photos - JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS - Fountain Hills Theater

for more information on this production, which runs through December 20th, CLICK HERE

David Woods, Allison Brown, Emily Spets, Sebastian Harris-Wylde, Molly Stellino

Molly Stellino, Sebastian Harris Wylde, Spencer Cihak, David Woods, Emily Spets, Allison Brown and India Rose Chudnow

David Woods and Molly Stellino

Asher Sheppard, Emily Spets, David Woods, Allison Brown and Molly Stellino

India Rose Chudnow, Sebastian Harris Wylde. Spencer Cihak, David Woods, Asher Sheppard, Molly Stellino, Allison Brown and Emily Spets

Emily Spets and Zach Acridge

Morgan Tuazon and Emily Spets

Emily Spets, David Woods, Sebastian Harris Wylde, Spencer Cihak, Molly Stellino and Allison Brown

photos: Patty Torrilhon

review - CINDERELLA - Theatre Artists Studio

Devaune Bohall and Eric Bond
Photo by Mark Gluckman

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through December 13th.

 "The classic fairy tale of "Cinderella" has spawned numerous film and theatrical adaptations. While the Disney animated film and the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical are probably the two most well-known versions, Portland musician Ezra Weiss has crafted his own musical take on the tale. This version is what Theatre Artists Studio in Scottsdale is currently presenting and, while it won't erase the magic or memorable tunes from those two more popular adaptations, it does have a few fun modern updates and results in a charming take on the classic tale....Weiss still puts the main focus of the story on the relationship between Cinderella and the Prince and the Prince's efforts to find her once she is forced to leave the ball when midnight comes. But Weiss has the story told by the Prince's page Armando, who serves as a comical narrator, and makes the main aspiration for both Cinderella and the Prince their need to dance and find an appropriate dance partner—the possibility of marriage is just a happy added benefit that comes with finding that person....Weiss does a good job of combining the "let's put on a show" mentality of the Prince and Cinderella's love of performing and dancing with the classic fairy-tale story and in doing so finds a nifty way to combine the shared similarities of the two genres. However, most of Weiss' songs aren't that memorable. However, the repetitive "I Just Wanna Dance" has a catchy tune and the jazz influence in many of the songs is a benefit, as are the fun lyrics. The style of music also allows for plenty of tap dancing in the show. The cast are all having a fun time portraying their updated, modern characters. Devaune Bohall and Eric Bond are charming as Cinderella and Prince Bobby, both bringing a natural ease and determination to their parts. Stefan Linder is a joy as the suave Armando, and Kathleen Berger is appropriately sassy and direct as Cinderella's fairy godmother....Director and choreographer Hilary Hirsch keeps the energy high and the sappiness low and also instills a playfulness into the whole production. ...With a modern update, Ezra Weiss' Cinderella is a fresh take on the classic tale. While his score is only serviceable, he has crafted a quick-moving script with fun updated characters who show that simply fulfilling the desire to dance, and finding the right dance partner, is how one can live happily ever after. Theatre Artists Studio's production is a charming way to spend 90 minutes and will most likely be a welcome change to the familiar adaptations of the famous story, especially for younger fans of the fairy tale who know the Disney film by heart."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

audition notice - INTO THE WOODS - Fountain Hills Theater - December 14 & 15

Casting Ages 12-19

The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King's Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

Audition Registration Required
Call 480-837-9661 x3 to sign up

Auditions:
Monday, December 14 at 5:45pm  or  Tuesday, December 15 at 5:45pm
Callbacks (if necessary): December 16

Production Dates:
February 12 - 28, 2016

Auditioners should prepare: 
- 1-2 minute monologue
- 16 bars (not to exceed 1 minute) of an upbeat song
(Bring sheet music in proper key)
- a headshot or school photo, and resume if available
- a list of all possible rehearsal conflicts
- Dress to move, NO short skirts or flip-flops
 
Casting Ages 12-19
Narrator: An intellectual and pleasant story-teller
Cinderella: A young, earnest maiden who is constantly mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters.
Jack: The feckless Giant killer who is 'almost a man.'
Jack's Mother: Browbeating and weary, Jack's protective mother
The Baker: A harried and insecure baker who is simple and loving, yet protective of his family.
The Baker's Wife: Determined and bright woman who wishes to be a mother. She leads a simple, yet satisfying life and is very low-maintenance yet proactive in her endeavors.
Cinderella's Stepmother: The mean-spirited, demanding stepmother of Cinderella.
Florinda And Lucinda: Cinderella's stepsisters who are black of heart. They follow in their mother's footsteps of abusing Cinderella.
Little Red Ridinghood: A spoiled young girl who is strong-willed, quick-wited, fearless, yet youthful and naive.
The Witch: Sarcastic, ugly-then-gorgeous, obsessive protector of Rapunzel who is straightforward and aggressive.
Cinderella's Mother: Deceased with her soul guarding and aiding her daughter from a tree.
Mysterious Man: A mischievous vagrant and nosy meddler. He is a good-natured protector and observer.
Wolf: Hungry and insatiable hunter who takes advantage of the weak by misleading and captivating his prey.
Rapunzel: A loopy-but-lovely maiden who is sheltered by the Witch and terribly lonely. She yearns to experience the world.
Cinderella's Prince: Vain and gorgeous, he is a disloyal lover who is currently searching for the next new, exciting thing.
Rapunzel's Prince: Just as vain and gorgeous as his Prince brother, he is always chasing the newest, most exiting endeavor.

photos - SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS - All Puppet Players

for more information on this production, which runs through December 19th, CLICK HERE

SANTA'S HELPERS: A HOLIDAY CABARET - Theater Works - December 18-20, 2015

Celebrate the holidays at Theater Works as the Valley’s brightest stars capture the spirit of the season in Santa’s Helpers: A Holiday Cabaret December 18 – 20, 2015.

Craig Bohmler, Brian Runbeck and Kristen Drathman perform holiday favorites like “Baby, Its Cold Outside”, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “My Simple Christmas Wish” in an intimate cabaret setting.

Performances take place Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 20 at 2:30pm.

To purchase tickets or find out more about Theater Works, contact the Box Office at (623) 815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.

photos - NON-FAT SOY PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE....WITH SPRINKLES - Brelby Theatre Company

for more information on this production, which runs through December 19th, CLICK HERE

photos by Fernando Perez

photos - ANNIE, JR - Musical Theatre of Anthem

For more information on this production, which runs through December 13th, CLICK HERE.

photos featuring Mary Davis as "Annie" (performs through this weekend):

photos featuring Molly Henderson as "Annie" - (performs next week / weekend):

Jamie Pear and Karen Eley

audition notice - THE CHILDREN'S HOUR - Desert Foothills Theater - December 12

Playwright: Lillian Hellman
Director: Janis Webb

Rehearsals Begin: 01/05/2016
PerformancetDates: 02/19/2016 – 02/21/2013

Synopsis
When a troubled teen at an all-girls boarding school decides she no longer wants to go to school. When her aunt does not indulge her request, she invents a rumor about the two head mistresses and bullies or blackmails some of the other girls to go along with the ruse.  It is a web of deceit that ends in tragedy.



Character Breakdown

PLEASE NOTE: Non-traditional casting is our standard at DFT. Actors of all ethnic backgrounds are invited to audition.

The adults:
AGATHA (55-65 years old, featured role) A no-nonsense, middle-aged maid in the employ of Amelia Tilford.
DR. JOSEPH CARDIN (35 to 40 years old, supporting role) Cardin, is a relaxed and amiable doctor and Karen Wright’s fiance.
MARTHA DOBIE (30 to 35 years old, lead role) Co-owner of the school, Martha is “nervous” and “high strung” and she greatly depends on Karen’s emotional stability and good sense.
KAREN WRIGHT (30 to 35, lead role) She is attractive, warm, and outgoing; self confident and stable.
LILY MORTAR (45-55 years old, supporting role)A self-centered, vain woman, she lives in romanticized delusions of her past triumphs as an actress.
MRS. AMELIA TILFORD (60’s supporting role) A wealthy widow,a large, dignified woman in her sixties.

The Children:
MARY TILFORD (14 to 17,lead role) The spoiled granddaughter of Amelia Tilford, Mary is a problem child at the Wright- Dobie School. Clever and conniving.
ROSALIE WELLS (13-15, supporting role)A student at the Wright-Dobie School. Self confident and strong.
HELEN BURTON (13-15, featured role) student at the school
CATHERINE (14-17, featured role) student at the school
LOIS FISHER (13-15, featured role) student at the school
EVELYN MUNN (14-17, supporting role) student at the school. Has a lisp. easily bullied.
PEGGY ROGERS (13-15, supporting role) A student at the school, also easily intimidated.

What To Prepare

No monologues required, instead, please come prepared to read. Auditions will be set up in 30-minute time periods with groups of 6-8 people who will read together.

Go to our website http://www.dftheater.org click on “GET INVOLVED” and then Auditions to get to online audition time signup, online audition form and more.

Call For Crew
Set designer
Set builder
Lighting designer
ALL positions are PAID

FCF-Holland Community Center
34250 N. 60th St., Building B
Scottsdale, Arizona 85266

Take the 1st right off 60th street south of the Carefree Highway. At the end of the driveway, turn left into the first parking lot.

Appointment Contact
Jack Lambert
jack@dftheater.org
(480) 488-1981

Audition Dates and Times:
December 12, 10 AM – 12:30 PM

Callback Dates and Times:
December 13, 4PM – 7PM

video preview - THE WIZARD OF OZ - Phoenix Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs through December 27th, CLICK HERE

photos - HERAKLES - Orange Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs December 11 - 20, CLICK HERE

all photos above by Laura Marks

photo credit: Katrina Donaldson

video preview - A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD - Childsplay

for more information on this production, which runs through December 27th, CLICK HERE

ticket discount - NON-FAT SOY PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE…WITH SPRINKLES - Brelby Theatre Company

A PHX Stages exclusive!

Use the code PHXSTAGES to save $2 off any ticket to see Non-Fat Soy Peppermint Mocha Latte....with Sprinkles at Brelby Theatre Company.

CLICK HERE to use the code via Brelby's on-line ticket site, (put PHXSTAGES in the "Discount Code" field on the Check Out page) or call the box office at to use the code, You can also use the code in person at the Brelby box office.

By Brian Maticic
Directed by Melody Chrispen

Dec 4-5, 10-12, 17-18 @ 7:30pm, Dec 5-6, 12-13, 19 @ 2:00pm

In this modern reimagination of Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol,” we follow the journey of Darren in his attempts to dodge the Spirit of the season. Literally. An over caffeinated “spirit-in-training” makes it her mission to reignite Darren’s long absent passion for the holidays. Will Darren’s frozen heart melt for his festive co-worker Trish? Or will the strain of his own holiday tragedy overshadow the true meaning of the season?

video preview -YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS - East Valley Children's Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs December 3rd to December 13th 

Fountain Hills Theater's Winter Break Camps

Winter Break Camps with Instructor Paige Beckman Call for more information (480) 837-9661   Musical Theater Camp #1  December 21-24  9:00am - 2:00pm Ages 7-14 Singing, dancing, acting, auditioning, improv and holiday fun! For everyone from beginning to advanced performers. Musical Theater Camp #2  December 28-31  9:00am - 2:00pm Ages 7-14 Singing, dancing, acting, auditioning, improv and holiday fun! For everyone from beginning to advanced performers. Camps are $130 per week or $220 if registering for both camps Bring a bag lunch. 2:00pm-4:00pm Extended workshop hours for both camps available upon request $5 per child per hour.  After-hours space is limited.

cast announcement - A WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL - Valley Youth Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs December 4th to December 23rd. CLICK HERE

Jake Bonar- Tigger
Benny Cowans- Rabbit
Phoenix Cyphert- Woodland Friend
Olivia Fearey- Piglet
Noa Gauthier- Owl
Lily Gosar- Woodland Friend
Makenna Jacobs- Woodland Friend
Tiana Marks- Kanga
Emme Marovich- Woodland Friend
Nora Palermo- Woodland Friend
Remy Rathbun- Woodland Friend
Ethan Shanker- Eeyore
Charlie Siegel- Christopher Robin
Jessica Sinodis- Pooh
Ivon Staneva- Roo

ticket offer - THE QUILTMAKER'S GIFT - Theater Works

For a limited time only Theater Works is offering a HOLIDAY PACKAGE for the value pricing of $80*!

You will receive 4 tickets to The Quiltmaker's Gift and you will also receive a free copy of the beloved book The Quiltmaker's Gift for your family! Just call the Theater Works Box Office (623) 815-7930 and tell them the magic code: "Holiday Gifts For You".

*Special pricing is valid for ticket purchases between Dec. 1 - 20, no exchanges or refunds, any additional tickets must be purchased at the regular price.

Close Encounters With Music's two-part series at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Grand Piano Quartets—Brahms and Dvořák
Wednesday, January 13, 7:30 PM
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets: $19/$29/$39

Two epic works by Brahms and Dvořák open the Close Encounters With Music two-part series at the Scottsdale Center in January and February, 2016—Johannes Brahms’ G minor Piano Quartet Op. 25, with its animated Hungarian idioms and whirlwind coda; and the Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat Major Op. 87, one of Dvořák’s most sublime works. Both are symphonic in scope, with unbuttoned, folksy finales.  The two composers, friends and fellow admirers during their lifetime, stand side by side with these powerful masterpieces that display the seemingly endless inventiveness of both in architecture, melody, instrumental interplay, and sheer sonic beauty.

Joining Hanani to play some of the most vivacious and appealing music in the repertoire are pianist Soyeon Kate Lee, lauded by the New York Times as a pianist who plays “with clarity, honesty and a supple yet full-bodied sound"; violinist Ara Gregorian, who made his orchestra debut with the Boston Pops; and violinist/violist Xiao-Dong Wang, who has appeared as soloist with the Royal Philharmonic in London and the London Mozart Players.


Grand Piano Trios: Schubert, Mendelssohn and Arensky
Wednesday, February 3, 7:30 PM
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets: $19/$29/$39

This concert showcases two masters of the German tradition – Franz Schubert and Felix Mendelssohn – and the Russian composer Anton Arensky, whose trio is an acknowledged magnum opus. The program includes Schubert’s intimate and tender one-movement Notturno, an evocative early work that has been appropriated in film (Portrait of a Lady and Shall We Kiss); Mendelssohn’s soaring and optimistic Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49, an expression of the brief German Enlightenment, its whimsical Scherzo reminiscent of his famous Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture; and Arensky’s brilliant Trio No. 1, modeled after his hero Tchaikovsky, a work in the romantic tradition that is taking its rightful place in the chamber literature canon.

A stellar assemblage of instrumentalists of international renown includes violinist Sarah McElravy, winner of the gold medal and grand prize with the Linden Quartet at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition; pianist Roman Rabinovich, first prize winner of the Arthur Rubinstein International Competition; and CEWM founder and artistic director, cellist Yehuda Hanani.

Ticket Information: Tickets are $19/$29/$39 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 480-499-TKTS (8587), or by going online to www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org. The performance will take place in the Virginia G. Piper Theater at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, located at 7380 East Second Street at the corner of Drinkwater Boulevard.

cast announcement - SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS - All Puppet Players

for more information on this production, which runs December 4th to December 19th, CLICK HERE

video preview - GRAND CONCOURSE - Theatre Artists Studio

for more information on this production, which runs January 15 to January 31, CLICK HERE

audition notice - PINOCCHIO - Valley Youth Theatre - December 8 & 9

Playwright: Greg Banks   Based on the Story by Carlo Collodi
Director: Israel Jiménez

Rehearsals Begin: 12/15/2015
Performance Dates: 02/06/2016 – 02/21/2016

Synopsis
From the moment Gepetto creates him from a stick of wood, Pinocchio dreams of becoming a real boy. But can the little puppet with the long wooden nose prove that he’s learned to be brave and unselfish; or will the all-too-tempting delights of Playland prove to be too much for him. This new, fast paced story-within-a-story version of the classic tale will capture your attention and keep you rooting for the “Real Boy”.

Production will take place at the VYT Theatre.

Auditions are Tuesday, December 8th & Wednesday, December 9th at 4 p.m. (Doors open for registration at approx. 3:30pm)
Callbacks are tentatively Thursday December 10th & Monday, December 14th but are subject to change
Rehearsals will begin with a mandatory company meeting for actors & parents on December 15th. There will not be any rehearsals December 24 through January 3rd.
Tech weekend is January 30 & 31
Show runs February 6 – 21st (TBA extension 27th & 28th)

What To Prepare

Open call audition on Tuesday, December 8th & Wednesday, December 9th at 4 p.m. (Doors open for registration at approx. 3:30pm)

Audition Form (download from VYT website) Please note that ALL potential conflicts must be given to us no later than callbacks, preferably at the auditions.
A current headshot (a professional headshot or a clear photo on a plain background)
Resume (optional)
Audition requirements are specific for each production, however here is a general idea of what to bring with you:
Be prepared to do cold readings from the script, improvisation and movement
Dress to move – including footwear

Call For Crew

Back stage crew needed

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF SHOWS PLEASE EMAIL TIFFANY OWEN AT STAGEMANAGER@VYT.COM AT ANY TIME.
Rehearsals are generally Monday through Thursday evenings 5 – 9p and Saturday most of the day beginning as early as the week after auditions. The weekend before the show opens is the beginning of tech week and Saturday and Sunday are 8 – 14 hour days. Monday through Thursday leading up to opening night are dress rehearsals generally scheduled 4 – 10pm.

Valley Youth Theatre
525 North First Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

VYT Theater on 1st and Filmore in downtown Phoenix

Appointment Contact
Israel Jiménez
Israel@vyt.com
(602) 253-8188

Audition Dates and Times:
Tuesday, December 8th & Wednesday, December 9th at 4 p.m.
(Doors open for registration at approx. 3:30pm)

Callback Dates and Times:
Thursday December 10th & Monday, December 14th
but are subject to change

Male singer/actor needed for GODSPELL at Zao Theatre

Zao Theatre is looking to cast a male singing actor in its upcoming production of Godspell, in the part of Jeffrey.

Production dates are February 5-20, 2016. The production is directed by Mickey Bryce

The theatre is located in the East Valley at Ironwood and Broadway.

Interested applicants should email the director at mickey@zaotheatre.com.

cast announcement - BLACK NATIVITY - Black Theatre Troupe

for more information on this production, which runs December 4 to December 20th, CLICK HERE

First (front)row L to R Ebony Green, Ivan Thompson, Tashiana Gayles,Saint Ranson,Renee Francois

Second Row L to R Sarah Leonard,Tyra Young, Nancy Taylor, Brittanee Perkins, Joia Cook, George Johnson, Janelle Jones

Third (top) Row L to R Joseph Woodruff, Roosevelt Watts II

photo: Laura Durant

HERAKLES - Orange Theatre - December 11 - 20, 2015

Experimental ensemble Orange Theatre will present “Herakles,” based on the Greek tragedy by Euripides, at their warehouse performance space in downtown Phoenix this Dec. 11-20. A work-in-progress preview of "Herakles" played to packed houses for three nights last May; this new iteration is the finished version of that show.

The play tells the story of an ancient Greek hero, Herakles (aka Hercules), who kills monsters all over the world but faces his own demons when he returns home to his family. Remarkably topical for a script written almost 2500 years ago, “Herakles” engages with themes of masculine violence, trauma, and war that we are still grappling with today. Katrina Donaldson, who plays the title role in the show, explains her experience of the character: “Herakles is the epitome of a man’s man, so it’s really interesting, as a woman, to take on that role. There’s a lot of attention right now on how women get by in a patriarchal society, and to understand and live that dynamic while also playing this character–a patriarch and someone who conquers the world through force–is a really exciting challenge.”

Orange Theatre's gender- and genre-bending interpretation will be staged in the round, and much like at an art installation, audience members will be free to walk around the performance space and view the the show from different angles. The show integrates video with live actors, musicians, and a dancer to create a dynamic new piece–part concert, part movie, and part play–inspired by the ancient tale.

“Herakles” will take place at Orange Theatre’s performance space at 1711 W Culver St. (between 19th and Grand Avenues) in Phoenix. Show times are Dec. 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, and 20 at 8pm, plus late-night performances on Dec. 12 and 19 at 10pm.

All tickets are pay-what-you-can with cash or credit card, and they are available at the door or via the company’s website, orangetheatre.org. Due to limited space, only 25 tickets are available for each showing, so audience members are encouraged to reserve spots online in advance. Free street parking is available near the venue.

The production features original compositions by Phoenix-based musicians Joshua Hill (of The Hill in Mind) and Jordan Tompkins (of Twin Ponies), who play live during the show, and choreography by Molly Schenck. Performing the legendary roles are William Crook as Amphitryon, Katrina Donaldson as Herakles and Lykos, Jenny Gerena as the Daughter, Kerin Martinez as Megara, and Jenny Strickland as the Chorus. Orange Theatre Artistic Director Matthew Watkins directs and designs the set. Sound designer Stephen Christensen uses a custom-built system to wrap the performance space in 360 degrees of audio. Media and live video are designed by Tucker Bingham, and Joya Scott is the dramaturg.

audition notice - MURDER AND A MEAL DINNER THEATRE - December 7

Director: Kyle Chavira

Compensation: Stipend Pay

Synopsis
Interactive murder mystery dinner theater – shows : Get a Clue or Die, Deadly Housewives, How to Murder a Millionaire, plus two new shows

Character Breakdown
Various characters for interact dinner theater.

What To Prepare
Cold read from script and improv

Audition Dates and Times:
Dec 7th. 1-4pm

Orange Tree Golf Resort
10601 N 56th St
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

One and a half blocks north of Shea on 56th Street

Appointment Contact
Bailey Hall
(602) 689-2706
auditions@murderandameal.com