Firehouse Show to Benefit Artists Fund
For RAPT card holders only:UPDATE:This special performance of I Am My Own Wife has been moved to Tuesday, October 10, 8pm. RAPT tickets are only $10! (Thanks for the update, Jackie Jones.)A special performance of I Am My Own Wife at Firehouse Theatre, Tuesday, October 10, 8pm, to benefit RAPT's Richmond Theatre Artists Fund.If you have not had the opportunity to see this show, and that happens often with show run conflicts, please make it a point to attend this special production. Not only do you get to see a performance with only RAPT members (when else can you see all these theatre folks in one place?) but you get to support a very important cause, the Richmond Theatre Artists Fund.I've not received any official word on the fund, I'd be grateful for fund clarifications posted in the comments section. As far as I've heard, this is the fund started to help theatre artists in extreme financial situations - be it medical, family, work, etc. Once the fund is fully established ($10,000 minimum via the Community Foundation), artists can begin applying; a board of selected individuals will assist in dispersing the monies yearly. This emergency fund could not be more important to the amazing local theatre talent. Thanks to RAPT for working hard to get this moving! Remember, when the $10,000 minimum is met, money will still need to be raised. The more money in the fund, the more money they will be able to distribute yearly.You can also donate to the fund even if you are not available to see Scott Wichman's amazing performance. I believe you can contact any RAPT organization for more information on donating.Thanks to Firehouse Theatre, and everyone involved with this production, for this RAPT opportunity!Categories: general_theatre, theatre_events, theatre_people
Theatre and Arts Print Coverage
Maybe the print tides are moving in the favor of the arts? The newest publication in town devoted to all things art and culture, Brick (website under construction), seems to be off to a good start. The first few issues have been fresh and inviting, covering a wide variety of arts, lifestyle, and culture. There are a few kinks in the system at Brick to be sure, but we here at ART are excited to welcome this weekly publication to Richmond. (Look for it on Thursdays, available at various places in the city such as shops and restaurants.) Lisa Kotula, a local actress, will soon start a publication called Richmond Marquee. Here's the scoop direct from Lisa, the Managing Editor of the upcoming Richmond Marquee:What is the Richmond Marquee:
It will be a tabloid-size, black and white periodical, focusing on the Greater Richmond theater community. Richmond Marquee will celebrate accomplishments, highlight opportunities, lament losses and showcase news that is specific to the theater community in the form of a monthly publication (with hopes of moving quickly to bi-weekly and eventually weekly). Subscribers will be given the option of receiving time-sensitive e-newsletters between issues (so no one misses an audition). Richmond Marquee will provide a forum for collaborations of ideas and submissions of opinions. It will highlight what to see and where to see it. The projected accompanying website will provide a page for actors to post headshots and bios.
Included will be:
--A section called "On the Boards" - effectively, the theater calendar of ongoing productions
--A section called "I Hope I Get It"- listings of upcoming auditions submitted by various local theaters, professional and community
--A section called "Lights Up!" highlights of productions opening soon
--A section called "Footlights and Footnotes" stories about actors, theaters, local news that directly affects US
--A section called "Spotlight On" profiles of various members of the theater community
--Occasionally, an opinion page - letters to and from the editor
--The "Call Board" - individual classified ads
--Space for purchased weekly display ads - theaters, individuals, related businesses
Richmond Marquee is intended to be a tool for working the local theater scene - one that uplifts the individual parts and celebrates accomplishments, encourages individual ambitions.There is currently nothing like this in place. There are various parts spread across various resources, but nothing that ties this all in one package and focuses exclusively on the theater community.
If you would like for your company to be included in Richmond Marquee, please send your press releases containing your current season information [to Lisa Kotula]. In this way, I will have confirmation that you want your information to appear. I don't want to leave anyone out, but I do want your permission to print.
In addition, if you would like to purchase a display ad (or many!), in particular to appear in the premiere issue projected for early November, please contact me, and I will be happy to provide a rate sheet via e-mail or snail mail. A discount will be offered to those who purchase display ads for the premiere issue and who will allow me to place a stack of the issue in their place of business, containing the subscriber reply card.
Finally, I would love to hear from you if you have ideas. Please contact me directly via email.
Categories: non-theatre
Sycamore Rouge Goes Haunted House
A really great idea - transforming Sycamore Rouge into a Haunted House. Even better - a kids area and an adults area. (I think I might stick to the kids area, "spaghetti brains" are just good fun.) Remember when someone did a Haunted House at the Firehouse Theatre? And there is always the nearly year round haunting with Haunts of Richmond. Post your thoughts about Halloween and theatre in the comments section - you an even post specific ideas for Sycamore Rouge (I'll forward them along).
Read the release from Jonathan Elliott, Sycamore Rouge managing director, to learn more:
Haunted House Planning Session on October 1VOLUNTEER CALL FOR HAUNTED HOUSE AT SYCAMORE ROUGE We Need Your Help!
Dear Friends of Sycamore Rouge,
Greetings! Sycamore Rouge is getting into the Halloween spirit, and we need your help! We'll be kicking off the Halloween festivities this Sunday, October 1st. We're looking for creative individuals with a sense of humor, mirth, and enjoyment of the Halloween spirit to help transform Sycamore Rouge into the ultimate haunted house. If you're ghoulishly talented at fiendishly decorating your own home every October, we invite you to use Sycamore Rouge's twelve thousand square foot facility as your canvas this year! We'll be hosting a brainstorming session at Sycamore Rouge this Sunday, October 1, from 1 to 3 pm. Light refreshments will be served, as we wander the dark corners of the facilities and plan all sorts of fun, spooky, and scary happenings.
The Haunted House will run from October 26-31, and will be available in two versions: "Kiddie"(ooooh! This spaghetti is really BRAINS!!!!) and "Adult"(masked men with chainsaws jumping out from dark corners). We need actors, designers, planners, hosts, builders for both versions--whether you want to be a kooky witch or design the perfect fright, we'd love to have your help! If interested, please RSVP by responding via email, or call Jonathan Elliott, Sycamore Rouge managing director, at (804) 957-5707, ext. 104. We look forward to seeing you at Sycamore Rouge-- soon to be Petersburg's favorite "haunt!"
About Sycamore Rouge: Sycamore Rouge is Petersburg's home for the performing arts--from eclectic cinema, to intriguing theatre, to showstopping jazz, to our world-class food and drinks, there's always something going on at Sycamore Rouge.
Categories: general_theatre
Upcoming Theatre Events
Check out as many of these amazing offerings as possible. Richmond theatre companies are hopping!Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Mousetrap, playing at Hanover Tavern through 10/29
Barksdale Theatre... The Constant Wife, playing through 10/29
Firehouse Theatre Project.... I Am My Own Wife, playing through 10/7 Reflections Repertory.... A Bench in the Sun, playing 10/12-10/22Richmond Shakespeare.... Julius Caesar, playing 10/5-28
Richmond Triangle Players.... Sordid Lives, playing through 10/14
Swift Creek Mill... I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, playing through 10/28
Theatre IV.... The True Story of Pocohonatas, playing 10/6-22
Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... The World on a String, playing through 9/29-10/10 (lobby venue)
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listingsSycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings Yellow House.... Showing of Hitiro the Peasant (film) at Sycamore Rouge 9/29Yellow House.... The Just Poetry Slam at Firehouse Theatre 9/25 (last Monday of every month)
Benefit Performance: To Whom It May Concern, A Musical Celebration... St. John’s United Church of Christ, 503 Stuart Circle, 9/22, 23, 29, 30 & 10/6, 7 @ 8:00 p.m. 10/1,8 @ 3:00 p.m. For Information or Reservations Call 358-9291 or 762-4870. All proceeds to go towards repair of St. John’s UCC Pipe Organ.
If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know! Categories: openings_events
Award Winning Production for Richmond Triangle Players
Don't you love when great things happen to great people? The Richmond theatre community should be proud of one of our own. Richmond Triangle Players recently brought their smash hit The Stops to the Columbus National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival, and came home with a slew of awards. The 10-day festival closed this past Saturday, September 16. There were 25 productions running throughout the event with The Stops performed September 9, 10 and 11. Must have been tough competition!Upon their return home, Michael Gooding, Managing Director of Richmond Triangle Players, was notified that they received the following awards:Best Musical
Best Ensemble Show
Best Actor in an Ensemble - Steve Boschen
Best Technical Elements A complete list of winners can be found at the festival website.The festival was covered by the Columbus Dispatch, and it seem The Stops completely won over columnist Michael Grossberg who wrote the headline "The Stops deserves a much longer run." The article continued, "The Stops works so well because much of the humor is character-based and its endearing plea for love and mutual understanding isn't preachy." (Read the full article, and see a photo of the lovely "ladies" online.) These characteristics are what made the production a sell out here in Richmond for 23 performances. I hope all the ART readers had a chance to see the show, it deserved the high praises.Congratulations to everyone involved, you deserve the accolades!Categories: general_theatre, theatre_companies
More Coffee Information
Scheduled items for Coffee & Conversations, a FREE series of discussions, direct from Barksdale's rep, Judi Crenshaw:“Coffee & Conversations” at Barksdale Theatre - Willow Lawn
Here’s your chance to learn the backstage story of every onstage performance, and finally hear the answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask. Join us on the second Tuesday of each month (with a few exceptions) for informal, moderated discussions with Barksdale’s leading actors, directors, and designers.
Tuesday, October 10
Behind the Scenes of The Constant Wife; Director Steve Perigard and leading actors; Twyla Kitts, moderator
Tuesday, November 14
Setting the Stage: design, construction, furnishings, decoration, and props; Leading Scenic Designers; Joy Williams, moderator.
Tuesday, December 12
Behind the Scenes of Mame. Go behind the scenes of our fun-filled Holiday musical with Director/ Choreographer, K Strong, and her leading actors; Chase Kniffen, moderator.
Tuesday, January 9
The Director’s Chair: What a director does, and how it’s done; Steve Perigard, Leslie Owens-Harrington; John Moon, moderator.
Tuesday, February 13
Faith issues in Brooklyn Boy. Leading actors and others; Judge Roger L. Gregory, moderator
Tuesday, March 13
Outside the Box: How our theatre connects with the community in non-traditional ways; Chase Kniffen, Jeanie Rule, Jennings Whiteway; Sara Sommers, moderator.
Tuesday, April 10
Behind the Scenes of Intimate Apparel; Director and leading actors to be determined; Joy Corbin, moderator
Tuesday, May 8
Sidekicks & Second Bananas: Your favorite supporting actors from the season discuss their work; Jan Guarino, moderator
Tuesday, June 12
Behind the Scenes of Into the Woods; Erin Thomas, moderator
Times, Seating, & Admission
Barksdale Theatre Willow Lawn in Richmond , Virginia
9:30 - 10:30 AM; Admission is FREE
Free Coffee, Tea, & Pastries Provided
*All dates and topics are subject to change. For confirmation of programs, please call the Box Office at 282-2620 on the Friday prior to the discussion.Categories: general_theatre, openings_events
I hate it when that happens!
An important programming note from Barksdale:The Coffee & Conversations program originally scheduled for tomorrow morning, Tuesday, September 19, has been cancelled. The Coffee & Conversations series will continue as planned on Tuesday, October 10 with Behind the Scenes of The Constant Wife. The restrooms at Barksdale Theatre have been shut down for three days to address a plumbing problem, causing the cancellation. Coffee & Conversations is a series of moderated discussions involving the artists in Barksdale Theatre productions. The events are held on the second Tuesday of each month (September through June, with some exceptions) in the lobby of BarksdaleTheatre at Willow Lawn. This public is invited, unticketed and free-of-charge. Coffee, tea and pastries are available. For more information about the Coffee & Conversation series, check the Barksdale website at www.BarksdaleRichmond.org, or call Chase Kniffen at 783-1688 ext 14. Categories: general_theatre
Where in the world is Art?
Hello Loyal Art Blog Readers!I went on vacation mid/late August and somehow it has taken me a couple of weeks to get back in the flow of all things Art - newsletter and my "real" life. I'm back now, ready to blog and ready to update. As always, please send me your press releases so I can make sure the events are current (updated every other week). I will also post various news items from Art Readers, please keep me in the loop on your miscellaneous activities.Richmond's local companies have a lot of great offerings this fall. Please make a point to see several shows at a variety of companies, support as much of Richmond's fine local talent as possible. Remember - to vote in the ART Newsletter ballot, you must have seen a minimum number of shows at more than one company!
Upcoming Theatre Events
Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Mousetrap, playing at Hanover Tavern through 10/29
Barksdale Theatre... The Constant Wife, playing through 9/22-10/29
Firehouse Theatre Project.... I Am My Own Wife, playing through 10/7
Richmond Triangle Players.... Sordid Lives, playing 9/20 through 10/14
Swift Creek Mill... I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, playing through 10/28
Theatre Company at Fort Lee.... And Then There Were None, playing through 9/25 (UPDATE: Show title was mislisted on TCFL's website. This is now the corrected production title. ART apologizes for the misinformation, thanks to Tony Sharpenstein for catching the mistake.)
Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... The World on a String, playing through 9/29-10/10 (lobby venue)
Firehouse Theatre Project.... Unwrap Your Candy, Readers Theatre, playing 9/19 Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listingsSycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Benefit Performance: To Whom It May Concern, A Musical Celebration... St. John’s United Church of Christ, 503 Stuart Circle, 9/22, 23, 29, 30 & 10/6, 7 @ 8:00 p.m. 10/1,8 @ 3:00 p.m. For Information or Reservations Call 358-9291 or 762-4870. All proceeds to go towards repair of St. John’s UCC Pipe Organ.
And for anyone on the Left Coast:
Slash Coleman's The Neon Man and Me is playing through 9/17 at Exit Theatre in San Francisco.If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know! Categories: openings_events
