TAGLines The Newsletter of the Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. – Ma r c h 2 0 1 0

Jim Martin, President Cathy Hirsch, Chair/Edito r www.theatreartsguild.com

T A G Q&A Discussion Series: Scenic Design By Jennifer Gilg N I G H T

O U T Over the past year, the TAG Board has looked at its awards process from several angles in an effort to ensure that the TAG Awards fulfill

Execution of Justice our mission of raising awareness of and participation in live theatre SNAP Productions in the metropolitan Omaha community through recognition of

March 3 contributions to the art form. In addition to examining voting methods, the Board undertook a thorough audit of ballots to Jesus Christ Superstar Chanticleer Theatre determine the level of member participation in the selection of TAG March 11 Award nominees and winners. One of the things the Board noted is that the technical categories receive far fewer nominations from Get Back voters than the acting categories.

Bellevue Little Theatre In the hopes of promoting greater participation in the recognition of March 11 designers and technicians who contribute so much to our theatre This is How It Goes community, TAGLines is launching a series of articles focusing on SkullDuggery Theatre the TAG Awards’ technical categories. The first in this series

March 17 features a Q & A discussion with TAG Award-winning scenic

designers Bill Van Deest and Paul Pape. Bill Van Deest is the Godspell lighting and scenic designer at Creighton University and the Creighton Universtiy March 18 Associate Artistic Director for Design for the Nebraska Shakespeare

______Company. He has designed for numerous theatres in the Omaha area, and is a three-time TAG Award winner for best scenic design (Night of the Iguana , I Am My Own Wife , Seascape ). Paul Pape is a T HIS I S S U E free lance designer who has also served as scenic design professor On Stage News and technical director at UNO. Pape has designed for Alicia Keys, The Green Room / Auditions the LaJolla Playhouse, the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, UNO, and SNAP! Productions, just to name a few. He was awarded the Other Good Stuff 2009 TAG Award for his scenic design for Doubt: A Parable . Theatre Planning Calendar Read the Question and Answer portion of the article, continued on page 7. ______N E W Did you know that you can advertise in TAGLines for as little as $10? M EMBERS It’s true: Your organization can reach the most theatre-loving audience in Omaha for a ten-spot.

Wendy Lundeen Announce your season, publicize your show, congratulate your cast Brittany Locke or sell your wares. What a great investment! Visit www.theatreartsguild.com/advertise/AdRates2008.htm for more information. You can even pay for your ad online. Now that’s convenient! Page 1 On Stage News

*UNO Theatre presents Rueben Soady is in danger of becoming the oldest member in the Gross Indecency history of the family never to bag a buck! Through March 6 The show features the talents of Cullen Chollett, Chris Wiig, Don Moises Kaufman's Gross Indecency: the Three Trials of Oscar Wilde Harris and David Sindelar. Directed by Kevin Ehrhart, Escanaba will artfully weaves actual trial transcripts, Wilde's personal be staged in the lower level of Central Presbyterian Church, opening correspondence, interviews, and other source material to illustrate on Friday February 19th and will run through Saturday, March 13th. the "man of letter's" historical downfall. Gross Indecency unveils Doors open at 6:30pm.with dinner served at 7:00pm and the show Wilde's artistic genius which has long been overshadowed by the starting at 8:00pm. The show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday scandal surrounding his imprisonment. Overall, an insightful, human, evenings. Tickets for dinner and show are $23 and show only tickets drama. The show is directed by Dr. Amy Lane and will run from are $13. The entrees for this production will include Ham and February 24-27 to March 3-6 at 7:30 pm. All performances will be scalloped potatoes, Crusted Chicken Breast and Macaroni and located in the Theatre of UNO's Weber Fine Arts Building, 6001 Cheese. The Circle Theater is located in the lower level of Central Dodge Street, Omaha NE, 68182. The UNO box office will begin Presbyterian church, 726 So. 55th St. (Corner of 55th and taking reservations on February 15th-- call 402.554.PLAY for tickets. Leavenworth). For reservations and further information call Doug FREE for all UNO Students. All other students pay only $5.00. Marr at 553-4715 or [email protected].

The John Beasley Theater presents The Rose presents August Wilson's Jitney There’s An Alligator Under My Bed Through March 7 March 5 – 21 Directed by John Beasley and starring Beasley and Anthony Don't miss your chance to see this world-premiere production based Chisholm, the show runs Feb. 12-Mar. 7, Thursdays-Saturdays at on three of Mercer Mayer's famous children's books — "There's an 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For reservations, call 502-5767. Alligator Under My Bed," "There's Something in My Attic," and "There's a Nightmare in My Closet." How does a child sneak past the Nebraska Wesleyan University Theatre presents alligator under the bed, the Big Nightmare in the closet, and the Silly Scary Thing that lives in the attic? You will have to come to The Rose Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to find out! Plus, you won't want to miss the fun new songs by Stuart Through March 7 Kenny, who wrote all of the music for last season's "The Little Engine The musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is based on a popular 1998 film That Could." by the same title. It's about two fraudsters, Lawrence Jameson and Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm Freddy Benson, living on the French Riviera. Lawrence is a cultivated performance on Saturday, March 13. and suave gentleman who cons rich ladies out of their money. Based on the books written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer. Adapted Freddy on the other hand is a small time American thief who cons by James Larson with songs by Stuart Kenny. women into giving him money by telling made up stories about his Free for members, $16 for all other tickets. Visit sick grandmother. www.rosetheater.org for more information One day they meet on the train and try to setup some work together, but soon find out that the small French town they live in isn't big enough to support two scammers. So they setup a challenge, they The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents agree that the first person to successfully steal $50,000 from a young Death of a Salesman Chistine Colgate will get to stay in town, while the loser gets to leave. Through March 21 (Howard Drew Theatre) The battle between them then starts, with many twists and laughs Willy Loman is a traveling salesman whose American Dream of along the way. success has been haunted by missed opportunities and an uncertain Call 402-465-2384 for ticket information. future. His home life is equally unsatisfactory. He’s tried to instill his values in his sons Biff and Happy, but they repeatedly fail to meet his *The Circle Theatre presents expectations. His long-suffering wife Linda finds herself being a Escanaba In Da Moonlight referee as Willy and the boys fight. Ultimately, Willy’s lifetime of self- Through March 13 deception distorts his dream into an American tragedy. Kevin Lawler is guest director. Stage Manager is Wes Houston. The Circle Theatre will be starting the New Year with the regional Bernie Clark stars as Willy Loman. Other members of the cast premier of the comedy Escanaba In Da Moonlight a hilariously include Tim Abou-Nasr, Brigid Amos, Kathleen Byrd, Anthony Clark- twisted comedy about five Yoopers – residents of Michigan’s Upper Kaczmarek, Larry French, Ryan Fuller, Scott Kroeker, Jolene Mathis, Peninsula – and their escapades at a ramshackle deer camp on the Jennifer McGill, Lois Nemec, Geoffrey Stienblock, and Jonathan eve of the Opening Day of the 1989 hunting season by actor Jeff Wilhoft. Daniels. For nearly three quarters of a century, Soady men have Performances run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and trekked to their little “home away from home” north of Escanaba – the heart and soul of the U. P. – to drink, cause a little bit of trouble, and Continued, Page 3 bag bucks. But in the words of the Patriarch Albert, “Dat year camp was as tense as a moose’s butt durin’ fly season. Why? At 35,

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Salesman, Continued Moore/Caiaphas. Other cast members are Mindi Cavanaugh; Denise Sundays at 2:00 PM only. Tickets for this drama are $32.00 for adults Chevalier; Dana Donlan; Jeremy Gillmore; Rachel Holmes; Katie and $21.00 for students. Prices include tax. Mention that you’re a Kasher; Dale Krusemark; John Kuehl; Karen Lehmer; Jeff Lively; TAG member for a $10 discount; membership card must be shown Kayla Mitchell; Kate Simmons and Danielle Smith. when picking up your ticket. Call the ticket line at 553-0800 or go to Ticket prices are: Adults - $ 17.00, Seniors - $ 14.00 www.omahaplayhouse.com for reservations or information. Children/Students - $ 9.00. For more information and reservations, contact the box office at 712- 323-9955 or email [email protected]. *SNAP! Productions presents There will be a TAG Night Out Thursday, March 11 at 7:30pm . Execution of Justice

March 4-28 The perfect companion piece to last year’s Academy Award winning *Bellevue Little Theatre presents film biography “Milk”. In 1982, Emily Mann penned a gripping Get Back courtroom drama that explores the trial surrounding the shooting of March 12 - 28 City Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. This trial is Conceived by Ric Swanson and staged by Bridget Robbins, Get considered a landmark court case and ultimately lead to what we Back spotlights the super hits of the seventies and features a cast of now know as the infamous “Twinkie Defense”. outstanding singers and dancers who will take us back to the time of M. Michele Phillips will direct this drama and has assembled a cast hot pants and leisure suits to help us all relive this memorable era. that includes Matt Allen, Jennifer Gilg, Thomas Lowe, Michal Ric Swanson is musical director, Bette Swanson produces; Terry Simpson, Scott Fowler, Jerry Evert, Barb Ross, Judy Radcliff, Robert Schmidt is stage manager; Jack Hogston is set designer; Cody Williams, Echelle Childers, Mark Cramer, and Stacy Lamb with Josh Seebohm is sound designer; Leah Skorupa is in charge of costume Mullady, Heather Hannerford, Fred Slegers, Melinda Mead and design. Laura Maxwell. The cast includes Roger Bennett, Carol Blood, Joe Blood, Debbie Costume design by Hilary Winkworth, set design by Adam Nathan, Cline, Steve Couch, Phyllis Cremonini, Blare Fritz, Teri Gabel, Jan and lighting design by Audrey Fisher. Rounding out the production Gabrial, Gloria Jensen, Bob Kropp, Tori Loutzenhiser, Christi Malek, staff are Brian Callaghan (Stage Manager) Michal Simpson Donna Matlock, Morgan McCaw, Brock McCullough, Vince Riha, (Producer), Mark Cramer (Visual/Graphics Designer), Rhonda Hall Steve Spurgeon, Terry Schmid, Ann Stergiou, Michael Taylor- (Props Design) and Dan Baye (Sound Design). Stewart, Sammi Swanson, Tammi Swanson and Angela Wagner. The show runs March 4 – 28, 2010 at 3225 California Street. Curtain Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 W. Mission in Olde Towne Bellevue, the times are 8:00 pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 6:00 pm on weekends of March 12-28. The musical begins at 8 pm on Fri. and Sundays. The Sunday, March 28th show will start at 2:00 pm. Sat. evenings and 2 pm on Sundays. Reservations are strongly The theater opens a half hour before curtain time. Reservations may recommended and may be made by calling the theatre at 291-1554 be made on the SNAP! Productions’ website: on Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are $15 www.snapproductions.com. Tickets are $15.00, general admission; for adults, $13 for seniors, and $7.50 for students. $12.00, students, senior citizens, and TAG members. The There will be a TAG Night Out on Thursday, March 11 at 8:00pm. performances on March 11, 18 and 25 will have our New Thursday Special Pricing of only $10.00. Call 402-341-2757 with questions *Creighton University presents about tickets. Godspell There will be a TAG Night out Wednesday, March 3rd at 8:00pm March 18 – 28 Curtain times are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays *Chanticleer Theatre presents at 2:00pm. Jesus Christ Superstar A TAG Night Out will be held Thurs, March 18 at 7:30. March 12 – 28 Chanticleer announces the opening of “Jesus Christ Superstar”. The The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents production will begin March 12 and run through March 28, 2010 with All Shook Up performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and March 5 - April 3 (Mainstage) Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. All Shook Up is not about Elvis, but IS a tribute to his legend and his The production is directed by Daena Schweiger. Other staff members music. The show mixes a little bit of Shakespeare with a whole lot of include Keith Hart/Music Director; Wai Yim/Choreographer; Lisa The King. Time: the summer of 1955. Place: a small you-never- McNeil/Stage Manager; Loyal Fairman/Scenic Designer; Dave heard-of-it town somewhere in the Midwest. The story: Natalie, a Podendorf/Sound Design, Darrin Golden/Light Design, Rhonda small town girl with big dreams falls for Chad, a motorcycle-riding Hall/Properties Designer and Costumes by Ibsen Costume Gallery. stud who rides into town. Chad has just been released from prison Cast members include: Shawn Cannon/Jesus; Dan Chevalier/Judas; and is looking for excitement. He is shocked to learn that the mayor Amanda Miller/Mary Magdalene; Katherine Jarvis/Mary Magdalene; has outlawed excitement: no tight pants, no public necking, and Matthew Hemingway/Simon; Andrew Miner/Peter; John Continued, page 4 Morrissey/Pilate; Joe Blackstad/Herod & Annas; Wayne

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All Shook Up, Continued Written by Neil Labute and directed by Andrew McGreevy ths play worst of all, no loud music. Chad sets out to “fix” this. Eventually, stars: Eric Grant-Leanna, LeAnn Tipler, and D. Kevin Williams. everyone responds with new attitudes and welcome results, but Belinda and Cody Phipps appear to be a typical American couple: along the way, as in the Shakespeare comedy Twelfth Night, teenage sweethearts now married with children and a luxurious everyone falls under love’s spell, but with the “wrong” person. As home. Typical except that Cody is in almost every respect an Elvis music fills the theatre, the complications work themselves out outsider - .rich and black and different - in the words of Belinda, who and the townspeople sing and dance their way to the “right” person finds herself attracted to a white former classmate who has recently and a happy ending. returned to town. As the battle for her affections is waged against a Carl Beck directs, with Mary Dew as Stage Manager. The cast backdrop as seemingly serene as a Norman Rockwell painting, includes Adam Abou-Nasr, Sofia Abou-Nasr, Samantha Brown, Belinda and Cody frankly question the foundation of their initial Bailey Carlson, Jason DeLong, Cathy Hirsch, Steve Krambeck, attraction, opening the door wide to a swath of bigotry, deception, Austin Learned, Debbie Massey, Allison McDermott, Jesse and betrayal. Merriman, Catie Miller, Joe O’Connor, Jake Ozanne, Michael Sewell, Tickets are $10 for students. $12 for adults. Shows at 7:30pm. Nora Shelton, Theresa Sindelar, Courtney Stein, Rick Tritz, Edward Reservations can be made by calling 402-317-7893. Wayne, David Wierschem, and Julie Rose Zukaitis. The March 17 th performance is a TAG Night Out. Performances run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Because Easter falls on April 4th, the show will close with the performance on Saturday, April 3rd. The Green Tickets are $38.00 for adults and $24.00 for students. Mention that you’re a TAG member for a $10 discount; membership card must be shown when picking up your ticket. Seven Buck Sunday is March Room 7th; all seats for the 6:30 PM show will be sold for $7, going on sale at 4 PM – cash or check only, in person at the Box Office. Twilight *The Florentine Players presents (half-priced) tickets are sold beginning at noon on each performance Hint – an Adaptation from Clue: the Movie and day (subject to availability and valid for that day’s show only); sales Board Game are done at the window, cash or check. Call the Box Office ticket line March 12 - 13 at 402-553-0800 (toll free 888-782-4338); or visit the OCP web site at www.omahaplayhouse.org. Doors open at 6PM and Show starts at 7PM for this murder mystery presented at the Florence City Hall building, 29th and State Street. Ticket prices are $15 for Dinner and Show, $10 for Show only, Bluebarn Theatre presents (reservations are required for dinner). $2 discounts on all tickets for Hot ‘N’ Throbbing TAG members, Seniors over 60, or Groups of 8 or more. March 11 – April 3 Reservations can be made by calling 871-8791 or online at Susan Clement-Toberer directs this surreal and yet hilarious drama http://www.florentineplayers.com/tickets.php which showcases costumes by Jenny Pool, scenic design by Martin Scott Marchitto, lighting design by Carol Wisner, and sound design Papillion-La Vista H.S. Presents by Martin Magnuson. Guys & Dolls The play stars Kim Jubenville, with Mike Markey, Shannon Jaxies, March 12 - 14 David James Zenchuk, Jr., David Mainelli and Kirstin Kluver. Take Charlene, a suburban mother who writes erotic screenplays for The musical will be presented March 12th and 13th at 7 p.m. and women in order to support her children; add Clyde, her funny, March 14th at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 898-0488. dangerously obsessive and estranged husband; toss in hormonally For more information, email Molly Grasso at overcharged teenagers; and layer it all with a screenplay on a [email protected] deadline that Charlene desperately tries to write—and you end up with HOT 'N' THROBBING, a gripping new play written by the *OPAS presents Pulitzer Prizewinning author of How I Learned To Drive. The Color Purple Shows run Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, March March 16 – 21 21st and 28th at 6 p.m. There will be a free post-performance The unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who discussion following the performance on Sunday, March 21st. The finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique talk-back will be held at the KANEKOUNO Library, 1111 Jones voice in the world. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score Street. Ticket prices are $25 for adults; and $20 for students, TAG featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, The Color Purple is about members, seniors 65+, and groups of 10 or more. hope and the healing power of love. Performances at the Orpheum Theater will be Tues, Wed, Thurs and SkullDuggery Theatre presents Sun at 7:30 p.m.; Fri and Sat at 8:00 p.m. and Sat and Sun at 2:00 This is How it Goes p.m. March 18 -April 11 Continued, Page 6

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Color Purple, Continued North Side Christian Church, located at 5555 Larimore Ave. (two For more information about THE COLOR PURPLE visit blocks north of 56th & Ames). The show will run June 18 - July 4 at OmahaPerformingArts.org, TicketOmaha.com or the Bellevue Little Theatre. Directed by Todd Brooks, music direction www.colorpurple.com. by Keefer Peterson, and produced by Mary Carrick Needed are (7) women ages high-school through adult and four men, The TADA Theatre presents ages 20s and up. Those auditioning should come prepared with 16- Always…Patsy Cline 32 bars of music from the musical theatre genre (please bring sheet March 11 - 28 music) and may also be asked to read from the script and sing from The musical, Always...Patsy Cline, one of the most popular shows the score. An accompanist will be provided. produced at the TADA Theatre, will return for a limited three week at For more information, contact Todd Brooks at (402) 968-5543 or at The TADA Theatre. [email protected]. You may also contact Mary Carrick at (402) Production dates are March 11-14/18-21/25-28 with performance 301-1370 or at [email protected]. times Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $18.00 (Thursday-Saturday) and $15.00 for Sunday The Omaha Community Playhouse will hold auditions for The matinees. The award winning TADA Theatre is located in the Awesome 80s Prom , directed by Carl Beck which will be performed Creamery Building at 7th & P Streets in the historic Haymarket April 30 through May 30, 2010. th th district of Lincoln, Nebraska. Tickets can be reserved by calling (402) Auditions are March 8 & 9 at 7:00pm and will consist of cold 438-TADA (8232) or on-line at www.tadatheatre.info. readings from the script and an Improv session. Use west Stage Door – sign in upon arrival. To check out a script, call (402) 553-4890 x. 110 And waiting in the wings … *Shelterbelt Theatre presents Auditions are set for Chanticleers ’ Production of Footloose . The auditions will be March 15 and 16 at the theater. They will both start Instant Theatre 3 at 7:00 pm. Please bring appropriate shoes for the dance part of the April 2 – 3 audition. Roles are available for all who can look high school age and The Rose Theatre presents older. No roles are precast. You will need to bring a prepared song to The Bridge to Terabithia the audition. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet April 2-18 music in your key and there will be no accapella singing. Please be The Omaha Playhouse presents prepared to fill out an information sheet and to list all conflicts from Mister Roberts March 17 thru May 30, 2010. Any questions, please contact the April 16 – May 9 director Todd Brooks at [email protected]. SkullDuggery Theatre presents Blasted The Rose Theater is casting singers, dancers and actors ages 12 to April 22 – May 9 adult to perform on the main stage in its summer musical - Disney’s High School Musical 2 ! Auditions for adults over age 18 and students Brigit St. Brigit presents between the ages of 12 and 18 will be held separately at The Rose Mrs. Warren’s Profession Theater, 2001 Farnam Street. April 22 – May 15 Student Auditions: Students ages 12 to 18 will audition Sunday, The Omaha Playhouse presents March 28th at 1:00 p.m. Auditioners are asked to arrive at The Rose Awesome 80s Prom 20 minutes early with sheet music to a prepared song and list of April 30 – May 30 conflict dates between April 26 and June 20, 2010. Students should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to do a cold reading, sing their prepared song and learn a short, hip-hop style dance. Call-back Auditions & More Auditions auditions will take place on Tuesday, March 30th at 6:00 p.m. Auditions for the Mills Masquers' upcoming production of William Adult Auditions: Auditions for adults over age 18 who can play teen Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing will be held Sunday, Feb. roles will take place Monday, March 29th at 6:00 p.m. Auditioners 28, at 2 p.m., and Monday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at the Barton Theater should arrive at The Rose 20 minutes early with sheet music to a north of Glenwood on old U.S. Highway 275. prepared song and a list of conflict dates between April 26 and June Those who audition should be prepared to read from the 20, 2010. Adults are asked to come in comfortable clothes and be script. There are many parts available for performance age 13 and prepared to do a cold reading, sing their prepared song and learn a up. The show will open April 30 and run through May 9. short, hip-hop style dance. The only available roles for adults are For more information, contact show director Jeff DeYoung at 527- “teen character” roles. 5443. Continued, page 7 BroadStreet Theatre Co . will hold auditions for Little Women: the musical Monday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 9, both at 7 p.m. at

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Rose Auditions, Continued was an inappropriate design because the audience noticed it? Oh, Disney’s High School Musical 2 will be presented June 4 - 20, 2010 the slippery slope… on The Rose Theater’s main stage. Rehearsals begin on April 26, PP : The main problem that dooms a set (or even a designer) is the 2010. For additional information about auditions please contact need to constantly change location by changing parts of the set. It Ashley Hare at 502-4647 or [email protected] . can break the momentum of the show and it creates so much more The Rose will also hold auditions for its Teens ‘N” Theatre series work for the actors to bring the audience back in. I’ve been to some show Four Directions: The Independence of Eddie Rose shows where the audience sat in darkness for up to two minutes Auditions will be held Monday, March 15th at 6:00 p.m. Auditions are waiting for the scene change. You could hear audience members open to artists of Native background, ages eight and older. This stirring. Other problems that can doom a set are items that pull the powerful production chronicles the plight of a Native American focus from the acting. A water fountain, special effect, unintentionally teenager who tries to break free from a dysfunctional family. squeaky door, etc., can all pull focus. Again, it’s the job of a scenic Performances will be offered on Thursday, April 22nd at 7:00 p.m., designer to make his work blend seamlessly into the background. Saturday, April 24th at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 25th at 4:30 p.m. TAG: Many of our theaters (well all, actually) have limited budgets. For additional information, please contact Sheila Rocha at What can a good scenic designer do to serve the script when he or [email protected]. she is working with limited resources? How might a TAG voter And finally, the Rose Theatre will hold auditions for its 15th Annual compare the work of different designers working under different Young Playwrights Festival budgets? Auditions will be held on Monday, March 29th at 6:00 p.m. Middle BVD : Creighton has a very nice budget as does the Playhouse. We school and high school teenagers are encouraged to audition for this also have full time professionals hired to design and build. Many of production which will showcase the work of some of Omaha’s best the local theatres hire a professional designer but often that hire teenage writers. Written entirely by teens, most as part of the year- includes being the builder. Unless a designer has bunches of free long Young Playwrights class, the scripts reflect their talent and time or is willing, like I often do, to pay their design money out for depth of emotion. skilled carpenters and/or painters, the design is scaled back to Performances will be offered on Thursday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m., accommodate time and budget. That being said, many successful Saturday, May 8th at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 9th at 4:30 p.m. and exciting designs often grace our local stages. The smaller For additional information, please contact Kevin Ehrhart at (402) 502- theatres allow a creative freedom that is often more difficult in the 4620. somewhat sterile design of a true proscenium theatre. I do not believe the goals of being true to the script change because of budget. A broad knowledge of materials, costs and available resources is essential to a quality design on a small budget. Design

& Other Good Stuff comparisons based on budget are difficult. If the question of telling Q&A: Scenic Design with Bill Van Deest (BVD) & Paul the story is satisfied, then the audience almost needs to be able to Pape (PP) Continued from page 1 judge the merits of the design separate from the budget. Elements of TAG : What do you consider to be the hallmarks of a good scenic design and composition coupled with ease of blocking patterns would design? need to be considered. BVD : Good scene design starts with telling the story. Does the PP : Again, it comes down to designing a show that blends design contribute to understanding the story being told? Scenery is seamlessly. It also means the designer has to work hard at giving a often the first production element the audience sees. It is imperative director what they need without necessarily catering to what they to draw the audience into the world of the play. want. It's our job to give the director the most bang for their buck, but PP : A good set design is one in which the audience doesn’t see it sometimes it only is a buck. Experience will come in handy here; after the show has begun. As much as I would like to think that my knowing some of the tricks of where to acquire used materials helps. work is all about me, the true job of a designer (scenic, costume, Why paint grass or buy fake when you can get sod for cheap? How lighting, sound) is to make their work blend seamlessly into the show. do you get a TAG member to compare the two? Well, unfortunately, TAG : What are some problems that can doom the success of a set, it isn't that easy. There is a saying that if you can't design well, throw even though it may look aesthetically pleasing? in a lot of stuff. And people have a tendency to think that a lot of stuff BVD : Creating a beautiful design that does a great job of visually equals a good design. I am a minimalist designer, so it is always hard telling the story is compromised if the ground plan does not facilitate to compete with the shows that have the budget to throw a lot onto the movement of the show. Good scenic design should make the the stage. actors’ movements effortless within the world of the play. The TAG : Similarly, several of our theaters have small playing areas and audience should never be drawn out of the show by theatrical little to no wing space. What are some tricks a good scenic designer devices, poorly constructed scenery, inappropriate period or color can employ to maximize space? choices, or obstacles the actors need to deal with that have nothing BVD : Incorporating the actual space into the scenic design to do with the play. The ideal production is one that seamlessly maximizes the space and cuts back on cost. Minimizing scenic blends all production elements into a complete picture. We always elements and changes reduces the need for wing space. Less is truly say if the set, no matter how beautiful, is the focus of the production more. Creating diagonals in the smaller spaces often creates wing rather than an equal part of the overall production, something is Continued, Page 8 wrong. Does this mean if you get a TAG award for scene design it Page 7 Q&A, Continued Coming soon from the Shelterbelt Theatre : space and adds the illusion of greater depth to the space. The insanity and fun of Instant Theatre is back! Original plays written, PP : Being able to read a script, see a scene change and tell yourself rehearsed and performed in a 24 hour period. Writers will meet at the it doesn't need to be an actual "change" is a good start. In limited Shelterbelt Theatre by 8:30 pm Friday, April 2 and begin writing soon spaces, a flexible set that can become other areas is a good way to after. Directors will meet by 6:30 am Saturday, April 3 to read scripts combat it. Also, using an object to depict a location, as opposed to a and prepare. All actors will be at the theatre by 8 am to be cast and location to depict a location is good, too. If you want a space to be begin rehearsal. Performances will be Sat. April 3 at 8 pm and at 10 larger than it is, sometimes it is good to break the 4th wall and bring pm. Tickets are only $10, available at the door. the audience into the set. Some of my most memorable set designs Come challenge yourself and have an unforgettable experience! We had the audience as part of the world. need writers, directors, actors and tech crew. SIGN UP NOW!! Email TAG : Can you name one of your own set designs for a local theater [email protected]. that you think was particularly successful under the criteria that you have provided for a good set design? Performing arts programs seek young artists for collaborative BVD : I was very pleased with Seascape at the BlueBarn. We used production old rocks from previous shows and added to them. We used stock Omaha Performing Arts and Metropolitan Community College invite platforms at a diagonal rake to the audience and construction burlap artists under 25 years of age to create original dramatic works for a for the floor and painted the back wall for the sky. The fabulous March 7 Young Artists Night – Exploding/Exploring Fairy Tales, lighting design for the show helped us create a great sense of depth Fables, Myths and Youth - at the Holland Center's Scott Recital Hall. in a small space. Performance pieces will be conceived and rehearsed over the course PP : I think that Doubt for SNAP! was a good one, given the need for of three Saturday workshops on Feb. 20, Feb. 27 and March 6 from multiple locations inside and out. I also liked my designs for Proof 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested visual artists, musicians, writers, actors, and Metamorphoses at UNO. Both used the space in unexpected singer-songwriters, dancers, poets and directors should register by ways that really brought the audience into the show. Feb. 15. In coming issues, TAGLines will include similar articles on For complete information or to register, contact Scott Working at lighting, sound, properties, and costume design. These articles [email protected] or Molly Welsh at are not intended to be definitive or prescriptive. The goal is to [email protected]. educate us all, as nominating voters, to do the best possible job in recognizing outstanding achievement in technical categories March Events at SkullDuggery Theatre of the TAG Awards. March 5th and 6th -"Trust Us, This Is All Made Up" A screening of an independent documentary of a live Improv Duo. SkullDuggery has Flashback or Hot Flash? received rights to screen Trust Us, This is All Made Up to play across By Denny Maddux the country as part of “Theatrical on Demand™ Program” Hilarious For some of us, we may just experience them both, when we do and uplifting, anyone interested in improv as an art form, or anyone some time traveling in March with the help of local productions. who wants to laugh till they cry at some of the best improv in the There are numerous Tag Night Outs planned, and as always, be on country can and for cheap! Only $5 admission. Screenings showing the lookout for some last minute additions. SNAP! productions will at 7pm and 9pm on Friday and Saturday March 5th and 6th. stage the trial of Harvey Milk's murderer, The Execution of Justice, on Wednesday, March 3rd at 8:00. On Thursday, March 11th you March 13 at 7:30pm - 2nd in the new Readers Theatre Series. A can choose between Bellevue Little Theatre's 70's musical revue, staged reading of "The Whole Famn Damily" written by Eric J. Get Back, at 8 PM, or Chanticleer's staging of the ultimate 70's party Salonis. Event Hosted by Kendall Gray. Read by SkullDuggery album, Jesus Christ Superstar at 7:30. Just trust me on this one. I Actors. Brings a voice to local playwrights work and offers a talkback was there. No one could resist doing The Hustle to "What's the Buzz session with writer. tell me what's a happenin’?" If that isn't proof enough that the 70's Be the first to hear this new play by local talent. Only $5. students partied "religiously", Creighton's Theatre Department will Reservations for all events can be made by calling 402-317-7893. stage the other 70's same song-second verse musical, Godspell, on Thursday, March 18th at 7:30. Finally, the deadline for high school The John Beasley Theater is seeking set designers, costume seniors wanting to audition for the TAG Scholarship is Friday, March designers and stage managers to join our production teams for 5th. Scholarship and TAG Membership applications can be found on upcoming shows. We will be producing Of Mice and Men our website. Now excuse me, I have to look for my bell bottoms, (April/May), Come Back Little Sheba (June/July), and The Wiz disco balls, and rosary beads. Are you feeling groovy yet? (August). Please contact Meghan at [email protected] for more details or call Get Your Taxes Done and Help TAG 402.502.5767. TAG member Les Schulz, of Schulz Financial, has arranged for TAG to receive a $25 donation for every new client that pays for the Do You Have TAG’s Stuff? preparation of an original personal income tax return (1040, 1040-A or 1040-EZ). Check those old boxes in the garage and attic! If you happen to have The definition of a new client is anyone who has not used the service any of our historical TAG items, please return it to us so that we may before. Les’ office is located at 8031 W. Center Road, phone 397- store everything in a central location. Please see any board member 4145. if you have been hanging on to any of these items from over the years.

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On Stage UNO -Gross Indecency JBT - Jitney NWU -Dirty Rotten Scoundrels FP - Hint - An Adaptation CIR - Escanaba PLV -Guys & Dolls DANA -Stepping Out OCP -Death of a Salesman OTC -Alligator Under My Bed OPAS -Color Purple TADA -Always…Patsy Cline SNAP -Execution of Justice TNO CHT -Jesus Christ Superstar TNO BLT -Get Back TNO CU - Godspell TNO OCP -All Shook Up BB - Hot 'N' Throbbing SDT -This is How it Goes TNO

Auditions MM - Much Ado About Nothing BS - Little Women OCP -Awesome 80s Prom OTC -Four Directions CHT -Footloose OTC -High School Musical OTC -Young Playwrights TNO=TAG Night Out Black Box=Closing Performance

Page 10 Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. P.O. Box 24008 Omaha, NE 68124-0008 www.theatreartsguild.com

Keep receiving TAG mail. Send address & e-mail address changes to : TAG PO Box 24008 Omaha, NE 68124 [email protected]

March 2010

TAG Board of Directors & General Information Jim Martin (2010), President (402) 933-6259 Lois Nemec (2011) Scholarship co-chair (402) 733-6453 (No e-mail) [email protected] Jerry Onik (2011), Theatre Services Co-Chair, Ways & Means Co-Chair (402) 733- Connie Fowler (2010), Program co-chair ( 402) 455-3918 [email protected] 8161 [email protected] Jennifer Gilg (2010), Corresponding Secretary/Publicity (402) 551-6284 Paul Schneider (2010), Theater Services Co-Chair (402) 384-8338 [email protected] [email protected] Jim Herron (2012), Membership chair (402) 496-3217 [email protected] Randall Stevens (2012) , Awards co-chair (402) 208-0150 Cathy Hirsch (2012) Newsletter chair (402) 740-4877 [email protected] [email protected] Laura Jay (2010), Treasurer, Theatre Grant Chair, (402) 517-8707 Pat Thomas (2012) Program Co-Chair (712) 322-5980 [email protected] [email protected] Mary Kelly (2011), President-elect, Finance Co-Chair, Awards Co-Chair Allison Wissman (2011), Recording Secretary, (402) 672-0806 (402) 733-6999 [email protected] [email protected] Denny Maddux (2011) Scholarship co-chair, TNO Co-Chair (712) 310-0265 Debbie Krambeck (2012) , Ways & Means Co-Chair, Treasurer-elect (402) 639-2437 [email protected] [email protected] Sherry Fletcher (2009 ), Immediate Past President, Ex-officio [email protected] Tom Bertino, Ex-officio, [email protected] Rox Wach, Ex-officio, Archivist/Librarian [email protected] Teen Reps: Cali Neuberger and Bailey Newman • The next Board of Directors’ meeting will be held Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m., Swanson Library (90 th & Dodge). All TAG Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Call Jim Martin at (402) 933-6259. • The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for the March Newsletter is Saturday, March 20. • To submit newsletter information/articles, send via e-mail to [email protected] (preferred) or mail to TAG, Attn: Cathy Hirsch, Box 24008, Omaha, NE 68124. • To advertise in TAGLines , e-mail [email protected]. Our advertising rates can be found under Contact Us at www.theatreartsguild.com. Non- members may only advertise theatre-related business. • To sign up for members-only access at www.theatreartsguild.com, send an e-mail to [email protected]. • An e-broadcast service is available for newsworthy information that is not included in TAGLines or urgent information pertaining to date changes, cancellations and/or auditions. For questions regarding TAG e-broadcasts, contact [email protected] . Page 11