Theatre Spaces That Inspire!

I saw this picture of the interior of the Bijou Theatre and fell in love. (American Theatre October 2011) It's a refurbished movie house in Bridgeport, Connecticut but it has cabaret and regular seating.

"True to its heritage, over 100 years later, one of the oldest buildings used as a movie house in the country, is now poised for a revival, as envisioned in the Bijou Square renaissance. The Bijou Theatre is a multi–functional venue with integrity and an open minded philosophy. A symposium for film, theatre, art, comedy and music."

The Bijou "aspires to be a cultural playground". Although independent films and cultural art performances will be the main events, the theater plans to offer "a steady stream of music, comedy and theatrical productions"!

Jackson Community College Holding Auditions

Ruth Day Theatre Entrance

Jackson Community College is auditioning for 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible, two plays by James McLure. Laundry and Bourbon is the story of three small-town women who love to gossip. Lone Star is about Roy, a man who loves three things: his country, his beautiful wife and his 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible -- not necessarily in that order. There are roles for 3 men and 3 women ranging in age from 20s to early 30s.

Audition times are Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 13 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. A prepared monologue is appreciated; but if you don't have one ready, you can read from material that will be provided that evening.

Performances are scheduled on February 16, 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 8:00pm and February 19 & 26 at 3:00pm.

The director is Andrew Sutherland, an Instructor and the new Director, Center for the Arts.

Michigan Theatre Seeking Executive Director

Executive Director

The Michigan Theatre of Jackson is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the restoration, operation and maintenance of the Theatre, providing a versatile center for arts entertainment and education in an historic atmosphere serving all members of the community. Hiring practices include a commitment to a policy of equal employment opportunity.

We are seeking qualified applicants for our full-time position of Executive Director who will provide organizational leadership, vision and community involvement. Bachelor's degree (B. A.) preferred. Two to five-years' experience in theatre and cinema or closely related field and experience in non-profit funding preferred. Prefer someone with familiarity with Jackson County area businesses, industry, education, media and Chamber of Commerce constituencies.

The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and possess the ability to work well with a wide range of external constituents,  will possess the ability to lead fundraising efforts and be strong in persuasive communication, organizational management and leadership, will effectively manage and direct staff and budget and will be hands-on in maintaining and operating the Theatre. Is responsible for marketing and public relation activities and develops/cultivates relationships to increase sales and revenue opportunities with area businesses and donors.

Candidate will be able to work flexible hours, including nights and holidays. Work weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) on a regular basis and have a willingness to work a variety of events and be open to wide range of diversity.

Interested and qualified candidates please submit cover letter and resume to: Michigan Theatre of Jackson c/o Search Committee, 124 N. Mechanic Street, Jackson, Michigan 49201.

Or email (preferred): mitheatresearch@gmail.com

NOTE: Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2012.

Download Complete Description Here

Auditions for THE VELVETEEN RABBIT (A Musical)

Auditions for The Velveteen Rabbit

A CSJ Youth Theater MUSICAL

Open to all Jackson Couty Youth in Grades 3-9

No second graders, please.

Thursday, January 5 or Tuesday, January 10, 2011

4:30

Jackson's First Presbyterian Church

745 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson

No experience required!  Beginners welcome!

No advanced preparation necessary!

Those auditioning will be asked to do a cold reading from the script, sing a simple song and learn a simple dance step.

Questions?

See the "Questions" section of theYouth Theater tab

More questions?

Contact Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net or (517)-783-1468

THEATRE TERMS AND WHAT THEY MEAN!

In is down, down is front

out is up, up is back

off is out, on is in.

And of course,

right is left, left is right.

A drop shouldn't and a

block and fall does neither.

A prop doesn't and

a cove has no water.

Tripping is OK.

A running crew rarely gets anywhere.

A purchase line will buy you nothing.

A trap will not catch anything.

A gridiron has nothing to do with football.

Strike is work (in fact, lots of work),

and a green room, thank goodness, usually isn't.

Now that you're fully versed in theatrical terms,

Break a leg .. but not really!

Fourth Annual Youth Singing Competition - January 20, 2012

2011 Winners (12 and under)

Want to prove to Jackson that you can sing?  The young people in the picture did.

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theatre group - is hosting the Fourth Annual Youth Singing Competition for young people up through 12 grade on Friday, January 20, 2012.  Contestants will be divided into two age groups: twelve and under, and thirteen through senior in high school. The competition will be held in The Grand Community Room at The Ella Sharp Museum at 4005 Fourth St, Jackson, MI.  Entrance fee is $20 whether for an individual or a group.  There will be cash prizes for the top performers or acts in each age group!

REGISTRATION FORM

DOWNLOAD THE FLIER
Competition Guidelines
Judges Form

 
Participation is on a first come – first serve basis and the number of participants is limited.

The deadline for entries is Friday, January 13, 2012.  (If all slots are not filled, it may be possible to register at the door for $25.)

Come out to see the show and support our young people!  Admission fee for spectators is $5 with no additional charge for entrants.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this competition is to have a great time chasing away the winter doldrums while giving students the opportunity to show off their vocal talent.

Master of Ceremonies is Connor Pierce, a sophomore at Jackson High School.  Carly Brake, a freshman at Lumen Christi and previous winner of the event, will be co-hosting.

What A Do Theatre in Battle Creek

Critical & Box Office Success for What A Do Theatre's The Christmas Schooner   What A Do Theatre set an attendance record with the Opening Weekend of The Christmas Schooner.  Attendance grew 50% over the Opening Weekend for The Laramie Project, the previous record holder. The Christmas Schooner has also received rave reviews.  The Battle Creek Enquirer says: "The Christmas Schooner is a powerhouse of show." "The cast is terrific...a tight grip on its energy, doling out just enough at each beat to build a strong and emotional climax.” "The acting of Betsy King and Jeff Stierle provides the kind of potent drama for which What A Do Theatre has become well known." You can read Christopher Tower's full review here. The Christmas Schooner continues December 2-3, 8-10, and 16-17.  All performances will be at What A Do Theatre’s new location at 4071 West Dickman Road, one block from Begg Park and the Springfield Farmers Market.  Show time for all performances is 8 p.m.  Due to a scheduling conflict, there will be no matinee performances. Reservations can be made by visiting www.whatado.org or by calling the Box Office at 269.282.1953 or 773.744.8598.  Ticket prices are $20.  Seniors (65 and older), students, and members of the Armed Forces and veterans receive a 10% discount with a valid ID.  Group sales rates are also available.  “Name Your Own Price Night” will be Thursday, December 8th.

No More Jackson Citizen Patriot Reviews of ANY Shows

Did you miss the newspaper reviews yet? Did you even realize that the Jackson Citizen Patriot stopped reviewing productions this past year? That means the Purple Rose, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and Center Stage Jackson productions.

A lot of audience members will attend without feeling the need for a review. We just ask friends what they thought or what they have heard.

In the meantime, there have been a couple of brief discussions in the theatre community about creative ways that gap might be filled. If you have ideas, we would love to know.

Here is what one theatre is doing, which sounds very interesting even though out of our league. Click HERE to read more.