Planning a Trip to NYC to see Theater?

There are two places I recommend consulting before you take off on your trip to NYC to see theater. Wall Street Journal reviewer Terry Teachout publishes a list of his top choices each week on-line including the likely availability of tickets. The list includes on and off Broadway shows he has favorably reviewed. Check out his So You Want to See a Show.

And Playbill just posted a wonderful article that tells you how the lottery works for obtaining tickets for less. Armed with this information you can see a great show and maybe save some money!

I just discovered this wonderful informational site about theater for kids. It addresses and answers all kinds of questions relating to performance including suggestions for audition songs, theater etiquette, stage fright, how to get started and so much more.

"Musical-Theater-Kids.com" - Teens & Kids Who Want to Know About Training, Performing & Enjoying Musical Theater. Let Us Guide You Along Your Fantastic Journey To Become A Star!

I stumbled over this video on the website and thought it would be fun to share here too!

Eleventh Season Opens with DOUBT

Center Stage Jackson is back performing at Jackson Community College's Potter Center after a several year hiatus. And this production of John Patrick Shanley's DOUBT presented in the intimate Ruth Day Theatre is the perfect vehicle to show the quality of theater available to Jackson County residents.

Gerry Blanchard has assembled a cast that does justice to this parable about what happens when certainty and doubt collide. Under his direction the cast becomes a true ensemble. The set, costumes, lighting and sound are all of the highest quality.

Candice Cain Dunnigan, performing with CSJ for the first time, sees the world in terms of black and white. Her worthy opponent is Father Flynn played by Timm Richardson. Sarah Weber as Sister James is torn between obedience to her superior and her faith in Father Flynn. Monica L. Sanders as Mrs. Muller, whose son has relied on the priest for guidance and friendship, brings a new dimension to the picture.

Audience members tend not to like Sister Aloysius but does that mean she is wrong in her suspicions? This production is bound to spark lots of discussion and that's what the playwright intended.

• What: “Doubt: A Parable,” presented by Center Stage Jackson
• When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Oct. 1 and 2, 3 p.m. Oct. 3
• Where: Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Road
• Cost: $15
• Details: 796-8600

November 1 Deadline for MCACA Minigrant Applications

Jackson, Mich. – The Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History (The Ella) announces a Monday, November 1 deadline for the first and only round of Fiscal Year 2011 Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Minigrant applications.  The Ella serves as a regional regranting agency for the MCACA for Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties.
 

Projects proposed for funding during Round One may be held between February 1, 2011 and September 30, 2011. For Fiscal Year 2011, there will only be one funding period and no organization can receive both a MCACA Grant and a MCACA Minigrant.  Non-profit organizations in Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties planning an arts or cultural event during this period are invited to apply for funding.

The MCACA Minigrant Program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance, on a matching basis, to non-profit organizations for a wide variety of arts activities that offer special opportunities for communities to enjoy and participate in high-quality arts activities.  Decisions are made by a panel of qualified reviewers.

Application packets are available at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History office, located at 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson or by emailing creativeconsultingllc@gmail.com.    

 For further information, contact Alison Loveday, Regranting Coordinatorg, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, at 734/748-6001 or by email at creativeconsultingllc@gmail.com.

CENTER STAGE JACKSON ELECTS OFFICERS

At its first meeting of the 2010-2011 Season held September 15, 2010, the board of Center Stage Jackson elected its officers.  Re-elected were President Tony Krupa, Vice President DENISE WEBER, Secretary ANTOINETTE LACINSKI, and Treasurer KEN SCHLUCKEBIER.  The balance of the board is comprised of TONY BOLING, KEN BUTTERFIELD, KATIE HILL, JULIE KLEE, DOUG MEYERS, and CHUCK THOR.  Executive Director of the organization is ANN HOLT

Center Stage Jackson welcomes everyone to contact them if you are interested in getting involved with community theatre.  Please contact Ann Holt at ann.holt@centerstagejackson.org

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.  Please visit Center Stage's website at www.centerstagejackson.org.

Playwrights in an Hour Grant

Center Stage Jackson, Jackson’s community theater, recently received a mini-grant from the Jackson Junior Welfare League, which purchased a new series of theater books for the Jackson District Library.  “Playwrights in an Hour” is a series of 27 slim volumes that are basically “a crash course” in the lives and works of the 27 playwrights represented. Included are the “most produced and studied playwrights in the English language” from Euripides to Shakespeare and from Chekhov and Shaw to August Wilson and Sam Shepherd. Even more contemporary writers like Edward Albee, Sara Ruhl and Theresa Rebeck are covered as well.

Ann Holt, Executive Director of Center Stage Jackson says, “These titles are appropriate for actors, teachers, students, directors, professors, and general theater goers. We are thrilled that the Jackson Junior Welfare League was able to fund the series and that the Jackson District Library partnered with us in making them available to the community.”

Michigan Theatre of Jackson Seeks. . .

Executive Director

 

The Michigan Theatre of Jackson is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the restoration, operation and maintenance of the Theatre, providing a versatile center for arts entertainment and education in an historic atmosphere serving all members of the community. Hiring practices include a commitment to a policy of equal employment opportunity.

We are seeking qualified applicants for our full-time position of Executive Director who will provide organizational leadership, vision and community involvement to become the face of the Michigan Theatre of Jackson. Bachelor's degree (B. A.) preferred. Two to five years experience in theatre and cinema or closely related field and experience in non-profit funding preferred. Prefer someone with familiarity with Jackson County area businesses, industry, education, media and Chamber of Commerce constituencies.

The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and possess the ability to work well with a wide range of external constituents.  Will possess the ability to lead fundraising efforts and be strong in persuasive communication, organizational management and leadership. Will effectively manage staff, budget and will be hands-on in maintaining and operating the Theatre. Is responsible for marketing and public relation activities and develops/cultivates relationships to increase sales and revenue opportunities with area businesses and donors.

Candidate will be able to work flexible hours, including nights and holidays. Work weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) on a regular basis and have a willingness to work a variety of events and be open to wide range of diversity.

Interested and qualified candidates please submit cover letter and resume (that includes a return email address) to: Michigan Theatre of Jackson c/o Human Resources Committee, 124 N. Mechanic St., Jackson, MI 49201. Or email (preferred): mitheatresearch@gmail.com    NOTE: Applications will be accepted through September 18, 2010.