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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter

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August 1 - 21, 2019

Chris Rohmann wrote a great article about the Ko Festival of Performance - this weekend is the final weekend of the Habitat: Human season. Lessons of Humanity performs Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 4pm. Perhaps I'll see you there!

A few other shows closing this weekend: On The Exhale at Chester Theatre, Mary Poppins at Exit 7, A Walk in the Woods at New Century Theatre, and a first public reading of Far Reaches, a new play by Trenda Loftin, presented by Real Live Theatre. More details about all of these below!

The PVTN Google Calendar is available through that link - if you want to add your events, send me an email and I'll give you permission.

The next issue will include events through August 28. 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

Mary Poppins at Exit 7 Players | August 2, 3, 4
Tickets and More Information

Real Live Theatre's Choreographing Intimacy Workshop
August 17 - Register Here

YOUR EVENT HERE
$5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing!
Email me to reserve your dates.

THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS:

from Howlround
The Necessity of a New Green Federal Theatre Project
by Karen Malpede

From the article:

The most recent United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report gives humanity twelve years to curb greenhouse gas emissions, in order to keep temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Over 1.5 degrees and widespread climate disruptions—heatwaves, floods, fires, droughts, of the sort we see happening now—will intensify, adversely affecting everyone on the planet (though, of course, the poor suffer first and most). Other reports give us as little as eighteen months to act. One million species are poised right now to go extinct. The climate crisis is “the biggest challenge ever to face” humankind, environmental lawyer Sharon Tisher says, along with many others. Homo sapiens need immediately to come to grips with a situation unparalleled in our existence: the very real possibility that organized life on earth might end.

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?
Pioneer Valley Theatre Google Calendar
In the Spotlight, Inc.
Berkshire on Stage
Stagestruck
ArtsBeat Radio and News Colum n

Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet

PERFORMANCES

Arena Civic Theatre presents Modigliani by Dennis McIntyre
August 1, 2, 3, 9, & 10 at 7:30pm
The Roundhouse at the Franklin County Fairgrounds
89 Wisdom Way
Greenfield MA 01301

Tickets $18 General Admission, $15 Seniors
Opening Night all tickets $15
Tickets may be purchased at the door,
Online at arena-civic-theatre.ticketleap.com/modigliani/
Or reserved by leaving a message at 413-233-4368

In 1916, unable to sell his paintings and unable to work, Modigliani decides to leave Paris. A robbery attempt, aided by his painter friends Turillo and Soutine fails and he seeks money from Zborowski, his agent, who informs him he’s about to meet Cheron, an influential art dealer. Modigliani’s poet mistress, Beatrice Hastings, tries to convince him to meet Cheron himself. Frightened of failure, he finally agrees, only to discover Zborowski has given away his best painting. His meeting with Cheron is a disaster and, in a rage, he slashes his paintings and attempts to destroy all the work in his studio. Beatrice prevents this and forces him to realize the paintings are his life. Left alone with no possibilities for success, Modigliani begins work again on a self portrait.

“A wild, funny and moodily proactive play…raffish and richly atmospheric.” -New York Daily News
“One of the most enthralling dramas in years…wonderfully exciting in the varied richness of its texture.” -New York Post
The performances will take place inside the historic Roundhouse building on the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Patrons may park inside the grounds. The venue is not air conditioned, and restrooms are located in a separate building.

Chester Theatre Company presents ON THE EXHALE by Martin Zimmerman
August 1-4; Thursdays at 2pm and 8pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, Sundays at 2pm
Town Hall Theatre, 15 Middlefield Road, Chester, MA

When a college professor's son dies in a mass shooting, she becomes entranced with the weapon that killed him. The play presents a unique perspective on an American epidemic.
Tickets.

Mary Poppins: Exit 7 Youth Players

August 2 - August 4, 2019
8/2 at 8pm; 8/3, and 8/4 at 2pm
Exit 7 Theater, 37 Chestnut Street, Ludlow, MA 01056

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical!

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it."

Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft. This show is a perfect opportunity to showcase a strong, iconic female performer, as well as unique special effects and illusions.

Tickets On Sale Now!
exit7players.org

Ko Festival of Performance presents Lessons of Humanity
August 2, 3 at 8:00 PM, August 4 at 4:00 PM
Holden Theater, Amherst College

“Lessons of Humanity” uses a rich a blend of Samite’s traditional African music and personal stories that draw on his own experience of war and genocide in Idi Amin’s Uganda, and his life as a refugee who finds his new home in rural upstate New York to be a place from which he can reach out globally to help remind others of their strength, so that they may find peace. This newly created performance presents a more intimate look at the forces and experiences that have shaped this extraordinary artist and global citizen. Ko Festival of Performance Artistic Director Sabrina Hamilton will design the lighting.

Samite will also perform at the 6^th annual Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival on August 10^th. “Lessons of Humanity” provides a chance to get to know more about this world-renowned performer and founder of Musicians for World Harmony, an organization dedicated to enabling musicians throughout the world to share their music to promote peace, understanding, and harmony among people.

Ko Festival of Performance has formed a community partnership with The Karuna Center for Peacebuilding to build upon this season’s theme. Their season-long lobby display addressing the habitat theme has an interactive component about “Standing Up for Peace,” which will stand alongside Samite’s extraordinary photographs. KoFest performances are each followed by a discussion, giving the audience an opportunity to engage the performers and creators in a civic dialogue surrounding the season’s theme. Friday night’s post show discussion will include the Karuna Center’s Director of Programs Ginny Morrison, who has consulted with Amnesty International; Public Conversations Project; and a range of universities, prison systems and US health care systems. As a founding member of Mediators Beyond Borders, she has co-led efforts to incorporate trauma-informed practice into all of MBB’s programming.

The world-renowned musician Samite was born and raised in Uganda, where his grandfather taught him to play the traditional flute. When he was twelve, a music teacher placed a western flute in his hands setting him on his way to becoming one of East Africa’s most acclaimed flutists. He performed frequently to enthusiastic audiences throughout Uganda until 1982, when he was forced to flee to Kenya as a political refugee. Samite immigrated to the United States in 1987, and now he and his wife Sandra make their home on their small horse farm in upstate New York. Today his smooth vocals accompanied by the kalimba, marimba, litungu, and various flutes mesmerize audiences throughout the world. For more information on Samite, please visit http://www.samite.com/

Performances are Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3 at 8:00 PM, Sunday, August 4 at 4:00 PM. KoFest performances take place in Amherst College’s Holden Theater, located behind the Admissions Office off South Pleasant Street in Amherst, MA. Tickets are $22 Adults / $18 Students & Seniors and $10 for SNAP/EBT cardholders. Tickets are available online at kofest.com, by email at kofestboxoffice@gmail.com and by phone at (413) 542-3750. The box office phone line is staffed daily from 1-5 and 1 to curtain on performance days. Call about a limited number of $8 tickets.

More information about the artists can be found at kofest.com.

New Century Theatre presents A WALK IN THE WOODS by Lee Blessing
Directed by Sam Rush
The West End at Eastworks
116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA 01027

August 2 - August 4
Showtimes:
Friday, Saturday - 7:30 PM
Sunday matinee - 2:00 PM
Sunday evening - 7:30 PM

Beginning July 26th we'll present A WALK IN THE WOODS by Lee Blessing at The West End space located in Easthampton's Eastworks building. Directed by Sam Rush, this comedy/drama is set in the early 80's toward the end of the Cold War. A newly assigned American diplomat tries desperately to negotiate a nuclear arms treaty with her more experienced Soviet counterpart. As the talks stall and tensions mount the two decide to take a stroll in a mountain glen in Switzerland, away from the negotiating table, and the prying eyes of the press corps.
Eastworks at 116 Pleasant Street in Easthampton is surrounded by a wealth of great dining establishments and pubs all just a short distance from the West End Performance space.

TICKET INFORMATION:
General Seating:
$32, $30 for Seniors (65+)
$15 Student Rush

BUY ONLINE: newcenturytheatre.org
Information & Questions:
info@newcenturytheatre.org
413-587-3933

PaintBox Theatre presents HOW DO DINOSAURS GO TO SCHOOL?
Williston Theater
18 Payson Avenue
Easthampton, MA

Beloved Author Jane Yolen asks "How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?" in her beloved children's book. We've tasked ourselves to try and answer that very question. PaintBox takes this 'tail' and twists it PaintBox style. Callum LaFrance tackles this feat, short arms, long neck, and all!

Aug 3, Saturday, 10:30 & 1:00
Aug 4, Sunday, 10:30 & 1:00
Aug 6, Tuesday, 10:30 & 1:00

DINOSAUR TICKETS

Happier Valley Comedy presents The Understudies: An Improvised Musical
August 3 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, August 3rd at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door.
For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

“WHAT WE SEE” THEATER WORKS AT 33 HAWLEY STREET AND SCDT

Sunday, August 4th: 2pm & 5pm
Staged readings & audience/artist talk-backs
(Sliding scale tickets starting at $10)
33 Hawley Street, Northampton

FAR REACHES
RLT presents the first public staged readings of a new script by RLT member Ellen Morbyrne called Far Reaches in the genre of Cli-Fi (a science fiction genre dealing with the impacts of climate change).

One Raft Person. One Witness. One world covered in endless ocean.

What do we remember? And how? What does it mean to survive, and what is survival worth to us? Two people from completely different backgrounds make their way towards understanding, following memories and stories as they seek some kind of truth.

These readings are the culmination of RLT’s residency at the Flex Space inside 33 Hawley (the Northampton Arts Trust Building), as the final week in A.P.E.’s month-long block of theater residencies. RLT will be working to bring this story to life for the first time: exploring what works about it so far, what can be refined, redefined, or more excellently imagined, and culminating in two staged readings with talk-backs on Sunday, August 4th.

The RLT artists involved in this initial phase are Ellen Morbyrne serving as playwright and director, Trenda Loftin serving as a performer, Julissa Rodríguez serving as a performer, and Julia Vincenza Whalen serving as designer.

T ickets
www.reallivetheatre.net
Facebook event.

MAJESTIC THEATER SUMMER CHILDREN’S THEATER SCHEDULE:
ALL TICKETS: $9.50 each ($9.00 each if all three shows are purchased at the same time)

DR. SEUSS'S THE CAT IN THE HAT
Sunday August 4 - 1pm & 4pm
Monday, August 5 - 10am, 1pm & 6:30pm
Tuesday, August 6 - 10am, 1pm
Wednesday, August 7 - 10am, 1pm

CHARLOTTE'S WEB
Sunday August 11 - 1pm & 4pm
Monday, August 12 - 10am, 1pm & 6:30pm
Tuesday, August 13 - 10am, 1pm
Wednesday, August 14 - 10am, 1pm

PaintBox Theatre presents EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A PIRATE
Williston Theater
18 Payson Avenue
Easthampton, MA
Aug 7, Wednesday, 10:30 & 1:00

They areeeeeeee back with more jokes, more treasure, and more shenanigINs-and-OUTs. Kelsey Flynn, Troy Mercier, Myka Plunkett, and (out on his maiden voyage with PaintBox) Gerrin Mitchell will be holding strong this summer on deck with all new jokes. You're always welcome to join the crew for the third installment of the saga that is PaintBox PIRATES !!!

PIRATES TICKETS
Tickets are also available at the box office on the day of the show(s). Parking available in the rear lot.

IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY WITH THE MAJESTERS SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, August 7 - 7:30pm - $9
Wednesday, August 14 - 7:30pm - $9

Returning on Wednesday nights will be Improvisational Comedy with The Majesters, which features a troupe of the best improv comics from across the Pioneer Valley and beyond for an evening of unscripted comic mayhem. The program begins with improv scenes similar to "Whose Line is it Anyway," and is followed by a storyline that's developed with help from the audience. Improvisational Comedy with The Majesters takes place Wednesday nights at 7:30pm July 10-August 14. Tickets are $9 and are available at the door the night of each show.

Happier Valley Comedy presents The Ha-Ha's & Friends: Still Life
August 10 at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA

Local favorites since 2003, The Ha-Ha's perform alongside special guests each month. Saturday, August 10th at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door.
For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

Franklin County Summer Youth Theater presents Seuss Stories
August 16 and 17 at 6:30 PM
Hopkins Academy--131 Russell Street, Hadley, MA

A fun family event for children of all ages and those still young at heart. Come see Star Bellied Sneetches, The Lorax, SeussOdyssey and more both Friday and Saturday night at Hopkins Academy in Hadley, MA. Tix at the door.

Happier Valley Comedy presents The Happier Family Comedy Show
August 17 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 5-13 year olds and their adults. It's funny for the whole family! Saturday, August 17th 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 HVC Presents: Not In Charge
August 17 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 true stories from the cast and audience! Saturday, August 17th at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door.
For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

PEACH PARTY: Celebrating 10 Years of Youth Programming at the Academy of Music

In keeping with the theme of the 2020 AOMYP 10th anniversary production of James and the Giant Peach, Jr., we are throwing a PEACH PARTY at Park Hill Orchard! The event will feature a performance with a combination of youth performers and songs from the last 10 years, face painting, fun photo op's, peach themed treats, and of course, you can experience Park Hill’s “Art In the Orchard” walking sculpture trail which winds through the fruit gardens of the orchard! All proceeds to go benefit the Academy of Music Theatre Youth Program.

Tickets are $10 each (plus online fees).

All proceeds go to the Academy of Theatre Youth Program.
CASH OR CHECK ONLY AT THE DOOR (no fees at door)

WHERE:
Park Hill Orchard
82 Park Hill Rd | Easthampton, MA | 01027

WHEN:
Sunday, August 18, 2019 11am - 1pm

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPENING at UMass Amherst
VISITING ARTIST IN PLAYWRITING/LECTURER POSITION

The Department of Theater at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track lecturer in African American Theater and Playwriting/Playmaking. This is a spring semester initial appointment with the possibility of renewal for an additional year, beginning January 15, 2020. The Department seeks a candidate with experience in playwriting and/or playmaking, African American theater and/or African American cultural production and a demonstrated record of professional theater experience at the national level.
Responsibilities include: Teaching courses in playwriting/playmaking and African American theater, teaching undergraduate- and graduate MFA-level courses, and interacting with the Department’s multicultural curriculum and public outreach initiatives. This position is central to the Department’s interest in exploring and generating new theatrical works, both in workshop form and on our main stages as part of our production season. Candidate must have M.F. A. in Theater or equivalent professional experience. Salary is commensurate with experience.
To apply, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae (including email and phone contact information for references) and three current letters of recommendation to UMass Theater Chair Gina Kaufmann via email.

Springfield College Theater seeking Scenic Designer/Technical Director
August 26, 2019
Springfield Colllege scene shop and Fuller Arts Center theater

The Theater Program at Springfield College invites applicants for a position as Scenic Designer/Technical Director for the Springfield College Theater. The program produces one play each semester, and the position is contracted on a per production fee basis. To apply, please contact Professor Martin Shell, Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts department, at mshell@springfieldcollege.edu, with a letter of interest, CV, and references.

SCARLET SOCK FOUNDATION BEGINS GRANT CYCLE

Non-profit seeks to promote social-justice theater with $500 and $1,000 grants to qualifying theater companies and individuals

The Scarlet Sock Foundation is currently accepting grant applications. Theater companies and individuals with a social-justice focus are encouraged to apply online at scarletsock.org. Social-justice theater is a tool for promoting awareness of socially relevant topics. It’s a platform for the expression of individual differences and a catalyst for discussion for community members who fee marginalized and/or stigmatized. Companies whose work will include this focus will be considered for grants in the amount of either $500 or $1,000.

Children and/or young adults (ages 5-18) who are interested in attending theater arts camps, workshops, conferences, or other theater-related programs but are not able to attend because of financial need are encouraged to apply for individual grants.

Theater companies who receive Scarlet Sock Foundation grants will be invited to share their projects at the foundation’s annual gala in 2020.

The Vintage Cellar East

We are a large vintage mall in The Keystone Mill in Easthampton, MA. Check us out if you are a local playhouse or theatre looking to rent props or even buy props for period pieces that can be reused.

Please feel free to email or call 413 977 1978.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Real Live Theatre presents Choreographing Intimacy: a one-day intensive for all theatre practitioners
August 17 at 10:00 AM
45 Amherst Road, Sunderland MA 01375

“Intimacy Choreography” is a relatively new concept, having emerged out of a need to protect actors from unsafe working conditions and blurred boundaries. It is an important practice not only for the mental, physical, and emotional health of actors, but also for the experience of the audience: the more safe and grounded the performers, the more electric the scene. Utilizing techniques from multiple disciplines, including yoga, dance, and theater, Ellen and Toby will guide participants through a safe and specific process to develop choreography that feels motivated and appropriate for characters and situation, as well as authentic and dynamic in terms of external behaviors.

•As a performer, the take away will include language with which to speak to your director and co-actors and tools to create safe working conditions when there aren’t any.

•As a director, teacher, or choreographer, you will learn how to build a safe environment, lead exercises to create trust within that environment, and utilize specific skills for analyzing and staging intimate moments.

•As an arts administrator, you will learn best practices for ensuring safe working conditions for your employees.

Check out the website for all the logistics and to register. Register by July 20 and receive $25 off the workshop cost!

Email Ellen and Toby with any questions.