the ensemble: so you can take care of yourself onstage--great! Now, how can you be a team player who listens and supports every move to build long-form pieces organically. The class culminates in specific, personal notes to challenge your own artistic roadblocks and a final performance for the public. More information. Happier Valley Comedy presents Advanced Scene Dynamics: Advanced Improv Workshop with Philip Markle March 9 at 2:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA This class builds on the baseline level of fearless playing, strong/specific choices, and ability to attack the stage. Now, we will challenge ourselves with advanced improv techniques, such as how to find the "edge" in every scene and take it from good to great, exploring the role of the individual in an ensemble, living dangerously in the moment-to-moment instead of plotting ahead, authentically acting and grounding your characters, and diving into the dynamics that make up three-person and group scene work and longforms. Students will receive personal feedback based on their work in this class. Prerequisite: Completion of Zen of Improv 4 or equivalent experience from another comedy school. More information. Upcoming Training Programs at Double Edge Theatre  Double Edge Theatre was founded by Stacy Klein to research the role of actors’ training in the development of performance creation. Training is the heart and vitality of Double Edge’s creative process. Since 1982, when it was first developed by Klein based on her work with Rena Mirecka, Grotowski’s founding actor, it has grown to include work with large objects, developed by Klein and David Flaxman from 1985, and then outdoor work and spectacle developed with Carlos Uriona since 1996. Since 2011 Matthew Glassman has been leading the development of training at Double Edge. The unique, holistic methodology engages the actor’s full potential – physical, vocal, emotional, and imaginative – to drive individual exploration, ensemble collaboration, and performance creation. Summer Intensive: May 31 - June 14, 2019 Spectacle Immersion: May 31 - Aug 24, 2019 Fall Immersion: Fall 2019 Winter Intensive: January 1 - 7, 2019 Spring Intensive: March 15 - 17, 2019 Creation Lab: March 15 - April 14, 2019 Submit your workshop or class or audition or performance or job or any other theatre opportunity here! Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies Is your theatre company missing? Email me! Academy of Music Theatre Arena Civic Theatre Black Cat Theater Chester Theatre Company The Country Players Drama Studio Eggtooth Productions Exit 7 Players Ghost Light Theater Hampshire Shakespeare Company Happier Valley Comedy Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts K and E Theater Group Ko Theater Works/Ko Festival of Performance Majestic Theater New Century Theatre PaintBox Theatre Panopera Pauline Productions Real Live Theatre Red Thread Theater Serious Play Theatre Ensemble Silverthorne Theater Smith College Department of Theatre St. Michael's Players Starlight's Youth Theatre, Inc. TheatreTruck Turbulent Times Theater UMass Theatre Guild Valley Light Opera Westfield Theatre Group Wilbraham United Players 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|*