Auditions for Readings from the Second Stage

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theater group – has announced OPEN AUDITIONS for its second season of staged readings on Wednesday, November 10 at the Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue in Jackson from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Directors for the upcoming readings will be present.  Please bring a 1-2 minute audition piece to read.  You will also be asked to do a cold reading from provided material.

For more details about the plays click HERE.

Love, Love, Love the Sound of Music?

On Thursday October 28th, for the first time in 45 years the cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be reuniting on OPRAH! Stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, along with fellow cast members Charmian Carr (“Liesl”), Nicholas Hammond (“Friedrich”), Heather Menzies-Urich (“Louisa”), Duane Chase (“Kurt”), Angela Cartwright (“Brigitta”), Debbie Turner (“Marta”) and Kym Karath (“Gretl”) will reunite and reveal the stories behind one of the world’s most beloved movie musicals.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

JACKSON - The Who's Tommy, Peter Townsend's tale of a young boy's journey from pain to triumph, is the most electrifying evening of rock 'n' roll ever to play in a theater - and it opens for a three-weekend run at The Bon Ton Room beginning Oct. 14.

After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia. As the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbors. Then, as an adolescent, he's discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball, and when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30 at The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for food and drink service.
Tickets are $20.
For reservations or information, call 517-787-6733 or log on to www.bontonroom.com.

Performance Information
Show times

Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 15, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 22, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 29, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Guiness World Record?

Help The Croswell break Guinness World Record for largest Time Warp dance Oct. 28

ADRIAN - The Croswell announces an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the "Largest gathering of people doing the Time Warp dance" ever! And we need all the ghouls, guys and girls we can get to help us break the record!

Registration begins at 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, and the cast from the Croswell's upcoming production of Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show will lead the dance at 9:30 p.m.

Participants will gather in the parking lot directly across from El Chapulin and Amedai (ah-ME-day) Salon at 124 S. Winter Street in downtown Adrian. No dance experience is needed; costumes, while not required, are encouraged! At least 1,700 fun-loving Time Warpers are needed to get the attempt listed with Guinness!

All who join us will get FREE snacks from El Chapulin's, including their world famous chips and cheese, and Amedai Salon is providing hot cider and popcorn. PLUS, everyone who dances will receive a buy-one-get-one FREE coupon good for tickets to see The Crowell's production of The Rocky Horror Show! Show dates are Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., Saturday Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. and midnight, and Sunday Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.

The Time Warp is the dance made famous in the long-running movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and includes instructions in the lyrics to the song. It's super easy, and you'll get a great demonstration from The Croswell's cast of The Rocky Horror Show.

All ages are invited and encouraged to participate. But be warned: some costumes might get a little racy.
For more information about this attempt to break a Guinness World Record, or The Rocky Horror Show, visit www.croswell.org.

 (Reprinted from Encore Michigan)

JCC Presents. . .

“They’re Playing Our Song” is written by Neil Simon, with lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Based on the real-life relationship of Hamlisch and Sager, it is the story where a wisecracking composer finds a new, offbeat lyricist, but initially the match is not one made in heaven. The two undergo a series of trials and overcome a number of hurdles before finding true love by the final curtain. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 22, 23, 29 & 30, and 3 p.m. Oct. 24 & 31, in the Michael Baughman Theatre, Potter Center. Tickets are $5 adults, $3 for students and seniors. There is a special preview night Oct. 21, all tickets just $2. For more information, contact Sandy DiCesare, at 517.796.8625.

Cast list:

·         Vernon: Ryan Bennett

·         Sonia: Amy Campbell

·         Sonia’s Voices: Heidi Kelley, Amanda Marzano, Carly Jacobs

·         Vernon’s Voices: Derek Turson, Jeremy Moore, Andrew Wilson

 Production Staff:

·         Scenic Design: Michael Coy (JCC staff and alumni)

·         Co-Music Directors: Patti Clark (JCC alumni), Andrea Wynn (JCC student)

·         Vocal Director: Andrea Wynn (JCC Student)

·         Stage Manager: Justin McClure (JCC alumni)

·         Master Carpenter: Jeff Chatfield (JCC staff and alumni)

·         Choreographers: Aimie Smith, a JCC dance student taking an independent study class in choreography and choreographing this musical as part of the class.

Croswell Opera House Holds Auditions. . .

Croswell Opera House is holding auditions for a few young men, who can appear to be 16 - 22,  for principal roles.

Date/Time: Monday, October 18 at 8pm.  Other times/appts can be arranged.

Meet Me in St. Louis  runs the first two weekends in December – rehearsals will begin last week in October – early November. Interested? Call Jere L. Righter at the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

Here are a couple of performances you missed if you haven't checked out the Encore Theater in Dexter in the past year. Broadway's longest running Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Sarah Litzsinger, performing right in your neighborhood.

• Little Shop of Horrors - The Encore Musical Theatre Company, in Dexter, Michigan (Audrey)
• Oklahoma! - The Encore Musical Theatre Company (Ado Annie)
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - The Encore Musical Theatre Company (Mrs. Lovett)

Now comes word that Sarah will be moving on to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival where she will star in Peter Pan the Musical. Read the Playbill article HERE.

Croswell Opera House Holds Auditions. . .

The Croswell Opera House in Adrian is holding auditions for Meet Me in St. Louis on Sunday, October 10 from 3 - 6 PM and on Monday, October 11 from 7 - 9 pm. Visit www.croswell.org or call the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

 

Croswell Opera House Offers Audition Workshop

On October 24th from 6 - 8 PM, Croswell Opera House in Adrian is offering an audition workshop for high school students. It will be held in their rehearsal room. If you are interested visit www.croswell.org for directions or call the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

 

theatresiena announces 2010/2011 Season

"Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Founded in the liberal arts tradition, Siena offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. The university is headquartered in Adrian, Michigan with degree completion centers located throughout Michigan." Since Siena is less than an hour south of downtown Jackson. Check out this link to see what theatresiena has scheduled in the coming months.

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.

CSJ Auditions for Cinderella Announced. . .

AUDITIONS for 'Cinderella'

Center Stage Jackson is holding OPEN AUDITIONS for the Rodgers & Hammerstein beloved classic family musical “Cinderella,” to be directed by Barb Palmer. “Cinderella” is the second production of Center Stage Jackson’s 11th season.

Thursday, September 9th, 6:00-8:00 pm, at Grass Lake High School, 11500 Warrior Trail, Grass Lake, Michigan

Friday, September 10th, 6:00-8:00 pm, at First Congregational Church, 120 N. Jackson St., Jackson Michigan (please use back church entrance off Pearl Street).

Production dates are November 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14, 2010 at Grass Lake High School.

For more details about the auditions and how to get involved with the production, visit the Center Stage Jackson website by clicking HERE.

CSJ Auditions for Fall Youth Theater Production Announced. . .

 

AUDITIONS for 'Shakespeare Goes to Gravel Gulch'!

Youth Theater auditions are open to all students in grades 3 - 9. There are two audition dates and you only need to attend one.

Thursday, September 16 or Tuesday, September 21 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church,743 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson. at 4:30 PM each day.

Performance Dates are Friday, November 19 at 7:00, Saturday, November 20 at 7:00, and Sunday, November 21 at 2:00

For more details and contact information, visit the CSJ Audition Page by clicking HERE.

CSJ Celebrates Ten Years 2000 - 2010

New Board Members Elected – Awards Distributed

Jackson, MI   September 1, 2010

The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, MI once again was the site for the annual meeting of the Center Stage Jackson membership on August 25, 2010.  This was the theatre group’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration, organized by Amie Pierce, Karen Krupa, Karen Meyers, and Donna Guernsey.

Board members re-elected were TONY KRUPA, KEN BUTTERFIELD and KATIE HILL.  The balance of the board is comprised of DOUG MEYERS, KEN SCHLUCKEBIER, CHUCK THOR, JULIE KLEE, ANTOINETTE LA CINSKI, TONY BOLING and DENISE WEBER.  Executive Director of the organization is ANN HOLT.

The President's Award was presented to DOUG MEYERS, for his work running the Youth Theater Program, and many other contributions.

Bon Ton Room co-owner, actor, director and award winning cabaret performer MATT DAVIS was honored with the Ted Wood Award.  MICHAEL WOOD and his wife SUSAN are involved in selecting the winner of this award named for Michael's father.  The first recipient of the award, BILL INSLEY, wrote that, "Community theatre in the Jackson area might never have endured without the dedicated efforts of TED WOOD, and he showed no partiality to any one players' group (Clark Lake Players or Jackson Civic Theatre) . . . He was a tireless worker. . . And his happy, friendly manner in the box office gave our patrons a warm feeling of welcome."  The award was originally given by Jackson Civic Theatre at Stone Village many years ago.

The Rookie of the Year Award went to TIM BRAKE, whose daughter Carly has been involved with several recent productions, though he himself had not performed before participating in a staged reading of “Mauritius.”  CARA GURNSEY was given the Youth Award for her starring role in “The Diary of Anne Frank.”  R. DEAN WEBER won the Techie Award for his work on sets and other behind-the-scenes efforts.  The Hammy Award went to newcomer DEL BELCHER, nominated for the “special spark and nonstop energy” he brought to his role in “Back to the ’80s.”

Special recognition was also given to Past President SUSAN MURPHY and volunteers RICHARD AND THERESA FIFELSKI.

In addition, 37 Shining Star Awards were distributed to other performers and volunteers Marc Babcock, Samantha Baldwin, Bethany Belcher, Carly Brake, Bob Bullock, Bailey Chamberlain, Ellen Cole, Kelsey Cummings, Susan De Minica, Evan Denney, Cole Dillon, Derek Elhmann, James Ellis, Ann Green, Donna Guernsey, Randy Guernsey, Victoria Hood, Scott Hutchins, Rod Jacobs, Betsy King (and her dog, Maggie), T.R. Krupa, Steven Lee, Amanda Mahoney, Chip Mezo, The McKim Family, Don Mansfield, Martha Mansfield, Stephanie Pierce, Timm Richardson, Macie Richmond, Ken Schluckebier, Larry Shaltis, Kelly Skarritt, Kory Trombley, Sarah Weber, Ellen Yoakam.

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.