September 2016 - NEohioPAL - lists.neohiopal.org

Act-It UP! Community Theatre 2016 Fall Production Auditions
by Shari Schneider via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

Act-It UP! Community Theatre announces auditions for the upcoming fall production “The Christmas Cafe” by Burton Bumgarner produced by special arrangements with Eldridge Publishing Company. The cast being sought will be multi-generational from ages 8 and up and consist of 18 males and 14 females. *About the Story:* “The Christmas Cafe” is a comedy set in a restaurant where Betty, the waitress and cook, serves customers from three different familiar holiday stories: “The Night Before Christmas” by Clemet Clark Moore, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, and “The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman. In "All of the Other Reindeer," Blitzen is burned out and upset that he's always last on the team. The other reindeer have suggestions: Cupid thinks he needs a love life; Donder suggests a good stock portfolio, Prancer thinks an exercise regime is the answer. Baffled, the other reindeer call in Santa's newest hire, a reindeer called Freud. They tell her Blitzen has jealousy and anger issues. Finally, the waitress Betty simply suggests another reindeer take a turn being last and Blitzen has a better outlook. In "Bah! Humbug!" Marley's Ghost goes to Scrooge's house, but in a century and a half too late! The Spirits of Past, Present and Future confront him, but everything's messed up. Now Tiny Tim is a football player. In "Nutcrackered," E. T. A. Hoffman is struggling with writer's block. Young Clara and her brother Fritz give him inspiration when they tell him a wild story about a magical nutcracker. *When?*Thursday, September 15th, 7pm to 9pm Friday, September 23rd, 7pm to 9pm *Saturday, September 24th, 11am to 1pm* (Schedule by Appointment Only -- Email the Director at act.it.up.theater(a)gmail.com - There is no prior preparation required as auditions will consist of cold reads from the script. - Please be bring your calendar to declare potential conflicts. - Act-It UP! Community Theatre engages in the practice of non-traditional casting and all roles are available. - A complete listing will be posted on both our website and community facebook page. *Where?*Pilgrim United Church of Christ 130 Broad Blvd. Cuyahoga Falls, Oh, 44221. Performances and rehearsals are also held at this location. The rehearsal schedule will consist of Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The performance dates are scheduled for December 2nd, 3rd (matinee) and 4th, 2016. Act-It UP! Community Theatre welcomes actors of all experience levels, from beginner to professional. We enjoy sharing the magic of theatre and are always seeking to grow our Act-It UP! family. Whether you like best to work behind the scenes or in front of the curtain, you are welcome to join us. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/act.it.up.theatre/ or sign up for audition notices athttp://actituptheater.wixsite. com/pilgrim-ucc-church Act-It UP! Community Theatre is an organization comprised of volunteers from within the congregation of Pilgrim United Church of Christ and the community. After expenses, any profits earned from ticket sales support the future of the theatre group and/or any special fundraising project as agreed upon by the committee. Additional information can be found at http://pilgrimcf.org. As a Director for this show, I am really excited about the character-building aspect of this particular production! If each actor cast plays their character to their full potential, I can already see the audience laughing A LOT! I hope to see you at auditions! It's going to be a wonderful journey! Blessings, Shari Lynn Schneider Director

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AUDITIONS - ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND - BECK CENTER YOUTH THEATER
by Jonathan Kronenberger via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

Beck Center for the Arts Youth Theater, one of the oldest continuously running Youth Theaters in the country, will be holding auditions on September 17 & 18, 2016 for the first production of our 68th Anniversary Season: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland >From the novels by Lewis Carroll Adapted by Tim Kelly Directed by Russel Stich The Story: Follow that famous White Rabbit to a delightful, entertaining world of childhood fantasies. Alice adventures into a world of talking flowers, comic royalty and continually circling races! Along the way Alice must deal with the Mad Hatter's frantic tea party, the mysteriously disappearing Cheshire Cat, the eternal bickering of Tweedledum and Tweedledee, a plethora of kings, queens and knaves - before finally attending a trial - where she suddenly finds herself the accused! Audition/Callback dates: (open to Beck Center students ages 6 to 19*) Saturday, September 17: 2:00 to 5:00pm & Sunday, September 18: 12:30 to 3:30pm Callbacks: Monday, September 19 from 5:00 to 7:30pm Starting Wednesday, September 7, you may sign up for a one-hour audition slot at Beck Center Customer Service or by calling 216-521-2540 x10. *Please note: Youth Theater roles are only eligible to students who will be enrolled in our Fall 2016 semester. Actors do not need to be enrolled at the time of the auditions, however, participation in the actual production does require Beck Center enrollment. Students do not need to be specifically enrolled in a Theater class at Beck Center to qualify. Students who will be enrolled in a Fall 2016 semester class in Beck Center's Dance, Music and Visual Arts Departments are equally eligible. Bottom line: if you are accepting a role in the show, you will need to enroll prior to the start of rehearsals. Any questions, please feel free to contact Jonathan Kronenberger, Associate Director of Theater Education, at jkronenberger(a)beckcenter.org<mailto:jkronenberger@beckcenter.org>. Our Fall 2016 catalog is available online at www.beckcenter.org<http://www.beckcenter.org>. Unlike some other youth theaters, there is NO additional participation fee required beyond enrollment. What to Prepare: Students are asked to prepare a short monologue or poem to present as their audition piece. Memorization is strongly encouraged. Potential Rehearsals: September 26, 2016 - October 29, 2016 * Mon, Tue, Weds, Thurs, Fri: between 5:30 - 8:30pm * Saturdays: between 2:30 - 5:30pm * Sundays: between 1:00-4:00pm The show will NOT be rehearsing every day or the full time range listed. The director will pick the days that best accommodate everyone's schedules - once conflicts and availability are known for the above dates. Tech Week: October 30-November 2, 2016 * Sunday from 1:00 - 9:00pm and Weekdays 5:00 - 9:00pm All cast members are expected to attend ALL rehearsals during Tech Week. Performance dates: November 3-6, 2016 All cast members are required to attend all performances. * Friday, November 4 at 7:30pm * Saturday, November 5 at 3:00pm * Sunday, November 6 at 3:00pm * Special Student Matinee: Thursday, November 3 at 10:00am (NOTE: This will require missing school that morning.) ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND is presented through special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service. Please visit and join our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beck-Center-Theater-Education-Youth-Theater/8… 2016-2017 YOUTH & TEEN THEATER SEASON*: ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND (November 3 - 6, 2016) AARGH! (December 9 - 18, 2016) CARRIE the musical (March 24 - April 2, 2017) SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! (May 12 - 21, 2017) *Presented by the Mort and Iris November Philanthropic Fund. * * * * * * Located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for special needs students, and gallery exhibits featuring local, regional and international artists. For more information visit beckcenter.org<http://www.beckcenter.org/>.

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BECK CENTER THEATER CLASSES STARTING THIS WEEK!
by Jonathan Kronenberger via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

This Wednesday, September 7, marks the start of our Fall 2016 semester at Beck Center for the Arts ... and some classes are nearly sold out! However, we still have opportunities available to participate in one of our after school offerings or our great Saturday packages ... be it Fundamentals of Theater, Youth Core or Teen Core options. If you've been meaning to get involved or wanting to check out what the buzz is all about at Beck Center ... now is the time. Beck Center for the Arts offers our catalog exclusively online 24/7 - complete with fast and easy registration. You can sign up for any class right from the comforts of home! Heck, you can even wake up, sign on, sign up and head over for class all in a matter of minutes. :) But don't wait too long or you just might miss out! Copy and paste this link to take you directly to our Fall 2016 catalog: https://www.flipsnack.com/BeckCenter/beck-center-fall-class-catalog.html Enroll online at www.beckcenter.org<http://www.beckcenter.org> , call 216-521-2540 x10 or stop by in person at Beck Center for the Arts on 17801 Detroit in Lakewood and join the fun! * * * * * Located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for special needs students, and gallery exhibits featuring local, regional and international artists. For more information visit beckcenter.org<http://www.beckcenter.org/>.

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REVIEW: ASSASSINS at Canton Players Guild
by Tom Wachunas via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

Hail to the GriefBy Tom Wachunas I amhe as you are he as you are me / And we are all together/See how they run likepigs from a gun/See how they fly/ I’m crying – from “I Am the Walrus”by John Lennon and Paul McCartney The etymology ofthe English word assassin is afascinating one, derived from the Arabic hashishiyyn,meaning “hashish users.” During the time of the Crusades, a fanaticalMuslim sect was notorious for killing enemy leaders after working themselvesinto a frenzy brought on by ingesting hashish. And so it is thatthe one-act musical, Assassins,currently playing at Canton’s Players Guild Theatre, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, probes the intentionsand motivations of nine disillusioned and deluded individuals who eitherattempted or succeeded in killing a U.S President. One might say that theirfrenzy-inducing drug of choice wasn’t hashish, but rather their dangerouslyfestering resentments after their desires for societal inclusion, attention, orcelebrity had been denied. Sound familiar? As one of the show’s songs puts it,"There's another national anthem, folks, for those who never win... We'rethe other national anthem, folks, the ones who can't get in..." It’s athin line indeed between the American Dream and American Scream, between “AllLives Matter” and “All Lives Shattered.” The narrative is atime warp that plucks these individuals (some more infamous than others) fromhistory and places them all together in a surrealistic carnival setting,complete with a grimy shooting gallery (scenic design by Joshua Erichsen),adorned with targets bearing a President’s face. Director Jonathan Tisevichclearly has an uncanny gift for unpacking and fleshing out the characters’ challengingand complex strata of emotional and psychological nuance. And in turn, it’s theastonishingly gifted cast members, both as singers and actors, who altogethertransform what could have been merely absurd or toxic cartoons into authenticand impactful human presences. Their visceral, in-your-face energy is all themore augmented by the black-box surrounds of the Guild’s arena theater. Micah Harvey bringssinister relish to his role of the carnival proprietor - a Mephistopheleanhuckster who provides guns and temptations to his customers. Joe Halladey IIIdoubles as the “Balladeer” and, late in the proceedings, the John F. Kennedyassassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. As the former, he’s a crooning narrator whoarticulates Sondheim’s lyrical verbosity with practically magical ease, oftenmocking the deviant thoughts and actions of the other characters. As Oswald,he’s an arresting figure, flummoxed and haunted by the pleas of the otherassassins to join their “family.” Vincent Sisleyplays Guiseppe Zangara, who attempted to kill FDR in 1933. Jacob Sustersicplays Leon Czolgosz, who killed William McKinley in 1901. Both performersinvest their performances with palpable gravitas, delivering their rants andgrievances with convincing accents (Italian and Polish, respectively). Craig Joseph deftlypaints an edgy portrait of optimistic clownishness with a brooding underside inhis colorful role of Charles Guiteau, who shot James Garfield in 1881. As JohnWilkes Booth, Jimmy Ferko is a particularly magnetic presence, and for all ofhis character’s arrogance, oddly likeable. Corey Paulus is truly scary as Samuel Byck, who intended tokill Richard Nixon in 1974. Clad in a tattered Santa costume, he’s at firstutterly hilarious in a dark sort of way, bellowing all manner of foul-mothed(and full-mouthed) insults and complaints which relentlessly escalate intounfettered rage. Speaking of darkhilarity, Julie Connair’s portrayal of Sara Jane Moore, who tried to killGerald Ford in 1975, borders on comic genius. One of the most memorablepassages of the evening transpires when she shares a scene with Taylor MarieScott, playing “Squeaky” Fromme, another would-be Ford assassin who wasobsessed with Charles Manson. Scott’s performance is a chilling look at insaneidol worship. Russell Jones is similarly commanding in his role of John HinkleyJr., who wanted to impress his imagined lover (Jody Foster) by shooting RonaldReagan in 1981. Through it all, theexcellent off-stage orchestra conducted by Steve Parsons plays, often verysoftly, an intriguing, almost ghostly montage of period-style tunes reminiscentof ragtime, old-timey folk songs, or circus marches. Here then is achallenging tragicomedy, a startling parade – at once bleak, vulgar, anduncomfortably funny - of wounded or hopelessly corrupted psyches. And with nointermission, it seemed to me at one point an agonizingly long parade. But on further reflection, an intermission might wellhave broken the intensity necessary to let these disturbing characters andtheir twisted stories resonate beyond their own times and thus evoke somethingmuch more urgent and timely. So I don’t thinkthis work is just about the horrificconsequences of the moral/psychological aberrations that triggered a handful ofmurderous individuals from America’s past. What makes it still stand as anelectrifying work of theatre art is inhow it becomes a compelling indictment of the terrible spiritual poverty of notonly our current American culture, but of the global human condition as well. We have met theenemy… With a broken moral compass, when we’re not running about in aimless panic, we’re flyingupside down. Meanwhile the walrus, as it were, sits in our living rooms. We’recrying. Goo–goo-g’joob. Assassins, at Canton Players Guild’sWilliam G. Fry Theatre, 1001 Market Avenue N., Canton, Ohio / Shows THROUGHSEPTEMBER 18 – Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. / TICKETS $27for adults, $19 for ages 17 and under, $24 for seniors / Order at www.playersguildtheatre.com or call 330.453.7617 For othercommentaries by Tom Wachunas on the arts in the Canton area, please visit hisblog, ARTWACH, at www.artwach.blogspot.com

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New dance session begins Tues. Sept.6th at Arlene Cassara Dance & Theater
by Nicole Cassara via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

Classes begin Tuesday, September 6th at Arlene Cassara Dance & Theater Center (North Olmsted). Classes offered in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, dance intro, contemporary, pointe and musical theater in beginning, intermediate and advance levels. Ages 3 1/2 thru and including ADULT! Registration is still being taken but classes are filling up fast. www.ArleneCassaraDance.com Sent from my iPhone

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Follow Spot Operator
by Richard The Lionhearted via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

Karamu House is looking for a follow spot operator for the Production of "Blues in the Night". Starting 9/06 thru 10/02. This position is Compensated. If interested please call Richard Morris @ 216.795.7070 ext 236.

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Chagrin Valley Choral Union Looking for New Members
by Lisa Georges via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

Chagrin Valley Choral Union is starting the 2016-17 season this Sunday, September 11. Please consider joining us this year. We are a non-audition choir that rehearses each Sunday at 7:00 pm at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Solon. Our two concerts are held in Twinsburg. All voice types are welcome. Chagrin Valley Choral Union (CVCU) is a premier group with a rich sixty year history. We are a group dedicated to providing a unique opportunity for singers and music lovers who wish to perform masterworks of choral literature. The roster of singers is as diverse as the music we perform. Welcoming all types of singers ranging from professional musicians and voice students, to church and community group participants, we take pride in our dedication to learning and making music while maintaining a professional presence. CVCU is a non-audition chorus that rehearses on a weekly basis. Our goal is to perform two concerts a year in order to provide the community with exposure to classical choral music. We have performed with local musicians and other choral groups. What separates us from other choral groups is our rich performance history and deep appreciation for expressing and exploring the emotions and passions of the music of the past. However, CVCU has also embraced contemporary music that exemplifies the style and flavor of the past as well, thus remaining dedicated to providing chorus members with a rich and education experience.

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Beck Center Announces Auditions for Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID
by Scott Spence via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

AUDITIONS for.... Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID *Where: Beck Center for the Arts 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood OH* *When: Open Calls {By Appointment} will take place on....* * Sunday, September 25th between 6PM and 8:30PM* * and* * Monday, September 26th between 6PM and 8:30PM* * ~~~Schedule your appointment by calling Beck Center at * * 216-521-2540 x10* *Preparation: Prepare a 60 to 90 second selection from the Musical Theatre genre. Bring **sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be provided. Dance **calls will occur during callbacks.* *Performances: "The Little Mermaid" opens Dec. 2nd and closes Dec. 31st. Most* * shows are Friday/Saturday/Sunday, with a few exceptions.* *Rehearsals: Will Begin circa October 22nd.* *Roles: ALL roles are open with the exception of Ariel (Who will be played by* * NYC based actress Kathleen Rooney (Beck Center's "Xanadu" and "Evil* * Dead The Musical") See character list below for more specifics.* *Equity/Non-Equity/Compensation: There is one additional AEA contract for this* * Production. ALL roles featuring performers 18 and older are compensated* * for their participation.* *Staff: Scott Spence (Director), Larry Goodpaster (Musical Director), Martin* * Cespedes (Choreographer), Libby White (Production Stage Manager)* *Roles: *{We will see actors 14 years of age and older *only* for this production} Prince Eric A human monarch who has no interest of taking the crown. A handsome, affable lad with a buoyant, adventurous nature. After Ariel saves his life, he becomes obsessed with finding her and hearing her voice once more. Gender: Male Age: 20 to 30 Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: B2 Grimsby Prince Eric's British guardian. Droll, stuffy, and constantly urging Eric towards his royal duties, specifically marriage, Gender: Male Age: 30 to 60 Vocal range top: C4 Vocal range bottom: C3 Flounder A fish and smitten with Ariel, his best friend. Rambunctious but cautious, fearful of the dangers that lurk in and above the water. Gender: Male or female Age: 14 to 20 Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: A2 Scuttle A disheveled seagull and expert in human artifacts. Loudmouthed, optimistic, and a bit ignorant, despite his supposed expertise. Gender: Male Age: 25 to 40 Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: C3 King Triton King of the Sea and Ariel's father. Beneath his imposing presence and commanding nature lurks a harried single father who will do anything to protect his daughters. The death of his wife has also given him an irrational fear of humans. Gender: Male Age: 35 to 50 Vocal range top: F4 Vocal range bottom: Ab2 Sebastian A crab and advisor to King Triton. A musical virtuoso who is constantly distraught from keeping after Ariel. Despite his paranoia, he can't bring himself to stand in Ariel's way. Gender: Male Age: 30 to 45 Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: Bb2 Flotsam and Jetsam Eels--- and Ursula's lackeys. Oily and spineless, They will say anything you want or need to hear. Gender: Males Age: 20 to 40 Vocal range top: C5 (Flotsam) Vocal range Top: A4 (Jetsam) Vocal range bottom: E3 (Flotsam) Vocal Range Bottom: (Jetsam) Ursula The banished Sea Witch and sister of King Triton. Supposedly spurned at childhood, she will use whatever method necessary to steal the kingdom and claim it as her own. Malevolent, calculating, and deceptive. Gender: Female Age: 35 to 50 Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: Eb3 Chef Louis The French palace chef, diabolical and violent. A culinary perfectionist with an affinity for blades, seafood in particular. Gender: Male Age: 30 to 50 Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: Bb2 Ensemble Crew Members (Pilot, Sailors); Sea Creatures; Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana); Gulls; Maids; Chefs; Animals; Princesses *Final Word-*-- Beck Center Holiday audiences are amazing to play for! Come be a part of a great synergy between audience and performer. You'll remember why you truly do this in the first place. Be part of that "first theatre" impression you make on "kids" 4 to 94.

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Torque Improv in the Village 9/24!
by Don Mitri via NEohioPAL 05 Sep '16

05 Sep '16

Torque...Full Throttle Improv brings high energy, physical and hysterical improv to the Reserve Hall Theater! The show combines game structures similar to "Whose Line Is It Anyway" along with audience participation. Check out some of Cleveland's hottest improv performers as they take your suggestions and create completely unscripted improvised scenes. Date: Sept 24, 2016 Show time is 8:30pm Doors open at 8:00pm Admission: $8.00- Reg $5.00 - With Student ID (Cash Only) Reserve Tickets: (440) 471-1045 or online www.improv@cpacleveland.org Walkups are always welcome! For all CPA information: www.cpacleveland.org Free parking is always available in the Mayfield Village Civic Center lot. **Parking lot is located behind Heinens grocery store at the corner of Wilson Mills and Som Center Rd.** **Entrance to the parking lot is off Wilson Mills Comedy Project Alliance Mayfield Village Civic Center (Reserve Theater) 6622 Wilson Mills Rd Mayfield Village, Oh 44143

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B4 BED Offers Story-Time For Adults in Akron
by Wandering Aesthetics via NEohioPAL 04 Sep '16

04 Sep '16

Wandering Aesthetics & Firestone Park Branch Library Present… B4 Bed: Stories For Adults B4 Bed: Stories For Adults is a FREE event and OPEN to the public The event will be held on Tuesday, September 6th from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Firestone Park Branch Library, located at 1486 Aster Ave., Akron, OH 44301 THEME FOR SEPTEMBER: …SCIENCE FICTION… HARRISON BERGERON by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. ALL YOU ZOMBIES by Robert A. Heinlein DATE/TIME: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 6:30 PM LOCATION: Firestone Park Branch Library 1486 Aster Ave. Akron, OH 44301 PRICE: FREE!!! ABOUT THE EVENT: Have you always wanted to start a good story only to realize you don’t have the time? Or maybe you want to feel just like a kid again and have a good story read to you? Let your imagination wander as you join Storyteller Kyle Jozsa from Wandering Aesthetics as he shares a series of short stories for adults only. B4 Bed: Stories For Adults is all about that return trip to childhood. So sit back, relax and getaway from the everyday as we read you enthralling episodes from modern and classic writers alike. TO REGISTER: Please REGISTER for this program by visiting www.watheatre.com/b4-bed/ <http://www.watheatre.com/b4-bed/>, calling Firestone Park Branch Library at (330)724-2126 or stopping in the library for a visit. For more information, please email watheatre(a)gmail.com <mailto:watheatre@gmail.com>.

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