[NEohioPAL] Shaker Theatre Presents New Stages 28: Shaker Playwrights & Directors New Plays Series CORRECTION

Mon Mar 15 19:30:20 PDT 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Christine McBurney

216-295-4258

24 Hour Box Office: 216-295-4287 or beginning March 11:  www.tix.com

Shaker Theatre presents New Stages 28: Festival of New Plays, Written, Directed, Produced & Performed by Students

The Theatre Arts Department of Shaker Heights High School presents the twenty-eighth festival of new plays, written, directed, produced, and performed by students: New Stages 28: Shaker Playwrights and Directors New Plays Series, March 17 and 18 at 8 PM and March 19 and 20 at 7 & 9:15 PM in our intimate black box theatre, Stage 3. Seven one-act plays will be presented as part of a full season of theatrical events, which began with Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in December and concludes with the Spring Ensemble Show in May.

The plays are: A Blonde Walks Into a Comic Book Store written by senior Chevelle Reppert, directed by senior Catherine DiVincenzo; Bigger than a Book written by Douglas Hairston, directed by junior Sabrina Paskewitz; R-PAX written by Robert Gleisser, directed by senior Daniel Greene-Havas; The Promise in the Box written by junior Rachel Davidson, directed by senior Molly Israel; The Ropes of Marriage written by sophomore Savanna Klein, directed by junior Michael Thomas; The Space Between written by Natalie Vicchio, directed by senior David Wemer; and Where written by senior Lindsey Gander, directed by senior Charlie Merriam.

New Stages, now in its twenty-eighth continuous year, was begun by retired Shaker Theatre Arts Department founder, James Thornton, in 1983. Having developed it out of a playwriting class, Thornton considered New Stages to be "the most significant thing we do as a theatre program. The fall show is flashier and on a larger scale. The Spring Ensemble Show provides our most polished and sophisticated performances.”  Department Chair, Christine McBurney adds that "New Stages provides an excitement and a guided learning experience for students that is unparalleled. Students work closely together, learning how to problem solve, collaborate effectively, and think creatively." Thornton also says, "across the line, if you ask Shaker Theatre alumni what their most memorable moments were, they will most likely recall those moments shared in New Stages. To my knowledge, no other high school in the country has a new play series of this design."

This year’s New Stages provides working and learning opportunities for more than 65 students. Over 28 years, the series has involved more than a thousand students in the creation of new works for the theatre. Among Shaker Theatre alums are:

Carter Bays ’93, five-time Emmy-nominated writer for Late Night with David Letterman. Bays is also a writer and producer for American Dad and How I Met Your Mother
Jamie Babbit, ’89, writer/director of the film, But I’m a Cheerleader, The Quiet, and Itty Bitty…Committee.  Television directing credits include “Ugly Betty, “Dirty Sexy Money,” “The L Word,” “Gossip Girl,” “Gilmore Girls,” and more.
David Wain, ’87, writer/director of the film, Wet Hot American Summer and The Ten.  Writing credits include “Mad TV, “The State,” “Stella,” and more.
The late Louis Schechter, ’83, Los Angeles film producer and director whose credits include Proximity, Next Action Star, and Bet Your Life..
Michelle Federer, ’91, New York stage actress, the original Nessarose in Broadway’s Wicked and who recently appeared Off Broadway in Anon, and in the film Flannel Pajamas.
Michael McElroy, ’84, New York Tony nominated stage actor, Big River, Rent, Miss Saigon, Angels in America, Some Men.
Andrew Kober ’02.  An original member of the Tony-nominated production of Hair on Broadway.
Halle Morse ’05.  In the current production of Mama Mia on Broadway.
Laura Jacqmin,’00 recipient of the second annual Wasserstein Prize, established in memory of the esteemed playwright Wendy Wasserstein, who died in 2006.  The $25,000 prize is awarded for an outstanding script by a young woman who has not yet received national attention.
Sara Knowlton, ’86, television, film and New York stage actress.  TV includes “House,” “Ugly Betty,” “As the World Turns,” and more.
Betsy Hogg, ’06, appeared Off Broadway in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie with Cynthia Nixon and on Broadway in The Crucible with Liam Neeson and Laura Linney and Fiddler on the Roof with Harvey Fierstein.  She appeared in the film, Rocket Science and on television’s “Law and Order.”
Gabrielle Perrin, ’87, former casting director for all West Coast operations for the television channel, Nickelodeon.
and many others…
Every new Broadway season for the past seventeen  years has included one or more Shaker Theatre alum in major New York productions. In addition, Shaker Theatre alums hold positions in every area of professional theatre and the entertainment industry.

Stage 3—Shaker Heights High School’s intimate black box theatre—was the vision of student Amy Silberman, ’81.  For her Senior Project, she drew a design for a black box theatre and identified the space in the basement of the school.  Amy was the catalyst for turning the former fallout shelter into a performing space. Stage 3, dedicated in her memory, is the perfect venue for New Stages, seating only 84 people and usually selling out every performance.

The award-winning Theatre Arts Department at Shaker Heights High School offers 7 daily theatre classes, produces 4 major productions and 3 showcases, and involves nearly 300 students each year.

The program hosts numerous on-going Guest Artists, including:

·         Residencies with Matt Thornton, ’92 of  Pilobolus Dance Theatre

·         Geoff Bullen, Assistant Director at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)

·         Seth Gordon, Associate Artistic Director at the Cleveland Play House

·         Actor Derdriu Ring

and Associate Guest Artists

·         James Thornton, Founder of the Shaker Theatre Arts Department & Creator of the Ensemble Program

·         Wendy Lynne, Movement Specialist & Director

·         Katie Daley, Poet

·         Megan Pitcher, Costumer

·         Bruce Jennings, Musician

Faculty and staff include:

·         Theatre Arts Department Chair and Cleveland theatre artist, Christine McBurney, who teaches or has taught Playwriting, Film as Art, Theatre Production Seminar, Acting, Jr. Ensemble, Improvisation, and Shakescenes.

·         Ensemble Program Director Erik Johnson, who teaches Junior, Advanced and Senior Ensembles, Theatre I, and Theatre Production Seminar

·         Chuck Tisdale, Technical Designer and Auditorium Manager.

As a newly designated IB (International Baccalaureate) World School, Shaker Heights High School will add IB Theatre History in Action to its courses in the 2010-11 academic year.

# # #
Christine McBurney
Theatre Arts Dept. Chair
Shaker Heights High School
15911 Aldersyde Dr.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
216.295.4258
216.295.4277 fax
http://www.shaker.org/about/schools/high/departments/theatre/

Connected to Microsoft Exchange

Christine McBurney
Theatre Arts Dept. Chair
Shaker Heights High School
15911 Aldersyde Dr.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
216.295.4258
216.295.4277 fax
http://www.shaker.org/about/schools/high/departments/theatre/
________________________________________
From: McBurney, Christine
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 9:06 AM
To: neohiopal at listserve.com
Subject: Shaker Theatre Presents New Stages 28: Shaker Playwrights & Directors New Plays Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Christine McBurney

216-295-4258

24 Hour Box Office: 216-295-4287

Shaker Theatre presents New Stages 27: Festival of New Plays, Written, Directed, Produced & Performed by Students

The Theatre Arts Department of Shaker Heights High School presents the twenty-seventh festival of new plays, written, directed, produced, and performed by students: New Stages 27: Shaker Playwrights and Directors New Plays Series, March 18 and 19 at 8 PM and March 20 and 21 at 7 & 9:15 PM, Shaker Theatre’s intimate black box theatre, Stage 3. Seven one-act plays will be presented as part of a full season of theatrical events, which began with Ragtime: The Musical in December and concludes with the Spring Ensemble Show in May.
The plays are: Baby Business by senior Nathanie Yaskey, directed by senior Tempest Charles; Bleeding Jade by senior Amanda Grimes, directed by junior Catie DiVincenzo; Canceled Out by sophomore Hannah Carlson, directed by junior Lindsey Gander; Half Past Sunshine by senior Anique Thomas, directed by senior Caitlin O’Connor; Miss Middles Meets Her Maker by senior Emily Jennings, directed by senior Melissa Freilich; Music in a Box by senior Nick Hahn, directed by senior Chris Mok; and Perspectives by juniors Danny Green-Havas and Rob Gleisser, directed by junior David Wemer.

New Stages, now in its twenty-seventh continuous year, was begun by retired Shaker Theatre Arts Department founder, James Thornton, in 1983. Having developed it out of a playwriting class, Thornton considered New Stages to be "the most significant thing we do as a theatre program. The fall show is flashier and on a larger scale. The Spring Ensemble Show provides our most polished and sophisticated performances.”  Department Chair, Christine McBurney adds that "New Stages provides an excitement and a guided learning experience for students that is unparalleled. Students work closely together, learning how to problem solve, collaborate effectively, and think creatively." Thornton also says, "across the line, if you ask Shaker Theatre alumni what their most memorable moments were, they will most likely recall those moments shared in New Stages. To my knowledge, no other high school in the country has a new play series of this design."

This year’s New Stages provides working and learning opportunities for over 75 students. Over 27 years, the series has involved more than a thousand students in the creation of new works for the theatre. Among Shaker Theatre alums are:

 *   Carter Bays ’93, five-time Emmy-nominated writer for Late Night with David Letterman. Bays is also a writer and producer for American Dad and How I Met Your Mother
 *   Jamie Babbit, ’89, writer/director of the film, But I’m a Cheerleader, The Quiet, and Itty Bitty…Committee
 *   David Wain, ’87, writer/director of the film, Wet Hot American Summer and The Ten
 *   Michelle Federer, ’91, New York stage actress, the original Nessarose in Broadway’s Wicked and who recently appeared Off Broadway in Anon, and in the film Flannel Pajamas
 *   Michael McElroy, ’84, New York Tony nominated stage actor, Big River, Rent, Miss Saigon, Angels in America, currently appearing in the new Terrance McNally play, Some Men
 *   Gabrielle Perrin, ’87, former casting director for all West Coast operations for the television channel, Nickelodeon
 *   Betsy Hogg, ’06, recently appeared Off Broadway in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie with Cynthia Nixon and on Broadway in The Crucible with Liam Neeson and Laura Linney and Fiddler on the Roof with Harvey Fierstein
 *   Sara Knowlton, ’87, television, film and New York stage actress
 *   Jennifer Cohen, namesake of the annual Shaker Foundation Award, Owner and President of The Annoyance Theatre Company, Chicago
 *   The late Louis Schechter, ’83, Los Angeles film producer and director
 *   Laura Jacqmin, recipient of the second annual Wasserstein Prize, established in memory of the esteemed playwright Wendy Wasserstein, who died in 2006.  The $25,000 prize is awarded for an outstanding script by a young woman who has not yet received national attention.
 *   and many others…

Every new Broadway season for the past sixteen years has included one or more Shaker Theatre alum in major New York productions. In addition, Shaker Theatre alums hold positions in every area of professional theatre and the entertainment industry.

Stage 3—Shaker Heights High School’s intimate black box theatre—was the vision of student Amy Silberman, ’81.  For her Senior Project, she drew a design for a black box theatre and identified the space in the basement of the school.  Amy was the catalyst for turning the former fallout shelter into a performing space. Stage 3, dedicated in her memory, is the perfect venue for New Stages, seating only 86 people and usually selling out every performance.

The award-winning Theatre Arts Department at Shaker High offers 7 daily theatre classes, produces 4 major productions and 5 showcases, and involves nearly 300 students each year. The program hosts numerous on-going guest artists, including, for the past two years, residencies with Matt Thornton, ’92, of the Pilobolus Dance Theatre; Geoff Bullen, Assistant Director at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA); Seth Gordon, Associate Artistic Director at the Cleveland Play House; and regional theatre actress Diedriu Ring. Faculty include: Theatre Arts Department Chair Christine McBurney, who teaches Playwriting, Acting, Jr. Ensemble, and Shakescenes; Erik Johnson, who teaches Junior, Advanced and Senior Ensembles, Theatre I, and Theatre Production Seminar; Chuck Tisdale, Auditorium Manager and Technical Director; and Joel Rathbone, Stage Manager.

Christine McBurney
Theatre Arts Dept. Chair
Shaker Heights High School
15911 Aldersyde Dr.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
216.295.4258
216.295.4277 fax
http://www.shaker.org/about/schools/high/departments/theatre/

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