Pioneer Valley Theatre News July 15, 2021

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser July 15 - August 4, 2021 This week, I'm updating the Pioneer Valley Theatre News list of theatres - take a look at this list below and let me know if you know of any theatre organizations that should be added - or any links that need to be updated. I've moved this list to the top of the newsletter for this week only - it's typically at the end, but you can find this list in every newsletter! Chris Rohmann's latest review (about Shakespeare & Company's King Lear) can be read here. The next issue will include events from July 22 through August 11. 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 Ko Festival of Performance & Serious Play Theatre Ensemble present MOVING WATER LIVE July 22-25, VIRTUAL July 30-August 1 Tickets Available YOUR EVENT HERE $5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing! Email me to reserve your dates. Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies Academy of Music Theatre Arena Civic Theatre Black Cat Theater Chester Theatre Company CitySpace Cold Spring Community Theatre Completely Ridiculous Productions Drama Studio Double Edge Theatre Eggtooth Productions Exit 7 Players Franklin County Youth Theater Ghost Light Theater Greenfield Community College's Theater Department Hampshire Shakespeare Company Happier Valley Comedy Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts K and E Theater Group Ko Theater Works/Ko Festival of Performance Majestic Theater No Theater Northampton Community Arts Trust Northampton Playwrights Lab PaintBox Theatre Panopera Pauline Productions Performance Project Real Live Theatre Red Thread Theater Royal Frog Ballet Serious Play Theatre Ensemble Shakespeare Stage Shea Theater Arts Center Silverthorne Theater Smith College Department of Theatre St. Michael's Players Starlight's Youth Theatre, Inc. Strident Theatre TheatreTruck Turbulent Times Theater UMass Department of Theater UMass Theatre Guild Valley Light Opera Westfield Theatre Group Wilbraham United Players Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Google Calendar Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround “Layers of Distance”: On Loop as a Pandemic Play by Kate Purdum From the article:  Charly Evon Simpson’s new play On Loop, which premiered at the end of February 2021 at Barnard College, marked the fourth and latest installment in the New Plays at Barnard initiative, founded and led by the play’s director, Alice Reagan. On Loop was drastically different from any work Barnard has produced in the past: it marked the theatre department’s return to in-person production and required a range of special precautions and innovations. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com LIVE PERFORMANCES “FOURTEEN WEDDING DRESSES” NEXT UP IN SILVERTHORNE THEATER NEW PLAY READING SERIES   Local playwright and long-time Silverthorne Theater company member Steve Henderson has penned a truly unique play, Fourteen Wedding Dresses, for the third second of STC’s Theater Thursday new play reading series on Thursday, July 15. Under the direction of Keith Langsdale, the reading will be performed live at 7:30 pm in the LAVA Center at 324 Main Street, Greenfield.   The reading is free and open to the public, and will be followed by a discussion with the playwright. It will be streamed live on Silverthorne’s YouTube channel as well, and remote viewers will be able to join a Zoom session following the reading to give feedback. Full details are available at https://silverthornetheater.org/play-reading-series/.   Jimmy and Vivian are frightened teenagers running away from their small town home in Kentucky to get married.  They fear not only for themselves but for their younger siblings Missy and Henry. They offer the best advice they can on how to stay safe and promise to return in a few years. But nothing goes as planned. Decades pass. Henry and Missy narrow their lives into a strange and heartbreaking cycle until the arrival of a young visitor exposes secrets and lies that rip their desperate routine to rags and tatters.   A strong cast will read the varied roles: Missy will be played by Cate Damon; Rand Foerster will read the role of Henry. Samantha Choquette will play Young Vivian, with Jimmy Murphy reading Jimmy.    Kimberly Salditt-Poulin will play the adult Vivian, and Linda Tardif reads the role of Gracie, grand-niece to Henry and Missy. Director Keith Langsdale most recently filmed his solo performance in The Tattooed Man Tells All for Silverthorne during 2020, and directed our 2019 production of The Diary of Anne Frank.   Henderson is well-known in the Valley and beyond as an actor and playwright, and as author of Senior Theater, a comprehensive approach to producing theater by, for and with seniors. He co-wrote Silverthorne’s 2018 production of White, Black & Blue, and has had  another play in the Theater Thursday series, Sandwich, in 2019. Silverthorne produced his Jerry and Ed in 2015. The Kentucky setting for Fourteen Wedding Dresses is influenced by visits to his brother who has lived there since the seventies.    Complete information for each reading may be found at https://silverthornetheater.org. Chester Theatre Company THE NICETIES Beginning July 14. Wednesdays at 3, Thursdays at 3 & 7:30, Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 3. Thru July 25. Hancock Shaker Village, 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA A barnburner of a play written by Eleanor Burgess, THE NICETIES explores issues of race, power, and history on an elite college campus. http://chestertheatre.org/ Due to COVID, Chester Theatre Company is presenting its 2021 season in a large marquee tent on the grounds of Hancock Shaker Village. Serious Play Theatre Ensemble and Ko Festival of Performance present MOVING WATER   In the face of rising sea levels, a new devised theatre piece about climate change, & how water fragility shapes our human interactions… LIVE: July 22-25, Thurs.– Sat. at 8pm, Sun. at 4pm with a talkback   Workroom Theatre | APE@Hawley | Arts Trust | 33 Hawley St., Northampton   WEB: July 30–Aug 1, Fri. & Sat. at 8pm, Sun. at 4pm with talkbacks via online through Ko Festival of Performance Multi-camera recording by Northampton Open Media  ALL TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT https://kofest.com a 2-year collaboration by Serious Play Theatre Ensemble  written by Eric Henry Sanders  direction: Sheryl Stoodley  original music: Jonny Rodgers  set & video design: Robin Doty  lighting design Sabrina Hamilton  with actors: Kermit Dunkelberg, Ximena Salmerón, Will Swyers Questions: seriousplaytheatre@gmail.com or 413-588-7439 And check out the new Serious Play website: seriousplay.org VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES FINAL WEEKEND! Ko Festival of Performance streams last summer’s Zoom presentation of "The Magic City Massacre” on demand through July 18th. With a cast of 14, Deletta Gillespie’s play tells the story of one of the most prosperous black communities in the history of the United States, how Tulsa came to be the site of the worst incidence of civil unrest second only to the Civil War, and why almost one-hundred years later, most Americans still don’t know about it. Post show panel discussion features Darly Davis, an African-American man known for his efforts to convince Klu Klux Klansment to leave and denounce the KKK. Information and sliding scale tickets are available at https://kofest.com. From the New England New Play Alliance: Virtual Theatre and Audio Plays   Cape Cod Theatre Project presents Roadkill, or The Cottage on Mountain Lane by Amy Evans July 15 and 17 directed by Reginald L. Douglas Thirty-somethings Tequi and Cedric move to the Hudson River Valley to fulfill their dreams of a life in the country, following in the footsteps of generations of Black farmers before them. They close the deal on a small cottage with the perfect patch of land for planting and settle into their new home, but their dreams are tested when they discover that their one and only neighbor has an unsettling past— and a taste for fresh roadkill. Tequi and Cedric must confront their deepest fears to hold on to their dreams and to each other. Tickets: $25.   The Depot for New Play Readings presents a Zoom reading of Morir Soñando by Manuel Lopez July 18, 2:00 PM directed by Anne Flammang Everyone has the right to their own dreams, some however don’t. For those that do, just remember that dreams don’t die. Rafi, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic lives in Washington Heights, New York City. He navigates his experience in the Big Apple alongside his mother, La Doña, and his best friends. Doing what they all can to lead the lives they desire for themselves, Rafi encounters life’s hurdles that he needs to cope with and navigate. Life is happening right in front of him and he must manage the forces working around him as he chases his American Dream. Tickets: free. SILVERTHORNE THEATER ANNOUNCES RADIO PRODUCTION FUNDRAISER -  FOXFINDER Silverthorne Theater brings back the days of radio drama with its production of Dawn King’s haunting play, Foxfinder. A fundraiser for the theater, the show will be broadcast one time only at 7:30 pm on Saturday, July 24, on the Company’s YouTube channel. Listeners will be sent the link to the special broadcast with their donation of any size. Details can be found on the Silverthorne website at https://silverthornetheater.org/special-events   Veteran director Ellen Kaplan directs an all-star cast of actors, including Frank Aronson, Jarice Hanson, Stephanie Carlson and Kevin Tracy as they bring the futurist tale to life. Cate Boram is sound designer, and Sophia Pichanick stage manages the production. All are donating their services in the interest of assisting Silverthorne as the theater recovers from the past year of shuttered venues.   Foxfinder is a play of suspense, a thriller, a story of power, zealotry and self-denial, that puts a sinister shadow on our very near future.  It is a study in power, in suppressed sexuality, in a fascist mindset manifested in a young boy sent on a mission to force compliance, deny feelings, and – to eradicate foxes, which we cannot see but which are everywhere.  Originally set in rural England, Kaplan has moved the action to the equally appropriate American farm country where at some future time, climate change has severely impacted the profitability of the farmers. Government regulations and a carefully orchestrated fear-mongering campaign stretch their already taut emotions to the breaking point. Though Silverthorne Theater managed to continue working during the COVID-19 shutdown with several well-received virtual productions, the normal sources of revenue to cover the expense of maintaining personnel and office space was drastically reduced. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to ensuring the start-up of our 2021-22 season can proceed as planned. Serious Play Theatre Ensemble and Ko Festival of Performance present MOVING WATER   In the face of rising sea levels, a new devised theatre piece about climate change, & how water fragility shapes our human interactions… WEB: July 30–Aug 1, Fri. & Sat. at 8pm, Sun. at 4pm with talkbacks via online through Ko Festival of Performance Multi-camera recording by Northampton Open Media  ALL TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT https://kofest.com a 2-year collaboration by Serious Play Theatre Ensemble  written by Eric Henry Sanders  direction: Sheryl Stoodley  original music: Jonny Rodgers  set & video design: Robin Doty  lighting design Sabrina Hamilton  with actors: Kermit Dunkelberg, Ximena Salmerón, Will Swyers Questions: seriousplaytheatre@gmail.com or 413-588-7439 And check out the new Serious Play website: seriousplay.org AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES MAJESTIC THEATER ANNOUNCES JULY AUDITION SCHEDULE FOR 2021-2022 SEASON Auditions for both Equity and non-Equity performers for roles in the upcoming 2021-2022 Season will be held in July according to Producing Director Danny Eaton.  This will be the 24th Season of performances since the Majestic was re-opened for live theater in March 1997.   Auditions will be held on the following dates:   Wednesday, July 21 – 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22 – 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 23 – 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 24 – 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.   Non-Equity performers will need to schedule their in-person auditions at the Majestic during those times.  To book an audition time, performers must call the theater at (413) 747-7797.   Equity performers are required to audition via video submission to be sent to dannye@majestictheater.com by July 15.  For more information about the video submission, please visit www.actorsequity.org  Callbacks will be conducted in-person at the theater.   Actors will be auditioned for parts in the following productions: “Don’t Dress for Dinner” (comedy) which runs October 28 – December 5, 2021, “Betty & The Patch” (contemporary comedy/drama) which runs January 6 – February 13, 2022, and “Blithe Spirit” (comedy) which runs February 24 – April 3, 2022.   Non-Equity performers new to the Majestic should prepare a brief monologue of their choice, and bring a picture and resume.  They will also be asked to read from prepared script selections.    People auditioning and performing at the Majestic must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.     The Majestic endured a temporary closing beginning in March 2020 in response to the pandemic.  The theater will re-open on August 7 and present the remaining dates of “The Pitch,” the drama that was mid-run when the theater closed.  Silverthorne Theater Company, Greenfield, MA, is seeking a stage manager for their fall 2021 production, Charles Ludlam's The Mystery of Irma Vep - the classic quick-change parody of Gothic horror and monster movies, directed by Chris Rohmann. Rehearsals begin the last week of August - mostly three rehearsals per week until late September - opening on October 1st for three weekends at the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield.  Responsibilities include facilitating rehearsals and production meetings; keeping book; maintaining schedules, contact lists & other materials; maintaining communications among cast and crew; and overseeing tech rehearsals and performances. There is a stipend of $750 for the position. Contact Chris with interest and/or questions: Skyscraper@crocker.com or 413-532-5321. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Phantom Sheep Productions LaughCrafters: Connections July 19 at 7:00 PM Come play short-form improv games with us in a fun casual online environment! All levels welcome! Keep your brains in shape, meet awesome people, laugh, and stay connected! Although this is not a class, we will take a moment to go over the basics of each game so everyone can participate. Fee: Free/Pay what you can. (Suggested donation: $5) Facebook event Phantom Sheep Productions is also hosting a teen improv workshop on July 21st, and an in person Jam at Unity House Players on July 26th West Springfield Public Library Teen improv workshop July 21 at 3pm Enjoy a free online workshop with the Phantom Sheep Players, as they lead a series of hilarious games! You’ll be part of the action creating comedy yourself learning industry secrets in Improvisation! OPEN TO TEENS AGES 13-17 Provided by the West Springfield Library Sponsored by Friends of the Library Register online at tinyurl.com/WSPLimprov to reserve your spot today! Phantom Sheep Productions is also hosting an online Improv Jam for adults on July 19th, and an in-person jam At Unity House Players on July 26th. Hampshire Shakespeare Company presents Summer Theater Workshop August 2-6 starting at 9am Online & Williston In this half day program students will learn age-appropriate storytelling and performance skills from home for the first few days, and work together to present on Friday. Come practice acting, public speaking, empathy, creative writing, prop making, costume designing, resiliency, and play (just to name a few!) with us. More information Hampshire Shakespeare Company presents Young Company Two Day Workshop August 12 and 13, 10 am - 4pm Williston Northampton School Two day theater lab exploring Shakespeare's Macbeth led by Hannah Simms and Adam Lee Secor. Ages 13-18, no experience needed. Performance for invited audience at end. This is an outdoor event. https://forms.gle/SQNKR4qLrikgTwXeA Submit your workshop, class, audition, performance, or any other theatre opportunity here! 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 TV/Radio and News Column 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|*