Pioneer Valley Theatre News August 18, 2022

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser August 18 - September 7, 2022 Closing weekend for Darcy Parker Bruce's To The Moon and Back at Chester Theatre, and opening weekend for Proof and Ja'Duke. Lots of action at Happier Valley Comedy this weekend as well, and don't miss the new job opportunities listed below - a Technical Director opening at the Academy, scene artist opening at the Majestic, and more. We're also seeking an Assistant Technical Director at Smith this fall - let me know if you would be interested in learning more about that. The next issue will include events from August 25 - September 14. 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 Join our theatre conservatory this fall for in-person classes. We offer acting programs for ages 6-18, where young people come to grow as artists, leaders, and individuals. For more information, visit www.dramastudio.org/drama-studio-classes Amherst Community Theater Auditions for The Little Mermaid September 9-11 Sign up here. YOUR EVENT HERE $5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing! Email me to reserve your dates. Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Google Calendar Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround Gathering Momentum: Türkiye’s Independent Theatre in President Erdoğan’s Near-Autocracy by Verity Healy From the article:  TheatreIST, Türkiye’s independent theatre festival, has just had its first year in Istanbul (May 22). It was sponsored by the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Ragıp Ertuğrul, a much-loved playwright, director, and critic was the inspiration behind its birth but had to take time away due to a sudden illness. Thus the rest of the organising committee—Handan Salta, Zerrin Yanıkkaya, Nihal Kuyumcu, Hasibe Kalkan and Gökay Genç (who was also the co-founder of Rest Tiyatro with Ertuğrul)—took up the leadership mantel to develop a successful event that included: thirteen performances; talks; panels; invited academics; journalists; and a wide range of festival directors and curators, from Canada to Israel. Sadly, I learned that in July, Ertuğrul unexpectedly passed away, to the deep distress of the theatre community in Türkiye and across the globe. However, it’s not wrong to say that the festival’s inaugural success is and remains a testament to and a celebration of Ertuğrul’s innovative spirit and dedication to the progression of Türkiye’s independent theatre scene. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES New play reading series at The LAVA Center, featuring local playwrights and friends of LAVA Some Thursdays and Saturdays in August and September; see schedule below The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., Greenfield In August and September, The LAVA Center is presenting a series of new play readings by local playwrights and friends of LAVA. For many of these readings, actors are invited to perform in an unpaid cold reading of the play in a casual atmosphere. The schedule for the playwrights is as follows: Thursday, Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m.: Patricia Crosby Saturday, Aug. 20, 11:30 a.m.: Cheryl Dukes Thursday, Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m.: Christine Benvenuto Thursday, Sept. 8, 5:30 p.m.: Alfonso Neal Actors are invited to jump in on cold readings on Saturday, Aug. 20; and Thursday, Sept. 8. For more information, visit our website at https://localaccess.org.  Chester Theatre Company presents To The Moon and Back August 18-21 World Premiere CTC’s season will close with this World Premiere Commission by Darcy Parker Bruce, sponsored by Frances Henry and Walter Korzec. Starring Tara Franklin (Tiny Beautiful Things, On the Exhale) and Raye Birk (Curve of Departure) as a daughter and father with history as murky as the dark side of the moon. Ace alternately maps craters searching for…something, and flips burgers at her day job as she tries to outrun the shadows of the past she shares with her dad, who spends his days watching gameshows from his lawn chair—on the moon. Pauli Pontrelli (I and You, The Aliens, Curve of Departure) returns for their fourth appearance at Town Hall as Ace’s co-worker, RJ. Tickets Happier Valley Comedy HVC’s Fun Fridays: Storytelling Standup Showcase August 19 at 5:30 PM Happier Valley Comedy's Next Door Lounge (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA) Watch Happier Valley Comedy talent try out their latest material, laugh together, raise a glass, and support up-and-coming standup comedians. Doors open at 5:30. Showcase starts at 7pm. More information Happier Valley Comedy HVC Presents: Not In Charge! August 20 at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy's Next Door Lounge (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA) Join the talented group Not In Charge for a fast-paced improv show inspired by true stories from the cast! Third Saturday of every month at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door. More information. Ja'Duke Theater "Proof" by David Auburn 8/20 at 7pm, 8/21 at 2:00pm, 8/26 at 7:00pm, 8/27 at 7:00pm, 8/28 at 2:00pm Ja'Duke Performing Arts Center, Industrial Blvd, Turners Falls MA "Proof" is a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning drama, written by David Auburn.  The show explores the grey area between genius and madness, through the relationships of the four characters. It's about loss, love, betrayal and family. Tickets Happier Valley Comedy The Happier Valley Championship August 27 at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy's Next Door Lounge (1 Mill Valley 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: your laughter! Fourth Saturday of every month at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door. More information. Catalyst 22 presents Mira and the Liminal Dimension August 27 at 7:00 PM and September 3 at 7:00 PM The LAVA Center, 324 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301 "I ask you, as we head into the abyss, the in-between place where we tell our story: What is the half-life of human thought and action on a space?" We invite you to join us for a premiere performance of our play, "Mira and the Liminal Dimension"! This is a collaboratively created show based on the concept of liminal space, and is our own modern mythical tale! The show is a one-act performance with no intermission. We will be performing at the LAVA Center in Greenfield! Directed by Kevin Van Develde Devising Company: Steph Reyes, Amanda Bowman, Kelly Tierney, Zee Shepherd, Angie Parker, and Biddy Remick. Facebook event MIFA Victory Theatre Angela Davis, A History of the United States 9/30 at 7:30 PM, 10/1/22 at 7:30PM & 10/2/22 Matinee at 2PM Rooke Theater, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA 01075 MIFA Victory Theatre presents French theater company Compagnie L'Héliotrope in "Angela Davis, A History of the United States" The play, mixing narration, speeches, video, and rap music, tells the story of Angela Davis, American Black activist, professor and author, who faced a turbulent life during the civil rights movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Actress Astrid Bayiha alone on stage exudes rage at injustice and discrimination through the power of words and music with the help of musician-composer Balde AliMbaye. Don't miss Astrid Bayiha in Angela Davis' fierce journey! Face Masks Required Free parking at Gorse Lot, 27 Morgan St., South Hadley, MA. Show Dates/Times: Friday, September 30, 2022, at 7:30 pm - In French with English supertitles, FREE Student Performance (Student I.D. Required unless under age 13), Non-Student General Admission $20 Saturday, October 1, 2022, at  7:30 pm  - In English with French supertitles General Admission $20, Students $15 Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 2:00 pm Matinee - In English with French supertitles General Admission $20, Students $15 https://www.mifafestival.org/events AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES The Academy of Music Theatre, an 816-seat historic performing arts venue in the lovely New England college town of Northampton, Massachusetts, seeks a full-time Technical Director. Responsibilities include organizing all technical aspects of performances and supervision of union stage crews. Knowledge of sound, lighting, set installations and rigging systems plus excellent communication and organizational skills required. A qualified candidate will have a minimum of a BA or BFA in technical theatre or equivalent with professional experience. Applications must be received by August 29th.  Send résumé to: djanthony@aomtheatre.com For a full job description, please email djanthony@aomtheatre.com.   The Academy of Music Theatre provides live performing arts year-round: dance, theater, music, spoken word and multimedia. In addition, we provide educational programs year-round with one fully staged musical theater youth production. We serve over 62,000 patrons and are a destination site for visitors from the Connecticut Valley and New York City areas. We offer on average 130 performances annually.   The salary is $56-58K. Scenic Artist/Painter – MAJESTIC THEATER 131 Elm St West Springfield, MA 01089 About the Company The Majestic Theater has been bringing locally-produced live, professional theater to the Pioneer Valley since 1997. Every season at the Majestic consists of five productions, including at least one musical, which typically run for six weeks. In addition to the subscription season, the summer includes children's theater, concerts, plays, improvisational comedy shows, and more. Job Description The Scenic Artist works closely with the Scenic Designer in accomplishing all texture and painted effects of a production.  The scenic artist will oversee painting crews as needed.  Candidate should have a working knowledge of painting techniques such as marbling, wood grain, etc., and understand paint mixing and stenciling.   Experience in a professional or collegiate theatrical shop would be helpful. Work schedule based upon productions: five season productions (August – April), children’s theater (May – June), additional productions as scheduled. Hourly compensation based upon experience.   Hourly range $20 to $25.  Benefits to be determined. Interested applicants should email sue@majestictheater.com with cover letter and current professional resume. LAVA Center Greenfield Play Reading Series at LAVA Center, Greenfield August 25 at 5:30 PM Seeking two actors of color in their 20s or so for a cold reading of a play in progress at LAVA, one male for a small role, one female for a lead role. Come give it a try! Thanks! Ja'Duke Theater Little Shop of Horrors Auditions August 29 at 7pm Ja'Duke Theater The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! Rating: PG-13 Run Time: 2 Hours and 15 Minutes (one intermission) More information. the Drama Studio Open House August 30th at 6 pm, for ages 6-8 and August 31st at 6 pm for ages 9-18 41 OAKLAND STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA, 01108 Join us for our 2022 Open House to learn about our acting classes and Conservatory program! Come and visit the Drama Studio on Tuesday, August 30th, at 6 pm for ages 6-8, and on Wednesday, August 31st, at 6 pm for ages 9-18. Register here. WAM Theatre is seeking a part-time (10-20/hrs a week) Company Administrator to support WAM’s daily admin activities and programming. This administrator will provide clerical and administrative oversight in order to optimize workflow procedures for WAM’s arts-activism mission.  Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter with the subject heading “WAM Company Administrator” to kristen@wamtheatre.com by August 21, 2022.  A detailed job description can be found HERE Amherst Community Theater Auditions for The Little Mermaid 9/9 beginning at 6 PM, 9/10 beginning at 10 AM, 9/11 beginning at 10 AM Bangs Community Center, Amherst AUDITIONS are almost here for Amherst Community Theater’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid! 9 performances in the 600-seat UMass Bowker Auditorium, January, 2023. Irresistible songs, lavish sets and costumes, and a full live orchestra. Actors, singers, and dancers ages 7-107 are encouraged to audition! For more info, including character descriptions, audition music, and readings, visit www.amherstacts.org/auditions or contact producer@amherstacts.org. Facebook event Grant Application Opens: August 1st, 2022 Grant Application Closes: September 16th, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts  Flexible Funding We are excited to announce 2022’s round of Flexible Funding, which will provide general operating support to nonprofits that benefit our region. As part of the Foundation’s strategic vision, preference will be given to organizations, who missions are in the following areas: Diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces and institutions, prioritizing racial equity. A strong start for all children though high-quality early education and care. Accessible and more affordable post-secondary education and training, providing pathways to completion and employment. A vibrant and local arts and creativity ecosystem to support self-expression, economic vitality and connection. Preference will also be given to organizations where leadership is racially diverse. Learn More Here https://communityfoundation.org/nonprofits/flexible-funding-cfwm WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Anyone who organizes or attends auditions or is involved in casting for the theatre, is recommended to take 30 minutes to listen to this conversation between casting director Victor Vazquez and dramaturg/performer Tatiana Godfrey.  Part of WAM Theatre's Spotlight Series, they talk about some of the problems that we run into in the traditional casting process, especially in terms of racial or gender stereotyping, and some of the opportunities and suggestions he has for better ways of placing actors in roles.  https://www.wamtheatre.com/spotlight-series-with-casting-director-victor-vazquez/ A Very Special Writing Workshop  with Serious Play Alum Claire Titelman Dates:  Saturday September 24th and Sunday September 25th Place:   Blue Barn at Bramble Hill Farm, 593 South Pleasant St, Amherst MA Time:  11am-4pm each day, which includes an hour long lunch break on the farm; (bring your own lunch & cold drink) water bottles available. Price: $175 More info:  Email Claire Titeman at claireprompts@gmail.com to see if there's a spot left and she will give you info on payment, etc. Limited enrollment.  Feel free to reach out with any questions! Covid protocol:  The class will be masked and you must be able to show proof of vaccination. About the class: This is a playful and challenging class with weekly exercises and writing prompts that run the gamut from surreal to straightforward, from very deep to very dumb. They will encourage you to get out of your head, delve into your unconscious, and develop your authentic voice, leading to vulnerable, funny, fierce, strange, and surprising work! Each week, we’ll subvert elements of memoir, theater, fiction, and other genres to help inspire creativity-- all with a curriculum that’s designed for artists of all kinds: writers, comedians, performers, filmmakers, visual artists, and non-artists interested in exploring creative expression. Dropouts, shut-ins and people picked last in gym class are welcome!* *Jocks, geniuses and the well-adjusted also welcome. This is an inclusive class.  Submit your workshop, class, audition, performance, or any other theatre opportunity here! Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies Academy of Music Theatre Amherst Community Theater Arena Civic Theatre A.C.T. Youth 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 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 Mount Holyoke College Rooke Theatre No Theater Northampton Community Arts Trust Northampton Playwrights Lab PaintBox Theatre Panopera Pauline Productions Performance Project Phantom Sheep Players Play Incubation Collective 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 Theater Between Addresses TheatreTruck Turbulent Times Theater UMass Department of Theater UMass Theatre Guild Unity House Players Valley Light Opera Ware Community Theatre Westfield Theatre Group Wilbraham United Players World and Eye 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|*