Casting Completed for 2009 Season

Dear Friends,

The turn-out at auditions for TriArts’ 20th season was phenomenal. There were hundreds of children and adults who came with a song in their book and a passion for performance in their hearts’. Artistic Director Michael Berkeley continues to be amazed at the amount of talent in our neighborhood. Sadly, though, there is not enough room on our stage for the many auditioners that we saw. If your name is not on our casting list, we understand you will feel let-down. But never give up! There is always next year.

Acting is a tough business, and, as Michael says, “I never recommend to anyone going into theater unless they just can’t imagine doing anything else.” There are still opportunities for volunteers and interns, and a variety of Youtheatre workshops to hone your skills. We look forward to seeing you at TriArts this summer.

Cast lists are posted on our Web site, www.triarts.net, under Production Callboard.

Sincerely,
Alice Bemand, Executive Director

Creative Dramatics - Starts March 25

Does your 5 to 8 year-old child have an active imagination? We thought so! That’s why we are offering a special spring section of Creative Dramatics. This beginning acting class is created especially for our youngest performers. It will run every Wednesday for eight weeks, from 4 pm to 5pm starting on March 25 (finishes April 13th).

The workshop will build basic theatre skills and cultivate self-confidence in the children. Class will consist of structured, improvisational, game-based exercises. Emphasis will be on keeping the pace fast, and keeping the mood fun, exploratory and safe. Play and exploration will be stressed over performance and “getting it right”.

Creative Dramatics will be led by Laurie Ellington, currently the choral director at Hotchkiss School, the director of the boys’ a cappella group (The Blue Notes) and a voice teacher. Her experience as choir director, along many other theatre credits, makes her the ideal teacher to lead this program. Oh, and she is the mother of 6 year-old Jake, as well!

Call 860-364-SHOW (7469) X. 100 to enroll. Space is limited. Cost for the 8 week program is $96, and class takes place in the Bok Gallery at TriArts.

Youtheatre 2009

TriArts is very pleased to announce our Summer 2009 Youtheatre program. We have an interesting mix of exciting new workshops, along with some of the favorites from last year.

Visit our Web site for all the details.

Our three-week Musical Theatre Performing Workshop, directed by Heather Holohan, again offers an extended day (10am to 5pm). It will culminate in a production of Annie Jr. on the main stage.

Ever wonder what it takes to mount a show? You’ll get a look behind the scenes in Theatre Tech, a new workshop led by TriArts’ Production Manager, Erik Diaz.

Learn the choreography and music from Disney’s High School Musical 2 with TriArts’ choreographer, Bethany Elkin, and Musical Director Dan Koch. Who knows, Troy and Gabriella may even show up at class!

TriArts’ is very proud of our comprehensive Youtheatre program. Our instructors are all theatre professionals who believe in building skills and developing talent while having fun.

Call 860-364-7469 X. 100 with any questions, and then download the forms to reserve your child’s place this summer.

Technical Theatre Apprenticeships

TriArts Sharon Playhouse is seeking technical apprentices for its 2009 Summer Season (Kids 2009!, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum, High School Musical 2, The Playhouse Stomp, Young Playwrights Festival, The Music Man, Divas Do It All). We are looking for high school students with an interest in technical theatre to work and learn from Theatre professionals about all aspects of Technical Theatre. Apprenticeships are available in Scenery, Props, Lighting, Costumes, Sound, Paint, and Stage Management. They are available for the entire season or on a show-by-show basis.

Our Volunteer Apprentices are a vital part of our company. At TriArts, apprentices will work closely alongside theatre professionals to develop stronger skills and professional contacts.

The apprenticeship would consist of working in one of the departments named above to help execute the respective parts of the show and/or acting as the backstage running crew for that production. (Example: Scenery apprenticeship would assist in the construction of the show, or Wardrobe crew assists in the costume changes during a performance).

If you are interested in learning more about apprenticeships or submitting a resume, email Erik Diaz, Production Manager at tech@triarts.net. Please include what area you are interested in working in.