Tag: Pottstown

Job and Volunteer Fair at Steel River Playhouse

If you’re interested in a paid or volunteer position in the performing arts, read on. Steel River Playhouse is looking for folks to fill a variety of positions. This is a great opportunity for middle and high school students to explore the performing arts and perhaps build their resumes for college!

Steel River Playhouse, a nonprofit performing arts education and performance facility located in the heart of Pottstown’s historic district, is holding a Job and Volunteer Fair on Sunday, July 28th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Monday, July 29th from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.  Interested candidates will have the opportunity to learn about open positions, meet with Steel River’s leadership, and tour the facility.

Paid and stipend positions include Education Coordinator, Music Coordinator, Tech Director, Concessions/Retail Manager, Stage and Music Directors, Production Designers (e.g., sets, costumes, lighting, sound, props, hair and makeup), and Stage Managers. Instructors of music, voice, and acting are also encouraged to apply for future positions that are expected to become available.

Adults and students from middle school age on up can explore a host of volunteer learning and social opportunities in virtually every area of the performing arts center. High school and college students are also eligible to sign up for internship opportunities to satisfy their volunteer or external learning requirements. Some examples of volunteer opportunities include:

·         Technical theater (set construction and painting, costuming, lighting and sound operation, props, hair and make-up)

·         Stage management and backstage run crew

·         Production Assistants

·         House management and ushers

·         Music support, especially piano accompaniment

·         Riser moves, maintenance and repairs

·         Administrative support (such as receptionist, phone support, filing, photocopying)

·         Software and data entry/utilization

·         Concession and retail sales

·         Box office

·         Education support/teacher aides

·         Event planning and hosting

·         Fundraising

·         Marketing and public relations (including social media)

·         Graphic design

·         Literary analysis and dramaturgy

Candidates for paid and stipend positions may sign up for initial interview slots ahead of time by contacting marta@steelriver.org or are welcome to request an interview slot on the day of their visit. Additional interviews may be scheduled at other times for those who are not available during the Job and Volunteer Fair. Department representatives will also be on hand to meet with volunteer candidates to provide information and answer questions.

Steel River also welcomes area performers to visit during the Job and Volunteer Fair to learn more about Steel River’s mission and facilities. A variety of audition opportunities and instrumental openings are available for the upcoming season. Come learn about sharing your talent with the community and region.

 For more information, please visit www.steelriver.org. Steel River Playhouse is located at 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

 About Steel River Playhouse

Steel River Playhouse, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) charitable education and performance facility, is a key component of the revitalization of downtown Historic Pottstown. Steel River seeks to strengthen community, inspire creative exploration, educate, and entertain, through the presentation of quality performing arts events and education for diverse audiences. Each year, Steel River Playhouse produces more than 90 performances and hosts more than 10,000 people as audiences, students, artists, donors and volunteers from the region and beyond. www.steelriver.org, 610-970-1199.

MCCC Hosts ‘Iron and its Accomplices’ Art Exhibition

There’s still time to catch this unusual exhibit of local artists at MCCC. Thanks to Alana Mauger for passing this on…

Montgomery County Community College continues to host “Iron and its Accomplices,” an art exhibition featuring metal artist Paul Beatty of Hemlock Forge and several area artists. The show runs through July 25th at the West Campus Fine Arts Gallery, North Hall, 16 High Street, Pottstown.

“Sun and Moon” metal sculpture by Paul Beatty. Photo courtesy of MCCC.
“Sun and Moon” metal sculpture by Paul Beatty. Photo courtesy of MCCC.

Metal artist Paul Beatty owns Hemlock Forge in nearby Barto, Pa., and specializes in copper, steel and sheet metal. He initially studied traditional blacksmithing under blacksmith Ed Land of Huffs Church, Berks County. He later served an apprenticeship with renowned metal artist Greg Leavitt of Earl Township, Berks County.

Beatty’s masterful skills are reminiscent of a time when craftsmen poured their hearts and souls into the hard labor of their wares. He specializes in commissions of decorative and functional art, including arbors, fences, armillaries and sculptures, and all his work is hand-forged and custom-made. Beatty has been a metalsmith for more than 14 years and is a member of the Pennsylvania Artists Blacksmith Association and the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America.

Several local artists have joined Beatty for the exhibit, including photographer Tammy Snyder of East Greenville; mosaic artist Amy Bruckner of Downingtown; stain glass artist Marlys Thomas of Harleysville; wood sculptor Mark Hughes of Barto; metal artist Ed Land of Huffs Church; and Damascus steel artist Robert Eggerling of Mertztown.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed weekends.

For more information about the exhibition, contact Montgomery County Community College Galleries Director Holly Cairns at 215-619-7349 or hcairns@mc3.edu.

Help support the arts and art education programs at Montgomery County Community College by becoming a Friend of The Galleries. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact the College Foundation at 215-641-6535.  Follow us at facebook.com/DestinationArts.

 

Montgomery County Community College is proud to be designated as an Achieving the Dream Leader College for its commitment to student access and success.

Adult Gardener Workshop at MOSAIC Community Garden tonight

When:   Tuesday, July 9, 2013     6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
What:    Adult Workshop 1 – Organic vs. Conventional Gardening
             Project: Hanging Planter using Recycled Fabrics
 
Tina is ready and set to facilitate a workshop/group discussion on Organic vs. Conventional Gardening.  She will also provide instruction on how to make a hanging plant bag using recycled fabric!
 
Please plan to attend the class that day (even bring a friend) to understand the benefits of organic gardening and how a recycled old shirt, pantyhose or other materials can be used to create a wonderful vertical garden.
 
Below are more details regarding the workshop…we hope to see you there!
 
In order to make the RECYCLED FABRIC HANGING PLANT BAG…
 
Gardeners Will Need to Bring:
 
Old shirt, pants, or piece of fabric – must be BREATHABLE such as Cotton or Linen
* NO polyester, NO synthetic fabrics (won’t breath)
 
twine, ribbons, or other tying material
 
MOSAIC Will Supply:
 
“S” hooks, planting compost/soil, and seedlings/plants

The Mercury lists area fireworks displays

Pottstown’s parade is getting underway now!

Check out The Mercury’s listing of area fireworks and Independence Day festivities:

http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130704/NEWS01/130709893/want-to-see-fireworks-local-displays-celebrate-independence-day

Be safe and have a Happy 4th!

Summer Fun at Steel River! Free Building Tours and Q&A for Prospective Summer Campers

Brought to you by Steel River Playhouse in the heart of downtown Pottstown!

Are your kids scrambling for AFFORDABLE summer fun? Steel River Playhouse still has some limited space available for summer camp for all grades, but especially for students in Grades 1 through 4. And now’s your chance to see what it’s REALLY like “behind-the-scenes.” Prospective campers and their families can sign up for free tours and Q&A sessions with the education department, starting THIS WEEK on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.

Courtesy of Steel River
Courtesy of Steel River

Celebrating its 10th anniversary of providing quality, affordable performing arts summer camp for students in Grades 1 through 12, Steel River’s professionally-trained artists work with the campers to develop skills in voice, acting, comedy improv, and movement in a collaborative, noncompetitive setting.

Prospective campers and their families are invited to tour Steel River and participate in a Q&A session by appointment. Tour and meeting hours are Fridays (3:00 – 6:00 pm), Saturdays (12 noon – 3:00 pm), and Mondays (6:00 – 8:00 pm). Please call Steel River at 610.970.1199 or email rebecca@steelriver.org to schedule your visit.

For summer, campers can choose 2, 4 or 6 weeks of camp (in any combination) running July 8th through 19th, July 22nd through August 2nd, and August 5th through 16th. Camp fees run approximately $5 per hour. Younger campers in Grades 1 through 4 can choose morning, afternoon, or full-day camp ($209 per 2-week session for ½ day; $429 for full day). Camp for those in Grades 5 through 12 is Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm ($419 per 2-week session). Current students can refer a friend and receive a $10 gift certificate!

As a nonprofit performing arts center, Steel River Playhouse maintains low tuition rates (averaging $5 per hour), so that camp is accessible to as many students as possible. Financial aid is also available for those who qualify.

More information is available at www.steelriver.org, or by contacting Rebecca Shoemaker, Operations Manager, at rebecca@steelriver.org or 610.970.1199. Steel River Playhouse is located at 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Courtesy of Steel River
Courtesy of Steel River

About Steel River Playhouse

Steel River Playhouse, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) charitable education and performance facility, is a key component of the revitalization of downtown Historic Pottstown. Steel River seeks to strengthen community, inspire creative exploration, educate, and entertain, through the presentation of quality performing arts events and education for diverse audiences. Each year, Steel River Playhouse produces more than 90 performances and hosts more than 10,000 people as audiences, students, artists, donors and volunteers from the region and beyond. www.steelriver.org, 610-970-1199.

Planning meeting this Tuesday for repair/clean-up day set for Oct. 25th

Brought to you by The Hill School and Evan Brandt’s Digital Notebook…

Residents and business owners of the Borough of Pottstown have the opportunity to share suggestions and requests for targeted neighborhood property repairs and general “clean-up” needs during a community conversation to be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 in the Ricketts Center, 640 Beech St., Pottstown.

During this gathering, representatives from the Borough, the Pottstown School District, and The Hill School will begin planning a collaborative volunteer project that will involve teams of personnel and students from these three entities on Friday, Oct. 25.

The Project is focusing on the core redevelopment area bounded by High Street, north to Beech Street, then from Hanover Street east to Edgewood Street.

Dubbed the Pottstown CARES Project — with CARES representing Community, Awareness, Responsibility, Empowerment, and Sustainability — this endeavor will utilize the efforts of The Hill School’s students, faculty, and staff; a dedicated group of Pottstown School District students and teachers; and a crew of Borough maintenance professionals.

Pottstown residents are encouraged to attend the meeting Tuesday evening to help organizers plan how to make a tangible impact on the borough on Oct. 25, both in terms of improved aesthetics and, ideally, heightened and sustainable Pottstown community spirit and commitment.

Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information, please contact Assistant Borough Manager Erika Weekley at 610-970-6515 or eweekley@pottstown.org.

Steel River musical about family, acceptance, and enduring spirit of love

Please check out this review of Steel River Playhouse’s current musical La Cage aux Folles from guest blogger Parker Blaney. The original 1983 Broadway production of  La Cage aux Folles won 6 Tony Awards and it has since won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical twice, the only musical to do so, proving again and again that this story lives on. Thanks for covering it for us, Park!

What a delight it was to see Pottstown’s own Steel River Playhouse production of La Cage aux Folles. I have to confess I usually don’t enjoy musical plays, but this one delightfully breaks all boundaries, in more ways than one! At its heart, this is a story about family, what it means to grow up and thrive in a community of love, and what happens when two families with different ideals are thrust together as the result of young, passionate love.

Courtesy of Steel River Playhouse
Courtesy of Steel River Playhouse

Within the musical, Albin, a buxom drag queen, played by the wonderful Kirk Lawrence, is the star attraction of a show called La Cage aux Folles; he is also the star of the musical at Steel River. Lawrence’s  voice ranges from the purr of a cat that builds to the roar of a wounded, suffering lioness. Georges, played by Robb Hutter, is his husband, and the manager of the show. He tugs at our hearts with his tender ballads of longing, recounting his and Albin’s youthful love.

Their son—who is the biological son of Georges from a previous relationship with a woman—is Jean-Michel, played by David Landstrom. Jean-Michel has fallen desperately in love and wishes to marry Anne, played by Josephine Patane, the daughter of a local conservative politician. That’s where the trouble begins.

Anne’s family demands to meet Jean-Michel’s family, and Jean-Michel doesn’t want Albin, effectively his mother for many years, to meet them out of fear the conservative politician will not only disapprove of their nontraditional family but also discover that Albin is the host of La Cage aux Folles, and thus refuse to give his consent. It is heartbreaking to see the dear, conflicted, vulnerable Albin react to Jean-Michel’s denial of him. This is the heart of the play—will the family defend its members as they are, or hide them away as if they are a kind of social leper? Well, suffice to say that events often run ahead of the best made plans, much to the delight of the audience. The conflict and its resolution are unexpected and yet believable.

Courtesy of Steel River Playhouse
Courtesy of Steel River Playhouse

Also a show-stopper is the performance of Adam Newborn, who plays Jacob, the “maid.” His mad dashes onto the stage and his frolicking, wild energy take over his scenes. He is simply drop-dead funny. Newborn’s sense of comedic timing is impeccable and seamless. I had the sense I was watching someone special, someone I will see again in a much larger role in the future. Indeed, all of the actors’ performances felt like they came out of a big-time production and not regional theater. Regional theater can sometimes feel slightly amateurish to me, but not here at the Steel River Playhouse.

I can’t remember the last time I felt as wide a range of emotions as I did watching La Cage aux Folles. There are some rather mild sexual situations, but really the meaning of the play, the tension of being who we are versus what society might demand of us, is timeless. Its message never grows old and never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Please, there are only a few more performances of La Cage Aux Folles at Steel River Playhouse in downtown Pottstown. Get your tickets now for an abiding message about love, family and the soaring, enduring spirit of human relationships. 

La Cage aux Folles runs for one more weekend, through June 23rd, with performances on Thursday at 7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $15 to $26, with special cabaret seating at $68 for a table for 2 (includes complimentary beverages and snacks). Tickets are available online at http://www.steelriver.org or by calling the box office at 610.970.1199, or at the door when available. Steel River Playhouse is located at 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Annual Soap Box Derby tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. on Wilson Street

This info was posted at The Mercury yesterday. Click here to see the article and cool photos.

“Young racers are getting ready to roll at the annual Soap Box Derby this Saturday. Sponsored by the Pottstown AMBUCS, the event is one of the most popular family events in the area. Crowds gather to watch the young drivers race down the Wilson Street hill.

The Pottstown Soap Box Derby was first run in 1994 and is run on the third Saturday in June every year on Wilson Street between State Street and Farmington Avenue.

Opening ceremonies are at 8:30 a.m. and the first race starts at 9 a.m. Final heats are at 4 p.m.”

Open House Slated at MCCC’s University Center in Pottstown

This comes to us by way of Alana Mauger at MCCC…

Montgomery County Community College’s University Center will hold an Open House on Thursday, June 20 from 6-8 p.m. at 95 S. Hanover St., Pottstown.

First introduced in 2006, MCCC’s University Center framework offers an entrepreneurial approach to expanding higher education opportunities for residents of Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Through partnerships with select four-year institutions, students can choose from 10 bachelor’s degrees, five master’s degrees, one graduate certificate, two doctorates and six professional development certificates.

Representatives from MCCC’s University Center partners will be available to share information and discuss educational pathways during the open house. Partners include Albright College, which offers programs at MCCC’s campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown; Immaculata University, which offers a Doctor of Education program at MCCC’s Central Campus in Blue Bell; and Alvernia University, Chestnut Hill College, Drexel University, Temple University and Villanova University, which offer programs at MCCC’s West Campus in Pottstown.

To learn more about MCCC’s University Center initiative and to see the specific programs offered by each institution, visit mc3.edu/academics/university-center.aspx.

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