Theatre Spaces That Inspire!

I saw this picture of the interior of the Bijou Theatre and fell in love. (American Theatre October 2011) It's a refurbished movie house in Bridgeport, Connecticut but it has cabaret and regular seating.

"True to its heritage, over 100 years later, one of the oldest buildings used as a movie house in the country, is now poised for a revival, as envisioned in the Bijou Square renaissance. The Bijou Theatre is a multi–functional venue with integrity and an open minded philosophy. A symposium for film, theatre, art, comedy and music."

The Bijou "aspires to be a cultural playground". Although independent films and cultural art performances will be the main events, the theater plans to offer "a steady stream of music, comedy and theatrical productions"!

Jackson Community College Holding Auditions

Ruth Day Theatre Entrance

Jackson Community College is auditioning for 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible, two plays by James McLure. Laundry and Bourbon is the story of three small-town women who love to gossip. Lone Star is about Roy, a man who loves three things: his country, his beautiful wife and his 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible -- not necessarily in that order. There are roles for 3 men and 3 women ranging in age from 20s to early 30s.

Audition times are Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 13 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. A prepared monologue is appreciated; but if you don't have one ready, you can read from material that will be provided that evening.

Performances are scheduled on February 16, 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 8:00pm and February 19 & 26 at 3:00pm.

The director is Andrew Sutherland, an Instructor and the new Director, Center for the Arts.

Michigan Theatre Seeking Executive Director

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. 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 and direct staff and 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 to: Michigan Theatre of Jackson c/o Search Committee, 124 N. Mechanic Street, Jackson, Michigan 49201.

Or email (preferred): mitheatresearch@gmail.com

NOTE: Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2012.

Download Complete Description Here

Auditions for THE VELVETEEN RABBIT (A Musical)

Auditions for The Velveteen Rabbit

A CSJ Youth Theater MUSICAL

Open to all Jackson Couty Youth in Grades 3-9

No second graders, please.

Thursday, January 5 or Tuesday, January 10, 2011

4:30

Jackson's First Presbyterian Church

745 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson

No experience required!  Beginners welcome!

No advanced preparation necessary!

Those auditioning will be asked to do a cold reading from the script, sing a simple song and learn a simple dance step.

Questions?

See the "Questions" section of theYouth Theater tab

More questions?

Contact Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net or (517)-783-1468

THEATRE TERMS AND WHAT THEY MEAN!

In is down, down is front

out is up, up is back

off is out, on is in.

And of course,

right is left, left is right.

A drop shouldn't and a

block and fall does neither.

A prop doesn't and

a cove has no water.

Tripping is OK.

A running crew rarely gets anywhere.

A purchase line will buy you nothing.

A trap will not catch anything.

A gridiron has nothing to do with football.

Strike is work (in fact, lots of work),

and a green room, thank goodness, usually isn't.

Now that you're fully versed in theatrical terms,

Break a leg .. but not really!

Fourth Annual Youth Singing Competition - January 20, 2012

2011 Winners (12 and under)

Want to prove to Jackson that you can sing?  The young people in the picture did.

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theatre group - is hosting the Fourth Annual Youth Singing Competition for young people up through 12 grade on Friday, January 20, 2012.  Contestants will be divided into two age groups: twelve and under, and thirteen through senior in high school. The competition will be held in The Grand Community Room at The Ella Sharp Museum at 4005 Fourth St, Jackson, MI.  Entrance fee is $20 whether for an individual or a group.  There will be cash prizes for the top performers or acts in each age group!

REGISTRATION FORM

DOWNLOAD THE FLIER
Competition Guidelines
Judges Form

 
Participation is on a first come – first serve basis and the number of participants is limited.

The deadline for entries is Friday, January 13, 2012.  (If all slots are not filled, it may be possible to register at the door for $25.)

Come out to see the show and support our young people!  Admission fee for spectators is $5 with no additional charge for entrants.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this competition is to have a great time chasing away the winter doldrums while giving students the opportunity to show off their vocal talent.

Master of Ceremonies is Connor Pierce, a sophomore at Jackson High School.  Carly Brake, a freshman at Lumen Christi and previous winner of the event, will be co-hosting.

What A Do Theatre in Battle Creek

Critical & Box Office Success for What A Do Theatre's The Christmas Schooner   What A Do Theatre set an attendance record with the Opening Weekend of The Christmas Schooner.  Attendance grew 50% over the Opening Weekend for The Laramie Project, the previous record holder. The Christmas Schooner has also received rave reviews.  The Battle Creek Enquirer says: "The Christmas Schooner is a powerhouse of show." "The cast is terrific...a tight grip on its energy, doling out just enough at each beat to build a strong and emotional climax.” "The acting of Betsy King and Jeff Stierle provides the kind of potent drama for which What A Do Theatre has become well known." You can read Christopher Tower's full review here. The Christmas Schooner continues December 2-3, 8-10, and 16-17.  All performances will be at What A Do Theatre’s new location at 4071 West Dickman Road, one block from Begg Park and the Springfield Farmers Market.  Show time for all performances is 8 p.m.  Due to a scheduling conflict, there will be no matinee performances. Reservations can be made by visiting www.whatado.org or by calling the Box Office at 269.282.1953 or 773.744.8598.  Ticket prices are $20.  Seniors (65 and older), students, and members of the Armed Forces and veterans receive a 10% discount with a valid ID.  Group sales rates are also available.  “Name Your Own Price Night” will be Thursday, December 8th.

No More Jackson Citizen Patriot Reviews of ANY Shows

Did you miss the newspaper reviews yet? Did you even realize that the Jackson Citizen Patriot stopped reviewing productions this past year? That means the Purple Rose, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and Center Stage Jackson productions.

A lot of audience members will attend without feeling the need for a review. We just ask friends what they thought or what they have heard.

In the meantime, there have been a couple of brief discussions in the theatre community about creative ways that gap might be filled. If you have ideas, we would love to know.

Here is what one theatre is doing, which sounds very interesting even though out of our league. Click HERE to read more.

Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS Opening November 4th

Remember Dorne Lefere?

Dorne rehearsing for The Producers

I was reading Barnstorms, the newsletter of The Farmington Players, when I came across a name I recognized. Dorne Lefere. He is listed as playing Dickens in their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol. Earlier this year he starred as Max Bialock in The Producers.

Share your memories here if you worked with Dorne back in the day.

LEADING LADIES - Three More Performances

Audrey explains the situation to Leo and Jack. It's all they need to create an evening of havoc.

Don't miss this wonderful show that the Brooklyn Exponent reviewer declared "top-notch entertainment"! Tickets are only $15 and available at the door.

September 30, October 1, 2
Fri & Sat @ 8:00 PM
Sun @ 3:00 PM
Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, JCC
2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, MI

General Admission: $15 (includes $1 JCC restoration fee)
Reservations: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning)

 

Why haven't you seen this show yet?

LEADING LADIES Open This Weekend

Jackson Community College presents . . .

'Cinderella Waltz' gives grown-ups

a new take on classic fairy tale  

JCC students will present a different kind of fairy tale, "Cinderella Waltz" by Don Nigro, the last two weekends of October.

"Cinderella Waltz" is a fairy tale for grown-ups, with humor and a different kind of ending, said director Sandy DiCesare, coordinator of educational theatre at the College. It tells the story of Rosey Snow, who is trapped in a fairy tale world that is by turns funny and a little frightening. With her are stepsisters Goneril and Regan, her demented stepmother, her lecherous father, a bewildered Prince, a fairy godmother who sings salty old sailor songs, a troll and a possibly homicidal village idiot. It is meant for mature audiences, similar to a PG-13 rating.

"Cinderella Waltz" will be presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 20, 21, 22, 28 and 29, and 3 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30 in the Ruth Day Theater, Potter Center. Special preview show Oct. 20, all tickets $2. Tickets for all other performances are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students.

Encore Musical Theatre Presents . . .THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

If you haven't been to the Encore Theatre in Dexter, now is the time to go. Adam Guettal's LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA is an exquisite jewel. It won the Tony Award a few years back and deservedly so. This production matches the original in style and vocal talent, an amazing feat for a charming little theatre in a small community. Go see it. You won't be sorry.

NEED A GOOD LAUGH OR TWO? TRY LEADING LADIES

Jeremy Adam Moore and Scott Clow come to blows?

What happens when two out of work Shakespearean actors decide to scam an old woman? More silliness ensues than you can shake a stick at. Don't miss this rollicking comedy!

Written by KEN LUDWIG and directed by G.L. BLANCHARD, LEADING LADIES runs September 23-25, 30 and October 1-2 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson, Michigan.

Show times are 8 p.m. September 23-24 and October 1, and 3 p.m. September 25 and October 2.  Tickets are General Admission:  $15 adult, $10 for ages 12 and younger (ticket prices include $1 JCC restoration fee).  For reservations, please call: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning).

Visit the website for more information.

Jackson School for the Arts Announces Fall Classes

Are you looking for an art, dance or theatre class for your kids? Check out the classes at the Jackson School for the Arts by clicking HERE.

Open House & Registration Day is
this Sunday, 2-4 PM  

The Open House is a great time to sign up for fall classes in art, dance and theater at Jackson School of the Arts.

Take a tour, register, purchase dancewear and dance shoes, make an art project and enjoy refreshments.

If you can't attend the open house,
walk in hours this week are:  Thursday 9/8 - 12-5 PM
Friday 9/9 - 10-5 PM

We also welcome walk up registrations the first day of class.  Please note that some classes are full or almost full so advance registration is encouraged.  517.784.2389

Next Up - LEADING LADIES

Let the hilarity ensue!! Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce the opening of the first production of their twelfth season, the rollicking comedy/farce Leading Ladies, written by KEN LUDWIG, directed by G.L. BLANCHARD, September 23-25, 30 and October 1-2 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson, Michigan.

Show times are 8 p.m. September 23-24 and October 1, and 3 p.m. September 25 and October 2.  Tickets are General Admission:  $15 adult, $10 for ages 12 and younger (ticket prices include $1 JCC restoration fee).  For reservations, please call: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning).

Visit the website for more information.

MICHIGAN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR 2011-12 HIGH SCHOOL TOUR

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival announced it will hold auditions for its expanded High School Tour, which will feature productions of Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth during the 2011-12 school year.

Auditions will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, September 4 and from noon-7 p.m., Monday, September 5, at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal Hall, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson. The company will consist of nine men and three women – all types are welcome. Additionally, the Festival will cast covers – who will rehearse and perform – for all roles.

You can find more information on the MSF website by clicking HERE.

Readings from the Second Stage - AT HOME AT THE ZOO - August 19 & 20

The last play in Readings from the Second Stage for this season was Edward Albee's first play and it became a classic. The play was originally a one-act called Zoo Story but Albee fleshed the story out with a first another act and director Barb Sexton chose this version called At Home at the Zoo. Featuring well-known performers Colleen Flynn, Matt Davis, and Diego Febres-Cordero, this is something you don't want to miss.

Performing at The Fourth Wall, 701 Page Avenue, Jackson on both Friday (8/19) and Saturday (8/20) nights at 8:00 pm. Admission is FREE but donations are appreciated.

DON TATE 2011

TATE, DON GILBERT - Passed away August 5, 2011 after a five year battle with COPD, under the care of his loving wife and children. He joins his infant son, Mark Alan who died in 1960. He was born in Battle Creek on December 28, 1933 to John Gilbert and Donna Lucine, who preceded him in death. After graduating in 1952 he joined the Navy where he served in the Philippines and Guam for three years as a Communications Technician. In 1966, the family moved to Jackson where Don worked for Jacobson's for 36 years. After retiring he went to work for Wetherby Funeral Home. Don was active in theatre since 1948, and loved all aspects. Acting was his forte, beginning here at Stone Village in '69. Other accomplishments include, co-directing Musical Theatre, President of Clark Lake Players, and was co-producer of Jackson County Rose Pageant. Don and Clara owned "Tate's Costume Rental", and also Tate's Take-Out with their son. He enjoyed traveling on his Honda Gold Wing with Clara. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Clara; his children, Denise (Michael) Blair, Matthew (Lisa) Tate, and Dawn Marcinkiewicz; grandchildren, Justin, Kyle, Alyssa, and Caleb; step-grandchildren, Michelle, Mike (Amber), Alex, and Andrew; a step-great-granddaughter, Madisyn and a special cousin Barb. Don was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Great Lakes Hospice for their loving care and compassion the past 12 days. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, August 8, 2011 at Wetherby Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Friends may send their condolences or share a memory with the family at Wetherbyfuneralhome.com www.Mlive.com/obits WETHERBY FUNERAL HOME 517.787.7511 wetherbyfuneralhome.com

Published in Jackson Citizen Patriot on August 7, 2011