Tag: Steel River Playhouse

Hometown Holiday activities begin this weekend in downtown Pottstown

Local arts and historic organizations and businesses, along with the Pottstown Downtown Improvement Distric Authority, otherwise known as PDIDA (puh-dee-da), iarebringing a host of Hometown Holiday events to downtown Pottstown on the weekends leading up to Christmas.

Events kick off this Saturday, Dec. 1st when Santa and his elves arrive at 5 p.m., making a healthy, heart-warming entrance at High and Evans Street, before heading down High Street to Smith Plaza for the lighting of the Christmas tree there. Smith Plaza itself will be all lit up, too!

At the Plaza, visitors can enjoy holiday music, free trolley rides from 4:40 to 8 p.m., and horse-drawn wagon rides from 5 to 7 p.m., for just $10.

Santa’s Village will be open with Santa himself, kids’ crafts, reindeer food making, and a coloring contest at Tango Marketing, 139 E. High Street, just across the street from  Smith Plaza.

In the 300 block of High Street, the Empire Hook & Ladder Fire Company will provide roasted chestnuts and other treats. Additional events, including children’s story hours, open houses and activities for children, will be held Fridays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 and on Saturday, Dec. 8 and 15.

Throughout the holiday season, beginning next Thursday, Dec. 6th,  Steel River Playhouse’s “Annie” will be performed and run through Dec. 22. You can also stop in at ArtFusion 19464 at 254 E. High Street for their winter show, “The Secret Life of Trees”, and to pick up unique gifts.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, the Candlelight Tour of Pottsgrove Manor runs from 2 to 8 p.m., while the Pottstown Holiday Historic House Tour will be from 1 to 6 p.m. A $12 ticket includes a Victorian Tea presented by the Doe Club at the Pottstown Elks from 12noon-2pm.  All homes and buildings on the tour are open from 1pm-6pm.  Free trolley transportation and refreshments for all ticket holders. Tickets are available after Thanksgiving at Carter’s Locksmith Shop, 137 N Hanover Street. $12 in advance, $14 day of tour. For more information contact Sue Krause at (610) 323-2229.

All of these events are sponsored by the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, Historic Pottstown Neighborhood Association, Pottgrove Manor, Steel River Playhouse, ArtFusion 19464, and individual businesses. BUY LOCAL, PLAY LOCAL, AND CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS LOCAL!

SENIOR FOLLIES! SENIOR FOLLIES! THIS WEEKEND!

Seniors Just Want to Have Fun!

Zany, high energy antics this Saturday and Sunday only

Steel River Playhouse

245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

 

“Let’s Start the New Year Right,” according to the members of Steel River Playhouse’s 55+ theater troupe which performs its semi-annual Senior Follies this weekend.  The troupe forecasts 2013 through popular songs, zany and campy antics, and as much laughter as they can generate. 

Basic Information

“Let’s Start the New Year Right” will be performed this Saturday, November 17 at 7PM, and this Sunday, November 18 at 3PM in the Newberry Loft at Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464.  Tickets range from $8-$12.  More information and tickets are available on-line at http://www.steelriver.org or by calling 610.970.1199. Tickets are also usually available at the door.

Semi-Annual Public Performances
The Senior Follies troupe performs publicly twice yearly as part of Steel River Playhouse’s education program.  This performance is directed by two veteran performers and directors at Steel River Playhouse, Deborah Stimson-Snow, Artistic Director, and Steve Reazor, Education Director.

“This is part of our education program, so everyone who wants to gets to participate in some way.  We have costumes and music, and, frankly, it’s as much fun putting it on as it is watching it in the audience,” Marta Kiesling, Executive Director, said.  “But the seniors take this opportunity seriously, even if fun and laughs are the objective.  Their energy and enthusiasm is infectious.”

Great for Groups

Laughter truly is contagious.  For performers and audience alike.  Come and share, and bring lots of friends!

 

 

“Blithe Spirit” brings witty fun to Main Stage at Steel River Playhouse

I got to spend last Friday night enjoying the clever writing of British playwright Noel Coward and the accents and acting of a superb cast of regional actors, thanks to a complimentary ticket to the opening performance of the play Blithe Spirit at Steel River Playhouse in downtown Pottstown.

Before the play even begins, the audience gets a feel for the comedy that’s about to ensue when the typical announcements (about turning off your cell phone and not eating candy wrapped in that annoying crinkly cellophane) are made by an otherworldly British voice, purported to be coming from the ghost of Noel Coward, the playwright himself. Between that and the classy, mood-setting music of harpist Betsy Chapman, the audience is primed when the set lights up and we are in a quintessential gorgeous Victorian-style living room in the home of Ruth and Charles Condomine of Kent, England. It’s hard miss the dramatic and sensual portrait of a red-haired woman above the mantelpiece.

The set-up is marvelous: Ruth and Charles have invited a local medium to a dinner party with another couple so that Charles can do some research for a mystery he’s writing. (Yes, writers really do stuff like that – anything for a story.) Before their guests arrive, we’re treated to some physical comedy from their hyperactive maid, Edith, relentlessly portrayed by Rebecca Shoemaker. We also learn that the woman above the mantelpiece is Charles’ deceased first wife, Elvira,  he’s still got a thing for her, and his current wife is not oblivious to that. Their guests, Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, arrive and then the stage really lights up when the colorful Madame Arcati enters. Played by Steel River’s Artistic Director and co-founder, Deborah Stimson-Snow, Madame Arcati keeps the energy and the comedy rolling for the rest of the evening.

When she conjures up the spirit of Elvira, and Charles is the only one who can hear or see her, we know instantly that trouble is on the immediate horizon for his relationship with Ruth, his current wife. There is a hilarious and long exchange between Charles and Ruth and Charles and Elvira – a literary love triangle – near the end of the first act in which everything he says to Elvira is incorrectly interpreted by Ruth until she goes off to bed in a huff. This delicious bit of writing is carried off without a hitch by Jennifer Dinan (Ruth), Carl Heyde (Charles), and Tara McFalls (Elvira). Now, try to imagine hearing me say in a British accent: This is terribly funny.

As you might expect, Elvira is trouble – not unlike the ghost or the embodiment of any former lover who intrudes upon a current relationship. As Charles and Ruth try to rid themselves of her presence and influence, things get royally botched. I hope I’m not delivering any spoilers here when I say that after several twists and turns of the plot, it becomes apparent that the spirits of these three characters will never be completely disentangled.

I loved this play! It’s loads of fun, the writing, acting, music, set design, and costumes are stellar. The Pottstown region is very fortunate to have Steel River Playhouse in its midst, bringing  outstanding drama to the suburbs of southeastern Pennsylvania. Blithe Spirit runs just two more weekends – this weekend and next – so make your plans and get your tickets now. Cheers!

The remaining performances of Blithe Spirit will take place Thursdays (October 18 and 25 at 7:30PM), Fridays (October 19 and 26 at 8PM), Saturdays (October 20 and 27 at 8PM) and Sundays (October 21 and 28 at 3PM) on the Main Stage. Tickets range from $17-$23. More information and a ticketing link are available at www.steelriver.org or by calling 610.970.1199.

About Steel River Playhouse

Formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center (Tri-PAC), Steel River Playhouse 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, the Steel River Playhouse produces more than 90 performances and hosts more than 10,000 people as audiences, students, artists, donors and volunteers from throughout the region. We offer performance opportunities through open auditions; theater technical training; acting, voice, and instrumental lessons; classes and workshops for all ages; summer camp programs; and educational outreach including scholarships, artists in the classroom, traveling children’s shows, and other initiatives. For further information, visit http://www.steelriver.org, or call 610-970-1199.

Comedy classic, BLITHE SPIRIT, opens October 11 at Steel River Playhouse

Blithe Spirit, one of Sir Noel Coward’s enduring comedy classics, opens at the Steel River Playhouse this Thursday, October 11.

This oft-revived smash comedy hit of London, Broadway and stages everywhere asks, “What happens when your late first wife comes back as a ghost and your second wife isn’t happy with the spooky, meddling houseguest?” 

In Coward’s Blithe Spirit, gentleman and writer, Charles Condomine gets himself into this pickle when, as research for his next book, The Unseen, he dismissively arranges for a séance by a local medium.  When the ghost of his first wife nevertheless appears, alternately and desperately, he tries to make peace, “Why can’t we all get along?,” or to return things to the way they were.  Coward and his characters are forthright, frank and witty.  As a result, audiences revel in the unintended consequences and surprises unleashed as relationship  secrets take center stage.

While Blithe Spirit is very funny and lighthearted,  Coward had a serious intent while writing it.  A great celebrity in his day as an actor, playwright, songwriter and style-maker, Coward also was a patriot, helping Great Britain during some of its darkest wartime hours in 1941.  He wrote Blithe Spirit and got it produced quickly to lift the spirits of his countrymen.  It delighted audiences throughout the war, especially soldiers about to ship out.  Coward’s great wit, his writing, and his Shakespearean sense for tormenting his characters make his work as funny and appealing today as it was in wartime Great Britain.

Blithe Spirit will be performed Thursdays (October 11, 18, 25 at 7:30PM), Fridays (October 12, 19, 26 at 8PM), Saturdays (October 13, 20, 27 at 8PM) and Sundays (October 14, 21, 28 at 3PM) on the Main Stage.  Special Event: Sunday, October 14 – Talkback with the director and cast.   Tickets range from $17-$23.  More information and a ticketing link are available at www.steelriver.org or by calling 610.970.1199.

 

About Steel River Playhouse

Formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center (Tri-PAC), Steel River Playhouse 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, the Steel River Playhouse produces more than 90 performances and hosts more than 10,000 people as audiences, students, artists, donors and volunteers from throughout the region. We offer performance opportunities through open auditions; theater technical training; acting, voice, and instrumental lessons; classes and workshops for all ages; summer camp programs; and educational outreach including scholarships, artists in the classroom, traveling children’s shows, and other initiatives. For further information, visit www.steelriver.org, or call 610-970-1199.

Calling all singers, musicians & actors in grades 9-12: Win $1,000!

The Rotary Club of Pottstown has teamed up with the support of the Steel River Playhouse and The High Street Music Company to sponsor a special talent competition.

The Rotary Club is seeking students from grades 9 through 12 to participate in the competition, which will be held Nov. 9. There will be three performance categories in which students can compete – vocal, instrumental and acting. Please submit your completed Entry Form NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 15, 2012.

Students from Pottstown and all of the surrounding school districts, public, private and parochial schools are eligible and invited to participate in this event. Entry is free.

The Rotary Club is offering a $1,000 scholarship to the winner in each category. Honorable mention awards sponsored by the Steel River Playhouse and the High Street Music Company will also be presented.

For an application and the performing guidelines, please go to The Rotary Club of Pottstown’s website at: www.pottstownrotary.org. You can also see the details below. Please submit your completed Entry Form NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 15, 2012.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pottstown

Nov. 2, 2012through Nov. 9, 2012

For Students in Grades 9 through 12

ELIGIBILITY

The scholarship competition is open to all students in Grades 9 through 12, including homeschoolers of applicable age.

HOW TO ENTER/DEADLINES

Audition appointments are strongly encouraged by submission of your Entry Form no later than October 15, 2012 to: Pottstown Rotary Club, Performing Arts Competition, P. O. Box 20, Parkerford, PA. 19457-9905. Walk-ins will be seen during Preliminary Auditions only, if time allows. All entrants much submit a completed Entry Form, including parent/legal guardian signature if under 18, in order to participate in the competition.

 

AWARDS

$1,000 Instrumental Music Scholarship

$1,000 Vocal Scholarship

$1,000 Drama Scholarship.

Runner-Ups will receive prized sponsored by the Steel River Playhouse (formerly Tri-PAC ) and High Street Music.

Note: Scholarship money must be used for performing arts education with any private instructor, group class, summer camp program, or college coursework.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATION

Both the Preliminary Auditions and Finals will be held at the Steel River Playhouse (formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center), 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

Audition appointments are strongly encouraged and will be assigned after submission of your Entry Form.  Walk-ins will be seen during Preliminary Auditions only, if time allows. After completion of the Preliminary Auditions, a select number of entrants will be invited to participate in the Public Presentation to compete for scholarships and other awards.

All entrants are invited to attend the Public Presentation free of charge, and will have the opportunity to receive direct feedback from the evaluators immediately following the event.

Preliminary Auditions (Entrants need only be present at one of the specified days for audition):

Friday, November 2, 2012 (4:00 – 7:00 pm)

Saturday, November 3, 2012 (2:30 – 6:00 pm)

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 (6:00 – 9:00 pm)

Public Presentation (Finals): Friday, November 9, 2012 (7:00 – 10:00 pm)

Admission $8

Note: admission is free of charge for all students who participated in the competition, and for children age 12 and under.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES AND REQUIREMENTS

The scholarship competition is open to solo artists only; no group numbers please. Rules for each category are listed below. All entrants may bring a headshot or recent photo, or we will take your photo on arrival. You may also bring a typed resume listing your training and experience, although this is not required. BE PREPARED FOR AN INTERVIEW IN THEIR PRELIMINARY AUDITION, AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE DIRECTION TO SEE IF YOU CAN LISTEN AND ARE DIRECTABLE.

ocal: Perform 32 bars (not including intro measures) of a ballad from any musical genre/style (e.g., Broadway, jazz, pop, country, classical); however, be prepared to perform more if requested by the evaluators. Your selection must be memorized.  You may bring your own accompanist. Alternatively, a CD player will be available to you. If using the accompanist, bring one copy of your sheet music in the correct key, with all cuts or repetitions clearly marked.  If using a CD player or other electronic devices, you may bring a track with instrumental music only (no vocals). A cappella singing is not permitted. Recommended: bring a second copy of your sheet music for the evaluators.

Acting: Perform 1 contemporary monologue of any type, memorized, maximum of 90 seconds. Please do not perform works of Shakespeare or his friends (contemporaries). Hand props are permitted but no full costumes or set pieces. 2 chairs will be available for use (please don’t stand on or throw the chairs as part of your presentation). Be prepared to answer questions about your monologue.

Instrumental: Perform 32 bars of music from any genre/style; however, be prepared to play more if requested by the evaluators. Your selection must be memorized. Although only the soloist will be evaluated, you may bring up to 2 additional instrumentalists as accompaniment for your solo work, or you may bring a music track. No vocals are permitted and any instrumental accompaniment must be a different instrument than that of the soloist. A CD player and a 2-plug outlet will be made available.

 

EVALUATION PROCESS

 Preliminary Auditions: Entrants will be evaluated during the preliminary auditions by instructors and staff of the Steel River Playhouse (formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center) and High Street Music using a standardized evaluation form, in order to determine who will progress to the Final Presentations. Rooms will be provided for you to warm up and change your clothes, if needed. Preliminary auditions are closed to the public. Finalists will be announced via email or website posting upon completion of the all Preliminary Auditions, no later than Thursday morning, November 8, 2012. All entrants are encouraged to attend the Final Presentations to support their fellow students, receive direct feedback and written evaluations, and enjoy a special reception in honor of their participation in the competition.

Final Presentations: Finalists will perform their complete audition pieces for the public and for evaluators on Friday, November 9, 2012, starting at 7:00 pm. Finalists are asked to report no later than 6:00 pm that evening, to prepare. Rooms will be provided for you to warm up and change your clothes, if needed. Presentations will be grouped in the following order: (1) instrumental, (2) monologue, and (3) vocal. Finalists must perform the same piece and wear the same attire as presented during the Preliminary Auditions. Evaluators for the Final Presentation may include the Steel River Playhouse (formerly Tri-PAC ) and High Street Music instructors and staff, and/or may include other professional artists and instructors from the area. There will be a brief intermission after each category of finalists, so that evaluators may confer. Scholarships winners for all categories will be announced at the end of the evening, after all finalists have presented their work.

PREPARATION AND AUDITION TIPS

  • What you wear matters! Think about how your outfit enhances your overall presentation.
  • Choose material that is appropriate for your age and prepare thoroughly. Seek assistance from your teachers, choir and band directors, or others in the community who can provide help.
  • Actors – make sure your monologue is from a published work, and read the complete work to understand the context. Do not use a teen monologue book.
  • Vocalists – choose work that sits well within your vocal range and shows your best singing technique.
  • When entering the room, wait until the evaluators have completed their notes from the prior candidate before introducing yourself and your piece. Vocalists and Instrumentalists should confer with the accompanist or set up their CD or instrumental accompaniment immediately upon entering the room, in order to be completely set up before addressing the evaluators.
  • When performing, don’t look directly at the evaluators (it can make them uncomfortable). They will be listening and taking notes, and are not part of your performance.
  • Don’t offer to shake the hand of the accompanist or evaluators unless they offer it first.
  • Once the audition is over, thank the evaluators and the accompanist before leaving the room.

On-line Assistance: Please take a look at these websites and research others to learn more about selecting audition material and audition etiquette. Also you can check out sheet music websites to find music for your song choice (make sure it’s in the right key!), and can find a variety of karaoke instrumental tracks on Youtube.

http://theatre.psu.edu/programs/mt/auditiontips

http://www.drama.cmu.edu/news/view/67

http://youngadults.about.com/od/collegeprep/a/auditions.htm

http://www.oberlin.edu/career/students/documents/AuditionsGuide6.09.pdf

Application below:

Please print and submit your completed Entry Form NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 15, 2012 to: 

Pottstown Rotary Club, Performing Arts Competition, P. O. Box 20, Parkerford, PA. 19457-9905.  

ROTARY CLUB OF POTTSTOWN

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

ENTRY FORM

Nov. 2, 2012through Nov. 9, 2012

For Students in Grades 9 through 12

 Student Name: Phone:
 Address:
 Email:
Birth Date (include year): Current Age: Current Grade:
 Current Performing Arts Instructor/s:
 Emergency Contact:
Address: Phone:

Competition Category: Please check the talent category(ies) in which you wish to compete. Refer to Competition rules for a complete understanding of the categories before selecting.

 

Voice: Acting (monologue) Instrumental:

Brief Description of Your Talent and Skills: (for example, type of instrument, number of years, type of training and performance experience, if any:

Audition Date: Preliminary Auditions take place Friday, November 2, 2012 (4:00 – 7:00 pm), Saturday, November 3, 2012 (2:30 – 6:00 pm), and Wednesday, November 7, 2012 (6:00 – 9:00 pm) at the Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA . There are a limited number of audition slots for each category. Audition appointments are strongly encouraged by submission of your Entry Form no later than October 15, 2012. Walk-ins will be seen during Preliminary Auditions only, if time allows.

Please indicate your 1st and 2nd choice for an audition date and time (allow for at least 1 hour of availability in case of audition delays). You will be notified of your audition time by email.

1st Choice: 2nd Choice:

Note: the Public Presentation (Finals) will take place Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 (7:00 – 10:00 pm) at the Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA . All entrants are encouraged to attend the Final Presentations to support their fellow students, receive direct feedback and written evaluations, and enjoy a special reception in honor of their participation in the competition.

Permission to Compete (required for students under age 18):

 

I,                                                                             as parent/legal guardian of the above-named minor, do hereby give my permission for said minor to participate in the Rotary of Pottstown Performing Arts Scholarship Competition.

Name (print): Phone:
Signature: Email:

Representation and Release: By signing below (or by Parent or Legal Guardian signing below, in the case of a minor, on both the Parent’s or Legal Guardian’s as well as the minor child’s behalf), I agree to the following:

In consideration of the Rotary Club of Pottstown, the Steel River Playhouse (formerly Village Productions (Tri-PAC), and High Street Music (separately and collectively referred to as the “Parties”) allowing me to compete in the Rotary Club of Pottstown Performing Arts Scholarship Competition (the “Event”), I hereby agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless the Parties (and their officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and Board members), from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, and including any injury to myself or another party, associated with my participation in the Event (including but not limited to those arising in connection with use of any facilities, as well as those arising from a third party due to my own conduct). I hereby authorize the Parties to use any photographs and/or media recordings in which I appear, for any purpose including but not limited to promotional purposes and release via the internet and/or other media outlets, without further notice, permission, or compensation. I hereby grant the Parties (and their officers, employees, agents, volunteers, independent contractors, and Board members), permission, in their discretion, to release medical information to the program staff or others deemed necessary and in my interests, and to seek and authorize emergency medical treatment for me, and I hereby agree to assume all medical costs incurred. I hereby agree to abide by all the rules of this competition, and acknowledge that all decisions of the Evaluators are final.  I further agree that if any part of this agreement is found by a court or other appropriate authority to be invalid, the remainder of the agreement nevertheless will remain in full force and effect. I further acknowledge that I have read and understood this Representation and Release, and voluntarily agree to be legally bound by its terms.

Signature of Student: Date:
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian (for students under age 18):
Date:

Please submit your completed Entry Form NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 15, 2012 to: 

Pottstown Rotary Club, Performing Arts Competition, P. O. Box 20, Parkerford, PA. 19457-9905.  

Steel River Playhouse Opens New Season With Tony- and Pulitzer-Winning Contemporary Musical

The popular Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Next to Normal, is the highly anticipated 2012-13 Season opener for Steel River Playhouse (formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center, or Tri-PAC).

Running for just 6 performances over 2 weekends (September 14th through 23rd), Next to Normal is a compellingly honest story that is by turns comedic and moving. A contemporary rock musical infused with a powerful story line, Next to Normal centers on the Goodmans– Dan, Diana, Gabe and Natalie – a seemingly “normal” family as real and recognizable as our own. Each is trying to take care of themselves and each other, wrestling to hold onto home, joy, commitment and love in the face of strong and subtle forces. The magic
of Next to Normal is how much you care about the characters and their tenacity as they experience each day.

The New York Times called it a “brave,breathtaking musical,” and a “feel-everything musical.” The Washington Post went so far as to say it “defines the modern American musical.” Unlike traditional musicals comprised of discrete sections of dialogue and song, the thrilling musical numbers of Next of Normal are woven seamlessly into the work and carry the plot forward organically. A live orchestra supports the stellar cast of actor-singers, keeping up Steel River Playhouse’s longstanding commitment to high quality musicianship as an essential part of the musical theater experience.

Next to Normal is directed by Kevin Laibson, a New York-based producer and director who has been instrumental in encouraging and enabling artists and playwrights to take risks and keep theater original and powerful. He’s also a teacher (improvisation), actor and musician.

Laibson says Next to Normal is about “…how hard people work to be together.” What makes the play so powerful, Laibson says, is “how much the audience will care about these characters, and how much their struggles will mean to everyone watching.”

The play will be performed in Steel River Playhouse’s intimate Newberry Loft, which will seat less than 100 people for each performance. Laibson believes that this setting will enhance the audience’s identification with the characters’ will to adapt to their lives and each other.

The cast:
Maddie Aicher (Daughter, Natalie Goodman) – Owen J. Roberts School District
Steven Burke (Son, Gabe Goodman) – Upper Merion School District
Drew Carr (Henry) – Spring-Ford Area School District
Greg Kasander (Father, Dan Goodman) – Gulph Mills, Pennyslvania
Denise Webb (Mother, Diana Goodman) – Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Kevin Ray Johnson (Dr. Madden) – Baltimore, Maryland

Next to Normal will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM September 14, 15, 21 & 22 and Sundays at 3 PM, September 16 & 23 at Steel River Playhouse, 245 East High Street, Pottstown. It is Directed by Kevin Laibson; Music Directed by Deborah Stimson-Snow. Next to Normal music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

In addition, on Sunday, September 16 following the performance audience members can ask questions of the director and cast during our Talkback. Single ticket prices are Adults $19, Seniors (65+) $17 and Students/Children $15. There are two changes in ticketing policy this season; groups of 10 or more get a higher discount – $3 off per ticket. And tickets bought online – www.steelriver.org – are the same price as tickets purchased at the box office.

Steel River Playhouse holds open house this weekend

This comes to us from the effervescent marketeer and harpist Betsy Chapman!

Steel River Playhouse, formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center (Tri-PAC), is holding an open house this weekend to showcase their educational offerings. 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, the Steel River Playhouse produces more than 90 performances and hosts more than 10,000 people as audiences, students, artists, donors and volunteers from throughout the region. They offer performance opportunities through open auditions; theater technical training; acting, voice, and instrumental lessons; classes and workshops for all ages; summer camp programs; and educational outreach including scholarships, artists in the classroom, traveling children’s shows, and other initiatives. Steel River is located at 245 E. High Street in the heart of downtown Pottstown. For further information, visit www.steelriver.org, or call 610-970-1199.

 

Classes & Private Lessons

STUDENT OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION

Saturday, Sept 8th & Sunday, Sept 9th (11 am – 3 pm)

FREE Trial lessons, mini classes, refreshments, tours, and giveaways!

ALL ages

See our NEW marquee and take a tour!

Saturday, Sept 8th

Sunday, Sept 9th

Free Trial Lessons

Voice, Guitar & Acting

11am to 3pm

Free Trial Lessons

Voice, Guitar, Acting & Piano  

11am to 3pm

Free Mini-Classes

11:30am – Comedy/Improv (Grade 5 – 7)

12N – Acting (Grade 5 – 7)

12:30pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade 8 – Adult)

1pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade K – 4)

1:30pm – Acting (Grade 8 – Adult)

Free Mini-Classes

11:30am – Acting (Grade K – 4)

12N – Acting (Grade K – 4)

12:30pm – Acting (Grade 5 – 7)

1pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade 8 – Adult)

1:30 – Comedy/Improv (Grade 5 – 7)

Classes – Sept 17th thru Nov 18th

 Character in Song, Comedy/Improv, Acting for the Stage

Performance Troupes (Grades 2 – 4, 5 – 7, 8 – 12)

And more!  Financial Aid is Available     

Private Lessons begin September 10th  

Acting, Monologue Coaching, Voice, Piano, Guitar, Flute, and Trumpet

Special Guest Instructor – Ken Kaissar – Private Acting

Wednesdays and Sundays, starting in October

BFA Theatre (Directing), Carnegie Mellon University; MFA Theatre (Playwriting), Columbia University. Ken’s directing work has been seen in New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. His work on new plays has been seen at the Culture Project’s Women’s Center Stage Festival and the Philly Fringe Festival. His productions of THE TRUE AUTHOR REVEALED and THE MYSTERIES OF THE MONK OF FALCONARA led to publication of both plays in the BEST PLAYS ANTHOLOGY published by Applause. His play A MODEST SUGGESTION just finished a very successful Off-Broadway run; and CEASEFIRE was an official selection for Fusion Theatre Company’s New Works Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ken teaches playwriting and theatre history at Rider University and Stockton College.

Questions? Email Steve Reazor, Education Director, at steve@steelriver.org or call 610.970.1199.

 

 

One Day Only!

ANN GILLETTE – PRIVATE ON-CAMERA COACHING

Saturday, Oct 6th (10 am – 3 pm by appt)

Specializing in commercial, TV, and film audition and acting techniques

Ann Gillette has created a following as one of the top on-camera acting coaches on the East Coast. She coaches actors on a weekly basis for major television, film and commercial auditions. She is a ‘first call’ of top agents and managers who need their actors to push themselves to a bookable level. Ann has worked in casting and as a producer for the past 16 years, on hundreds of television, film and commercial projects. She began her career with Wickline Casting in Philadelphia in the early ‘90s, where she worked on nationwide talent searches for Spelling Television and NBC Daytime, movies like “The Long Kiss Goodnight” with Geena Davis and Sam Jackson, and “Broadway Brawler” with Bruce Willis, and national commercials for “Best Buy”, “McDonalds” and “Verizon”. After leaving Wickline, she freelanced as a producer and worked on national media pieces for shows like “Hard Copy” and “Access Hollywood”, and produced regional TV shows like “The Fretz Kitchen” and “Scene 8. She has continued her work with many production companies and ad agencies with credits such as commercials for GIANT, Thermador and Lancaster County Tourism.

One-hour private sessions: $75

To register, email Steve Reazor, Education Director, at steve@steelriver.org or call 610.970.1199.

Smash musical HAIRSPRAY continues at Steel River Playhouse this weekend! Community Day on Saturday!

As Hairspray continues its run at Steel River this weekend, the Playhouse will also be celebrating its new name and new facade, and the community is invited to participate tomorrow, June 16th, during a Community Day. Details below can be found at the Steel River website.

Join us for Community Day!
Saturday, June 16
at Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

Celebrate our Grand Re-Opening with free workshops, guest artists, refreshments, tours, and giveaways!  Come see our new façade and marquee, a welcoming outdoor plaza, and a renovated lobby.

Guest artists include Robb Curtis Brown, High School Musical 3, It’s Complicated, Dreamgirls, Bruce Almighty; BJ Ellis, executive director and performer for The N Crowd, and widely regarded as one of the top short-form improv specialists in Philadelphia.  John Moletress, founder of the Washington D.C. – based Factory 449: a theatre collective (2011 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company), and force/collision, an interdisciplinary performance ensemble.  Guest artist at Steel River Playhouse directing The Crucible, and Pippin.  Neal Newman, director of classical, Shakespeare, modern theater, musicals, and opera, including off-Broadway and Shakespeare in the Park.  Guest artist and instructor at Steel River Playhouse directing Ragtime, A Christmas Carol, Toys in the Attic.   Robert Snow, script and screenwriter and director, his first short, The Blue Die, won the Film of Highest Distinction Award at the Siouxland International Film Festival.  His thesis film, Bunny, premiered at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.  Bob is now a staff writer for New Girl starring Zooey Deschanel; and Lisa Waltz, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Reckless, Yours, Mine and Ours, Pet Sematary Two.  Currently, she’s working on a new series with Eric McCormack and a film about working actors.

Community Day Schedule

9:30 AM – Summer Camp Info Session – Steve Reazor, Education Dir.

10:00 AM – Music, Movement and Me with Deedee Mann (Grades K through 4); Comedy-Improv Workshop with BJ Ellis (Grades 5 through 8); Vocal Evaluations with Deborah Stimson-Snow (Grades 5 through Adult) Private 10-minute voice sessions with Artistic Director; Cold Reading and Monologue Workshop with Robb Curtis Brown (Observers – all ages, and Participants – Grades 8 – Adult pre-register with marta@steelriver.com)

11:00 AM – Exploring Drama with Steve Reazor (Grades K through 4); Acting Fun & Games with Phil Ballantine (Grades 5 through 8); Vocal Evaluations with Deborah Stimson-Snow (Grades 5 through Adult) – Private 10-minute sessions with Master Instructor; Comedy-Improv Workshop with BJ Ellis (Grades 8 through Adult); Cold Reading and Monologue Workshop with Robb Curtis Brown (see above)

12 NOON – Music, Movement and Me with Deedee Mann (Grades K – 4); Getting Ready to Sing Workshop with Margaret Curry (Grades 2 through 4); Finding your Inner Shakespeare: First Steps to Approaching the Bard with Neal Newman (Grades 5 through Adult); Surviving College Auditions: Practical Advice on School Selection, Audition Prep, Managing Expectations, and Family Bonding with Marta Kiesling and John Moletress (Grades 8 through 12, and parents)

1:00 PM – Acting Fun and Games with Steve Reazor (Grades K – 4); Inside the Directing Process with Neal Newman (Grades 5 to Adult); Out of your Mind: Movement and Visualization Workshop with John Moletress (Grades 5 to Adult)

2:00 PM – The Inside Scoop: Celebrity Stories with Lisa Waltz, Robb Curtis and Neal Newman (All Ages) Backstage chatter about working with Al Pacino, Zac Efron, Patrick Dempsey, Ashton Kutcher, Ashley Tisdale, Sylvester Stallone, Laurence Olivier, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jim Carrey, Robert Redford, Barbara Streisand, Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Blythe Danner, Angela Lansbury, and more!

3:00 PM – From Page to Stage (and Screen!): Real Stories on How to get your New Work on its Feet with John Moletress, & SKYPE interview with Bobby Snow. (Grades 5 – Adult); Summer Camp Info Session with Steve Reazor, Education Director

Juan Carlos offers special Father’s Day menu

Juan Carlos Fine Mexican Cuisine is offering a special menu for Father’s Day, this Sundaym, June 17th from 9am-2pm. Complimentary Mexican beer will be served with a Father’s Day entree! (Please note: lunch items served after 10:30am.)

*Carne asada tacos (2)- Tender chopped steak, topped with freshly chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedge and Anaheim red sauce on the side.  Served with rice, black beans, Pico de Gallo, Jalepeno peppers and sour cream.  $12-

*Tacos de pescado (2)- Corano beer battered cod lightly fried and sliced into soft corn tortillas and topped with mixed lettuce, Pico de Gallo, lime and our chipotle ranch. $12.99-

*Fajita trio de Ranchero–  Grilled skirt steak, chicken breast and shrimp smothered with our ranchero sauce and mixed cheese.  Served with sauteed peppers/onions, lettuce, Pico de Gallo, and sour cream. $16-

* Bistec con salsa roja– 12oz ribeye steak cooked to your liking and topped with our special Anahiem red sauce, sauteed peppers and onions.  Served with rice, black beans, Pico de Gallo, Jalepeno peppers and guacamole. Choice of soup or salad.  $24-

*Carnitas de cerdo– My father’s favorite!  Tender chuncks of pork lightly fried and simmered in a Mexican spiced gravy.  Served with rice, black beans, Pico de Gallo, Jalapeno peppers, guacamole and flour tortillas. $15-

Children’s Menu  $6.75

All children’s meals served with either soft drink, milk, apple juice, orange juice and ice cream Sunday.

*Tacos– Grilled beef or chicken.  Served with lettuce, tomato, creama, rice or French fries.

*Chicken fingers– Lightly fried chicken tenders served with honey mustard and French fries.

*Mexican pizza– Flat bread topped with tomato sauce and mixed cheese.  Served with rice or French fries.

*Steak or chicken burrito–  Flour tortilla stuffed with lettuce, tomato, mixed cheese, rice, and creama.  Served with French fries.

*Avocado cheese burger–  Beef burger served with lettuce, tomato, cheese and french fries.  Ketchup or mustard on request.

All this deliciousness is brought to you by Ron R. Garza, Chef/Owner.  Juan Carlos Fine Mexican Cuisine is located at 235 E. High Street, Pottstown, Pa 19464. Phone: 484/624-4931.

After lunch, why not take a stroll and then go to the Steel River Playhouse at 245 E. High Street for the Sunday matinee of the smash Broadway musical Hairspray at 3 pm! Pick your seats online now at steelriver.org.

STEEL RIVER PLAYHOUSE DEBUTS IN POTTSTOWN

Here’s what the Steel River Playhouse – formerly Tri-PAC – has to say about their name change and their continuing mission to educate and to bring together new and established performing artists…

A star reborn?  Not exactly, but Tri-County Performing Arts Center and Village Productions are getting a new name along with the obvious facelift, as anyone can tell by driving by the theater at 245 E. High Street in downtown Pottstown. 

Tri-PAC and Village Productions have become the Steel River Playhouse.  Same address.  Same telephone.  Website: www.steelriverplayhouse.org.  Email format: (First name)@steelriver.org.

The new flowing steel mesh façade, high-tech marquee, and engaging outdoor plaza will be completed in June and the Steel River Playhouse is planning a June 16 community celebration event.

“The name reflects the strength, beauty and vitality of Pottstown and surrounding region,” said Marta Kiesling, executive director of Steel River Playhouse. “Steel made in Pottstown helped build major structures around the world.  Beams iconically stamped ‘Bethlehem Steel’ run through our playhouse.  And, of course, the Schuylkill runs through Pottstown, where we have an annual festival and a National and State Heritage Area that honor its beauty and role in our region.”

Kiesling continued, “The new name and logo mark the passage from our initial years of getting established in Pottstown and the surrounding region.  We moved to Pottstown in 2005 as part of a broad redevelopment effort, and our wonderful theater complex opened in 2008.”

A name and logo are just a beginning.  “Names and logos are just visuals,” says Joshua Lampe, founder and president of StandingStone Media, and the Steel River Playhouse board member leading the re-branding project.  “The real work of brand-building is what the Steel River Playhouse has been working on since before coming to Pottstown – quality performances, creating a place for both emerging local talent and established actors and directors to work together, and education that develops talent, confidence and life skills.”

Kiesling adds, “The new brand and façade reflect the Steel River Playhouse commitment to the community and region.  From the start, regional planners and leaders recognized that a strong performing arts center would contribute to the economic, cultural and social health of Pottstown and the surrounding region.”

Steel River Playhouse, formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center (Tri-PAC), 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, the Steel River Playhouse produces more than 90 performances and hosts more than 10,000 people as audiences, students, artists, donors and volunteers from throughout the region. We offer performance opportunities through open auditions; theater technical training; acting, voice, and instrumental lessons; classes and workshops for all ages; summer camp programs; and educational outreach including scholarships, artists in the classroom, traveling children’s shows, and other initiatives. For further information, visit www.steelriverplayhouse.org, or call 610-970-1199.

 

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