Julianne Dolan Wins Award

The Croswell, along with the Lenawee Arts Award Committee, announces that Julianne Dolan is to be honored with the 2012 Lenawee Arts Award.  Each year, the Lenawee Arts Award Committee selects the recipient of the award from a host of nominations.  The award honors a member of our community that goes “above and beyond” to support the visual and performing arts. 

Congratulations to Julianne Dolan, who has performed in the Jackson area as well!

Cold Reading Workshop in Dexter

Take Charge of Your Next Audition
It’s time for callbacks. Breathe. You can do this.

Sundays, 7-9 p.m.
June 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, (no class July 15), and July 22.

Visit www.CarrieJay.com/workshop for more details of what to expect!

LEGALLY BLONDE OPENS JUNE 15TH

Center Stage Jackson presents Legally Blonde - The Musical June 15-17 and 22-24 in the Baughman Theatre at JCC. www.centerstagejackson.org

Youth Theatre Seeks Directors

Center Stage Jackson Youth Theater seeks directors for the 2012-13 season for a November play and a March musical. Contact info@centerstagejackson.org for more information.

Scholarships Available from Center Stage Jackson

Center Stage Jackson (CSJ) will be providing theatre arts scholarships for students. Application deadline is July 27th. www.centerstagejackson.org

Summer Programs for Kids & Teens

This information came from Encore Michigan:

WILLIAMSTON - The Williamston Theatre will offer four workshops this summer for teens (12-18 years old) starting June 18. The classes will be taught by Dana Brazil, a professional actress who has been seen onstage at Williamston Theatre, BoarsHead Theatre and The Purple Rose Theatre Company. Find more details HERE.

ANN ARBOR - The Children's Theatre Network announces "The Play's the Thing!" This youth acting class (7-11 years), taught by accomplished instructor/performer Anne Rhoades and CTN Director Becky Fox, will be held at Performance Network Theatre Monday through Friday June 18-29 from 4:30-6 p.m. 

Encore Michigan.com, is a new, Web-based publication focused on Michigan's professional theater industry. It is the state's premier source for free, up-to-the-minute news and information about this often-ignored segment of the arts community. has shared the following theatrical opportunities for young people this summer.

Love the Music in Jekyll & Hyde?

The international musical sensation Jekyll & Hyde, starring Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis in the dual title role of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde and Grammy nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox as Lucy, will play the Fisher Theatre, Nov. 27 - Dec. 2. "Jekyll & Hyde" is now the fourth "extra show" outside of the 2012-2013 Broadway in Detroit Season Subscription. Click on the link for more details.

The other three productions are Mary Poppins at the Fisher Theatre, Oct. 23– 28; Jersey Boys at the Fisher Theatre, Dec. 12 – Jan. 6, 2013; and The Lion King at the Detroit Opera House, Feb. 13 – March 10.

Michigan Shakespeare Festival Monologue Contest

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is holding the first district of its High School Shakespeare Monologue Scholarship Competition this Saturday, May 19th, at Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor. The competition is open to all high schoolers grades 9-12. A registration fee of $5.00 is required, sign up begins at 10am .  This is the Eastern District of the competition and 4 finalists will be chosen to go to the State Final, held during the Michigan Shakespeare Festival on July 28th. The winners will be announced on stage, during the curtain call for the matinee performance of Love's Labour's Lost.

More details are available on their website. Click HERE. 

Barn Theatre in Augusta Announces 66th Season

Summer stock is pretty much a thing of the past except for the Barn Theatre in Augusta, a manageable trip (about an hour from Jackson) west on I-94, and so much fun!! This is how actors got their early experience apprenticing in the summers and learning the trade. The Barn is Michigan's oldest professional equity summer stock theatre.

Here's the exciting line-up for the 2012 Summer Season:

• The Great Big Bar Show, a Barn Theatre tradition
  May 29 – June 3
• The Fox on the Fairway, by Ken Ludwig
  June 5 -17
• Rodgers and Hart's Pal Joey with Kim Zimmer (four-time Emmy Winner for "Guiding Light")
  June 19 – July 1
• Legally Blonde
  July 3 - 15
• The Wedding Singer
  July 17 - 29
• The Rocky Horror Show
  July 31 – Aug. 12
• Spamalot
  Aug. 14 - 26
• Raunch and Roll
  Aug. 28 – Sept. 2

MSF Establishes The Bob Duha Memorial Fund

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is honored to announce the establishment of The Bob Duha Fund to honor his memory. Bob’s involvement with Michigan non-profits and the Arts is the stuff of legend, and it is both a privilege and a pleasure to use all monies received to benefit his favorite MSF project, the High School Shakespeare Monologue Scholarship Competition, a truly unique opportunity for young people get a helping hand in establishing their careers in the performing arts.

For more information about the fund, or ways to contribute, please call the MSF at 517.998.3673, visit us online at www.MichiganShakespeareFestival.com. Mailed donations can be sent to the attention of The Bob Duha Fund at 215 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson MI, 49201.

John Peakes Returns to Michigan in Purple Rose Production

If you love On Golden Pond, you'll be thrilled to know that John Peakes, co-founder of the late BoarsHead Theatre (1966 - 2003) in Lansing, is returning to Michigan to play Norman.

But be warned : "Due to other commitments, Peakes will only be in the production June 21 through Aug. 5. After that date, the role will be taken over by Chicago actor Richard Henzel ("Heroes," Stormfield Theatre), who will finish the run, which ends Sept. 1."

Tickets will go on sale for "On Golden Pond" at 10 a.m. May 14. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at 734-433-7673. Box Office hours are Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday noon - 10 p.m., and Sunday noon - 4 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.purplerosetheatre.org.

Special Offer from the Purple Rose

Mother's Day Special!
Buy One, Get One Free
Sunday, May 13 Only

Here's you chance to see WHITE BUFFALO at a great price! Visit the Purple Rose website for more information or call 734.433.7673!

Drama Camp 2012 at Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University will host its third annual summer theater camps during the weeks of August 6 and August 13. Fables and fairy tales will be brought to life as participants get the chance act out some of their favorite stories.
 
For ages 5-8 and 9-16, the camps last for one week. In that time, students will be taught about the theater, receive stage training and be encouraged to have fun acting out various parts in some classic plays. At the conclusion of the week, students are cast in roles and the plays are performed for family and friends at the conclusion of the week.

For more details, click HERE.

Summer Program for Kids at Siena Heights

Siena Heights University is offering a unique art immersion program this summer for students who love to create. The camp is from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Monday through Friday, from June 18 through 29 on the Adrian campus. The program will include experiences in music and movement, visual arts and drama.

Students in grades 1 through 12 will delve into a variety of myths, masks and merriment. Some of the class varieties include youth choir, guitar, piano, musical theater workshop, book and paper making.

For more information or to register, contact Amy Sturtevant at 1-517-264-7890 or Joni Warner at 1-517-264-7901 or visit online at www.sienaheights.edu. Registration deadline is May 1. SHU is located at 1247 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian.

TONY AWARD WINNING AVENUE Q AT THE CROSWELL

Winner of the Tony "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, you won’t want to miss Avenue Q! Entertainment Weekly said Avenue Q was “one of the funniest shows you’re ever likely to see,” and it was called, “Subversive and uproarious” by The New Yorker. The show features a cast of people and puppets who tell the story of recent college grad Princeton in a smart, risqué and downright entertaining way. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends, struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. The show is full of heart and hummable tunes.

Avenue Q is a witty Sesame Street satire, written by Jeff Whitty, with music and lyrics by the songwriting team of Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Songs include, “It Sucks To Be Me,” “Mix Tape,” “Schadenfreude,” and “What Do You Do With A B.A. In English?” Due to adult situations, including sexual content and explicit language, the show is considered PG-13.

The Croswell’s cast includes: Matthew Bowland (Toledo,OH) as Princeton/Rod, Kelly Fandrey (Toledo) as Kate Monster/Lucy, Eric Wright-Olsen (Ann Arbor, MI) as Nicky/Trekkie Monster, Natalie Kissinger (Maumee, OH) as Christmas Eve, Melissa Paschall (Jackson, MI) as Gary Coleman, Jamie Buechele (Ottawa Lake, MI) and Joshua Mohler (Monroe, MI) as The Bad Idea Bears, and others, and Rebecca Craig (Adrian, MI) and Jesse Monte (Tecumseh, MI) as a variety of puppet and human characters. Eric Parker (Chicago, IL), plays Brian, and also directs the show.

Other members of the artistic team include: Jonathan Sills - Music Director, Janine Woods-Thoma - Scenic Designer, Tiff Crutchfield - Lighting Designer, Jee-Hak Pinonealut-Sound Designer, Alyssa Battersby-Costume Designer, and Katie Metz – Stage Manager.

  

Avenue Q runs May 11 – 20 at the Croswell, with performances Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:oopm, and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets for Avenue Q are $28 for adults and $25 for students and seniors, and are available now. 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 the website, www.croswell.org. 

To arrange an interview with members of the cast or artistic team, or to arrange complimentary tickets prior to reviewing the show, please contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org.

Jere L. Righter

Artistic Director

Croswell Opera House

129 E. Maumee Street

Adrian, MI 49221

O. 517-263-6868

C. 517-403-1315

Purple Rose Theatre Company Seeking Develoopment Assistant/Office Manager

The Purple Rose Theatre Company, a professional regional theatre and 501(c)3
nonprofit organization seeks a development assistant/office manager to work
closely with development director, staff and distinguished board members to:
 

• Assist with generating unearned income for annual operations via all possible foundation, corporate and individual support;
• Assist in cultivating and soliciting major gifts;
• Assist in writing and researching foundation, corporate and government grants;
• Cultivating and obtaining sponsorships;
• Maintaining donor data base and depositing contributions.create and disseminate board packets for quarterly board meetings.
• Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events
• Assisting in the general operation of the PRTC administration office.

Desired qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; 
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector; 
• Knowledge of Giftworks, I-Movie, Adobe products and Mac software.

To apply please send a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to: 
Guy Sanville, Artistic Director, Purple Rose Theatre Company,
137 Park Street, Chelsea, MI 48118 or email sanville@purplerosetheatre.org.
No phone calls, please.

One Man Star Wars Trilogy hits The Croswell April 21

CharlES Ross appears one night only in downtown Adrian

Get your light sabers ready, because Charles Ross is bringing his wildly entertaining One Man Star Wars Trilogy to The Croswell in downtown Adrian, on Saturday, April 21 at 8:00pm.

In his hilarious, kinetic solo piece, Canadian writer/performer Ross plays all the characters, recreates the effects, sings from John Williams’ score, flies the ships, and fights both sides of the battles from the original Star Wars trilogy, punctuating his virtuosic performance with captivating factoids and editorial asides.

No costumes, no props, no sets – just Ross using his yoga-limber body, remarkable knack for voices, subtle changes in facial expression, and manic levels of energy to put his own distinct stamp on the Star Wars universe.  Did he spend too much of his childhood in a galaxy far, far away?  Well, let’s just say that by age 10, he had seen the first Star Wars film more than 400 times and committed virtually every line to memory. Ross has since parlayed this childhood obsession into a one-of-kind theatrical piece, which he has performed in more than 180 cities around the universe. Where does he get his strength? It flows from the Force, of course.

The Croswell will host two additional FREE events prior to One Man Star Wars. Beginning at 6:30pm members of the Great Lakes Garrison of the 501^st Legion (a worldwide Star Wars organization composed of and operated by Star Wars fans,) will be on-hand to demonstrate fighting technique, costuming and more from Star Wars. At 7:00pm a Star Wars costume contest will be held in age categories of 8 and under, 9 – 15 year olds, and 16 years old and older. Each age category will have two winners - 1) for best overall costume and role representation and 2) most creative use of materials and talent in representing the role. Both pre-show events take place in the city of Adrian parking lot immediately behind the Croswell, off of Toledo Street. The performance of the One Man Star Wars Trilogy begins at 8:00pm inside the Croswell, and tickets are required for entry.

Tickets for One Man Star Wars Trilogy are $32 for main floor seating, with balcony seats just $26. All seating is reserved, so order tickets early for best available seats. For information about tickets, or to make a purchase 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 the website, www.croswell.org. 

For more information about the One Man Star Wars Trilogy, or to schedule an interview about the performance or the added events, please contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org.  

One Man Star Wars Trilogy performed with permission of Lucasfilm Ltd. All Star Wars elements property of Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Michigan Shakespeare Festival presents. . .

Click on the picture to enlarge

Croswell Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2012 Internships! Applications Due March 12, 2012

The Croswell Opera House, Michigan’s oldest continually operating theatre, offers internships for college undergraduate and graduate students looking for opportunities in costuming, technical theatre/ carpentry, stage management and arts management/marketing. Applicants must be at least 18 years old as of May 1, 2012.

The Croswell’s internship program offers a challenging, fun, educational experience for those interested in pursuing a career in the theatre arts, as well as those that have enjoyed working in the creative arts, but are pursuing other majors and/or career options. Croswell interns are entrusted with a great deal of responsibility, and have the opportunity to work closely with the Croswell staff, as well as contracted artists from through the Midwest.

We expect a willingness to work hard and high standards of performance. Weekend hours can be expected. In return, interns are treated as members of our professional staff and receive intensive hands-on experience and other generous perks. We ask that all interns be reliable, conscientious and energetic.

The internships run for approximately 12 weeks and include a small stipend ($250 per week). While there is some flexibility in the start dates, the internships generally run from mid-May through the second week in August. Housing is not provided, however the Croswell can assist with finding reasonably priced, local housing if required.

To apply for a Croswell Summer Internship, please provide a cover letter and resume, either via regular mail or electronically to the following:

Croswell Opera House
Summer Internship
129 E. Maumee
Adrian, MI 49221

or via e-mail to: financial@croswell.org

Your application should indicate for which Internship you are applying. All applications must be received by March 12, 2012.

Interviews for considered candidates will be conducted the weeks of March 19 and March 26 with successful candidates being notified by April 9, 2012.

For more information about the Croswell, our events and productions visit www.croswell.org, facebook.com/thecroswell or email tickets@croswell.org.

Jackson Community College High School One-Act Play Festival

Drama students to compete in High School One-Act Play Festival

Jackson Community College will host the sixth annual One-Act Play Festival on Saturday, Feb. 25, with six Jackson County high schools participating. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. in the Michael Baughman Theatre, Potter Center. Festival begins at 8:45 a.m. and performances begin at 9 a.m.
The One-Act Play Festival is hosted by the College, with the support of local theatre artists, to provide performance and technical theatre opportunities for high school students. It is designed to highlight theatrical talents of local schools, provide healthy and creative competition, foster team work, and to promote theatrical opportunities at JCC and in the community. The event is coordinated by Sandy DiCesare, JCC coordinator of educational theatre.
Schools participating this year include:
• Hanover-Horton
• Jackson
• Grass Lake
• Concord
• Northwest
• Western
Judges for this year’s event will be Dr. Paul Patton of Spring Arbor University, Dr. Kerry Graves of Siena Heights University, new JCC theatre instructor Drew Sutherland, and Kristen Trumble, JCC technical theatre alumni, will be the technical judge. Local theatre artists and JCC Drama Club and theatre students will staff the day.
Awards include a $400 scholarship to JCC for each member of the school that receives “Best Overall Performance.” Awards will be presented following the performances at 4 p.m. Admission is $3 per person. For more information, contact the Potter Center Box Office at 517.796.8600.