TAGLines The Newsletter of the Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. – September 2005

Mary Carrick, President Daena Schweiger, Chair/Editor www.theatreartsguild.com

Notes from the President… and a V-8 by Mary Carrick

TAG

Another season has come and gone, but theatres are already kicking into high gear. A standing

N IGHT O UT ovation goes to our Awards committee for another exceptional event. Thank you to Liz Heim, our chair person, Dan Wach, our Emcee, and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this one Sweet Charity of the smoothest running galas in our history. And, congratulations to all nominees and award Bellevue Little Theatre winners. It was quite an exciting evening!

Thursday, September 15th 8:00 PM In addition to our standard awards categories, we were able to recognize a number of individuals for their long-time and exemplary service the Theatre Arts Guild.

The Dresser Norman and Louise Filbert Lifetime Achievement Award: Blue Barn Theatre Thursday, September 29th Bill Bohannon 8:00 PM Elaine Jabenis ______Bob Roberts Board Appreciation Award: T HIS I SSUE Tom Bertino Gary Emenitove On Stage News

Dave Howard The Green Room / Auditions We are pleased to announce that our first annual Golden Ticket Raffle netted over $800 for the

Other Good Stuff awareness campaign. Plans are already in the works for next year's project!

Theatre Planning Calendar We say goodbye to the following Board Members who have completed their terms in office. Thank ______you for all of your work over the past three years and we hope you will all continue to remain involved with the organization. N EW Jo Gaver MEMBERS Jennifer Gilg Melissa Jarecke Carl Dumicich Amanda Link Dawn & Melanie Ellis Okley Gibbs We welcome the following individuals as new members of the Board. Each will serve a three year Stephanie June term.

Hana Kendic Russ Martin Jerry Abels Lauren Morrissey JoAnn Goodhew Curt Siemers Les Schulz Leah Skorupa-Mezger James Tobey (filled a vacated seat for the 04/05 year and has now been Rusheaa Smith elected to a full term) Jeff Sortino Jim Watson Deb & Mica Spicka Rick Tritz The Board has many exciting plans for the current season and we look forward to not only finishing Cindy Vanek what we've begun but continuing our momentum. As always, if you have suggestions, comments, or would like to volunteer for a committee, please feel free to contact me anytime at Mercy High School [email protected] (or 344-3257). (Angela M. Dashner - rep) (Cassie Dorland - rep) Here's wishing you all an outstanding theatre season! Page 1

On Stage News

* SNAP Productions Presents pm and Sunday, Sept. 11 at 2:00 pm. in the Hitchcock Theatre at The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, 2001 Farnam Street, The Sum of Us Downtown Omaha. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at The September 1 – September 18, 2005 Rose Box Office, (402) 345-4849. SNAP! Productions presents The Sum of Us, by David Stevens, continuing through September 18th at the SNAP! / Shelterbelt Theatre, located at 3225 California Street. Produced by Scott Fowler. * Urban Prairie Puppet Company Presents Stage Direction by Daena Schweiger. Our for this School Daze production is Derrick Crawford. Set Design by Michael Taylor- September 10, 2005 Stewart; Props by Rhonda Hall; by Nancy Ross; with The Urban Prairie Puppet Company presents School Lighting Design by Matt Fowler and by Dave Daze on Saturday, September 10th at 10:30 AM at the Podendorf. JoAnn Goodhew serves as stage manager. A widowed Grande Olde Players Theatre. Ticket price is $5.00. father has to deal with two complex issues: while he is searching for Fun for all ages! For more info, call Trish Place at Miss Right, his son, who is in his 20s and gay, is searching for Mr. 896-6662. Right. This award-winning play tells the story of widower Harry

Mitchell (Jonathan Wilhoft) and his son Jeff (Aaron Wilhoft). Not only * Iowa Western Community College Presents do the two live together, but Harry is Jeff’s determined matchmaker. Jeff is in love with a gardener (Michael Taylor-Stewart) he meets in The Lisa Project the local pub, but Greg is wary particularly when he meets dear old September 15 – September 17, 2005 Dad. Meanwhile, Dad is developing a relationship with a woman Iowa Western Community College Dept. of Theatre presents a new (Therese Rennels) he meets through a dating service. Tickets are play commemorating 9/11/01, written by former Omahan Gerald van $15 for adults, $12 for students, seniors and TAG members. For Wilgen (originally from The Netherlands). "The Lisa Project" centers more information, or to make reservations, please call 341-2757 or around 4 college students who are given an assignment - to do a visit us online at www.snapproductions.com presentation on the legacy of Lisa Frost, a Boston University graduate who was on her way home to L.A. on Flight 175, Sept, 11, * The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents 2001. The play will be presented in the Black Box Theatre of the Arts Center on the college campus (just 10 minutes from downtown Swing! Omaha - I-80, exit 8.) Show times are Thursday, Sept. 15 at 1:30pm September 1 – September 25, 2005 and 7:30pm, Friday, Sept. 16 at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, and Saturday, The Omaha Community Playhouse presents the musical "Swing!" Sept. 17 at 7:30pm. The admission price includes a talk-back continuing on our Mainstage through September 25. An all singing, session with the playwright and the about their process. all dancing extravaganza that brings alive the big band music of the Please join us for a powerful evening. (Prices: $5 adults, $3 1930's and 40's with contemporary style. Directed and students/seniors) Call (712)388-7140 for reservations. choreographed by Roxanne Nielsen, the cast includes Jacqueline Adams, Jorge Ambriz, Michael Bristol, Sarah Brown, Brianna Brei, * The Grande Olde Players Presents Julie Cvetas, Seth Fox, Michelle Garrity, Jeremy Gillmore, Corey Mckenna, Camille Metoyer Moten, Karli Newman, Luann Rabe, Rod Barefoot in the Park Rabe, Nora Shelton, Robert Williams and Kurtis Young. Music September 15 – October 9, 2005 direction by Jim Boggess, scenic and lighting design by Jim Othuse, When the newly wed lawyer and his wife find their high-rent design by Georgiann Regan, sound design by Tim Burkhart, apartment empty, he refuses to trudge the six flights of stairs again stage managed by Mary Dew and additional choreography by Patrick for a walk in the snowy park. She kicks him out. He returns to claim Roddy. Showtimes are Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 and his legal rights and tries to kick her out. That's when all hilarity breaks Sundays at 2:00 and 6:30. Tickets go on sale to the public August 16 out. Contact the Grande Olde Players for more info or to make your and may be purchased through our Box Office at 553-0800 or our reservation! website at www.omahaplayhouse.org. Group discounts available! * The Bellevue Little Theatre Presents * OTCYP Teens N’ Theater Presents Sweet Charity A Thousand Cranes September 16 – October 2, 2005 September 8 – September 11, 2005 Bellevue Little Theatre will open its 37th season with the musical "Sweet Charity" the week-ends of Sept. 16 thru Oct. 2. Showtimes A Thousand Cranes is based on the true and poignant story of are 8 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 pm on Sundays. Sadako Sasaki, a young victim of the Hiroshima atomic bomb Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 291- disaster. With boundless optimism, she takes an old story to heart in 1554 between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm Monday thru Saturday. an effort to make herself well. “If a sick person folds a thousand Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $7.50 for students. paper origami cranes, the gods will grant her wish and make her well Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. again.” Kathryn Shultz Miller’s interpretation of Sadako’s journey is This delightful musical follows the adventures of Charity Hope heartfelt and eloquent, and is recommended for ages 9 and up. Valentine, a dime-a-dance hostess with a heart of gold, as she Performances are Thursday Sept. 8 and Saturday Sept. 10 at 7:00 Page 2 On Stage News

struggles to find happiness with the right man. Bridget Robbins is * The Blue Barn Theatre Presents stage director and choreographer for "Sweet Charity", with Keefer Peterson serving as musical director. Sandra Thompson is producer, The Dresser and Jane Keller is stage manager. Julie Gullickson is in charge of September 30 – October 23, 2005 props and set decor; Tom Reardon is lighting designer; Keefer The lives and relationships within a British touring stage company Peterson is in charge of set design and adaptation, and Mary McHale during WWII provide the backdrop for the intense relationship is Costumer. Jim Richstein will be operating spotlights. Jessica between the /manager of the company, “Sir”, and his dresser. Richstein will be sound tech, and Samantha McGahan will be lighting Rich in comedy, compassion and love for the theatre. Starring tech. Portraying the title character is Angela Jenson-Frey. Ryan Hughston Walkinshaw and Jerry Longe as “the Dresser” and “Sir" Pivonka will be Oscar; Allison Botkin will be Helene; DeAnna and featuring Delaney Driscoll, Kim Jubenville, Haley Piper, Larry Williams, Nickie; Leah Skorupa-Mezger, Carmen; James Tobey, French, Gary Wallace, Jack Moskovitz, Mary Kelly, and Randall Herman; David Howard, Daddy Brubeck; Ryan Eberhart, Vittorio Stevens. Directed by Susan Clement-Toberer; Set Design by Keith Vidal; Amanda Rounds, Rosie and the good fairy. Hart; Lighting Design by Carol Wisner; by Amie Also in the cast are; Jordan Brayfield, Stephanie June, Cathy Buresh, James, Sound Design by Molly Welsh; Props by Christine Schwery; Trude Grosenbach, Ruben Sanchez, Nathan J. Herman, Jeff Lively, Stage Managed by Laura Fincke. Jan Venditte, Okley Gibbs IV, Maggie Opal, Leslie Wolpa, Victor Niedbalsk, Katy Venditte, Anna Venditte, Allen Cogswell, Melanie The Lofte Community Theater Presents Scamfer, Alex Cass, Anna Peace, Sue Lively, Jesse E. Cozad III, Proposals and Erin Scott September 1 – September 4, 2005 Proposals is a funny bittersweet tale of a golden weekend in the * UNO Dept. of Performing Arts Presents country. The half-dozen interwoven stories of the play—alternately Homebody/Kabul hilarious and heartbreaking—are all about love. Couples clash, September 22 – September 25, 2005 proposals are made, mistakes are reviewed, transgressions forgiven. Though each couple struggles with the meaning of love and Join us for a semi-staged reading of “Tony Kushner's first big work on commitment, the real subject of the play is time: how little of it we a great big canvas since his Pulitzer Prize-winning Angels in have, how fast it passes and how precious every moment is. Run America. This eerily timely work about Afghanistan is comparably dates are September 1 – 4. For more information call (402) 267 – mesmerizing and mournful, vast and intimate, emotionally generous 5400. The Lofte Community Theater is located in Manley, NE. and stylistically fabulist, wildly verbal, politically progressive and scarily well informed.” -- Linda Winer, Newsday. For more information and to purchase season tickets, call the Theatre Dept. at Ted Bailey Productions Presents 554-2406. Five Women Wearing the Same Dress- Redressed! September 1 – September 25, 2005 * OTCYP Presents Omaha’s newest production company, Ted Bailey Productions, is Millions of Cats pleased to announce that the 2003 TAG Winner for Best Comedy, September 23 – October 9, 2005 “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” will be remounted September 1- 25 at The Millennium Theatre. The play features the Millions of Cats is a wonderful tale of vanity versus humility, from the reuniting of nearly all the original cast, with talent traveling back from world-famous book by Wanda Gag. The book was the recipient of the both coasts to stage the comedy. Also returning to direct the play is 1929 Newbery Honor Book Award and has sold over a million copies. former Blue Barn Theatre Artistic Director Kevin Lawler, now living in Recently adapted for the stage by the Omaha Theater Company, the New York. Actors Erika Hall, Teri Fender, Nick Jones, Diane Watson story tells of an old man and his wife who decide to get a cat. The and Jessalyn Waldron will reprise their original roles. Joining the old man goes out in search of the prettiest cat of all, but when he is cast is Elizabeth Kendall. The script is a hilarious, poignant and fast forced to choose from "hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions paced story about five bridesmaids sharing stories and quips during and billions and trillions of cats,” he (naturally) brings them all home. a wedding reception. None of the bridesmaids is too fond of the When the wife points out their inability to support the legion of felines, bride, so they hide out in the upstairs bedroom while the reception it is left to the cats to decide who among them is worthy enough to takes place below. The script was penned by acclaimed stage and stay. But what will all this cat fighting lead to? Don’t miss the screen writer Alan Ball, creator of “Six Feet Under” and writer of charming Rose season-opener that all ages can enjoy. Mainstage at “American Beauty.” Show times are 8:00 pm Thursday through The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, 2001 Farnam Street, Saturday, and 6:00 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for Downtown Omaha. Times are Fridays at 7:00pm, Saturdays and Seniors and TAG Members. Wear a bridesmaids dress and buy Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at The yourself a cocktail with your $3 discount! (discount is $2 off the Rose Box Office, (402) 345-4849 or online at www.rosetheater.org. A Senior/TAG price.) Reservations can be made with the Millennium $2.50 handling fee applies to all phone and online ticket orders Theatre box office at 345-8166. $13 tickets are available at Hy-Vee Food Stores in Omaha and Council Bluffs

Page 3 On Stage News

TADA Productions Presents * The Mills Masquers Community Theater Presents Disney’s Beauty and The Beast The Boys Next Door October 7 - 17, 2005 September 8 – September 12, 2005 TADA Productions, in cooperation with The Lincoln Parks and The Mills Masquers Community Theater in Glenwood will open its Recreation Department, The Lincoln Children's Museum and production of the popular comedy "The Boys Next Door" on Friday, Comprehensive Design Solutions, is proud to announce their third Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barton Theater north of Glenwood. This theatre collaboration at Pinewood Bowl in Lincoln, Nebraska, with the funny and poignant show about the lives of four mentally challenged Disney family favorite Beauty and the Beast. Veteran actor Cork men and the social worker who cares for them has been brought Ramer will portray the Beast and the role of Belle will be played by back by popular demand. It was last performed at the Barton Theater UNL masters music student Olga Saad. Additional principal in April 2000, and returns most of the original cast, including Jim characters will be played by Michael Tully as Gaston, Ladd Wendelin Kalhorn, Jeff DeYoung, LeMar Osterholm and Scott Hite as "the as Lefou, William Maltas as Maurice, Brent Welch as Lumiere, Judy boys", and Ken Whitacre as the social worker. The show is directed Anderson as Mrs. Potts, Kyle Bradley as Cogsworth, Jessica by Nancy Wright. Additional show dates are Oct. 8 at 7:30, Oct. 9 at Strudthoff as Babette, Luke Heidbrink as Chip, Tertia Hock as 2 p.m., Oct. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. For more Madame De La Grande Bouche, L. Evan Rail as The Prince, and information, go to www.millsmasquers.org. Curtis Moeller as Monsieur D'Arque. The remainder of the cast includes the talents of Carmen Bailey, Justin Baldinger, Colin Creveling, Heather Keele, Dennis Klimes, Carole Lunde, Kristin Brigit St. Brigit announces Mayle, Katrina Mertz, Cathy Dougherty-Rutz, David Rutz, Natalie their 2005-2006 Season Tavlin, dancers from The Pure Movement Dance Institute and Barb’s School of Dance, and a special appearance by Rod Fowler as the Opening October 14 bookseller. Beauty and the Beast is directed by award winning Hamlet director Robert D. Rook with musical direction by Cris Rook and By William Shakespeare choreography by Mandi Bailey and Becky Drum. Ben Carlisle conducts the orchestra, Tom Curtright is the scenic and lighting designer, and costume coordination is by Liz Banset. Beauty and the Opening November 25 Beast will be on stage at Pinewood Bowl inside Pioneers Park for My Three Angels one week only, September 8-12, with a rain date on the 13th. Gates will open at 6:30 pm with the production beginning at 7:30 pm. Opening February 10 Advance tickets are currently available on a walk-in basis only during Love in the Title regular hours at the Lincoln Children's Museum at 1420 P Street and by Hugh Leonard the park office at 27th and A Street; price is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under the age of 12. They will also be available at the gate the evening of performances for $10.00 / $8.00. Opening March 24 The Seagull by Anton Chekhov and coming in October….

* The Shelterbelt Theatre Presents Opening May 5 A View from the Bridge Shelterskelter X & Rarities and B-Sides October 7 - 31, 2005 by Arthur Miller For the tenth anniversary of Shelterskelter, the Shelterbelt has selected one script from each of the past nine years, plus a new All plays will be performed 4 consecutive weekends: Fridays, script, for their annual Halloween spook fest. Shelterskelter X: Saturdays, and Sundays. Friday and Saturday performances Foolproof, by Scott Working; Strange Visitors, by Rob Baker; Mr. Sex begin at 7:30; Sundays are matinees which begin at 2 p.m. TAG Machine, by Rob Baker; Hypnotized, by Scott Blankenship; discounts apply. Productions are mounted on the campus of the College of Saint Mary, in the Gross Conference Center. For Bloodsucker, by Don Nguyen; West Omaha Soul Sucker, by Tim Kaldahl; Veni, Vidi, Voodoo, by Joe Basque; Hon, You've Got To more information, call 399-6287. Love Me, by Tim Kaldahl; This is a Dark Ride, by Tim Kaldahl; and The Box, by William Campbell. There will also be a late night show, "Rarities and B Sides, opening the second weekend of Shelterskelter X with five favorite creepy Shelterskelter scripts. Rarities and B Sides: He Who Laughs Last, by Scott Blankenship; Liar's Poker, by Submissions for TAGLines must be turned in by the Kendall Gray; Woman in a Blue Dress, by Don Nguyen; Easy Prey, 14th of every month: [email protected] by William Campbell and Carly-Flagg Campbell and Burn Me, by Tim Kaldahl Page 4 The Greenroom

Auditions & More Auditions & Other Good Stuff ______

Teens N’ Theater at The Rose Rock-a-bye sweet BABY D! To Life! Growing Up Jewish in America BABY D INC. is having a fundraiser! Why? They need a new home! Sept. 7 at 6:30 PM MICK'S PLACE, 5918 Maple St. (in downtown Benson) has Created through a series of workshops, conversations and sessions generously donated their space for the evening. Rock and Blues with Jewish congregations throughout the country, including Temple music will be provided by Jonathan and Aaron Wilhoft, Erika Hall and Israel in Omaha, this beautiful production by Sandra Fenichel Asher Cameron Van Cleave. The fundraiser will be on Sunday, September explores questions, stories, struggles, joys and hopes which define 11th from 9:00 PM til close. A minimum donation of $10.00 – paid at what it is to be Jewish in America. Auditions will be held at The Rose the door. CASH BAR. Theater on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:30 PM. We are looking for 10 to 15 teenagers (ages 13-18), One adult male and one adult female (Please note: The adult female must be able to play the guitar But wait! There's more... and familiarity with Jewish music is a plus.) Auditions will consist of cold readings. There is no preparation necessary. Adult females If you'd like a bigger bang for you donation buck, the ladies of FIVE should bring a guitar and come prepared to play a selection. Both WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS @ The Millennium Theatre Jewish and non-Jewish persons are encouraged to audition. The have graciously decided to give 50% of all ticket sales for their show performance dates are November 10-13, 2005. For more on the evening of Sept. 11 to Baby D's cause!!!! (curtain is at 6:00 information, contact Roberta Wilhelm (402) 659-4634 or email p.m.) For reservations to FIVE WOMEN call Stages of Omaha @ [email protected] 345-8166. ______SNAP! Productions A New Brain Bears, Pigs and Beautiful Women: Design Exhibit at The Rose Sept. 12 & 13 at 7:00 PM You name it, she’s made it. From talking animals to Persian SNAP! Productions will hold auditions for William Finn and James princesses, Sherri Geerdes brings fantastic Lapine`s musical "A New Brain", September 12 and 13 at 7pm at characters to life in the most incredible way: through the magic of her Pella Lutheran, 303 South 41st Street, use north or south entrance. costumes. A costume exhibit at The Rose will feature the best of the Please bring a prepared song. An accompanist will be provided. furry animals, crazy characters and period gowns that Geerdes has Those auditioning are encouraged to prepare a song from the score created over the years. To honor her 23rd year as costume designer of one of Finn`s musicals, or something in a similar narrative style. In for the Omaha Theater Company’s productions, The Rose will addition, please learn the appropriate part(s) for your voice from the display 10 costumes and various costume sketches throughout the selected music at www.snapproductions.com. The ensemble show, main lobby from September 12- October 9. directed by Roxanne Wach with music direction by Rod Carlson, is ______nearly completely sung, in a style similar to Finn`s "Falsettos". Due to the scope of the score, ability to read music is a plus. Cast includes adult roles for 6 men and 4 women. The show runs Thurs.- GOPT Events Sun., November 17-December 11. For more info, vocal ranges and Jazz On Stage: Free concerts presented at 6 PM the third Sunday of the audition side, see www.snapproductions.com. For further the month, September thru May. A pre-show jam session is a 5 PM. information: email Roxanne Wach: [email protected] or Rod Carlson, [email protected], or call the theatre at: 402-341-2757. Urban Prairie Puppets appear on the GOPT stage every second Saturday of the month at 10:30 AM. With Trish Place, Brian Henning and their friends. Call 896-6662. Bellevue Little Theatre The Rainmaker Theatre Classes held for adults and young people in the Fall months, Sept. 19 & 20 at 7:00 PM as arranged by the GOP Theatre, call 397-5262. Bellevue Little Theatre has tentatively scheduled auditions for "The Rainmaker", its second production of the 2005--06 season on Monday Sept. 19 and Tues. Sept. 20 at 7 pm at the theatre, 203 W. Mission in Bellevue. Don Nguyen will direct this production which is scheduled to run week-ends from Nov. 4--20. For information, call producer Robin Klusmire at 738-1510.

Page 5 The Greenroom

OCP Theatre Tour Shelterbelt Seeking Script Submissions! Be a part of the 4th Annual London Tour sponsored by the Omaha The Shelterbelt is accepting submissions for its annual Valentine's Playhouse, hosted by Playhouse Board members Karla Ewert and Day production, From Shelterbelt with Love. Scripts can be Jim Eisenhardt and former staff member Rick Scott. The traditional monologues or one act plays and must not exceed twelve minutes in Presidents' Day Weekend trip will be February 16-21, 2006 and will length. The script deadline is September 30, 2005. For guidelines include tickets to the Andrew Lloyd Webber smash hit WOMAN IN on how to submit scripts, please visit our website at WHITE plus two other shows to be determined. For $1375 per www.shelterbelt.org or e-mail us at [email protected]. person/double occupancy participants will get: ______

*Four nights accommodations with private bath at a superior class Actors Etc. LTD and Theater-To-Go hotel Manya Nogg of Actors Etc. LTD will be holding a one-day workshop *Continental breakfast daily on Saturday, September 24th from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm at Metro *Round-trip coach air transport Community College on how to work with a teleprompter. Watch for *Special backstage tour of the Royal National Theatre the Metro Community College Non-Credit Course material that will *London Visitor Travelcard arrive in the mail for full details. *Luggage porterage

*Airport-hotel transfers Actor’s Etc. Limited and Theater-To-Go are always on the look out

for additional talent! If you would like to sign up with Actor’s Etc. Contact Pegasus Travel at 390-0122 for additional information. This LTD, send a minimum of six (6) headshots with resume glued or trip is always sold out, so act now. ______stapled (including ALL phone numbers and a current mailing address) to Actors Etc. LTD, 9773 Lafayette Plz, Omaha, NE, 68114.

BY MAIL ONLY please. Please note: Actors Etc. LTD does not Omaha Lit Fest charge any listing or processing fees. The (Downtown) Omaha Lit Fest hopes to bring a lively new definition to the word “bookish.” By hosting readings and literary Professional photographer Randy Nogg has a new studio and is discussions in art galleries and other venues in the Old Market, along doing “headshot” sessions geared toward actors. Current scheduling with some wine tasting, film, and art exhibits, booklovers will find that is for nights and weekends, but will try to work around schedules as reading needn’t be such a quiet, solitary act. On Sept. 16-17, more needed. For questions or pricing information call Randy directly at than 30 successful novelists, poets, and authors of short stories and 391-3153. Please note: No one has to use Randy to sign up with memoirs will mill about places such as the darkRoom gallery, the Actors Etc. LTD -- this is a convenience for talent. You may provide Bemis Center, the Omaha Healing Arts Center, the Blue Barn your own headshots as long as they are the correct type. Theatre, Jackson Street Booksellers, and the W. Dale Clark Library, ______reading from their work and discussing their craft. Though many of the events will be free, donations will be collected to benefit the community and cultural programs of the Omaha Public Library. Mad Science part-time paid gigs! Among the events is a staged reading of screenplay excerpts, Mad Science is looking for dependable, responsible actor types who directed by Roxanne Wach, and written by Gerald Shapiro (whose love to "spark imaginative learning" in children from pre-school collection of short stories, Bad Jews, he adapted into the film King of through 6th grade. Skills and experience working with children is the Corner) and Jeremy Lerman (whose screenplay, CENTRAL, was preferred. 30-45 minute assemblies are performed for schools and selected for the IFP/LA Lab and won an invitation to other organizations usually during the week on school days. Mad the esteemed CineStory Competition Retreat). There are also panels Science also needs instructor/presenters for weekend birthday on humor and satire, memoir, and crime writing. The fest kicks off on parties and the Halloween shows to be performed on the weekends Friday night with a patron pre-party called “Eating Their Words: at Vala's Pumpkin Patch as well as other venues in October. This is Writers on Cuisine and Cocktails” at the downtown library, and winds a very part-time position with a sporadic schedule depending on down on Saturday night at the Omaha Healing Arts Center with an bookings. Instructor/presenters will be required to carry up to 50 lbs. exhibit and silent auction of original work by area artists who of equipment, and reliable transportation is a must. If interested, reconceived the covers of classic banned books. For the nighthawks, please send resume and references to Karla Higgins at there’s even more: Blue Barn’s Witching Hour will take the stage for [email protected] or call 934-3311. Visit a literary production in the wee hours, carrying the Lit Fest into www.madscience.org/omaha for more information on the company. Sunday. For a complete schedule, visit www.omahalitfest.com or consult the Sept. 15 issue of The Reader.

Page 6 The Greenroom

Thanks to the following people who contributed to TAG Scott Jackman Memorial Post-Graduate Scholarship (scholarship, endowment, general operating, or publicity) The TAG Educational Committee is pleased to announce the as of January 1, 2005 formation of the Scott Jackman Memorial Post-Graduate Scholarship. Applicants may apply year round. Scholarships will be $250 and up Elizabeth Kendall awarded by the committee on an as needed / as available basis. Elizabeth Heim Andrea Lang Applicants must meet the following requirements: A member of TAG, a resident of the Omaha Metropolitan Area (or within a 50-mile radius The Lien Family of Omaha), a graduate of a high school or GED program, planning to $100 and up Mariel Mandelko pursue graduate work or enroll in a specified workshop; or Darrel Frisch Jim & Lynn Martin participation in an unique opportunity in the Fine or Performing Arts Melissa Jarecke Russ Martin in any of the following categories: Theatre, Stage Direction, Theatre Drs. Victoria & Edward Roche Michelle Meyer Management, Musical Theatre, Broadcasting, Theatrical Design, Renee Montemayor Dance, Film, Technical Theatre, Voice, or Playwriting. The TAG $50 and up Lois Nemec Educational Committee will conduct an interview of all prospective Ernie Gubbels and Tom Bertino Omaha North High School applicants. These interviews will be scheduled at the availability of Tom Liefer Sara and Gary Planck the committee. For more information or to request an application Curt Siemers Judi Radek packet, contact Daena Schweiger at 677-4076. Sandy Thompson Fr. Al Salanitro Daena and Patricia Schweiger $5 and up Anne Shaughnessy Stacey Badura-Koterba David Sindelar Gary Beck James T. Tobey Gary A. Emenitove Dorothy Tuma Sherry Fletcher Dan Wach Pegi Georgeson Diane Watson Carol S. Huffman Linda Whitesides Mary Kelly Aaron Wong

Theatre Arts Guild Donations Thank you, membership, for ‘Getting Real’ and ‘Experiencing Live Theatre”’ in our community. Be it onstage, backstage, or in the house, we couldn’t do it without you! We thank you for your continued support of TAG. You, our members, have made our organization thrive.

Over the years our board of directors has developed many fine programs that are beneficial to our theatrical community. We ask for your continued support to keep them going strong.

Please consider making a donation to TAG in any of the following areas. Indicate area (s) you would like to support on this slip, cut it out, and send it in. Please make checks payable to Theatre Arts Guild (TAG) and send to Theatre Arts Guild, P.O. Box 24008, Omaha, NE, 68124-0008

Scholarship (High School) Amount Enclosed:

Scholarship (Post - Grad) Amount Enclosed:

Endowment Amount Enclosed:

Operating Funds Amount Enclosed:

Publicity Campaign Amount Enclosed:

Page 7 And the Award Goes to…

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role, Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Comedy/Drama Comedy/Drama Pam Carter, Multiple Roles, Wonder of the World, Omaha Daena Schweiger, Claire, Proof, Baby D Inc. Community Playhouse Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role, Comedy/Drama Comedy/Drama Matt Allen, Mason Marzac, Take Me Out, SNAP! Productions Jonathan Wilhoft, Robert, Proof, Baby D Inc. Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Outstanding One-Act Play Musical Still Open All Night, From Shelterbelt with Love 4, Shelterbelt Theatre Mary Kelly, Manny Rosen, Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical!!!, Blue Barn Theatre Outstanding New Script The Interrogation of Miriam of Nazareth, James Paul Delmont, Baby Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, D Inc. Musical Wai Yim, Paul, A Chorus Line, Chanticleer Community Theatre Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role, Musical Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design Lindsay Lashier, Nonnie Parry, Poseidon! An Upside Down Nancy Ross & Ron Osborn, Kiss of the Spider Woman, SNAP! Musical!!!, Blue Barn Theatre Productions

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role, Outstanding Achievement in Properties Design Musical Lorie Obradovich, Killer Joe, Baby D Inc. Seth Fox, Rooster Hannigan, Annie, Omaha Community Playhouse Outstanding Achievement by a Choreographer Outstanding Performance by a Youth Actress, Comedy/Drama Michal Simpson & Karli Newman, A Chorus Line, Chanticleer Julia Bertino, Mary Warren, The Crucible, Chanticleer Community Community Playhouse Theatre Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction Outstanding Performance by a Youth Actor, Comedy/Drama James Boggess, A Man of No Importance, Omaha Community David Kalis, Rudy, Over the Tavern, Omaha Community Playhouse Playhouse

Outstanding Performance by a Youth Actress, Musical Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Anna Venditte, Annie, Annie, Dundee Dinner Theatre Fight Scene, Killer Joe, Baby D Inc.

Outstanding Performance by a Youth Actor, Musical Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction, Comedy/Drama Ricky Hernandez, Huck, Big River, Chanticleer Community Theatre Lorie Obradovich, Killer Joe, Baby D Inc

Outstanding Youth Tech Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction, Musical Kris Rutz, Various Productions, Chanticleer Community Theatre Daena Schweiger, Six Women with Brain Death, Little Apple Productions Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design Dave Podendorf, Take Me Out, SNAP! Productions Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Comedy/Drama Outstanding Achievement in Set Design Lois C. Nemec, Mrs. Carrie Watts, The Trip to Bountiful, Omaha Community Playhouse Loyal Fairman, Temporary Help, Shelterbelt Theatre

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design Comedy/Drama Jerry R. Ditter, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Stages of Omaha Cameron Van Cleave, Killer Joe Cooper, Killer Joe, Baby D Inc.

Page 8 And the Award Goes to…

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Norm & Louise Lifetime Achievement: Musical Elaine Jabenis & Bill Bohannon Moira Mangiameli, Lily Byrne, A Man of No Importance, Omaha Community Playhouse Bob Roberts Board Recognition: Tom Bertino, Dave Howard & Gary Emenitove Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Musical Back Stage: Jim McKain, Alfie Byrne, A Man of No Importance, Omaha Lorie Obradovich and Dave Podendorf Community Playhouse

2005 Raffle Winners: Outstanding Cabaret, Improvisational, Variety or Special Event Golden Ticket: Gary Planck Love Letters, Blue Barn Theatre TV/VCR/DVD: Dave Howard Outstanding Comedy Production Over the Tavern, Omaha Community Playhouse Wild Oats $50 Gift Certificate: Sharon Soebel

Thanks to all who purchased tickets! $805 was raised for the Live Outstanding Drama Production Theatre Awareness Campaign. Take Me Out, SNAP! Productions

Outstanding Musical Production A Man of No Importance, Omaha Community Playhouse

Breakdown by Theatre: The Blue Barn Theatre announces Omaha Community Playhouse-9 their 2005-2006 Season Baby D-7

Chanticleer-5 September 30 - October 23, 2005 SNAP!-4 The Dresser Blue Barn-3 by Ronald Harwood Shelterbelt-2 November 25 - December 18, 2005 Little Apple-1 The Santaland Diaries Stages of Omaha-1 by David Sedaris Dundee Dinner Theatre-1 February 3 - 26, 2006 Breakdown by Show: Minstrel Show; A Man of No Importance(OCP)-4 or the lynching of William Brown by Max Sparber Killer Joe-4 Take Me Out-3 April 21 - May 14, 2006 Proof-2 Marbles Poseidon! The Upside Down Musical!!!-2 by Joseph Brodsky Over the Tavern-2 A Chorus Line-2 June 9 - 25, 2006 (All other shows received 1) Hal France and Friends

Volunteer Awards: Baby D-Mary Redelfs BLT-Gary Groff Little Apple-Rox & Dan Wach SBelt/SNAP!-Tom Reardon & Dave Podendorf

Page 9 And the Award Goes to…

The Norman and Louise Filbert Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have contributed over the years to our theatre community. It may be as performer, technician, producer, director, teacher, mentor, or Theatre Arts Guild pillar. Most have fallen into many of these categories, and our recipients this year are no exception.

Editor Note: Thanks to Barb Ross for providing the following remarks on each of our recipients!

Elaine Jabenis There is a saying “We drink from a well we did not dig, we worship in a temple we did not build”. It is a reminder that what we have today is because of those who came before us. And the quality of our community theatre is because of a long tradition of excellence. So you should know that before there was Carter and Hutson, but after there was Fonda and McGuire there was – Peckham and JABENIS.

For all of her achievements over the years in broadcasting, fashion, production, writing and directing; I will always think of Elaine Jabenis as the consummate actress. One of the several in our history who could have made it anywhere, Elaine chose to remain in Omaha. In doing so, her performances over the years have set a standard of excellence.

Sadly, many of you are too young to have seen many, or sadder still, any, of her award winning performances. So you’ll have to trust me when I tell you that I’m not sure I have ever seen anyone who can be so powerfully fragile on stage, or so skilled at letting an audience see so deeply into a character’s soul. Three such performances remain to this day etched in my mind.

I remember Elaine’s manipulative Inez in No Exit. She sent chills down one’s back as she tormented her fellow guests in Sartre’s vision of Hell. But all the while you were aware of the characters humanity – pitiful as it was.

And then there was her desperate Rosemary in Picnic. I was barely 20 at the time – but Elaine’s portrayal made me understand the desperation and humiliation of the aging, spinster schoolteacher. Both of those roles were at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

The third performance was at the Jewish Community Center in the early 90’s. Throughout the first hour and a half of Cemetery Club, Elaine’s flamboyant, self-centered Lucille had you rolling in the aisles with laughter. And then, in the last moments of that play, her monologue at the grave of her dead husband, pouring out all of her grief and anger over the years of betrayal and disappointments in her marriage, she ripped out the heart of every audience member, every night.

For keeping the bar so high for over 40 years, we honor Elaine for her contribution to the continued quality of our Metro area theatre!

Page 10 And the Award Goes to…

Bill Bohannon What does one say about our second honoree? As I was thinking about him, the phrase “how do you find a word that means Marie” kept popping into my mind. Because there is no single word that says it all. Talent, with a capital T, certainly comes to mind. He is a triple threat on-stage and a hundred-I-ple threat on the other side of the footlights.

Animated is probably a euphemism – for bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy – fun, fun, fun, fun, fun.

Friend, definitely. For once he has tapped you as a friend – he will be there for you forever.

But one can’t leave out Exasperating – sometimes – for instance, when on-stage with him and he’s looking at you, in the silence, in such a way that the audience thinks it is you and not him who has just gone up on a line.

Regardless, I have never heard anyone say “Billy” with a smile on their face and affection in their voice.

Bill Bohannon has shared his many talents with most every theatre in the area. He has delighted us every time he has been on stage. He has directed us with his own gentle yet enthusiastic style that make you believe that you really can do whatever it is that he’s asking you to do. He has put together choreography that makes non-dancers look good and dancers look great. He can walk out of a Thrift Shop with a 25cent gunnysack and turn it into a 1910 ladies traveling suit that makes you look and feel like a million dollars. And he does all of this while he’s helping you raise your children, cooking a fabulous dinner and, of course, making you laugh.

Over the years, Billy was a huge part of the Norton, The Center Stage, and The Dundee Dinner Theatre during both managements. And none of us hold him responsible for the fact that all of them are no longer in existence.

He is a multiple TAG Award nominee and two-time winner. So, because of his many talents that he has shared with us all, and his friendship that has touched the lives of so many, we are honored to make him a lifetime member!

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Theatre Planning Calendar

September 2005 1 2 3 4 56 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F *SNAP! – The Sum of Us *OCP – Swing! *Teens N’ Theater – A Thousand Cranes *IWCC – The Lisa Project *GOPT – Barefoot in the Park *BLT – Sweet Charity tno *OTCYP – Millions of Cats *The Blue Barn – The Dresser tno *Urban Prairie – School Daze

The Lofte – Proposals Ted Bailey – 5 Women: Redressed! TADA – Beauty and the Beast

SPECIAL EVENTS UNO – Homebody / Kabul

Auditions Teens N’ Theater – To Life! SNAP – A New Brain BLT – The Rainmaker

Black Boxes denote closing dates. TNO denotes a TAG Night Out. * denotes a Member Theatre

Page 15 PRESORTED STANDARD Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 24008 PAID Omaha, NE 68124-0008 OMAHA, NE www.theatreartsguild.com PERMIT NO 1024

Your newsletter is sent bulk mail and not forwarded. Keep your address current!

Send changes to:

TAG c/o Barb Ross 9035 Raven Oaks Drive Omaha, NE 68152 [email protected]

September 2005

TAG Board of Directors & General Information

Jerry Abels (2008) Eduardo Millan (2007) 345-7223 Deb Beck (2007) 558-7985 D. Laureen Pickle (2006) 391-2414 Tom Bertino, Webmaster, Ex-officio 572-7971 Ted Roche (2006), Treasurer 292-3781 Mary Carrick (2006), President 344-3257 Barb Ross (2006), Membership Chair 571-8311

Gary Emenitove, TAG E-Broadcast, Ex-officio Amanda Rounds (2004-2005) Teen Rep.

Pegi Georgeson (2007) 330-7762 Les Schultz (2008) Fred Goodhew (2007) 391-2270 Daena Schweiger (2006), Newsletter Chair / Ed. 677-4076 JoAnn Goodhew (2008) 391-2270 James Tobey (2008), TAG Night Out Chair 310-0265

Liz Heim, Awards Chair (2006) 552-9326 Diane Watson (2007) 346-0949 Rachel Lien (2004-2005), Teen Rep. Jim Watson (2008)

• The next Board of Directors Meeting will be held Saturday, September10, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the Omaha Community Playhouse. • Board meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. All TAG Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please call Mary Carrick at (402) 344-3257 if you plan to attend. • The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for the October Newsletter is Wednesday, September 14, 2005. • To submit newsletter information/articles, send via email to [email protected] or mail to Daena Schweiger, 15123 Patterson Drive, Omaha, NE 68137-5119. • To advertise in TAGLines contact us. Our rates cover both inserted flyers (which you supply) and printed advertisements. Check out our advertising rates 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 email to [email protected]. • An e-broadcast service is available for newsworthy information that is not included in the TAGLines or urgent information pertaining to date changes, cancellations and/or auditions. For questions regarding TAG E-broadcasts, contact Daena Schweiger.

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