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Set and props School House Rock Live!
by Tony via NEohioPAL 02 Aug '16

02 Aug '16

Kent State Trumbull Theatre has just finished a run of School House Rock Live! and I would like to pass the scenic pieces and many props along. Some pictures can be seen on Kent Trumbull Theatre/Summer Stock. If you or someone you know is considering doing this show this season it would be worth your time to think about this. Please contact me at akovaci3(a)kent.edu Tony E. Kovacic

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National Monologue and Fight Scene Competitions
by Kristina Michelle via NEohioPAL 02 Aug '16

02 Aug '16

Join us for the networking event of the year! The Indie Gathering International Film Festival is coming back to Hudson on August 11th-14th, held at The Clarion Inn & Conference Center - 6625 Dean Memorial Parkway. Early registration is still open for national monologue and fight scene competitions, with early registration closing on Friday, August 5th. Registration will be accepted at the door, but registering early saves you $10. Be seen by filmmakers and film professionals from around the world in this competition, with confirmed attendance from across the US, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, England, Poland and more. We have also introduced some fantastic new awards for this year's Grand Champion in each competition: championship belts! Acting Registration: http://theindiegathering.com/acting.php Stunt Registration: http://theindiegathering.com/stunts.php The 2016 festival marks our 21st year of the event and features over 120 films from around the world; two days of lectures and panel discussions; convention room; monologue & fight scene competitions; FX makeup competitions; free classic car show and drive-in style screenings on Saturday (weather permitting); networking parties, and so much more! We hope you can join us for another amazing event! Find out more at www.TheIndieGathering.com, and be sure to follow us at Facebook.com/TheIndieGathering and on Twitter @indiegathering.

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Call for Written Submissions!
by Wandering Aesthetics via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

Click HERE <http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=64343e6dcb0e9abd6d2eb484c&id=b507b8707e> to meet the team! Wandering Aesthetics seeks written submissions for our upcoming “Rest Stop Political Theatre Project.” The “Rest Stop Political Theatre Project” is a Joy of Voting Initiative funded by Citizen University with support from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. ABOUT THE JOY OF VOTING Through the Joy of Voting, Citizen University– a national nonprofit based in Seattle– aims to help address a growing trend of lower voter turnout in local elections. The project will create localized, action-oriented projects in four cities across the country to foster a stronger culture of voting. In Akron, Citizen University is partnering with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron to help promote the project. In addition to Akron, Joy of Voting projects are launching in Miami, FL; Wichita, KS; and Philadelphia, PA. The Joy of Voting project derives its vision from an article in “The Atlantic” written by Citizen University founder and CEO Eric Liu, in which he asks that it’s possible to revive 18th and 19th century practices of raucous, participatory activity and pageantry around elections. Winning organizations in Akron include: The Big Love Network, artist Megan Young, Wandering Aesthetics, Engaging to Excel with Excellence and the Akron Beacon Journal in collaboration with the Jefferson Center. ABOUT THE “REST STOP POLITICAL THEATRE PROJECT” “Rest Stop Political Theatre” is a mobile performance– devised to take place in the bed of a pickup truck– that will travel to five Akron neighborhoods. Performances will take place outdoors in civic common spaces in the weeks leading up to the October 11 voter registration deadline. The goal: help get people registered while galvanizing an informed electoral to participate in this quintessential civic duty. “Rest Stop” builds on theatrical foundations established by Brecht, Boal, the Living Newspaper, Bread & Puppet and Teatro Campesino to use theatre to galvanize political discourse among everyday citizens. Using a variety of tools (ex: puppetry, physical comedy, folk music) these live performances will be fun, educational, interactive AND encourage civic participation. Performing on the back of a beat-up truck allows us to challenge the notion that theatre (and voting) is a luxury only relevant to some. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Wandering Aesthetics is seeking writers of all ages, backgrounds, experience levels and demographics. The goal is to showcase a wide variety of voices and perspectives about voting, democracy and America’s political history/present/future. We are an open, accepting and affirming company performing to diverse communities. We are interested in exploring questions such as: “in the face of political, economic, racial and social oppression/injustice, what is the necessity of civic participation? When it increasingly seems like your vote doesn’t count, why bother? Why do people care more about Pokemon than exercising their hard-won rights? Is it possible to overcome today’s fractious two-party politics? What does ‘freedom’ mean?” We seek to explore such questions in a fun, engaging and participatory way. Submissions may take almost any form as long as in can be spoken and/or performed. This is including but not limited to: poetry, speeches, comedic sketches, serious/dramatic scenes, puppetry, masked scenes, improv scenarios and/or songs (Due to time constraints melody must be able to be played on guitar and based on folk songs in the public domain.) Performance times may range from 2 – 10 minutes. LIMITATIONS: All pieces must be simple enough to be performed outside on or around a pickup truck. (I.E. No elaborate costume changes in the middle of the piece or special stage effects/lighting.) Our ensemble/cast involves 4 performers and a musician. Submissions may be work that already exists or material written specifically for this performance. However, applicants must be able to give Wandering Aesthetics full permission to use work– material under copyright protection may only be submitted by copyright holder. PAYMENT: Wandering Aesthetics will pay $25 - $50 for permission to use material from August 15 – November 15. Final fee will be dependent on the number of pieces selected. Payment will be made no later than November 18. Author/copyright holder remains sole owner of material and will be credited on www.watheatre.com <http://www.watheatre.com/> and in any other press material we distribute. HOW TO SUBMIT: Please send entries via email to WATheatre(a)gmail.com <mailto:WATheatre@gmail.com?subject=Submission%3A%20%22Rest%20Stop%20Political%20Theatre%22> with Submission: “Rest Stop Political Theatre Project” in subject. Questions may also be directed to this email. No phone calls please. DEADLINE: Sunday, August 14 at 11:59 pm. NOTIFICATION: Selections and notification will be made by August, 23. IMPORTANT: All entries must be nonpartisan. We are not supporting a particular party or candidate– simply encouraging people to take part in the political process. IN ADDITION Wandering Aesthetics seeks letters, quotes, postcards, drawings and/or photographs that, in some way, serve as a response to the theme. Please send entries via email to WATheatre(a)gmail.com <mailto:WATheatre@gmail.com?subject=Submisison%3A%20%22Joy%20of%20Voting%22> with Submission: “Joy of Voting” in subject or, as a hardcopy, to: Wandering Aesthetics C/O Summit Artspace 140 E. Market St. Akron, OH 44308 Questions may also be directed to this email. No phone calls please. We are collecting these items to better understand the myriad perspectives around this complex and important topic. Pieces may be incorporated as part of a scene devised by the cast, read between segments or otherwise included. If you like to submit, but definitely would not like your piece included, please indicate. These items will not be returned. Please send by Thursday, August 25. About Wandering Aesthetics Dreamt into being on the mountains of Appalachia, where founders Benjamin Rexroad and Kyle Jozsa completed a thru-hike of the 2,185.9-mile Appalachian Trail, Wandering Aesthetics rose (like an overused cliché) from the ashes of Heads Up Productions. The organization is an Akron, Ohio-based storytelling theatre company bent on exploring our American roots and identity through the lens of narrative. We build community through person-to-person contact, connecting disparate peoples through events and performance, investigating the human link in our diverse cultural heritage. For more, visit www.watheatre.com <http://www.watheatre.com/>. About Citizen University Citizen University is a national nonprofit based in Seattle that promotes and teaches the art of powerful citizenship. In addition to the Joy of Voting, programs and initiatives include the Civic Collaboratory, a civic leadership network; Sworn-Again America, a project on civic rituals; the Citizen University National Conference; and programs and resources to teach civic power. For more, visit www.citizenuniversity.us <http://www.citizenuniversity.us/>. About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org <http://www.knightfoundation.org/>.

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One More Weekend for Grease Under the Stars at the Frostville Museum August 4th - 6th
by via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

Grease Under the Stars continues this weekend at the Frostville Museum Thursday August 4th through Saturday August 6th at 7:30pm Grease Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey Produced and Directed by Mike & Brenda Larochelle in association with the Olmsted Historical Society $8 general admission / $5 students and seniors For tickets, call (440) 570-5367 or purchase at the door for any performance Location: Olmsted Historical Society / Frostville Event Barn 24101 Cedar Point Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070 featuring: Robby Gray, Jessica Huber, Hannah Elwood, Leah Meisel, Elise Larochelle, Tori Roeder, Danny Sabo, Jim Nally, Joey Laumer, Noah Furin, Katie Neary, Sarah Yelsik, Erin Waitkus, Alex Turner, Alexis Bifro, Nate Elwood Grease is among the world’s most popular musicals and has a cult-like following, even among today’s teens! So bring your blankets and lawn chairs, join us under the stars at the Frostville Museum in North Olmsted and enjoy the show!

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One weekend only! MY BARKING DOG by Eric Coble, Aug 11-13 at convergence-continuum
by convergence-continuum via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

MY BARKING DOG, BY ERIC COBLE, ON STAGE AT CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM ONE WEEKEND ONLY! THURS-SAT, AUG 11 - 13 A thrilling ride into the worlds of two urban loners and the wild visitor that appears on the back stairs of their apartment building late one night. Their story is filled with such startling surprises, you won't know what hit you. MY BARKING DOG, performed by Stuart Hoffman and Amanda Lin Boyd, is directed by Sarah Greywitt. At the Liminis Theater, 2438 Scranton Rd, Cleveland 44113 at 8pm, Thurs-Sat, Aug 11-13. Tickets are $15 gen. admission, $12 seniors, $10 students. Reservations at http://convergence-continuum.org and 216-687-0074. Proceeds from MY BARKING DOG go to the Save the Liminis Theater campaign (details at http://convergence-continuum.org/blog/play-your-part-capital-campaign/) COMING SOON: The world premiere of SELFIES AT THE CLOWN MOTEL by Cleveland playwright, Chris Johnston. Aug 26 - Sept 17.

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The Players Guild Theatre seeks a Props Master for ASSASSINS
by Joshua Erichsen via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

August 1, 2017 CANTON, OH - The Players Guild Theatre, a non-profit, volunteer-based theatre, is seeking a Props Master for their upcoming season-opening musical, ASSASSINS which is scheduled to open on September 2. The Props Master will be responsible for acquiring, gathering, renting and/or constructing all props necessary for the production as directed by the Director, Technical Director, Stage Manager and/or Producing Artistic Director. The Props Master WILL NOT be responsible for acquiring any blank-firing stage weapons. A modest stipend of $250.00 is offered for the services rendered as Props Master. Previous experience with props construction/execution is a plus. Interested parties should email the Producing Artistic Director at jerichsen(a)playersguildtheatre.com (No phone calls please). # # #

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REVIEW: "The Best Man" in Canton
by Tom Wachunas via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

Rewind To NowBy Tom Wachunas I imagine that to Broadway theater goers in1960, or film viewers in 1964, Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” must have seemed,despite its funny moments amid unguarded cynicism, a searing and candid if notbrave commentary on the toxicity of American politics. And now, after seeing itpresented by Seat of the Pants Productions, directed by Craig Joseph at theBlack Box Theater in Glen Oak High School - and coming as it does on the heelsof our national political conventions - I also wonder if those first audiencescould have possibly appreciated the uncanny prescience of Vidal’s vision whencompared to today’s terribly fractious political practices. Set at a contestednominating convention (of an unnamed party) in, interestingly enough,Philadelphia, the party’s nomination hangs in the balance as two embattledcandidates wait to see which one the lame-duck president will endorse. All ofthe play’s action transpires in the candidates’ respective hotel suites. Someof the 1960s hot-button issues, back-room deal-brokering, and “scandalous”behaviors addressed in this story might seem downright ho-hum by today’sstandards, for better or worse. Yet its topicality nonetheless takes on apalpable new authenticity here. All elevenmembers of director Joseph’s excellent cast are remarkably adept atarticulating the play’s uneasy balance between biting sarcasm and crediblehuman drama. There’s a distinctair of world-weariness to Greg Emanuelson’s portrayal of candidate WilliamRussell, particularly when he navigates a crisis of conscience late in theproceedings. He’s a highly educated man of patrician stock who refuses topander to public opinion. His penchant for quoting philosophers and writers ongovernment, morality, and ethics to anyone within earshot is one that his verymeticulous campaign manager, Dick Jensen, regards as a serious liability. Inthat role, Matthew Heppe is an excitable yet endearing bundle of nerves as heattempts to downplay Russell’s overly-brainy sermonizing. Other liabilitiesthreaten to derail Russell’s bid for the nomination, including his reputationas a philanderer and its toll on his marriage. Stephanie Cargill has crafted aremarkably poignant rendering of dignity amid woundedness, tempered with adetachment both chilling and sad in her role of Mrs. Russell. It’s easy enoughto appreciate her reservations about getting on board with feisty and sardonicparty operative Mrs. Gamadge, played by Margo Parker, who insists with militanturgency that Mrs. Russell be alwaysvisible at her husband’s side to inspire women voters. Conversely, HeidiSwinford injects a practically lascivious glee to her role of Mabel Cantwell,the beautiful (and sly, despite her somewhat air-headed demeanor) wife ofRussell’s opponent, Senator Joe Cantwell. She’s an effective poser, and all tooeager to nurture the media feeding-frenzy with her vacuous glad-handing. And‘eager’ doesn’t begin to adequately describe her husband. As the manipulativeand self-serving Senator Cantwell, Scott Miesse turns in an often rivetingstudy of intense cupidity surpassed only by his character’s frighteningaptitude for flinging ill-gotten dirt on his opponent. He’s utterly unashamedto declare that his ends justify his means. Speaking of ends, Bob McCoy brings to his roleof the ailing President Art Hockstader - outgoing in more ways than one – a genuinesense of existential angst. In his private talks with both candidates, he makesa big point of asking if they believe in God, perhaps looking to salve theconsequences of his own unbelief and see if there might be an alternative routeto immortality. “The world’s changed since I was politickin’,” he muses at onepoint, adding, “In those days you had to pour God over everything, likeketchup.” That line eliciteda particularly hearty (and nervous?) laugh from the audience on opening night(July 29), and has lingered with me ever since. I’ve always found that the artof theatre is at its best when it doesn’t remain on the stage after the housegoes dark – that it leaves us with something to chew on beyond the moreephemeral elements of mere “entertainment”. A take-away of lasting value.Seeing this play’s indictment of so much wrong in American politics then seems to inexorably point head andheart to the failures and absurdities of our now. So call itsermonizing if you will. But I wonder if for too long we’ve made God into aninnocuous condiment. Like ketchup. Maybe he should be the main course. Now that’s a take-away.“The Best Man” at the Black Box Theater in GlenOak HighSchool, 1801 Schneider St. SE, Plain Township (Canton, Ohio) / Shows on FridayAugust 5 and Saturday August 6 at 8 p.m., Sunday August 7 at 2 p.m. / Tickets $15 at http://www.seatofthepants.eventbrite.com/ For othercommentaries by Tom Wachunas on the arts in the greater Canton area, pleasevisit his blog at http://www.artwach.blogspot.com/

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Kent Trumbull Theatre looking for Folks
by Eric Kildow via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

The Kent Trumbull Theatre just celebrated its 50th season of educational and community theatre, and we are looking for designers, directors, stage managers, and any other collaborators for this upcoming and future seasons. If you like working backstage, please let us know, as we are always looking for new faces. All positions are paid an honorarium. Please contact us at (330) 675-8829 or trumbullboxoffice(a)kent.edu if you are interested. -- *Eric S. KildowWarren, OHhttp://www.eskildow.com <http://www.eskildow.com>http://fnturg.blogspot.com <http://fnturg.blogspot.com>"Facts are facts and will not change on account of your desires." --Jawaharlal Nehru*

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Disney's The Little Mermaid opens Friday at Mercury Theatre Company
by Mercury Theatre Company via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

Disney's The Little Mermaid Disney's Broadway Musical makes its Regional Premiere August 5th http://bit.ly/2aqlmmu What: Disney's The Little Mermaid When: August 5-20, 2016 August 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 pm August 7, 14, and 20 at 2:00 pm August 11 and 18 at 7:00 pm Where: Regina Hall, Notre Dame College. 1857 South Green Rd., South Euclid, 44121 Cost: $20 Adults, $16 Seniors (60+), $16 children and students (with valid ID) How: For tickets call 216.771.5862 or order online at www.mercurytheatrecompany.org<http://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org> Additional Information: http://bit.ly/2aqlmmu<http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fconta.cc%2F2ax5lgP&h=6AQERXCF1> <http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fconta.cc%2F2ax5lgP&h=6AQERXCF1> Encouraging all to follow their hearts, dreams, and voices to find true happiness, Mercury Theatre Company presents the regional premiere of one of Disney's classic and most heartwarming musicals: The Little Mermaid, August 5-20, 2016. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, Disney's The Little Mermaid concludes Mercury Theatre Company's 18th season with the music you love by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken. This fable for all ages will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including "Under the Sea", "Kiss the Girl", and "Part of Your World". In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home - and her fins - behind and live in the world above. But first she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking. Artistic Director Pierre Brault brings his critically acclaimed production (Virginia Musical Theatre in Virginia Beach, October 2015) to Mercury Theatre Company with a talented cast of 30, beautiful sets and over 250 gorgeous costumes. Guaranteed to bring Ariel and her friends to life right before your eyes. Rated G. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Seats range from $16-$20 and tickets are now on sale by calling (216) 771-5862 or ordering online at www.mercurytheatrecompany.org<http://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org>. Fantastic Group Rates are available now by calling 216.771.5862. Mercury Theatre Company 216.771.5862 www.mercurytheatrecompany.org

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Nutcracker Workshop in August
by Cleveland City Dance via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

August 1-August 12, 2016Nutcracker camps for two weeks Does your child dream of dancing on stage with the Sugarplum Fairy and other Nutcracker Sweets? If so this camp is perfect. The two week camp will prepare students for roles as Mice or Gingers in the 2016 City Ballet of Cleveland’s Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker.� Dancers will still rehearse throughout the fall but this camp allows them to be better prepared for the audition on Saturday, September 10, 2016. �� Two classes per week �� 2 hours-2:30 pm -4:30 pm �� Tuesdays and Thursdays �� Ages 6-10 �� Stretch, Ballet Technique, Read and/or watch the Nutcracker, Learn Nutcracker Choreography �� In-Studio Presentation for parents the last class �� Weekly Pricing $100 per week �� Both weeks are recommended if your child would like to perform in City Ballet of Cleveland’s The Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker in November this year. � � Cleveland City Dance, Home to City Ballet of Cleveland � � � 13108 Shaker Square Cleveland, OH 44120 www.clevelandcitydance.com / 216-295-2222

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