Season Tickets On Sale

Visit our main website for info on our upcoming 2011-12 season - or should we say "seasons" - there are three choices this year and you'll love the pricing on all three. Go here - www,newnantheatre.com. Buy tickets. See shows. Have fun.

KIDS CAMP Extended Another Two Weeks!

TWO MORE WEEKS ADDED TO KIDS CAMP!
July 19 thru 24 and 26 thru 31.
KIDS CAMP runs Monday thru Friday with a performance on Saturday at 10am. Go here for more info and to register!

Cast Announced for "...Man in the Moon Marigolds"

The directors want to thank everyone who auditioned for this show. Here is the cast for the upcoming production of "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds":

Beatrice - Jennifer Dorrell
Tillie - Katie Ruttinger
Ruth - Elizabeth Murphy
Janice Vickery - Allie Crain
Nanny - Merry Arace

Directed by Susan Patterson and Becky Clark
Performances in the Black Box beginning August 12

SPECIAL EVENT AT NCTC

Almost, Maine
by John Cariani

ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Friday, June 25th at 8:00pm
Tickets - $10 CASH ONLY
FOR RESERVATIONS EMAIL skranktankproductions@gmail.com

On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend - almost - in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

Directed by KATIE WINE
with ERIK DeCICCO | SAM GEORGIA HIGGINS | JACLYN HOFMANN | JOEL KING

…a whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance. Magical happenings bloom beneath the snowdrifts. - NY Times

Utterly endearing…It’s hard not to warm up to ALMOST, MAINE. A crowd-pleaser.” -Broadway.com. “Sweet, poignant and witty. - NY Daily News

A snowy charmer…These nine tales of love in the time of frostbite have a winning glow that proves surprisingly contagious. - NY Sun

And The Winner Is...

Chaz Ferguson's team won Best Picture and Best Use Of Theme in NCTC's First Annual Speed Film Festival. Way to go guys!!!

Speed Film Festival

NCTC is offering a new event to expand your artistic abilities beyond live theatre.  We'll be hosting a 42 hour film festival.   Each team has 42 hours to write, film, and edit a ten minute film.

 

Registration will start at 7:00 pm on Friday, June 4th. Don't have a team? Just show up to registration! Teams will be able to form and recruit until registration ends at 8:00PM. The screening will be held on Sunday June 6th at 3:00 pm, one hour after the deadline.

Registration begins at 7 pm on Friday, June 4th. It ends at 8 pm. Get there early as we have limited spots. You can also preregister by contacting NCTC at info@newnantheatre.org. The cost is $20 per team. You're limited to ten in cast and crew. Non-speaking extra team members are unlimited. All films must be turned in on Sunday, June 6th by 2:00 pm.

Screening the films will be on Sunday, June 6th at 3:00 pm. Admission is $5. A panel of judges will grade each film based on very specific criteria on a scale of 1 to 10. The Judging Form will be made available to all teams.

The winning team will receive a gift card and trophy. Other awards will be given for aspects like best editing, best use of surprise element and most creative story.

Video themes will be announced at registration. They may include, but aren't limited to, Man vs Nature, Idealism, Love, Justice, or Individuality. A surprise element will be announced at registration. They may include something like a balloon, umbrella, lawn mower, stapler, or whatnot.

The Rules:

 

1. You must provide your own video/editing equipment. 
2. All team members must be on the roster and registered before the competition starts (team members do not include non-speaking extra roles). 
3. The maximum length of the films is 10 minutes. An additional 30 seconds is allowed for credits. (There is no minimum length.)
4. Content must be family friendly; PG-13 (No nudity, moderate language).
5. Films must follow the theme and include the surprise element.
6. Films must be submitted promptly by the specified time or the team will be disqualified.
7. Films must be submitted on DVD, CD, or Flash Drive in the specified formats (AVI, MPEG, WMV).
8. Recommended ratio is 16:9 (4:3 also accepted).
9. The screenings are open to the public ($5 admission). Each team receives 2 complimentary tickets. Additional tickets will be sold at the box office.
10. The maximum number of team members is 10. (Cast and Crew - Not non speaking extras).
11. We recommend your film not contain copyrighted music unless you have a signed release. Any film containing copyrighted material will not be shared on the NCTC website without the consent of its copyright owner.

 

Psycho Beach Party Cast List

Congratulations to everyone who got a part!

The dates for this production have changed.  They will be July  8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18.  Thu/Fri/Sat at 8 pm and Sun at 2:30.

Yo Yo - Drew Murray
Dee Dee - Adriana Yates, Sidney Walker
Nicky - Thomas Hardin, Drew Turner
Provoloney - Nikolas Carleo (the first)
Star Cat - Ryan Bermingham, Wade Lowman
Chicklet - Amanda Hardie
Kanaka - Alex Ferguson
Berdine - Ellen Dorrell, Mary Grace Gillmann
Marvel Ann - Elizabeth Murphy
Mrs. Forrest - Karrie Britton-Jones
Bettina Barnes - TBA

Opening Night!

It's Time For Cabaret!

The cast and crew are ready, we hope you've made your reservations for a fun time, leave all your troubles behind!

Presenting....!

I'd love to put this picture in the Cabaret program, but if I did Paul might shoot me! Instead, I'll grace the blog readers with it. Here is a picture of our Artistic Director, Paul Conroy, when he was in Cabaret. It's a great picture, I just had to share!

We've got some amazing talent at NCTC!

Cabaret Preview

It's time to visit the Cabaret! Sure looks like fun. The brighter costumes really stand out on the set, at least on the video! I'll be there for opening night. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities @ NCTC

Cabaret Countdown
Cabaret opens on May 7th and Paul and the cast need help getting ready and marketing the show!This week Cabaret cast and crew will be working on the set and costumes Wednesday(4/28) evening, Thursday and Friday (4/29 & 4/30) during the day and all day Saturday (5/1). Email me at volunteer@newnantheatre.org or email Paul directly if you can help! Paul's email is artistic-director@newnantheatre.org.

We also could really use your help on this Saturday the 1st and next Saturday the 8th doing some publicity and marketing for the show. There are two big events going on in Newnan and we'd like to take flyers to both of them to distribute and let everyone know about the show...Market Days in Downtown Newnan and the Summergrove Yardsale (subdivision of Lower Fayetteville). If you can help with this, again, email Paul or myself for details.

Help with House...
Did you know that during the course of Cabaret we will need a total of 63 volunteers to work House??? That's one House Manager on Duty, one Box Office worker, one Season Ticket Holder Concierge, two concession workers and two ushers for each show! And if you don't think these positions are important...try having a show without them! We need your help to make our audience's experience at NCTC a good one, please take a look at the schedule and consider giving a few hours to volunteer during Cabaret. You can find the schedule at http://newnantheatre.org/pages/volunteer. Email me at volunteer@newnantheatre.org to sign up! And remember, you get to see the show for free!

Kid's Camp
Laurel is going to need a lot of help in June during Kid's Camp!!! Any adult who would like to teach during one of the sessions should contact her directly for information and to 'interview' for the positions. A knowledge of theatre, a love of kids, and a lot of patience is preferred! Email youth-director@newnantheatre.org.

Ongoing positions...
NCTC is a non-profit community theatre run strictly by volunteers. With that said we always need help! Obviously we need help financially but we also need people willing to give their time and talents to make this theatre a wonderful experience for everyone. For more info visit the volunteer page at newnantheatre.org or contact me directly.

As always...thanks for all you do!
Cindy Battles
Volunteer Coordinator, NCTC

Bad Press

Bad press today in the Newnan Times-Herald's Sound Off:

NOT A COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE: We went to see "Death of a Salesman" at the Newnan Theatre Company and was appalled at the cursing used constantly throughout the play. One offensive phrase was used 11 times and put a sour taste into a classic tragedy.

I'm sorry the writer didn't enjoy the show due to the swearing, but the play was performed as written.  Yes, even in 1949, Arthur Miller put swearing in a play. 

When we agree to produce a play, we sign a contract with a licensing company.  Part of that contract says that a play must be performed as written.  Of course, actors slip now and then with a word or phrase or two.  But we certainly aren't going to put in swear words and certainly not 11 times. 

I sincerely hope the writer of the complaint didn't think we added the swearing.  Maybe they didn't know the play included it or remembered it differently. 

We have a mix of plays.  Some are going to appeal to all, some to none, a few to some.  Some coming up are family friendly (Brer Rabbit Stories, The Secret Garden, Miracle on 34th Street).  Some are not (Cabaret, Psycho Beach Party).  And then there are plays that deal with some harsh realities that aren't necessarily going to be fun to watch (Dog Sees God).

Should we perform only shows that are family friendly?  And where do shows like Romeo & Juliet fall?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending profanity.  I personally don't like swearing.  I did see Death of a Salesman, and none of the swearing was out of context or gratuitous.  The lead character was losing his mind and eventually commits suicide.  I'm sorry this person had a bad experience at our theatre.  Death of a Salesman was performed as written and the performances were amazing. 

Tell me what you think.  

Our New Artistic Director is...

Our new Artistic Director is Paul Conroy!  Paul is directing his first production at NCTC, Cabaret, this May. He has directed many shows in Massachusetts and New York, is a drama teacher and theatre arts professional.

Please join me in welcoming Paul to NCTC!

Volunteer Openings: Cabaret

Orchestra:  We are in need of musicians for our orchestra in our upcoming production of Cabaret.  We mainly need percussion, brass, woodwinds, and strings.  We DON'T need piano players, but a String Piano-sub would be helpful.

Cast:  We are in need of one adult male dancer/singer and male youths ages 8-12.

Crew:  We are in need of volunteers to help with props and costumes

If interested, contact Cabaret director Paul Conroy at paulpatrickconroy@yahoo.com.

Volunteer Opportunity: Managing Director

Since Rick is "retiring", we are looking to have the position of Managing Director filled by the middle of May. That would give the new Managing Director overlap time before Rick steps down. All applicants need to respond before May 1st.  If interested, please respond to managing-director@newnantheatre.org.


Here is the job description:

•Member of the NCTC Board
•Acts as the Chief Executive of NCTC
•Heads the Theatre Operations Committee
•Meet staff members as necessary to conduct business
•Responsible for day to day operations
•Responsible for the long term vision of NCTC
•Responsible for driving projects to completion
•Responsible for reporting all aspects of operations to the Board of Directors.
•Ensure Producers are assigned, trained and supported for all productions.
•Reviews all outgoing correspondence and media.
•Ex-officio member of all subcommittees

•Has the following direct reports:
   •Artistic Director
   •Technical Director
   •House Manager
   •Facilities Manager
   •Director of Youth Activities
   •Financial Advisor
   •Administrative Support
   •Publicity/Advertising
   •Producers

Excerpt from the Bylaws

Section 5. Theatre Operations Committee:

A. The Theatre Operations Committee (TOC) acts as the staff of NCTC.

B. The managing director is the chief executive officer and heads the TOC.

C. The managing director is appointed by the board, is a full voting member of the board, but cannot hold an officer position.

D. The managing director serves at the discretion of the board and may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by an affirmative vote of the majority of the board.

E. The managing director has day-to-day responsibilities for the organization, including carrying out the organization’s goals and policies.

F. The managing director attends all board meetings; reports on the progress of the organization, answers questions of the board members and carries out the duties described in the job description.

G. The board can designate other duties as necessary.

H. The organization, roles, and duties of the members of the TOC are at the discretion of the managing director.

Volunteer Opening: Artistic Director

Our artistic director, Darren Mathews, has had to resign as he's moved to Kentucky.  The theatre is now interviewing for this volunteer position.  If interested, please contact Rick Olsen at managing-director@newnantheatre.org before Sunday, April 4th.

The duties of the artistic director are as follows:

•Shape and develop the artistic vision of NCTC

•Propose slate of shows, taking into account the budget, available talent pool, audience preferences, etc. in June of each year for approval by the Managing Director after review and comment by the TOC
•Work with the TOC to set the production schedule
•Oversee the selection of directors for productions
•Recruit and train Directors/Stage Managers
•Maintain lists of qualified Directors/Stage Managers
•Ascertain the skill level of new directors and train as necessary
•Ascertain the skill level of new stage managers and train as necessary
•Responsible for maintaining/elevating the level of quality and professionalism of productions
•Ensure all productions meet quality standards and are perceived as the best in the area
•Order scripts, attain rights and other materials from various play houses as needed
•Point of contact for licensing agents
•Encourage and support local talent
•Conduct pre and post production meetings along with the Managing Director and Technical Director
•Has the following direct reports:

   •Directors
   •Stage Managers
   •Costume Manager
   •Prop Manager
   •Set Designers

Note From Our Managing Director

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I informed the Board of Directors that I am resigning the post of Managing Director as of 1 June 2010. I am very honored that I have been allowed to work with and for so many of you.

It's been a little over two years since I took the reigns. That's enough... it's time to let someone else lead. When I took the helm, it was to bring us back to solvency and start us on a fresh path. Together, we've done it! Let me just recount some of the accomplishments that all of us have been a part of in the last two years.

When we started, we were $18,000 - $25,000 behind in rent. It appeared that we would have to leave the building. Because of the anonymous donation of $15,000 and a lot of grace from Joe Crane, we were able to hold on. Joe gave us the opportunity to recover and let us go another year and a half at the low rent he had given us for years in order to try and recover. This year we began paying the higher rent to Joe. And we have money in the bank, in fact we've even set up an emergency fund. We could not have done this without all of you.

What else have we accomplished? We restructured the Board of Directors and instituted the Theatre Operating Committee. Thanks again to Joe, we have the wood floors and wainscoting in the lobby. What a difference from the cement floor! Laurel and company finished off the columns, with added lighting as well. Thanks to Mike and others, we have new, at least new to us, computers in the box office and tech booths.

And who can forget the donation of time and equipment that Jason and Hollie Schmidt made in getting the heating and air conditioning in the main stage area and black box. How many of you remember the winter nights of running the propane heaters and wearing winter coats and blankets? How about the sweating and near passing out in the summer?

We've repaired the main stage light board and all the lights, once again thanks to Mike and his crew. Where half our lights were down last year, we now have enough lighting to really do it right. We've also had the dimmer packs repaired and instituted policies to keep from blowing them again.

We had donations of padded chairs that allowed us to outfit most of the main stage for about a year. And they we installed new, once again to us, theatre seating, thanks to Jason and his busy little beavers. The padded chairs were moved to the black box and we finally retired the plastic lawn chairs to the role of extra seating.

We've started hitting more advertising areas. Thanks to Dianne and company, we've become better known. But, they still need help... we still seem to be one of the best kept secrets in Newnan. By the way, we have a new volunteer coordinator trying to get more of you involved... so please contact Cindy (volunteer@newnantheatre.org) and let her know you want to be a part of making Newnan an even better place to live.

We also saw a community come together... in good and bad times. We saw a community come together to save the theatre. And then we watched a community come together to grieve and to celebrate the life of one of our own, Wyatt Gentry, who was taken from us way too early. I watched folks reach out to Wyatt's family and hold them in their hands. I am so glad that I have been able to be a part of such a great group of people.

I know there is more... so much more that I'm forgetting right now... like all the great shows that we were all a part of the last two years. Oh, and the NITWITS were formed. And all the wonderful actors, directors, stage hands, etc... And I want you to know that there are other projects on the books right now. The rest of this year is going to show many other accomplishments. Won't you continue to be a part of that? Folks, if I've forgotten to mention you or the work you've done, please know it wasn't on purpose. I appreciate each and every one of you and your accomplishments (that means you Penni and your clan).

Now, let me make one thing very clear. I am not done with this theatre. Resigning is not leaving. I intend to continue to be a part of this theatre. I'm not sure what that will mean yet. For sure, I will be watching shows, auditioning for shows, hopefully being cast in shows, and helping with the continuing projects.

And of course, we now need other folks to step up. We need a new Managing Director! We need a House Manager. We need people to volunteer to man the shows. We need your ideas for shows for next year. We need your thoughts and prayers. We need your ideas. Overall, we need you! This is a community theatre. It will not survive without all of us working together. We are a company of people that love each other and the arts. We provide a space for others to express themselves. To learn, to share what we we've learned and experienced. If you have a desire to see the theatre thrive even more... step up and take your turn!

Caroline Abbey, our board chair, is heading up a committee to find a new Managing Director. If you're interested, let her know. If you want to know more, feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email.

Well, that's enough... I just want to thank you all again for your support and willingness to adapt. I hope to see all of you around the theatre!

God bless you all!

Rick Olsen
Managing Director
managing-director@newnantheatre.org
The Newnan Community Theatre Company, Inc.
http://www.newnantheatre.org/

Death of a Salesman Preview

This is creepy at the end, it makes me think maybe Sam should have been the serial killer in Down The Road!

Death of a Salesman opens Friday, March 19th and runs for three weekends.

Cabaret Cast List

Master of Ceremonies (Emcee) - Adam Grubbs
Sally Bowles - Imani Johnson
Clifford Bradshaw - Chaz Ferguson
Fraulein Schneider - KC Pollak
Herr Schutlz - Peter Poulos
Ernst Ludwig - Chad Davis
Fraulein Kost - Sarah Jordan
u/s Sally/First Lady/Dance Captain - Mikayla McGee
u/s Kost/Second Lady/Dance Captain - Krissy Rector
u/s Cliff/Bobby/Dance Captain - Truman Griffn
u/s Emcee/Victor - Kevin O'Hara
u/s Ernst/Kit Kat Boy - Brian Walsh
Kit Kat Girl - Krystal White, Megan Martin, Pike Lee, Caren Comeans, Annabelle Shiver
Kit Kat Boy - JohnPaul Phillips, Kayal Khanna, Chauncey Easley, Seth Coltrain
German Youth - Lyndon Marshall

Congratulations to everyone who got a role!  More German youth are needed (ages 8 to 12).  If interested, contact director Paul Conroy.

Updated Cast List

Here is an updated cast list for Death of a Salesman, which opens on March 19th.

Willy Loman – Sam Gentry

Willy Under Study - Lamar Payne

Linda – Dawn Campion
Happy – Spencer Jordan
Biff – Levi Gentry
Charley – Jeff Allen
Uncle Ben – Peter Poulos
Howard Wagner – Stephen Marshall
Jenny/The Woman/Miss Forsythe – Kim Marshall
Stanley/Bernard – Robbie Kirkland
Letta - Leslie Ray

Brer Rabbit Cast

We had 55 children audition for 32 roles... so unfortunately we were not able to cast everyone.  Congratulations to all the children who got a role.  The children are cast into separate groups.  The groups are:

Sam's Group:  James Chappell, Sam Fitzgerald, McKenna Schmidt, and Noelani Rollins

Jake's Group:  Katie Miller, Key'Ana Banks, Harper Jordan, Abby McMullen, Juston Burns, Rachel Barrett

Kristin's Group: Lily Daugherty, Cameron Herring, Katie King, Hunter Macek, Fionna Magee, Janey Rose Spragins, Jonathan Phillips, Maci Williams

Ms. Jennifer's Group:  Erin Lamb, Madi Davis, Sarah Gordon, Curtis Cambas, Stephanie Becham

Ms. Laurel's Group:  Noah Brown, Katie Cook, Zoe Rubenstein, Tyler Williams, Elizabeth Stinson, Joseph Green, Sara Greer, Jocelyn Macek, Aidan Boswell

Brer Rabbit Stories will be presented April 16 through 25.  Tickets are $5 for children (12 and younger) and $10 for anyone 13 and over.  Reservations can be made by visiting the theatre's website and are highly recommended, as the performances will probably be sold out.

Last chance for survey!

I'll be closing my survey soon, so just a quick reminder that if you haven't replied yet, your response is appreciated.  It's only ten questions and takes probably less than a minute to answer.  It's also anonymous. 

As a community theatre, we value your opinion.  Without your patronage, we wouldn't exist!

Click here to take the survey.

Opening Night

Opening night is always a bit nerve-wracking. After weeks of rehearsals, set building, line memorizing, costume adjustments, directing, publicizing, and much more, the biggest thing on most people's mind is "Will we have an audience?"

Comedian Bob Newhart said in his biography that comedians don't discuss their great shows. They discuss the hecklers or the dead audiences. This seems to be the same at our community theatre. Forget the sell out shows. Remember that time we only had four people in the audience? Remember the Sunday matinee audience that was so quiet we thought they were all asleep?

Proof is the show that comes foremost to my mind. It was one of our worst attended shows. Forgetting that my husband was one of four actors in the show, it truly was one of the best ever shows at NCTC. It was funny, surprising, and an awesome story. The set was amazing (and award-winning!). How many times do you see a set with a genuine sod lawn? Not very often...director Jeff Allen had to water it every night and yes, it did grow during the run of the show. Fortunately mowing wasn't necessary.

Since I love attending shows, I can honestly say that there are ones that I don't think I'm going to like. Proof again comes to mind. I am usually wrong. Proof, again, comes to mind. Community theatre at NCTC never disappoints me. Our actors, sets -- there is always something new and interesting.

Our patrons often tell me they never see a bad show at NCTC. Even if the content doesn't sound like a show you want to see, come anyway. Odds are you're going to enjoy the acting, set, costumes, and most likely the story after all. I've seen hundreds of shows and NCTC has consistently proven to me that you get your money's worth, and then some.

Imagine if all our patrons came to every show. Then the actors will only be wondering if there will be seats for everyone. How wonderful that would be!

And the award goes to...

Last weekend we held an awards show at NCTC, celebrating 2009. Chaz Ferguson and his team did a wonderful job of providing original entertainment (which you'll probably eventually be able to find on our You Tube channel).

The winners were...

Best Costumes: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Best Set: Proof
Best Special Event: Zombie Prom
Best Assistant Director/Stage Manager: Bree Hicken and Meghan Hubbell (Everything Is Not Enough) and Jeff Allen and Trey Stephens for M*A*S*H (tie)
Best Director: Lamar Payne for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Best Supporting Actress: Briana Morgan for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Best Supporting Actor: Levi Gentry for Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
Best Actress: Heather Walker for It's A Wonderful Life
Best Actor: Sam Gentry for Lucky Stiff
Best Show: It's A Wonderful Life

Congratulations to all of the individual winners and casts and crew involved in the winning shows.

The awards show was free for all members and anyone involved in any NCTC production of 2009.

Weekend Plans

Friday evening (tonight, the 19th) is our second annual awards show. Kind of like the Oscars, but for NCTC. NCTC actors, directors, etc. vote on the winners. Actually, in the past they used to have awards shows. They stopped for whatever reason and returned last year.

Chaz Ferguson has done a great job organizing the entertainment for the show. It's full of original skits and lots of comedy. The cast is Jeff Allen, Kacy Pollak, Judie Hardin, Samantha Johnson, Sarah Jordan, Susan Patterson, JohnPaul Phillips, Ryan Bermingham, Brian Walsh, Nicole Walker, Trey Stephens, Scott Pollak, and Christian Pollak.

If you acted in or helped with a show in 2009, we invite you to join us tonight for the show. Free refreshments at 7, with the show beginning at 8.

Thanks to Brian Anderson, Levi Gentry, Laurel Alford, and Chaz Ferguson for the technical support/behind the scenes help.

I'll post the winners later this weekend.

Saturday night, the NITWITS return to the stage. More comedy! Got to love that. The show is $5 and begins at 8. I'm looking forward to the relaxing evening.

Tonight I got to see a dress rehearsal for And Baby Makes Seven. The show stars Euseph Messiah, Sarah Jordan, and Nicole Walker. They are a very talented cast and work wonderfully together.

This is a show not to be judged just on the description of "a trio choosing to rid their crowded apartment of their imaginary children as they await the birth of their first child."  It's much more complex.  Lots of humor in this unconventional family.   It's about parenting, children, love, and sacrifices.  Author Paula Vogel takes us to the extreme to show us that peope aren't as different as we think they are.  I can't wait to see the finished product.  The set and costumes aren't complete, but the acting is superb at this point.

And Baby Makes Seven opens on Friday, February 26th and runs for two weekends only.  Tickets are $10 for adults (13 and up) and $5 for children.  There is some language in the play and some adult themes.  I rate it PG-13.

Surveys & Awards Show

If you were in a show at NCTC last year, helped back stage, or are a current member of NCTC, you're invited to join us for the 2010 Awards Show.

Chaz Ferguson has worked on hard the entertainment with original comedy skits. The Awards Show is this Friday, February 19. Drinks will be at 7 pm. The show begins at 8.

As of this writing, voting is still open for the awards. The survey to vote is at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/552F9W3

I don't know when the survey will be closing.

Do not confuse that survey with the survey I created for publicity. The results of that survey (which inadvertently excluded Fully Committed and Everything Is Not Enough) is for the use of publicity/marketing only. It has no effect on the Awards.

Survey Comments: Part 2

Today I'm going to respond to comments concerning some things that were suggested that we can't do, aren't able to do, or weren't able to do.

Comment: Cut out the foul language. The dialogue can be just as powerful without the cursing.

I agree! The cursing spoils many shows for me. However, with most shows we have to purchase a license to be able to perform them at NCTC. It is in violation of our licensing agreement to alter the plays in any way, shape, or form. A missed line or word by an actor happens and the licensing companies forgive a theatre for that. Taking out curse words is not allowed. Yes, we could choose plays with no foul language at all. But that certainly would limit us. If the licensing company finds that we have changed their play, they could pull our licensing rights to all of their shows. It happens a lot. This would limit us even more and makes it very hard on a theatre to survive.


Comment: I think NCTC should do Wicked and Chicago.

Wicked is not yet being licensed to community theatres. Because Chicago is also on Broadway, I don't believe it's open to being licensed to community theatres either. I could be wrong - the script and license is currently available for purchase. However, I could find no theatre other than the large Broadway-sized ones, that is performing it. That means that you can apply for the rights, but the company would most likely turn you down because it's on Broadway.

Comment: I would have liked to see Misery.

Us too! But here again is what happened. When a large theatre company decides to bring a play to Broadway, or back to Broadway, the licensing companies restrict all smaller venues from performing it. This is because they want you to go see it on Broadway, of course, or at larger for-profit theatres like the Fox in Atlanta (NCTC is a non-profit theatre. Everything we earn goes back into the theatre). Well, someone has decided to bring Misery back to Broadway. Therefore, the licensing company revoked all rights of the smaller theatres (profit and non-profit) to perform it.

All this licensing stuff is pretty boring, isn't it? Most people don't realize we have to purchase rights to put on most of the shows. Shows we don't have to purchase rights for include public domain shows, Shakespeare, and NCTC originals.

Comment: More musicals!

Normally we do only one musical a year. The reason for this is the musicals cost five to ten times more to produce. The licenses are much more expensive. Many musicals cost $250 per performance, whereas a straight non-musical play will cost, on the average, of $60-$75 per performnace. Then you also have to pay for the music rights. The costume needs for a musical are also often greater. Therefore, a play might cost around $500 to produce, but a musical will cost around $3,000. We cannot guarantee a full house for every show, even if every one were a musical. So for us to pay the bills, we have to limit the number of musicals we do per year. Although right now we usually only do one, it would be wonderful to continue to be successful and to have more musicals. We love them and we know you do too!

Our success is dependent on you. On your volunteering in any area, seeing as many shows as possible, purchasing a season ticket, making a donation, telling your friends about the theatre -- doing what you can to invest in NCTC. The theatre has many great opportunities for all ages and we want everyone to be a part of it. If you can't afford to invest any money in NCTC, then can you afford to invest your time? Your talents? Because that's what community theatre is all about! And I thank everyone who invests their time, talent, and money in NCTC. You're helping to provide great shows to Newnan and the surrounding area.

Comment: Hire Lane Davies.

I love this comment! I'm sure Mr. Davies is a wonderful actor, and I do believe he's a Georgia native, but NCTC is an all-volunteer theatre. This means that everyone - including the actors - volunteers their time and talents to bring you great local entertainment. No one gets paid a dime. Mr. Davies is more than welcome to come on down to NCTC and audition for a show in-between his paying acting gigs.

And if anyone is getting paid, I'd be the first in line!

When I did the survey, my intent was to not include questions about last year's shows, but I did so at the last minute. I put the selections in by memory. I missed putting in two special events - Fully Committed and Everything Is Not Enough. This wasn't intentional, just a slip of my mind. Handling publicity for NCTC, I'm usually working 3-4 months ahead and not a year to 18 months behind! I enjoyed both shows immensely. Trey Stephens brought NCTC our first one-man show with Fully Committed (Jeff Allen will be bringing the second with The Santaland Diaries in December).

The teens did an awesome job with Everything Is Not Enough, and they have an incredible amount of opportunities to shine this year (with major roles available in Cabaret, Psycho Beach Party, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Dog Sees God, Fuddy Meers, and Romeo and Juliet). Those who go over the survey results at NCTC will know these two shows were missed. I'm sorry they were overlooked. It means nothing more than I don't have the best memory.

Thanks to everyone for continuing to respond to our survey. The survey is still open, so please, respond today, and keep those comments coming. It's anonymous and short and your replies really do help us out.

Upcoming Auditions: Brer Rabbit Stories & Cabaret

We have two shows with open auditions coming up in March.

The first, Brer Rabbit Stories, is for children ages 5 to 12. No preparation or experience is necessary to audition. Auditions are March 1 and 2 at 7 pm at the theatre. The stories come from multiple very diverse backgrounds, so children of all backgrounds are especially encouraged to audition.

Brer Rabbit Stories is a Grassroots Arts Program. It is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through an appropriation of the Georgia General Assembly and Administered by Arts Clayton. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

The second is Cabaret, our big musical of the year! We need cast members of all ages for this show.

For children ages 8 and up, there are many roles available as Nazi Youth (males only) and Kit Kat Kids (males and females).

For teens, the lead role, Sally Bowles, is 19. This is a great role for an older teen or someone in their early 20s. There are many roles for teens as Kit Kat Kids. The Kit Kat Kids sing more than some of the lead roles.

For adults, there are the main cast members, there are roles as Kit Kat Kids (yes, they're called that, it's kids of all ages!).

The director would love for people of all shapes, sizes, and races to try out for the show.

For more information on the main and supporting roles in Cabaret, please visit our audition page.

Volunteering At NCTC

It is perhaps one of the great ironies of my life that, as much as I love theatre, I am-quite honestly-not much more (and possibly less) than a mediocre actress. Its quite true...and no one really had to tell me so. I figured it out all on my own. The sad fact of the matter is that not all of us are born to perform on stage. Another even sadder fact is that there are people out there who believe if they aren't born to perform there is no place in the theatre for them! Perish the thought!

The truth of the matter is...as much as we love our actors...they actually make up a small portion of each show. In fact, it takes around 70 non-actor type volunteers to help make each show possible!!! There is the producer, the stage manager, the backstage crew, set designers, set builders, volunteers to help with publicity, costume and props, lights & sound...and that is before the show even runs! Once the show begins we need volunteers willing to help with concessions, ushering, season ticket holder concierge, box office...and someone has to be the house manager on duty (gotta make sure someon turns the lights off! lol)

In addition to help during each show we have ongoing positions that we really need to see filled including audition helpers to assist directors during auditions (hand out forms, take head shots, etc), someone willing to design and create programs for our shows, people willing to help our Director of Publicity out, and we are currently looking for someone to step into the role of House Manager.

If it sounds like a lot...it is. Newnan Community Theatre is run entirely with volunteers. All of us have day jobs, kids, errands to run, etc but we love theatre. We specifically love this theatre. And we would love to have you be a part of it...not just sitting in the audience (which is great by the way...we appreciate our audiences SO much!) but being involved in creating the shows that the audience comes to see! And there's all sorts of benefits besides working with a wonderful group of people including special events and the chance to see shows for free!

To find out more www.newnantheatre.org/pages/volunteer
Or you can email me at volunteer@newnantheatre.org

See a job that interests you but you have no idea how to do it? We'll teach you (or at least attempt to). All you gotta do is ask!

Cindy Battles
Rather better at being a "volunteer coordinator" than an actress :)

Death of a Salesman Cast List

Thanks to everyone for trying out and congratulations to everyone who got a role. The lead will be played by Sam Gentry. Dawn Campion returns to the NCTC stage after a long absence. Welcome back! Welcome to newcomers Kayal Khanna and Ashley Allen.

The complete cast is as follows:

Willy Loman – Sam Gentry

Linda – Dawn Campion

Happy – Spencer Jordan

Biff – Chad Davis

Bernard – Kayal Khanna

The Woman/Miss Forsythe – Ashley Allen

Charley – Jeff Allen

Uncle Ben – Peter Poulos

Howard Wagner – Stephen Marshall

Jenny/Letta – Kim Marshall

Stanley – Robbie Kirkland

Survey Comment Replies, Part One

As promised, here are some replies to comments from our survey. Today I'll address our children and teen shows.

Comment: Need more (plays) that have more for children.

Out of 12 shows, there are roles for children in four of them. They are Cabaret, Brer Rabbit Stories, Secret Garden, and Miracle on 34th Street.

Comment: More roles for the teens. The future generation of NCTC.

Out of 12 shows, there are roles for teens or a teen in eight of them. They are Cabaret, Psycho Beach Party, Secret Garden, The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Romeo & Juliet, Fuddy Meers, Dog Sees God, and Miracle on 34th Street. Additionally, although there were no roles specifically for teens in What The Butler Saw, there are teens in the cast. Often roles meant for 20s can be filled by teens.

There are no roles for teens or children in two of our 12 shows. They are And Baby Makes Seven and Death of a Salesman. The roles are meant for actors in their 20s, although again, often roles meant for 20s can be filled by older teens.

Comment: I think we should have a play or two set aside to be for teens and children.

We always do. This year we have Brer Rabbit Stories and Secret Garden just for children. For teens there is Dog Sees God and Romeo & Juliet. We feel it's important for children and teens to work with each other and to work with adults. This stretches their abilities and teaches them more than just working with those of their age.

This year children and/or teens will have the ability to work with college-aged actors and adults in Cabaret, Psycho Beach Party, The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Fuddy Meers, and Miracle on 34th Street.


Comment: The theater has made some very poor choices...(including)...getting rid of kids camp.

I'm not sure where you heard that we got rid of KidsCamp, but it's scheduled for all of June, which is when it's usually held.

Comment: More family oriented plays.

I think the criticism that our 2010 is not as "family-friendly" is warranted in some ways and that is definitely something we'll look at. Although three of our 12 shows - Secret Garden, Brer Rabbit Stories, and Miracle on 34th Street are great for families. Last year, there were also only three shows that were considered family-friendly, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Jungle Book, and It's A Wonderful Life.

I will add that "family-friendly" is certainly subject to interpretation. What some parents find perfectly acceptable is not to other parents. Annie, which most people would consider a family-friendly show, disgusted one family who left the theatre in the middle of the performance because a character said "damn." Oliver, another "family-friendly" show, includes stealing, drinking, and a murder. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer includes murder, abuse, and skipping school.

As the parent of a fifteen year old, I don't let my daughter see a lot of shows that most other parents of teenagers have no problem letting their teens watch. I find many PG-13 rated shows not appropriate for my child.

I'll continue to respond to survey comments, so keep them coming. Your responses are very much appreciated.

If you haven't answered the survey yet, please tell us what think!

Survey Chat

A few days ago I posted an NCTC Survey and I'd like to thank those who've answered it so far. The survey is still open and all of us at NCTC appreciate your time in responding. There are only ten questions and all results are anonymous.

The survey helps us to see how we're doing and where we can improve. I did create and post it quickly, so I want to apologize for two inadvertent omissions. I left off two shows in 2009 - Everything Is Not Enough and Fully Committed. I will make sure those who see the results know that those shows were left off inadvertently. My apologies to the cast and crew of those two great shows. The survey is being used for publicity/marketing purposes.

I will use the blog to answer a few of the comments from the survey in the upcoming days. The comments have been great, informative, honest, and very helpful. The feedback is really appreciated!

So, if you haven't answered the survey yet, please do so. It'll only take about a minute or two. Thank you!

Cast List: And Baby Makes Seven

Euseph Messiah as Paul
Sarah Jordan as Anna
Nicole Walker as Ruth

Euseph is new to NCTC. Nicole was previously seen in Proof. Sarah is an NCTC regular. Thanks to all who auditioned and congratulations to those who got a role!

Cabaret Needs

We are in need of a musical director for our upcoming production of Cabaret by Joe Masteroff. Auditions for the production will be held on March 8 and 9. Performances are May 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23.

Casting requirements for Cabaret have been recently updated on our auditions page.

Along with actors and a musical director, the following is also needed: Choreographer, Stage Manager, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Property Master, and Assistant Director.

If interested in helping with Cabaret, contact director Paul Conroy at paulpatrickconroy@yahoo.com.

An "Interview" with Debut Director, Lenny Lees

The interviewed...and the...um...interviewer...

Richard Feelix: Hello NCTC fans! My name is Richard Feelix and I’m joined today by the sensational, beautiful Lenton Lees.

Lenton Lees: Aw, thanks Mr. Feelix.

Richard Feelix: My pleasure! Are you by any chance single?

Lenton Lees: Utterly and completely!

Richard Feelix: A good looking beast like you? I am quite surprised!

Lenton Lees: Me too, Feelix. Me too.

Richard Feelix: Now, let’s get straight to the beef! “What The Butler Saw” will be your director debut at the NCTC! Are you nervous?

Lenton Lees: Nervous? A little bit. I have assisted directors a few times at our theatre and I was the director, writer, producer for a teen acting group called “AMP” for a few years. But this is my first time to have the minds of the NCTC actors to mold all by myself! Trust me, Feelix. There is going to be some hardcore mind molding!

Richard Feelix: Your hands look very mold-worthy, that’s for sure.

Lenton Lees: You know it!

Richard Feelix: Now, what is “What The Butler Saw” about? This isn’t a very popular show and sadly people won’t come see it because they don’t know the name.

Lenton Lees: That is foolish. If you only see shows you have heard of before you’re going to miss out on a ton of exciting things! Imagine this, what if you only talked to people you have heard of before? Then you might miss out on meeting me and I am amazing!

Richard Feelix: That you are, Lenton. But still, you’ve yet to explain the show.

Lenton Lees: Of course, my bad. I don’t want to spoil it, but What The Butler Saw is a British comedy about a man who tries to seduce a young woman who applies to be his secretary. His wife catches him, so he lies his way out of it. Add a blackmailing page boy with some nude pictures of the guy's wife, a power hungry government official, a dim-witted police man, and you’ve got yourself one crazy, goofy, exciting show! If anyone is a fan of Monty Pythons they will LOVE this show.

Richard Feelix: Just by the sound of those characters it sounds like it’s going to be a crazy, adult oriented show.

Lenton Lees: It is intended for an older audience but it isn’t too bad. There is no cussing or nudity. I think the comedy aspect makes it worth viewing with any age group. I’d bring my kids if I had kids, but I’m still single so I have a ways to go.

Richard Feelix: Blows my mind why’d you still be single, you are gorgeous.

Lenton Lees: Thanks Feelixnator.

Richard Feelix: What about the cast? You’ve got some veterans and some newer folks to the stage.

Lenton Lees: Oh man, I love my cast! If I was put on a island in the middle of nowhere I would surely pick my best friend Justin and Sam Wall to come with me… but I’d miss my cast while I was out there! We’ve got Trey Stephens, you’ve seen him in NITWITS I’m sure. The short bald guy? That’s him! Chaz Ferguson has been on the NCTC stage in many productions. He blew the roof off the theatre in this summer's production of “A Midsummer Nights Dream”! He was the guy in the donkey head! HILARIOUS! Jennifer Sovick has graced our stage in the past. Her voice sung in harmony with the angels a few years back as she was the lead in “Pirates of Penzance”.

Richard Feelix: Ah yes, she is spectacular.

Lenton Lees: Brian Walsh plays our adorable, dumb police officer. He has been part of M.A.S.H. and Zombie Prom just recently. Very funny, a little creepy, but so funny! Then we get to the newer folk! Ann Kohen is a veteran actor throughout this fine country and I am lucky enough to be able to give her the very first NCTC experience of her life!

Richard Feelix: It’s great to have new people in our theatre.

Lenton Lees: Best part about her… real British accent!

Richard Feelix: Bazing!

Lenton Lees: Bazing it is, Feelix.

Richard Feelix: Does she finish off the cast?

Lenton Lees: No my good friend. Randy Drake plays our perverted, mean, grumpy government official. Randy Drake was part of Spencer Jordan’s acting class a few months back. He was part of a preview show where he played the lead male role in “Down the Road”. He did a great job, you can imagine my excitement when he came a walking through those doors!

Richard Feelix: Impressive!

Lenton Lees: I needed it. We had a hard time getting this show together. We had fourteen people come to auditions, ten of them for the part of Mrs. Prentice!

Richard Feelix: Wow, I feel sorry for you. I guess you had to “settle” for some actors, huh? I bet they’re terrible.

Lenton Lees: Oh no! They are amazing! Once I put the word out that I needed some actors Trey, Jennifer, and Scott answered the call! I call them my little superheroes. I think I am in love with them.

Richard Feelix: Scott? Scott Pollack?

Lenton Lees: Oh yes! I almost forgot. Mr. Scott. In this version of “What The Butler Saw” I wrote in a new character. He is an old, British narrator. I thought of the oldest looking person I knew but sadly Rick Olsen was too busy to accept the role so I went with Scott Pollack. Great guy. He’s doing a fantastic job.

Richard Feelix: Wow, you wrote in your own character. I must say I am impressed.

Lenton Lees: Yes siree. My little brother (Daniel) and I wrote this part to give the play a new approach. You’ll love it.

Richard Feelix: I don’t doubt that, Lenton. I already love it!

Lenton Lees: Let me tell you, Richie Fix. The ONE reason people should come see this.

Richard Feelix: Please do.

Lenton Lees: If I had one thing I could tell people it would be that this show will brighten your day! This show will make you think about all the crazy, hectic stuff you go through and will make you be able to just laugh it off. The best quote comes from something my little broskee has always told me, I think this sums up the show best of all! “If you can’t learn to laugh, you’ll NEVER get over it!”

Richard Feelix: Fantastic! Thank you for your time beautiful, funny, talented Lenton Lees! What The Butler Saw begins January 29th at 8:00 PM! I can’t wait to see it!

Lenton Lees: Can’t wait to see you there, Feelix!

Busy January

The first event at NCTC for the year is usually our Season Ticket Holder Gala. This is an annual event where we provide a free evening of entertainment for our Season Ticket Holders. We often highlight the past year's shows and the new season.

This year, Scott Pollak walked us through music through the 20s to 90s. Mandy Mitchell, a friend of Paul Conroy's from Massachusetts, sang a selection from Cabaret. Paul has recently moved to Atlanta and he'll be directing two shows at NCTC this year. The first is Cabaret, followed by Dog Meets God in the fall. Mandy will be moving to Georgia in a few months, but unfortunately not in time to audition for Cabaret. She has a wonderful voice and I hope she'll eventually grace the NCTC stage again.

Fun dance acts included Hollie Schmidt performing a jazz routine from Chicago to When You're Good to Mama and KC Pollak and Caren Comeans performing the Shim Sham. JohnPaul Phillips and Darren Mathews gave us a preview of improv comedy with a couple of skits. The evening ended with a wonderful tune by Sam Gentry.

It was a great evening of entertainment and reminded me why I love coming to the theatre. Everyone also got to sit in our new, comfortable seats! We are so grateful to Jason Schmidt and his volunteers (Drew Smith, Sam Wall, McKenna Schmidt, Jake Azarowicz, Chad Davies, Nathan Azarowic, and Lane Azarowicz) for all the hard work they put in over the holidays. They had to extend the seating platforms on each side to accomodate aisles and re-build walls. The pre-work took more time than the actual seat installation!

For those who are wondering why we no longer have a center aisle - well, here's why. Our new seats are larger than our old seats and take up more room. In order to be able to have approximately the same number of seats on the main stage as we had before, we had to do without a center aisle. Financially we really couldn't do with less seats.

After the gala, Lenny Lees was able to to really get to work on his set for What The Butler Saw. I love the bright colors, which is very-British like. Just watch a few home decorating shows from Britain and you'll see how many British homes have paint colors that make us Americans cringe. You can see a bit of the set yourself and meet the show's characters in this preview video!



This is Lenny's first time directing at NCTC. He's appeared on stage many times though. What The Butler Saw opens on January 29th and runs for three weekends. The show, by Joe Orton, is a very fun British comedy, that doesn't actually include a butler. Imagine that.

Last night I enjoyed a wonderful show called Improvisational Experiment. This is where improv actors take skits, themes, and throw in audience participation to create a show. Each evening is different as they don't know where the improv or audience will take them. Very fun and original. They'll perform again tonight. Don't despair though if you can't catch be there - Improvisational Experiment will be back later this year.

Next weekend - wedged in between this weekend's shows and the opening of What The Butler Saw, we'll have our first Community Night. Join us on January 22nd from 7 to 11. We'll provide the popcorn, games, and ambiance. Bring along a friend, snacks, drinks, ang hang out at the theatre. Get to know your theatre family better and relax. See you at the theatre!