Curtain Call -september 2009

Curtain Call Volume XV

Quarterly Newsletter of Theatre in the Woods, Ltd.

"YES, BUT WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS?” An Energy & Acting Workshop with Jan Lee by Carolyn Burnett

If you're tired of worrying about what to do with your body when you're on stage, or maybe you haven't thought about it, then you shouldn't miss this opportunity. TITW’s Energy & Acting Workshop with veteran actor and director, Jan Lee will be offered on Saturday, September 12 beginning promptly at 9:00 and lasting until 12 noon. All actors, directors and want-tobe’s are encouraged to attend, particularly the cast of Fools and those interested in trying out for the spring production of Much Ado About Nothing. Participants should wear loose and comfortable clothing appropriate for a lot of moving around.

Pretty Good Party “Celebrates 20 years!” Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Erika Quam Memorial Theater by Shirley Hile

Please join us to thank you for your support through your involvement and attendance at our events. You have made it possible for us to celebrate 20 years. Can you believe it? Time flies when you are having fun. Come join us for an exciting evening reminiscing our past and sharing with you our exciting future…and a few other surprises. Del Bakkum will be returning as our “pretty good” emcee for the evening. The house lights will be

September, 2009

dimmed, candles will be lit, and this would be just the time to dress up a little. You know a lot goes on at TitW and it is not all on stage. You don’t have to be involved to come join us, just be ready to have a “pretty good” time and find out what we are all about (no strings attached). This is a catered event by Lois’ Country Cupboard, so we need an accurate count of our guests. Please RSVP to Shirley Hile at 468-7737 or e-mail her at [email protected] before September 10 with your name, phone number/e-mail address, and the number in your party. It should be a “pretty good” time, don’t miss it…

Much Ado About Nothing Auditions Much Ado About Nothing auditions will be held Saturday, September 19 at 9 am & Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 pm. Directors Carolyn Burnett & Karen Kaufman recommend you plan to attend both time slots.

This intensive and fun-filled 3 hour workshop will focus on the fact that acting is doing. Through the use of specific exercises, you'll be up and moving, breaking down physical barriers to the point where you'll never worry about your hands again!

Speaking roles may include men and women of a variety of ages from high school through older adult. Actors are encouraged to audition for the roles of their choice regardless of age or gender. The directors’ perspective is that there are no small parts, but there are roles with fewer lines. We encourage all interested adults to audition.

Please call the Quam at 468-4387 or email Carolyn Burnett [email protected] to register or for more information. There is no charge for the workshop, but advance notice is requested.

Also needed are a crew of non-speaking usher/waitstaff who will be an integral part of the production.

In addition, we are looking for a male and/or female singer(s) with a strong jazzy voice. Vocalists are encouraged to contact the directors for further audition information.

The early date of auditions will allow cast to become familiar with the play and memorize all lines before rehearsals begin in January. Much Ado is a comedy of language, wit, and farce. Bring your funny bone to auditions!

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Curtain Call

September, 2009

2009 Youth Production Ushers in a New Era

ALADDIN

by Karen Collins

Theatre in the Woods’ 2009 Summer Youth Production added a new dimension to youth leadership: High School Youth as Assistant Directors!

Hi all! This last summer I realized that after six years with TitW, it was time to start pursuing one of my dreams; learn how to become a director. This summer I got one step closer to achieving my dream with the opportunity to be the stage manager in this year’s Children’s Theater Workshop production, Aladdin. The play was directed by Karen Collins and Deb Shipman and helped along by many more. Being able to sit behind the stage and beside the directors had some amazing effects on me and it opened my mind to a world that I previously couldn’t see; a world behind the curtain. As an actor, I assumed that our directors were naturally gifted and that they made the magic of the theater just… happen. As a stage manager, I realized that my assumptions were naive. Our directors weren’t just smart…they were brilliant! With quick insightful thoughts, directors can be compared only to superheroes. And they didn’t just pick up the play on a whim; they took months and months and months of careful study and preparation before the auditions were even held. Personally, the most challenging part of being the stage manager would have to be building, painting, and setting up all the scenic backdrops. After completing the end product, the dedication to these simple pieces of Styrofoam and wood was totally worth it! Seeing the cooperation of everyone involved was extremely satisfying and the work accomplished was monumental! This experience really opened my eyes to the wonderful world of theater and has strengthened my interest in pursuing a directorial position. Thank you to all who helped in making this play an awesome and educational experience! I look forward to working with the TitW family who continually make theater come to life. On behalf of the youth program participants, thank you to TitW for the wonderful chance to express ourselves through theater! from Alladin Stage Manager -Alex Peck 2

Alex Peck (Spooner High Sophomore), Emma Frey (Shell Lake High Freshman), and DJ Shipman (Spooner High Sophomore) stepped into leadership roles as stage, crew, and special effects managers during our Summer Youth Production of Aladdin. It was a growing experience for all as co-Directors Deb Shipman and Karen Collins mentored these talented youth in their new areas of expertise. Comments from the directors state, “Alex, Emma, and DJ offered fresh perspectives and different approaches to making the production an exciting success.

L to R is Emily Organ, Artie Collins, and Quintin Clements

We were particularly impressed with how these leaders met the many behind-the-scenes challenges. Creativity abounded during such discussions as costuming, staging, and lighting! They certainly never lacked for ideas!!” It was a challenging and reward(Continued on page 4)

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Curtain Call

Rummage Sale by Shirley Hile

Theatre in the Woods will be holding a rummage sale in October. Proceeds will go to help fund several projects at the Quam.

Curtain Call is the quarterly newsletter of: Theatre in the Woods, Limited P.O. Box 156 Shell Lake, WI 54871 Phone (715)468-4387 Carolyn Burnett, President, 354-3803 Carol Seehafer, Vice President Kathy Mitchell, Secretary Patti Fox, Treasurer Margaret Olsgard, Curtain Call Editor, (715) 635-8171 Bob Olsgard, Curtain Call Tech Guru Submission Guidelines:

Curtain Call is published in March, June, September and December. Copy deadline is on the 15th of the previous month. Submit text as a simple, unformatted e-mail or attached Word document. Photos or other artwork should be sent as an attached file, preferably JPEG file format. Send to:

[email protected]

Check out our our website: titw.org Sign in and be a part of our online TITW Community. Shawn Tisdell, Webmaster. (715) 822-3222 We are located in the

Erika Quam Memorial Theater 605 First St Shell Lake, WI Do you have an upcoming event? RENT THE QUAM! Contact us about rental rates and availability of our facilities.

If you have items you would like to donate, please call Megan before October 10 at 468-7990 to make arrangements to drop off your items. Please, no TVs, microwaves, computers, etc. Watch the local papers for the sale date.

Something to look forward to! by Carolyn Burnett

September, 2009

Much Ado field trip coming right up! by Carolyn Burnett

"Love and courtship are the targets in this rollicking romance, presided over by the sparring, wise-cracking Beatrice and Benedick--who have both sworn never to marry. Returning war heroes, mischievous brothers, sweethearts-in-waiting, and a bumbling constable lead a parade of characters who scheme their way through one of Shakespeare's most popular and light hearted comedies."

Thus is Much Ado about Nothing described by Theatre in the Round February 5,6,7, 2010 Players, a community theatre in Written by Dew Harding the university district of MinneaPerformed by Jan Lee Clarisse & Friends is a funny and polis. As part of their efforts to see multiple performances of the thought provoking original oneplay leading up to our spring woman show featuring seven different characters - everything from TITW production, directors Karen a housewife reminiscing about her Kaufman and Carolyn Burnett are inviting others to journey with grandmother's plate, to a woman them on: obsessed with shoes, to a smoker who is trying to quit, to a futuristic Saturday, September 12 look back at society and for the 8:00 showing more! All performed by actress at Theatre in the Round. Jan Lee. Lee is thrilled to be coming back to the TitW's stage, havTickets are $20 and must be reing been seen before in Talking served quickly. Heads, True Confessions and Broadway & Beyond.. Jan is a 30 If you are interested in joining year veteran performer, director, this fun outing, or for further inand designer having worked in formation, call Carolyn at 354many theaters in the Twin Cities and around the country, as well as 3803 as soon as you read this. at the Big Top Chautuaqua. She is Visit TheatreintheRound.org the founder and former Artistic for more about this community Director of STAGENORTH in theatre in its 58th season. Washburn, Wisconsin. CLARISSE & FRIENDS

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Vol. XV

Curtain Call

September, 2009

Anatomy of a Production: Part Three

Some Ado about Much Ado about Nothing by Carolyn Burnett & Karen Kaufman

Fall colors are appearing in the foliage, and winter must come. However we, directors Carolyn Burnett and Karen Kaufman, have spring 2010 active in our imaginations. We have been searching for inspiration and elaborating on our plans for the musical and visual aspects of TITW’s forthcoming production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing. Highlights of these efforts include: Tam Smith, musical consultant for the project, has provided stacks of CDs and audio tapes for our review. From these we are developing the musical signature for the production which will then inform decisions made about costumes and hairstyles. Additionally, Kevin (PICKIN’ UP STEAM Continued from page 6

McMullin will be setting the two songs written by Shakespeare into a similar musical style. In June, we took a field trip to see the Chicago Shakespeare Company’s Twelfth Night and serendipitously ducked into a restaurant where we met our set muse. Persuasive talks are now underway with our desired set construction foreperson/guru.

Lee. (See page XXX.) Actors interested in auditioning for speaking and non-speaking roles in Much Ado are strongly encouraged to attend this workshop. And, speaking of auditions, those for Much Ado are September 19 and 23. (See page 1 for more information.)

Mary Kay Latzka and Patti Fox are collaborating on the promotional logo. Look for it on the 09/10 seasonal flyer coming soon to your mailbox.

Also on September 12 we, along with other TITWers, will travel to Minneapolis to take in the Theater in the Round production of Much Ado about Nothing. (See page 1 also)

Big news for this month is a September 12 workshop focusing on energizing one’s acting, led by Jan

If you missed Parts I and/or II of Anatomy of a Production, look for them at titw.org

(YOUTH PRODUCTION, Continued from page 2)

stage. Michael Burand from south- ing two months for us as directors. eastern Minnesota plays banjo and As our youth leaders learned, the behind-theguitar, Pete Brooks, graphic artist scenes stage raised in Hopkins, MN is on bass of producand vocals, and completing the tion begins quartet on guitar, mandolin, fiddle long before and vocals is Somerset, WI native the children Dale Marshall. show up for L to R is Quintin Pickin’ Up Steam will perform as Clements, Lane Hansen, dress rehearsals– Josie Shipman part of Shell Lake’s Town and which is the Country Days activities on Friday evening at 7:30, Septem- only part budding thespians usuber 4 at the Erika Quam Theater, ally experience. These high school students persevered despite hitting 605 1st Street, Shell Lake. some big obstacles! Tickets are $12 and may be reserved by calling 468-4387. 4

Theatre in the Woods board members have embraced this new phase of youth leadership. Discussions of how to continue encouraging high school students as assistants during youth productions was a major discussion at the August board meeting.

Top L to R is Audi Griffith, Angela Romportl - Bottom L to R is Sage Dunham, Michelle Emerson, and Corey Peck

Vol. XV

Curtain Call

September, 2009

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Christmas Show AUDITIONS

- As you’ve never known it! by Roger Sweeney

It’s a Wonderful Life, a 1946 film loosely based on an original story “The Greatest Gift” written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1939. After being unsuccessful in getting the story published, Stern decided to make it into a Christmas card and mailed 200 copies to family and friends in December 1943. It was brought to the attention of Frank Capra who immediately saw its potential. Initially, it was going to star Cary Grant but the filming conflicted with another film he was making – so - enter James Stewart. It was common, back in the ‘30s and ‘40s, when movie stars finished shooting a film, they’d turn right around and go into the sound studio to create the entire production for the Lux Radio Theatre! This is exactly what the cast did upon completion of filming. These “movies for the ears” were every bit as entertaining as their screen counterparts, using the original scores and a host of sound effects to create a version of the movie-colorized only by the imagination of the listeners. The film was twice adapted for radio in 1947, first on Lux Radio Theater (March 10) and then on The Screen Guild Theater (December 29). The film was also remade for television in 1977 as It Happened One Christmas. A musical stage adaptation, titled A Wonderful Life written by Sheldon Harnick and Joe Raposo was pre-

sented in 1986. The film was also adapted into a two act play by James W. Rodgers and first performed in December 1993. The TITW production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, is a stage production presented as a 1940’s radio show adapted by Joe Landry and first produced in 1997. Much of the dialog and events will be readily recognizable from the movie and the original radio broadcast.

It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry will be directed by Roger Sweeney for the 2009 Christmas season. Production dates will be: Nov 27-28-29 and Dec 3-4-5-6. Auditions are scheduled for Sept. 29, 6:30pm – 8:00, at the Erika Quam Theater in Shell Lake. 2-3 men & 2-3 women are needed Although memorization will be minimal, actors will be “playing” several different characters and will need to develop several voices representing the different characters.

RADIO SOUND EFFECTS A noteworthy adjunct to TITW’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is the sound effects that will be employed during the show. These sound effects are often referred to as Foley Effects and are invented sounds using everyday common objects. The objective is to create sounds that support the impression of some physical activity occurring during the dialog of the show. The Foley Artist is the person who creates many of the natural, everyday sound effects in a production. The term Foley artist is named after Jack Foley, one of the earliest and best-known Hollywood practitioners of the art. Rhonda Tisdell is the Foley Artist for this production and is already exploring, assembling and improvising the “sound effects” you will be hearing during the performance. Here’s how some effects are made: Galloping horses Kissing Punching someone Bone-breaking blow Bird flapping its wings Fire

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Banging empty coconut shells together Kissing back of hand Thumping watermelons Breaking celery or twisting head of romaine Flapping a pair of gloves Rapid opening and closing of an umbrella along with the crackle of thick cellophane.

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Curtain Call

September, 2009

Pickin’ up Steam

fresh and taking the music to new heights. The group also places great emphasis on the vocal aspect of its performance, singing in wellblended three-part harmony. They bring traditional bluegrass into the 21st century with their unique arrangements of bluegrass standards along with original compositions Upcoming Events at Erika Quam Theater - Call 468-4387 to reserve with thoughtful lyrics and exciting, complex instrumentals. August 26 & 27 Auditions for Fools 6:30 p.m.

mandolin, banjo, string bass, and fiddle. Each artist brings to the by Carolyn Burnett group a wide variety of influences, including rock, jazz, latin, folk, Don’t miss PICKIN’ UP STEAM, a country and traditional bluegrass. contemporary acoustic quartet, Every member of this ensemble which utilizes the traditional bluepossesses strong improvisational grass instrumentation of guitar, skills, keeping every performance

August 29 Quam Day 9 a.m.-3p.m. September 4 Pickin’ up Steam Bluegrass Concert 7:30 p.m. September 8 TITW Monthly Meeting 7 p.m. September 12 Jan Lee Actor’s workshop 9-12 a.m. September 19 Pretty Good Party-Anniversary Style 7 p.m. September 19 Auditions: Much Ado About Nothing 9-11 a.m. September 23 Auditions: Much Ado About Nothing 6:30-8:30p.m. September 25 Pizza & a Play The Worm Can 6 p.m. September 29 Auditions: It’s A Wonderful Life 6:30-8 p.m. October 3 Much Ado cast readthrough 9 a.m. October 8, 9, 10, 11 & 17 Fools onstage 7:30 p.m. October 13 TITW Monthly Meeting 7 p.m. October 18 Fools onstage 2 p.m. November 7 Roxy & Randy in Concert 7:30 p.m. November 10 TITW Monthly Meeting 7 p.m. November 27, 28 & Dec. 3-5 It’s a Wonderful Life onstage 7:30 p.m. November 29 & Dec. 6 It’s a Wonderful Life onstage 2 p.m. January 16 COLLAGE onstage February 5-7 Clarisse & Friends onstage March 6 Phil Heywood in Concert March 26-28 & April 2-4 Much Ado About Nothing onstage April 17 Peter & Lou Berryman in Concert

Joe Cruz on guitar, mandolin and vocals is regarded as one of the most versatile multi-stringed instrumentalists on the Twin Cities music scene today. Joe has a Shell Lake connection through his wife Roxy Cruz and the guitar/vocal jazz duo Cruz with Roxy has performed on the Quam (Continued on page 4)

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