Saturday, August 31, 2013

Theatre Feature: 'Golden Age of the Playwright' by John Demers, artsandculturetx.com


From a new on-line magazine aiming to cover all major metropolitan areas in Texas:


Arts + Culture Texas logo


Playwrights Given a Big Voice on Texas Stages


by John Demers August 29, 2013


For lovers of Shakespeare and Molière, Ibsen and Chekhov, Miller and Williams, declaring our time a new Golden Age of the playwright might seem delusional, or at best, a flourish of hyperbole from some theater’s marketing department. But if you ask the artistic directors of some of the most respected ensembles in Texas, they’ll assure you such claims are hardly ridiculous.


“This is absolutely true,” offers Ken Webster of Hyde Park Theatre in Austin, one of the Texas companies that has enjoyed the greatest success staging new works by playwrights like Will Eno, Martin McDonagh and Annie Baker. “The proof is in the great work being put out by playwrights. The last eight years have been a glorious time for artistic directors in search of great new plays.”


Though no one announced the start of an official golden age eight years ago, the signs have certainly been there in front of audiences across the state, especially in Austin, Houston and Dallas. For one thing, printed show programs have granted more and more space to the man or woman who created the plays, in addition to the men and women directing or performing in them. For another, plays are increasingly marketed and seasons are increasingly built around new works by this or that playwright with a following in New York or Los Angeles, here in Texas, or of course, in all of the above.


“Golden Age of the playwright? Bring it on!” responds Houston’s Philip Lehl, a veteran actor with Broadway credits who, with his actor-wife Kim Tobin, has founded not one but two innovative stage troupes. “The theater is becoming one of the few places where audiences can have a communal experience. As TV and movie audiences splinter and head to the Internet, people wanting to gather around a fire with the tribe to hear stories that shape their lives, head back to the theater. The playwright, of course, benefits from this and becomes what he was at the beginning: the high priest – the great tribal storyteller.”

On any given evening, if you go looking for this “great tribal storyteller,” mathematics dictates that you’ll find him (or her!) more often on small stages, among the less-known, more militantly-thoughtful actors, rather than in the major houses as nothing is more likely to fill lots of seats than the safe, the established, the predictable. And that would hardly be the realm of most playwrights attracting attention these days.Today the deepest, darkest visions of human existence – delivered with a laugh as well as a groan – are making their way onto Texas stages: Not because everyone embraces the message of the play, but because more and more of us embrace the playwright.

In Austin, for instance, Hyde Park has produced three plays by McDonagh (The Pillowman in 2007, The Lonesome West in 2008 and A Behanding in Spokane in 2011), along with three by Annie Baker (Body Awareness and Circle Mirror Transformation in 2010, plus The Aliens in 2012). Eno, certainly a darling everywhere, has found a special place at Hyde Park, thanks to his Thom Pain (produced twice in 2007 and again in 2013), along with his Middletown in 2012.
“We are the sort of Off-Broadway of Austin,” says Webster. “The fact that we have such a small seating capacity allows us to bring Austin audiences the work of new playwrights the audience might not be familiar with yet. We think it is important that Austin audiences have the opportunity to see these new works.”

Read more at artsandculturetx.com . . . .

Opening This Week in Central Texas, September 2 - 8, 2013






Central Texas Live Theatre openings

Opening This Week 

September 2 - 8, 2013
Click images for additional information


Opening around Austin . . .
Always, Patsy Cline
Always, Patsy Cline, New Braunfels benefit for Circle Arts Theatre, 
September 6 - 15
Always Patsy Cline
Bastrop Opera House, Sept. 6 - 28

Cymbeline, EmilyAnn Theatre Wimberley TX
in Wimberley





Seminar:
What Makes Austin Theatre Unique?
UT at Zach Theatre, September 6, 7 - 9 p.m.


===============================
IN SAN ANTONIO
===============================



Jekyll & Hyde musical Cameo Theatre San Antonio, TX
Cameo Theatre, September 7 - October 6





Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams Klose-Seale San Antonio TX

Friday, August 30, 2013

Auditions in San Antonio for Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Woodlawn Black Box Theatre, September 15, 2013




Woodlawn Black Box Theatre San Antonio TX Auditions for the rock musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at the Woodlawn Theatre, Inc. on September 15th, 7 pm, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd. - click for map


Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson Woodlawn Theatre San Antoniois a rock musical with music and lyrics written by Michael Friedman, and a book by its director Alex Timbers. The show is a comedic Wild West rock musical about the founding of the Democratic Party. It redefines Andrew Jackson, America's seventh President, as a rock star and focuses on populism, the Indian Removal Act, and his relationship with his wife Rachel. Directed by Matthew Byron Cassi; to be performed in the Woodlawn Theater's BlackBox Nov. 8th - Dec.1st

Ensemble Cast - Many featured roles, Showcases trained singers. Dance requirement: None/minimal. Casting notes: All actors must be adept with diverse performance styles - capable of broad yet sharp characterizations, as well as sudden beat shifts. Facility with deadpan comedy and vacant expressions is a must.

ONE JOURNEY - STITCHING STORIES ACROSS THE MEXICAN 'AMERICAN' BORDER by Yadira de la Riva, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center, October 4-5, 2013




Teatro Vivo Austin TX


presents

Written and Performed by Yadira De La Riva
Multi-Media Design by Kenji Calderon-Miyamoto
Music Contributions by FUGA – www.myspace.com/fuguista

October 4-5, 2013, time TBA

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center, 600 River Street - CLICK FOR MAP

One Journey is a woman’s coming of age story on the United States/Mexico border cities of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. This documentary one-woman theater play weaves personal border interviews and creative imagination to convey the generational and cultural differences between a mother and her daughter who are raised on opposite sides of the border.

This story takes place at the El Paso Country Sheriff’s Office where Luz visits her daughter Griselda who is arrested for a drug related crime. Luz, born and raised in extreme poverty conditions in Juarez, is forced to confront the challenges that her daughter’s generation is facing in the United States. Through Luz’s narration of her own struggles she must find a way reconcile her experiences of poverty with her daughter’s cultural and spiritual loss of self that is engendered by internalized anti-immigrant sentiment, border enforcement policies and a saturation of drugs on the border.

This play is a multi-character theater piece that incorporates comedy, poetry, movement, dance, music, and multimedia projections to convey El Paso/Juarez border life and culture. Using minimal props, and video background as part of the setting, Yadira creates the border on which characters negotiate their identities from one nation to another. The play is approximately one hour long and includes ten characters, all which serve to represent different perspectives regarding border dynamics.

Emerging Identities Performance NYC

From the artist: I began writing for theater in a creative effort to understand my identity as an American from the U.S./Mexico borderland of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Living on the margins of the United States and Mexico, I often felt ignored or completely overlooked by mainstream media in both countries. What did it mean for me to live in a small community divided by a fence that separated my family by nationality, and for us to compromise our cultural heritages depending on what side of the border we were on and for our bi-national lifestyles to be directly impacted by border enforcement everyday? Theater has provided the vehicle for me to address U.S./Mexico border identity and issues such as immigration, labor, femicide (mass killing of women) and the recent war on drugs. These issues have impacted my community for generations and continue to inform the artist I am today. In the lack of women’s voices like mine, I am inspired to represent these marginalized American stories and to use the stage to universalize our personal experiences in the larger global context.


One Journey: Stitching Stories Across the Mexican “American” Border began as an idea, a seed planted in El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, nourished in the Bay Area, California and harvested in New York City. After ten years of digging for my history through insightful family and community interviews, I was determined to transform the richness of their stories into a dramatic interpretation that became this one-woman show. One Journey had its world premier in 2010 with an independently produced collaborative project entitled Emerging Identities: Bodies on the Line. Since then I have had the privilege of perform One Journey in different theaters, community centers and universities throughout the United States to raise awareness of the socio-political realities of border life. My vision is to reach international audiences, promote women’s stories and question the meaning of borders in today’s world through the lens of theater.
(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR by Jones, Hope and Wooten, Sam Bass Community Theatre, Round Rock, September 27 - October 19, 2013





Sam Bass Community Theatre Round Rock TX








Red Velvet Cake War Jones Hope Wooten Sam Bass Theatre Round Rock TX
presents

The Red Velvet Cake War

by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten
directed by Lynn S. Beaver

September 27, 2013 - October 19, 2013
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2: p.m.
Sam Bass Community Theatre, 600 N. Lee St., Round Rock (in Memorial Park)-- CLICK FOR MAP
Tickets $18; $15 seniors, students, educators, military; $15 all Thursday performances 
Reservations: www.sambasstheatre.org


The Red Velvet Cake War opens the Sam Bass Community Theatre 2013-2014 season on September 27th at Sam Bass Community Theatre. In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the three Verdeen cousins—Gaynelle, Peaches and Jimmie Wyvette—could not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion.

Their outrageous antics have delighted local gossips in the small town of Sweetgum (just down the road from Fayro) and the eyes of Texas are upon them, as their self-righteous Aunt LaMerle is quick to point out. Having “accidentally” crashed her minivan through the bedroom wall of her husband’s girlfriend’s doublewide, Gaynelle is one frazzled nerve away from a spectacular meltdown. Peaches, a saucy firebrand and the number one mortuarial cosmetologist in the tri-county area, is struggling to decide if it’s time to have her long-absent trucker husband declared dead. And Jimmie Wyvette, the rough-around-the-edges store manager of Whatley’s Western Wear, is resorting to extreme measures to outmaneuver a priss-pot neighbor for the affections of Sweetgum’s newest widower.

Red Velvet Cake War Jones Hope Wooten Sam Bass Theatre Round Rock TX
Raynelle Shelley, Linda Myers and Rhonda Roe as the Verdeen Cousins (photo: Sam Bass Theatre)

But the cousins can’t back out of the reunion now. It’s on and Gaynelle’s hosting it; Peaches and Jimmie Wyvette have decided its success is the perfect way to prove Gaynelle’s sanity to a skeptical court-appointed psychologist. Unfortunately, they face an uphill battle as a parade of wildly eccentric Verdeens gathers on the hottest day of July, smack-dab in the middle of Texas tornado season. Things spin hilariously out of control when a neighbor’s pet devours everything edible, a one-eyed suitor shows up to declare his love and a jaw-dropping high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake.

As this fast-paced romp barrels toward its uproarious climax, you’ll wish your own family reunions were this much fun!

Cast includes: Anita Tecce, Linda Myers, BJ Machalicek, Frank Benge, Rhonda Roe, Raynelle Shelley, Veronica Prior, Gene Storie, Jeff Sughrue, Lori Iacoletti, Janie Williams and John Iacoletti.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

THE BELLE OF AMHERST, with Helen Merino, Austin Shakespeare at the Rollins Theatre, Long Center, November 14 -24, 2013





Austin Shakespeare TX







   presents

Belle of Amherst Helen Merino Austin Shakespeare TX

by William Luce
a one-woman performance by Helen Merino

November 14-24, 2013
Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.
Rollins Theatre, Long Center, 701 Riverside at S. First -- click for map


Season subscription tickets for this production and for Othello now available on-line at the Long Center


Helen Merino returns to portray innovative American poet Emily Dickinson in this solo turn by celebrated playwright William Luce. With a wicked sense of humor, she defied the conventions of the time and was seldom published during her lifetime. Julie Harris won a Tony Award for her performance on Broadway in the 1970’s and appeared in a popular TV adaptation of the play. 

Dickinson’s unique style of writing has had a profound influence on the future of American poetry. Known as an eccentric in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts, she withdrew increasingly from society, relishing her local notoriety and becoming an accomplished baker as well as poet. Eventually, she wrote 1,800 poems, moving from the sentimentality of her early work to more emotional poems.

About Austin Shakespeare We strive to find the best classical actors in the Austin area; usually half of our casts have worked with Austin Shakespeare before and occasionally we bring in guest artists. We value designers. Our resident lighting designer, Jason Amato, transforms our stage world by taking us on a journey with his unique creativity. Artistic director Ann Ciccolella takes pride in casting a strong ensemble team from leads to character actors. Austin Shakespeare’s board of directors supports the company’s theater of ideas and emotions. At our core, we love glorious language. Our motto is to “celebrate the best within us.” Later in the season, we will continue our 30th anniversary of FREE Shakespeare in Zilker Park with the most romantic of comedies: As You Like It, the month of May at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theatre. In late June, our Young Shakespeare teen actors will stage a professionally designed and directed production of The Tempest at Richard Garriott de Cayeux’ Curtain Theatre, a replica of an Elizabethan theater on the shores of Lake Austin.

Questions? Call the 3M Box Office at (512) 474-LONG (5664), TTY (800) 735-2989.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Auditions in Fredericksburg for Sanders Family Christmas by Connie Ray, September 16 and 17, 2013




Fredericksburg Theatre Company TXAuditions Monday, September 16 & Tuesday, September 17, 7:00 p.m. at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, for Sanders Family Christmas, written by Connie Ray and conceived by Alan Bailey. Directed by David Cockerell.

Auditions for FTC's Holiday Production will be held September 16th and 17th at 7 p.m. at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater located at 1668 Highway 87 south (click for map ). All roles are available for auditions. Please prepare a vocal selection for auditions, can be musical theater or gospel hymn selection. A pianist and CD player will be available. Harmonizing is required and soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass voices will be needed. Roles will be assigned to fill vocal parts, but which character fills which vocal part is adjustable. Playing any instrument is a plus but not required. If you do play an instrument, please bring it with you to auditions.
All roles have monologues. Auditions will also be conducted by cold readings from the script. The production runs Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Dec. 12th - 22nd. Attendance to all performance and Crunch Week Rehearsals, Dec. 9th - 21st are mandatory. Scripts will be available for check out at the FTC office located at 306 E. Austin Street September 9th with a 48 hour check out period.

Sanders Family Christmas, the sequel to FTC's 2006 sold-out run Smoke on the Mountain, is a musical comedy that contains 28 standard christmas carols and gospel songs. On Christmas Eve 1941, just after Pearl Harbor and FDR's declaration of war, Reverend Oglethorpe and his congregation host The Sanders Family Singers for a gospel sng and to witness and relate their trials of faith.


Please contact the FTC office at 830-997-3588 or fbgtheaterco@austin.rr.com with questions or for additional information. Find us on Facebook or at the website: www.fredericksburgtheater.org.

Click to view a character list with descriptions at AustinLiveTheatre.com

OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD by Timberlake Wertenbaker, University of Texas, October 18 - 27, 2013





 Our Country's Good Timberlake Wertenbaker University of Texas Austin


directed by James Daniels
October 18 - 27, 2013
Oct. 18, 19, 23-27 at 8 p.m.
Oct. 20, 27 at 2 p.m.
Oscar G. Brockett Theatre , University of Texas
Tickets $15.00 - $25.00

“…a backstage play with a social conscience, demonstrating the redemptive power of theater and of education.” – The New York Times

Miles from their homeland, a boat full of Royal Marine officers and convicts arrives on the Australian shore in 1789, forced to create a community in a fledgling penal colony.
Amid the brutal conditions of the settlement, a determined lieutenant volunteers to direct the convicts – a collection of murderers and thieves – in a comedic stage play. With no support from his fellow Marines and the leading lady’s imminent execution, it’s questionable if the show will go on.

Adapted from Thomas Keneally’s best-selling novel The Playmaker, Our Country’s Good has received great critical acclaim, receiving six Tony Award nominations and winning the Olivier Award for Best Play and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Foreign Play.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)


Video Profile (2): Sam Bass Community Theatre, Round Rock and 'The Red Velvet Cake War,' September 27 - October 19, 2013, by John Speasmaker at YourLocalColor.com


John Speasmaker hears from Lynn Beaver about the membership drive and the history of the Sam Bass Theatre in Round Rock and provides glimpses of the ongoing rehearsals for the production of The Red Velvet Cake War by Jones, Hope and Wooten. (7 min., 33 sec.)

Your Lo9cal Color John Speasmaker

 





What's Going on at Sam Bass Community Theatre

by John Speasmaker, August 27, 2013

Sam Bass Community Theater Red Velvet Cake War Jones Hope Wooten Sam Bass Community Theatre Round Rock TXhas a lot going on for the next few weeks. For starters, they are getting close to the opening of their next production which will be The Red Velvet Cake War, directed by Lynn Beaver, and created by the famous comedy writing trio of Jones, Hope, and Wooten. This laugh fest of a show will be starting its run on Friday September 27th and it will run through Saturday October 19th. Please watch the attached video for hilarious clips from Sam Bass’s most recent reading. You will really enjoy yourself.

Jones, Hope and Wooten are well known for their ability to capture the unique flavor of small town southern life. and The Red Velvet Cake War is that and so much more. The play is situated in the fictional town of Sweetgum, Texas, and is centered on the antics of the Verdeen family, their family reunion, and a hotly contested bake-off. I attended a reading rehearsal, and I laughed the whole way through. Watch the video.

Also on the Sam Bass Community Theatre agenda is their membership drive, a season ticket drive and fundraising for a new annex. Membership opportunities with SBCT are available at many levels, and depending on the level you choose, memberships come with very attractive perks that really sweeten the deal. Memberships start at a modest $15 and go as high as you want. Some of the perks include complementary tickets, complementary season tickets, invitations to gala events, and of course, you get to support a local, Round Rock organization that is working hard to enrich our lives through superb entertainment.





THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR by Jones, Hope and Wooten, Sam Bass Community Theatre, Round Rock,





Sam Bass Community Theatre Round Rock TX







(Sam Bass Community Theatre, 610 Lee Street, Round Rock - CLICK FOR MAP)

 presents

Red Velvet Cake War Jones Hope Wooten Sam Bass Theatre Round Rock TX


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

(*) Opportunity: Part-time Education Director for Classic Theatre, San Antonio




Classic Theatre San AntonioDirector of Education - Job Posting- PART TIME CONTRACT


The Education Director is tasked with managing the Educational initiatives for the Classic Theatre. This includes coordinating all outreach to market the upcoming productions to high schools and colleges, facilitate student Thursday performances, write all coordinating study guides, facilitate post show talk backs, and manage any outreach workshop programs. The Education Director coordinates teacher events including continuing professional education workshops. The Education Director recruits and manages interns through the AIM High Internship/ Mentorship program. This position is tasked with pursuing funding sources for all education programs and implements the vision of the Classic founders for the current education initiatives and any future programs. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications Well-qualified candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree and have experience in theatre and education. This position requires a candidate to be self-motivated with excellent time management and organizational skills. The Education Director must have persuasive writing, strong verbal communication skills, and the ability to lead group discussions and speak comfortably in front of large groups. Experience in non-profit administration, fundraising and grant writing is preferred. Candidates must have experience with word processing and spreadsheet software.


About Classic Theatre of San Antonio The Classic Theatre of San Antonio was incorporated on May 23, 2008 with the mission to reinvigorate and create new audiences for the theatre by presenting professional theatre productions of popular classics and forgotten masterpieces for residents and visitors to San Antonio. The Classic Theatre of San Antonio has a vision to build a professional theatre that inspires passionate involvement in a shared theatrical experience and is a source of pride for our community. In its sixth year, that mission and vision have been realized with increasing audiences and support from the community. The Classic Theatre of San Antonio has consistently made its mark on San Antonio’s cultural scene with gutsy, challenging productions of classic plays. Classic Theatre is dedicated to growing its educational programs by offering students free tickets and raising additional money to provide transportation to schools that cannot afford to pay for busing. Since it’s inception, The Classic Theatre has been awarded numerous ATAC Globe Awards for excellence in theatre. The Classic Theatre’s challenge is to present stimulating plays that support a diverse community of artists and audiences.

This is a part-time contract position. All questions and resumes should be forwarded to renee@classictheatre.org.
Classic Theatre, P.O. Box 15454, San Antonio TX 78212 - tel. (210) 589-8450

Auditions for Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, City Theatre, September 15 & 16, 2013



City Theatre Austin TXSTEEL MAGNOLIAS Auditions on September 15 and 16 at the City Theatre. 3823 Airport Blvd. Suite D. Austin, TX 78722
Directed by City Theatre Artistic Director Andy Berkovsky

Times: Sunday, September 15, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.Monday,
September 16, 6 – 10 p.m. Ten minute slots by appointment.

Show dates: November 22 – December 22.

Steel Magnolias Robert Harling, City Theatre Austin TXThanksgiving show dates are tentative with rehearsals beginning end of September. Casting all roles. If you are not able to make this audition time, please let us know.

Fall in love with the ladies of Steel Magnolias all over again! Robert Harling’s wisecracking and wise southern hit comedy serving up life, love and laughter that’s as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie. In the haven of Truvy’s beauty salon, six women come together to share secrets, gossip and bare their souls learning to embrace themselves and the future with all its uncertainties. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they weather every event with grace, determination and perfectly coiffed hair.

Bring headshot, resume and a one minute prepared monologue. Scenes will also be performed if needed. Call 512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org to set up an appt.

STEEL
MAGNOLIAS
Auditions
When: September 15 and 16.

Where:
The City Theatre. 3823 Airport Blvd. Suite D. Austin, TX 78722
Time:
Sunday, September 15, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Monday,
September 16, 6 – 10 p.m. Ten minute slots by appointment.


Show dates: November 22 – December 22. Thanksgiving show dates are
tentative with rehearsals beginning end of September. Casting all roles. If
you are not able to make this audition time, please let us know.
Directed by City Theatre Artistic Director Andy Berkovsky

Fall in love with the ladies of Steel Magnolias all over again! Robert Harling’s
wisecracking and wise southern hit comedy serving up life, love and laughter
that’s as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie. In the haven of Truvy’s
beauty salon, six women come together to share secrets, gossip and bare
their souls learning to embrace themselves and the future with all its
uncertainties. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new
beginnings to happy endings, they weather every event with grace,
determination and perfectly coiffed hair.

Bring headshot, resume and a one minute prepared monologue.
Scenes will also be performed if needed.
512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org to set up an appt.

Georgetown Palace Seeks Donations to Replace Art Deco Carpet


Georgetown Palace Theatre TXThe Historic Palace Theatre in Georgetown is pleased to announce the receipt of a $5,000 grant from The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation to help with replacement of the carpet in our historic theatre. Palace patrons have pledged $7,500 to date, bringing our total to $12,500. Additional funds of $7,500 are needed to complete the financial plans for the project. Palace Executive Director Marissa Austin says, “The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation has been very generous to support yet another much needed project at the Palace. Keeping up an historic building is not easy, and we are incredibly grateful to our patrons and to the Herzstein Charitable Foundation.” The Herzstein Charitable Foundation also made a significant contribution of $15,000 to the Palace in 2010 for the restoration of The Tin Barn, our facility designated for the production needs of the Palace (rehearsals, set building, costume storage, offices).

From the foundation’s website, www.herzsteinfoundation.org/, comes this information: “A businessman, entrepreneur, and, ultimately, a philanthropist, Albert Herzstein dedicated his later years to the charitable foundation that bears his name and that of his equally generous wife, Ethel. Through its gifts, The Herzstein Foundation honors the ideals of personal responsibility and resourcefulness in a free society, limited government, self-sufficiency, the right of all individuals to enjoy a life of quality, and the importance of providing opportunities for people to help themselves. Recipients include organizations that promote education, serve to enrich the human spirit, and work to improve quality of life for others. Preference is given to groups and projects that receive little or no support from the government. We seek to make contributions that will produce meaningful, positive change.”

Following 12 years of extensive foot traffic, the time has come to replace the carpeting throughout our building. Gregory Free, the designer and project manager for our major restoration/renovation project of 1998-2001, has joined with us in determining our carpeting needs this second time around. We feel it is important that we use the Art Deco pattern created for the 2001 restoration to preserve that bit of history. Mr. Free’s idea was to add a touch of color to the original carpet pattern, reaching out to the future while respecting the past. Our committee has agreed upon this approach.


General Information about the Palace: The Palace seats about 295, with reserved seating paid for in the ticket price. The Palace office in the lobby of the theatre is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (except for some holiday dates). Purchase tickets and select seating on-line at www.georgetownpalace.com or by calling (512) 869-7469 or (512) 869-5081.
Contact education@georgetownpalace.com for information and registration. The Historic Palace Theatre is located at 810 South Austin Avenue in downtown Georgetown and is part of the most beautiful Town Square in Texas!

THE UNINVITED, a ghost story by Tim Kelly, Gaslight Baker Theatre, Lockhart, October 11 - 26, 2013





Gaslight Baker Theatre Lockhart TX









[216 S. Main Street, Lockhart, TX - click for map]

presents
The Uninvited Tim Kelly Gaslight Baker Theatre Lockhart TX
(www.mygbt.org)
Directed by Candice Carr
Oct. 11 - Oct. 26, Fridays and Saturdays
2 p.m. matinees on Sunday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, October 26

A brother and sister buy an old charming house overlooking the Irish Sea from the village curmudgeon, who has a granddaughter that mysteriously lost her parents. These siblings quickly discover that the house is more sinister than charming. They are imperiled with a bone-chilling cold that permeates the house, a nursery emanating the sound of a weeping woman, the ominous scent of exotic perfume and wrathful apparitions that provoke them to solve the cause for the haunting if they can survive that long. This will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets Online

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

(*) EVIL DEAD, the musical, J. Pennington Studio at Cameo Theatre, October 12 - November 3, 2013





Cameo Theatre San Antonio TX



[1123 E. Commerce St. just east of I-37, San Antonio, 78205 - click for map ]

presents
Evil Dead the musical Cameo Theatre San Antonio TX
October 12 through November 3, 2013
Show Dates: Oct. 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 31; Nov. 1, 2, 3
Tickets: Adults $33 ,Seniors/SATCO members $26, Students/Military $20
Ages: Not for children under 10. 

Call (210) 212-5454 Group rates are available by calling (210) 325 8702


This hilarious stage show features elements from the classic cult horror films "Evil Dead 1," "Evil Dead 2," and "Army of Darkness," combined into one night of blood-spattering, zany, zombie fun.

Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It's all up to Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon-killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day.

Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons are telling bad jokes... and all to music.

The songs in the show are completely off the wall as well. Titles like "All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons" and "What the F*@k was That" will have you rolling in your seats, and screaming for more and more blood. You don't need to be a fan of Evil Dead to love this show. You don't need to be a fan of horror to love this show. You don't even need to be a fan of musicals to love this show. As long as you like having fun... this show is for you.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

(*) YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN by Mel Brooks, Woodlawn Theatre, October 4 - November 3, 2013





Woodlawn Theatre San Antonio



 
(Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, 78201)
presents
Young Frankenstein Mel Brooks Thomas Meehan Woodlawn Theatre San Antonio TX

by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
directed by Christopher Rodriguez
October 4- November 3, 2013

Fri & Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm

Buy Tickets on-line

IT’S ALIVE! From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation The Producers comes this monster new musical comedy.

A wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks’ classic comedy masterpiece, the story follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen) as he attempts to complete his grandfather’s masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor (that’s Eye-gor), his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster — but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications.

With such memorable tunes as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ On The Ritz,” The New MEL BROOKS Musical YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is scientifically-proven, monstrously good entertainment…and the only place you’ll witness a singing and dancing laboratory experiment in the largest tuxedo ever made.

CAST LIST

Fredrick – Walter Songer
Igor – Ben Scharff
Inga – Kate Miller
Monster – Michael Benson
Frau – Melissa Gonzalez
Inspector/Hermit – Barry Goettl
Elizabeth – Amanda Golden
Victor/Ensemble – Kirk logan
Ensemble-Aaron Tapia, Stephanie Hamilton, Amy Dullnig, Alyssa Lopez, Meghan Ollivant , Sharon Newhart, Lauren Silva, Ysenia Anais


(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

THE SPANISH TRAGEDIE by Thomas Kyd, Baron's Men at the Curtain Theatre, October 20 - November 9, 2013





The Baron's Men Austin TX






[performing at the Curtain Theatre, Garriot estate, 7400 Coldwater Canyon -- click for map]

present

Spanish Tragedie Kyd Baron's Men Austin TX









directed by Cherie Weed 

Thomas Kyd’s groundbreaking play of murder and revenge
Thursdays-Saturdays, October 17, 2013 through November 9, 2013
Pre-show starts at 7:30 pm; Show starts at 8 pm
at The Curtain Theater, 7400 Coldwater Canyon - click for map

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)


(*) Aladdin, Northside Performing Arts Center, August 31 - September 28, 2013






Northside Performing Arts San Antonio TX








[21518 Blanco Rd, Ste 101,. San Antonio, TX 78260 - click for map]
 
presents

Aladdin Northside Performing Arts San Antonio TX







Tickets $6 -- click to purchase on-line

Join us as we start our 2013-2014 Theatre for Young Audiences Series. We had such a great time presenting these original musical productions for kids last year that we can't wait to get started again!

We open our season with the story of
ALADDIN! It stars a talented cast of actors and features lots of interactive moments, sure to engage even our youngest audience members.

Remember to
RESERVE YOUR SEATS and bring a camera to capture some memories!


(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Seminar: What Makes Austin Theatre Unique?, September 6, 2013


With a tip of the hat to Ia Ensterä:



What makes Austin theatre unique?
An Austin Theatre Symposium

The Brockett Center at the University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance, American Theatre Archive Project, and the ZACH Theatre invite you to join us on

Friday, September 6th from 7-9 p.m.
at ZACH’s Kleberg stage (1510 Toomey Road, Austin, TX 78704)

The symposium will focus on the characteristics, history, and future of theatre in Austin. The discussion will include remarks from Robert Faires of the Austin Chronicle and a roundtable with members of the Austin theatre community, including the Rude Mechanicals, ZACH theatre, and Rupert Reyes from Teatro Vivo. Renowned theatre historian, Dr. Charlotte Canning of the University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance will moderate the conversation. The symposium will launch a weekend-long effort to begin the process of archiving Austin theatre materials under the guidance of the American Theatre Archive Project.

The event is free and open to the public.

For questions about this event, please contact Russ Dembin at the UT Department of Theatre and Dance: rdembin@utexas.edu.


(Click to go to AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Opportunity: Zach Needs Costume Stitchers for 'Les Miserables'


Zach Theatre Austin TX
Overhire stitchers are needed for LES MISERABLES in the ZACH costume shop. Many stitchers are needed to help with alterations for large cast in period costumes. There is work for all skill levels, and stitchers usually work Monday - Friday 12:00pm - 6:00pm, but we can work around various schedules. Depending on skill level, hourly pay is available and volunteers are much appreciated. If you're interested, please contact Blair Hurry at bhurry@zachtheatre.org.

Esther's Follies Seeks Male & Female Performers


Esther's Follies Austin TXEsther's Follies, Austin's musical comedy and magic revue on Sixth Street, is seeking
  • a female singer/performer.
  • a male actor, 25-40, with a wide range of ability. The actor must have a dancer’s build, and an ability to carry a tune. This person will be acting as a magician’s assistant and must be comfortable and familiar with “campy” humor.
Please send a resume and headshot to: efauditions@gmail.com
Please send headshot and resume to Shannon Sedwick aefauditions@gmail.com to set up audition time.

Contact Info: Shannon Sedwick, Esther's Follies, 525 E. Sixth Street, Austin, Tx 78701
(512) 320-0198 -- www.esthersfollies.com

Photos by Kenny Gall for Glassheart by Reina Hardy, Shrewd Productions at the Salvage Vanguard, August 30 - September 14, 2013





Beauty and the Beast? Photos by Kenny Gall for the


Shrewd Productions Austin TX






presentation of the World Premiere of

Glassheart Reina Hardy Shrewd Productions Austin TX
 

August 30th through September 14th  
Week 1 - Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 6 pm
Week 2 - Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 6 pm
Week 2 - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm

Tickets: $15-25 sliding scale - Click here for Tickets
Salvage Vanguard Theatre: 2803 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722 - click for map

Beauty never showed up. After centuries under the curse, the Beast and his one remaining magical servant have moved into a shabby apartment near a 7-11, hoping for a lower cost of living and better luck with girls. In the threatening, impossible, completely ordinary world of paying rent and taking public transportation, is a happy ending even possible? Are there witches in Chicago? Is this hat sufficient? And can a good story and a little light save the day?
Glassheart Reina Hardy Shrewd Productions Austin TX
Michael Miller (photo: Kenny Gall)
Glassheart Reina Hardy Shrewd Productions Austin TX
Shannon Grounds (photo: Kenny Gall)
Glassheart Reina Hardy Shrewd Productions Austin TX
Lana Dieterich (photo: Kenny Gall)

Glassheart Reina Hardy Shrewd Productions Austin TX
Carolyn Faye Kramer (photo: Kenny Gall)



(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)