The REPorter - October 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

Performances:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]

Oct. 7-9

A Night of Improv at the Rep

Oct. 14

8:00pm

A Night of Improv at the Rep

Oct. 15

8:00pm

Out of Sight... Out of Murder

Nov. 11-20

A Christmas Carol

Dec. 2-4

Auditions:

It's Only a Play

Auditions:

Oct. 8, 1-3pm

10th St. Stage

Oct. 9, 1-3pm

Brown Building

Of Mice and Men

Auditions:

Jan. 6, 6-9pm

10th St. Stage

Jan. 7, 1-4pm

Brown Building

Callbacks:

Jan. 9, 6-8pm

Brown Building

Classes & Workshops:

Improv for Kids

- Workshop -

Holy Toledo Laughfest

Ages 7-11

Oct. 15, 12:30-3:30pm

10th St. Stage

Adult Improv

Ages 18+

Oct. 16-Nov. 20

Sundays

Level 1: 6:00-8:30pm

Level 2: noon-2:30pm

Level 3: 3:00-5:30pm

Brown Building

Improv for Kids

- Workshop -

Holy Toledo Laughfest

Ages 12-17

Oct. 22, 12:30-3:30pm

10th St. Stage

Brush Up Your Shakespeare

- Workshop -

Ages 12-18

Nov. 12 & 19

Saturdays 9:00am-Noon

10th St. Stage

Thrifty Thespian Thursday

Would you like to enjoy the excitement of live theatre on a budget? Take advantage of our Thrifty Thespian Thursday!

Simply come to the box office in person between 7:00pm and 8:00pm prior to that same Thursday evening's Mainstage performance and if any available seats remain, you can purchase your ticket in person for that evening for just $10.00! That's a 50% savings off the regular ticket price!

This special applies to our Thursday night Mainstage plays only. No other discounts or coupons apply with this special.

Donate to The Rep

Support

Toledo Performing Arts!

Volume 40, Issue 2 / October 2016

Letter from the Artistic Director

Holy Toledo Laughfest is here! And the Rep is excited to be a part of it. Our wild and wacky production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] runs until October 9, so get your tickets before it has vanished into air, into
thin air (to quote The Bard). Be forewarned there's kooky dancing, scatological humor, and more than a soupçon of audience participation.

But wait, there's more! Come see our best improvisers, both students and teachers, in two nights of improv insanity during A Night of Improv at the Rep, on October 14 and 15. Each show will be unique with different forms of improv comedy. Then our Adult Improv classes kick off on October 16. We offer three levels, starting with beginners. Just click the Rep Ed link on our website to register.

And because we're in an especially comic mood, we're also offering a special Improv for Kids Workshop, on Saturday, October 15 (ages 7-11) and Saturday, October 22 (ages 12-17). That information is also available via the website's Rep Ed link.

Last but not least, with only about 78 shopping days left until Christmas, it's time to order your tickets to the Rep's annual yuletide celebration, A Christmas Carol,

featuring Paul Causman as Scrooge. Get into the holiday spirit with this timeless classic, chockablock with lovely music. And if you have a holiday event that would be enlivened by some robust caroling, call us to book The Dickens Singers, who would love to entertain you and your guests. Figgy pudding optional.

See you at the Theatre,

Dave De

[email protected]

ON STAGE NOW:

The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]

by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield

Directed by Macaela Whitaker

October 7 & 8 at 8:00pm

October 9 at 2:30pm

In Honor of the 400 Year Anniversary of Shakespeare's Death

Featuring all 37 plays, including sonnets, in 97 minutes! This updated 21st-century production is an irreverent, witty, fast-paced romp through the Bard's entire canon. If you like Shakespeare, you will love this show! If you hate Shakespeare, you will love this show!

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] is sponsored by:

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) [REVISED]

is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, NYC

www.broadwayplaypub.com

Photo Credit: Amanda Aylwin Photography

It's Only a Play

BY TERRENCE McNALLY

Directed by Barbara Barkan

Auditions:

Oct. 8, 1-3pm

10th St. Stage

Oct. 9, 1-3pm

Brown Building

Characters:

5 men - ages mid 20's to 60's

2 women - ages mid 40's to 50+

Preparation of a monologue is not required. Familiarity with the play will be helpful.

Synopsis:

A celebration of theatre at its best! Written by four-time Tony winner Terrence McNally, last seen on Broadway in 2015, It's Only a Play details the opening night anxiety of a new Broadway play. With the playwright's career hanging in the balance, a group of insiders have staked themselves out to await the reviews. This hilarious play proves that sometimes the biggest laughs happen offstage!

Show dates:

January 13-22, 2017

WELCOME TO THE REP!

We would like to take this time to welcome Bonnie Herrmann to our Toledo Rep Family!

For as long as I can remember, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre has been a part of my family.

As a girl I attended Rep Education classes and remember my parents, grandparents and aunt having season tickets for many years. My children, Cassie and Charlie, have been participants in the Rep Education program for six years and actors in the Young Rep productions for three. My oldest son, Jac, is a student at the University of Toledo graduating this Spring with a degree in Computer Networking with a minor in Japanese. Ken, my husband of 13 years, is an employee of Toledo Public Schools, Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 200 and a great support system as I take on this challenge.

Throughout my employment history I have gained knowledge in both administrative duties as well as accounting/bookkeeping. I am also an active volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and currently lead a troop of 24 sixth through eighth grade girls. I look forward to helping build a relationship between the Rep and Scouts. It will be difficult trying to fill the shoes of Kathy but I look forward to working with all of you to try to accomplish that goal.

For as long as I can remember, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre has been a part of my family. I am honored to now be a part of yours.

Bonnie Herrmann,

Office and Administrative Manager

Holy Toledo Laughfest!

We are thrilled to announce the first-ever Holy Toledo Laughfest coming to the Glass City this October!

Holy Toledo Laughfest is a community-wide festival of laughter. The event will feature a diverse lineup of stand-up comedy, improvisational groups, film, comedic authors, live theatre and a showcase for local talent. The month-long celebration of comedy includes events throughout Northwest Ohio at multiple venues including The Stranahan Theatre, Hensville, The Valentine Theatre, Huntington Center, Imagination Station, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre and many more!

FESTIVAL DATES:

Friday, September 30 - Friday, October 28

www.holytoledolaughfest.com

The Toledo Repertoire Theatre is excited to offer the following events and programs during Holy Toledo Laughfest:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]

October 7 & 8 at 8:00pm
October 9 at 2:30pm

Synopsis:

Questions: Please call (419) 243-9277 or visit toledorep.org

A Night of Improv at the Toledo Rep

Oct. 14 & 15 at 8:00pm

A Night of Improv at the Toledo Rep is dedicated to improv comedy featuring Toledo's finest improvisers. Performers include graduates of Chicago's famed Second City Conservatory, former ComedySportz ensemble members and graduates of our very own Rep Ed Improv Program!

Questions: Please call (419) 243-9277 or visit toledorep.org or email [email protected]

Improv for Kids Workshop

Saturday, October 15

12:30-3:30pm

Ages 7-11

Saturday, October 22

12:30-3:30pm

Ages 12-17

In conjunction with Holy Toledo Laughfest, students will get a crash course in instant performance, geared to the junior set. The same games and techniques you see in Whose Line Is It, Anyway? or in the Rep's Adult Improv showcases, but kid-friendly. Sure to whet the comic appetite for more.

Tuition Cost: $15

Questions: Please call (419) 243-9277 or visit toledorep.org or email [email protected]

Adult Improv Classes

Our Rep Ed program is excited to offer Adult Improv classes beginning Sunday, October 16th!

Classes will be held every Sunday, from October 16th - November 20th.

Each class level will meet during the following times in the Rep's Brown Building (across the parking lot from our theatre):

Level 1: 6:00 - 8:30pm, taught by Erin Kanary
Level 2: noon - 2:30pm, taught by Martin Verni
Level 3: 3:00 - 5:30pm, taught by Nick Morgan

There will be a combined level Improv Showcase on the evening of Monday, November 21st at 7pm at the Toledo Rep.

Registration for all levels of Improv is $125.00.

Questions: Please call (419) 243-9277 or visit toledorep.org or email [email protected]

Friday, October 14

8:00pm

10th Street Stage

Friday night will feature an opening act from local improv troupe, Unfiltered, followed by a longform improvisation show from Nick Morgan and our talented improv instructors. This will be the first time longform improv comedy has been performed in the Toledo area!

Saturday, October 15

8:00pm

10th Street Stage

Saturday night will feature two ensembles of improv comedians competing against one another in a ComedySportz style show of game-based, short form improv comedy. Find out which team will make you laugh the most!

"Improv for Kids" Workshop

Our Rep Ed program is excited to offer its first ever 'Improv for Kids' Workshop!

In this family-friendly workshop, student's will study the fundamentals of improv comedy through games and exercises that help to develop strong ensemble and character work. This class will develop the student's stage presence, self-confidence, communication skills and respect for other performers and their creativity. The class culminates with a brief demonstration performance.

Ages 7-11

(Oct. 15 from 12:30-3:30pm)

Ages 12-17

(Oct. 22 from 12:30-3:30pm)

Workshops held at the Toledo Rep. Registration $15.00

*** Girl Scout Troops who participate will earn a Toledo Rep fun patch! ***

Further details about our Improv Program Director:

Nick Morgan: Nick Morgan trained in improv at The Second City Theater in Chicago, IL and iO (formerly Improv Olympic). He graduated the Conservatory program at The Second City, whose notable alumni include Dan Aykroyd, Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey. Nick performed improv at The Playground Theater, with longtime house team 'Wing Night' and wrote and performed his original show 'Karl Lighter's Hour of Power' at The Second City's Skybox Theater. Nick is a former Board member here at the Rep and is fortunate enough to have performed in two productions on the 10th St. Stage.

Have questions about our "Improv for Kids" Workshop? Email: [email protected]

Adult Improv Classes at the Rep!

Our Rep Ed program is excited to offer Adult Improv classes beginning

Sunday, October 16th

Classes held every Sunday, October 16th - November 20th

Each class level will meet at the following time in the Rep's Brown Building:

Level 1:

6pm - taught by Erin Kanary

Level 2:

Noon - taught by Martin Verni

Level 3:

3pm - taught by Nick Morgan

There will be a combined level Improv Showcase on the evening of Monday, November 21st at 7pm at the Toledo Rep.

Registration for all levels of Improv is $125.00

Further details about instructors and classes:

Level 1 - Instructor Erin Kanary

Level 1 introduces students to the principles of improvisation. Learn improv in a pressure-free environment! No prior experience necessary! Through exercises and performance games, students will focus on short-form improvisation ('Whose Line is it Anyway?'). Upon completing Level 1, you will have learned the fundamentals of improv, while gaining the building blocks of long-form improvisation.

Erin Kanary is a graduate of The Second City Chicago's Improv and Comedy Writing programs. She has also studied comedy writing in Chicago at iO (formerly Improv Olympic) and long form improv at Planet Ant Theatre in Detroit. Erin was a featured writer/performer at Chicago's Sketchfest 2014 and The Second City's Best of the Box 2014. Erin is currently a house ensemble member at ComedySportz Detroit and performs improv in the back of many poorly-lit bars in Detroit.

Level 2 - Instructor Martin Verni

Level 2 says 'yes, and...' to Level 1 and continues to reinforce and build upon the foundations established in Level 1. This class will focus heavily on object work, environment and emotions and introduce the class to the principles of long-form improvisation. The class will learn to string two-person and group scenes together in a montage centered around a single suggestion and theme.

Martin Verni has taught and performed improvisation for over a decade in both New York City and Chicago. He began at Second City's NYTC and has performed at the Upright Citizen's Brigade and Gotham City Improv. Upon moving to Chicago, he continued his training at iO (formerly Improv Olympic) and performed with Cowlick at The Playground Theater. Martin is proud to have shared the stage with such emerging comedic luminaries as Lauren Lapkus, Lennon Parham and Leslie Meisel. In addition to improvisation, Martin has performed in numerous plays, was a background performer for Saturday Night Live and appeared as an Eminem look-a-like for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.

Level 3 - Instructor Nick Morgan

Level 3 continues to reinforce and build upon the foundations established in Level 2. This class will continue to build on scenes, group scenes and long form concepts. It will continue to focus on object work, environment and emotions and working on single suggested themes.

Nick Morgan trained in improv at The Second City Theater in Chicago, IL and iO (formerly Improv Olympic). He graduated the Conservatory program at The Second City, whose notable alumni include Dan Aykroyd, Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey. Nick performed improv at The Playground Theater, with longtime house team 'Wing Night' and wrote and performed his original show 'Karl Lighter's Hour of Power' at The Second City's Skybox Theater. Nick is a former board member here at the Rep and is fortunate enough to have performed in two productions on the 10th St. stage.

* Level 2 Improv and Level 3 Improv are only open to those with previous improv experience *

Have questions about which class level you belong?

Email: [email protected]

"Brush Up Your Shakespeare"

Workshop

"Brush Up Your Shakespeare"

November 12 & 19 (2 days)

Saturdays, 9am-Noon

Ages 12-18

Don't fear the Bard! Two lively workshop sessions will explore the world of the greatest playwright in history and give students a chance to bring his timeless verse and classic stories to life. Fascinating and fun, as well as a great foundation for the inevitable classroom work that they'll encounter in school.

Tuition Cost: $60

Further Details About Our Instructor:

Macaela Carder Whitaker: Macaela currently sits on the arts faculty at the University of Phoenix and teaches in the Department of Theatre and Film at Bowling Green State University, where she received her doctoral degree. Macaela is also a guest director at the University of Findlay and has served as an acting instructor for the Rep and is directing our current production, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised].

Theatre Badge Workshops

Are you a troop leader or do you know one? Are you looking

for a fun way to earn a badge for your troop?

The Toledo Rep can help!

The Rep will be holding workshops, where your girls can earn a Girl Scout badge. The goal of the workshops will be to introduce the girls to theater by giving them both a chance to learn and see what happens behind stage as well as giving them a chance to perform on stage.

For questions or more details, contact us at [email protected]

Does your Girl Scout Troop want to earn a Toledo Rep fun patch?!

Sign up for our "Improv for Kids" Workshop!

For details or to register

email: [email protected]

Calling All Playwrights!

The Toledo Repertoire Theatre has a new program, Toledo Voices, aimed at fostering the work of local writers and developing new plays. Unproduced plays by area writers will be presented in a series of staged readings at the theater.

The deadline for play submissions is December 2. Only hard copies securely bound will be accepted. Mail plays to:

Toledo Repertoire Theatre

16 10th St.

Toledo, OH 43604

ATTN: Toledo Voices

Please include a cover letter

Playwrights selected will be notified by Jan. 1, and will have an opportunity to be involved in the creative process.

The first readings will be at 8:00pm on February 11, February 25, and March 11 and will be followed by a talkback with the writer, cast, and director.

For more information email: [email protected]

"Toledo Repertoire Theatre

puts modern spin on Shakespeare"

Photo Credit: TODD GRINONNEAU

The Toledo Repertoire Theatre's latest production, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] is not your English lit teacher's Shakespeare. And that's a good thing.

The play puts an irreverently witty, modern spin on all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in just 97 fast-paced minutes presented by three actors. The Rep's cast features Brad Smith, Amanda Schmidt, and Jordan Jarvis.

Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, original members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, the comedy was first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987, and revised and updated in 2011.

TOLEDO BLADE/SUE BRICKEY

Area Events Commemorate 400 Years Since Shakespeare's Death

Few writers have impacted world culture like William Shakespeare. His plays are widely considered the greatest pieces ever created for the theater, his writing has contributed countless phrases to the lexicon, and even now, centuries after his death, his work is continuously rediscovered, reimagined and celebrated by new generations of artists.

This year, in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 1616, several area artistic institutions will pay tribute to the famous Bard of Avon with events honoring his contributions to the world- some in a more reverential tone than others.

A tongue-in-cheek approach to the Bard's works will be performed at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre beginning September 30, with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised].

The show, which purports to sum up the whole of the Bard's canon in one high-energy evening of comedy, was created in 1987 and has been a favorite of audiences around the world ever since.

"It's three actors trying to do all of Shakespeare's plays in an hour and a half," said Brad Smith, one of the three performers in the Rep's production. "So it's a silly, madcap romp with a bunch of quick wig and costume changes, trying to give the impression that we've covered all of Shakespeare - a ridiculous idea, done with great enthusiasm and, hopefully, some skill."

HEAR YE! HEAR YE! SEE YE!?

"The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]" Brad Smith and Amanda Schmidt were on Better Living on NBC 24!

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]

Promo Video!

Holy Toledo Laughfest

Facebook Live Video

We're not kidding around. The Toledo Repertoire Theatre will be involved in Holy Toledo Laughfest!

Check out what events we're hosting!

On Saturday, October 1, the Toledo Rep participated in the Girl Scouts of America BIG EVENT at the Convention Center!

We taught improv workshops throughout the day and had a great time with the girls at our interactive costume and prop table. Even Rocksy, The University of Toledo's mascot, joined in on the fun!

A Toledo area bicycling club stopped by the Toledo Rep on September 24! They were given a tour and told the history of our 100 year old building and 84 year old community theatre.

On
October 5, our cast and director of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] performed at the

Toledo Museum of Art for their
Midweek Shakespeare performance in Libbey Court.

This midweek, mid-afternoon series celebrates the plays and poetry of William Shakespeare, plus music and other Shakespeare-inspired creative works.

Come see our Artistic Director, Dave DeChristopher, as he performs on October 26, from 2:00-3:00pm in Libbey Court.

Here is a sneak peak of our fall Young Rep Ed students learning crazy characters, silly stories, and a dash of musical mayhem.

Come see our "Comedy Tonight" students perform on October 29 at 12:15pm at the Toledo Rep in their class showcase! No tickets required. A $3.00 donation for entry will be accepted.

The Rep would like to thank:

- T he cast and crew of 110 Stories for putting on a heart wrenching and beautifully depicted portrayal of the people and events of September 11, 2001.

- Ye Olde Durty Bird for sponsoring our opening night reception for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised].

- Ye Olde Durty Bird for being a show sponsor for our production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised].

- Michael Keedy and everyone at Hensville involved with Holy Toledo Laughfest. Thank you for going out of your way to promote our Holy Toledo Laughfest offerings!

Education is one of the central aspects of our mission here at the Rep and we are always looking for new instructors to include in our program. If you have any interest in being a part of our education program, please let us know! A background in teaching is desired, although not necessarily required. We are looking for people experienced in one or more of the many aspects of theatre, with a passion and desire to share those experiences and skills with others. Our program includes classes and workshops for children, teens and adults.

Rep Ed Instructor Application

Volunteer at The Rep!

Want to be a star without being on stage? Whatever your interest or talent, we welcome your help at the Rep! It's a great way to make a difference and give back to your community. In most cases, no experience is needed - we'll train you! Here are just a few of the areas where we are looking for dedicated people:

Backstage Crew
Light Board Operator
Sound Board Operator
Stage Management
Set Construction/Painting
Props
Costumes
Makeup/Hair
Office Work
Usher (see the show for free!)
Marketing/PR Team
Fundraising/Development Team
Season Selection
Education Committee
Community Outreach
Hospitality
Cleaning/Janitorial Services
Groundskeeping
Building Committee

To get started, please complete and submit the form below:

You may also contact [email protected] or by contacting specific committees directly and we'll find a role for you!

Building: [email protected]

Development: [email protected]

Education: [email protected]

Marketing: [email protected]

Outreach: [email protected]

Season Selection: [email protected]

Volunteer: [email protected]

Young Rep: [email protected]

WE HAVE NEW OFFICE HOURS!

OUR NEW HOURS ARE MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 1:00pm - 6:00pm

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS,

PLEASE CALL (419) 243-9277

Please take our survey!

The purpose behind these questions is to help us mainstream our efforts. This survey will also help us get a better handle on what you, our audience, would like to see produced on our 10th Street Stage.