DEATH OF A SALESMAN by Arthur Miller, Classic Theatre at the Woodlawn, February 7 - 23, 2014

(photo: Siggi Ragnar)

Classic Theatre of San Antonio

Our debut production in our own space, located at the Woodlawn Theatre!! — with Felice Garcia, Joseph Travis Urick, Kenneth Miles Ellington Lopez, Ronald Watson, Morgan Clyde, Diane Benham Malone, Jared Stephens, Byrd Bonner, Allan Ross, Jim Mammarella, David Rinear, John Stillwaggon, Rick Malone, Meredith Bell Alvarez, Christie Beckham and Rex Harder at Classic Theatre of San Antonio.

(*) Funding Appeal: Classic Theatre San Antonio Moves to the Woodlawn Black Box

Classic Theatre San Antonio is moving to the Woodlawn Theatre black box in January, 2014, and needs $4000 to renovate that space, especially for relocation of the air conditioning ducts.  They've appealed via Indiegogo for contributions of funds, under the difficult-to-locate title 'Expand the Box for Classic.'  Click either logo to go to that page, which features a video posted by Rick Malone about the Classic's five-year history (inexplicably, with no mention of the relocation project).

 

(*) IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, a live radio play, Classic Theatre, San Antonio, December 7 - 15, 2013

Student Intern Program at Classic Theatre, San Antonio, Application Deadline December 15, 2013

AIM HIGH INTERNSHIP Program Recruiting for Spring, 2014

We're looking for a few good students!

 

Andrew Thornton conducts workshop (photo: Classic Theatre)

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is seeking interns for our Spring, 2014 productions, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Private Lives by Noel Coward. The AIM High program is designed for high school and college students with an interest in pursuing careers in the performing arts; acting, directing, stage management or design. AIM High offers total immersion in these areas by working on a production with professional theatre artists. Service hours or academic credit may be available.

APPLY BY DECEMBER 15: Contact Christie Beckham, Director of Education : Christie@ClassicTheatre.org 

The AIM High program is funded in part by a grant fromthe Coates Charitable Trust.

Visit our website for more information: www.classictheatre.org

(*) Video Promo: The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Classic Theatre, San Antonio, November 8 - 24, 2013

James Clark's 30-second video promo for the

production of

The Taming of the Shrew

by William Shakespeare

November 8 - 24, 2013

Jump-Start Theatre, Blue Star Arts Complex, 1400 San Antonio St (click for map)

Tickets $10 - $25 available on-line through

Changes at the Classic Theatre, San Antonio, from the San Antonio Express-News, October 28, 2013

From Deborah Martin's 'Art Beat' column at the Express-News:





by Deborah Martin  October 28, 2013

There’s been some shifting behind the scenes at Classic Theatre.

Renee Garvens, who had been the company’s education director and also handled its marketing, has moved to Magik Theatre as a development associate.

Joseph Urick, an actor who is also on the faculty at San Antonio College, came on board several weeks ago to handle the company’s PR. Urick is also Classic’s resident fight choreographer, a skill he has also put to use with other companies. Most recently, he took care of the fight choreography for “Les Miserables” at the Playhouse.

And Christie Beckham, who has often appeared on stage in Classic productions and taught drama at Clark High School, is joining the company as its education director.

Both will also appear onstage in Classic’s “Taming of the Shrew,” which opens Nov. 8 at the Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start.

Auditions in San Antonio for Death of a Salesman, Classic Theatre, November 10 - 12, 2013

Classic Theatre of San Antonio is happy to announce AUDITIONS for our next mainstage show, DEATH OF A SALESMAN By Arthur Miller November 10, 11, 12 @ 7:30pm (Nov 12 - TBA Callbacks). Production Dates: Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 23, 2014 
All auditions are by appointment only. Call 210-589-8450 for an appointment. Each actor is requested to present a 1 Minute Monologue, comedy or drama and be prepared for Cold Readings.

The roles of Willie Loman, Linda Loman and Uncle Ben will be played by Allan S. Ross, Terri Pena Ross and David Rinear, respectively.

Roles available:

Biff Loman, mid thirties
Happy Loman, two years younger than Biff
Bernard, same age as Happy but must play scenes at age 17
The Woman/Miss Forsythe 30-40
Charley near Willies age, late 50s to 60s
Howard, mid thirties
Jenny, 20-30
Letta, 20-30
Stanley, a waiter 20+

-- Age ranges are flexible --

Reserve your spot now!! This will be the FIRST show in our new home: The Woodlawn Theatre!!

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

Director 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

San Antonio's Classic Theatre Relocating to Woodlawn Theatre

It’s official: Classic Moving to Woodlawn

By Deborah Martin : Friday, June 28, 2013

Classic Theatre and the Woodlawn Theatre have formally announced that the former will be moving into the latter in January.
Classic will stay at the Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start for the rest of the year. Then it will be running the Woodlawn’s black box space.

Classic’s current home is leased by Jump-Start Performance Co. Jump-Start’s lease was not renewed; it will be moving in January, as well, and is looking for a new home.

In Classic’s press release about the move, Woodlawn Executive Director Kurt Wehner says, “We are very excited about this new collaboration with the Classic Theatre. We love the universal themes of unity and understanding that are celebrated through their work and are delighted to join forces with them in bringing even more quality theatre into the Deco District.”

(*) PROOF by David Auburn, Classic Theatre, San Antonio August 9 - 25, 2013

(Classic Theatre, San Antonio, performing at Jump-Start Theatre, Blue Star Arts Complex #108, 1400 S. Alamo, San Antonio 78204 ) 

presents

Proof

by David Auburn

David Auburn's award-winning play follows Catherine, a young woman who turned the focus of her life to caring for her brilliant, but mentally deteriorating, father until his death. When one of her father's ex-students finds a groundbreaking mathematical proof he believes it to be the work of the deceased professor, when in fact it was discovered by Catherine. No one believes that the calculations are hers and now she must prove her honesty. The play deals with family conflict, the mysterious nature of genius and insanity, and the struggle to prove one's own worth. Proof originally opened off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club in 2000 and won the Lucille Lortel Award for best off-Broadway drama. It moved to Broadway in 2001 and won the Pulitzer Prize, the Tony Award, the New York Critics' Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for Drama.

Location: The Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start, 108 Blue Star, in the Blue Star Arts Complex at the corner of S. Alamo and Probandt, San Antonio, Texas, 78204

Times: August 9 - 25, 2013 Performances are Friday & Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM

Tickets: $25 for General Admission; $20 for Seniors (+65), SATCO, ATAC, MIL w/ID; $10 for Full time students with ID. For group rates please call 210-589-8450. For tickets call 1-800-838-3006 (There is no charge for using our ticket service!!) Or go to www.classictheatre.org and click on "Buy Tickets".

For More Information:

For group rates please call 210-589-8450. For tickets call 1-800-838-3006

Purchase Tickets Online
(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

(*) METHOD & MADNESS: HAMLET, Jump-Start Performance Company and Classic Theatre, San Antonio, June 14 - 23, 2013

Method & Madness: Hamlet 2013

Based on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Adapted by Laurie Rae Dietrich
Directed by Diane Malone & S.T. Shimi
June 14-16, 21-23 2013
Friday, Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.

$20 general admission, $15 students and seniors
Pay-What-You-Can on June 21st
Click to purchase tickets online

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.”

The play’s the thing as two resident companies with two very different aesthetics take on one quintessential Shakespearean standard this summer. Jump-Start Performance Co., known for its experimental and original works, and Classic Theatre of San Antonio, known for their professional productions of popular classics, collaborate on this exciting show…one of the last things that both companies will be presenting in the Sterling Houston Theater in the Blue Star Arts Complex before the lease is up mid-January.

Method and Madness: Hamlet 2013 is a fast-paced, edited (with a run-time of 90 minutes) and visceral interpretation of the well-known tale of the indecisive Dane that focuses on the twisted family dynamics in a minimalist style with steam-punk detailing. From co-direction (Diane Malone and S.T. Shimi) to design (including a lighting co-design by Rick Malone and Billy Muñoz) to a talented ensemble comprising members of Jump-Start and Classic (including Billy Muñoz and Linda Ford playing the split personalities of Hamlet), this production showcases the best aspects of both companies including physical theater, movement work, creative design and compelling performances.

Directed by Diane Malone and S.T. Shimi
Dramaturgy & Adaptation by Laurie Rae Dietrich
Lighting Design by Rick Malone and Billy Muñoz
Sound Design by Rick Malone
Costume Design by Kitty Williams

Performed by Christie Beckham, Erik Bosse, Laurie Dietrich, Linda Ford, Dino Foxx, Pamela Dean Kenny, Billy Muñoz, Robert Rehm, Joseph Urick and Kitty Williams.

Twitter Row: Tweeting, updating your Facebook or text messaging during shows is usually looked down upon, but we encourage it! Excited by what you see on stage and want to share it with your social network? The back row of the theater has been dedicated for the patron who can’t put their phone down. Help us grow our audiences by talking about the work we’re doing. #TwitterRow #M&M2013 #JSPC
For more info or to purchase tickets for Method & Madness: Hamlet 2013 please call (210) 227-5867 or visit www.jump-start.org!

Jump-Start Performance Co. is generously supported by the Department for Culture and Creative Development, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Fund.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is generously supported by Art Works, the King William Assocation, Frost Bank, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the Department for Culture and Creative Development, San Antonio Area Foundation, H-E-B, Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation and Rackspace Hosting.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Auditions in San Antonio for The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Classic Theatre, June 16

Auditions in San Antonio for The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Classic Theatre, Sunday, June 16. To be held at the Jump-Star Theatre, Blue Star Arts Complex, 1400 S. Alamo - click for map.
Call Florence for audition appointment: 210-589-8450
Preparation in July-August; Rehearsals in October; Show Nov 8-24.

Arts Reporting: Classic Theatre Explores Potential New Homes, by Deborah Martin of the San Antonio Express-News, April 23

from the paper's Art beat page at www.mysanantonio.com:

Brendan Spieth, Dru Baucus (photo: Dwayne Green)

 

Classic Theatre explores potential new homes

Posted on 04/23/2013 by Deborah Martin

In the short time since they learned they’ll have to move, the folks at Classic Theatre have looked at potential new homes at the Woodlawn Theatre, the Josephine Theatre, Performing Arts San Antonio and Fox Tech High School.


The big take-away so far? “There’s a lot of unused space in San Antonio,” said Diane Malone, a co-founder of the company.


The company currently shares space with Jump-Start Performance Co. at the Blue Star Arts Complex. Jump-Start learned nearly two weeks ago that their lease on the building will not be renewed. The company was able to negotiate an extension that allows them to stay through January.


Classic closes its fifth season with the farce “Scapin,” slated to open May 10 at the Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start. The company has not yet decided whether they’ll begin their sixth season there and then move, or if they’ll do their entire season at a new space, Malone said.


Ideally, Classic’s new space will include room for an office, storage and rehearsal space.


“We’re asking for the moon,” Malone said.


A lot of other theaters have stepped up and offered to house the company, she said.


“A lot of people are talking about, it giving us suggestions: There’s a place here, a place there, museums and theaters and storefronts,” she said.


There is also a possibility that Jump-Start will go in together on a new space.

At this point, nothing is off the table: “We’re not eliminating any options,” Malone said.

(*) 2013-2014 Season, Classic Theatre, San Antonio

Received from


 




We are pleased to announce our 2013-2014 Season:

STAGES OF LIFE

And like real life, The Classic Theatre is going through a change of life. The management of the Blue Star Arts Complex has elected NOT to renew the Jump-Start Performance Co. lease. That means that The Classic Theatre may be in a new space for its 6th season. Regardless of where we perform, you will experience the professional quality that you have come to expect from The Classic Theatre of San Antonio.

We will keep you posted on our move forward!

Dear Classic Theatre Patron,

We are pleased to announce our 2013-2014 Season:

STAGES OF LIFE

And like real life, The Classic Theatre is going through a change of life. The management of the Blue Star Arts Complex has elected NOT to renew the Jump-Start Performance Co. lease. That means that The Classic Theatre may be in a new space for its 6th season. Regardless of where we perform, you will experience the professional quality that you have come to expect from The Classic Theatre of San Antonio.

We will keep you posted on our move forward!

(*) Another Two Theatre Companies Evicted from Blue Star Arts Complex, report by Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News, April 17

Jump-Start getting the Blue Star boot

By Deborah Martin, Staff Writer

Updated 6:14 pm, Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Jump-Start Performance Co., which has been based at the Blue Star Arts Complex for nearly 20 years, is losing its lease there.

The group will be moving in January, said Producing Director Lisa Suarez. Jump-Start's lease ends in September, but company members were able to negotiate a four-month extension.

Jump-Start is the latest arts group to leave the complex as owner James Lifshutz carries out renovations to add more retail.

Lifshutz did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday afternoon.

The news that Jump-Start will have to move came as a surprise, said Dino Foxx, the theater's public relations director. The company had met with Lifshutz last year as renovations moved forward, Foxx said, and had been told they could rest easy.

“At that time, they assured us that we were definitely a tenant they wanted to keep,” Foxx said.

They received a phone call April 10 informing them otherwise.

The move also will leave Classic Theatre, which shares Jump-Start's space, homeless.

Classic is slated to open the farce “Scapin” May 10. That show's run will take place as planned.

Both companies are determining how to move forward.

“Many options are being brought to the table,” Suarez said. “I was continuing to remind everyone, we are not about this facility necessarily. We are about the creativeness that comes from the company.”

The possibility of the two theater troupes finding a new space together has been floated, Foxx said, but it's too early to say how likely that is to happen.

“There are so many question marks,” said Renee Garvens, who handles publicity and oversees the education program for Classic. “At this point, we want to make sure that we contact all of our big donors and let them know we're full steam ahead.”

The Overtime Theater left Blue Star last year, also as a result of the renovation. The company found a new home near the Pearl Brewery.

Leaving Blue Star turned out well for them, said Artistic Director Kyle Gillette.

“The Pearl is the area right now that is promoting exciting new work and where things are happening,” he said. “And Blue Star, unfortunately, has decided to shun its artists. It's a real shame what they're doing.”

Click to go to on-line article

Auditions in San Antonio for Proof by David Auburn, Classic Theatre, May 13, 2013

Auditions on May 13 for Proof by David Auburn, directed by Allan S. Ross. The 2001 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and one of the most acclaimed plays in recent years, Proof explores the depth and mystery of love as well as the mystery of science. Runs August 9-25, 2013.


We are asking for 3 Minute Contemporary monologues (memorized please) from any actors/actresses who have not auditioned for Classic Theatre of San Antonio in the past two years. Call Florence at 210-589-8450 to schedule an audition time. Anyone who has auditioned for us previously (in the past two years) needs to contact Florence (210) 589-8450 and let us know you are interested in being considered for a role. We will contact you if we want to see you at callbacks on May 14. May 13 is only for new actors/actresses and for people we haven't seen lately. Please bring a headshot and resume.




All roles are available:

Catherine: A young woman who inherited at least some of her father's mathematical genius, and, she fears, his "instability" as well; she gave up her life and schooling to take care of her father until his recent death.
Claire: Catherine's older sister, a no nonsense, take charge kind of gal. She left Robert and Catherine behind, distancing herself from the run down family home of her youth. She escaped the edge of the UChicago campus to make a new life for herself in New York City.
Robert: A recently deceased mathematician who did brilliant, breakthrough work in his youth, but whose later years were plagued by delusional mental illness; he is seen in Catherine's imagination and in flashbacks.
Harold (Hal) Dobbs: One of Robert's last Ph.D. students during the one year his idol and mentor's illness went into remission, at least enabling Robert to teach, if not continue his own creative mathematical work.

(*) SCAPIN by Molière, Classic Theatre, San Antonio, May 10 - 25, 2013

(Classic Theatre, San Antonio, performing at Jump-Start Theatre, Blue Star Arts Complex #108, 1400 S. Alamo, San Antonio 78204 ) 

presents

SCAPIN

adapted from Molière by Bill Irwin and Mark O'Donnell
featuring Brendan Spieth as Scapin

The Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start, 108 Blue Star, in the Blue Star Arts Complex at the corner of S. Alamo and Probandt, San Antonio, Texas, 78204

May 10-25th, - May 16 and 23 are student performances, please call 210-394-6082 for the Education Department to schedule student groups.

Tickets: $25 for General Admission; $20 for Seniors (+65), SATCO, ATAC, MIL w/ID; $10 for Full time students with ID. For group rates please call 210-589-8450. For tickets call 1-800-838-3006 (There is no charge for using our ticket service!!) Or go to www.classictheatre.org and click on "Buy Tickets".

Purchase Tickets Online

Vaudeville and Commedia Dell' Arte are seamlessly woven into an uproarious fable of scheming lovers, mistaken identities, and clownish greedy servants. Balancing on a delicately taut tightrope of mischief and revenge, the crafty servant Scapin promises to help two pairs of wide-eyed lovers while juggling an array of elaborate disguises to keep their wealthy fathers from discovering the truth. Remaining true to Moliere's classic farcical tale from the seventeenth century, this fresh and side-splitting adaptation adds a late twentieth century spin to the language and hilarious non-stop action. This production features some of San Antonio's most talented actors including recent Juliard School of Drama graduate Brendan Spieth in the titular role.

Cast:

Geronte - Joel Crabtree
Leander - Rusty Thurman
Scapin - Brendan Spieth
Zerbinette - Julya Jara
Argante - Wade Young
Octave - Tyler Keyes
Sylvestre - Dru Barcus
Hyacinth - Christie Beckham
Nerine - Allie Perez
George (pianist) - Darren Newhardt
Guard/Messenger - Kareem Dahab
Interns (multiple roles) - Ray, Renelle and Jalyssa

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Auditions in San Antonio for Scapin by Molière, Classic Theatre, February 16 and 17

 




Classic Theatre of San Antonio holds auditions for Scapin, by Molière February 17 and 18
Appointments from 6PM-9PM, with call backs on the 19th. ALL ROLES ARE PAID.

Location: The Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start, 108 Blue Star, in the Blue Star Arts Complex at the corner of S. Alamo and Probandt, San Antonio, Texas, 78204 (click for map )

The Classic Theater of San Antonio presents Scapin adapted from Molière by Bill Irwin and Mark O'Donnell, directed by Matthew Byron Cassi. Performance Dates: May 10th - 26th, 2013. Rehearsals: April/May 2013.

Auditions on Sun and Mon, Feb 17th and 18th 6-9pm at Jump Start Theater. PLEASE CALL FLORENCE TO SCHEDULE A 15 MINUTE AUDITION APPOINTMENT, (210) 589-8450. Auditions will consist of monologues and cold readings from the script. Please prepare a 1-2 minute contemporary physical monologue. 

This adaptation of Molière's 325-year-old farce Les Fourberies de Scapin follows-with some alterations-the play's original structure. It keeps the play in period setting while adding a late twentieth century spin to the language and action, and borrowing some final lines from Molière's La Contesse D'escarbagnas. 

"This SCAPIN, directed by Irwin...from his felicitous adaptation with Mark O'Donnell, would probably have gone over big with the same audience who first saw Molière's Fourberies de Scapin...in Paris in 1671." -NY Times. 

"Commedia dell'arte and vaudeville have at least two things in common: baggy pants and Bill Irwin. All make for a natural fit in the celebrated clown's entirely unconventional adaptation of Molière's SCAPIN." -Variety.

Scapin will be played by Juliard Graduate Brenden Spieth.

Roles: 6 men, 3 women (extra's flexible casting) - 11 Total 

Click to view character list at AustinLiveTheatre.com

(*) PAINTING CHURCHES by Tina Howe, Classic Theatre, San Antonio, Feburary 8 - 24, 2013

(Classic Theatre, San Antonio, performing at Jump-Start Theatre, Blue Star Arts Complex #108, 1400 S. Alamo, San Antonio 78204 ) 


presents

Painting Churches

by Tina Howe
February 8 - 24, 2013

featuring Allan Ross, Terri Pena Ross and Christi Eanes.

Make reservations via the Classic Theatre website.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

(*) VIdeo Spot: It's A Wonderful Life, a radio play by Joe Landry, Classic Theatre, San Antonio, November 8, 9, 16, 17

Video spot (30 sec.) done by TWCMSP Productions for the Classic Theatre, San Antonio:

It's a Wonderful Life

A live radio play by Joe Landry

directed by Diane Malone

at the Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start, 108 Blue Star, in the Blue Star Arts Complex at the corner of S. Alamo and Probandt, San Antonio, Texas, 78204
November 8, 9, 16, 17 Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

All tickets are $25 for General Admission; $20 for Seniors (+65), SATCO, ATAC, MIL w/ID;special rate for Full time students with ID. For group rates please call 210-589-8450. For tickets call 1-800-838-3006 (There is no charge for using our ticket service!!) Or go to www.classictheatre.org and click on "Buy Tickets".

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. An angel helps the despairingly frustrated George by showing what life would have been like if he never existed.

Cast includes: Multiple roles played by Allan S. Ross, Terri Pena Ross, Alan Utley, Renee Garvens and Jack Burns
Live Sound Effects: Rick Malone, Felice Garcia