Theatre North Carolina

Community Connections - ARTS NC

ARTS North Carolina is beginning a program called Community Connections, a blitz of ARTS North Carolina activities in one location over a two or three day period of time. 



We begin in Winston-Salem this week and have events planned in Fayetteville, Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Asheville, and Greensboro-High Point. 

The central event is an Advocacy Workshop designed to get more people actively engaged in speaking for the arts, an imperative if we are to sustain state public funding in the years ahead and achieve our goals of a comprehensive arts education policy.  Projections have our budget deficit for 2010-11 at $4.4 billion, and to put this in perspective, the current-year deficit was $3.3 billion.  Cultural Resources overall saw a 7% cut in 2009-10, but NCAC recurring grants funding was sustained. 

Because of the deep reductions in operating funding in the current year, if additional cuts are made to Cultural Resources in 2010-11, our grants programs could be vulnerable. 

If  you would like to sponsor a Community Connection event in your community, just email Karen Wells at karen@artsnc.org.  No one is allowed to sit this one out.

Are You Going? Triangle Arts Mixer!

Triangle Arts Mixer

Friday, November 20 , 2009
6PM to 9PM

Building 2, The Cotton Room
Free, Open to public


The first-ever Triangle Arts Mixer is an evening for arts organizations, arts supporters, and artists of all disciplines to mix, mingle, and find new ways to activate and advance the Triangle arts scene.

The Mixer will feature a broad network of area arts organizations and young professional arts groups, dj Yes! Sputnik, light food, and a cash bar in the spectacular, newly-opened event venue—The Cotton Room. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to interact with art organizations and other members of the Triangle community that share a common purpose and passion for the arts.

Held as part of Third Friday Durham, hosted by Golden Belt, CAM/now, and The Cotton Room.

Arts groups are still signing up to participate. The current list of groups attending includes:
CAM/now
Artspace
Carolina Ballet
NC Symphony
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
Carolina Theatre
NC Museum of Art's Contemporaries
Code f.a.d. Company
Arts NC State

Arts NC - License Plates Are Here!

Well, not exactly, but almost! Arts NC worked really hard to get an arts specialty license plate approved by the general assembly. Unfortunately, we're still waiting for the GA to decide what to do about these specialty plates in general, so arts supporters are basically out of luck...until now!

You can still support all the great advocacy work that Arts NC does by purchasing a "The Creative State" front license plate and/or car magnet. Show your support and your colors by getting yours now!

Don't forget - Christmas is just around the corner, so buy one for each of your friends!

North Carolina is The Creative State. The arts are an industry of imagination, creativity, and transformative power, and it's time we put our message on the road.

Shakespeare Festival’s A Christmas Carol Celebrates 32 Years!

The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival’s 2009

Production of Charles Dickens’

A Christmas Carol

High Point Theatre, 220 East Commerce Ave., High Point, NC

The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival’s A Christmas Carol celebrates its 32nd anniversary this December. 
First produced in 1977, The Festival’s premiere season, Dickens’ classic has become a holiday tradition for schools, families and groups throughout the Piedmont.

“Over 600 performances of A Christmas Carol have been given,” says Pedro Silva, NCSF’s managing and artistic director, “and over 400,000 seats have been filled.  Our production has become an anticipated holiday event during Christmas; for many people, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without attending the show.”

When The Festival first produced A Christmas Carol it had no idea it would become such a success, but the response to the production has been so positive that the company continues to produce the play each December.  “I think the key to the show’s longevity is the simple, sincere approach we take to producing it,” says Silva.  “We remain true to the story, using as much of Dickens’ actual dialogue as possible, and we focus principally on the acting as the key to the show’s strength.  This all makes for an experience that’s heartwarming and moving for patrons – whether they’re 7 years old, or 70.”

The production will run from December 4th – 20th and features eight 10:00 a.m. and one 1:30 p.m. SchoolFest performances for students and teachers.  A large number of home school as well as public and private school students are expected to attend.  Senior citizen groups are also invited to consider attending the 1:30 p.m. December 15 performance.  “We’re proud of the service NCSF provides our educational community,” says Ken Hughes, The Festival’s Board Chairman.  “A Christmas Carol is an exciting theatre experience for young people.  Our detailed Study Guide for the production helps teachers assure their students get the most out of their visit to The Festival.”

This year’s production of A Christmas Carol introduces a new actor to the role of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge.  Production Director Pedro Silva, himself a celebrated alumnus in the role of NCSF’s Scrooge, selected Winston-Salem’s Michael Huie to take the role of the confirmed skinflint converted to the Spirit of Christmas by the haunting of several fearsome – yet loving – ghosts.

Huie is highly-regarded as an actor, writer and teacher.  He is delighted to be returning to NCSF, where he performed from 1990-92, including the role of Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. More recently he played Dwight in Dead Man's Cell Phone, Gloucester in King Lear, Biff in Death of a Salesman and Hamlet as a guest artist at Wake Forest University. He has two one-man shows, Jack and 3 Hats, which have been performed regionally. In 2007, he performed Jack in the UK.

The Festival production is an original stage adaptation of the famous Charles Dickens’ story, once again featuring the artistry of David Bishop’s original score, with music direction by Pauline Cobrda, set design by Gary Dartt, lighting design by Jennifer Wynn O’Kelly, and this year’s costumes developed by NCSF Costume Shop Manager Jennifer Ackland.

The acting company of twenty-five includes Equity, non-union professional, and community actors, interns, and young people.  New to the roles of Bob Cratchit, and his wife Anne, are Duke Ernsberger, and Rebecca Koon, of Charlotte; returning to The Festival production of Carol, Stephen Ware of Charlotte will play the Ghost of Jacob Marley as well as Mr. Fezziwig.  Also in dual roles, as First Philanthropist and Ghost of Christmas Past will be Jeanmarie Collins from Birmingham, AL; as Second Philanthropist and Ghost of Christmas Present will be Corey Allen from New York, NY. Mark Allen Woodard of Hickory, NC plays Fred, Scrooge’s nephew; and, Vanecia Boone of Greensboro plays Fred’s wife, Sarah.

Also in the cast from Greensboro, each in multiple roles ranging from Caroler to Mourner to Party Guest, are Mark Armstrong, Darrell J. Hunt, and Rachel Roberts.  Meghan Hoffman of Greensboro plays Belle, and Young Belle, Scrooge’s sweetheart in his youth; Keaton Brower of Greensboro plays Ignorance and additional roles.  J. Hernandez of Charlottesville, VA plays Scrooge as a young man plus additional roles. Rob Taylor of Lexington, NC plays a Beggar and Old Joe.  David Sebren of Fletcher, NC plays Belle’s husband and additional roles.

Returning family performers from Thomasville, NC are NCSF’s Homeschool and Administrative Assistant, Meredith Stephens in the roles of Bakery Lady, Party Guest and Mrs. Dilber, and her four children, all veterans of The Festival’s production of Carol.
Stephens daughters, Megan plays a Townsperson and Party Guest; Laura plays Martha Cratchit, a Townsperson and Party Guest; Sarah plays Want, Belle’s Child and a Townsperson.  Stephens son, James, plays the roles of Scrooge as a Child and Tiny Tim.
Another performing family from High Point, Michael Howell, playing multiple roles including Townsperson, Party Guest and Mourner, joins again in this year’s production with sons, Emory, playing the Turkey Boy and Townsperson, and Adam, playing Peter Cratchit and a Townsperson.  Also joining the cast of A Christmas Carol this year from High Point is Alison Earley in the roles of Fan, a Townsperson, Party Guest and Charwoman.
 
NCSF’s A Christmas Carol again offers ticket pricing specials that The Festival hopes will draw more families to the production.  “We want to make A Christmas Carol as accessible as possible to the broadest audience possible, especially this year as the general economy continues to challenge family budgets,” says Ken Hughes.  “We want families to view coming to the show as one of their actual gifts for the holidays – not a material gift, but an experience-based gift that is priceless for a family.”

Patrons can take advantage of The Festival’s Early Bird Special that allows them to purchase 4 tickets to one performance for the price of 3 (the 4th ticket is the lower price ticket; does not apply to other special offers).  The offer applies only for phone and walk-up orders completed by Friday, December 4th.  Additionally, The Festival has again teamed with WMAG Radio to hold two 99.5 WMAG Previews (December 4 & 5, 8:00 p.m.) that feature tickets priced at only $10.00 each.  Two Community Performances (December 6, 2:00 p.m. & December 10, 7:30 p.m.) sponsored by The High Point Enterprise will feature tickets priced at $14.  One Sunday matinee (December 13, 2:00 p.m.) and one SchoolFest performance (December 15, 10:00 a.m.) will be sign language interpreted.

Sponsors of this year’s A Christmas Carol include High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau, 99.5 WMAG, FOX 8 WGHP, and Winston-Salem law firm Kilpatrick Stockton.  “NCSF is very thankful for these sponsors,” says Silva.  “Our work would simply be impossible without their generous support and faith in the unique services we provide.”

Tickets for the December 4 – 20 run of A Christmas Carol, prices ranging from $31 to $10 apiece, are on sale now at The High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Avenue, Monday – Friday, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Call the Box Office at 336-887-3001.  E-ticketing is available at www.highpointtheatre.com.  Tickets may also be purchased one hour before curtain time at the Box Office for tickets to that’s day’s performance only. A detailed performance schedule and general information is also available on NCSF’s website, www.ncshakes.org.

For SchoolFest matinee and General Group Sales, including homeschool groups, call NCSF’s Administrative Offices, not the High Point Theatre Box Office, at 336-841-2273, x226, or email: sales@ncshakes.org.

Audience members are invited to support this year’s Neighbors Feeding Neighbors program by bringing donations of non-perishable foods with them to any performance of A Christmas Carol.  Collected goods will be distributed to needy families in High Point through the Community Resource Network.

Raleigh Ensemble Players Launch Blog! - I AM REP

Raleigh Ensemble Players Theatre Company has just launched a blog - I AM REP! I love seeing theatres getting into the social media game! Congrats and good luck! We'll be reading you soon! LEt me know if your theatre company has a blog that's not listed on my blogroll!

I AM REP is a fully interactive blog that will focus on the happenings of REP both onstage and off. Visit now to read Letters from Buck Creek and experience firsthand the hopes and fears of those who inhabit the mountain community at the heart.

Deadline for SETC Screening Auditions - TODAY

Today (November 4) is the final day to register for the SETC Screening Auditions in North Carolina! 

All college students and pre-professional actors must attend these screening auditions, in order to qualify to attend SETC's Spring Professional Auditions in March. 

Please visit  http://www.setc.org/auditions/NC/ to register and forward this reminder to any interested parties.

The Vision Series - Nicholas Nickleby

The Vision Series

Directors in Conversation

The Making of a Epic

Nicholas Nickleby


PlayMakers Repertory Company

November 4
6:30pm

The Vision Series is an exciting new series that invites you to join PlayMakers Repertory Company in the Paul Green Theatre for a glass of wine and the chance to learn about a production in process. Meet the director, and get a behind the scenes look at the design and vision for Nickleby. Each evening in the Vision Series is sponsored by a Whole Foods Market of Chapel Hill and Counter Culture Coffee so you will be able to experience the flavors of the Triangle while learning more about our upcoming productions.

These events are free, open to the public and begin at 6:30pm.

Space is limited, so please contact our box office to make reservations - 919.962.PLAY (7529).

CREATIVITY SNAPSHOT: The Arts

CREATIVITY SNAPSHOT: The Arts

Thursday, November 12, 2009

5:30 - 7:00 PM at
DOS PERROS RESTAURANT
200 N. Mangum St., Durham, NC 27701

The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) and the Durham Arts Council invite you to this interesting conversation of how a community can support and welcome artists as part of its culture. This event is part of IEI's creativity program of work, and one lucky person will win a ticket to the Emerging Issues Forum on February 8 and 9, 2010.

Appetizers provided; Cash Bar
Admission is Free. Please reserve your space.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Panelists:
Todd Atlas - Owner, Sound Pure Studios Durham
Greg Kueber - Development Manager, Golden Belt, Durham
Sherry DeVries - Executive Director,Durham Arts Council
Nancy Tuttle May- Nationally recognized Visual Artist, Durham
Moderator: Anita Brown-Graham - Director, Institute for Emerging Issues


About the NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues

The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) is a public policy, think-and-do tank that convenes leaders from business, non profit organizations, government and higher education to tackle some of the biggest issues facing North Carolina’s future growth and prosperity. More about IEI here.

TCG Future Collaborations Grants

FUTURE COLLABORATIONS TRAVEL GRANTS
GUIDELINES AND APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE


Theatre Communications Group (TCG) announces the next round of New Generations: Future Collaborations travel grants.
Individual theatre practitioners and theatres may apply.

New Generations: Future Collaborations Grants
Winter/Spring deadline: Nov. 16, 2009
Summer/Fall deadline: Feb. 22, 2010

New Generations: Future Collaborations Grants
Amount: up to $6,000 per recipient

Geographically unrestricted travel grants of up to $6,000 will be paid to theatres and individual theatre professionals to facilitate international collaboration by way of hosting or traveling abroad.
Visit TCG's website for Guidelines and Application

Speaking Without Tounges - Violence and Survival

Speaking Without Tongues
A Hidden Voices Performance on Domestic Violence

Duke Reynolds Theatre: Speaking Without Tongues performance, October 27, 7 pm.
Sponsored by the Duke Human Rights Center.



Speaking Without Tongues explores violence and survival in the lives of women across North Carolina.

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Carrboro-based nonprofit group Hidden Voices presents “Speaking Without Tongues,” a performance by and about the survivors of violence against women. The play is based on true stories gathered across the state from women who have been, or still are being, abused. Rights groups around the world are framing domestic violence as a human rights violation, when governments fail to protect victims or prosecute perpetrators. The performance is joined by a month-long exhibition in Duke Chapel of photographs and multi-media boxes that help tell the personal stories of violence and survival in the lives of women from diverse ethnic backgrounds across North Carolina. “Speaking without Tongues” is written by Lynden Harris, Hidden Voices director.

Sponsored by the Duke Human Rights Center. Cosponsored by Women’s Studies at Duke University, Duke Theater Studies, the Program in Latino/a Studies in the Global South and the Duke Chapter of Amnesty International.

Violence against women and girls is a major human rights issue and a global phenomenon of epidemic proportions. The survival stories these women share are difficult but undeniably inspiring. Looking steadfastly at both realities allows us to enter a realm in which awareness grows and healing thrives.

This play tells the real life stories of domestic violence of seven women and so many others.  Interspersed with a fairy tale that follows the story of control, submission, victimization, realization, escape and eventual redemption that all of these women experienced, these women tell the stories of their lives.  As these women find their voices in the darkness, they step out of backlight into  full light and share stories that are usually left in the shadows.

“Life asks us to be courageous in so many ways, and the women on that stage tonight were very brave for what they endured and for what they shared.”

“Awesome performance. It took my breath away.”