Another evening at the theatre!

As I mentioned previously, I don't go down to the theatre that much (except to see the shows!). Well, that is in comparison to those who are cast or crew for a production. The publicity world for a theatre is either my home or out and about. However, on occasion I am at the theatre for a meeting or what not, as was the case last night.

I love it when I go down there and see all the activity. The Theatre Operating Committee (TOC) was meeting in the office. Parents were waiting in the lobby, among a lot of Halloween decorations. Zombie Prom was completing "Hell Week" on the main stage. In the Black Box, Down The Road was in researshal. And upstairs (you did know we had an upstairs, didn't you?), Everything Is Not Enough was rehearsing. Space is often an issue with so much going on!

"Hell Week" is the week a show opens. Final rehearsals, costumes, set, lighting, sound - it's time to wrap everything up and put on the show for an audience. Zombie Prom is nearly sold out for all three performances. That is very exciting for all of us!

Down The Road is coming in literally on the heels of Zombie Prom. Last night Jeff Allen was in the tech booth. The set is almost complete. They have come up with yet another configuration for the flexible black box auditorium. If you like Stephen King, mysteries, thrillers, and the like - you will enjoy the suspenseful Down The Road. Come early for opening night, November 6, because there will be a Belly Dance Show from 7 to 8 on the main stage. The cost is $5 and all funds will go to benefit charity.

Upstairs, the teens were busy with Everything Is Not Enough rehearsals. In the photo are Kyle, Jake, and Michaela. Kyle has the starring role in the teen drama. The teens are working very hard for this show - from cast to crew. This will give them a lot of experience on all aspects of theatre, including concessions, ushering, even my area of publicity.

Finally, in the meeting I was in with the TOC (not nearly exciting as everywhere else in the theatre!), budgets were discussed, updates on current shows were given, and plans were made for 2010. I usually tune out discussions on dimmer packs (I think it has something to do with lighting!) and other technical stuff. The meeting usually involves more tasks for me!

Darren, our artistic director, has been overseeing pitch meetings for the 2010 shows. He really wanted directors who were going to be passionate about a show. He wanted someone to come in and say "I really want to do this show and here's why!" They have more pitches to come, but four directors have been chosen. They are:

What The Butler Saw by Joe Orton: Lenny Lees
Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller: Trey Stephens
Cabaret by Joe Masteroff: Paul Conroy
Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch: Jeff Allen

If you would like to pitch Miracle on 34th Street, Fuddy Meers, or The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, those meetings will be held in November. Contact Darren to schedule. Additionally, if you would like to pitch children's shows for the black box, that is a need that needs to be filled at this time.

So there it is - another evening at the theatre. What a benefit to the community - from giving teens something productive to do to entertaining Newnan - the theatre is. I hope to see you there!

Ready to go "Down The Road"?

How far are you willing to go to get to the truth? In Down the Road by Lee Blessing, Dan (Trey Stephens) and Iris (Sarah Jordan) Henniman test their limits as they interview a serial killer, William Reach (Scott Pollak), to write a book from his perspective. All three characters have the same goal, to produce the book, but each one has a different concept of and approach to the book. This leads to some interesting psychological maneuvers and twists. And if the stress level weren't already high enough, Dan and Iris are trying to have their first child as well.

Director Spencer Jordan has brought to the stage three wonderfully complex relationships. William Reach will only visit with one member of the writing couple at a time and different dynamics develop in each situation. The relationship between Iris and Dan becomes more and more deeply affected by their interviews as time goes on.

All three actors provide stellar performances as they breathe life into these characters. Trey Stephens and Sarah Jordan are probably better known for their recent comedic turns in NCTC improv troupe the NITWITS but they both deliver very realistic dramatic work as the Hennimans. They carry the audience along on their journey into the mind of a killer. Scott Pollak's portrayal of Reach is brilliant, by turns showing him to be polite and intelligent but also damaged, angry and manipulative.

Newnan Community Theater Company presents this thriller of a play on November 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 in the Black Box Auditorium. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 PM, Sunday matinees are at 2:30 PM. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online through the website NewnanTheatre.org or at the theater box office. For reservations, please call 770-683-NCTC (6282).

-Article By Jeff Allen

More Volunteer Opportunities

OK folks, my day job is heating up requiring some longer hours and I'm not going to be able to spend as much time on my hobby job at NCTC for a while.

We desperately need some more people who can learn the technical side of theatre. Lighting and lighting design, sound & light control systems, running sound & lights, etc.

I'm willing to meet you at the theatre most any weekend day and some week nights to train you.

Anyone with at least one functional finger, eye and ear can design and run sound & lights.

Hanging lights requires some ladder or scaffold work, though we can usually find someone willing to do that part with some oversight.

Please contact me with your interests and schedule requirements and let's talk!

Mike Patterson
technical-director@newnantheatre.org

Volunteer Opportunity: Yard Maintenance

This is from Mike Patterson, our technical director:

We need someone(s) to help with yard maintenance. If we can just get 4-5 people to each committ to mow the yard and trim the bushes once every TWO MONTHS and we provide the mower and trimmers, we'd be golden.

I've done it a lot, and I can tell you it takes less than an hour to mow. C'mon folks, just one hour every two months?

Obviously, the more people commit, the less often everyone does it. Thanks!

Contact Mike at technical-director@newnantheatre.org.

Volunteer Opportunities: House

Mike Patterson is swamped with a new work project, so I'm arranging volunteers for house through the end of the year.

Here's what we have coming up and what time you'll need to be at NCTC:

Zombie Prom:
October 29, Thursday - 6:30 pm
October 30, Friday - 6:30 pm
October 31, Saturday - 10:30 pm

Down The Road:
November 6, Friday - 6:30 pm
November 7, Saturday - 6:30 pm
November 8, Sunday - 1 pm
November 13, Friday - 6:30 pm
November 14, Saturday - 6:30 pm
November 15, Sunday - 1 pm

Everything Is Not Enough:
November 28, Saturday - 6:30 pm
November 29, Sunday - 1 pm
December 4, Friday - 6:30 pm
December 5, Saturday - 6:30 pm

It's A Wonderful Life:
December 11, Friday - 6:30 pm
December 12, Saturday - 6:30 pm
December 13, Sunday - 1 pm
December 18, Friday - 6:30 pm
December 19, Saturday - 6:30 pm
December 20, Sunday - 1 pm

NOTES: The positions need filling are house manager, box office, ushers, season ticket holder concierge, and concessions. Unless you've already been trained for box office or house manager, you cannot sign up for those positions. You can see the show that evening except for box office and house manager. Box Office and House Manager can receive a comp ticket for the show or for another show for volunteering.

Once I get sign ups I'll put them into a nice easy-to read chart and then start filling in open slots :)

Additionally, we do need someone who would like to coordinate our house volunteers. They are arranged pretty much through email.

Feel free to forward this to any cast, crew, friends, family, etc., that would like to help.

Please email me at dianneo@yahoo.com or publicity@newnantheatre.org for fastest reply.

Thanks so much! -Dianne

Zombie Prom Preview

Here's a preview of Zombie Prom from rehearsals! Reminder - three shows ONLY! October 29, 30, and 31. Get your tickets online from our website.

Volunteer Opportunity: Publicity

I'm looking for volunteers to help with publicity for the run of a show. This would require up to a 12 week commitment (of course very little effort at the beginning, more effort towards opening night).

You would be the publicity person for a show, working under me as head of publicity for the theatre. This would entail writing articles, taking photos, distributing flyers, posters and other literature, entering show information in a lot of venues online. You should have good computer skills and enjoy being on the internet. Most of your work would be done from home.

Your focus would be on one particular show, not on the theatre as a whole. I have a checklist of the majority of what your tasks would be. Anything above and beyond that list would be a bonus for the show!

If you like marketing, publicity, and talking to customers, this would be a great volunteer opportunity for you. If interested, please email me at publicity@newnantheatre.org. If you have any questions, please ask. I will train you (of course!).

Down The Road

Here is the promotional for Down The Road by Lee Blessing. Those who were looking forward to the creepiness of Misery should be pleased with the replacement show. Doing the voiceover is Scott Pollak who plays the role of the convicted serial killer in the play.

Zombies Taking Over Newnan

Zombieland, the hit movie starring Woody Harrellson filmed partially in Newnan, isn’t the only appearance of zombies in town this October. Zombie Prom debuts at the Newnan Community Theatre Company, October 29, 30, and 31.

Zombie Prom is a 1950s rock and roll musical. Rebel Jonny (Jamie McCune) falls in love with Toffee (Rachael Shaw). Distraught when Toffee’s parents forbid her to see him, he commits suicide by jumping into the local nuclear power plant.

Weeks later, Jonny returns to school as zombie. Toffee’s friends (Megan Martin as Candy, Casey Brown as Coco, and Jenny Price as Ginger) think she shouldn’t take Jonny back. Jonny’s friends (Adam Grubbs as Josh, Levi Gentry as Joey, and Brian Walsh as Jake), believe the opposite.

Meanwhile, the school principal, Ms. Strict (Lisa Boyd) does not want zombies in school. Local paparazzi and sleazy tabloid reporter, Eddie Flagrante (Sam Gentry) is hot on the story. Everything culminates at the senior prom. Will Toffee take Jonny back? Will Jonny be allowed to graduate? What will Toffee wear to the prom? Why is Eddie so interested in this story?

Coincidentally, if you happen to be in the area, Zombie Prom makes its premiere on stage in London this month. If not, you can always catch it in Newnan. The show is being directed by Jennifer Dorrell, with choreography by Rachael Shaw and music by Becky Clark.

Rule One is Cardio and that means it’s time to run to NCTC and purchase your tickets to Zombie Prom. With only three performances, seating is very limited so pre-purchase of tickets is highly suggested. You’re assured to have a wickedly ghoulish good time with this witty and sarcastic musical play.

Tickets may be purchased from the theatre’s website (newnantheatre.org) or by calling the theatre at (770) 683-6282. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $10 for children. Show dates and times are October 29 and 30 at 8 pm and October 31 at midnight. Newnan Community Theatre Company is located at 24 1st Avenue in downtown Newnan. “Zombie Prom” is a special event and not part of the theatre’s 2009 season. Special passes and season tickets are not able to be used for this show.

Online event registration

Audition Notice: What The Butler Saw

NCTC will hold auditions for What The Butler Saw by Joe Orton on November 9 and 10 at the theatre. Auditions begin at 7 pm and those trying out for a role may attend either evening.

There are roles available for four men and two women. Show dates are January 29, 30, and 31 and February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2010.

Help With Everything Is Not Enough

Hey Young Adults/College Students/Older Adults Who Feel Like Young Adults!

Meghan Hubbell and Bree Hicken are asking that anyone who is interested in helping the teenagers learn some of the finer points of working backstage please come meet them at the theatre Thursday, October 15th at 6:30pm.

They are looking for people who are willing to help the teenagers with set building, lights, sound, costumes, etc. The idea is for Everything Is Not Enough to be a teenage run show, so we're looking for people willing to step in, do a little teaching and have some fun.

It's A Wonderful Life Cast List

Wow, huge cast! Congrats to everyone who got a role!

George Bailey – Chad Davis
Clarence – Robbie Kirkland
Mr. Gower – Jannar Davis
Harry Bailey – Lenton Lees
Bert – Tim McMullen
Ernie – Jamie French
Uncle Billy – Peter Poulos
Mr. Potter – Reynolds Allen
Mr. Martini – Sam Wall
Mary Bailey – Heather Walker
Violet Peterson - Whitney Peteranetz
Mother Bailey – Karla Menasco
Aunt Tilly – Kim Ham
Miss Carter – Danielle Blount
Mrs. Hatch – Laura Thomas
Miss Andrews – Briana Morgan
Mr. Potter's Secretary – Sarah Mason
Mr. Potter's Assistant – Chelsea Barbee
Mrs. Thompson – Barb McMullen
Mrs. Martini – Rebecca Lanyi
Zuzu Bailey – Lexie Williams
Tommy Bailey – Bryce Dildine
Janie Bailey – Hailey Thomas
Peter Bailey – James Chappell
Newspaper Girl – Anna Bonomi
Young George – Sam Fitzgerald
Young Mary – Lydia Williams
Young Violet – Lauren Riles
Maria Martini – Abby McMullen
Sophia Martini – Sydney Griffin

Doubling as Townspeople:

Sam Wall, Barb McMullen, Rebecca Lanyi, Briana Morgan, Sam Fitzgerald, Lydia Williams, Lauren Riles, Abby McMullen, Sydney Griffin, Anna Bonomi

Everything Is Not Enough Cast List

Congratulations to everyone who got a role!

MICHAEL: Kyle Hersey
LINDA: Kelsey Gentry
BUDDY: Levi Morgan
TRACI: Sara Pierson
PETE: Jake Azarowicz
MACELROY: Mark Kirsch
POP: Alex Ferguson


INTERVIEWERS:
Davis McCondichie
Kristin Owens
Jason Abraham
McKenna Jefferson
Michaela Dildine

This special event will be held on November 28 and 29 and December 4 and 5. The cost is $10 for those aged 13 and up and $5 for twelve and under.

Guidelines for NCTC Pitch Meetings

1. Play Info
a. Summary of the play
b. Ideas, Concepts, or Themes the script stresses
c. Additional Ideas, Concepts, and Themes you (the director) want to stress
d. Cast ideas; including casting notice

2. Technical Info
a. Basic Set ideas
b. Basic technical demands
c. Basic costume ideas

3. Crew, PR, and other info
a. Supporting crew people – not the people, the projected need.
b. Poster ideas, logo, etc.
c. Major limitations and how you (the director) suggest overcoming them.
d. Any other notes or ideas about your (the director’s) vision

Above is a basic outline to shape a director’s pitch. This is not the only way to pitch, but it’s helpful for the theater to hear a lot of these points during the director’s pitch.

Over the last year, we’ve seen visual aides, mock sets, drawings, prospectus-type info, computer drafting, pictures, etc. Any of these are great to enhance a pitch, but please work with what you are most comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the better the pitch will be. Also use this time effectively. If you are doing a simple set that can be easily explained with a drawing, it probably isn’t helpful to do a full mock-up set model. But if the costumes are the focus of your play pitch, a few samples of colors, fabric, and cost would be a better use of your time in the pitch rather than breaking down every possible theme of the play. Please play toward your strengths and maximize your time during the pitch.

There are two things that every pitch must have. One, a complete and finalized casting notice; basically a list of all the parts you are looking to cast with some supporting information (age range, type, description). Two, a fully thought out logo and/or poster; this doesn’t need to be a final product, but should be something we could turn into a final product very quickly. Do not use copyrighted or trademarked logos, etc. We will help turn it into a finished product.

Hopefully, this information will help guide you as you dive into these plays. Please feel free to contact Darren Mathews at artistic-director@newnantheatre.org with any questions about the pitch via e-mail. If you are interested in pitching a show for the 2010 season on either the main stage or in the black box, please contact me via e-mail with the show, time of year, director’s name, phone number, e-mail and the best day of the week/time to schedule the pitch.