Author Archives: robbucher

September 17, 2018 · 10:31 am

Auditions Announced for WOMEN PLAYING HAMLET at Village Players

vp_logoVillage Players
8 N Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas, KY 41075

7-9pm Monday evening, October 1st  and 7-9pm Tuesday, October 2nd

Audition will consist of cold readings from the script.

Please bring conflicts for December 17, 2018-February 24, 2019

Six performances between February 15-Feb 23, 2019

Four female roles:

  • Jessica (played as late 20’s, early 30’s)—an attractive, quirky, smart actress.
  • Female protean #1—plays an acting coach, a humanities professor, and the ghost of Hamlet’s father.
  • Female protean #2—plays a Starbucks barista, a priest, a bicycle messenger, Jessica’s geeky niece, a barfly, a home shopping network model, and a young soap-opera starlet.
  • Female protean #3—plays an English Shakespeare scholar, Jessica’s mother, a psychiatrist, a bartender, a home shopping network hostess, a grande-dame soap opera star, a grave-digger, and a stage manager.

For more information, email Director Steve Phelan at stevephelan7588@gmail.com.

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September 17, 2018 · 9:39 am

Assistant Director/Stage Manager Needed for WITHROW SOUNDS AGAIN at Withrow High School

WUHS_logoWithrow High School is looking for an experienced Assistant director/stage manager for its upcoming May 2019 Centennial Production of “Withrow Sounds Again!” A large variety show involving over 100 participants and a 50 piece orchestra. Rehearsals will begin in late January 2019. The show dates are; May 9th, 10th, and 11th.
We would like to have this person onboard for the show auditions in October of 2018.

If you are interested, please private message me, Zachery Riggins, on Facebook..or submit your resume to: gripmeister2001@yahoo.com

See description below…

Thank you,

Zachery Riggins

Director and Producer of “Withrow Sounds Again!”

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/STAGE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Pre-Rehearsal Preparation:

  • Knowing the rehearsal and stage layout
  • Understanding the ground plan of the set
  • Should acquire all rehearsal props that are needed in rehearsals
  • Sending out the rehearsal Schedule to the actors
  • Create a contact sheet with information on everyone in the production

First Rehearsal:

  • Have the actors fill out emergency contact forms and other information needed by the production team
  • Assigning scripts to everyone in the production
  • Make detailed notes on the blocking of the production
  • Make sure the production team members who need to explain the set, costumes, directors concept, and more
  • First read through of show SM reads the stage directions
  • Responsible for the well being & safety of everyone and should have basic first aid kit at all rehearsals

Rehearsal Period:

  • Responsible for any questions or changes the director thinks of during rehearsal to bring up during Production Meetings
  • SM’s are responsible for following along the script or music, prompting when actors forget their lines and taking line notes
  • Monitor time to make sure company get their breaks at specific intervals (more important when working in Equity)
  • Noting any changes or edits to the script or music
  • Responsible for creating the running script that includes tech cues that are used by the SM
  • Writing daily rehearsal reports that detail what happened in rehearsal that day and what notes, if any, the Sm/director have for the production team. Then distributing distribute it to all production team members
  • Collecting the bios for the actors and production team for the show’s programs
  • Responsible for contacting anyone who is running late to rehearsal without notifying the SM
  • Most rehearsals are closed, meaning no one outside of the production is welcome, and it is the SM’s job to enforce this
  • Creating a callboard for the actors to sign in during tech rehearsals and performance
  • Creating cue sheets for everyone taking cues from the SM during the show (Sound usually makes it own separate cue sheets the SM is not responsible for)
  • Running tech rehearsals with other aspects of the production team (Lights, sound, set, costumes, etc)

Design Meetings:

  • Not always present but all decisions made need to be communicated to SM to ensure all production team are informed of what happened during the meetings

Production meetings:

  • Responsible for running the meeting
  • Maintaining a healthy environment for communication
  • Documenting all discussions and decisions
  • Ensuring attendance of all production team
  • Ensuring the meeting accomplishes everything on the docket within the allotted amount of time
  • Sending the Production Meeting Report forms that detail discussions and decisions made to production team members

Performance:

  • Responsible for making sure actors are on time to rehearsal and contacting them if they are running late
  • Working with house managers to deal with unexpected events (tornadoes, delays, technical difficulties)
  • Knowing responsibilities during emergencies
  • Responsible for creating a performance log for each show that details any technical, artistic, or temperament problems that arose during the run.

Strike:

  • Making sure all production members attend strike
  • Making sure all rented or borrowed material is separated from the rest of the set at returned to its lender
  • Knowing what set pieces, props, and costumes will be saved and which will be destroyed and making sure the collect pieces that are saved and destroyed.

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September 14, 2018 · 3:54 pm

A FEW GOOD MEN Review

CCPA_A Few Good Men3

Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

A FEW GOOD MEN presented by the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts through Oct. 7. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts kicks off their 2018-2019 season with a sound and satisfying production of Aaron Sorkin‘s military drama, A FEW GOOD MEN.

CCPA_A Few Good Men4

A.J. Ford as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

Director Ed Cohen has a knack for casting that is very evident here, having put together a solid acting ensemble from top to bottom. The action is well-paced and the director smartly found ways to keep the action dynamic and interesting during the understandably static court room scenes.

The set design by Brett Bowling works well for the production, opting for a backdrop of a fence line with a giant re-creation of the US Marine Corps logo dominating the stage. Taking advantage of the Covedale’s wide proscenium, the smaller scenes are staged in lit areas stage right, center, and left. This also limits the time needed for scene changes as tables and chairs are simply re-positioned throughout the performance.

It is evident that Costumer Caren Brady worked hard to bring authenticity to the various military uniforms worn throughout the production. The cast also handled multiple quick costume changes well with no delays in returning to the stage.

CCPA_A Few Good Men2

Eric Minion as Lt. Jonathan James Kendrick, A.J. Ford as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep, Phineas Clark as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson, Nathan Tubbs as Lt. Sam Weinberg, Rory Sheridan as Lt. J.G. Daniel A Kaffee & Erin Carr as Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

Being such a solid production, the few complaints I have are nitpicky. At the end of Act I, Kaffee’s final line seemed to break the fourth wall which felt out of place. Using military cadences to cover the scene changes worked up to a point. It does get a bit repetitive, so if any can be eliminated on the shorter changes I’d recommend considering it. Also when the cadences are used, it is very apparent when they are not in sync. Lastly, for Markinson’s final scene you may want to consider putting the sound effect after the blackout and choosing one that doesn’t sound as muffled.

Overall, A FEW GOOD MEN is a solidly performed, engrossing court room drama which naturally builds to a satisfying conclusion.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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September 14, 2018 · 2:08 pm

THE JOHN MELLENCAMP SHOW | Sun., Feb. 10, 2019 | Aronoff Center

CAA_John Mellencamp 2018 Photo Myrna Suarez

John Mellencamp. Photo by Myrna Suarez.

John Mellencamp to Embark on 2019 Tour

THE JOHN MELLENCAMP SHOW

February 10, 2019 | Aronoff Center 

Tour Set to Coincide with Studio Album Release

  ON-SALE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Cincinnati, OH – Set to coincide with a highly-anticipated new album release, JOHN MELLENCAMP will embark on a 2019 tour of “The John Mellencamp Show” which will feature the rock icon’s classics plus some new material.  Hailed by critics and fans alike as one of music’s most authentic and crowd-pleasing concert performers, Mellencamp will begin the tour February 7 in his home state of Indiana at South Bend’s Morris Performing Arts Center and will span two months ending in Clearwater, Florida at the famed Ruth Eckerd Hall.  The tour will play the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 8:00 PM.

Produced by AEG Presents, “The John Mellencamp Show” will start promptly at 8:00 PM and will not have an opening act.  Every ticket purchased online will receive a physical copy of Mellencamp’s forthcoming album “Other People’s Stuff” set for release on November 16 by Universal Republic.

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 21 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. Pre-sale and VIP tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, September 19 at 10:00 AM.  For more information and ticketing information, visit Mellencamp.com.

Mellencamp’s live shows have garnered huge critical acclaim with the Hollywood Reporter calling it a “triumphant, career-spanning show” and a “superb performance…still full of fiery defiance” by the Boston Globe.  His extensive touring and live shows have solidified the Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer’s place at the forefront of American music for the past forty years.

ADDITIONAL PRAISE FOR JOHN MELLENCAMP 

“…Singer, songwriter and storyteller John Mellencamp presents the tunes that trace his musical journey…..a concert-narrative performance.” Parade 

“Mellencamp’s music felt as timeless as it did nostalgic Monday night before what was essentially a sold-out crowd.” Green Bay Press-Gazette

“If you mixed a PREACHER, a PUNCH PRESS OPERATOR and an OLD BLUESMAN together in the back of a cement mixer, John Mellencamp would come out in the pour.” Duluth News Tribune 

JOHN MELLENCAMP 2019 TOUR DATES

Date City Venue
February 7, 2019 South Bend, IN Morris Performing Arts Center
February 8, 2019 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater
February 10, 2019 Cincinnati, OH Aronoff Center for the Arts
February 12, 2019 Fort Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre
February 14, 2019 Rockford, IL Coronado Performing Arts Center
February 15, 2019 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center
February 17, 2019 Grand Rapids, MI DeVos Performance Hall
February 19, 2019 Youngstown, OH Stambaugh Auditorium
February 20, 2019 Baltimore, MD Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric
February 22, 2019 Providence, RI Providence Performing Arts Center
February 23, 2019 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre New Jersey
February 25, 2019 New York, NY Beacon Theatre*
February 26, 2019 New York, NY Beacon Theatre*
March 9, 2019 Louisville, KY The Louisville Palace
March 10, 2019 Evansville, IN Aiken Theatre at Old National Events Plaza
March 12, 2019 St. Louis, MO Stifel Theatre
March 14, 2019 Kansas City, MO Arvest Bank Theatre At The Midland
March 16, 2019 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
March 17, 2019 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
March 19, 2019 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
March 20, 2019 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
March 22, 2019 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
March 24, 2019 Orlando, FL Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
March 27, 2019 Ft. Meyers, FL Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
March 29, 2019 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
March 30, 2019 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall

 *On Sale September 28th at 11am local time 

ABOUT JOHN MELLENCAMP
John Mellencamp’s career in music, spanning more than 35 years, has seen him transition from pop star to one of the most highly respected singer/songwriters of a generation. Mellencamp is incredibly acclaimed; he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.  Additionally, he was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this past June. He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world.  In 1985, Mellencamp, together with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, created Farm Aid. The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, the concert series and organization that has addressed the struggle of American family farmers for more than 25 years.

As well, John journeyed  into the darkness of coal-mining life in his reverent cover of Merle Travis’ 1946 song “Dark as a Dungeon,” recorded in support of National Geographic’s acclaimed documentary about the mining industry, “From The Ashes,” produced by Michael Bloomberg, former NYC Mayor.

John continues to focus on another facet of his artistic expression: painting. His style has progressed over the years as evidenced by several gallery shows and published portfolios, and in recent years he has increased his output by completing over 100 new works. He had his second solo exhibition this past Spring in New York and has a current exhibit at the famed Butler Museum in Youngstown, Ohio from September 20 through January 19, 2019. His highly successful Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibit ran for nearly two years and is now at the Woodie Guthrie Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma from September 1 through January 5, 2019.

Mellencamp continues his journey as the walking embodiment of rock icon; passionate, plain-spoken, and a self-proclaimed rebel.  John Mellencamp continues to live and work in Bloomington, Indiana.

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September 14, 2018 · 11:56 am

Auditions Announced for FIRST DATE at Footlighters Inc.

fli_logoFootlighters, Inc. is proud to host auditions for their production of FIRST DATE.

Produced by Amanda Emmons Shumate and Alan Masters

Directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn
Music Directed by Alan Masters
Vocal Directed by Xan Waddell Jeffery

FIRST DATE is the third show of our 2018-2019 season, running February 14th – March 2nd.

Auditions will be held at The Stained Glass Theatre, 802 York Street, Newport, KY 41071. Home of Footlighters, inc.

Sunday, October 14, 2018: 7pm-10pm
Monday, October 15, 2018: 7pm-10pm

*Possible Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 from 7pm-10pm

Auditionees are asked to sign up for a slot, but walk-ins will be accepted in the first available opening. Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0448aeae2babfc1-auditions1

A headshot and resume is appreciated by not required.

Please prepare 16-32 bars of a contemporary/pop style Broadway song that best showcases your voice. There will be cold readings from the script. There will not be a dance/movement call at initial auditions, but may be included at callbacks.

For questions about auditions, please contact Jerry Wiesenhahn at wiezj@icloud.com.

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