Friday, April 30, 2010

Project 5: Life After SHSU

THE PROFESSION

NON-EQUITY:

1. Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Open Auditions for Non-Equity Tour

Seeking: [YOUNG MAX] Male, Late Teens- 20s, any ethnicity. He is a puppy. Very energetic, very athletic, lots of stamina, positive, and fun. Our best friend. Needs a strong, bright tenor singing voice. PRINCIPAL
[ENSEMBLE ADULTS] Males and Females, 20s – 50s, any ethnicity. Seeking different types and vivid personalities and quirky characters. The adults are all excellent singers, but the more physically versatile, the better. Will understudy all adult principal roles. Need strong singing voices of all types.

Monday, May 10, Sign-In at 9:00AM, 10:00 AM, Non-Union Male Singers for ensemble and principal roles.

playbill.com/jobs/find

2. Rock of Ages - Open Singers Call Frankel-Green Productions

Seeking: Dancers, Singers, Comedians for National Tour Preparation: Prepare brief a cappella rock song.

Thursday, May 13th 10:00am-1:00pm Hollywood, CA actorsequity.org

EQUITY:

1. Split Ends, Equity Stage Manager Job Notice

Seeking: Seeking Equity Stage Manager. To be considered, send resume by May 10, 2010

playbill.com


2. Next to Normal - Equity Principal Auditions

Seeking: Singing actors (m/f) for the original company of the 1st National Tour.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
10 AM - 6 PM
Lunch from 1:30 – 2:30. New York, NY

actorsequity.org


GRADUATE SCHOOL - MFA IN DIRECTING

1. University of Alabama

The Directing program at Alabama is small and intensely production-related. While the courses in directing are few, students are expected to utilize the entire curriculum to serve their individual needs, as well as to accrue specialized knowledge of production techniques including acting and design. Students in the directing program meet regularly with the program director for instruction, discussion of theory, rehearsal techniques, and analysis/criticism of directing projects on both Mainstage and Studio Theatre which serves as the directors' lab throughout the three years of study.

Admission Requirements:

All applicants to the Graduate School must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or a recognized international equivalent. Specific materials for a complete graduate admission file include:

  1. Applicant Data Sheet.
  2. Statement of Purpose.
  3. Two official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Three letters of recommendation on forms supplied by The Graduate School (one letter must be from a professor in the applicant's undergraduate major field or proposed field of study). These letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the Department of Theatre & Dance.
  5. TOEFL score (for applicants whose native language is not English).
  6. $25.00 application fee.
  7. Additional materials as detailed within each graduate area of study

2. University of California - Irvine

We emphasize hands-on directing. Working with both undergraduate and MFA actors, our MFA directors stage at least seven full productions in their three-year residency--including fully budgeted second-year and third-year shows. Two shows are scheduled as part of UCI's subscription season. From the first quarter, student directors are trained in various modes of collaboration with designers and actors and begin work immediately on a workshop production. Students meet with Keith Fowler, Head of Directing, and other faculty mentor directors in private tutorials, and present scene work in the weekly Directors' Lab. All MFA directors' work is evaluated in faculty and peer critiques. Many MFA directors find internships with Equity companies during their tenure at UCI.

Tutorials and lectures focus on the history of directing, classical and romantic styles, Shakespeare, realism/naturalism, comedy, and postmodern and meta-theatrical experimentation. Directed reading from Aristotle to Artaud engages each student in a personal exploration of theory to balance the intensely practical program.

Admission Requirements:

To apply to the M.F.A. program in Directing a completed application and $70.00 fee ($90.00 for international applicants) is required. All graduate applications are submitted electronically and must be supported by appropriate academic transcripts (two official transcripts per college/university attended) and three letters of recommendation. Transcripts must be submitted via mail to the address listed below; letters of recommendation can be submitted via mail to the same address or be submitted online.

For Directing applicants, the GRE exam is highly recommended. After we have received and processed your M.F.A. application and application fee, our directing faculty will contact you, if you meet their initial criteria, regarding the city and time of your audition/interview. If you move after you submit your application, it is important that you notify our office with your new address and phone number. The deadline for transcripts and recommendations is February 9th. Only persons who have submitted applications and fees can be assigned an audition/interview time.



3. Purdue University

The Purdue M.F.A program in Directing offers three years of intensive study in the art and craft of directing with the intention of preparing students for fulfilling careers as directors in professional theatre and the performing arts.

At Purdue, the Director is viewed as the hub of the wheel of collaborative artists who interpret a play. Emphasis throughout the program is on the director mastering the role of collaborative leadership while expressing her/his distinctive theatrical imagination. The philosophical core of the program centers on the notion of freedom of imagination derived from a sound analytical foundation, and the play as the heart and soul of the theatrical experience.

A major focus of the program is on the development of a directorial process, which will serve graduates in the practice of their art in a variety of production conditions with variable human and financial resources at their disposal. The program is rigorous, time-demanding and intense. Based on the idea that a good director is well-educated in many areas, directing students will take several Directing courses plus courses in Acting, Voice, Movement, Lighting, Scenic, Sound and Costume design, Theory and Criticism and Theatre History (if required).

Admission Requirements:

The applicant is required to submit the following materials when applying to the MFA Acting Program:
  • Theatrical resume with recent headshot
  • Transcript(s) from all schools attended
  • Statement of goals and philosophy for undertaking the study of Directing at Purdue University
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Application plus $55 fee


TEACHING

SECONDARY LEVEL:

You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Texas institutions do not offer a degree in education. Every teacher must have an academic major, as well as teacher training courses. The only exemption from the degree requirement is for individuals seeking Career and Technology certification to teach certain courses, such as welding or computer-aided drafting.

You must complete teacher training through an approved program. These programs are offered through colleges and universities, school districts, regional service centers, community colleges, and other entities.
You must successfully complete the appropriate teacher certification tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach. For a list of the certification tests and information on which tests are required, click here.

A teacher who holds an appropriate Texas classroom teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree may add classroom certification areas by successfully completing the appropriate certification examination(s) for the area(s) sought. Certification by examination is not available for:

  • initial certification;
  • career and technology certification based on skill and work experience;
  • a class of certificate other than classroom teacher (e.g. School Counselor, Principal, Superintendent, Learning Resources/School Librarian, Educational Diagnostician);
  • a certificate for which no certification examination has been developed.

Texas Teachers Alternative Certification:

  • Program Eligibility

    • All you need is a four year bachelors degree in any major and a 2.5 GPA.
    • Graduating college seniors in their last semester are able to enroll.
  • Subject Areas

    • With approximately 60 subject areas to choose from, our advisors will work with you individually to find subjects that best match your skills and interests.
    • We'll also help develop a personalized strategy that makes you more marketable and gives you the best chances for employment.
  • Training

    • We blend face-to-face and online instruction to give you a flexible and dynamic training program that can be completed quickly and on your own schedule.
    • The preparation we offer will give you the latest teaching skills and strategies that are necessary for success in today's classroom.
  • After You're Hired

    • You'll teach for one academic year (2 semesters) on a probationary certificate, as the teacher of record. You receive full pay and benefits during this internship.
    • Once you've successfully completed all of your program requirements and first year, you will become fully certified!


COMMUNITY COLLEGES:

BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR-THEATER

Berkshire Community College is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theater position. The college is located in the exceptionally scenic and culturally rich environment of the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts, just 2.5 hours from Boston and New York City. A public comprehensive community college, BCC enrolls 2500 day and evening students, served by 300 full- and part-time staff, at its Pittsfield campus, South County Center, and Downtown and North County locations.Â

Duties: Responsibilities include teaching a broad range of theater courses, advising a student theatrical group, directing student theatrical productions, and developing partnerships with area cultural and educational institutions. Opportunity exists to direct community theatrical productions. Faculty typically teach 15 credit hours per semester and perform advising and college service duties.

Qualifications: Master's in Theater Arts requiredTeaching experience required; community college experience preferred. Experience directing theater arts program desirable. Commitment to student-centered, outcomes-based education with experience incorporating multiple instructional strategies and the use of technology in teaching and learning. Excellent writing and interpersonal skills required.

Salary: Estimated range $42,549-$47,950 per MCCC contract with benefits. Commence Fall 2010, contingent upon funding.

Application Deadline: May 31, 2010. Submit cover letter, resume, names and telephone numbers of three current job-related references, and a one-page statement containing your philosophy of teaching Theater Arts at a community college to: snichols@berkshirecc.edu Berkshire Community College, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.  A teaching demonstration will be required as part of the interview process.


SENIOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:

WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Assistant Professor of Theatre (Tenure-Track #26-739) Requirements: The successful candidate will teach all levels of undergraduate acting, voice and movement, dramatic criticism, theatre survey for non-majors and courses of specialization. The successful candidate will direct at least two university productions a year and produce additional theatre scholarship on an annual basis per departmental standards. Additionally, the successful candidate will provide service to the university-community, serve as an active recruiter and demonstrate professionalism and collegiality in the academic and creative processes in support of the university theatre's annual season of productions. Required qualifications: MFA in Acting/Directing. Preferences: collegiate teaching experience and/or professional experience in acting or directing. Send letter of intent, current vitae, all collegiate transcripts, sample syllabi, samples of creativity and contact information for five references to Royal R. Brantley, Chair of the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance, Box 60747, WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, Canyon, TX 79016. Email: rbrantley@wtamu.edu. For more information about West Texas A&M University go to www.wtamu.edu Review of applications begins May 24, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. Position starts August 23, 2010. WTAMU is an EOE. Texas law requires that males, age 18 through 25, show proof of compliance with Federal Selective Service Laws.


Friday, February 26, 2010

Project # 3: Too Hot to Handle

1. NYC TODAY - Girls in Trouble by: Jonathan Reynolds




2. NAKED BROADWAY - Equus By: Peter Shaffer

Broadhurst Theatre, Broadway

September 18th, 2008 - February 8, 2009

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths

Directed By: Thea Sharrock

Image Right:

This production of Peter Shaffer's production of Equus was met with some controversy due to the actor known for playing the character Harry Potter in family film, was to appear full frontal in the production for ten minutes. It had already recieve controversy before it moved to Broadway, in London. That controversy transferred over to the United States. Most of the controversy was seen with the particular actor being nude. If it was another, not as well known actor, I do not believe the controversy would have been so high.


3. GAY BROADWAY - Santa Clause is Coming Out! By: Jeffrey Solomon

Kirk Theatre, Off-Broadway

Diverse City Theatre Company, Penguin Rep Theatre, and Shotgun Productions

Starring: Jeffery Solomon

Directed By: Joe Brancato

Image Right:

Santa Clause is Coming Out! has been met with a broad variety of controversy due to the shows main topic. Within this one man show, Santa Claus is portrayed as a homosexual. Many people have come up to the playwright, and conveyed their hatred and disapproval of the message that was being conveyed. The whole point of the show is too shock people and to give this reaction. Jeffrey Soloman has stated in an interview that these people don't realize the "play is playing out in front of" them.


4. RACIST BROADWAY - Porgy and Bess Music by: George Gershwin Book by: DuBose Heyward Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward

Alvin Theatre, Broadway

October 10, 1935

Starring: Anne Brown and Todd Duncan

Directed By: George Gershwin

Image right:

Porgy and Bess was an extremely controversial play when it comes to race. Many black people saw it as stereotyping black people as people who lived in poverty, took drugs, and handled things with fist fights. Gershwin was seen as a the "bad" person in this situation. Even members of the original broadway cast were concerned about the message the show was bringing about their culture.


5. BUSTED: (RAIDED OR CLOSED): The Cradle will Rock by: Marc Blizstein

Maxine Elliot Theatre, Broadway

1938

Starring: Howard da Silva and Olive Stanton

Directed by: Orson Welles

Image Right:

This production was shut down, according the Federal Theatre Project (FTP), due to "budget cuts". However, it was believed that it was actually shut down due to the musicals communists undertones. The theatre was padlocked and surrounded with policemen. Due to this, Orson Welles and his partner John Houseman found another theatre and planned the show to be performed by the writer, Marc Blizstein, from the stage, while actors would stand and sing from the audience. This created a moment in theatre history that will be remembered for ages to come.


6. NEA 4:



Friday, February 5, 2010



UNCONVENTIONAL THEATRE



1. Man of La Mancha


Book By: Dale Wasserman Music By: Mitch Leigh Lyrics By: Joe Darion


PHAMALY (Physical Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League)


July 23, 2009 - August 16, 2009
(PHOTO Right: Regan Linton is Aldonza/Dulcinea in PHAMALY's production of Man of La Mancha)

Director: Steve Wilson Musical Director: Donna Debreceni Choreographers: Debbie Stark and Cindy Bray

http://picasaweb.google.com/phamaly/ManOfLaManchaPHAMALY2009?feat=email#




This theatre allows actors, singers, and dancers who are physically handicapped a chance to showcase their passion and love for the theatrical world. They allow for the sets and construction of the play to suit the needs of the actors playing the roles. They also teach people how to accomodate to actors that may be physically challenged in some way. The use of these handicapped actors and performers is what makes them "unconventional".







2. The Tempest


By: William Shakespeare


The Independant Eye Theatre Company


Sept. 18 - Oct. 18, 2009


Directed By: Conrad Bishop


(Photo Right: Independant Eye's Masked Actors in a production of The Tempest.)


http://www.independenteye.org/plays/tempest.html


This piece is a form of unconventional theatre because the production not only includes some live actors, it also includes masks and some puppets portraying the characters. The use of the puppets and masks is what makes this particular production of The Tempest unconventional. Normally, the play is down with just people-with no masks-playing the roles on stage. This company prides itself in the use of puppets in all of their productions.






3. Pippin'



Book by: Roger O. Hirson; Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Scwartz


Deaf West Theatre


February 15 - 21, 2009


Directed and Choreographed by: Jeff Calhoun; Musically Directed by: Steven Landau


Photo Right: Tyrone Giordano and Michael Arden are deaf actors who star in Deaf West Production of Pippin'.


http://www.theatermania.com/los-angeles/reviews/01-2009/pippin_17172.html


This production is unconventional due to its use of all deaf actors. While the deaf actors on stage are signing the script, rather than speaking, someone backstage is saying and singing the lines the way they were written. This creates a true form of unconventional theatre. They are adapting these script into American Sign Language for the deaf and audilly handicapped.





4. Romeo and Juliet


By: William Shakespeare


Theatre Breaking Through Boundaries


March 5-April 6, 2008


Directed by: George Ashiotis


Photo Right: Visually impaired actors Emily Young and Gregg Mozgala portray Juliet and Romeo in TBTB's production of Romeo and Juliet.


http://www.tbtb.org/romeo.htm


This production of the classic Romeo and Juliet is unconventional in its use of visually impaired actors. This company employs actors who are in some way impaired visually. The actors do the role as written but still struggling some with their disabilty. This form of unconventional theatre is difficult due to the safety of the actors. Theatre Breaking Through Boundaries is a prestigous company that prides themselves in this effort.




5. Macbett


By: Eugene Ionesco


Sam Houston State University Dept. of Theatre and Dance


March 20-21, 2009


Directed by: Dave McTier


Photo Right: Jeremy portrays the role of Duncan in a walkabout production of Ionesco's Macbett.


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30093163&id=1550100032


This production of Ionesco's Macbett is unconventional in being a walkabout show. Basically, the whole production takes place outdoors and the play moves from location to location with the audience following them. This gives the audience a feeling of being right in the action. The location of the production and the movement and forcing the audience to move with it is what makes this particular production unconventional.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Project #1: Genres

CENTERSTAGE (Professional)

The Importance of Being Earnest by: Oscar Wilde

"There's a reason why Oscar Wilde's last social comedy...is regarded as his best play."
http://www.curtainup.com/importanceofbeingearnestberk.html

"In this satire, being earnest is made as superficial a trait as possible..."
http://www.angelfire.com/home/qaf/earnest.html


Ma Rainey's Black Bottom by: August Wilson

"Wilson’s first major drama shortchanges the audience in layers of dilemma and meaning."
http://chicagotheaterblog.com/2009/10/02/review-ma-raineys-black-bottom-at-court-theatre/

""Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is an important play in African-American theater."
http://gonyc.about.com/cs/broadway/gr/marainey.htm


Caroline, or Change Book and Lyrics by: Tony Kushner Music by: Jeanine Tesori

''Caroline, or Change,'' the carefully wrought chamber opera by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori.
http://theater.nytimes.com/mem/theater/treview.html?res=9800E2DF103AF932A35751C1A9659C8B63

"As a result, the musical is less emotionally moving than intellectually stimulating."
http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Blogs/Front-Center/April-2009/Review-quotCaroline-or-Change-quot-grooves-at-the-Guthrie/


Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by: Edward Albee

"We dub it a tragicomedy, because it blends elements of both tragedy and comedy."
http://www.shmoop.com/afraid-of-virginia-woolf/genre.html

"'Virginia Woolf' may be the most vicious portrait of a marriage this side of Strindberg, it is also - deeply and truly - a love story."
http://theater.nytimes.com/2005/03/21/theater/reviews/21wool.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2


A Little Night Music Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim Book by: Hugh Wheeler

"Broadway Musical Comedy"
http://www.jimsdeli.com/theater/2009-2010/little-night-music.htm

"Highly stylized (this is a musical costume drama)"
http://www.broadway.com/shows/little-night-music/


Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by: Tom Stoppard

" The play is an intellectual comedy, with intricate word plays"
http://theater.nytimes.com/mem/theater/treview.html?_r=1&res=9B0DE2DD133FF93BA25756C0A961948260&oref=slogin

"Stoppard's play brings a Shakespearian twist to the Theatre of the Absurd"
http://www.gradesaver.com/rosencrantz-and-guildenstern-are-dead/study-guide/about/


Arsenic and Old Lace By: Joseph Kesselring

"Queens Shakespeare, Inc. presentation of this brilliant black comedy"
http://blogcritics.org/culture/article/theater-review-queens-ny-arsenic-and/

"Dark Comedy Arsenic and Old Lace at Northwestern University"
http://www.goldstar.com/events/evanston-il/arsenic-and-old-lace.html


The Three Sisters by: Anton Chekhov

"Elements that validate the play as a tragi-comedy"
http://www.curtainup.com/3sisterscsc.html

"...is one of the saddest and most haunting dramas written in this century or any other."
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/23/theater/reviews-theater-chekhov-s-three-sisters-and-the-riddle-it-poses.html?pagewanted=1


King Lear by: William Shakespeare

"a tribal, tense production of Shakespeare’s tragedy"
http://www.curtainup.com/kinglearcth.html

"King Lear is at least as much a comedy as a tragedy."
http://www2.hawaii.edu/~lady/lit/shakespeare/


Picnic by: William Inge

"Picnic- A Summer Romance."
http://dreamweaverstheatre.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid=62

"The Shape of Picnic is comedy-drama."
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19540511&id=ViINAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5GoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3290,2719720




Johns Hopkins University Theatre (Educational)


The House of Blue Leaves
by: John Guare

"
Archetypal artifact of late 1960's black comedy."
http://theater.nytimes.com/mem/theater/treview.html?res=9A0DEEDA1538F933A15750C0A9609482600

"Full Length, Farce"
http://www.samuelfrench.com/store/product_info.php/products_id/1735


Book of Days By: Lanford Wilson

"As a genre it might be classified as a mystery."
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:bjXCPSx_svgJ:www.curtainup.com/bookofdays.html+Book+of+Days+Lanford+Wilson+Genre&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

"It can also be debated that this is in fact a tragedy."
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:7WWOLSXB51sJ:www.amazon.com/Book-Days-Lanford-Wilson/dp/0822217678+Book+of+Days+Lanford+Wilson+Genre+Drama&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us


The Marriage of Bette and Boo by: Christopher Durang

"American playwrights who delve into the oeuvre known as dark comedy."
http://www.curtainup.com/marriageofbettyandboo.html

Dramatists Play Service - "Comedy"
http://www.dramatists.com/cgi-bin/db/single.asp?index=0&key=1180


Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by: Alan Ball

"The physical comedy is made extra entertaining by the ridiculous gowns."
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/review?oid=oid%3A5915733

"Five Women Wearing The Same Dress is a comedy-drama about five bridesmaids."
http://truebloodnet.com/kirby-theatre-presents-alan-balls-five-women-wearing-same-dress//


Follies Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim Book by: James Goldman

'“Follies,” Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s beautiful, broken-hearted musical"
http://theater.nytimes.com/2007/02/10/theater/reviews/10foll.html

'"Follies [Revival, Musical Drama]"
http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=12430


The Light in the Piazza Book by: Craig Lucas Music and Lyrics by: Adam Guettel

"Significant step forward for the endangered American musical"
http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/theater/reviews/11817/

"A musical drama by Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas"
http://www.onlineseats.com/theatre/the-light-in-the-piazza-tickets/index.asp


Picasso at the Lapin Agile by: Steve Martin

'“Picasso at the Lapin Agile” is a comedy of ideas"
http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:-ySHRsNbHIgJ:www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20091106/news/911059951%3FTitle%3DSteve-Martin-s-Picasso-at-the-Lapin-Agile-+picasso+at+the+lapin+agile+absurdist+comedy&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

"Steve Martin's Absurd Comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile"
http://www.goldstar.com/events/fullerton-ca/picasso-at-the-lapin-agile.html


The Glorious Ones Book and Lyrics by: Lynn Ahrens Music by: Stephen Flaherty

"a new musical about the roistering life of the clowns ."
http://theater.nytimes.com/2007/11/06/theater/reviews/06glorious.html

"world premiere of a new musical comedy."
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07120/782088-325.stm


The Arabian Nights by: Mary Zimmerman

"Sprawling her drama across a stunning landscape of the imagination."
http://www.villagetheatrewaterdown.ca/Arabian%20Nights/arabian%20nights%20spectator%20review.htm

"Emphasize slapstick and vaudeville-like comedy"
http://newcitystage.com/2009/06/01/review-arabian-nightslookingglass-theatre/




The Threepenny Opera Book and Lyrics by: Bertolt Brecht Music by: Kurt Weill

"Famous and popular example of what Brecht called "epic theater."'
http://theater.nytimes.com/2006/04/21/theater/reviews/21thre.html

"A pivotal work in the history of musical comedy."
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P3-1153900061.html