September 13, 7:00-9:00 pm
Adults ages 16 and over
only
10th St. Stage
September 14, 7:00-9:00 pm
Adults ages 16 and over
only
10th St. Stage
September 16, 1:00-4:00 pm
Children ages 6-15
only
10th St. Stage
Callbacks (if necessary):
September 19, 7:00 pm
10th St. Stage
Human Error
Auditions:
September 23 , 1:00-3:00 pm
10th St. Stage
September 25, 6:00-8:00 pm
10th St. Stage
Callbacks:
September 26, 6:00-9:00 pm
10th St. Stage
Ripcord
Auditions:
September 30, 1:00-3:00 pm
10th St. Stage
October 1, 1:00-3:00 pm
10th St. Stage
Callbacks (if needed):
October 3, 6:30-8:30 pm
10th St. Stage
Young Rep Ed Classes:
Broadway: Best of the 70s
(Ages 7-16)
Sept. 16 - Nov. 4, 2017
Saturdays
9:00 am-Noon
10th St. Stage
IMPROV!
(Ages 7-17)
Jan. 6 - Feb. 24, 2018
Saturdays
9:00 am-Noon
10th St. Stage
Audition Boot Camp:
Cold Reading
-Workshop-
(Ages 7-16)
March 3, 2018
Saturday
9:00 am-Noon
10th St. Stage
Audition Boot Camp:
Singing
-Workshop-
(Ages 7-16)
March 10, 2018
Saturday
9:00 am-Noon
10th St. Stage
Playmaking 101
(Ages 7-16)
March 17 - May 12, 2018
Saturdays
9:00 am-Noon
10th St. Stage
Adult Rep Ed Classes:
Adult Improv
(Ages 18+)
Level 1
September 28 - November 2
(Thursdays, 6:30pm-9:00pm)
Brown Building
Level 2
October 1 - November 5
Level 3
October 1 - November 5
Brown Building
Rep Ed Showcases:
Broadway: Best of the 70s
November 4
12:15 pm
10th St. Stage
Adult Improv
November 6
7:00 pm
10th St. Stage
The Craft of Acting
November 10
7:00 pm
10th St. Stage
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 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm 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.
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Toledo Performing Arts!
Volume 41, Issue 1 / September
2017
Letter from the Artistic Director
The hits just keep on coming!
When I wrote my last letter in late July, our Young Rep production of Hairspray (which played in mid-July to five sold-out houses) was just about to compete statewide at the Ohio Community Theatre Association Junior Conference. I'm delighted to report that our teen cast came, performed, and conquered, taking 17 awards altogether, including Best of Show!
So we're riding high as we embark on our ambitious 85th season, which kicks off with the exhilarating musical, Bonnie & Clyde. The Tony nominated score uses gospel, blues and rockabilly music to tell the story of the doomed Depression-era lovers and their notorious crime spree. The show opened on September 8th to an overwhelming response and runs for the next two weekends.
Right after that, we have two sure fire comedies from accomplished area playwrights. In October, Joe Zettelmaier's award winning It Came from Mars puts a farcical spin on the infamous night that Orson Welles duped the nation with his War of the Worlds radio broadcast. In November, we present the world premiere of Eric Pfeffinger's Human Error, which is set right here in Toledo and won a 2016 Ohio Arts Council Award for Excellence.
The Rep's menu of classes continues to expand. Our fall session for kids, "Broadway: Best of the 70s," begins on Saturday, September 16. For adults, another hilarious session of Improv starts near the end of the month, with three class levels suitable for beginners as well as advanced improvisers.
And, for the first time in a long time, we are offering adult acting classes, taught by Dr. Deborah Coulter-Harris. This special eight-week course began on September 10, and will conclude with a public showcase on November 10. All of this, and more, can be found on our award winning, user-friendly web site, www.toledorep.org. Or you can pick up the phone and call for more information, (419) 243-9277.
Tony Wagener is the Senior Major Gifts Officer at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He previously served as Senior Director of Development for the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowling Green State University, from where he earned a B.A. in Political Science in 2007 and a Master of Organization Development in 2017. Before working in higher education, he served as the Major Gifts Officer for the Tony Award winning Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC. Tony and his wife, Joy, first moved to Washington in 2007 when he began working on Capitol Hill for Representative Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania. He held various positions for Rep. Murphy, including scheduler, special assistant and legislative assistant, advising the congressman on domestic policy issues including trade, labor, appropriations and arts and humanities. Tony has been involved in dozens of productions since high school, mostly as a stage manager, and strongly believes in the importance of The Rep and other cultural institutions to the City of Toledo and surrounding community. Tony and Joy reside in Maumee, Ohio.
Our New Technical Director!
Jacob Gaietto
Jacob Gaietto is a recent graduate of The University of Toledo with an BFA in Theatre. He has a background in set construction and design, stage lighting and sound, stage management, and advanced carpentry. Jacob has been a carpenter, properties master, stage manager, and run crew for many local productions and theatres. In 2016 he interned at Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.
Bonnie & Clyde is his first production as The Rep's new Technical Director.
Our New In-House Lighting Designer!
Paul Wesley Alday
Paul Wesley Alday is an instructor and Director of the nationally award winning Falcon Forensics and Debate Team at Bowling Green State University. He has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University. He serves as faculty sponsor for Pi Kappa Delta (National Communication Honorary), BGSU's oldest active student organization. He has been at BGSU since 2001 as a faculty member in both the School of Media and Communication and Department of Theatre and Film. Paul is a certified faculty member for the BGSU Honors College. He teaches Argumentation, Public Speaking and Forensics through the Department of Communication and Honors Public Speaking through the BGSU Honors College. In 2012, he co-founded the North American Forensics Society, a continental forensics organization. He has been honored with numerous awards, including: Ohio Forensics Educator of the Year, BGSU Master Teaching Award Recipient, Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award and is a member of the Pi Kappa Delta Coaching Honor Role. Paul has lead the Falcon Forensics Team to 20 national level team honors and 12 Ohio Forensic Association state championship team awards. He also sits on the design task force for the new School of Media and Communication Building at BGSU.
ON STAGE NOW!
Bonnie & Clyde
Book by Ivan Menchell, Music by Frank Wildhorn, & Lyrics by Don Black
Directed by Dr. Macaela Whitaker
Sponsored by Dr. Deborah Coulter-Harris
September 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 8:00pm
September 17 & 24 at 2:30pm
America's most notorious lovers and bank robbers take the country by storm in this sexy and compelling adventure. A thrilling musical chronicling the lives of the infamous Depression-era outlaws, their forbidden story told with a score combining blues, gospel and rockabilly music. Nominated for two Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards and five Drama Desk Awards, including Best New Musical, this Northwest Ohio stage premiere is a must-see.
Bonnie & Clyde is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI
The musical
Bonnie and Clyde has never been performed in Toledo - until now. Director Macaela Whitaker explains "Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical" opened on Broadway in 2011. This community theater performance at The Rep is the local premiere. "A good half of the cast are new people to The Rep," says Whitaker. There are 20 in the cast, including many new faces.
Artistic Director Dave DeChristopher explains one of the goals for Th
e Rep is to emphasize the community part of community theater. "Building on what we did last year, we're going to have more things that are locally-based, more opportunity for children in classes and on stage and we have two productions that have area playwrights," says DeChristopher.
WTOL 11
"Bonnie & Clyde"
The Toledo Blade
Rep goes gangster with "Bonnie & Clyde"
The Toledo Repertoire Theatre, founded in 1933 and the longest-operating community theater in the city, opens its 85th season Friday with
Bonnie & Clyde, a Broadway musical about Depression-era history-makers of an entirely different sort.
"It was at the height of Bonnie and Clyde's fame, from 1933-1934, that up north in Toledo, Ohio, a new theater company known as the Toledo Repertoire Company was working its way through its very first season. Eighty-five years later, the Toledo Rep is still going strong," said Christopher McAnall, The Rep's President.
The Toledo City Paper
RIDE OR DIE: MACAELA CARDER WHITAKER DIRECTS THE REP'S
"BONNIE & CLYDE"
It's the passionate American outlaw story we all know and love, the tale of the notorious Bonnie & Clyde. Their story, the inspiration for the two-time Tony-nominated musical, is coming to Northwest Ohio at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre from September 8th through the 24th.
BGSU Falcon News
"Bonnie & Clyde" set to steal the show at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre!
"Bonnie & Clyde" is the first show of the Toledo Repertoire Theatre's 85th season, and show director Macaela Whitaker is ready for the challenge.
Whitaker, a University professor who holds a doctorate in theater and film, said the show she is directing will be different from other shows people may have seen. "I think's it's not your typical musical, "she said. "There's not a lot of dancing. There's something for everyone in the musical. ... We have jazz, ragtime, gospel, rock-a-billy, rock, pop, ballads and country ballads. So it kind of spans the gambit rather than focusing on their exploits. It focuses on the romance of the relationship and how that influenced their choices."
COMING UP!
It Came From Mars
by Joe Zettelmaier
Directed by Aggie Alt
October 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 8:00pm
October 22& 29 at 2:30pm
"Farlowe's Mystery Theatre Hour" is in rehearsal for its weekly radio show when an alarming announcement comes over the radio: Martians have landed! The actors fly into hysterics, barricading themselves in the studio, not expecting to live to see the next day. Passions ignite, secret identities are revealed, and slapstick mayhem ensues when a washed-up director, his drama queen ex, a wannabe war hero, a ditzy actress, and a German sound effects whiz all think they are about to be annihilated by men from Mars. Winner of the 2009 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award, and nominee for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association Award.
It Came From Mars is presented through special arrangement with The New Play Exchange.
Open casting. All roles are available, except for the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Please bring music for 16 bars of a Christmas carol or Broadway show tune. You may be asked to read from the script.
Director - Amy Spaulding-Heuring
Music Director, Conductor - Dr. David Jex
Vocal Director - Linda Sankovich
Choreographer - Ashley Nowak-Hill
Questions or concerns, please call: (419) 243-9277
Synopsis:
A 30-year Toledo Rep tradition! This timeless tale of redemption follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he is transformed by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future from a miserly old curmudgeon into a man who embodies the true meaning of Christmas. With lavish costumes, spectacular sets and a musical score rich with carols of the era, this production is one you will not want to miss!
Show dates:
December 1, 2 & 3, 2017
Human Error
- A World Premiere Special Event-
By Eric Pfeffinger
Directed by F. Scott Regan
Auditions:
September 23, 1:00-3:00 pm
10th Street Stage
September 25, 6:00-8:00 pm
10th Street Stage
Callbacks:
September 26, 6:00-9:00 pm
10th Street Stage
Characters:
Madelyn - female, 30s
Keenan - African American male, 30s, Madelyn's husband
Jim - male, 30s
Heather - female, 30s, Jim's wife
Dr. Hoskins - male, 50s
Questions or concerns, please call: (419) 243-9277
Synopsis:
A world premiere production by local playwright Eric Pfeffinger. This contemporary comedy-set in Sylvania, Ohio-is full of warmth, heart, and outrageous humor. Through a medical mix-up, two couples (one red state-ish, the other blue) meet and have a kind of cultural exchange, reminding themselves, and the audience, that while much divides us, there is a large territory of common ground.
Winner of the 2016 Ohio Arts Council Award for Individual Excellence.
Show dates:
November 17, 18 & 19, 2017
Ripcord
By Eric Pfeffinger
Directed by Matthew Gretzinger
Auditions:
September 30, 1:00-3:00 pm
10th Street Stage
October 1, 1:00-3:00 pm
10th Street Stage
Callbacks (if needed):
October 3, 6:30-8:30 pm
10th Street Stage
Characters:
Cast -3M, 3W
ABBY - Resident - 70s-80s
MARILYN - Resident - 70s-80s
SCOTTY - Resident Aide - 20s-30s
BENJAMIN/LEWIS/CLOWN - Played by same actor - 40s
COLLEEN/WOMAN IN WHITE - Played by same actress - 30s-40s
DEREK, ZOMBIE BUTLER, MASKED MAN - Played by same actor - 30s-40s
Questions or concerns, please call: (419) 243-9277
Synopsis:
A sunny room on an upper floor is prime real estate in the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, so when the cantankerous Abby is forced to share her quarters with new-arrival Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. A seemingly harmless bet between the old women quickly escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship that reveals not just the tenacity of these worthy opponents, but also deeper truths that each would rather remain hidden.
Show dates:
January 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 & 28, 2018
BROADWAY: BEST OF THE 70s
Young Rep Ed Class
(Ages 7-16)
September 16 - November 4, 2017
9:00 am-Noon
Student Showcase will be on November 4th at 12:15 pm
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
From A Chorus Line, Chicago, and Grease to Jesus Christ Super Star, Annie, and Godspell, the 1970s produced some of the most groundbreaking shows in musical theater history! It was a decade of innovation and excitement that gave rise to two of the most famous composers the "Great White Way" has ever seen; Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Gone were the days of the traditional Broadway musical as the birth of the "rock opera" began to dominate the stage. Come experience the excitement of 1970s musical theatre first hand in this 8-week course which includes singing, dancing, and acting.
Further details about the instructors:
Dom Glover (Dancing): Dom is a Company Principal dancer at The Toledo Ballet and teaches at the Toledo Ballet School, specializing in contemporary jazz. Dom has also taught dance classes numerous times at The Rep and worked as choreographer for the past two Young Rep teen musicals,
FAME and
Hairspray. He was recently honored with the highest award for choreography at OCTAFest Jr. for his work in
Hairspray.
Tricia Kushen (Singing): Tricia is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors in choral music education. She has recently music directed
FAME at The Rep and
Bare: a pop opera with Stone Productions. Most recently, Tricia has also performed in
A Chorus Line and
A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum at The Rep. She is currently the music teacher at Universal Learning Academy in Westland, Michigan, and is playing Riff Raff in
The Rocky Horror Show.
Shauna Newbold (Acting): Shauna has taught numerous Young Rep classes over the years and also directed numerous Young Rep productions. Her directorial credits at The Rep include the musicals
Honk Jr.,
Seussical Jr.,
Willy Wonka Jr.,
Pirates of Penzance Jr.,
Alice and Wonderland Jr., and
Once on this Island Jr. Most recently, Shauna directed
The Lion King for Waterville Playshop.
If you have any questions or would like further details about our Young Rep Ed classes, workshops, camps or productions please contact [email protected] or call (419) 243-9277
ADULT IMPROV
LEVEL 1
September 28 - November 2
(Thursdays, 6:30pm-9:00pm)
LEVEL 2
October 1 - November 5
(Sundays, 6:00pm-8:30pm)
LEVEL 3
October 1 - November 5
(Sundays, 3:00pm-5:30pm)
Classes are held in the Toledo Rep's rehearsal space the "Brown Building", situated across the parking lot from our main theatre at 16 10th Street.
There will be a combined class level Improv Showcase the evening of
Monday, November 6th at 7:00 pm
If you have any questions about which level you should be in or would like further details about our classes, please contact [email protected] or call (419) 243-9277
* Level 2 and Level 3 Improv are only open to those with previous improv experience *
Our HAIRSPRAY Young Rep actors received 17 awards at OCTAFest Jr.!
- "Best of Show" (the top award, given to the best two theatre groups)
- Outstanding in Ensemble (Cast of Hairspray)
- Outstanding in Dance Execution (Cast of Hairspray)
- Outstanding in Choreography (Dom Glover)
- Excellence in Directing (Victoria Monhollen)
- Excellence in Vocal Directing (Malik Khalfani)
- Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance (Darla Arnett)
- Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance (Davon Jude)
- Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance (Abbie Strock)
- Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance (Sophie Walcher)
- Excellence in Musical Theatre Performance (Jonathan Crawford)
- Excellence in Musical Theatre Performance (AJ Smith)
- Merit in Acting (Luke Achinger)
- Merit in Musical Theatre Performance (Abby Stoffel)
- Merit in Musical Theatre Performance (Christina Youngblood)
- All-State Cast (Davon Jude)
- All-State Cast (Abbie Strock)
Another huge congratulations go out to our Young Rep teens for this impressive accomplishment!
The Toledo Rep won a total of 9 awards at
OCTA: The Ohio Community Theatre Association's State Conference!
The Rep won the following awards for their season brochure, newsletter "The REPorter", and their website:
- Outstanding in Overall Brochure Design
- Outstanding in Use of Graphics & Photography (Editor, Sarah Sobel-Poage) - Excellence in Masthead Design, Layout, & Overall Quality (Editor, Sarah Sobel-Poage) - Merit in Writing & Creativity (Editor, Sarah Sobel-Poage) - Excellence in Website Content - Excellence in Website Functionality - Merit in Website Professionalism & Effectiveness - Merit in Website Design (Webmaster, Anita Crane) - Merit in Overall Website (Webmaster, Anita Crane)
Toledo Rep Clean Up Day!
With the start of our 85th Season and the many shows, rehearsals, and classes that will be taking place in our rehearsal space, the Brown Building, we needed to do some pre-fall cleaning!
With the help of the staff, board members, and volunteers, we made our rehearsal space sparkle for our new season of students and actors! A big thanks to the following people who participated in our clean up day: Paul Alday, Deborah Coulter-Harris, Dave DeChristopher, Chris McAnall, Michael Medlen, Jim Norton, Rose Perry, Jill Reinstein, Sarah Sobel-Poage, Amy Spaulding-Heuring, Kayla Young.
There will be many more improvements to come, so keep a look out to see how the Toledo Rep is bettering our campus for our 85th Season!
(Photos Credit: Jill Reinstein)
1370 WSPD
Dr. Deborah Coulter-Harris
discussing her upcoming, sold out, adult acting class "The Craft of Acting" on Fred Lefebvre 1370 WSPD.
Toledo Blade
Toledo Rep classes encourage adults to act up
Acting classes are not just for kids!
The Toledo Repertoire Theatre will offer an eight-week series of acting classes for adults. The Craft of Acting sessions, for "ages 17 to 97," will be held Sept. 10 to Nov. 5 (there will be no class Oct. 29) on Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the theater.
The classes will benefit actors who want to improve their skills, and people who want to develop self-confidence, said the instructor, Deborah M. Coulter-Harris, a senior lecturer in the department of English language and literature at the University of Toledo.
Coulter-Harris' lengthy performing-arts resume includes appearing in and directing 126 productions. She studied acting at the Abbey Theatre and the Gate Theatre in Dublin. In California, her acting credits include starring as Maria in Lloyd Peter Oliphant's production of
A Wounded Dove at the Callboard Theatre in West Hollywood, and as the Wife of Bath in the rock musical production of
The Canterbury Tales at Carmel's Forest Theatre. She has appeared in
The Women of Lockerbie and in
Top Girls at the University of Toledo's Center for Performing Arts. She holds a PhD in 18th century British literature and linguistics from the university. She is the author of four published books.
Opening Night Reception of Our 85th Season
Behind the Scenes During Our Epic
"Bonnie & Clyde" Photo Shoot!
A very special thanks to Joe Konecny for letting us use his 1930s Ford!
Adult Acting Class
"The Craft of Acting"
Toledo Rep at Toledo Pride
Frogtown Exotics
After the final matinee performance of
A Year With Frog and Toad, our cast and patrons met some real life exotic amphibians courtesy of Frogtown Exotics!
The Rep would like to thank:
- Dr. Deborah Coulter-Harris for sponsoring our production of
Bonnie & Clyde.
- Manhattan's for catering the opening night reception of Bonnie & Clyde.
- The staff, board members, and volunteers that participated in our clean up day.
- Joe Konecny for letting us use his 1930s Ford for our
Bonnie & Clyde photo shoot.
- Frogtown Exotics and "Jake the Snake" for treating our A Year With Frog and Toad patrons and cast to a Sunday afternoon of reptilian fun!
Become a Board Member!
TOLEDO REPERTOIRE THEATRE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND
COMMITTEE MEMBER APPLICATION FORM
Do you have the passion and drive it takes to be an advocate for the Toledo Repertoire Theatre?
Serving on the board of a nonprofit organization is a wonderful, enriching experience and is a fulfilling way in which you can give back to the community that we call home.
The Toledo Rep is always looking for new Board and Committee members. Those wishing to serve should have a vested interest in and a strong allegiance to the Toledo Rep and its continuation as a vital part of the cultural fabric of our Toledo community. The responsibilities for Board and Committee members are different. Due to bylaw guidelines, we have a limited number of Board seats. However, we have many more Committee positions available. If you should have an interest in either area, please complete the online form.
Education is one of the central aspects of our mission here at the Toledo Rep and we are always looking for new instructors to include in our program. If you are interested 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, workshops and camps for children, teens and adults.
The Toledo Rep Is Seeking Directors!
Interested directors, please click on the link below to complete the online Director's Application.
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!
To get started, please complete and submit the form below!
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.
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the TOLEDO REPERTOIRE COMPANY every time you shop, at no cost to you! When you shop at
smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to the Toledo Rep!
Simply go to
smile.amazon.com and
select TOLEDO REPERTOIRE COMPANY to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Products marked "Eligible for AmazonSmile donation" on their product detail pages are eligible for donations.
Thank you for supporting the Toledo Rep!
By linking your Kroger shopping card to the Toledo Repertoire Theatre, you can help us earn rewards from your purchases. This is a simple and easy way to give back every time you visit your local Kroger store!
TO ENROLL
Register online at
krogercommunityrewards.com.
Select Toledo Repertoire Theatre from the list of organizations. Members must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.
Thank you for supporting the Toledo Rep!
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