Free public performance of Super School
by Taproot Theatre’s Road Company
Live Theatre Week performance on October 17 at Greenwood Library
SEATTLE – September 8, 2009 – Parents and children can experience the magic of theatre—and learn how to handle bullying and violence—at a free public performance of Super School by Taproot Theatre’s Road Company on Saturday, October 17. A Live Theatre Week Family Day event, the performance takes place at Seattle’s Greenwood Library, located at 8016 Greenwood Avenue North, at 11 a.m.
Super School, by Bethany Wallace, is one of three educational touring plays the Road Company is performing at schools throughout the Pacific Northwest this school year. This event offers the rare opportunity to see it in a public setting. In Super School, it’s back to school at Asteroid Academy, and the first rule is, no superpowers on the playground. But when Danrelle uses her invisibility powers to steal Tilly’s toy and tries to get her to explode in anger, the students risk detention or even being suspended. Students’ favorite superheroes from Camp Super Friend are back with all-new challenges and experiences. Will they use their superpowers for good or for evil? Only a visit to Asteroid Academy will tell!
Super School will teach students about problem solving, empathy, how to manage their emotions and prevent bullying. It is appropriate for elementary school students as young as kindergarten.
Taproot Theatre’s Road Company performed Camp Super Friend at the FringeJR portion of the New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) in August, and is resuming touring to schools this week.
About Taproot Theatre’s Road Company
Taproot Theatre’s Road Company has been touring dynamic social-issue plays to students throughout the Pacific Northwest since 1985. The Road Company reaches tens of thousands of students each year with productions that address relevant social issues and provide youth with safe steps to approach them. In addition to the touring productions, Taproot Theatre provides teachers’ guides and resources to facilitate classroom discussion and increase the effectiveness of the message. The actors are also available for individual classroom visits. To book a show, contact Taproot’s Director of Outreach at 206.529.3669 or touring@taproottheatre.org.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Front Porch Theater from Intiman
Intiman Theatre Invites the Citizens of King County to Speak the Words of Abraham Lincoln as Part of its Front Porch Theater Series of Readings from Abe Lincoln in Illinois
The free series will include a reading co-hosted by the Young Democrats of Washington and King County Young Republicans, and events at Canoe Social Club, the UW Bookstore, Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Covington Library
SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Bartlett Sher and Managing Director Brian Colburn , announces its upcoming Front Porch Theater series of readings from Robert E. Sherwood’s Abe Lincoln in Illinois. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which will be produced as part of Intiman’s American Cycle in the fall, is an epic drama about the man who became president, spanning the years in which Lincoln grew to take responsibility for his conscience and his country.
Through Front Porch Theater, Intiman invites the public to be “cast” as Abe Lincoln and other characters for an informal, 40-minute reading of excerpts from the play, followed by a facilitated conversation. The reading includes scenes dramatizing Lincoln ’s student days, his tragic first love and events leading up to his election as president, including the Lincoln-Douglas debates about racial equality.
Front Porch Theater takes Intiman’s commitment to local civic dialogue across King County, creating opportunities for different communities to talk about what the critical issues are today that compel us to confront what seems to be impossible, both within ourselves and as they impact our country.
Front Porch Theater readings are open to the public on the following dates and locations; an updated calendar will be posted on www.intiman.org. Familiarity with the play is not necessary, and those who don’t wish to read are encouraged to attend as audience and be part of the conversation. A raffle for tickets to Abe Lincoln in Illinois will be held at each location. To sign up to read, community members should write frontporch@intiman.org.
Sept 17 at 7 pm: University of Washington Bookstore ( 4326 University Ave NE , Seattle , 98105)
Oct 2 at 7:30 pm: Cornish College of the Arts ( 1000 Lenora St , Seattle , 98121)
Oct 6: Mount Zion Baptist Church at 6pm ( 1634 19th Ave , Seattle , 98122)
Oct 8: Covington Library at 7pm ( 27100 164th Ave SE , Covington , 98042)
Intiman’s American Cycle is a city-wide series of great American stories, collaborative partnerships and free public program. Robert E. Sherwood’s Abe Lincoln in Illinois, directed by Sheila Daniels and featuring 19 actors from every generation of Seattle ’s theatre community, will run October 2-November 15. For tickets to the production or information about all of the American Cycle programs, call 206.269.1900 or visit www.intiman.org.
The free series will include a reading co-hosted by the Young Democrats of Washington and King County Young Republicans, and events at Canoe Social Club, the UW Bookstore, Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Covington Library
SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Bartlett Sher and Managing Director Brian Colburn , announces its upcoming Front Porch Theater series of readings from Robert E. Sherwood’s Abe Lincoln in Illinois. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which will be produced as part of Intiman’s American Cycle in the fall, is an epic drama about the man who became president, spanning the years in which Lincoln grew to take responsibility for his conscience and his country.
Through Front Porch Theater, Intiman invites the public to be “cast” as Abe Lincoln and other characters for an informal, 40-minute reading of excerpts from the play, followed by a facilitated conversation. The reading includes scenes dramatizing Lincoln ’s student days, his tragic first love and events leading up to his election as president, including the Lincoln-Douglas debates about racial equality.
Front Porch Theater takes Intiman’s commitment to local civic dialogue across King County, creating opportunities for different communities to talk about what the critical issues are today that compel us to confront what seems to be impossible, both within ourselves and as they impact our country.
Front Porch Theater readings are open to the public on the following dates and locations; an updated calendar will be posted on www.intiman.org. Familiarity with the play is not necessary, and those who don’t wish to read are encouraged to attend as audience and be part of the conversation. A raffle for tickets to Abe Lincoln in Illinois will be held at each location. To sign up to read, community members should write frontporch@intiman.org.
Sept 17 at 7 pm: University of Washington Bookstore ( 4326 University Ave NE , Seattle , 98105)
Oct 2 at 7:30 pm: Cornish College of the Arts ( 1000 Lenora St , Seattle , 98121)
Oct 6: Mount Zion Baptist Church at 6pm ( 1634 19th Ave , Seattle , 98122)
Oct 8: Covington Library at 7pm ( 27100 164th Ave SE , Covington , 98042)
Intiman’s American Cycle is a city-wide series of great American stories, collaborative partnerships and free public program. Robert E. Sherwood’s Abe Lincoln in Illinois, directed by Sheila Daniels and featuring 19 actors from every generation of Seattle ’s theatre community, will run October 2-November 15. For tickets to the production or information about all of the American Cycle programs, call 206.269.1900 or visit www.intiman.org.
New Management at 5th Ave
5th Avenue Theatre Announces New Management Team
David Armstrong, Bernadine Griffin, Bill Berry to take new titles, responsibilities
SEATTLE, WA –The board of The 5th Avenue Theatre announced today that Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, Theatre Advancement and Development Director Bernadine Griffin, and Associate Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry will take on new titles and new jobs at the end of this year.
“At the April 22nd meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of The 5th Avenue Theatre, there was unanimous approval to create a new management team to carry on the duties of the theatre,” announced the Board’s Chairman Norm Rice. “The decision was made to name David Armstrong as Executive Producer and Artistic Director, Bernadine Griffin as Managing Director, and Bill Berry as Producing Director.”
The new structure represents a promotion of all three directors, calling attention to their successes while highlighting the skills and experience of each. “It represents the most forward-looking plan of the board, and in our opinion recognizes the strengths of each individual,” Rice continued. “The balance of this team, their creativity, and the skills each of them has exhibited shows that this is the best group possible to take the torch left by Marilynn Sheldon and move forward. It gives David the opportunity to spread his wings as one of the leading artistic and producing directors in the country, to strengthen the contacts and relationships that have given our regional theatre a national reputation as a home to traditional musical theatre and an incubator of exciting world premieres. Bernie takes on more financial management responsibilities, and also keeps the core competency of fundraising where she’s shown such success. And it entrusts Bill with significant oversight of the theatre’s production and artistic activities which comes as a natural outgrowth of increased responsibilities that he has taken on over the past few seasons.”
For the last nine seasons Producing Artistic Director Armstrong and Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon have led the theatre. Sheldon, who announced her retirement last week after 30 years with the company, will continue to advise the board and senior management of the theatre through the whole of 2010, but will step away from day-to-day duties at the end of 2009.
“Over the past nine years my partnership with Marilynn has been a dynamic and productive one,” says Armstrong, “and I am very proud that together we have taken the theater to new heights of artistic excellence and sound fiscal management. I am deeply honored that the Board has placed their trust in me and I am extremely excited to join forces with Bernie and Bill to move the organization into its next stage of growth and accomplishment.”
Griffin echoed Armstrong’s sentiments. “I am honored to be a part of the team that will build upon the leadership of Marilynn Sheldon, and excited about the future of this organization. I’m enthusiastic about working with Bill and David to bring the theatre to even greater financial and creative achievements that will ensure a bright future for The 5th.”
For his part, Berry says that he’s “thrilled to be given these new responsibilities and be part of the new leadership team. Over the last few years, the three of us have learned to play off of each other’s skills, and the result is a dynamic partnership that will only get stronger.”
David Armstrong, Bernadine Griffin, Bill Berry to take new titles, responsibilities
SEATTLE, WA –The board of The 5th Avenue Theatre announced today that Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, Theatre Advancement and Development Director Bernadine Griffin, and Associate Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry will take on new titles and new jobs at the end of this year.
“At the April 22nd meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of The 5th Avenue Theatre, there was unanimous approval to create a new management team to carry on the duties of the theatre,” announced the Board’s Chairman Norm Rice. “The decision was made to name David Armstrong as Executive Producer and Artistic Director, Bernadine Griffin as Managing Director, and Bill Berry as Producing Director.”
The new structure represents a promotion of all three directors, calling attention to their successes while highlighting the skills and experience of each. “It represents the most forward-looking plan of the board, and in our opinion recognizes the strengths of each individual,” Rice continued. “The balance of this team, their creativity, and the skills each of them has exhibited shows that this is the best group possible to take the torch left by Marilynn Sheldon and move forward. It gives David the opportunity to spread his wings as one of the leading artistic and producing directors in the country, to strengthen the contacts and relationships that have given our regional theatre a national reputation as a home to traditional musical theatre and an incubator of exciting world premieres. Bernie takes on more financial management responsibilities, and also keeps the core competency of fundraising where she’s shown such success. And it entrusts Bill with significant oversight of the theatre’s production and artistic activities which comes as a natural outgrowth of increased responsibilities that he has taken on over the past few seasons.”
For the last nine seasons Producing Artistic Director Armstrong and Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon have led the theatre. Sheldon, who announced her retirement last week after 30 years with the company, will continue to advise the board and senior management of the theatre through the whole of 2010, but will step away from day-to-day duties at the end of 2009.
“Over the past nine years my partnership with Marilynn has been a dynamic and productive one,” says Armstrong, “and I am very proud that together we have taken the theater to new heights of artistic excellence and sound fiscal management. I am deeply honored that the Board has placed their trust in me and I am extremely excited to join forces with Bernie and Bill to move the organization into its next stage of growth and accomplishment.”
Griffin echoed Armstrong’s sentiments. “I am honored to be a part of the team that will build upon the leadership of Marilynn Sheldon, and excited about the future of this organization. I’m enthusiastic about working with Bill and David to bring the theatre to even greater financial and creative achievements that will ensure a bright future for The 5th.”
For his part, Berry says that he’s “thrilled to be given these new responsibilities and be part of the new leadership team. Over the last few years, the three of us have learned to play off of each other’s skills, and the result is a dynamic partnership that will only get stronger.”
ACT announces 2010 Season
ACT – A Contemporary Theatre Announces 2010 Season
Seattle, WA – August 20, 2009 –
ACT – A Contemporary Theatre announces its 2010 Mainstage season, comprised of five plays, plus a one-time only, add on Charter Membership option for Subscribing Members, giving them access to year-round Central Heating Lab programs for only $50.
ACT will open its Mainstage season with the beautifully nostalgic The Trip to Bountiful by Horton Foote (May 7-June 6), followed by the wildly funny absurdist comedy The Female of the Species by Joanna Murray-Smith (June 18-July 18), Steven Dietz’s thriller Yankee Tavern (August 13-September 12), David Rambo’s The Lady With All the Answers, based on the life of Ann Landers (September 10-November 7), and the outrageous dark comedy The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh (October 15-November 14).
“ACT's mission is to present the best contemporary plays, and I think our 2010 Mainstage season answers this call wonderfully,” said ACT Artistic Director Kurt Beattie. “These plays are all brilliant, hilarious, and touching, and reach right into both the heart of our present, and our history. Their collective journey captures us from the '50s until today in flashes of bold and entertaining theatrical lightning. I can't wait to get started!”
Subscription Memberships (season packages) and Basic Monthly Memberships (all access pass year round to ACT produced shows) are on sale now exclusively through the ACT Ticket Office, (206) 292-7676 or 700 Union Street in downtown Seattle. Subscription Memberships will be available for purchase online at www.acttheatre.org<http://www.acttheatre.org> mid-September.
Subscription Memberships range from $50 (students with ID/25 and under) to $250, and include a special $142.50 senior matinee package, as well as an exclusive one-time, limited offer Charter Membership for $50, which gives Subscribing Members guaranteed seats to many of ACT’s Central Heating Lab programs produced during the 2010 calendar year.Basic Monthly Memberships cost $20 to $25 per month and include access to all Mainstage plays, plus most Central Heating Lab programs.
Single tickets/non-membership tickets go on sale mid-March and range $10/$15 (for students with ID/25 and under) to $55.
The 2010 Mainstage Season:
The Trip to Bountiful
by Horton Foote
Allen Theatre
May 7-June 6
In 1947 Houston, the elderly Carrie Watts dreams endlessly of visiting her childhood home one last time before it is too late. But first, before she embarks on a sentimental journey home, she must find a way to escape the suffocating confinement of an over-bearing daughter-in-law and under-serving son. Both heartbreaking and uplifting, this haunting American classic is an unforgettable meditation on the idea of Home and its power to sustain us.
The Female of the Species
by Joanna Murray-Smith
Falls Theatre
June 18-July 18
Loosely based on a true story, this hilarious satire follows the plucky, obstinate, and opinionated feminist writer Margot Mason on her decent into the tortuous territory of writer’s block and the misadventures of a day gone wrong. No feminist doctrine goes unscathed when this sacred monster of the movement is taken hostage by a disillusioned disciple in this viciously funny play about gender politics.
Yankee Tavern
by Steven Dietz
Allen Theatre
August 13-September 12
From the acclaimed playwright who brought us the world-premiere of Becky’s New Car in 2008, comes this astutely funny dramatic thriller brimming with edge of your seat intrigue. In a New York dive bar five years after 9/11, a young couple find themselves face to face with a mysterious stranger who turns what seems like harmless conspiracy theories into a continuous stream of surprising and dangerous revelations in this eye-opening look at the events that forever changed our country.
The Lady With All the Answers
by David Rambo
Bullitt Cabaret
September 10-November 7
David Rambo’s play invites audiences to spend an evening of home truths and delicious dish with renowned advice columnist Ann Landers, as she shares some of her favorite letters and memories while struggling to write the toughest column of her life. An irresistible portrait of the woman who used charm, chutzpah, and “one hell of a Rolodex” to become America’s Therapist and Best Friend Forever!
The Lieutenant of Inishmore
by Martin McDonagh
Falls Theatre
October 15-November 14
A gleefully gruesome comedy from the Oscar-winning author of In Bruges, about a merciless Irish terrorist and his obsessive love for the thing that matters most to him: his precious black cat, Wee Thomas. Turn off your political correctness meter and wallow in this outrageous, blood-drenched farce. You won’t believe your eyes!
Following the 2010 Mainstage season, ACT will stage its 35th annual production of the Seattle holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Gregory A. Falls, November 23-December 26, 2009.
Balancing out the Mainstage season is year-round programming presented by The Central Heating Lab at ACT, including after-hour companion pieces inspired by the Mainstage productions, as well as the return of 14/48 (January), Seattle Dance Project (January-February), the 2010 New Play Award and workshop (February-March), the Moisture Festival (March), a dance residency by the sublime KT Niehoff and Lingo Dance (April-May), and much more.**Titles, dates and venues subject to change.
About ACT
For the past 45 seasons, ACT’s mission has been to inspire our diverse community through theatre that advances our understanding of human life. To dare, excite, and enrich artists and audiences, and steward our many resources. Through The Central Heating Lab, ACT seeks to heat things up and create a conversation with its season that reaches for an even deeper impact.ACT gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Season Sponsors ArtsFund, ACT Foundation, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, The Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, and The Shubert Foundation, along with Producing Partners 4Culture, The Boeing Company, Getty Images, Microsoft Corporation, Nesholm Family Foundation, One Nation, PONCHO, and The Seattle Foundation.# # #
Seattle, WA – August 20, 2009 –
ACT – A Contemporary Theatre announces its 2010 Mainstage season, comprised of five plays, plus a one-time only, add on Charter Membership option for Subscribing Members, giving them access to year-round Central Heating Lab programs for only $50.
ACT will open its Mainstage season with the beautifully nostalgic The Trip to Bountiful by Horton Foote (May 7-June 6), followed by the wildly funny absurdist comedy The Female of the Species by Joanna Murray-Smith (June 18-July 18), Steven Dietz’s thriller Yankee Tavern (August 13-September 12), David Rambo’s The Lady With All the Answers, based on the life of Ann Landers (September 10-November 7), and the outrageous dark comedy The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh (October 15-November 14).
“ACT's mission is to present the best contemporary plays, and I think our 2010 Mainstage season answers this call wonderfully,” said ACT Artistic Director Kurt Beattie. “These plays are all brilliant, hilarious, and touching, and reach right into both the heart of our present, and our history. Their collective journey captures us from the '50s until today in flashes of bold and entertaining theatrical lightning. I can't wait to get started!”
Subscription Memberships (season packages) and Basic Monthly Memberships (all access pass year round to ACT produced shows) are on sale now exclusively through the ACT Ticket Office, (206) 292-7676 or 700 Union Street in downtown Seattle. Subscription Memberships will be available for purchase online at www.acttheatre.org<http://www.acttheatre.org> mid-September.
Subscription Memberships range from $50 (students with ID/25 and under) to $250, and include a special $142.50 senior matinee package, as well as an exclusive one-time, limited offer Charter Membership for $50, which gives Subscribing Members guaranteed seats to many of ACT’s Central Heating Lab programs produced during the 2010 calendar year.Basic Monthly Memberships cost $20 to $25 per month and include access to all Mainstage plays, plus most Central Heating Lab programs.
Single tickets/non-membership tickets go on sale mid-March and range $10/$15 (for students with ID/25 and under) to $55.
The 2010 Mainstage Season:
The Trip to Bountiful
by Horton Foote
Allen Theatre
May 7-June 6
In 1947 Houston, the elderly Carrie Watts dreams endlessly of visiting her childhood home one last time before it is too late. But first, before she embarks on a sentimental journey home, she must find a way to escape the suffocating confinement of an over-bearing daughter-in-law and under-serving son. Both heartbreaking and uplifting, this haunting American classic is an unforgettable meditation on the idea of Home and its power to sustain us.
The Female of the Species
by Joanna Murray-Smith
Falls Theatre
June 18-July 18
Loosely based on a true story, this hilarious satire follows the plucky, obstinate, and opinionated feminist writer Margot Mason on her decent into the tortuous territory of writer’s block and the misadventures of a day gone wrong. No feminist doctrine goes unscathed when this sacred monster of the movement is taken hostage by a disillusioned disciple in this viciously funny play about gender politics.
Yankee Tavern
by Steven Dietz
Allen Theatre
August 13-September 12
From the acclaimed playwright who brought us the world-premiere of Becky’s New Car in 2008, comes this astutely funny dramatic thriller brimming with edge of your seat intrigue. In a New York dive bar five years after 9/11, a young couple find themselves face to face with a mysterious stranger who turns what seems like harmless conspiracy theories into a continuous stream of surprising and dangerous revelations in this eye-opening look at the events that forever changed our country.
The Lady With All the Answers
by David Rambo
Bullitt Cabaret
September 10-November 7
David Rambo’s play invites audiences to spend an evening of home truths and delicious dish with renowned advice columnist Ann Landers, as she shares some of her favorite letters and memories while struggling to write the toughest column of her life. An irresistible portrait of the woman who used charm, chutzpah, and “one hell of a Rolodex” to become America’s Therapist and Best Friend Forever!
The Lieutenant of Inishmore
by Martin McDonagh
Falls Theatre
October 15-November 14
A gleefully gruesome comedy from the Oscar-winning author of In Bruges, about a merciless Irish terrorist and his obsessive love for the thing that matters most to him: his precious black cat, Wee Thomas. Turn off your political correctness meter and wallow in this outrageous, blood-drenched farce. You won’t believe your eyes!
Following the 2010 Mainstage season, ACT will stage its 35th annual production of the Seattle holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Gregory A. Falls, November 23-December 26, 2009.
Balancing out the Mainstage season is year-round programming presented by The Central Heating Lab at ACT, including after-hour companion pieces inspired by the Mainstage productions, as well as the return of 14/48 (January), Seattle Dance Project (January-February), the 2010 New Play Award and workshop (February-March), the Moisture Festival (March), a dance residency by the sublime KT Niehoff and Lingo Dance (April-May), and much more.**Titles, dates and venues subject to change.
About ACT
For the past 45 seasons, ACT’s mission has been to inspire our diverse community through theatre that advances our understanding of human life. To dare, excite, and enrich artists and audiences, and steward our many resources. Through The Central Heating Lab, ACT seeks to heat things up and create a conversation with its season that reaches for an even deeper impact.ACT gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Season Sponsors ArtsFund, ACT Foundation, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, The Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, and The Shubert Foundation, along with Producing Partners 4Culture, The Boeing Company, Getty Images, Microsoft Corporation, Nesholm Family Foundation, One Nation, PONCHO, and The Seattle Foundation.# # #
5th Ave Managing Director to Retire
5th Avenue Theatre Managing Director Announces Retirement
Marilynn Sheldon, leader of Seattle’s Premiere Musical Theatre Company, to leave day-to-day duties by end of year
SEATTLE, WA –Marilynn Sheldon, Managing Director of the 5th Avenue Theatre since 1988, will be stepping down from her position by the end of this year. She will continue to advise the board and management until her current contract expires at the end of 2010.
Marilynn Sheldon began her career at The 5th in 1980 as box office treasurer, then became the General Manager in 1984 before becoming Managing Director in 1988. During her time with the company she has seen it grow from a presenting house featuring 354 performances annually to a full resident company that is recognized as a national leader in musical theatre, employing over 600 artists, technicians, and administrators annually and with a subscription base of over 25,000.
In the 30 years of her involvement with the theatre, she has worked to bring more than 150 shows—touring, local, and co-produced—to the stage of the 5th. She was instrumental in establishing The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company, an arm of the non-profit theater organization that produces regional musical theatre, as well as developing the Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, which presents original shows to kindergarten and elementary-school students in Washington State.
Sheldon gives credit to the success of the organization to “the most incredible staff imaginable,” including Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong and Development Director Bernadine Griffin. She also notes the Theatre’s role in co-producing original musicals. “I take great pride in becoming a producer of such shows as Hairspray and The Wedding Singer that have gone on to Broadway success and taken this theatre to a new level of achievement,” she says in her letter of resignation. “And we’ve done it while surviving the rollercoaster economy that, even now, makes running any kind of business challenging and stressful.”
Sheldon’s tenure has also been remarkable for the development and sustaining of The 5th’s status as a non-profit theatre and thoughtful community leader. “We continue to expand our presence in the community in a variety of ways, including the Adventure Musical Theatre, Fridays at The 5th, and the 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, among other things.”
“During my tenure here, I have considered myself the guardian of the mission of this theatre,” she says, “protecting and preserving this magnificent facility; then, presenting and producing entertaining musical theatre; and finally making arts education and outreach priorities for the community.”
“Marilynn has been the constant of the 5th Avenue, and have guided us through three incarnations, which is extraordinary for any organization,” says David Armstrong. “Most companies don’t have the smarts or wherewithal to do this. She provided what we needed to make that happen.”
“I’ve been involved in the theatre since its renovation in 1980, and I’ve known Marilynn since that time,” says former board member Bruce Pym. “It would be hard to imagine anybody who contributed more to the theatre than she did. She’s a very special person.”
“For me, she’s provided the soul of the theatre,” says board member Bill Krippaehne. “That’s meant that she’s had to tell us things that we didn’t want to hear at times, but she was always working to bring us back to our fundamental mission.”
Norm Rice, Chairman of the 5th Avenue’s Board, says, “While there are those who pass torches and those who light the way, Marilynn’s torch is in the lights of the theatre, on our stage and in our rehearsal halls and in the marquee. Every place you look around you’ll see the lights that Marilynn lit, and these lights will never dim at the 5th Avenue.”
Ms. Sheldon has served on the board of several arts organizations, and is currently a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the League of American Theatres and Producers, Independent Presenters Network, and Washington State Arts Alliance. She is also active in the Rotary Club of Seattle and CityClub.
After her retirement, she and Bob plan to travel and develop other interests. She concludes her letter with this statement: “This theatre will always be a part of my life and my wish is that it will continue to flourish and grow. It is an amazing part of Seattle’s fabric that makes this community so special. And it always comes down to the people—the incredible staff, stage personnel, the artistic teams, an ever-caring board and most of all the audiences who have made my career here a dream-come-true.”
The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle’s premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of over 25,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation’s largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org.
Marilynn Sheldon, leader of Seattle’s Premiere Musical Theatre Company, to leave day-to-day duties by end of year
SEATTLE, WA –Marilynn Sheldon, Managing Director of the 5th Avenue Theatre since 1988, will be stepping down from her position by the end of this year. She will continue to advise the board and management until her current contract expires at the end of 2010.
Marilynn Sheldon began her career at The 5th in 1980 as box office treasurer, then became the General Manager in 1984 before becoming Managing Director in 1988. During her time with the company she has seen it grow from a presenting house featuring 354 performances annually to a full resident company that is recognized as a national leader in musical theatre, employing over 600 artists, technicians, and administrators annually and with a subscription base of over 25,000.
In the 30 years of her involvement with the theatre, she has worked to bring more than 150 shows—touring, local, and co-produced—to the stage of the 5th. She was instrumental in establishing The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company, an arm of the non-profit theater organization that produces regional musical theatre, as well as developing the Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, which presents original shows to kindergarten and elementary-school students in Washington State.
Sheldon gives credit to the success of the organization to “the most incredible staff imaginable,” including Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong and Development Director Bernadine Griffin. She also notes the Theatre’s role in co-producing original musicals. “I take great pride in becoming a producer of such shows as Hairspray and The Wedding Singer that have gone on to Broadway success and taken this theatre to a new level of achievement,” she says in her letter of resignation. “And we’ve done it while surviving the rollercoaster economy that, even now, makes running any kind of business challenging and stressful.”
Sheldon’s tenure has also been remarkable for the development and sustaining of The 5th’s status as a non-profit theatre and thoughtful community leader. “We continue to expand our presence in the community in a variety of ways, including the Adventure Musical Theatre, Fridays at The 5th, and the 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, among other things.”
“During my tenure here, I have considered myself the guardian of the mission of this theatre,” she says, “protecting and preserving this magnificent facility; then, presenting and producing entertaining musical theatre; and finally making arts education and outreach priorities for the community.”
“Marilynn has been the constant of the 5th Avenue, and have guided us through three incarnations, which is extraordinary for any organization,” says David Armstrong. “Most companies don’t have the smarts or wherewithal to do this. She provided what we needed to make that happen.”
“I’ve been involved in the theatre since its renovation in 1980, and I’ve known Marilynn since that time,” says former board member Bruce Pym. “It would be hard to imagine anybody who contributed more to the theatre than she did. She’s a very special person.”
“For me, she’s provided the soul of the theatre,” says board member Bill Krippaehne. “That’s meant that she’s had to tell us things that we didn’t want to hear at times, but she was always working to bring us back to our fundamental mission.”
Norm Rice, Chairman of the 5th Avenue’s Board, says, “While there are those who pass torches and those who light the way, Marilynn’s torch is in the lights of the theatre, on our stage and in our rehearsal halls and in the marquee. Every place you look around you’ll see the lights that Marilynn lit, and these lights will never dim at the 5th Avenue.”
Ms. Sheldon has served on the board of several arts organizations, and is currently a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the League of American Theatres and Producers, Independent Presenters Network, and Washington State Arts Alliance. She is also active in the Rotary Club of Seattle and CityClub.
After her retirement, she and Bob plan to travel and develop other interests. She concludes her letter with this statement: “This theatre will always be a part of my life and my wish is that it will continue to flourish and grow. It is an amazing part of Seattle’s fabric that makes this community so special. And it always comes down to the people—the incredible staff, stage personnel, the artistic teams, an ever-caring board and most of all the audiences who have made my career here a dream-come-true.”
The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle’s premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of over 25,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation’s largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org.
Casting Announced for Seattle Rep!
Casting announced for Seattle Rep 2009-10 season Seattle, WA –
Local favorites, Seattle up-and-comers and a handful of well-known film and Broadway actors will take the stage for Seattle Repertory Theatre's 2009-10 season, the theatre announced today. The season opens Sept. 25 with tickets on sale August 25. Subscriptions are currently available.
Three of the plays have predominately local casts: Opus, directed by Braden Abraham, stars Charles Leggett, Allen Fitzpatrick, Shawn Belyea, Chelsey Rives and Todd Jefferson Moore. Speech and Debate, directed by Andrea Allen, features newcomers Trick Danneker, Erin Stewart and Justin Huertas alongside veteran performer Amy Thone.
And David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by Wilson Milam (director of last season's The Seafarer), is chock full of Seattle favorites: John Aylward, Ian Bell, Russell Hodgkinson, Charles Leggett, MJ Sieber and R. Hamilton Wright.
You can also expect to see some famous faces in the season's other shows. Anthony Heald (Silence of the Lambs) plays Shakespeare (or Shag, as they call him) in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival co-production Equivocation.
Tony Award-winner Denis O'Hare (Take Me Out on Broadway) stars in the world premiere one-man show An Iliad. O'Hare was recently in a slew of films including The Proposal, Duplicity, Milk and Changeling.
For full cast lists, see below. Please note one role in Glengarry Glen Ross and a number of parts in Fences are being cast and will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 39 Steps
adapted by Patrick Barlow, based on an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, based on the book by John Buchan, directed by Maria Aitken
Sept. 25-Oct. 18, 2009, Bagley Wright Theatre
CAST
Richard Hannay
Ted Deasy
Man #1
Eric Hissom
Man #2
Scott Parkinson
Annabella/Pamela/Margaret
Claire Brownell
Opus
by Michael Hollinger, directed by Braden Abraham
Oct. 30-Dec. 6, 2009, Leo K. Theatre
CAST
Carl
Charles Leggett
Elliot
Allen Fitzpatrick
Alan
Shawn Belyea
Grace
Chelsey Rives
Dorian
Todd Jefferson Moore
Equivocation
by Bill Cain, directed by Bill Rauch
Nov. 18-Dec. 13, 2009, Bagley Wright Theatre
CAST
Shag
Anthony Heald
Richard, Ensemble
Richard Elmore
Cecil, Nate, Ensemble
Jonathan Haugen
Sharpe, Ensemble
John Tufts
Armin, Ensemble
Gregory Linington
Judith
Christine Albright
Speech and Debate
by Stephen Karam, directed by Andrea Allen
Jan. 15-Feb. 21, 2010, Leo K. Theatre
CAST
Howie
Trick Danneker
Diwata
Erin Stewart
Solomon
Justin Huertas
Teacher/Reporter
Amy Thone
Glengarry Glen Ross
by David Mamet, directed by Wilson Milam
Feb. 5-28, 2010, Bagley Wright Theatre
CAST
Shelley Levene
John Aylward
Baylen
Ian Bell
George Aaronow
Russell Hodgkinson
James Lingk
Charles Leggett
John Williamson
MJ Sieber
Dave Moss
R. Hamilton Wright
Ricky Roma
TBA
Fences
by August Wilson, directed by Timothy Bond
March 26-April 18, 2010, Bagley Wright Theatre
CAST
Troy Maxson
James A. Williams
Jim Bono
William Hall Jr.
Lyons
José A. Rufino
Gabriel
Craig Alan Edwards
Rose
TBA
Cory
TBA
Raynell
TBA
An Iliad
created by Denis O'Hare and Lisa Peterson, directed by Lisa Peterson
April 9-May 16, 2010, Leo K. Theatre
Starring Denis O'Hare
# # #
2009-2010 Season Fact Sheet
WHEN:Performance days: Wednesday-Sunday at 7:30 p.m.with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Seattle Repertory Theatre is located at Seattle Center at the corner of Second Ave. and Mercer St., Seattle, Washington.
TICKETS: Season tickets are on sale now; single tickets go on sale August 25. Packages range from $75-$435. Single tickets range from $15-$59. Anyone 25 and under may purchase tickets for only $12 for any performance (with ID - call for details). Discounted tickets for groups of ten or more may be purchased by calling (206) 443-2224. Tickets can be ordered online (www.seattlerep.org), by phone (206-443-2222), or in person at the Seattle Repertory Theatre Box Office.
Seattle Rep is co-presenting August: Osage County at The Paramount Theatre Oct. 27-Nov. 1. Single tickets for that show will be on sale through the Paramount Theatre Box Office August 31.
Local favorites, Seattle up-and-comers and a handful of well-known film and Broadway actors will take the stage for Seattle Repertory Theatre's 2009-10 season, the theatre announced today. The season opens Sept. 25 with tickets on sale August 25. Subscriptions are currently available.
Three of the plays have predominately local casts: Opus, directed by Braden Abraham, stars Charles Leggett, Allen Fitzpatrick, Shawn Belyea, Chelsey Rives and Todd Jefferson Moore. Speech and Debate, directed by Andrea Allen, features newcomers Trick Danneker, Erin Stewart and Justin Huertas alongside veteran performer Amy Thone.
And David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by Wilson Milam (director of last season's The Seafarer), is chock full of Seattle favorites: John Aylward, Ian Bell, Russell Hodgkinson, Charles Leggett, MJ Sieber and R. Hamilton Wright.
You can also expect to see some famous faces in the season's other shows. Anthony Heald (Silence of the Lambs) plays Shakespeare (or Shag, as they call him) in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival co-production Equivocation.
Tony Award-winner Denis O'Hare (Take Me Out on Broadway) stars in the world premiere one-man show An Iliad. O'Hare was recently in a slew of films including The Proposal, Duplicity, Milk and Changeling.
For full cast lists, see below. Please note one role in Glengarry Glen Ross and a number of parts in Fences are being cast and will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 39 Steps
adapted by Patrick Barlow, based on an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, based on the book by John Buchan, directed by Maria Aitken
Sept. 25-Oct. 18, 2009, Bagley Wright Theatre
CAST
Richard Hannay
Ted Deasy
Man #1
Eric Hissom
Man #2
Scott Parkinson
Annabella/Pamela/Margaret
Claire Brownell
Opus
by Michael Hollinger, directed by Braden Abraham
Oct. 30-Dec. 6, 2009, Leo K. Theatre
CAST
Carl
Charles Leggett
Elliot
Allen Fitzpatrick
Alan
Shawn Belyea
Grace
Chelsey Rives
Dorian
Todd Jefferson Moore
Equivocation
by Bill Cain, directed by Bill Rauch
Nov. 18-Dec. 13, 2009, Bagley Wright Theatre
CAST
Shag
Anthony Heald
Richard, Ensemble
Richard Elmore
Cecil, Nate, Ensemble
Jonathan Haugen
Sharpe, Ensemble
John Tufts
Armin, Ensemble
Gregory Linington
Judith
Christine Albright
Speech and Debate
by Stephen Karam, directed by Andrea Allen
Jan. 15-Feb. 21, 2010, Leo K. Theatre
CAST
Howie
Trick Danneker
Diwata
Erin Stewart
Solomon
Justin Huertas
Teacher/Reporter
Amy Thone
Glengarry Glen Ross
by David Mamet, directed by Wilson Milam
Feb. 5-28, 2010, Bagley Wright Theatre
CAST
Shelley Levene
John Aylward
Baylen
Ian Bell
George Aaronow
Russell Hodgkinson
James Lingk
Charles Leggett
John Williamson
MJ Sieber
Dave Moss
R. Hamilton Wright
Ricky Roma
TBA
Fences
by August Wilson, directed by Timothy Bond
March 26-April 18, 2010, Bagley Wright Theatre
CAST
Troy Maxson
James A. Williams
Jim Bono
William Hall Jr.
Lyons
José A. Rufino
Gabriel
Craig Alan Edwards
Rose
TBA
Cory
TBA
Raynell
TBA
An Iliad
created by Denis O'Hare and Lisa Peterson, directed by Lisa Peterson
April 9-May 16, 2010, Leo K. Theatre
Starring Denis O'Hare
# # #
2009-2010 Season Fact Sheet
WHEN:Performance days: Wednesday-Sunday at 7:30 p.m.with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Seattle Repertory Theatre is located at Seattle Center at the corner of Second Ave. and Mercer St., Seattle, Washington.
TICKETS: Season tickets are on sale now; single tickets go on sale August 25. Packages range from $75-$435. Single tickets range from $15-$59. Anyone 25 and under may purchase tickets for only $12 for any performance (with ID - call for details). Discounted tickets for groups of ten or more may be purchased by calling (206) 443-2224. Tickets can be ordered online (www.seattlerep.org), by phone (206-443-2222), or in person at the Seattle Repertory Theatre Box Office.
Seattle Rep is co-presenting August: Osage County at The Paramount Theatre Oct. 27-Nov. 1. Single tickets for that show will be on sale through the Paramount Theatre Box Office August 31.
Improv(e) Your Business Skills at Taproot!
Improv(e) your business skills
with Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio
New class for adults needing to brush up their presentation skills
SEATTLE – August 11, 2009 – Jobseekers can get ahead of the competition this fall by brushing up their interview and presentation skills with Improv(e) Your Business Skills, a brand-new class from Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio. Taught by two of Taproot Theatre’s skilled improv actors, this class will encourage the students to think quickly and respond on the spot, while expert coaching will help them take control of expressions, mannerisms and other forms of body language. Improv(e) Your Business Skills takes place at Taproot Theatre on Mondays from September 21 through October 26 from 7-9 p.m.
Fall quarter at Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio also includes a variety of other classes for children and adults of all ages and experience levels. Fall quarter runs September 21 through December 8. Registration is open now. Classes are held at Taproot Theatre (204 N 85th St.) and Grace Fellowship Church (410 NW 62nd St.) in Seattle. Registration forms and class descriptions are available online at www.taproottheatre.org, or contact Taproot’s Acting Studio at (206) 529-3668 or studio@taproottheatre.org.
About Taproot Theatre Company’s Acting Studio
Taproot Theatre Company’s Acting Studio offers year-round classes for youth and adults taught by local theatre professionals. Budding thespians will find classes to help them develop their acting skills, while more seasoned actors can build on their knowledge and learn new techniques. Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non-profit theatre company with a multi-faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.
Thanks to our media sponsor, ParentMap, and to The D.V. and Ida J. McEachern Charitable Trust for additional Acting Studio support. Seasonal support provided by The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, ArtsFund, 4Culture, Washington State Arts Commission, PONCHO and Nesholm Family Foundation.
with Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio
New class for adults needing to brush up their presentation skills
SEATTLE – August 11, 2009 – Jobseekers can get ahead of the competition this fall by brushing up their interview and presentation skills with Improv(e) Your Business Skills, a brand-new class from Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio. Taught by two of Taproot Theatre’s skilled improv actors, this class will encourage the students to think quickly and respond on the spot, while expert coaching will help them take control of expressions, mannerisms and other forms of body language. Improv(e) Your Business Skills takes place at Taproot Theatre on Mondays from September 21 through October 26 from 7-9 p.m.
Fall quarter at Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio also includes a variety of other classes for children and adults of all ages and experience levels. Fall quarter runs September 21 through December 8. Registration is open now. Classes are held at Taproot Theatre (204 N 85th St.) and Grace Fellowship Church (410 NW 62nd St.) in Seattle. Registration forms and class descriptions are available online at www.taproottheatre.org, or contact Taproot’s Acting Studio at (206) 529-3668 or studio@taproottheatre.org.
About Taproot Theatre Company’s Acting Studio
Taproot Theatre Company’s Acting Studio offers year-round classes for youth and adults taught by local theatre professionals. Budding thespians will find classes to help them develop their acting skills, while more seasoned actors can build on their knowledge and learn new techniques. Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non-profit theatre company with a multi-faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.
Thanks to our media sponsor, ParentMap, and to The D.V. and Ida J. McEachern Charitable Trust for additional Acting Studio support. Seasonal support provided by The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, ArtsFund, 4Culture, Washington State Arts Commission, PONCHO and Nesholm Family Foundation.
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