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!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
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.
Monday, January 18, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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!
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!
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