Anyone Remember Paul Meshejian?

In early July PlayPenn, Philadelphia's professional new play development organization, held its third annual New Play Development Conference , helping to refine six new works. This news story appeared on PlayBill recently. The conference culminates in free, public staged readings July 19-21.

Paul Meshejian, artistic director of PlayPenn, was once the artistic director of the Jackson Civic Theatre. In the late 70s and early 80s Paul was responsible for high quality productions of I Never Sang for My Father, Vanities, 6 Rooms Riv View, The Doctor in Spite of Himself, and many others.

PlayPenn's mission "is to support the development of the written word and those who use it to create new plays for the American theatre."
For further information visit http://www.playpenn.org/.

Why do we tell the stories?

"There are many different reasons why we tell the stories that we do. Sometimes, we do stories to entertain because life is long and hard and we need some levity and some relief. Sometimes, we're trying to educate because life is short and confusing and we have a lot to learn in a brief amount of time. Sometimes, it's to convey truth because life is full of untruth and injustice. Sometimes, we are doing a play to pay the rent because life is expensive. We all know the cost of it in many different terms. Sometimes, we do a play or tell a story to promote understanding of each other and who we are." (Costume designer Susan K. Mickey)

How the Purple Rose creates theatre!

Artistic Director Guy Sanville and Purple Rose Cast Members Discuss the New Play Sea of Fools and the Art of Creating A Theatrical Production from a Brand New Script
Tuesday August 21, 2007: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room.

How do you create a play from a brand new script? Set in the height of the McCarthy era, Sea of Fools, penned by Michigan's own Matt Letscher, glimpses a company of actors who live in an elaborately-constructed fantasy world. The talented cast includes Guy Sanville. Hear Sanville and members of the cast discuss the transformation from the playwright's page to the performance stage!

Guy Sanville celebrated his twelfth anniversary as Artistic Director of The Purple Rose Theatre Company on May 1st. He has directed over twenty productions for the company and has received the Detroit Free Press Excellence in Theatre Award for Best Director four times. Sanville has appeared in seven plays for the Rose, most recently as Brock in Born Yesterday and Stu in Boomtown.

Wicked Tour Will Return to Michigan in 2008!

For all of you who missed Wicked this time around, good news! Andrew Gans reported in today's Playbill that the national tour of the hit musical Wicked will play a return engagement at Michigan's Wharton Center for the Performing Arts in 2008.

The Stephen Schwartz-Winnie Holzman musical will play the East Lansing venue July 17-Aug. 3, 2008.

For more information visit www.wickedthemusical.com.

Auditions for Little Women & Cheaper By the Dozen

Auditions have been set for both Cheaper by the Dozen and Little Women the Broadway Musical. They will be held on Monday and Tuesday, August 6th and 7th with callbacks (if necessary) on Thursday, August 9th. Times will be from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.at the Jackson Symphony Hall, 215 W. Michigan Avenue in downtown Jackson.

Cheaper by the Dozen is being directed by Julie Klee. The show dates are September 28, 29, 30 and October 5, 6, 7 at Grass Lake Performing Arts Center. There are roles for adults and children in this production.

Little Women the Broadway Musical is being directed by Ann Holt. The show dates are November 9, 10, 11 and 16, 17, 18 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College. There are roles for 6 women (4 young women in their teens to early 20s) and 4 men in this production. All must have stong voices. Watch this space for more information!

Disney's High School Musical Opens!

Summer Stage with the support of Center Stage Jackson presents:

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL!

July 20-22 & 27-29

For reservations call 517-522-5695

Production Team: Director: Chip Mezo, Vocal/Music Director: Antoinette LaCinski, Choreographer: Julie Klee...

http://www.myspace.com/summerstagejackson

JCC Honors Sandy DiCesare

Jackson Community College announced four outstanding employee awards recently. One award was to Sandy DiCesare.

Sandra DiCesare, a part-time instructor and theater technician, received the Outstanding Staff Member Award. A 22-year veteran employee of the college, DiCesare is adviser of the drama club, directs student performances and resides in Jackson.

Executive Director (Full time)

Chelsea Center for the Arts in Chelsea, Michigan is searching for a fund development professional with proven grant writing success. The ideal candidate will possess along with a strong passion for the arts, the following qualifications:

1. Self starter and innovative thinker
2. Realize the organizational vision as directed by a volunteer board
3. Strong interpersonal and verbal/ written communication skills
4. Ability to continue and foster community partnerships
5. Administration/ Supervision of part time staff
6. Bachelors degree in arts related field or equivalent experience necessary

Please submit resume along with salary history to:

Chelsea Center for the Arts
Executive Director Search Committee
400 Congdon Street
Chelsea, MI 48118

Equal Opportunity Employer

Wendy Broshar, Interim DirectorChelsea Center for the Arts400 Congdon Street, Chelsea MI 48118734-433-2787734-433-2788 (fax)http://www.chelseacenterforthearts.org/