audition notice - SYLVIA - Fountain Hills Theater - July 11

Audition Dates: Saturday, July 11th at 3:00pm

Sunday, July 12th at 6:00pm

Callbacks: Following Sunday auditions (If required)

Production dates: Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 30, 2015

Call for appointment: (480) 837-9661 x3

Auditioners should prepare:

-To read cold from the script

-List of possible rehearsal conflicts

-Headshot and resume if available

A modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog.  Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg's career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate's career, as a public-school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park—or that has found him—bearing only the name "Sylvia" on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and Poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. And Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn't understand the relationship between man and dog. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.

CASTING:

Greg: He’s suffering a mid-life crisis and into his life comes Sylvia, who loves without reservation, who keeps him company and listens to his grumblings about his faltering career and his wife who seems more interested in her job than in him.
 
Kate: A middle-aged, college educated woman who, with her kids finally out of the house, is excited and ready to finally be able to focus on her marriage and her own career in academia.
 
Tom/Phyliss/Leslie: One actor plays all three roles. Tom is a man in the dog park, manly and philosophical at the same time; Phyliss is one of Kate’s friends. Leslie is an androgynous psychiatrist who lets the clients choose his/her gender during their sessions, comic relief character.
 
Sylvia: A dog played by a woman. Good comedic timing and improv skills necessary. Fun, fun role, must be comfortable with crotch sniffing.
 

job opening - Mardi Gras Costume Shop is hiring a Full Time Laundry Person

Mardi Gras Costume in Scottsdale, Arizona's largest costume supply house, currently has an opening for a F/T laundry person.

Must have a love for theater & costumes, be at least somewhat knowledgeable about fabric care, able to lift approximately 50 pounds without difficulty, able to bend, climb ladders, work well without constant supervision, have an excellent work ethic and be available Tues-Sat. until 9am-6pm. Customer service strength is excellent.

Please contact Mario Magana by email only at Mario@mardigrascostumeshop.com . No walk-ins, no phone calls please.

We will also be hiring soon for seasonal help. Beginning in mid-September we will be looking for people who are creative, imaginative, flexible and articulate.  You are welcome to contact us now for later on in the season.

audition notice - THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged) - Desert Foothills Theater - July 20

Auditions at DFT/DFYT are open to anyone.  If you have not auditioned for a while or have never auditioned, please see links (below, left) for helpful information.  Non-traditional casting is our standard at DFT. Actors of all ethnic backgrounds are invited to audition

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged

Directed by Eric Schoen

Complete Works - Audition Breakdown - DFT

Casting:       Three male actors

Age Range:   Any, but roles are physical

Synopsis:    This hilarious, fast-paced show is the Reduced Shakespeare Company's flagship production.  Performed for decades, all over the world, it brings together Shakespeare, satire, sight gags, pop culture references, improv, and some audience interaction for a great night of theatre.

Auditions:  Monday, July 20th, 5:30 - 8:30pm

5-minute increments, by appointment

Please bring a headshot and resume with you

Walk-ins & stand-bys will be seen as slots open up; first come, first serve

Preparation: Please prepare a 1-minute contemporary comic monologue for your audition.  If you have any special skills that you can demonstrate in your audition (1 minute or less) please do.  These might include:  playing an instrument, singing, dancing, circus tricks, magic, or feats of extreme strength/flexibility like gymnastics or yoga. 

CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up for an audition slot 

WEEK AT A GLANCE: June 29 - July 5

Click on any show title to get more information on that production

And Click Here for a complete day by day calendar of what shows are playing.


CONCERTS/ LIMITED RUN:



CLOSING:

BIG FISH 
Actor's Youth Theatre
June 22 - July 1, 2015

BOEING, BOEING
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
May 19 - July 3, 2015

THE WIZARD OF OZ
Hale Centre Theatre
May 21 - July 3, 2015


YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Fountain Hills Theater
June 19 to July 5, 2015

OPENING:



STILL PLAYING:

RUMORS
Desert Stages Theatre
June 5 - July 26, 2015

OPENING SOON:

TARZAN
Hale Centre Theatre
July 9 - August 22, 2015

BEYOND MUSKETEERS: UTOPIA LOST
Brelby Theatre Co
July 10 - August 1, 2015

HAIR
Desert Stages Theatre
July 10 - August 9, 2015

LEGALLY BLONDE
Arizona Broadway Theatre
July 10 - August 9, 2015

THE CRUCIBLE - Desert Foothills Theater - July 17 - July 26th

Drama returns to DFT this summer with Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Held in the FCF-Holland Cabaret Theatre so seating is limited.

In a small tight-knit community, personal grievances collide with lust and superstition, fuelling widespread hysteria. Arthur Miller’s timeless parable attacks the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations.

Arthur Miller is one of America’s greatest playwrights. His many plays include All My Sons, Death of a Salesman and A View from the Bridge.

The Crucible is directed by Scott Johnson.

Performances Friday July 17th at 7pm, Saturday July 18th at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday July 19th at 2pm
Friday, July 24th at 7pm, Saturday July 25th at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday July 26th at 2pm

CLICK HERE to buy tickets

audition notice - SEX WITH STRANGERS - Stray Cat Theatre/Arizona Theatre Company - July 6

WHEN:
Monday, July 6th - 6:30pm - 10pm
(call backs will likely be later that week or the following Monday evening)

WHERE:
Tempe Performing Arts Center

NEEDED:
1 M and 1 F

OLIVIA - 39, then 41. Smart, sexy, outwardly strong but covering some fragility. American but spent many years living abroad.

ETHAN - 28, then 30. Very charismatic, sexy, a fast talker, used to being the center of attention. From Chicago but has little to no specific accent.

BOTH actors must be comfortable appearing in their underwear.

EQUITY actors ARE welcome to audition - please note we work under a Guest Artist contract.

BOTH ACTORS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH LEGS OF THE RUN - PHOENIX AND TUCSON (see dates in the "ABOUT SEX WITH STRANGERS section below)

WHAT TO PREPARE:
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION:
Please send an email with the following:
1. Your name
2. A contact number
3. Time you would like to audition (we will do our best to accomodate but make no promises.)
TO: rmay@straycattheatre.org
Sides will be emailed to you along with your confirmed audition time within 24 hours.

ABOUT SEX WITH STRANGERS:
Arizona Theatre Company presents a Stray Cat Theatre production

SEX WITH STRANGERS
by Laura Eason
September 24 – October 11, 2015
at Herberger Theater Center Stage West
and
February 11 – 21, 2016
at Temple of Music and Art in Tucson
Directed by Ron May

Letting a stranger in can always be dangerous.
Playing in a super fancy kitty condo with Arizona Theatre Company, SEX WITH STRANGERS will be performed at the Herberger Theater Center Stage West in Phoenix and at the Temple of Arts and Music in Tucson.

“Over the last decade or so, Arizona has been increasingly blessed with a flowering of theatrical invention from the independent theatre companies doing top-notch work in our region”, said ATC Artistic Director David Ira Goldstein, “I have been eager to find ways for ATC to partner with our indie colleagues on projects and bring a wider range of theatrical work to our audiences. When Ron May and I discovered we both were eager to produce the delicious SEX WITH STRANGERS, it became a tremendous opportunity for ATC to collaborate with Stray Cat Theatre to give their exciting work more exposure in downtown Phoenix and Tucson, while bringing a provocative work to both theatres’ audiences. I hope this will be the first of many such collaborations between ATC and other superb theatre companies around the state.”

“The kind of opportunity and exposure this affords Stray Cat as we head into our 14th season is really extraordinary,” said Stray Cat Artistic Director Ron May, “In a time when there is such declining governmental arts support and financial stress on arts organizations of all kinds, having THE State Theatre reach out to collaborate with us is incredibly exciting. We hope to ultimately help set a model and a trend for arts organizations statewide to pursue these kinds of collaborations.”

A new comedy about the calculations people are making to find love and fame in an age of social media, brightly-lit smart phone screens, and virtual worlds. A raging snowstorm traps strangers Olivia, an unsuccessful, yet gifted, novelist, and Ethan, a tech-addicted and wildly successful young blogger, in a secluded cabin. Opposites instantly attract, undeniable chemistry ignites, and sex is imminent. As dawn rises, however, what could have been just a one-night-stand transforms into something much more complicated.

“…a bodice ripper with brains… a sexy romantic comedy strictly for grown-ups.” – Washington Post

Spotlight Youth Theatre's Sizzlin Summer Fundraiser

Spotlight's Sizzlin' Summer Fundraiser has been announced for Thursday August 20th

The location is right next door to Spotlight at the Imperio Reception Hall.

There will be Bingo, Quarter Auctions, snack bar, and raffle baskets.

All of this for just a $5 Entry Fee!

review - BIG FISH - Actor's Youth Theatre

Miles Johnson, India Rose Chudnow 
and Jonah Carlson
Photo: Lisa Webb / Southwest Shots Photography

highlights from Gil's review at Talkin' Broadway- (click link at bottom of review highlights to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 1st

"Turning a movie into a Broadway musical doesn't always meet with success. One recent show that didn't fare well in its musical transfer was Big Fish...the whimsical musical follows the story of traveling salesman Edward Bloom and brings to life the tall tales he'd often tell his son. It's a shame that the show only managed a three month run in New York, as the score by Andrew Lippa has many memorable tunes and John August's book paints some notable characters. With an extremely talented cast of teenagers who are able to successfully portray both the emotional and comical moments in the story, The Actor's Youth Theatre's Arizona-premiere production proves that a show that might have flopped on Broadway can be a success in regional theatres....The AYT cast is just about perfect, with Jonah Carlson excellent as Edward. Instilling the part with an assured take on a matter of fact "everyman," Carlson not only has you believing in Edward's seemingly imaginary tales but makes you care for him as well. His acting and singing abilities are top notch. As Will, Miles Johnson allows us to understand why he is agitated and has just about had enough of his father's tales, without making the frustration and skepticism appear as anger. This is important to make us care for him, which we do. ...Sidne Phillips is stunning as Edward's wife Sandra. She clearly projects Sandra's love for her husband and son...Phillips is also a smashing dancer and singer. Her delivery of "I Don't Need a House" is beautiful...Directors Julie Clement and Marcus Ellsworth do an exceptional job ensuring that the whimsy of the piece doesn't overpower the serious moments, but also let plenty of humor come naturally from the actors and staging. They paint some memorable moments in their lively staging and also make effective use of the center aisle in the theatre for a few key entrances and exits. Choreography from the trio of Ellsworth, Kristen Malarkey, and Corinne Mann is lively and original, including a superb "Little Lamb from Alabama" dance. ...While the main themes of the musical—love your family and live life to its fullest—may not be new, and the second act does bog down a bit, the important message of realizing that every person you meet is unique and that everyone can be the hero of their own story is something all of us could take to heart. On Broadway, Big Fish was a big musical, with large set pieces and elaborate special effects. Perhaps Actor's Youth Theatre's small budget production, which doesn't allow the spectacle to overtake the story, is how this musical needs to be seen. It lets the imagination and messages of Edward Bloom spring beautifully to life. The success of this production and the fact that the company's next show, Bonnie and Clyde, is another Broadway flop musical shows they aren't afraid to take challenges, not just keep producing the same family friendly shows over and over again, and proves why AYT is one of the best youth theatres in the Valley." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

Brelby Theatre Company announces their 2015 / 2016 Season

Brelby is pleased to announce the lineup for our 8th Season, premiering in 2016. As the West Valley’s new works incubator, we are proud to be producing the world premiere of 9 pieces by playwrights with ties to the Arizona arts community.
***Indicates a world premiere***

***Windfall***

By Brian Maticic
(MainStage)

Synopsis: Owen and Trent have been through everything together, and throughout their friendship, Owen has always been the stable one. Trent, a lazy but charming young man, decides to dodge his debt by faking his own death, leaving behind his best friend and fiance, Olivia. However, just after the deed is done, Trent wins the lottery. In an effort to collect his winnings, he attempts to enlist Trent’s help. Is Trent finally fed up with Owen’s antics? Join us for a dark comedy about friendship, responsibility, and luck.

Performance Dates:
Jan 22-23, 29-30, Feb 5-6, 12 @ 7:30 pm, Jan 23-24, 30-31, Feb 6-7, 13 @ 2 pm

***Postcards from the 

Apocalypse***

By Paco Madden
(Studio Series)

Synopsis: A young man, Marco, waits for his girlfriend, Jenny, atop a mountain. As the world collapses around him, he receives postcards and other messages from Jenny who reports back on what she’s seen and heard from the End of the World.

Postcards from the Apocalypse is a play not about any one particular apocalypse but it is an apocalypse of apocalypses. Seven different apocalypses are portrayed in Postcards from the Apocalypse ranging from the fantastical—zombie and alien invasion/killer robot apocalypses—to the potentially real—nuclear and environmental apocalypses—to the religious—Rapture apocalypse—to the inventive—surreal and absurdist apocalypses. The endings range from comical, gruesome, hopeful, poetic, satirical, nihilist, and meaningless.

Performance Dates:
Feb 25-27, March 3-4 @ 7:30 pm, Feb 27-28, March 5 @ 2:00 pm

3rd Annual Brelby Miscast 

Concert
April 1-2 @ 7:30 pm, April 2 @ 2:00 pm

***A Very Reddit 

Thanksgiving***

Conceived by Shelby Maticic, Ian Shelansky & Jamie Arakas
(MainStage)

Synopsis: A Very Reddit Thanksgiving follows the story of James, an introverted 14 year old, who finds solace and acknowledgement through the extreme embellishment of stories about his real life family for his followers on Reddit. Our audiences will experience the fantastical world of James’ imagination played out onstage, as well as a glimpse into the personalities of his quirky family through their social media interactions, displayed prominently on the stage for the audience to see. When his stories begin to spin out of control, James begins to question whether he is in control of his online presence, or whether it is controlling him. “A Very Reddit Thanksgiving” is an exploration of how social media impacts our lives, no matter which generation you hail from.

Performance Dates:
April 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29 @ 7:30 pm, April 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30

***missing grace***

By John Perovich

(Studio Series)

Synopsis: Grace and Robert Davis maintain pleasant smiles while their legacy as suburban royalty fades. They may have the perfect house, the perfect lawn, and the perfect roses—but looks can be deceiving. Today is the anniversary of a tragic event that sent the Davis family into a downward spiral. Nonetheless, a celebratory cake is in the oven, a child’s birthday decorations are going up, but no one’s there to blow out the candles. Unexpected surprises erupt in this play about family, honesty, and new beginnings.

Performance Dates:
May 12-14, 19-20 @ 7:30 pm, May 14-15, 21 @ 2 pm

***Cold War Kids***

By Miranda Giles

(Studio Series)

Synopsis: Cold War Kids tells the story of best friends dealing with the pains of growing apart as their worlds fall to pieces around them in the midst of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Performance Dates:
June 16-18, 23-24 @ 7:30 pm, June 18-19, 25 @ 2 pm

***The Oz Chronicles 

(working title) ***

An original Brelby adaptation
(MainStage)

Synopsis: Our Season 8 summer epic will intertwine the original Oz series into a unique adaptation of the classic stories. Inspired by L Frank Baum’s unique and engaging world, Brelby’s take on the original American fairy tale will feature epic themes of good versus evil, new interpretations of classic characters, and the creative combat that our audiences have come to love and expect from our summer epics.

July 29-30, 5-6, 12-13, 19 @ 7:30 pm, July 30-31, 6-7, 13-14, 20 @ 2 pm

Ghost: the musical

Book & Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin                   
Music & Lyrics by Dave Stewart & Glen Ballard
(MainStage)
Synopsis: Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST THE MUSICAL follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

Performance Dates:

Sept 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30 @ 7:30 pm, Sept 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, Oct 1 @ 2 pm

Macbeth

By William Shakespeare

Synopsis: The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be made thane (a rank of Scottish nobility) of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland. They also prophesy that Macbeth’s companion, Banquo, will beget a line of Scottish kings, although Banquo will never be king himself. Join us for this epic tale of desire, betrayal, and the struggle for power next Halloween.

Performance Dates:
Oct 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 31, Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm, Oct 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, Nov 5

***Quest for Claus: the 

musical***

By Brian Maticic, Luke Gomez & Shelby Maticic

Music by Ben Cleaveland(MainStage)

Synopsis: The Quest for Claus is a unique holiday tale from the creative minds at Brelby, shown through the eyes of a young boy on Christmas Eve. Come and enjoy a brand new Santa Claus origins tale about how young Nick sets out on a journey with his best friend, Jack Frost, to become the mystical figure we all know and love. Filled with familiar characters from the Nutcracker and Clara to the Abominable Snowman, this action packed story has something for everyone. Join us for a brand new version of this story, now a musical theatre adventure!

Performance Dates:
Dec 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-23 @ 7:30 pm, Dec 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 @ 2 pm

***Sea Fairies***

By Kirt Shineman

(TYA Series)

Synopsis: “Sea Fairies,” by Kirt Shineman is loosely based on L. Frank Baum’s novel of the same name, and short story, Prince Mud-Turtle.

The show is set on the coast of southern California when the orphan, Mayre Griffiths, nicknamed Trot, encounters some mischievous classmates. The mean boys play “keep-away” with her newly crafted pearl necklace. She freezes, and cannot defend herself.  Her constant companion Cap’n Bill, a retired sailor with a wooden leg, comes to her rescue. After scaring away the boys, Cap’n Bill confronts Trot about a visit he and Trot’s mother received; Trot’s teacher and principle came to the house looking for Trot, who had not been to school in weeks. Why? Trot explains she’s spent most of her days roaming the beach, avoiding the bullies, and swimming in the ocean, diving for pearls, and she even found a large pink pearl. Concerned, Cap’n Bill rows the two of them to where Trot found the infamous pink pearl. Trot and Cap’n Bill are attacked by SeaDevils, sent by the evil magician, Zog. They are forced to row into the forbidden Giant’s Cove. There the mermaids rescue Trot, and the distressed Cap’n Bill, and take them to visit to their land in mermaid form. Trot is enthusiastic, and Bill is too loyal to let her go off without him. Thus begins their adventure with the Sea Fairies as Trot learns about the ocean animals, the beauty of the deep, surmounts her grief over the death of her father, and through it all she finds the strength to take on the local bullies.

Performance Dates:
May 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 5 pm, May 7 @ 2pm

***The Sun God’s Coin***

By Melissa Kamel

(TYA Series)

Synopsis: Inspired by Peruvian folklore, myths and culture, The Sun God’s Coin follows a young girl, Tamaya living an average life in the countryside near Cusco, nestled in the Andes mountains of Peru. Cusco was ruled by an evil king, obsessed with riches and glory, who mistreated the animals of the forest that the people of Cusco loved dearly. When the king decides to destroy their homes to build a golden city, the sun god seeks out Tamaya’s aid.

Performance Dates:
Aug 26, Sept 2, 16, 23, 30 @ 5 pm, Aug 27, Sept 3 @ 2 pm

auditions - BONNIE & CLYDE - Actor's Youth Theatre - July 11

Ages 10-18
Directed by Tracie Jones 
Auditions: July 11
Performances: September 3-12

Music by Frank Wildhorn Lyrics by Don Black Book by Ivan Menchell

At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in West Texas to America's most renowned folk heroes and the Texas law enforcement's worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, the TONY-nominated Bonnie & Clyde from the legendary Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll And Hyde, Civil War, Dracula) is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country. When Bonnie and Clyde meet, their mutual cravings for excitement and fame immediately set them on a mission to chase their dreams. Their bold and reckless behavior turns the young lovers' thrilling adventure into a downward spiral, putting themselves and their loved ones in trouble with the law. Forced to stay on the run, the lovers resort to robbery and murder to survive. As the infamous duo's fame grows bigger, their inevitable end draws nearer.

Click HERE to sign up for an audition.
Click HERE for the Audition Packet
This is a cold audition.  You will be taught the song and dance, and given something to read at the audition.  
Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move in and good shoes!
However - there will be an audition workshop on July 7th for those interested in getting a step up on the audition.
You will learn the song, dance and readings for the audition on the 11th.
It is not a requirement - and you are not guaranteed a part in the show.

Click HERE for info on the Audition Workshop

cast announced for THE TEMPEST at Brelby Theatre Company

For more information on this production, that runs September 25th to October 17th, click here

The Tempest
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Amanda & Dan Trombley

Performs:
Sept 25-26, Oct 2-3, 9-10, 15-16 @ 7:30pm
Sept 26-27, Oct 4, 10-11, 17 @ 2:00pm

Prospero, Duke of Milan, usurped and exiled by his own brother, holds sway over an enchanted island. He is comforted by his daughter Miranda and served by his spirit Ariel and his deformed slave Caliban. When Prospero raises a storm to wreck this perfidious brother and his confederates on the island, his long contemplated revenge at last seems within reach.

Musical Theatre of Anthem's 5th Annual Bowl-a-Thon is set for July 25th

from our friends at MTA:

MTA's 5th Annual Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser
Saturday, July 25th
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

AMF Union Hills Lane
3424 W Union Hills Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85027

Only a $30 Entry Fee per person which includes lane fee, shoe rental and t-shirt! Make it a family event as the bowl-a-thon is open to everyone! Limited sign-ups available. Great prizes awarded at various pledge levels!!! Trophies for best bowling scores in various age categories!

Click here to register

Actor's Youth Theatre's BIG FISH fundraiser - June 27th

ticket disount- YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN - Fountain Hills Theater

From our friends at Fountain Hills Theater -

Get your special Fourth of July discount today!

And don't forget we're having a food drive to benefit the Extended Hands Food Bank during the run of Young Frankenstein! Please drop off any non-perishable food items and paper products at the theater during office hours or before each show performance until July 5th.

photos - SPAMALOT - Paradise Valley Community College

For information on this production, that runs through June 28th, click here

Photos: Tiffany Bolock