There are two great technical director positions posted below - one at the Academy of Music, the other in the Smith College Department of Theatre. Come work with me (in both places!)
The next issue will include events through March 13. 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
On 9 August 2018, Gaza theatremaker Hossam Madhoun was chatting with friends a little more than fifty yards from the city’s Al Mishal Cultural Centre. One friend, who had just returned to the area, asked where his theatre and performance could be produced in town. The beautiful and well-equipped Red Crescent Society, perhaps? Madhoun had to remind him it had been bombed by the Israeli Army during the military offensive on Gaza in 2008. The friend then asked about the theatre at Holst Cultural Center.
Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
Smith College Department of Theatre New Play Reading Series presents Coming of Age By Ellen W. Kaplan, directed by Hannah Simms
Thursday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Acting Studio 1
Gemma researches gender anxieties in Medieval Spain, but at 67, her interest in work has waned. Gemma’s new book is about Teresa de Cartagena, a deaf, Jewish nun, but when Teresa shows up in in Gemma’s whiskey- soaked dreams, she prods Gemma into facing her fears of getting old, and to find meaning in life, beyond “success.”
Free and open to the public.
Exit 7 Players presents You Can’t Take It With You Feb 14-17, Friday and Saturdays at 8pm, Sunday’s at 2pm
Exit 7 Theater, 37 Chestnut St, Ludlow, MA 01056
At first the Sycamores seem mad, but it is not long before we realize that if they are mad, the rest of the world is madder. In contrast to these delightful people are the unhappy Kirbys. The plot shows how Tony, attractive young son of the Kirbys, falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong evening. The shock sustained by the Kirbys, who are invited to eat cheap food, shows Alice that marriage with Tony is out of the question. The Sycamores, however, though sympathetic to Alice, find it hard to realize her point of view. Meantime, Tony, who knows the Sycamores are right and his own people wrong, will not give her up, and in the end Mr. Kirby is converted to the happy madness of the Sycamores, particularly since he happens in during a visit by an ex-Grand Duchess, earning her living as a waitress. No mention has as yet been made of the strange activities of certain members of the household engaged in the manufacture of fireworks; nor of the printing press set up in the parlor; nor of Rheba the maid and her friend Donald; nor of Grandpa's interview with the tax collector when he tells him he doesn't believe in the income tax.
One of the most popular and successful plays of modern times.
We will have two ASL interpreted shows during this production: Sunday, February 10 and Friday, February 15. Purchase tickets in Section 1 if you need to see the interpreters.
Tickets On sale Now!
Cast List:
Penelope Sycamore - Terry Adams
Essie - Mo DuBois
Rheba - Sam Fett
Paul Sycamore - Joe Lessard
Mr. De Pinna - Bruce Torrey
Ed - Beau McGregor
Donald - Ben Cantwell
Martin Vanderhof/Grandpa - Leon Jerfita and Deb Jacobson
Alice - Krystle Bernier
Henderson - Regina Erpenbeck
Tony Kirby - Johnny Gordon
Bolus Kolenkhov - Lindsay Holmes
Gay Wellington - Victoria DeCosmo
Mr. Kirby - Jim Reilly
Mrs. Kirby - Nancy Colby
G-Men - Amanda Seymour, Hannah Zaitz
Olga - Court Lyons
Directed by Chris McKenzie Willenbrock
Arena Civic Theatre presents Love Letters by A.R. Gurney February 16 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Church of Saints James and Andrew, 8 Church St. Greenfield MA
Arena Civic Theatre is excited to announce a special Valentine’s Day production of Love Letters by A. R. Gurney. Through the reading of thank-notes, post cards, Christmas cards, and other correspondence, Love Letters tells the bittersweet story of a pair of childhood friends who remain connected over time and distance. As they share with each other their hopes, dreams, and many life changes, there is humor, jealousy, frustration, and, of course, romance.
Performances will take place on Saturday Feb. 16th at 2pm and 6pm at the Church of Saints. James and Andrew, 8 Church St. in Greenfield. All tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door, or reserved in advance by calling or texting 413-233-4368. Light refreshments will be available for purchase.
ACT’s presentation of this well-loved 1989 play features 2 local couples in the roles of Melissa and Andrew; Dee Herrera and Dominic Baird in the 2pm performance, and Sue and Marvin Shedd at 6pm. Directed and Produced by Jennifer Goselin and Maggie Duprey.
Arena Civic Theatre is a non-profit organization committed to producing quality community theater. We look forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2020!
Happier Valley Comedy presents The Happier Family Comedy Show February 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, February 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.
Sunderland Public Library presents Sunderland Short Stories -- Stories Celebrating Black History Month February 16 at 3:00 PM
Sunderland Public Library
The Sunderland Public Library continues its popular Short Story Series, this time celebrating the work of two African-American authors. Lia Russell-Self will perform "One Friday Morning," by Langston Hughes, and Nicole M. Young will perform "Kiswana Browne," by Gloria Naylor. Free and open to the public.
This event, celebrating Black History Month, is sponsored by a grant from the Sunderland Cultural Council and by the Friends of the Sunderland Public Library.
www.sunderlandpubliclibrary.org
Happier Valley Comedy presents Happier Valley Comedy Presents: Not In Charge February 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, February 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.
Sword fights, slapstick, over-the-top revenge, and a main character who defies the gender conventions of 400 years ago AND nowadays — Wild Thing is a wild ride of a play.
Running at UMass Theater's Rand Theater in the Fine Arts Center from Feb. 14-23, Wild Thing introduces audiences to Gila, a fiercely transgressive protagonist who considers herself both a daughter and a man. At first, things are well: Gila is much admired and loved in the small village where she grew up. She's a great hunter, enjoys a good swordfight, and has a crush on Queen Isabel.
Eventually, however, 17th century society demands feminity and marriage, and the men Gila encounters are willing to go to violent lengths to enforce obedience — which is when the play shifts into overdrive to follow Gila as she exacts her revenge upon the world.
Due to the themes and language in our production including references to sexual violence and a high body count, we recommend this show for audiences members over 14 years old.
$5 students and seniors, $15 general admission, reservations encouraged. Call 1-800-999-UMAS or visit the Fine Arts Center Box Office online.
The Happier Valley World Open Cup Grand Prix Series Derby Bowl Championship! February 23 at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA
In this competitive comedy show, two teams of improvisers face off through scenes and games to see who can win the ultimate prize: an old trophy we found in someone's attic. Saturday, February 23rd 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.
Smith College Department of Theatre presents THE MOORS by Jen Silverman directed by Isabelle Brown
February 22, 23, 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.
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.
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
Silverthorne Theater presents Auditions for TALES OF THE LOST FORMICANS, by Constance Congdon Director: Yagil Eliraz
Performance dates: 4/25, 26, 27, 28, 5/2, 3, 4
Friday, February 15 7-9 pm
Saturday, February 16 1-4 pm
Call-backs Sunday, February 17 1-4 pm
Theater Department, Amherst College
To schedule an audition slot, call 413-768-7514, or write tosilverthornetheater@gmail.com
• Auditioners should prepare a one to two minute monologue
• Please bring a current resume and headshot, or send electronically to silverthornetheater@gmail.com when making your appointment
• Equity & non-Equity; all roles paid
• All types & ethnicities welcome
Cathy McKissick, female, 30s-ish; divorced and returning to her Midwest roots to find her parents not aging well
Eric (her son or daughter), 15-ish – male or female; furious to be torn away from his/her life in the Big City
Jim McKissick (her father) - male, 50s-ish; confused, showing signs of early Alzheimer’s disease
Evelyn McKissick (her mother) - female, 50s-ish tries to deny the changes she sees in her husband’s behavior
Judy - female, 30s-ish; Cathy’s best friend, deep in her own marital troubles
Jerry - male, 30s-ish; quirky but with kind intentions
Actor #7 - male OR female, (same as with Eric); 40s-ish, plays various roles
All actors will play Aliens from time to time More information.
Silverthorne Theater presents Auditions for AUDITIONS for THE FANTASTICKS
Friday, February 22, 7-9 pm
Saturday, February 23, 1-4 pm
Callbacks, Sunday, February 24, 1-4 pm
The Pushkin Gallery of Hawks & Reed PAC,
corner of Main & Federal St, Greenfield
By Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones
Directed by Carmela Lanza-Weil
Performance dates: June 20-29.
Rehearsals – staging begins May 13; individual coaching before that
To schedule an audition slot, call 413-768-7514, or write tosilverthornetheater@gmail.com
• Auditioners should prepare a 1-2 minute excerpt from a song, and a 1-2 minute memorized monologue
• When you sign up, please indicate whether you will bring sheet music, a CD, or an MP3 file to accompany you
• Please bring a current resume and headshot, or send electronically to silverthornetheater@gmail.com when making your appointment
• Equity & non-Equity; all roles paid
• All types & ethnicities welcome
THE ROLES
The Mute M or F, non-speaking mime
El Gallo M Swashbuckling rake-for-hire
Luisa F A young girl just becoming aware of herself
Matt M A young boy who is very aware of Luisa
Hucklebee M or F, Father (or mother) of Matt
Bellomy M or F, Father (or mother) of Luisa
Henry M or F An ancient actor
Mortimer M or F A down-at-heels actor
SYNOPSIS
Whimsical, poignant, and romantic, The Fantasticks is an allegorical story that focuses on two young lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take through adolescent thrills, the growing pains of hurt and betrayal, the highs of passion, the challenges of distance, and the agonies of heartbreak to discover how to truly love. In a theatrical and inventive fashion, our gallant and enigmatic narrator--El Gallo--introduces us to a pair of young lovers, Matt and Luisa, who experience the magical, moonlit phase of falling in love. For a time, romance seems perpetually exciting, and heroics seem always to save the day. However, El Gallo leads our young protagonists from the romantic moonlight into the harsh sunshine, where the weaknesses in their relationship are exposed and the reality of the struggles and heartache love brings is revealed. With the understanding that “without a hurt the heart is hollow,” Matt and Luisa manage to find their own identities, and in turn, to discover their strengths as a couple in times of both darkness and light. With the record for the longest American theatrical run, The Fantasticks is a gem of the American musical theatre. Featuring timeless classics like “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” this simple and beautiful ensemble piece is as beloved and as timely as it was when it opened over 50 years ago.
More information here and here.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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