Tag Archives: Magnolia Theatre Company

BEHEADING COLUMBUS Runs Oct. 13-14

MTC_logoBEHEADING COLUMBUS
Magnolia Theatre Company
Oct. 13-14
Metropolitan Arts Center Studio A [Dayton]

Directed by Annie Pesch

Cast: Andréa Morales, Sommer McGuire, Roniece Hutchins, Robb Willoughby & Connor Gray

BEHEADING COLUMBUS follows two sisters down a trail of DNA deception and makes them face race and colorism in the Latinx community and in their own family. Lana looks white, Susi doesn’t and that has been a point of conflict their whole life. Through DNA testing they discover that Lana has a white father. The DNA test also reveals that Susi, who is mixed race, has genes for the Alzheimer’s that are destroying their mother. Add to that, they discover that the previously unknown other father is a fertility doctor who has sired at least 40 mixed race children. Through love and a massive sense of humor, the sisters work at decolonializing themselves from the inside out.

  • Fri, Oct. 13 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Oct. 14 at 3pm

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Auditions Announced for THE MOORS and BEHEADING COLUMBUS at Magnolia Theatre Company

MTC_logoMagnolia Theatre Company, Dayton’s feminist theatre company, is proud to partner with the University of Dayton’s Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology program for its 2023-24 Season. 

Auditions for the first two shows of the season will be held August 31 in Fitz Hall 479 and September 1 at the University of Dayton’s Black Box Theatre from 6-8pm.  Auditions will consist of readings from the script.  Sides will be provided in the audition form

Callbacks will be held as needed.

Personnel:  Michelle Campbell Hayford (UD Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology program director, and director of The Moors), Gina Handy Minyard (Founding Artistic Director), Annie Pesch (Director, Beheading Columbus)

THE MOORS by Jen Silverman
Rehearsal start date: Oct 17
Rehearsal frequency: Weekday evenings, no rehearsals for Thanksgiving week
Performance dates:  November 30- December 3, 2023 (4 performances)
Rehearsal and Performance location: UD Black Box Theatre

Breakdown:
From the playwright:  Think Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre and the Bronte sisters…but this is the present.  All characters have an American accent.

Content Disclosure: The roles of Agatha and Emilie require mouth to mouth contact  and stage combat–(intimacy and combat direction will be provided).  The play discusses/portrays the following topics: sexuality, both lesbian and heterosexual, domestic violence, death, stage blood.

  • Agatha- Female. Elder Spinster Sister. Dangerous. Powerful.
  • Huldey- Female. Younger Spinster Sister. She has a diary. She wants to be famous. (sings a power ballad to recorded accompaniment)
  • Emilie- Female. The governess. A romantic with a sweet face.  (sings a song to recorded accompaniment)
  • Marjory- Female. The scullery maid. Down-trodden. Strategic.
  • The Mastiff- Male. The dog. A sad philosopher king.
  • A Moor-Hen- Female. Practical and very present- tense.

This cast will be a combination of University of Dayton students and non-union professional actors.  All non- union professional actors will be paid a $1600 stipend. Those interested in being considered for Huldey and Emile should prepare 30 second excerpt of a pop ballad (a cappella or track, speaker will be provided).

BEHEADING COLUMBUS by Diana Burbano
A Femme Artisan Staged Reading
Rehearsal start date: October 9, 2023
Rehearsal frequency: October 9-12 6-9pm
Performance Dates:  October 13- 14, 2023 (2 performances)
Rehearsal location: MAC Building, Performance Location is TBD
*Talkbacks will occur after both performances

Breakdown:

Note: This script has moments where characters speak Spanish.  

  • Susi – Biracial Latina early 40’s, Sharp, witty, trying to hide seething anxiety.
  • Lana – White Latina early 30’s, Smart, fun, ambitious, confident.  (This role is pre-cast)
  • Mark – White M late 40’s, handsome but going to seed, wry and self-deprecating. also plays: Doctor Dover- White M Elderly, charming, patrician, elegant.
  • Siblings and Mama-All played by one person. Any BIPOC identity. What casting might call “Ethnically Ambiguous” which of course is no such thing. Versatile. Funny and also tragic.

Non- Union. All cast members will be paid a $200 stipend.

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Magnolia Theatre Company Announces Exciting 2023-2024 Season: Showcasing Diverse Plays and Collaboration with University of Dayton

MTC_logoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Magnolia Theatre Company Unveils Exciting 2023-2024 Season: Featuring Diverse Plays and Collaborations with University of Dayton

Dayton, OH, August 1, 2023 — Magnolia Theatre Company, a female driven theatre organization, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2023-2024 season. With a focus on showcasing powerful female voices and presenting thought-provoking new works, Magnolia Theatre Company returns to the forefront of the Dayton theatre scene.

The season kicks off with the mesmerizing production of “The Moors” by Jen Silverman. This collaboration with the University of Dayton’s Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology program promises to captivate audiences from November 30 to December 3, 2023. Set in the hauntingly beautiful moors, this play delves into the complexities of relationships and the blurred boundaries of reality, making it a must-see for theatre enthusiasts. Michelle Campbell Hayford, Associate Professor of Theatre at UD, will direct.

In April 2024, Magnolia Theatre Company will present the hilarious and groundbreaking production of “Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche” by Andrew Hobgood and Evan Linder. This uproarious play takes audiences on a journey filled with laughter, warmth, and unexpected twists. Mark your calendars for April 4-7, 2024 at the PNC Arts Annex in Dayton.

As part of the 2023-2024 season, Magnolia Theatre Company will continue the Femme Artisan staged reading series with the support of the Montgomery County Arts and Culture District. This series aims to explore three new plays that celebrate joy and highlight the talent of female playwrights. Kicking off the series is “Beheading Columbus” by Diana Burbano, a thought-provoking play that challenges historical narratives and recently named to the O’Neill Playwriting Finalist list. Andréa Morales will star in this show as Annie Pesch directs. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience this compelling work on October 13-14, 2023 at the PNC Arts Annex. The other titles will be released and produced in 2024.

Gina Handy Minyard, Founding Artistic Director of Magnolia Theatre Company, expresses her excitement about the upcoming season: “We are proud to present an exhilarating lineup of plays that celebrate the diversity and power of female voices. Our collaborations with the University of Dayton and our commitment to showcasing new works ensure that our audiences will be treated to an unforgettable feminist theatrical experience.”

Magnolia Theatre Company continues to push boundaries, champion local talent, and provide innovative and thought-provoking productions to the Dayton community. With each season, they reaffirm their commitment to showcasing the best in feminist theatre while elevating marginalized communities and supporting emerging playwrights.

To stay updated on Magnolia Theatre Company’s upcoming productions and purchase tickets, visit their website at www.magnoliatheatrecompany.com. You can also follow them on Facebook (@MagnoliaTheatreCompany) for the latest news and updates.

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About Magnolia Theatre Company: Magnolia Theatre Company is a local theatre organization dedicated to promoting feminist theatre and gender parity in the arts. With a focus on powerful female voices and thought-provoking new works, Magnolia Theatre Company continues to be a driving force in the Dayton arts community. For more information, visit www. magnoliatheatrecompany.com.

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GIDION’S KNOT Runs March 10-12

mtc_gidions-knot-logoGIDION’S KNOT
Magnolia Theatre Company
March 10-12
Dayton

Over the course of a parent/teacher conference, a grieving mother and an emotionally overwhelmed primary school teacher have a fraught conversation about the tragic suicide of the mother’s son, Gidion. Gidion may have been bullied severely—or he may have been an abuser. As his story is slowly uncovered, the women try to reconstruct a satisfying explanation for Gidion’s act and come to terms with excruciating feelings of culpability.
Join us for this regional premiere starring Amy Handra and MTC Artistic Associate Andrea Morales. Gidion’s Knot is directed by Michelle Hayford.

  • Fri, March 10 at 8pm
  • Sat, March 11 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, March 12 at 2pm

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2016-2017 Season Announced by Magnolia Theatre Company

MTC_logoFeb. 17-19
BROADWAY BEVELED 2

March 10-12
GIDION’S KNOT

For more information visit www.magnoliatheatrecompany.com.

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