OPEN AUDITIONS To Kill a Mockingbird

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theatre group - is holding OPEN AUDITIONS for the great literary classic To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee (dramatized by Christopher Sergel):

Sunday, Jan.7, 2:00-4:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church

Monday, Jan. 8 , 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lily Missionary Baptist Church

Tuesday, January 9th, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church

(call-backs) Thursday, January 11th 6:30-8:00 p.m., Lily Missionary Baptist Church

Show Dates: March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 2007

Show Location: Jackson Community College, Potter Center, Ruth Day Theatre

Director: Denise Weber

Producers: Ann Green, Jackson Community College & Ann Holt, Center Stage

Set in 1935 in the rural south, To Kill a Mockingbird examines racism as seen through the eyes of the Finch family: daughter Scout, son Jem, and their father, Atticus, a lawyer who defends a young black man falsely accused of beating and raping a young white woman. Though the story explores big themes, it is told from a child’s perspective. The result is a tough and tender story about race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up.

Recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the most inspiring films of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been entertaining and enlightening audiences for over 40 years. Harper Lee’s 1960 Pulitzer Prize winning novel is brought to life in this thought-provoking play.

PRODUCTION PART OF THE BIG READ: Center Stage Jackson’s production of To Kill A Mockingbird will be part of the Big Read. Jackson is one of 72 communities nationwide to receive grants to support the Big Read, an initiative of the NEA, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest (to learn more about the Big Read please visit Jackson’s Big Read Blog at http://big-read.blogspot.com/. During the month of March 2007, everyone in Jackson County will be encouraged to read, listen, discuss or watch To Kill A Mockingbird.

Those interested in volunteering to work on the show but not auditioning for a role may contact lidija Mitrius Fremeau at lidija@centerstagejackson.org or (517) 789-8225.

Center Stage Jackson is Jackson’s community theatre group. Formed in 2001 when Jackson Civic Theatre and Clark Lake Players merged, Center Stage Jackson is a non-profit production company dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions in the Greater Jackson, Michigan area, performing at Jackson Community College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan, and other venues in the Jackson area. Please visit Center Stage’s website at www.centerstagejackson.org.

Ebby Award Winners

Almost 70 cast and crew members of the fabulous production of Scrooge gathered at Marino's on Sunday evening to eat pizza, celebrate their achievements and visit with new (and old) friends. They also had the opportunity to vote for the Ebby Awards. If you missed this spectacular event, here are the final results.

BEST PROJECTION: Lori Pelham
QUIETEST VOICE: Katelyn Hoover
BEST ATTITUDE: Steve Dietrich
BEST ATTENDANCE: Chuck Minder
BIG DIVA: Eryn Dixon
LITTLE DIVA: Tricia Barrett
BIG DIVO: Monte Long
LITTLE DIVO: Seth Killian
BIGGEST HAM: Jimi Bommarito
BIGGEST FLIRT (female): Francesca Vitali
BIGGEST FLIRT: (male): Jeremy Tisch
CUTEST ONSTAGE COUPLE: Francesca Vitali & Joel Atkins
BIGGEST FAMILY CONTRIBUTION: McKim Family
MOST CLUELESS: Tia Wilson (but we love her anyway!)
BEST FEMALE VOCAL: Francesca Vitali
BEST MALE VOCAL: Monte Long
BEST DANCER: Eryn Dixon
BEST COMEBACK: Aimee McKim
FASTEST LEARNER: Stephanie Pierce
MOST IMPROVED: Jimi Bommarito
BEST FACIAL HAIR: TIE Jeff Hoover, Jimi Bommarito, Randy Guernsey
BEST NON-VERBAL PERFORMANCE: Abby Rood
MOST PREPARED: Connor Pierce
MOST PROFESSIONAL: Lori Pelham
BEST PERFORMANCE UNDER DURESS: Colleen Flynn
QUICKEST RECOVERY FROM AN INJURY: TIE Rene Rood, Aimee McKim
BEST COSTUME: Eryn Dixon, Randy Guernsey
BEST WIG: TIE Jean McKim, Fezziwigs during Curtain Call
MOST LIKELY TO DIRECT THE NEXT SHOW: Dave Dixon
MOST LIKELY TO NEVER DO THEATRE AGAIN: Ann Holt
MOST LIKELY TO MAKE IT ON BROADWAY: TIE Francesca Vitali, Connor Pierce

BACKSTAGE AWARDS

MOST WILLING TO HELP: Maddi Sabo
BEST BACKSTAGE MOM: TIE Anne Killian, Jackie Killian, Nancy Osterhaus, Sherri Cicirelli, Donna Guernsey, Amy Pierce, Mary Hug, Karen Krupa
HARDEST WORKER: Sally Benedict
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A PROP: TIE Drumstick, Bed, Benches
BEST BACKSTAGE HAND: TIE Jackie Killian, Anne Killian

Scrooge Cast Party December 3rd

All cast and crew of Scrooge the Musical are invited to Marino's Pizza, 1980 West Parnall Road, in Jackson for a reunion and "offical" cast party as guests of Director Ann Holt. The celebration is from 4 pm - 7 pm. Family and friends are welcome but will have to pay for their portion of the feast.

Center Stage Elects New Officers

At its regular meeting at the Ella Sharp Museum on October 18th, the board chose its new officers. The Executive Board is Christine Gorton, newly elected President; Ann Holt, Immediate Past President; Susan Murphy, Vice President; Leigh Ann Dusseau, Secretary; and Ken Schluckebier, Treasurer.

This Scrooge is Superb! (Jackson Citizen Patriot 11/9/06)

You still have one more weekend to see Monte Long as Scrooge. It's not just that he turns in a fantastic performance. It's that he has a cast full of talent to back him up! Bring the whole family and be delighted by the music, sights and sounds of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol retold.

Friday and Saturday, November 17 & 18 at 8:00 pm at the Grass Lake High School. Sunday matinee on November 19 at 3:00 pm. All tickets $10. General seating. For reservations call 517-522-5695. Ann Holt directed the production.

Scrooge the Musical Ready to Open!

A young Ebenezer (Joel Atkins) sings of Happiness with his love Isabel (Francesca Vitali). Scrooge (Monte Long) joins them in song as he revisits his past when all things were possible.

Scrooge the Musical opens on Friday, November 10th at 8:00 pm at the Grass Lake High School auditorium and continues for two weekends. All tickets are $10 and must be paid with cash or by check. Call 517-522-5695 for reservations.

Additional performances are November 11, 12, and 17, 18, 19. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 pm and Sunday performances are at 3:00 pm.

Rehearsals Begin for Scrooge!

Antoinette LaCinski, Vocal Director, rehearses members of the company of Scrooge the Musical in singing the beautiful songs of Leslie Bricusse who also wrote the books and lyrics for the show.

Based on Charles Dickens' tale A Christmas Carol, this holiday tale will be presented at Grass Lake High School, 11500 Warrior Trail in Grass Lake.

Performances are November 10, 11, 12 and 17, 18, 19 with curtain on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and on Sundays at 3:00 PM.

Reservations are available now by calling 517-522-5695. All tickets are $10.00.

Born Yesterday - A Must See Classic

Friday, Sept. 29 at 8:00 pm, Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, Oct. 1 at 3:00 pm.(Runs 1 hr.50 minutes with one 10 minute intermission)Tickets for the Ruth Day Theatre:$13/adults & $10/seniors & students (with ID) Reservations are available by calling the JCC box office at (517) 796-8600.

I attended Opening Night of Born Yesterday on Friday in the Ruth Day Theatre at Jackson Community College’s Potter Center. The Jackson Citizen Patriot had a great review and it was very accurate. The play is clever, insightful, touching and funny. Best of all Director Mark Hisler (“Our Town”, “Lobby Hero”, “Fuddy Meers”) has once again done a marvelous job of bringing the best out in all of his actors!

The show features Lisa Ykimoff as Billy Dawn and Tom Foley as Harry Brock. Joel Atkins plays Paul Verrall. Center Stage Board Treasurer Ken Schluckebier surprises in the role of fallen lawyer Ed Devery! Everyone turns in a great performance: Dave Mulholland, Leslie Wireman, Charles Minder, Kendall Smiley and Tia Wilson.
The costumes are great and the set is wonderful.

This show deserves to fill the house. Please tell all your friends and neighbors about Born Yesterday! You and they will not be disappointed.

Set Build This Weekend at JCC

CSJ will be assembling the set for our first season production "Born Yesterday" at JCC Saturday, September 9th from 10AM to 6PM and Sunday, September 10th from 12Noon to 8PM. The show is in the Ruth Day Theatre and the set is a "luxury hotel suite". We will be legging platforms and assembling doorways...hopefully getting the set ready for performers for Monday evening. Any time/talent you will be able to share is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris Gorton

Auditions for "Scrooge: The Musical Announced"

Auditions for the second show of the 2006 - 2007 season for Center Stage Jackson were announced today. They will be held on Monday, August 28 and Tuesday, August 29.

Monday's auditions will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on the corner of Michigan and Brown in Jackson.

Tuesday's audition will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Grass Lake High School Auditorium.

Additional auditions will be held on Thursday, September 6 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Call for an appointment. 517-529-4932 evenings.

Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday evening from 6:00 - 9:00 pm during September and October although not all cast members need be present at all rehearsals.

Performances are scheduled for two weekends Friday through Sunday November 10, 11, 12 and 17, 18, 19 at Grass Lake High School.

Director Ann Holt explained, "Usually Center Stage performs at Jackson Community College's Potter Center, but this is an experiment to move out into the county to involve new people in community theatre."

There are 18 principle parts (5 children - 2 boys including Tiny Tim & 3 girls); 23 chorus many of whom have specific identities; and 10 street urchins (kids). All roles are available.

For more information, watch the Center Stage Jackson website.

CSJ Annual Meeting

Mat’s Café, 212 S. Mechanic St., Jackson, MI 49201 will be open on Wednesday evening, August 16th exclusively for members and friends of Center Stage Jackson. Great sandwiches and salads are the specialty of the house, so come join us at 6:00 pm for a light meal and stay for the meeting at 7:00 p.m. On the agenda will be a preview of the upcoming season, review of the past season and opportunities galore to get involved and keep Center Stage Jackson growing and strong!

Reservations encouraged but not necessary. Call Ann at 768-8173 and spend some time with your theatre friends!

Born Yesterday Auditions Announced

Auditions for the comedy Born Yesterday have been announced. They will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on the corner of West Michigan Avenue and Brown Street in Jackson on Monday, July 31st and Tuesday, August 1st from 6 pm - 9 pm. Mark Hisler is the director. Members will receive more detailed information in the mail.

2006 Retreat

The board of Center Stage Jackson gathered at the Clark Lake Community Center on Saturday, June 24th for their 2006 Retreat. The morning was spent planning for the future and the afternoon dealt with the upcoming season. A productive day was had by all.

Camp Counselors Needed

The Jackson School of the Arts needs a few more counselors to work at the summer arts camp that benefits low income youth.

Camp Counselor Brief Job Description: Young adults ages 17 or older are responsible for a group of 7-8 youth. Counselors stay with youth during the camp and help with arts and camp activities. Applicants should enjoy working with youth ages 9-15 and appreciate the arts. No arts experience necessary. Dates: Training/Orientation on June 17, 9-12:30 PM (lunch included) in Jackson.

Camp: July 8 beginning at 6 PM to 8 PM on July 14 at the Girl Scout Irish Hills Council Camp O’ the Hills in Brooklyn. Room and board free, stipend of $150.00.Please call 784-2389 for an application or go online http://www.jacksonarts.org/.

Contact:
Kim Hastings, Executive Director Jackson School of the Arts phone 517.784.2389
814 Winifred, Ste. 12
Jackson, MI 49202
Making the Arts Accessible to Jackson County Youth.

CSJ Launches Membership Drive

Center Stage Jackson is launching a membership campaign, hoping to round up and retain members to support their productions! Without a solid member base to bring artistic and intellectual diversity to the group, CSJ cannot thrive.

Membership prices are nominal ($20 for an adult membership, $10 for students) and are used to defray the costs of mailings to the group.

Benefits include participating and voting at the annual meeting, invitations to social events, and getting to create the future of community theatre in Jackson!

For more information, do not hesitate to contact lidija, Membership Chair at lidija@fremeau.net.

Membership applications are available to be downloaded at www.centerstagejackson.org.

2006 - 2007 Season

Center Stage Jackson has announced the plays for its next season, just as it wraps up this season with the final weekend of "Oklahoma!"

The schedule hasn't been finished, said board President Ann Holt, but the plays will be: "Born Yesterday," directed by Mark Hisler; "Scrooge the Musical," directed by Holt; "To Kill a Mockingbird," directed by Denise Weber; and "Man of La Mancha." No director has been chosen for that musical.

"Oklahoma!" will begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in the Baughman Theatre, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Road. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. Call 796-8600.

(from the Jackson Citizen Patriot)

Summer Class for Kids at Ella Sharp Museum

Creative Dramatics - Entering 4th to 6th grades
Presented by Kurt Snyder of Center Stage Jackson

Students will be introduced to basic dramatic principles with theater games and exercises to promote expression, creativity, discipline, listening, and communication skills. Creative Dramatics students learn to: work well in groups, listen well, participate, follow directions, use their imaginations, use their voices to communicate clearly, use gestures and body movements, generate new ideas quickly and show enthusiasm for the various activities. Participants will explore the actors' main tools: the voice, body, and imagination. Focus will be on collaboration, improvisation, and ensemble work. The class will culminate in a performance for family and friends.

Monday through Friday, June 19 - 23, 2006.

Members $58, Nonmembers $70 9:30 am to Noon, Multipurpose Room at the Ella Sharp Museum

Contact the museum for more information at 517-787-2320.

Oklahoma! Comes to Michigan!

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to present Rogers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” May 12, 13, 14 and 19, 20, 21 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson. Tickets are available now! For ticket information and reservations, call the JCC Box Office at 517-796-8600. Box Office hours are 10 am until 4:00 pm Monday through Friday and one hour before curtain time.

Show times are 8 P.M., MAY 12, 13, 19, 20; 3 P.M., MAY 14 (Mothers Day!) and 21. Ticket prices are $15/ADULTS; $12/SENIORS; $10/STUDENTS (WITH ID). Group rates are available.

Monte Long is the artistic director.

“Rodgers & Hammerstein's first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre still being followed today. Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly (Kurt Frost), a handsome cowboy, and Laurey (Mary Krzesicki), a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. That they will succeed in making a new life together we have no doubt, and that this new life will begin in a brand-new state provides the ultimate climax to the triumphant OKLAHOMA!” (from the R&H Theatricals website)

OUR TOWN Opens March 24, 2006

Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer-Prize winning play, Our Town, was first produced in 1938. It has become an "American stage treasure" and is his "most renowned and frequently performed play." Set at the turn of the 20th century, the play reveals the ordinary lives of the people in a small town.

Performances begin Friday, March 24 and continue for two weekends ending with a matinee performance on Sunday, April 2. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 3:00 p.m. The show will be presented in the Ruth Day Theatre at Potter Center on the campus of the Jackson Community College.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for seniors and students with i.d. Reservations can be made through the JCC box office at (517) 796-8600.