Footliters' Pinocchio - Only Two Performances This Weekend!

Coralville - The Young Footliters will present Carlo Collodi's Pinocchio, as adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller, this Friday April 17 at 7:00 PM and Saturday April 18 at 2:00 PM at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. The production features performers in grades K-4 and is directed by Jean Grewe. Tickets are $5 for youth and $7 for adults.

According to director Jean Grewe, "It has been a total joy and blessing working on this show! The kids are acting, building the sets, and working as running crew; they have really been involved in every part of the show, and are having a great time doing it! And the parents have really stepped up as well - costumes, props, set, working backstage, helping in the Green Room, you name it, they did it!"

Tickets are available through the CCPA Box Office at 319-248-9370.

Black Hawk's Cast for Cat in the Hat Announced

Waterloo - The Black Hawk Children’s Theatre has cast 9 local young artists in their upcoming production of Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat. Production dates are April 17 & 24 at 7 pm and April 18 & 25 at 2 pm.

Julia Corbett is cast in the title role of THE CAT. She is a 9th grader at Peet Junior High. She is making her debut here at Black Hawk Children’s Theatre although she has acted previously with the Parabola Youth Theatre Group. Julia enjoys studying language and music.

Black Hawk Children's Theatre Offers Classes

Waterloo – The Black Hawk Children’s Theatre has announced that they are adding two new classes to their spring schedule. All classes will be held at the WCP/BHCT Walker Building, 224 Commercial Street in Waterloo.

Get Into Character for 7-­10 year-­olds
Fridays, March 27-­May 1 from 4:30-­5:30
Students will explore theatrical choices through dramatic play and improvisation while developing on­stage skills and confidence.

4th Room Offers Shakespeare Workshop

Coralville - Fourth Room Theatre is pleased to announce a workshop for youth aged 15-21, to be held March 21, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the Schwab Auditorium of the Coralville Public Library. Led by local theatre educator James E. Trainor III, this class will explore the text and performance of Shakespeare for young actors. Students will analyze and perform scenes, gaining a deeper understanding of the language and imagery. This workshop is offered FREE to the public. Space is limited, so please register via email to genevieve@fourthroomtheatre.com.

Workshop leader James E. Trainor III has been teaching theatre to young actors since 2006. He has a Bachelor of Special Studies in Playwriting from Cornell College. He helped develop the Just Right for Me program at TCR, which is designed specifically for actors on the autism spectrum. During the week he works as a Special Education Associate for the Iowa City Community School District. He will be assisted by Rachel Korach Howell, Fourth Room founding member and director of this summer's Free Classics production.

WHAT: Youth Shakespeare Workshop
WHEN: March 21, 2014, 1-4 p.m.
WHERE: Coralville Public Library
COST: FREE

Nutcracker opens tonight

Iowa City - The Englert Theatre and Nolte Academy of Dance will present The Nutcracker on Friday, December 2nd at 7:30pm; Saturday, December 3rd at 2pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, December 4th at 2pm.

The Englert is proud to once again host a unique and highly entertaining version of this beloved Christmas classic. The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto is adapted from the story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E. T. A. Hoffmann.

This holiday classic comes to life with performances by dancers from Nolte Academy of Dance and other local studios. The performances will feature a professional, live 30-piece orchestra of local musicians, conducted by Carey Bostian.

Tickets are available now online at englert.org, or by calling the Englert Box Office at 319-688-2653.

Performances:
Friday, December 2, 2011 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 2:00pm
Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 2:00pm

Tickets:
$22 Adults
$18 Students & Seniors
$16 Children (12 and under)

Raggedy Ann and Andy opens Saturday

Amana – Want a sweet treat this holiday season? Come and see The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences production of Raggedy Ann and Andy’s Yuletide Adventure. Help Raggedy Ann & Andy outsmart the witch and have a wonderful holiday adventure in Grandma’s attic.

The show opens Saturday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. on The Old Creamery’s Main Stage.

Written by Gene Mackey and based on characters created by Johnny Gruelle,
the cast of Raggedy Ann & Andy’s Yuletide Adventure consists of Kamille Zbanek of Ely, John Hill of Rockford Il, Laura Ambrose of Minneapolis Minn., Jackie McCall of Marengo, Nicholas Hodge of South Amana and Steve Weiss of Central City.

Tickets are $8 per person. Show times are 11 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Group and student rates are available.

Old Creamery brings Pinocchio to CCPA

Coralville - The Old Creamery Theatre is coming to Coralville... for one show at least. Join The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences for the retelling of the classic story of the puppet who wants to be a real boy, but his lies and his nose keep getting in the way. Pinocchio will be performed at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, on Saturday Nov. 5 at 10 a.m.

This beloved Italian story will be brought to life through the classic theatrical tradition of “Commedia dell’Arte.” Using sound effects, masks and lots of humor, the characters in this play will be truly unforgettable.

The cast of Pinocchio consists of John Hill of Rockford, Illinois; Andrew Bosworth of Holly Springs, North Carolina; Laura Ambrose of Minneapolis, Minnesota.; Nicholas Hodge of South Amana; and Kamille Zbanek of Ely. Directed by Sean McCall of Marengo, Pinocchio was adapted from Carlo Collodi ’s classic Italian tale by Johnny Simons.

Tickets for Pinocchio are $10 per person. Reservations are highly recommended. For tickets call the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts at (319) 248- 9370 or reserve online at www.coralvillearts.org

Pinocchio opens Saturday

Amana - All he wants is to be a real boy, but his lies and his nose keep getting in the way. Join The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences for the retelling of a classic. Pinocchio opens Saturday, October 1 at 1 p.m. on the Main Stage in Amana and runs through Oct. 15.

This beloved Italian story will be brought to life through the classic theatrical tradition of “Commedia dell’Arte.” Using sound effects, masks and lots of humor, the characters in this play will be truly unforgettable.

The cast of Pinocchio consists of John Hill of Rockford, Illinois; Andrew Bosworth of Holly Springs, North Carolina; Laura Ambrose of Minneapolis, Minnesota.; Nicholas Hodge of South Amana; and Kamille Zbanek of Ely. Directed by Sean McCall of Marengo, Pinocchio was adapted from Carlo Collodi ’s classic Italian tale by Johnny Simons.

Tickets for Pinocchio are $8 per person and all seating is reserved. Reservations are highly recommended. Show times are Saturdays at 1 p.m., October 1 and 8 with two shows on Saturday, October 15, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Wooing Wed Widinghood Auditions for Grades K-6

Iowa City - The Young Footliters will hold auditions for Wooing Wed Widinghood on Saturday, May 21st from 10 to 11:30 and Sunday, May 22nd from 2 to 3:30 at the Robert A. Lee Rec Center (located at the corner of Gilbert and Burlington Streets.) The auditions will be held in Meeting room A.

This show, aimed at Kindergarten through 6th graders, will be performed at the Riverside Shakespeare Theatre in Lower City Park in Iowa City. Show dates are July 29th through July 31st.

Charlotte's Web runs for two more weeks

Amana – Come watch as Charlotte spins her magic web and cast a heartwarming spell over Fern, Wilbur and all the animals in Zuckerman’s barn during The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences production of Charlotte’s Web.

A true favorite for so many, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White was dramatized for the stage by Joseph Robinette. The show runs through May 7.

Charlotte’s Web is directed by Sean McCall of Marengo. The cast consists of Laura Ambrose of Coon Rapids, Minn.; T.J. Besler of Manchester; Nicholas Hodge of South Amana; Jackie McCall of Marengo; Amber Snyder of Memphis, Tenn.; Ian Zahren of South Amana; and Kamille Zbanek of Ely, IA.

McCall said bringing a favorite story to life on stage is always a thrill. “ The popularity of Charlotte’s Web plus the professional experience of the cast makes for a show not to be missed,” he said. “Plus, we’re teaching the next generation that the theatre is a wonderful place.”

Tickets are $8 per person for reserved seating. Reservations for this show are highly recommended as tickets are going fast. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for information or to purchase your tickets.

Auditions for Kids and Canines for Shakespeare Festival

Iowa City - Riverside Theatre will hold auditions for both kids and canines on Saturday, April 16 at the Riverside Festival Stage in Lower City Park.

This year’s Shakespeare Festival acting company will include one child to play the role of Tommy Miller, 10-12 years old, in Ah, Wilderness! as well as a dog named Crab in The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Canine candidates for the role of Crab the dog will be seen beginning at 11:30 a.m. Dogs must be mature, calm, easy to handle, and not agitated by large and enthusiastic audiences. The dog must be available for select rehearsals in June, plus all performances: June 17-19, 29-30, July 2, 5, 8, 10.

Auditions for the child’s role – both boys and girls will be considered – will begin at 1 p.m. Those auditioning should prepare a brief poem or prose piece that they will be asked to read in their best outside voice; they may also be asked to read from the script. Performance experience is preferred, but not required; a strong voice is essential. The child must be available for select rehearsals beginning in mid-May, plus all performances June 24-26, 28, July 1, 3, 6-7, 9.

To sign up for an audition call the Riverside Theatre Box Office at 319-338-7677. Those with questions about the auditions should contact Riverside Theatre Artistic Director Jody Hovland at 319-887-1360 or artistic@riversidetheatre.org.

Auditions start tonight for West Side Story

Coralville - City Circle Acting Company will hold auditions for their summer youth musical West Side Story. Those who have completed grade 7 through graduating High School seniors are eligible to audition. Participants will be asked to sing a prepared song, perform a dance audition and participate in a reading from the script. The song may be from the show and an accompanist will be provided. They will be casting about 30-35 people.

Audition Dates:

April 11 at 7:00 pm
April 12 at 7:30 pm
Community of Christ
2121 South Ridge Drive, Coralville

Principal roles:
Maria.............soprano
Tony..........tenor
Riff............high baritone
Anita..........mezzo soprano
Bernardo.....high baritone

In addition to principal roles, there are several choice supporting roles.

The stage director is Michael Stokes. The musical director is Ed Kottick with a 28 piece orchestra. Dance numbers will be choreographed by Leslie Nolte.

Auditions will be held on April 11th at 7:00 pm, April 12 at 7:30 pm and call backs will be held on April 13th. Performances are June 17th, 18th, and 19th at the Englert Theatre.

West Side Story is the classic musical by Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. This is the fifth summer musical starring High School and Junior High School students produced by City Circle. For more information, go here.

Auditions for Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe

Cedar Rapids - Theatre Cedar Rapids will be holding auditions for their upcoming show, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe later this month. Kids can audition on March 26 at 1:00 pm. Adult auditions are March 27 or 28 at 7:00 pm. This is a stage adaptation of the classic book by C.S. Lewis which follows the adventures of four children who wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten land of Narnia.

Roles

Aslan
White Witch
Lucy - female / youngest child
Edmund - male / second youngest child
Susan - female / second oldest child
Peter - male / oldest child
Mr. and Mrs. Beaver
Unicorn
Centaur
Tumnus
Fenris Ulf
Dwarf
Father Christmas
Elf
White Stag
And more...

For more information, go here.

Kid actors needed for UI play

Iowa City - One of the the University of Iowa's New Play Festival's shows, Proficient by Jess Foster, needs to cast children. They are having a casting session for First Graders through Fourth Graders on Wednesday March 23 from 5:30-8 pm at the University's Theatre Building. For questions please contact Kristin Kurz at kristinp.kurz@gmail.com or 732-865-5987.

A description of the show follows:

Ms. Delaney teaches first grade in a worn-out school district that can barely afford books. When an innovative educational program is presented to her with added financial incentives for the school, she jumps at the chance. However, she soon realizes that the program is turning her students into robotic test-taking machines. Ms. Delaney attempts to find her way out of the program and back to the old way of education only to find that she’s more deeply ensnared than she realized. In a world of No Child Left Behind and consistent government cuts to education, Proficient forces us to contemplate the dirty underbelly of America’s educational system, and asks the vital question: is what we are doing really serving our children?

There will be some language in the presence of the children on stage, such as "hell" and "shit".

Will Power deadline extended

Iowa City - The Willpower Poetry and Sonnet Contest submission deadline has been extended to April 1. Original article here.

Hey Teens, do you have the Will Power?

Iowa City – Teenage poets and sonnet writers are invited to grab their pens and crack open their thesaurus to write an original poem or sonnet for the Riverside Theatre Shakespeare Festival’s annual Will Power Poetry and Sonnet Contests.

Will Power, the festival’s educational outreach program, was launched in 2000 with support from Midwest One Bank. The What You Will Poetry Contest is open to students in 7-8 grades and the Will Power Sonnet Writing Contest is open to students in 9-12 grades.

Poetry contestants are to write an original poem inspired by Shakespeare and sonnet contestants should shape their inspiration into this classic poetic form.

Winners will receive tickets 2 free tickets to the special Will Power Performance of Two Gentlemen of Verona on June 23 at the Festival Stage in Iowa City’s Lower City Park, a cash prize, have their work printed in the Riverside Theatre Shakespeare Festival playbill, and displayed at the Iowa City Public Library and Midwest One Bank.

Entries are to be submitted to: Will Power Coordinator, Riverside Theatre, 213 N. Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52245.

Entries are due March 1, 2011.

Full contest details are available at www.riversidetheatre.org/getinvolved

At the conclusion of the contest Riverside Theatre will send out notifications to the winners of the contest and the winning entries will be listed on Riverside Theatre’s website www.riversidetheatre.org

Old Creamery offers summer theatre camp

Amana - The Old Creamery’ s Theatre for Young Audiences is bringing a week-long theatre camp to Amana this summer. Camp Creamery: The Legend of Blackbeard's Gold is a week-long workshop for children interested in exploring the exciting world of theatre. The camp is designed to give children ages 7 and up the unique opportunity to work and perform with three professional actors from The Old Creamery Theatre while they rehearse and present a play. The Legend of Blackbeard's Gold is a brand new musical full of pirates, damsels in distress, and plenty of fun! It’ s a great way for girls and boys to have a theatrical adventure this summer!

Camp Creamery: The Legend of Blackbeard’s Gold will be held at The Old Creamery Theatre in Amana July 18th through 22nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Cost is $65 per child and includes the workshop and a T-shirt. No prior experience is needed but the cast is limited to 60 actors and participants must be able to attend rehearsal every day. Registration is first come, first served and everyone that signs up will be cast in the show. Final performance of the show will be on July 22nd at 7:00 p.m on The Old Creamery’s Main Stage.

For more information or to register visit www.oldcreamery.com or contact Jackie McCall at 319- 622-6034 or jmccall@oldcreamery.com. Scholarships will be available for those in need thanks to the generosity of this year’ s camp sponsor, AEGON.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in
1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.

Free Preview of School Tour Show on Sunday

Amana - The Old Creamery’ s Theatre for Young Audiences kicks off the 2011 school tour with a free preview of What a Difference a Play Makes, Sunday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. on the Main Stage in Amana.

The Old Creamery offers this chance for the community to see What a Difference a Play Makes before it begins traveling to schools throughout Iowa with positive messages incorporated in a thoroughly entertaining show. Stories and songs in the show are based on materials submitted by children in grades 1 through 6 as part of the accompanying writing contest.

Although geared to school aged children, adults will find What a Difference a Play Makes just as much fun as the kids. “Always the highlight of our school year,” said a teacher from Horizon Elementary School of a previous school tour. “ The kids and adults enjoy the performances equally.”

Sean McCall, artistic director at The Old Creamery Theatre said this year’s show will be highly theatrical while focusing on ways we all can make a difference in the lives of others and our planet. “Not only is it exciting to once again partner with Character Counts in Iowa to remind everyone that each one of us can make a real difference, but this particular show is going to be a delightful way to celebrate 40 years of The Old Creamery Theatre bringing its particular blend of entertainment and education to Iowa students and educators,” he said.

The cast consists of Tom Milligan and Deborah Kennedy of East Amana; Kamille Zbanek of Ely; Nicholas Hodge of South Amana, and T.J. Besler of Manchester. No reservations are needed for the free preview.

The Old Creamery is offering performances of What a Difference a Play Makes, to
schools from Feb. 21 through May 13.

Old Creamery offers holiday show for kids

Old Creamery – Laughter and holiday music abound in The Old Creamery Theatre Company’s Theatre For Young Audiences production of A Partridge in A Pear Tree, opening December 5th at 11 a.m. on the main stage in Amana.

Directed by The Old Creamery’s Artistic Director Sean McCall, the show features Nicholas Hodge, Jackie McCall, T.J. Besler and Joe Jennison, executive director of the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance. A Partridge in a Pear Tree is sure to put some zip in your holiday as this boisterous tale of leaping lords, milking maids, and a whole lot of poultry, comes to life in a brand new way!

Additional performances will be Saturday, December 12th and 19th, also at 11 a.m. Cost is $7 per person for general admission tickets. Call the box office at 1-800-35-AMANA. Walk-ins are welcome if seats are still available.

Rumplestiltskin at Old Creamery

Old Creamery – Come watch as straw gets spun into gold for a greedy king and a magical gnome with an unusual name comes to the rescue in a classic fairy tale with a unique retelling.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company’s Theatre for Young Audiences continues its 2009 season with The Riddle of Rumpelstiltskin, opening Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m on the main stage in Amana.

Written by Ellsworth Schave, The Riddle of Rumpelstiltskin is directed by Sean McCall. The cast includes: Amber Snyder, of Memphis, Tenn.; T.J. Besler of Manchester; Jeff Haffner of Cleveland, Ohio; and Nicholas Hodge of Marion. Cost is only $7 per person.

The Riddle of Rumpelstiltskin will also be performed on Saturday, Oct. 3 and 10, at 1 p.m. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA, or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for tickets or more information.

Other upcoming children’s events produced by The Creamery’s Theatre For Young Audiences include Spooky Tales, Oct. 24 and 31; and A Partridge in a Pear Tree, Dec. 5, 12 and 19.