Auditions at the Croswell in Adrian

January auditions set for The Cat in the Hat at the Croswell!

The Croswell Opera House in downtown Adrian has scheduled auditions for its upcoming production of “The Cat in the Hat,” which will include both children and adult performers
.
Auditions will take place from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, and 7-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the Croswell. Auditioners should wear loose, comfortable clothing and be prepared to demonstrate movement and read from the script, which will be provided.

The show includes two roles for children, with the rest of the cast made up of adult or high school-aged performers. Some of the cast members will need to have gymnastic skills, and people with puppetry skills are also encouraged to audition.

Public performances will take place the weekends of Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 27 to March 1, with additional shows for school groups taking place on Feb. 25 and 26.

The production will be directed by Julianne Dolan.

The Croswell’s artistic team is committed to flexible, imaginative casting. Performers of all ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Reasonable accommodations will be made for anyone with special needs. The Croswell does not pay for participation in performances, but is committed to providing cast members with a professional-level experience in a friendly community theater environment.

The Croswell is at 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. For more information, call Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or email jrighter@croswell.org. For tickets to any Croswell production, visit the website or call 517-264-7469 (264-SHOW).

Youth Theatre Auditions 2015

^{Announcing Auditions for "Oz! The Musical"}

Jackson, MI – December 28, 2014

Center Stage Jackson Youth Theater announces auditions for its winter production of "Oz! - The Musical," an adaption of the beloved L. Frank Baum book.   Auditions will be held onThursday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 13 at 4:30 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church, 743 W Michigan Avenue.

A cyclone carries Dorothy and Toto to the magical Land of Oz.  When Dorothy’s house squashes the Wicked Witch of the East, she is ecstatically thanked by the liberated Munchkins and given permission to wear the witch’s powerful silver slippers.  From there, Baum’s lovable characters, rubber-legged Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Woodsman, join Dorothy on a journey to meet the great Oz.  While on their trek, they battle the Wicked Witch of the West, who is determined to get revenge for the death of her sister. 

The production is directed by Melissa McElhone with musical direction by Sarah Sanders.

Auditions are open to Jackson county youth in grades three through nine.  For more information, visit centerstagejackson.org or call Doug Meyers at 517-581-5606.

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Live Streaming of Concert Reading at Chelsea District Library! 12/6/2014

Photo Courtesy Sean Carter Photography

Chelsea District Library Announces Purple Rose Theatre Company

Concert Reading - Now available through live streaming!

Saturday, Dec. 6

10:30am-12:30pm | Ages 16 and older

McKune Room | Registration Required

Now there are two ways to enjoy our Purple Rose Theatre Company concert readings! In person or streamed live!  

Join us for this week's performance Ghost Gardens by Steven Simoncic. Staged in a forgotten corner of Detroit, this story pits redemption against destruction, hope against hopelessness, as it examines the humor, grit, grace, determination and delusion it takes to survive in the post-industrial modern American urban village. 

Can't make the performance? Watch it through live streaming in the comfort of your home!  The live streaming link can be found on our website home page below the catalog search and will be active the day of the performance.

It's Christmastime in the City! 2014

Be Part of The All A-Merry-Can Christmas Show in 2014

Christmas in the City - 9th Year!

Take a peek at your calendars, pick a date and come on out & see Christmas in the City! Text or call 517-936-8130 or email cabaretchristmas@gmail.com. for reservations.

Christmas is Coming!

The Encore Musical Theatre Company is well underway in our rehearsals for CHRISTMAS CAROLED!  As the set is being completed, and our costumer is hard at work in her costume shop, it is never too early for YOU to make your plans to come see Christmas Caroled at The Encore!  Christmas Caroled performances run November 20 - December 21, no performance on Thanksgiving Day.  Having company come to town and looking for something to do?? Bring them to The Encore for a Holiday treat the whole family will enjoy!

"A unique take on a holiday musical, Christmas Caroled!  draws on a classic tale, then wraps its story around an old-fashioned TV Christmas special - presented live! Gather around the stage this year for a magical holiday experience the whole family will enjoy!"

2014 Theater Opportunities for Young People

JSA has 2 opportunities for kids take the stage with their Christmas Play Production Classes - taught by Sandy DiCesare (ages 6-10) and Diego Febres-Cordero (ages 11-17) Classes start the week of Sept. 22. No audition, but you need to register for the class in advance.

For more information visit Jackson School of the Arts.

2014 Wilde Award Nominations

The Wilde Award nominations for 2014 have been announced. You can check them out HERE

There are lots of nods to the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, which just celebrated its 20th Season with outstanding performances of  HAMLET, CYMBELINE, and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST.

Now in the thirteenth year, the Wilde Awards honor the best productions, performances, and technical work done by professional theaters across the state based on reviews written by Encore Michigan's professional critics.

Theater professionals from across Michigan will gather together Sept. 22 when The 2014 Wilde Awards are presented at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield. 

Now in its 12th year, The Wilde Awards honors the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics. - See more at: http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.2uQiAFZD.dpuf

Now in its 12th year, The Wilde Awards honors the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics. - See more at: http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.2uQiAFZD.dpuf

Now in its 12th year, The Wilde Awards honors the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics. - See more at: http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.2uQiAFZD.dpu

Now in its 12th year, The Wilde Awards honors the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics. - See more at: http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.2uQiAFZD.dpu

Volunteer and See Shakespeare for Free (2014)

Michigan Shakespeare-Festival sent the following message regarding the sign up: 2014 MSF Festival Volunteers:

There are just two weekends left in our critically acclaimed 20th anniversary season. And there are still a few open volunteer opportunities.

There have been a few cancellations and last minute reschedulings. So if you'd like to come help and see the shows, please double check our calendar and see if anything works for you.

See you at the theater!

To view the sign up, go to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0548AEAF2EA7FF2-20141/18535912

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Free Shakespeare for Students Through August 17, 2014

Janet Haley as the Queen in CYMBELINE

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has received a grant from Michigan Automotive Compressor Inc. (MACI) to provide free tickets to local area students! 

HAMLET, CYMBELINE, and the IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Oscar Wilde)

If you know someone under the age of 18 in Jackson County, they can attend any MSF performance over through August 17th for FREE! All they have to do is fill out a survey afterwards talking about their experience seeing live theatre.

Seating is limited! Only 20 free tickets per performance. To reserve now, call the box office at 517-796-8600 and use the code JSASTUDENT. Thank you MACI!

Peppermint Creek Theatre Announces Auditions

Auditions for the first production of the 2014-15 season, "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" are this weekend! Find all of the details here: http://www.peppermintcreek.org/audition.html

An Early Look at Stratford's 2015 Season

It's only about four hours (depending on highway construction and how long it takes to cross the border into Canada ) to drive from Jackson to the Stratford Festival and experience first class theater. The 2015 Season seems heavy on audience favorites like The Sound of Music and Carousel. Shakespeare is represented by Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew, and Love's Labour's Lost. Read more HERE .

"The Stratford Festival, formerly known as the Stratford Shakespearean and then Shakespeare Festival, is an internationally recognized annual celebration of theatre running from April to October in the Canadian city of Stratford, Ontario." Source: Wikipedia

Jackson School for the Arts Offers Workshop for Teens and Adults

Theater for Teens and Adults

From Audition to Opening Night Workshop with the Sauk Theatre's Dave Trippett.  Thursday, July 17.  6:30-8:00 PM. $12. 

Encore Musical Theatre (Dexter, MI) Announces Auditions

SPAMALOT: Directed by Thalia V. Schramm, Musical Directed by R. Mackenzie Lewis, and Choreographed by Mathew Brennan.

Rehearsals begin August 19th, Performances run September 18th through October 12th.

AUDITIONS WILL BE MONDAY, JULY 21st, FROM 6pm-10pm. An invited callback audition will be held on Tuesday, July 22nd.

Please prepare two contrasting 32-bar cuts of music from a contemporary musical. Music from the show is acceptable.

***To audition, you must call the box office 

during normal business hours and schedule a time***.  

(734) 268-6200)

For more information visit the Encore website .

The Croswell (Adrian, MI) Presents. . .

The Croswell, in downtown Adrian, continues is 2014 Broadway season of shows with the big-hearted, high-flying hit musical, Catch Me If You Can, July 18 – 27. Based on the book and hit 2002 Dreamworks movie, this jazzy and spirited musical follows the real-life story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a world-class con artist who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as doctor, a lawyer and a jet pilot, even winning the girl of his dreams – all before the age of 21!  With straight-arrow FBI agent Carl Hanratty on Frank’s tail, the show offers a jet-setting, cat-and-mouse chase all set to a swinging ‘60’s score and a cast full of flashy show girls! Catch Me If You Can runs Friday & Saturday, July 18 & 19 and 25 & 26 at 8:00pm, with 2:30pm performances on Saturday July 26 and Sundays July 20 & 27. 

 

Tickets for Catch Me If You Can range in price from $15 - $35 for adults and are just $15 for students aged 15 and under. For information about tickets, call the Croswell at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in to the box office at 129 E. Maumee, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit www.croswell.org. If interested, you may contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org to schedule an interview with a member of the cast or artistic team. Media tickets are available for the first weekend’s performances. 

Williamston Theatre (Williamston, MI) Announces 2014-2015 Season

"Williamston Theater, mid-Michigan's award-winning professional theater company, celebrates its ninth season with a mix of comedies, dramas, murders, world premieres and Michigan premieres. The 2014-2015 season will include "The Gravedigger: A Frankenstein Story" by Joseph Zettelmaier, "Miracle on South Division Street" by Tom Dudzik, "The Best Brothers" by Daniel MacIvor, "Sirens" by Deborah Zoe Laufer, "Outside Mullingar" by John Patrick Shanley and "The Art of Murder" by Joe DiPietro."

You can find details on their website by clicking HERE.

WANT TO SEE A SHOW FOR FREE?

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival needs volunteer ushers! It's a great way to see the show for free AND help out a non-profit organization at the same time! They need 3 ushers for each performance, and they ask ushers to arrive for training one hour prior to curtain. 

If you are interested call the MSF admin office at 517-998-3673 or email the MSF!

Update on the Situation at Performance Network #3

The Performance Network closed suddenly, mid-production, the end of May. Now the board has chosen new leadership to attempt to resuscitate the financially ailing professional theater. You can read a little about how the organization plans to move forward.

Earlier articles are HERE #2 and HERE #1.

Michigan Shakespeare Festival Opens 20th Anniversary Season July 17

Hamlet, Cymbeline & The Importance of Being Earnest to run July 17 - August 17, 2014

JACKSON, Mich. - The Michigan Shakespeare Festival will open their 20th Anniversary Season, July 17, 2014. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, and Shakespeare’s romantic adventure Cymbeline will run in repertory for five weeks, July 17 - August 17, 2014.
 

Six discounted previews, sponsored by Jackson’s JTV and The Commercial Exchange, will begin each run, followed by Press Opening Night on the third performance of each production. Regular performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be held at the Baughman Theatre, located in the Potter Center on the campus of Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson MI 49201. The 20th Anniversary Season is sponsored by the Weatherwax Foundation, the James A. & Faith Knight Foundation, the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, MACI Youth Fund, Experience Jackson,Consumers Energy, Comerica Bank, Jackson Community Foundation, Anethesia Business Consultants, Jackson College, Samuel Higby Camp Foundation, Louis Glick Memorial Trust, Jackson Art & Literary Association, and the Hurst Foundation. 

 

Update on the Situation at Performance Network

The Performance Network closed suddenly, mid-production, the end of May. Now the board has chosen new leadership to attempt to resuscitate the financially ailing professional theater. You can read about it HERE.

You can read an earlier article for more background HERE.

Farmers Alley Theatre (Kalamazoo, MI) Announces 2014 - 2015 Season

Farmers Alley Theatre in Kalamazoo is also doing a production of Pasek & Paul's DOGFIGHT during their 2014 - 2015 Season. Guess I'l be seeing it twice this coming season! Here's the rest of their very interesting line-up.

THE SECRET GARDEN – September/October 2014Based on the beloved novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this whimsical and haunting tale tells the story of young Mary Lennox, orphaned and sent to live with her unknown relatives on the ghastly moors in England.  Once there, Mary tries to bring hope, life and spring back to the estate and her new family.  Book by Marsha Norman, Music and Lyrics by Lucy Simon & Marsha Norman.

AND THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND – December 2014Our Cabaret Series features the songs of one of the greatest songwriting teams in musical theatre history, the works of John Kander & Fred Ebb.  Composers of Cabaret, Chicago, New York, New York and many more, this evening is perfect for our intimate cabaret setup that has become our most popular time of the year.

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE – February 2015The Tony Award Winner for Best Play in 2013, this hilarious comedy tells the story of a movie star sibling who comes home to her family with a brand new and much younger boyfriend.  From the twisted mind of comedic genius Christopher Durang, this riotous new work is a smart and savvy send up of the entertainment business while also a biting black comedy about family.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE – April 2015Farmers Alley Theatre’s first real foray into one of the classics of American Theatre is presented in season 7 with Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie.  Now more popular than ever after its successful Broadway revival, come join us as we bring these unforgettable characters – Amanda, Tom, Laura, and the gentleman caller, Jim - to life this spring.

DOGFIGHT – June 2015A new musical from University of Michigan graduates Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Dogfight’s recent off-Broadway run was nominated for nearly every award available.  On the eve of JFK’s assassination in 1963, three young soldiers are about to ship off to Vietnam.  One of the boys meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress who rewrites the book of love and an unexpected love affair takes place.  Romantic and heartbreaking, this is a perfect show for audiences who love to be inspired and captivated.

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL – July/August 2015Head back to Armadillo Acres as your favorite rednecks celebrate Christmas in July!  One of our most popular shows in Farmers Alley history is back – with a holiday twist!  Betty, Lin and Pickles are on hand to treat audiences to an all-new sequel where the Trailer Park’s resident Scrooge needs to learn a lesson about neighborly love.  Featuring all the beer-swilling, lawn-chair throwing antics that made the original such a hit!

Center Stage Jackson's Production of JOSEPH Opens

Introducing Michael Cicirelli as Joseph!

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29 at Jackson College's Baughman Theater (in the Potter Center). Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students (with ID) and $10 for groups of 10 or more. Purchase tickets online at www.centerstagejackson.org or reserve over the phone at 517-796-2602!

Encore Musical Theatre (Dexter, MI) Announces 2014 - 2015 Season

Proudly announces their 2014-2015 Season! Check out their website HERE.

Spamalot! -The hilarious musical written by Monty Python alum Eric Idle - Opening September 18th, 2014!

A Christmas Caroled! A new Christmas Musical (conceived and written by Daniel C. Cooney and Dayle Ann Hunt), making it's World Premier on November 21st, 2014!

Guys On Ice: The Ice Fishing Musical Comedy (one for your favorite ice fishing guy or gal) - Opening January 29th, 2015!

On Golden Pond - The Tony Award Winning Drama comes to our stage! - Opening April 2nd, 2015.
South Pacific - A Classic of Musical Theatre! Opening July 23rd, 2015!

Auditions will be announced soon, so keep looking here for more information!

Breaking News from the Michigan Shakespeare Festival

Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s 2013 production of Twelfth Night, photo by Jeromy Hopgood

JACKSON, Mich. - The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is teaming up with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival (MSF) to expand its theatrical offerings by bringing special performances to Canton, MI next year. For three weeks in the summer of 2015, from July 29 - August 16, 2015, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival will present its 2015 Season lineup, which will consist of two Shakespeare plays and one classical comedy, to the Canton Community.

“I am thrilled beyond belief that the Michigan Shakespeare Festival will be expanding to the Canton Village Theater next year,” said Canton Arts Coordinator Jennifer Tobin. “The Festival will give our residents the opportunity to see professional Equity actors performing classic theatre in repertory - not an easy thing to find short of driving an hour or more. This will also be the opportunity of a lifetime for our resident arts groups to witness classical theatre being professionally produced - as they rub elbows with the best of the best in Michigan.”

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s official 2015 Season will be announced on opening night of the MFS's 20th Anniversary Season: June 19th, 2014. The Festival will begin the 2015 Season by rehearsing, previewing and opening performances at the Potter Center in Jackson, then moving the productions to The Village Theater at Cherry Hill.

“Our hope is that we develop a long term relationship with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival that serves to educate and enlighten our community,” said Canton Supervisor Phil LaJoy. “Ultimately, we would like to put Canton on the map as a Shakespeare lover’s destination and add this to our growing lineup of popular annual cultural offerings.”

“As the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, I think we have the responsibility to share these works with as many people as possible--and with the expansion of the 2015 Season to The Village Theater, we will be able to bring our amazing company closer to audiences in Southeast Michigan. We couldn’t be happier about our  partnership with Canton and The Village Theater at Cherry Hill,” said Michigan Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director, Janice L. Blixt.

Founded in 1995, The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has produced for twenty years in Jackson, Michigan. Starting as an outdoor festival in Ella Sharp Park, the company moved indoors to their current home at the Potter Center on the campus of Jackson College in 2003, thus allowing for higher levels of technical and professional performances, as well as audience comfort. That same year they received the designation as The Official Shakespeare Festival of Michigan by the State Legislature. The expanded season relies on a strong partnership with The Village Theater and connection to the Canton Township and outlying communities. The Michigan Shakespeare Festival looks forward to partnering with local businesses to weave itself into the fabric of Canton, while maintaining it’s longstanding loyalty to the Jackson Community that has been its home.

Ticket sales for the Canton performances of the 2015 Season, including season Flex Passes, will be announced this autumn and available through The Village Theater at Cherry Hill box office . A Flex Pass will include one ticket to each production, and show dates and times can be chosen at the time of purchase, or at a later date.

Founded in 1995, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre company operating under a League of Regional Theatres Letter of Agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association. The MSF is dedicated to entertaining and educating a broad-based audience through professional performances of Shakespeare’s works and other classic plays.

The Village Theater, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI 48187, is a regional center for the arts that offers the magic of live theatre, soul-stirring music, the thrill of the dance, and the enjoyment of fine arts exhibitions and events, in addition to providing a home for serveral cultural organizations and community groups.

Peppermint Creek 2014 - 2015 Season Announced

Having loved Lansing's Peppermint Creek's production of Next to Normal (read my review), I was excited to see what their new season would be. No disappointments here.

What a challenging and original season! I am especially looking forward to Pasek & Paul's Dogfight. Other productions are Rajiv Joseph's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Jason Robert Brown's Parade, and David Ives' Venus in Fur.

You can read details of the season HERE.

Center Stage presents. . .

Center Stage Jackson presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 2014 Jackson College. 

www.centerstagejackson.org

Summer Classes at the Ella

Among a fascinating array of summer classes being offered by the Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson, Michigan, are the following for those interested in theater! You can check out the entire list of classes, HERE.

Staging Stories
July 14–18
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Grades 1–6
Community Room
Member $135/Non-member $170
Register by July 7
Dive into fairytales and storybooks through the art of acting! Create characters and explore plot based on original stories. Perform for friends and family on the last day.

The Art of Improv
July 21–25
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Grades 7–12
Community Room
Member $135/Non-member $170
Register by July 14
Work as team to create original, live theatre through the art of improvisation and sketch comedy. Learn basic acting fundamentals and perform for friends and family on Friday!

Croswell presents. . .

 

The Croswell is proud to continue its 2014 Broadway Season with the classic Charles Dickens musical, Oliver! including an opening night gala which benefits the Croswell, and presents the Lenaweee Arts Award to Ken Thompson on June 13 at 8:00pm. With a book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, at the Croswell Oliver! is directed by Betsy Lackey, with music direction by Wynne Marsh, and choreography by Allison Steele. The production continues with shows at 8:00pm on June 14, 20 & 21, and at 2:30pm on June 15, 21 & 22. Oliver! features seventeen area youth as workhouse kids and Fagin’s gang including George Mancy of Toledo, Ohio in the title role.

The perfect family musical, Oliver! is an unforgettable story of a remarkable boy looking for a place to call home. From the orphanage to the mean streets of London, the ever optimistic Oliver strives to survive meeting memorable characters along the way including the Artful Dodger (Paul Mallory), Nancy (Deveny Rosebrock), Fagin (Robert Yoman), Bill Sykes (Bryan Dryer) and Mr. Brownlow (Steve Antalek). Oliver! Memorable songs from the show include, “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” “As Long As He Needs Me,” and “Where Is Love.”

Others in the cast at the Croswell include: Tom Hodgman, - Mr. Bumble, Kayla Henry - Widow Corney, Alex Drews - Noah Claypole, Jesse Monte - Mr. Sowerberry, Libby Edwards - Mrs. Sowerberry, and Becca Nowak as Charlotte. Ensemble members include: Jeff Adams, Michael Allen, Mollie Cardella, Lauren Carlton, Margaret Clark, Debbie Corbin, Robin Donaghy, Keith Filipek, Sarah Hodgman, Mary Margaret Hollstein, Alison Hunt, Mark Hyre, Sarah Matlow, Brittani McComb, Meg McNamee, Ashley Price, Benjamin Rosebrock, Taieshia Tindall, Nathan VanAtta, Dale White and Andrea Wozniak.

Orphans, street urchins and workhouse boys are portrayed by: Cooper Adams, Jon Antalek, Matthew Antalek,

Brock Boze, Cole Carrico, Anthony Contreras, Jayden Donaghy, Dominic Duncan, Kyle Haeussler, Tommy Hodgman, Halle Horwath, Jacob Hyre, Lauren Kapnick, Cameron Kuhn, Grant Long, and Arielle Osstifin.

On opening night, join the Croswell for a very special event! The Great Big Night, sponsored by many local businesses, organizations and individuals, is really three parties in one.  The pre-show event, called The Big T’Do will take place from 5:30pm – 7:30pm under a tent behind Adrian City Hall. The Big T’Do features dinner and a bar, a live auction and lots of great fun!  Immediately after The Big T’Do, the party moves to the Croswell.  At 8:00pm Ken Thompson will receive the Lenawee Arts Award, followed by the opening night performance of Oliver!  After the show, a dancing-under-the-stars celebration wraps up the night.  Called The Big Finish, the after-party includes a midnight buffet, desserts, a cash bar, the opportunity to meet, and dance with, the cast and much, much more!

Tickets for Oliver! range in price from $15 - $35 for adults and are just $15 for students aged 15 and under. Tickets to The Great Big Night are available for $125 to participate in all of the events, or just $100 to attend the show and either one of the parties. For information about tickets, call the Croswell at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in to the box office at 129 E. Maumee, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit www.croswell.org. 

For more information about Oliver! The Great Big Night, or to schedule an interview with a member of the cast or artistic team, please contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org.

Summer Classes for Adults and Teens at The Purple Rose in Chelsea

Interested in theater? Check out these classes being offered this summer at The Purple Rose in Chelsea, Michigan.

Purple Rose Spring Comedy Festival Now Playing

2014 SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KIDS/TEENS AT CROSWELL

CROSWELL OFFERS TWO EDUCATIONAL CAMPS FOR

THEATRE STUDENTS IN SUMMER 2014

Students aged 5 – 18 encouraged to participate in performance

based educational programs at historic theatre!

Give your student the opportunity to work with great instructors – developing movement, acting, and dance skills in a fun, interactive setting at the Croswell!  For 2014, the Croswell is offering two distinct programs, so beginners as well as those with a great deal of theatre experience can grow their skills and experience the magic of being part of a Croswell show. Both programs begin July 21 and run through August 3. Camp times vary by age and program.  

The Croswell Kids Performance Camp will produce Once Upon a Mattress in just two weeks! The Croswell Kids program is designed for theatre novices as well as those that like to have fun learning music, dance and lines for a show. All students ages 5 – 15 are invited to be a part of this great camp, and everyone will learn the songs, script and movement of the hilarious and fun Once Upon a Mattress.  The Croswell will provide a professional team of director, music director and choreographer to ensure that everyone has a great time and learns a lot! There are no auditions for this camp, but roles will be awarded based on skills and abilities as assessed in the first few days of camp.

The Croswell’s Summer Performance Intensive is a new two-week program designed for students aged 10 – 18 who have some performing experience and who are looking to advance their skills. Topics covered in the Performance Intensive include: professional auditions, singing, make-up application for the stage, movement for the actor and more. The Performance Intensive is for students who want to work on improving their performance skills, while learning more about the world of professional theatre. This group of students will be led by a director, and they will also have the experience of working with other theatre professionals throughout the camp sessions. This program will result in a Cabaret Performance over the weekend of August 1 – 2. Students will be admitted to the Summer Performance Intensive by audition only.

Registration for the Croswell Kids Performance Camp is open now through July 14, and all area youth are invited to take part in the camp. Tuition for the Performance Camp is $200/student, and any additional students from the same family are just $175.

Auditions for the Summer Performance Intensive will be held at the Croswell on June 23 from 6pm – 8pm and on June 28 from 11am – 1pm. Students only need to attend one of the auditions, where they should be prepared to sing 16 bars of music, as well as read from a script which will be provided by the director. Please bring your own sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Tuition for the Summer Performance Intensive is $300, with additional students from the same family just $275.

Registration information, including the specific schedule for each camp can be found on the Croswell website, www.croswell.org, Facebook page, or by stopping into the box office located at 129 E. Maumee Street in downtown Adrian. Information about tickets to Once Upon a Mattress, or the Croswell Cabaret, can also be found at these locations, or by calling the Croswell box office at 517-264-7469.

Center Stage Jackson announces auditions for staged readings

Correction:
Staged Reading Series Auditions
ONLY on Saturday April 12th, 2014

Auditions for the Staged Reading Series will be held ONLY on Saturday, April 12th.  April 5th auditions have been cancelled.

Audition Date: Saturday April 12, 2014
Audition Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Audition Location: The Ella Sharp Museum
3225 Fourth St. Jackson, MI 49203

Show info page: Click here
Show Type: Staged Reading
Performance Dates: May 10 (In the Next Room) or June 7, 2014 (Art), other show dates TBD
Performance Location: Jackson Symphony Orchestra

Contact: Susan Murphy at   sgmurphyslaw@comcast.net

 

The Encore Musical Theatre Summer Programs 2014

WELCOME BACK CAMP DIRECTOR  THALIA SCHRAMM!!

THALIA SCHRAMM (Program Director) is returning to the Encore Summer Camps for the fifth year. She created the programs in 2009, and has had a blast teaching kids about how fantastic theatre can be since then. Thalia as appeared on The Encore stage since 2009 in many, many shows including Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), Little Woman the Musical (Meg), The Last 5 Years (Cathy), The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee (Olive), and Evita in Concert (Eva Peron). She has also been seen at Performance Network Theatre in Ann Arbor in A Little Night Music (Anne) and Jerry's Girls (Mabel), and in Evil Dead the Musical (Linda) with Olympia Entertainment at the City Theatre in downtown Detroit. Thalia has served as the Associate Artistic Director at The Encore, and as the Publicist for Two Muses Theatre.

For more details visit the Encore website.

June 16th – 20th: Elementary Camp (Ages 5-10, Capacity 12, $300)

June 23rd – 27th: Disney Camp (Ages 8-12, Capacity 12, $300)

July 7th – 11th: Elementary Camp (Ages 5-10, Capacity 12, $300)

July 14th – 18th: Middle School Camp (Ages 10-14, Capacity 16, $350)

July 21 - 25: Pop Star Camp (Ages 8-12, Capacity 12, $300)

July 28 - August 1: Middle School Camp (Ages 10-14, Capacity 16, $350)

August 4 - 5: Two Day Audition Master Class (Ages 12-15, Capacity 12, $100)

August 6 -15: High School Camp (Ages 14-18, Capacity 12, $425)

August 18 - 20: Three Day Master Class with Naz Edwards (Ages 14-20, Capacity 12, $250)

World Theatre Day March 27, 2013

Celebrate
World Theatre Day 
March 27, 2014 

World Theatre Day has been celebrated
on March 27 since 1961, created by the International Theatre Institute (ITI),
an international non-governmental
organization founded in 1948 by
UNESCO and the international
theatre community.

Center Stage Jackson announces auditions. . .

Announcing Auditions for
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Show Page: Click here
Show Type: Main Stage-Musical
Performance Dates: June 20, 21, 22 & 27, 28, 29, 2014
Performance Location: The Baughman Theater @ Jackson College's Potter Center

Audition Dates:
April 7 and 8 - Teens and adults 12 and up
April 9 - Children under 12
April 10 - Call Backs

Audition Time: 6:30-8pm
Audition Location: First Congregational Church
120 N. Jackson St. Jackson, MI 49201
Callback Info: Callbacks will be arranged if necessary

Other information: 
Use the Pearl St. entrance to the church.
Auditions will consist of singing and dancing only.
Accompaniment and cd player will be available. If computer is needed, please bring your own.
Please dress nicely, but comfortably.

Contact:  deweber54@yahoo.com or 517-962-2357.

2014 Spring Theatre Classes at The Purple Rose

CHELSEA, Mich. — The Purple Rose Theatre Company is now taking reservations for the next class session, Voice and Movement. The first class begins on Saturday, April 5 and continues through Saturday, May 17 (There will be no class on April 26.) Each session meets from 10AM until 1PM.


All skill levels are welcome. Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate. The fee is $350. Class size is limited to 10. 
 
Registration for Voice and Movement is available by phone at 734.433.7782 and online at http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/education/classes.

Auditions for CSJ's Cabaret

Announcing Auditions for
Villains of Broadway Cabaret

Show info page: Click here
Show Type: Cabaret
Performance Date: April 18, 2014
Performance Location: Jackson Symphony Orchestra

Audition Date: Tuesday March 18, 2014
Audition Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Audition Location: First Presbyterian Church
743 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201

What to Prepare: A song that fits the theme "Villains of Broadway"

Contact: Director Lisa Ykimoff at 517-581-2344 or lisacykimoff@gmail.com

Auditions for Center Stage Jackson

^{Announcing Auditions for
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat}

Jackson, MI – March 10, 2014

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Auditions will be held April 7th, 8th and 9th at the First Congregational Church, 120 N. Jackson Street in downtown Jackson. 

Auditions for teens and adults ages twelve and older will be held April 7th and 8th from 6:30pm-8:00pm.  Auditions for children under twelve will be held April 9th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Callbacks will be held April 10th.  

Auditions will consist of singing and dancing only. Accompaniment and CD player will be available.  Auditioning actors should dress nicely, but comfortably.

Performances dates for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are June 20, 21, 22 & 27, 28, 29, 2014 in the Baughman Theater at Jackson College's Potter Center.

Questions regarding auditions should be directed to Artist Director Denise Weber at deweber54@yahoo.com or 517-962-2357.

For more information, visit CenterStageJackson.org or click here.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Lots of music to get you into the holiday spirit. Students of Andrea Wynn and guests will perform in this concert being held at the Arbor Grove Congregational Church, 2621 McCain Road at 7 PM on Saturday evening, December 21, 2013.

SCROOGE THE MUSICAL!

Scrooge the Musical! opens in 2 weeks! Purchase tickets at centerstagejackson.org, on the CSJ facebook page, or at this link: https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html...

Dates are November 8, 9, 10 & 15, 16, 17, 8pm Fri & Sat 3pm Sunday, Baughman Theater @ Jackson College's Potter Center.  

Michigan Shakespeare Festival 2013-2014 Touring Performances

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is proud to announce the opening of its 2013-14 touring performances. From Nov. 4 through May 30, 2014 the MSF tour will perform Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet for high schools, libraries, community organizations, and senior centers throughout Southern Michigan, Northern Indiana and Northern Ohio. Adapted and directed by award-winning MSF artistic director Janice L. Blixt, the productions run approximately 100 minutes and are available for booking at any time throughout the year. CLICK HERE to read the complete story. (Source: Encore Michigan)

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY - YULETIDE CABARET 2013

At the Grand Community Room at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, Jackson, Michigan, December 12 (7:00 p.m.), 13 and 14, (8:00 p.m.). $20 admission (cash only at the door please). Come join us and see (and hear!) why many people look forward to this show year after year!  Roxanne Bruner, Kerrie Manders, Justin Marcero, Lori Pelham, Sandy Sykes, Sherra Zuck

Michigan Shakespeare Festival High School Tour

Check this out!

"MSF High School Tour to perform Macbeth to Jackson County High School Classes for Free at the Michigan Theatre Nov 4th 10am."
 

Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG October 23, 2013

Theatre and music peeps: I bought my ticket ($17) today at the Jackson 10 Cinema to see a one time only showing of Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG next Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Who's going to join me?

You can also purchase your ticket(s) online and find more information or if there is a theatre near you (460 around the nation) participating. 

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