Center Stage Announces Auditions for Fiddler

Announcing Auditions for Fiddler on the Roof

Directed by Sara Long
Book by Joseph Stein
Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick

Performances
November 4-6 and 11-13, 2016
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm
Jackson College's Potter Center, Baughman Theatre

Auditions
August 22 and 23, 2016
6:30-9:00pm (drop by when you are able!)
Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church
743 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201

Actors should park in the rear of the church and enter the southwest door, which will be marked.

This production calls for
All genders. Ages 8 and up. Color-blind casting.

Synopsis 
Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof's universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

What Actors Should Expect at Auditions 
Vocal audition, monologue or cold reading, and dance audition.

What Actors Should Prepare for Auditions
•16-32 bar vocal audition. Please bring sheet music for the accompanist or a recording (CD player and audio cable provided).
No acapella please.
•1-2 minute contemporary monologue. Cold readings will be provided if actors do not have a monologue.
•Actors should come dressed to move because there will be a dance portion to auditions.
•Actors should bring their schedules from August 29, 2016 through November 13, 2016 and be ready to list any potential conflicts.

Character List  (Note: Ages flexible)
Tevye...Male age 45-60
Golde...Female age 40-50
Tzeitel...Female age 18-25
Hodel...Female age 18-23
Chava...Female age 15-20
Shprintze...Female age 9-13
Bielke...Female age 8-12
Yente...Female age 50-60
Motel...Male age 18-25
Perchik...Male age 20-30
Lazar Wolf...Male age 40-50
Avram....Male age 40-60
Grandma Tzeitel...Female age 60-75
Fruma-Sarah...Female age 35-45
Constable...Male age 35-45
Fyedka...Male age 20-25

Ensemble/chorus calls for males and females of all ages.

Rough Rehearsal Schedule
Monday-Friday 6:30-9:30 starting August 29, 2016 until tech week.

Contact: Artistic Director Sara Long at saralong1994@gmail.com.
 

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Remaining 2015-2016 Season & Events

(Click titles for more info)
 
2016 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony
Open to the public!
August 16, 2016 at 6:30pm
The Jackson Symphony Orchestra's Weatherwax Hall

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2016-2017 Season & Events

Fiddler on the Roof
November 4-6 & 11-13, 2016
The Potter Center at Jackson College

Alice@Wonderland
November 18-20, 2016
Youth Theater Play at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church

9th Annual Youth Singing Competition
January 2017

And Then There Were None
February 17-19, 24-26, & March 3-5, 2017
Dinner Theatre at the Sandhill Crane Vineyards

A Pirate's Life for Me!
March 24-26, 2017
Youth Theater Musical at the Middle School at Parkside

Annual Cabaret
April 2017

Shrek the Musical
June 9-11 & 16-18, 2017
The Potter Center at Jackson College

Center Stage Scholarship returns!

Center Stage Jackson will once again be providing scholarships to support students pursuing further education in the theatre arts or theatre training. The dollar amount of the scholarships will be determined by the number of qualifying applicants but will not be less than $100.  The number of recipients and total dollars available will vary up to the awarding of the grants.

Eligibility:
1) Applicant is furthering their career in the theatre arts or theatre training.
2) Applicant has a current high school or post-secondary educational institution GPA of 2.5 or greater and is planning to attend or is attending a post-secondary fully accredited junior college, college, university, or trade school.
3) Scholarship must be used for tuition, fees, books, or other academic expenses.  A current grade transcript needs to be attached to the application.

Note: Extra points are granted to applicants whose parents, grandparents, step-parents, step-grandparents, guardians, or the students themselves are members of Center Stage Jackson. For information about becoming a member, please click here or contact Administrative Director Katie Meyers at katierosemeyers@gmail.com.

Applications must be received by Monday July 11, 2016 by sending the below application to:
Center Stage Jackson
Attn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 822
Jackson, MI 49204

Click here to download the 2016 Scholarship Application

Winners will be selected on the basis of Center Stage Jackson’s established scoring policy, a copy of which is available upon request. Ties will be broken using a blind random drawing.  Scholarship winners will be announced at the Center Stage Jackson Annual Meeting on August 16, 2016.

The Center Stage Jackson Scholarship Fund is an independent, self supporting project which does not use funds from any ongoing Center Stage Jackson accounts but relies entirely on donations which are explicitly designated for the Center Stage Jackson Scholarship Fund. Money for scholarships comes from individual contributions designated for this project.  If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please contact Chuck Thor at (517) 414-8652.

Contact: Chuck Thor at (517) 414-8652 or info@centerstagejackson.org.
 

Center Stage Jackson presents. . .

An Evening of Sondheim Cabaret

Join Center Stage Jackson for an evening of composer Stephen Sondheim's music! 

Tickets are now on sale for our 2016 cabaret, An Evening of Sondheim! Two performances only, Friday April 29, 2016 and Saturday April 30, 2016 at 8:00pm at The Jackson Symphony Orchestra's Weatherwax Hall.

Featuring Jared Bugbee, Lisa Cryderman, Shelley Hirsch, Karen Kidder Barrett, Betsy King, Jaime Lawrence, Stephanie Longwell-Hickson, Kerrie Manders, Ron O'Rourke, and Lori Pelham. Also including Brian Ketner on piano, Travis Lippman on drums, and Heather Kulaga on bass. Directed by Lisa Cryderman.

Tickets are $15 per person, available at the door, online below or at www.centerstagejackson.org.

A cash-only bar and concessions will be available! Doors open at 7:15pm both nights.
 

For more information about this event, such as directions to the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, click here.

Contact: Director Lisa Cryderman at lisacykimoff@gmail.com or (517) 581-2344.

Choreographer Needed

Mason High School Seeking Choreographer for Guys and Dolls

Mason High School is seeking a choreographer for its upcoming production of Guys and Dolls.  

Production dates are May 5, 6 and 7, 2016.  Rehearsals will be weekdays from 3:00 until 5:00 pm.

This is a paid position.

If interested, contact Jason Konkel at konkelj@masonk12.net. 

Contact: Jason Konkel at konkelj@masonk12.net.

Center Stage Presents. . .

^{Center Stage Jackson presents
Arsenic and Old Lace, a Dinner Theatre Event
February 26-28 and March 4-6, 2016}

Jackson, MI – February 1, 2016

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for the classic comedy Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring.  This performance will be a dinner theatre event at a new venue for Center Stage Jackson: The Sandhill Crane Vineyards at 4724 Walz Rd.  Jackson, MI 49201.

In Arsenic and Old Lace we meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously "acceptable" roomers; the antics of their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and the activities of the other brother—these require no further description or amplification here.

Performances will be held February 26-28 and March 4-6, 2016. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00pm. Doors will open at 7:00pm. Salads are to be served at 7:30pm. Entrees will be served after Act I. Dessert will be served after Act II.
Sunday performances are at 5:00pm. Doors will open at 4:00pm. Salads are to be served at 4:30pm. Entrees will be served after Act I. Dessert will be served after Act II.

Dinner will be composed of a house salad, an entree of either Heather's Chicken Pot Pie or cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, both served with rolls, and a dessert of fruit crisp a la mode. A complete list of wine available for purchase can be found at sandhillcranevineyards.com.

Tickets are $35 per person, which includes dinner and the show (drinks not included).

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting www.centerstagejackson.org or by calling The Sandhill Crane Vineyards at (517) 764-0679. 

Please note that tickets will not be sold at the door for this event. Ticket sales online and over the phone will close six hours prior to each performance in order to give the kitchen time to prepare for the number of patrons attending. As this unique venue only seats 70-75 patrons, we encourage patrons to purchase tickets early.

No performance-only tickets will be available for this event, as it is a dinner theatre event.

The cast, directed by Victor McDermott, includes Jerri Munn as Abby Brewster, Barb Palmer as Martha Brewster, Jeremy Moore as Mortimer Brewster, Veronica Long as Elaine Harper, Brian Weber as Teddy Brewster, Deon Ojan as Dr. Einstein, Mark Sanders as Jonathan Brewster, Bill Kerr as The Rev. Dr. Harper, Joseph Gerring as Officer Brophy, Joshua Judd as Officer Klein, Bob Neustifter as Mr. Gibbs, Brian Ketner as Officer O'Hara, Eddie Burkhead as Lieutenant Rooney, and Jason Weed as Mr. Witherspoon.

Contact: Katie Meyers at katierosemeyers@gmail.com. 

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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.  CSJ performs at various area venues including Jackson College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan. 

www.centerstagejackson.org. 

Croswell Opera House's 2016 Broadway Season

The dates for the Croswell Opera House’s 2016 Broadway Season are:

• May 13-22: “Million Dollar Quartet”
• June 11-26: “Billy Elliot”
• July 15-24: “Leap of Faith”
• Aug. 12-21: “The Drowsy Chaperone”
• Sept. 17-25: “150 Years at the Croswell”
• Nov. 26 to Dec. 4: “A Croswell Christmas”

The Purple Rose presents THE ODD COUPLE

Start the New Year laughing

The Purple Rose Theatre presents Neil Simon’s classic comedy “The Odd Couple”

CHELSEA, Mich. (December 14, 2015)— The Purple Rose Theatre Company will ring in the new year with the second play of its 25^th anniversary season, Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.”.

Two suddenly single pals — a sloppy sportswriter and a neat freak news writer — strain their friendship by turning roommates, but patterns of their own disastrous marriages begin to reappear with hilarious results.

“The Odd Couple” will run from Thursday, January 21 through Saturday, March 26, 2016. Previews, with reduced-price tickets, begin Thursday January 21; opening night is Friday, January 29.

Making her professional directorial debut is Purple Rose Resident Artist Lauren Mounsey. Mounsey, a former PRTC apprentice from Macomb has performed in several PRTC productions including “33 Variations”, “Steel Magnolias”, and “2AZ”. She was a directing intern for “Annapurna” and “Talley’s Folly” under Artistic Director Guy Sanville. “Here was everything I wanted,” Mounsey said in a recent interview, “the chance to act, direct and have a family. Guy taught us that the key to happiness is passion, and he stressed that we can have what we want if we work towards it”.

“The Odd Couple” cast features PRTC Artistic Director Guy Sanville (Chelsea) in the leading role of Oscar Madison and David Montee (Traverse City), former director of theatre studies at the Interlohen Center for the Arts, as Felix Ungar. The cast also includes David Bendena (Chelsea), Chris Lutkin (Wyandotte), Michelle Mountain (Grass Lake), Jim Porterfield (Northville), Rhiannon Ragland (Gregory), and Tom Whalen (Royal Oak).

Set design is by Bartley H. Bauer, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Corey Collins, lighting by Reid G. Johnson, and sound by Tom Whalen. Angie Kane Ferrante is the stage manager.

Ticket Information

All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Tickets are available for purchase beginning Monday, December 14. Prices range from $19 to $43 each with special discounts for students, seniors and groups. For more information or to make reservations call The Purple Rose Theatre Company box office at (734) 433-7673 or go online at www.purplerosetheatre.org.

Center Stage Jackson Announces Auditions

Arsenic and Old Lace

Audition Date: Saturday January 2nd -OR- Sunday January 3rd, 2016
(Possible callbacks at 6:30pm on Monday January 4th, 2016)

Audition Time: 2:00pm

Audition Location: 
The Art Underground (basement of The Commercial Exchange Building)
111 Horton St. Jackson, MI 49203
Please enter in the southern most doors on Horton Street, down the stairs.

What to Prepare/Expect: Short monologue if possible. There will be a short reading from the script.
Photos of pages of the script will be posted on the website and facebook page soon so that auditioning actors may become familiar with the material ahead of time.

Rehearsals will be held from 6:30pm-9:30pm January 18 through February 24, with days off decided by the director. Some rehearsals will be held at the winery.

Director: Victor McDermott 

Synopsis: 
We meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously "acceptable" roomers; the antics of their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and the activities of the other brother—these require no further description or amplification here.

This Production Calls for: 11 males and 3 females:
MARTHA BREWSTER - an elderly lady
ABBY BREWSTER - her elderly sister
TEDDY BREWSTER - their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt 
MORTIMER BREWSTER - their nephew
ELAINE HARPER - his fiance
REV. DR. HARPER - her father
OFFICER KLEIN
OFFICER O'HARA - a raconteur
OFFICER BROPHY
LIEUTENANT ROONEY
JONATHAN BREWSTER - Mortimer's murderous brother
DR. EINSTEIN - his accomplice
MR. GIBBS

Performance Information:
Main Stage: Play
February 26-28 & March 4-6, 2016
Sandhill Crane Vineyards

Click here for more information

Contact: Director Victor McDermott at victorm@annarboracademy.org or (517) 917-3991.

Center Stage Announces Auditions for Youth Theatre

^{Charleston!
January 5th and January 7th, 2016}

Jackson, MI – December 14, 2015

Center Stage Jackson, in partnership with Jackson Public Schools, is excited to announce auditions for its next Youth Theater musical, Charleston!, book by Tim Kelly, music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur.  This production will be directed by Doug Meyers, with musical direction by Sarah Sanders.

Auditions will be held on January 5 and 7, 2016 at 4:30 pm at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Ave in Jackson. Actors need only attend one audition.

This production is for youth in Jackson County that are in 3rd through 9th grade, with no exceptions. No advanced preparation is necessary, and newbies are welcome and encouraged! Charleston! calls for 30 speaking roles plus a chorus. More information HERE.

Charleston! will be performed March 18, 19, and 20, 2016 at The Middle Room at Parkside Kiesel Auditorium. Friday and Saturday performances will be held at 7:00 pm, with the Sunday matinee performance at 2:00 pm.

Charleston! is produced through special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services, Inc., Englewood, CO

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

Center Stage Jackson Seeks Directors. . .

^{Seeking Directors for} Arsenic and Old Lace 

^and Spring Cabaret 

^{Interviews Saturday, October 24, 2015}

Jackson, MI – October 12, 2015

Center Stage Jackson is currently seeking directors, new or seasoned, interested in directing the production of the main stage play Arsenic and Old Lace or our annual spring cabaret. 

Director interviews for both productions will be held Saturday, October 24th by appointment at Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Rd, Jackson, MI 49201.

Arsenic and Old Lace will be staged February 26-28 and March 4-6 at the Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Rd, Jackson, MI 49201.  Potential directors should come prepared with a rough idea of a vision, possible crew members, schedule for rehearsals, potential rehearsal location, potential audition dates and location, and understanding of the show. 

Our spring cabaret's date, location, and theme is yet to be determined.  Potential directors should come prepared with these details in mind, particularly a theme they would like to direct.

Contact: Board member Chuck Edwards at chuck002@ameritech.net or (517) 250-3069 for more information.

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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.  CSJ performs at various area venues including Jackson College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan. 

www.centerstagejackson.org. 

Center Stage Jackson presents. . .

AGNES OF GOD

Center Stage is proud to present the second of this season's free Staged Reading series, Agnes of God by John Pielmeier and directed by Ann Holt. A novice nun (Claire Wagler) gives birth and insists that the child was the result of a virgin conception. A psychiatrist (Mary Lou Blanchard) and the mother superior of the convent (Candi Dunnigan) clash during the resulting investigation.
   

Agnes of God will be performed on October 3, 2015 at 2:00pm at the Jackson School of the Arts Ensemble Theatre, located at 634 Mechanic St. Jackson, MI 49203.

This is a free performance, with donations encouraged.  

Please note that this performance contains some mature language. 

Staged Readings are different from regular plays or musicals in that actors and actresses perform with scripts in hand, with minimal set, props and blocking.  The Staged Reading Series is the brainchild of Ann Holt, who wrote and applied for a grant for the series in 2009.   The purpose of the Stages Reading Series was to allow the community to become familiar with a wider variety of theatrical works and playwrights, allow more of the community to be active and involved in community theatre, allow community members that have never acted before a way to 'get their feet wet', and allow veteran actors and actresses the opportunity to perform without the committment of a regular show. 

Contact: Ann Holt @ anncholt@gmail.com.

Center Stage Jackson presents:

 ^{The Nerd
FREE Staged Reading}

Center Stage is proud to present the first of this season's free Staged Reading series, The Nerd by Larry Shue.  Set in Terre Haute, Indiana in late 1979, The Nerd centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved has life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. However, Rick's awkward manner and inappropriate behavior throw the occasion into shambles. It turns out that Rick is a stupid nerd who overstays his welcome with a vengeance.  

The Nerd will be performed on September 19, 2015 at 2:00pm at the Jackson School of the Arts Ensemble Theatre, located at 634 Mechanic St. Jackson, MI 49203.

This is a free performance, with donations encouraged.  

Directed by Michael Cicirelli, the cast includes Sean Harmon, James Stump, Aleshia Cloyd, Phil Kolis, Jeff Boyer, Jen Hart, and Logan Harmon.

Please note that this performance contains some mature language. 

Staged Readings are different from regular plays or musicals in that actors and actresses perform with scripts in hand, with minimal set, props and blocking.  The Staged Reading Series is the brainchild of Ann Holt, who wrote and applied for a grant for the series in 2009.   The purpose of the Stages Reading Series was to allow the community to become familiar with a wider variety of theatrical works and playwrights, allow more of the community to be active and involved in community theatre, allow community members that have never acted before a way to 'get their feet wet', and allow veteran actors and actresses the opportunity to perform without the committment of a regular show. 

Contact: Director Michael Cicirelli at michaelcicirelli@gmail.com.

Center Stage Jackson announces Cast of GYPSY

Announcing the Cast of GYPSY

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce the cast of its fall Main Stage Musical, GYPSY!

Cast members are listed in order of appearance.
Please note that cast members listed in maroon/bold are members of Center Stage Jackson.  If you would like to become a member of Center Stage Jackson, click here for more information.

Uncle Jocko - Preston Judd 
Georgie - Bradley Lewis
Balloon Girl - McKenzie Fall
Clarence - Sid Varland
Baby June - Maggie Page
Baby Louise - Meadow Pratt
Rose - Betsy King
Pop - Gary Minix
Weber - Mark Sanders
Herbie - Victor McDermott
Newsboys - Max Beal, Jacob Boswell, McKenzie Fall, Sid Varland
June - Molly Beal
Louise - Kary Swiontek
Tulsa - Jared Bugbee
L.A. - Danny Hirth
Yonkers - Joseph Gerring
Angie - Brendan Pratt
Kringelein - Preston Judd
Mr. Goldstone - Richard Beal
Miss Cratchitt - Teresa Van Bloem
Agnes - Aimie Smith
Majorie May - Sydney Warner
Dolores - Lauren Turson
Thelma - Anna Commet
Gail - Hanna Tritten 
Cigar - Richard Beal
Pastey - Preston Judd 
Tessie Tura - Lisa Cryderman 
Mazeppa - Veronica Long
Electra - Mandee Howard 
Renee - Christine Rebescher
Phil - Edward Burkhead
Bourgeron-Cochon - Bradley Lewis


Contact: Director Trinity Bird at trinitylbird@gmail.com.

PURPLE ROSE KICKS OFF 25th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

CHELSEA, Mich. — The Purple Rose Theatre Company is thrilled to kick off its 25^th Anniversary season with the world-premiere comedy, Casting Session, by theatre Founder Jeff Daniels!

Frank and Ron are two middle-aged actors who have been competing for the same roles in New York City and beyond for thirty years. Join us for this hilarious world premiere comedy that explores the lengths to which actors will go to get the part. Casting Session contains adult language.

Casting Session will enjoy a fourteen-week engagement at The Purple Rose Theatre Company from Thursday, September 17 – Saturday, December 19, 2015. Seven low-priced previews will be performed Thursday, September 17 – Thursday, September 24, with Press Opening on Friday, September 25, 2015. Regular performances for the duration of the run are Wednesdays at 3:00 PM, Thursdays & Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM. 

Directed by PRTC Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, the cast includes Tom Whalen (Royal Oak, MI), David Daoust (Lansing, MI), and Erika Matchie Thiede (Chelsea, MI).

Design for this production includes set by Bartley H. Bauer, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Shelby Newport, lighting by Dana L. White, sound by Angie Kane Ferrante, and stage managed by Angie Kane Ferrante.

All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.

Tickets are now available for purchase. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at (734) 433-7673 or online at www.purplerosetheatre.org. 

 

Center Stage Seeking Technical Crew for GYPSY

Center Stage Jackson is currently seeking technical crew, such as stage manager, lighting, sound, props, technical director, set builders, and stage hands, for the fall production of GYPSY.  GYPSY is a Main Stage musical that will be performed November 6-8 & 13-15, 2015.

If you or someone you know are interested in working backstage on this production, please contact Becky Crews at mooleeboo@gmail.com.

Speculated by many (including NY Times critic Ben Brantley) to be the greatest of all American musicals, GYPSY tells the story of the dreams and efforts of one hungry, powerhouse of a woman to get her two daughters into show business. The musical focuses on the story of Gypsy Rose Lee’s mother, Rose, and earned Rose a place in the theatrical and literary canon as the quintessential, archetypal “Stage Mother.” The musical features songs that have become standards of the musical theatre canon, including “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Rose’s Turn,” and the show-stopping, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”. GYPSY is famous for helping launch lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s career, and features a book by Arthur Laurents that is widely considered to be one of the classic examples of a traditional “book musical.” At the heart of the musical is the gregarious Rose, whose journey made critic Frank Rich call GYPSY, “Broadway’s own brassy, unlikely answer to King Lear.” 

Contact: Becky Crews at mooleeboo@gmail.com.

Purple Rose Offers Classes

Guy Sanville leads a class / Photo Credit: Sean Carter Photography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 24, 2015

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR PURPLE ROSE THEATRE 2015-2016 CLASSES ON SEPT. 1!

CHELSEA, Mich. – Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre Company is accepting actor and playwright applicants starting on September 1 for six classes during their 2015-2016, 25^th Anniversary season.

The class season starts with the Purple Rose Playwright Intensive, Sunday, October 2 – Saturday, October 10, 2015. Working with Purple Rose Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, (director of over 35 professional world premieres), PRTC Literary Manager & Resident Artist, Michelle Mountain, and PRTC Resident Artist & Playwright, Carey Crim, (Growing Pretty, Wake, Some Couples May…, Conviction), participants will learn basic principles of playwriting including dramatic elements, structure, the differences between tragedy and comedy, character development, story and plot. Each participant will write a short (10 minute) one-act play during class that will be presented and discussed at a public reading.

Actors looking for an intense training in practical acting principles can challenge themselves in the Scene Study Intensive, Meaning It: Acting at the Purple Rose. Our most selective and rigorous class includes physical training, monologue work and extensive scene study on Mondays, October 12 – December 14, 2015. Discover new approaches to scene work and character development. Class work will also include theatre exercises, readings, discussions, and coaching from the instructors: Purple Rose Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, and PRTC Resident Artists, Michelle Mountain and Rhiannon Ragland.

Also available is our Acting for the Camera Intensive on Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18, 2015. PRTC Associate Artist & Playwright, Brian Letscher, (film work includes Kate and Leopold, Puccini For Beginners, dozens of television credits including Law & Order: CI, SVU as well as a recurring role on Scandal) will lead this Acting for the Camera Intensive. The class will cover many topics including the differences between theatre and film, between television and film, auditioning for the camera, the on-set experience, taking care of yourself – take after take, the differences between long, medium and close shots, etc. Participants must come prepared with a one-minute memorized contemporary monologue from television or film. Participants should bring a flash drive or SD card to class.

The PRTC is also bringing back Shakespeare at The Rose, a journey into the heart of Shakespeare, exploring the text and fundamental principals of acting these classic monologues and scenes, on Saturdays, February 6 – March 12, 2016. PRTC Resident Artist, Michelle Mountain, will teach the class. Next, summer 2016 will mark the return of the popular Teen Intensive, scheduled for Mondays – Thursdays, July 11 – 21. Students entering eighth – twelfth grade will experience the work of professional actors, including scene study, monologue work and acting for the camera. Instructors for the Purple Rose Teen Intensive will be PRTC Resident Artists, Michelle Mountain and Lauren Knox. Finally, the fan favorite, Actor Boot Camp, a 3-day intensive study into acting techniques used by working professionals Friday, July 15 – Sunday, July 17, 2016. Purple Rose Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, and PRTC Resident Artist, Michelle Mountain will teach the boot camp.

Founded in 1991 by actor and Chelsea native, Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) is the home of world-class, original American theatre. The PRTC is a professional theatre company with roots in the Midwest that takes a handcrafted, artisanal approach to producing new and classic American plays that are nothing less than one-of-a-kind experiences. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.

Registration information for Purple Rose classes is available by phone at 734.433.7782 and online at http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/education/classes.

Center Stage Announces Auditions for Youth Theatre

Youth Theater Auditions for
Rumpelstiltskin, Private Eye

In this witty film-noir fairytale spoof, Fairytale Land has been hit by a crime wave.  The Three Bears’ home was broken into.  The Three Little Pigs’ homes were destroyed.  Now Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother is missing.  The crimes seem unrelated, at least if you listen to those shady Grimm brothers.  But could an evil mastermind be behind them all?  Something punny is going on!  Only hard-boiled detective Rumpelstiltskin and his wise-cracking partner Ugly Duckling can solve this wacky case.  Full of hilarious roles and snappy one-liners, this private eye parody is pure gold!
 

Audition Dates: Thursday September 16 -OR- Tuesday September 21, 2015 (you need only come to one).

Audition Time: 4:30pm

Audition Location: Jackson's First Presbyterian Church
743 W. Michigan Ave.

What to Prepare: Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. No preparation necessary. Newbies welcome!
 

Note: Rehearsals will be weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30pm until 6:00pm at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church.

This is a Youth Theater play directed by Bob Bullock that will be performed November 20th-22nd at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church. Youth Theater is for Jackson County students that are in 3rd through 9th grade (no exceptions). To see our Frequently Asked Questions page, click here.

Contact: Youth Theater Chair Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net.