Theatre North Carolina

How Shakespeare Saved Me

Can Shakespeare really save lives? Well, maybe not, but Salon.com recently published a great article about one person's journey through depression and unemployment with The Bard.

 

Three years ago, at one of the lowest moments of my life, I started doing something I never thought I’d do.  I’m reading every single play William Shakespeare ever wrote.  And I’m reading most of them aloud. From the three dour Henry VIs, through all of your Macbeths and Romeos and Hamlets, all the way to nutty Cymbeline and beyond.

I’m not a Shakespeare scholar. Or an actor. I read them as part of a Nashville Shakespeare Festival program called “Shakespeare Allowed!” which invites a group of strangers to gather at a giant square table in the downtown library and read one speech or line at a time, round-robin-style, regardless of gender or acting ability. (Others silently read along in the periphery, except during crowd scenes, when everyone homina homina hominas.) Over the years, people have tried to read lady parts in high voices (embarrassing) or French parts in French voices (disastrous) or ghost parts in, I don’t know, ghosty voices, but it never pans out. Eventually people settle down into their normal reading voices, because it’s really about the text and the simple act of reading in front of other people. It sounds as tedious as a toothache — but it’s been thrilling.

It began when I was in the midst of a particularly gruesome period of under-employment and depression, having decided to go out on my own as a freelance designer at the exact moment that the economy collapsed. It was positively, well, Shakespearean. Finding free entertainment was quite a challenge, and so one day, while flipping through an actual newspaper, I noticed an article about the Shakespeare Allowed! project and decided to go see what it was all about. I showed up at the library the first Saturday of the month and was amazed to see 40 eager people jammed into a tiny conference room, books in hand, ready to read “The Comedy of Errors.” I knew within 10 minutes that I’d be busy the first Saturday of every month.

Read the rest.

10 Things Broadway Won't Tell You

 

Smart Money spills the beans on 10 things Broadway won't tell you. Check out this list here.

POSITION FILLED! Long-Term Substitute Theatre Teacher – Porter Ridge High School

POSITION FILLED

Long-Term Substitute Theatre Teacher – Porter Ridge High School

A long-term substitute Theatre Teacher position is available at Porter Ridge High School, located in Indian Trail NC. The current Theatre Teacher is leaving for maternity leave in early to mid-May and will be out the rest of the school year. There are two Theatre I classes and one Musical Theatre class taught with the chorus teacher. Grades (9-12).  Substitutes need to be certified by Union County Public Schools. Anyone interested should contact current Theatre Teacher Jessica Briggs at Porter Ridge High School. Please call at (704) 292-7662 or email Jessica.Briggs@ucps.k12.nc.us

AUDITIONS: NC STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE

AUDITIONS: NC STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE

2012 TheatreFest

Saturday March 3 and Sunday March 4, 1-5 pm

www.ncsu.edu/theatre/theatrefest

 

NC State University Theatre announces AUDITIONS for the 2012 TheatreFest: A Knockout Season of Dueling Duos: Fallen Angels by Noel Coward and directed by Rachel Klem, Lettice and Lovage by Peter Shaffer and directed by John McIlwee and The Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon, directed by Allison Bergman. AUDITIONS will be by appointment on Saturday March 3 and Sunday March 4 from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Titmus Theatre in Thompson Hall on NC State’s campus. The shows will run in repertory from May 24 to June 24, 2012. Please see the web site for more specific information on character breakdown and show dates. Info and appointments: universitytheatre@ncsu.edu or 919.515.3105.

Hickory Community Theatre Seeks Actors for “Deadly Murder”

Hickory Community Theatre Seeks Actors for the Thriller “Deadly Murder”

The Hickory Community Theatre is holding auditions for “Deadly Murder” Monday and Tuesday February 27 and 28 at 7 PM.

Directed by Charles E. Jeffers, the play has a cast of three; two men and one woman. The men’s roles span ages 20s-30s. The youngest is described as “boyishly handsome, well built and wearing only a towel”.

The older man is a sturdy security guard in his 30's. The woman’s role is described as “in her late 40's, imperially slim and poised”.

The thriller’s plot is in the tradition of “Sleuth” and “Deathtrap”.  A deadly game of cat and mouse is played involving cross and double cross, a mysterious jewel, secret pasts and murder.

“Deadly Murder” will be presented weekends April 20-May 12 Perusal copies of the script are available in the HCT office.

HCT is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.  “Deadly Murder” is produced by Steve Austin, AICP and Robert Abbey, Inc.

UPDATED! - Auditions for THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES at Actor's Theatre of Charlotte

Actor's Theatre of Charlotte announces auditions for the musical comedy THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, directed by Billy Ensley, which will rehearse weeknights and weekends beginning May 6th and will run June 1- June 23, 2012.

 

 

The auditions will be held SUNDAY, MARCH 4th from 7:00pm-10:00pm at 650 East Stonewall Street.

 

Auditions are by appointment only and actors should prepare a song in the style of the show and a short comic monologue, accompanist will be provided. Please bring an updated headshot and resume.

 

 

ABOUT THE PLAY: The show, which uses pop songs from the '50s and '60s as a vehicle to tell its story, pays homage to the high school Songleader squads of the 1950s. When called upon to perform at their senior prom as a last minute replacement, Springfield High Songleaders rally together to entertain their classmates in four-part harmony.

 

ROLES AVAILABLE: Seeking for 4 actresses/singers, age range 20s to late 30s, who should possess strong voices with a wide vocal range. Must have great sense of comedy, be able to move well and have strong harmonizing capabilities. All roles compensated.

 

CINDY LOU: The prettiest girl at Springfield High. She is certain she will be named Prom Queen and works hard to make things go her way. MEZZO SOPRANO, sings lead line on many songs. Some of the songs she sings are "Allegheny Moon," "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Maybe."

MISSY: The over-achiever of the group. SOPRANO--WIDE RANGE, FLOATS VERY HIGH VOCALS AND BELTS THROUGHOUT THE SHOW. Some of the songs she sings are "Secret Love," "You Don't Own Me" and "Wedding Bell Blues."

BETTY JEAN: The slightly put-upon class clown, always vying for attention. A tomboy. ALTO WITH A STRONG LOW RANGE. Some of the songs she sings are "Lipstick on Your Collar," "I Only Want To Be With You" and "It's My Party."

SUZY: She is the happy-go-lucky one of the group. Always smiling and giggling, nothing ever seems to bother her. MEZZO ALTO, BOTH SIMPLE AND SOUL VOICE. Some of the songs she sings are "Stupid Cupid," "Hold Me, Thrill Me and "Rescue Me."

 

If you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact production manager Carrie Cranford at carrie_cranford@actorstheatrecharlotte.org or 704-342-2251 x71.

Meredith College Seeks Full-time Instructor in Theatre

Full-time Instructor in Theatre

The Department of Communication & Performing Arts in the School of the Arts & Humanities at Meredith College invites applications for a full-time position in Theatre Design & Technical Direction for the 2012-2013 Academic Year.   This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal.

Responsibilities include teaching a variety of courses, including Introduction to Theatre, Stagecraft, Costume & Make-up, Scenic Design & Painting, Lighting & Sound, and a production-related practicum.  Candidate must design and build scenery and design either costumes or lights for 3-4 main stage shows per year, plus supervise undergraduate students in the shops.  Full involvement in departmental and school activities is expected.

 Qualifications include a terminal degree in Theatre, MFA preferred, evidence of design experience, and professional involvement in the field.  Some prior teaching experience desired; graduate teaching assistantship acceptable.

 Meredith College is a private comprehensive college for women with 2000 students and offers both liberal arts and professional programs. The College offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and is located in Raleigh, North Carolina near the Research Triangle Park.   Meredith College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The College is committed to diversity and encourages applications and nominations of all qualified individuals.   

To apply, complete the online application at http://www.meredith.edu/humres/.   Please attach letter of application, curriculum vitae, and statements of teaching philosophy and professional goals to the on-line application, beginning Feb. 24.  Include access to a digital portfolio/web site with representative design work.  Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts and three letters of reference should be sent to Prof. Cathy Rodgers, Theatre Search, Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607.

NCTC Producing Gathering - Keynote Announced

NCTC Producing Gathering

Keynote Speaker -  Ralph Remington

July 22-24 at PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill

 

Ralph Remington is the Director of Theatre and Musical Theatre for the National Endowment for the Arts. At the NEA, Ralph is responsible for the grantmaking processes for theater and musical theater, developing partnerships to advance the field as a whole, and leading large-scale projects such as the NEA's New Play Development Program. We are excited to welcome him to North Carolina, for his first official visit! He will lead a keynote session on Monday, July 23.

 

Visit our website to see the gathering schedule overview and learn more about Ralph Remington. Registration will open in March and more schedule information will be available soon!

THE ILLUSION - Equity Principal Auditions at Triad Stage

THE ILLUSION - Equity Principal Auditions by APPOINTMENT in NC

Triad Stage     

Greensboro, NC     

SPT 9      $534 / week minimum.

Artistic Director: Preston Lane

Writer: Tony Kushner

Director: Preston Lane. 

1st rehearsal: 05/08/2012.    Runs: 06/15/2012 – 07/01/2012.

Equity Principal Auditions by APPOINTMENT:

Monday February 27, 2011 at Triad Stage

11 AM – 6:30 PM      232 S. Elm Street, 3^rd floor rehearsal hall

Lunch from 12:30 – 1    Greensboro, NC

 
For an appointment, call 336/274-0067 x215. Equity Members without appointments will be seen throughout the audition day, as time permits. 

Please be prepared to read sides from the play.  Visually impaired performers may obtain sides in advance when requesting an appointment.

Provide a picture & resume, stapled together.

Seeking actors for the following production which will be presented on Triad Stage’s Main Stage (all listed roles are available, i.e. not yet offered and accepted):

Pridamant of Avignon:

40s, any ethnicity. Pridamant is a lawy/er, a very logical man and puritanical in his beliefs. He is staunch and not easily moved to change. For him the world is black and white with no gray areas. A pessimist when it comes to matters of love, he has a calculating personality and is not one given to flights of fantasy. However, age has allowed him to see the mistakes he has made, particularly how he treated his son, abandoning him at a young age.  Pridamant’s desperation to find his son has uncharacteristically led him to seek out the help of a magician. He is seeking to find reconciliation with his son but still has many lessons to learn before he can truly let love into his life.

Alcandre:

50s-60s, any ethnicity and could be male or female.  Alcandre is the conjurer of magical illusions that Pridamant comes to for help.  He is wise, manipulative, and mystical.  He relishes in his manipulations and has a razor-sharp ironic wit.  He is very professor-like—offering many lessons to those who are lost.  He chooses his words carefully and is a patient man. However, the lessons he teaches come with a good dose of cynicism of the world and its inhabitants.  Alcandre has been many places and experienced many things.  His strong and robust presence allows him to have strong control of everything and everyone around him.

The Amanuensis /Geronte:

40s-50s, any ethnicity. The Amanuensis is Alcandre’s servant and acquiesces to him at all times.  All of his soul and body is controlled by his master including his senses, as Alcandre removes his tongue and pierces his ear drums at will.  However, The Amanuensis is wise and smart himself. He has seen much of the world and its problems being by his master’s side.  Alcandre uses him to play roles in some of his illusions including one he conjures for Pridamant. The Amanuensis plays the role of Geronte, a ruthless man who refuses to allow his daughter to marry beneath her class.  The character reflects many of Pridamant’s own character flaws. The Amanuensis is loyal to his master but carries a tone of bitterness for being a servant.

Matamore:

Late 20s-30s, any ethnicity. Matamore is a lunatic and a braggart who appears in one of Alcandre’s illusions.  Matamore believes that all women are madly in love with him, that even Aphrodite could not resist his charms.  He is handsome, vain, and boastful. He has mastered the art of language providing comical anecdotes of his prowess as a lover and a warrior.  However, his bravado all comes out of complete delusion. He is easily defeated when presented with any challenge and would quickly concede before actually engaging in battle.

Triangle Rising Star Awards at DPAC June 2nd

Durham Performing Arts Center and Theatre in the Park Present
Triangle Rising Star Awards at DPAC June 2^nd

A Chance to Compete on National Stage

 

Durham Performing Arts Center and Theatre in the Park are thrilled to announce the 2012 Triangle Rising Star Awards at DPAC.   The Triangle Rising Star Awards is an education initiative to celebrate students who participate and excel with wide ranging talents in their high school musical.

The Triangle Rising Star Awards will select Best Actor and Best Actress nominees through an audition process from roles they performed in their high school musical in the 2011/2012 season. Students will submit a highlight reel of their 2011/2012 lead role performance in a high school musical production and recent headshot and resume to DPAC by April 15^th for a preliminary screening process.  The top 20 submissions will be selected and invited back on June 2^nd to perform audition pieces from these roles where they will be viewed and judged by a selection committee.  A Best Actor and Actress will be selected and will be invited to attend the National High School Musical Theater Awards.

“Theatre in the Park is proud to once again partner with the Durham Performing Arts Center and be a part of the second annual Triangle Rising Stars. The Triangle is full of talent. Bravo DPAC for giving young actors and actresses an opportunity to showcase that talent,” said Program Marketing Director of Theatre in the Park, Brent Simpson.

The Triangle Rising Star Awards are in conjunction with The National High School Musical Theater Awards, a national celebration of outstanding student achievement in high school musical theater.  Established by Nederlander Alliances and Pittsburgh CLO, the program recognizes individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performance, as well as honors teachers and their schools’ commitment to excellence in performing arts education.

“DPAC is thrilled to be able to offer an amazing nationally recognized educational opportunity to two Triangle students for a chance to experience part of our very own Nederlander sponsored program in New York City the Jimmy Awards™,” stated DPAC Senior Director of Marketing, Rachel Gragg.

These two top Triangle students will have the opportunity to compete in the National High School Musical Theater Awards at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre Monday, June 25, 2012.  The two winners will receive a trip to New York which includes master classes and private coaching from theatre professionals. In addition, they will have the opportunity to be seen by casting agents, meet and converse with Broadway actors, perform on a Broadway stage and compete for scholarships and other prizes.

WHEN:  Friday, April 15^th, Audition Video Submission Due Date

Saturday, June 2^nd , 2-4pm:  Final Auditions

WHO: 20 students from Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, or Warren Counties will be selected to audition on June 2^nd.  Each student will sing one song from the role they played in their school's high school musical.

WHERE: Durham Performing Arts Theatre, 123 Vivian Street, Durham , NC 27701

The third annual National High School Musical Theater Awards will be held on Monday, June 27, 2011 at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway.  The show will feature the presentation of the Jimmy Award™ for Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor. Rehearsals, master classes and private coaching sessions for all participants will take place from Wednesday, June 20 - through Tuesday, June 26, 2012.  Students are to be apprised that they are required to travel to New York City to participate in the 5-6 day event that includes private coaching, auditions, interviews, rehearsals for the opening and closing number of the Jimmy Awards™ show.

HOW: Interested students can download the personal release form, application to participate, and rules and regulation at DPACnc.com under the Get Involved tab.

Contact:  Rachel Gragg

Senior Director of Marketing

trianglerisingstar@dpacnc.com

(919) 281-0477