TAGLines The Newsletter of the Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. – May 2006

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

What an exciting next few months for theatre in Omaha. Aside from companies mounting their final and near final shows of their seasons, the Great Plains Theatre Conference is coming to our city starting at the end of this month. Many area theatres are participating in the Conference’s Play Labs, providing directors and actors to perform readings of chosen original scripts. A number TAG of other theatres are participating in the conference’s evening programs during the week long event. TAG will also be featured on Sunday evening, May 28th, with a 5-7 minute presentation. N IGHT O UT To all those participating, “break a leg”! What a great opportunity this is for our theatre community to shine! To register for the Conference, visit www.mccneb.edu/theatreconference

Best Little Whorehouse in Texas A few other notes… Thursday, May 4th

7:30 PM Chanticleer Community Theater PROGRAMS: We’re excited about the progress we’ve made this year on our workshop programs and Crossing Delancey partnerships with other local arts organizations in terms of reduced admission fees. We look Thursday, May 19th forward to offering more educational opportunities during the course of the year.

8:00 PM Bellevue Little Theatre PUBLICITY: TAG will once again be featured in the Dex Yellow Pages with a ½ page advertisement – this time ______in full color! Thank you to all theatres who have offered advertising trades in order to make this possible. Be looking for a banner on the Dex website as well as some exciting publicity through WOWT. More on that in a future issue! HIS SSUE T I

BOARD ELECTIONS: On Stage News TAG is seeking enthusiastic members to run for the Board of Directors. Candidates should be proactive in bringing new ideas to the table, able to follow through on responsibilities, and The Green Room / Auditions available to attend regularly monthly meetings. Those interested should contact Fred Goodhew at Other Good Stuff [email protected]. Terms are three years in length and candidates are elected by the membership. Ballots will be included in Awards Gala invitations along with candidate bios. Election results will TAG Award Info be announced at the Gala.

Theatre Planning Calendar TAG AWARDS:

______You know, the TAG Awards isn’t just for our members, it’s open to anyone who loves theatre (and th even if they don’t!). When you begin making your plans to attend the Gala on August 6 think about those you know who may be interested in also attending. Consider forming a table if you

N EW haven’t done so in the past. Of, if you’ve never attended or haven’t in the last several years, consider joining us again! Plans are already underway to make this year’s event, Something’s Coming, the grandest ever. MEMBERS

I wish I had some witty words for this month’s issue. As it stands, I’m writing a few sentences at a time in between trips to my daughter’s nursery. Losing her pacifier seems to be a traumatic event. No new members for May Which makes me think…there are many similarities to theatre and babies. They are born, evolve, are fulfilling, challenging, and not one day is the same as the last. For some, theatre is also a 24- hour job, or so it often seems! Bottom line, I can’t wait to take her to her first musical.

Until next time…

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On Stage News

* Opera Omaha Presents * The Urban Prairie Puppet Company Presents Abduction from the Seraglio Puppet Factory May 3 – May 7, 2006 May 13, 2006 As a hilarious conclusion to a successful season, Opera Omaha will The last puppet show of the 2006 season at the Grande Olde Players present an original new production of Mozart’s Abduction from the theatre, 2339 N. 90th Street, will take place on Saturday, May 13. Seraglio May 3- 7, 2006. This charming and popular opera, which "Puppet Factory" will feature puppets of all styles, shapes and sizes Opera Omaha touts as “the I Love Lucy of the 18th century,” offers a doing solo numbers and bits. Audience members will then have a satirical and timely twist on cultural differences between Europeans chance after the show to make their own pop-up puppet! and Middle Easterners. Performances are May 3 and 5 at 7:30 pm, and May 7 at 2:00 pm at the Orpheum Theater, Slosburg Hall. Tickets are $11 to $91 and are available through Opera Omaha at * The Shelterbelt Theatre Presents 402-34-OPERA or online at www.operaomaha.org. Additionally Defending Marriage tickets are available through Ticket Omaha at 402-345-0606. May 4 – May 14, 2006 The Shelterbelt Theatre proudly presents the new drama Defending * Dana College Theater Presents Marriage, by Joe Basque. Defending Marriage is a story of the clash between sincere faith and true love. Fr. Delaney and Gene Novotny Return to the Forbidden Planet have rationalized their relationship with their faith, until Delaney is May 5 – May 7, 2006 tapped to run a "defense of marriage" campaign. Carmen has turned Dana College Theater presents Bob Carlton’s wonderful, zany to her faith after a divorce, until a new love challenges her jukebox musical, “Return to the Forbidden Planet.” This outrageous beliefs. Will they chose faith? Or love? And at what cost? Joe show combines real Shakespeare, fake Shakespeare, 1950’s B- Basque's last play, Ping Pong Diplomacy, won a Theatre Arts Guild movie science fiction and pop tunes from the late fifties and early award and a Nebraska Arts Council fellowship, and recently sixties into a musical theater romp that will have you laughing, premiered Off Broadway. Don't miss this new, thought provoking singing and dancing in the aisles. Directed by Paul Schneider and drama. Nick Zadina directs an outstanding cast, including Bernie Choreographed by Michelle Garrity, with Music Direction by Clare Clark, Jerry Evert, Barb Ross, Tyler Swain, and Tim Herrington. Cowing, this lighthearted show features twenty of the talented Dana Connie Jo Podendorf will stage manage, with lighting design by Tom College Theater students who have made our musical theater Reardon, sound design by Molly Welsh, set design by Michael program one of the finest in the state of Nebraska. Come to the Taylor-Stewart, properties by JoAnn Goodhew, sound operation by opening weekend so that you will have the opportunity to experience Andy Niess and lightboard operation by Sam McGahan. The this delightful musical more than once. The show runs May 5th and production runs through May 14. Show times are Thursday through 6th at 7:30 and May 7th at 2:00 in the Lauritzen Theater on the Dana Saturday at 8 pm and Sundays at 6 pm, with a final matinee on College campus in Blair, Nebraska (just a country mile north, etc.) Sunday, May 14 at 2 pm. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for Tickets are only $7.50, and you can reserve them by call Sandy TAG members, students and seniors. Reservations can be made by Sonderup at 402-426-7255. calling the reservation line at 341-2757 or online at www.shelterbelt.org. Unfortunately, credit card purchases will not be * The Blue Barn’s Witching Hour Presents available for this show. The Shelterbelt Theatre is located at 3225 Curio & Valentine are Pissed California Street. Defending Marriage is being produced with the May 5 – May 13, 2006 generous support of the Nebraska Arts Council. BLUEBARN'S Witching Hour presents Curio & Valentine are Pissed, an original play by Vincent Carlson, May 5 – May 13. Join us * The Blue Barn Theatre Presents as Witching Hour breaks its own rules in this all-new theatrical event Thom Pain (based on nothing) complete with real characters and (gasp!) a plot. In Curio and May 4 – May 14, 2006 Valentine are Pissed, Vincent Carlson takes two very minor What would happen if Samuel Beckett and John Stewart produced characters from Shakespeare's and brings them center an offspring? The answer is THOM PAIN, an audacious and brilliant stage in a beguiling tale of maiden wooing and dragon slicker- riff on life’s unfulfilled promises, how experiences never live up to wacking. Journey with us to Illyria, where a fearsome beast ravages expectation and how we finally realize the wonder of being alive. the land and one man must find the courage to face his heart in a Though described as a monologue, the play really has two time when love and loyalty meant more than accomplishments and fundamental characters – Thom Pain and the audience, who serve possessions. Directed by Brandon Rohe. Stage Managed by Joy as a foil for Thom as he becomes one of the most compelling, Marshall. Starring Kevin Bensley, Sarah Brown, Vincent Carlson, poignant and disquieting characters ever to grace a stage. Barry Carman, Austin Uhlmer, and Molly Welsh. Friday and Winner of the Edinburgh Fringe Theater Festival and a Pulitzer Prize Saturday nights at 11:00 pm, following the mainstage show, Thom finalist, THOM PAIN offers up a familiar dose of existential angst Pain. coated with easy-to-swallow cleverness that reflects on the beauty and terror of life. This one-man show took by storm

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last year extending its scheduled one-month run to over a year. The Desperate to get out of the Lincoln, Nebraska where everyone had BLUEBARN Theatre will produce the regional premiere of this figured him for a loser. So desperate he embarked on a murder hilarious and fascinating play with actor Kevin Lawler starring as spree that horrified the country. The country that had elected Thom Pain. THOM PAIN (based on nothing) By Will Eno Starring Eisenhower and Nixon for a second term in 1956 and where the Kevin Lawler Directed by Hughston Walkinshaw Lighting Design by FBI's J. Edgar Hoover was firmly entrenched as the national Andy Vance and Carol Wisner Stage Managed by Laura R. Fincke. policeman. How could something this terrible happen in a time that May 4 – May 14, 2006 Thursdays through Saturdays @ 7:30pm, seemed so innocent? Have we become a nation in love with Sundays @ 6pm Tickets are $19/Adults; $15/ Students, Seniors violence and the culture of death? See how these themes are (65+), TAG Members Military and Groups of 10 or more explored in Doug Marr’s award winning drama Starkweather. The $12 Thursdays: April 27 & May 4 – All Seats $12 Circle Theater, Omaha's premiere small theatre presents its shows in Call 345-1576 for reservations 614 S. 11th Street – Omaha 68102 the lower level of Central Presbyterian Church at 55th and Leavenworth. For Reservations 553-4715 or [email protected] * Chanticleer Community Theatre Presents The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas * The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents May 5 – May 21, 2006 This happy go lucky view of small town vice and statewide political May 4 - 28, 2006 (Howard Drew Theatre) side stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Biloxi Blues takes place during World War Two, focusing a half Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces dozen Army recruits from the urban Northeast sent to boot camp in in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors and even victorious the Deep South of Biloxi, Mississippi. The story is told through the college football teams frequent Miss Mona's cozy bordello until that eyes of Eugene Jerome, a shy boy who has never been away from puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his his close-knit family in the Brighton Beach Russian-Jewish righteous indignation on the institution. Directed and choreographed neighborhood of Brooklyn. Eugene is an observer, constantly writing by Wai Yim, with music direction by Keefer Peterson. Costume and what he calls his ‘memoirs’ in a notebook, detailing what is props by Erin Bragg; set design by Elizabeth Kendall. Shea Saladee happening to him and the people around him. As he leaves his home will serve as Stage Manager. The cast includes Allison Botkin, and family on a journey to manhood, he has three ambitions: become DeAnna Williams, Teresa Oberdorfer, Becky Bro, Melissa , a writer, not get killed, and lose his virginity. Biloxi Blues is based in Amanda Rounds, Mallory Rennels, Sarah Kent, LeAnna Tucker, large part on playwright Neil Simon’s own experiences. Biloxi Blues Kyan Unstad, Amy Patzer, Jerry Gray, Kevin Olsen, John Mack, Joey won the Tony as Best Play of 1985. Guest Director is Susan Galda, Meg Noyes, Jolene Hensley, Katherine Bohlander, Jeremy Clement-Toberer and Stage Manager is Amy Struebing. The cast Stoll, David Howard, Colin Cathcart, Alec McMullen, Brad Chapin, includes Dave Dechant, Chris Elston, Jeremy “Happy” Gillmore, Alex Walker, Todd Maxwell, Matt Eledge, Jake Johansen and Alex William Grennan, David Janning, Erin Joekel, Steve Krambeck, Cass. For tickets call (712) 323-9955. Christi Malek, and Steve Shelton. Performances began April 28 and run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM only. Tickets are $29.00 for adults and $18.00 for students. Call * The Circle Theater Presents 553-0800 for reservations or information. Starkweather May 5 – May 27, 2006 * Brigit St. Brigit Presents The Circle Theater is excited to announce its upcoming presentation of the award winning drama Starkweather written by Doug Marr and A View from The Bridge directed by Stephanie Anderson. This drama will be staged in the May 5 – May 28, 2006 Circle Theater, 726 South 55th St., opening on Friday May 5th and Honor codes, unspoken and unquestioned, collide with repressed will run through May 27th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday desire in this explosive theatrical tale about Eddie Carbone, a middle- evenings. Doors open at 6:30pm with dinner served at 7:00pm and aged longshoreman; his wife, Beatrice; and the teenaged niece, the show starting at 8:00pm. Tickets for dinner and show are $23.00 Catherine, whom they have reared as their own. The action unfolds and show only tickets are $ 13.00. Students and seniors get a $ 3.00 in the mid-1950s, within the tightly-knit, exclusively Italian-immigrant discount. Entrees for this show are sliced ham and scalloped community of Hook, on the bay seaward from the Brooklyn potatoes, creamy chicken Dijon and cheese tortellini. Desserts and Bridge. In this major shipping port, dock work is the main beverages are also available. This play features the acting talents of employment, and this is how Eddie helps to smuggle his wife¹s two Shane Staiger, Audrey Fisher, Laura Marr, Jerry Onik, Don Harris, cousins into the country, making room for them in his home. One of Ric Tritz, Rosanne Glock, Chris Wigg, Jeff Lively, Sue Lively, Curt them wants to be an American--he is very handsome and outgoing, Siemers, Gary Tesar, Alicia Dunn, Fred Goodhew and Kendall Gray. and he and his ³benefactor¹s niece² fall in love. If they marry, he will In 1958, nineteen-year-old Charles Starkweather was desperate. no longer need to hide from immigration officials. A bizarre and Desperate to marry his fourteen-year-old girlfriend. Desperate to ominous change begins to take place in the uncle. Violently opposed make some money and leave his garbage man job behind. to the match, Eddie becomes obsessed with thwarting it. While he convinces himself that his mounting hatred of the cousin is because

Page 3 On Stage News

the young man is exploiting Catherine or is too pretty to be a man, it a woman shaped by her family and their Jewish traditions, is Eddie¹s wife who comes to understand the truth of the situation as expectations, and values. Her Bubbie expects her to marry, she watches her husband careening out of control. BSB’s production continuing the family tradition. Although Izzy doesn't necessarily features Mark Scott in an intense and finely-nuanced portrayal of disagree, she hopes that her choices will not be made for her. A Eddie; Amy Kunz, intuitively earthy as Beatrice; and Karlene wonderful, touching family tale weaves itself from this loving conflict, Grinberg, vivacious and naive as Catherine. Eric Grant-Leanna as and is resolved in a way which leaves the audience with a smile on Rodolpho, Catherine¹s intended, is disarmingly genuine--in turns, the face and a lift in the heart. Playing Izzy Grossman is Heather funny, puzzled, and boisterous. Robust support is also provided by Propkopf, with Mary Kelly as her Bubbie. Sam Posner is played by Tim Duggan as Alfieri, a community lawyer (and the framer of the Geoff Chenoweth, Hannah Mandelbaum by Sue Mouttet, and Tyler story when he speaks directly to the audience); Scott Kurz as Marco, Moss by Craig Bond. Director is Daena Schweiger, and producer, Rodopho¹s brother; and Eric Salonis and Chip Frieden as Louis and Anna Peace. JoAnn Goodhew is Stage Manager; Jack Hogston is in Mike, two of Eddie¹s coworkers. Scott Kurz also directs. A View charge of set design and construction; Tom Reardon is in charge of from The Bridge opens Friday, May 5th, and runs Fridays, Saturdays, lighting design and Jeff Lively, sound design. Jane Keller is props and Sundays for 4 consecutive weekends through May 28th. Friday mistress, and Mary McHale is in charge of costumes. Sound and Saturday performances begin at 7:30; Sundays are matinees technician is Nellie Chenoweth. Original music for the production has which commence at 2 p.m. Admission is $18 general, $15 for people been written by Fred Goodhew. 55 and older, and $5 for students. TAG discounts apply. Reservation line is 399-6287. All performances take place in the * The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents Theatre¹s home space in the Gross Conference Center, in the Ragtime! The Musical Science Building, on the campus of the College of Saint Mary at 7000 Mercy Road. (Due to construction, please enter from the 72nd May 26 – June 25, 2006 (Mainstage) Street side of the campus.) Join us for the gripping theatrical The 2005-2006 season at the Playhouse closes with the epic, tragic, experience that is A View from The Bridge. touching, and ultimately triumphant American classic, Ragtime! The Musical. This show paints a powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-20th

Century America, intertwining three stories to poignantly illustrate * The Omaha Theater Company’s history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and Teens n Theater program at The Rose Presents prejudice, hope and despair, love and hate. The award-winning score Cindy Rella is just as diverse as the Melting Pot of America that it seeks to recreate. It includes ballads, marches, cakewalks, gospel, and May 18 – May 21, 2006 ragtime. The production features guest artist and Omaha native The retelling of this classic has Cindy and her step-sisters, Sparkle Kevyn Morrow who was nominated for an Olivier Award for his and Sugar, competing for a role in an upcoming Broadway play! Full performance as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in the London production. Mr. of larger-than-life characters, this stage adaptation by Katie Forgette Morrow will perform the same role here in Omaha. The cast of 39 is a memorable and hilarious version of the world-famous fairy tale. includes new faces/voices as well as familiar Playhouse Performances are Thursday May 18, Saturday May 20, and Sunday actors/singers like Dawn Buller-Kirke, Cathy Buresh, Jim Eisenhart, May 21. All performances at 7:00 PM. Performances are held in the Michael Farrell, Seth Fox, Brandon Higdem, Mark Lanham, Megan Hitchcock Studio Theater at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam. McGuire, Camille Metoyer Moten, and L. James Wright. Susan Baer Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at The Rose Box Office: 345- Collins directs, with Steve Priesman as Stage Manager. Musical 4849. director is Jim Boggess; choreographer is Roxanne Nielsen. Performances run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and * The Bellevue Little Theatre Presents Sundays at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. On Sunday, June 25, there will be Crossing Delancey no evening performance. Tickets are $35.00 for adults and $21.00 for students. The Box Office opens to Members on Tuesday, May 9, May 19 – June 4, 2006 2006. Sales to the general public begin on Tuesday, May 15. Call Bellevue Little Theatre will close the 2005--06 season with "Crossing 553-0800 for reservations or information. Delancey", which will open at the theatre, 203 W. Mission, on May 19 and run for three week-ends. Showtimes are 8 pm Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 pm on Sundays. Reservations are And coming in June… recommended and may be made by calling the theatre at 291-1554 between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm Monday thru Saturday. Tickets * SNAP! Productions Presents are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $7.50 for students. Group Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks ticket are also available. Preview night, May 18, will be a TAG Nite Out. This delightful romantic comedy is loaded with ethnic charm-- June 1 – June 25, 2006 answering the age-old question, 'Do Jewish grandmothers meddle?' “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” will run from June 1 - June 25, Of course they do, and Izzy's wonderful grandmother is no exception. 2006 at 3225 California Street. Curtain times are 8:00 pm, Thursday, As the name implies "Crossing Delancey" is set in New York City Friday and Saturday; 6:00 pm on Sundays, except June 25 which is where Izzy is making a life for herself as an independent woman, but at 2:00 pm. The theater opens a half hour before curtain time.

Page 4 On Stage News / The Greenroom

Reservations may be made by calling 402-341-2757 or on the SNAP! * SNAP! Productions website: www.snapproductions.com. Tickets are $15.00, general I Am My Own Wife admission; $12.00, students, senior citizens, and TAG members. The May 7th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (by appt. only) play will be sign language interpreted for the hearing impaired by Gary Beck and Christine Lafinhan on June 4, 2006. SNAP! Productions will hold auditions for the one-man drama, I Am My Own Wife, on Sunday, May 7, 2006, at the SNAP/Shelterbelt

Theatre at 3225 California Street in Omaha. The play was originally scheduled for production this fall but has been rescheduled to March of 2007. Kevin Lawler, former Artistic Director of the Blue Barn Auditions & More Auditions Theatre, will direct. I Am My Own Wife tells the story of playwright ______Doug Wright's fascination with the life of , a German transvestite caught up in the great European dramas of the * BroadStreet Theatre Company 20th century. Unlike many contemporaries, von Mahlsdorf survived Hot Flashes: Revelations of a Dangerous Age the Nazi regime and its replacement in East Germany, the Soviet- dominated Communist dictatorship. A single actor plays the 65-year- May 1st @ 7:00 PM old von Mahlsdorf, the author , and approximately 40 BroadStreet Theatre Company announces auditions for the comedy, other characters. The actor must rely primarily on gesture, body HOT FLASHES: Revelations of the Dangerous Age by Dori Appel language, and vocal delivery to instantly change from one character and Carolyn Myers. The show will run July 7-23 at the Bellevue Little to the next. The role calls for a physically fit male, age range mid- Theatre, Fri./Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. Four women approximate thirties to mid-forties. Auditions for the role will be by appointment ages mid-40's-60's are needed to complete the five woman between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Actors should prepare a ensemble cast. Auditions will be held Monday, May 1st at 7 p.m. at contemporary monologue, no more than two minutes in length, and 4835 California St. (southeast corner of 49th and California). Those may be asked to read from the script. To schedule an appointment, auditioning will be asked to read from the script. For more obtain a copy of the script, or in the event of a conflict with the May 7 information, please contact director Roxanne Wach at audition date, please contact Jennifer Gilg by telephone at (402) 551- [email protected] or Mary Carrick, producer, at 402-301-1370 or [email protected], HOT FLASHES is a fast-paced comedy 6284 or by e-mail at [email protected]. consisting of nine two-woman scenes and monologues about the frequently forbidden subjects of menopause and aging. The play that * Chanticleer Community Theatre answers the BURNING mid-life questions: "Where did I put my Oklahoma glasses?", "Are we having fun yet?", and "How did this happen to May 7th and 8th @ 7:00 PM us?". The cast shows that you can skid sideways into the Dangerous B & D Productions will be holding auditions for their summer musical Age -- chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, screaming, “Oklahoma” on Sunday May 7 and Monday May 8 at Chanticleer. "Woo-hoo!" -- and be fabulous the whole time! Please prepare a song of 16 measures and wear shoes comfortable for movement. Accompanist will be provided. Production dates are * The Shelterbelt Theatre July 14 – 30. Eating Raoul th th May 6 and 7 @ 1:00 PM The Shelterbelt Theatre will hold auditions for their summer musical, Eating Raoul, on Saturday May 6th and Sunday May 7th at 1:00 PM at Northside Christian Church, located at 5555 Larimore. A cast of four & Other Good Stuff women and five men are needed for this campy/naughty romp! For ______the music audition please prepare a contemporary musical theatre piece of 16-32 bars. Those auditioning for the role of Mary Bland are th asked to bring both a contemporary and a traditional (“legit”) musical Annual Meeting – May 13 ! theatre piece. An accompanist will be provided. For the dance The annual General Membership Meeting of the Theatre Arts Guild audition please dress comfortably and be prepared to move. Artistic will be held Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 11 a.m. in the Board Room staff includes Stage Director Daena Schweiger, Music Director of the Omaha Community Playhouse, located at 6915 Cass Street. Nancy Curry and Choreographer Patrick Roddy. Run dates are July All members are invited to attend. 13 – August 5, 2006. Rehearsals will begin in May. For more ______information or for specific character breakdowns please contact Daena Schweiger at 677-4076 or check out the Shelterbelt website Urban Prairie Puppet Ends Run at GOPT at www.shelterbelt.org Brian and Trish are very sorry to announce they will not be continuing monthly Saturday performances at the Grande Olde Players. Sadly, the shows have never gained a large audience. Trish and Brian will continue to perform throughout the state of Nebraska at various

Page 5 The Greenroom

venues and if anyone out there would like to hire us for Omaha Children's Museum; and storytelling workshops led by our performances, please call Trish at 896-6662 or Brian at 291-5378. amazing storytellers. This event is free and open to the public. All We're still keeping the of Puppetry alive, just going to travel more! families and individuals are welcome, but activities are geared for We do have performances booked in during the summer months adults and children ages 7 and older. Presented by the Anti- around the state and May 6th we'll be in our Acme brick costumes at Defamation League (ADL) in partnership with the Omaha Children's the Berkshire Hathaway stockholders events at the Qwest center. Museum; the Omaha Community Playhouse; the Rose Performing So if you're coming to hear Warren and Charlie, look for the "brick Arts for Children and Families; Soul Desires Bookstore and the boys" (O.K., technically Trish is NOT) and say "hi"! This is our 5th Islamic Speakers Bureau of Nebraska. For more information, visit year at the gig! We always enjoy the DQ dilly bars! the ADL Plains Region website at www.adlplains.org (click on "Interfaith Affairs"), email [email protected], or call the ADL office at GOPT Events (402) 333-1303. Jazz On Stage: Free concerts presented at 6 PM the third Sunday of ______the month, September thru May. A pre-show jam session is a 5 PM. May - Steve Shininger "An Evening with Sinatra" Shelterskelter / FSWL Script Submissions! ______An all new Shelterskelter is just around the corner, and the Shelterbelt Theatre is now accepting new script submissions. The Great Plains Theatre Conference: May 28 – June 3, 2006 submission deadline for Shelterskelter is July 1st, and the In 1993, Edward Albee and Dr. Jo Ann C. McDowell began a submission deadline for From Shelterbelt with Love (yes, we’re collaborative project to produce a nationally recognized Theatre taking submissions for that too!) is September 1st. Submissions can Conference. As a result, Edward Albee and Dr. McDowell held the be made by snail mail (Shelterbelt Theatre, P.O. Box 31607, Omaha, Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Alaska for 12 years. The NE 68131) or e-mail ([email protected]). E-mail commitment has made the transition to a new frontier through the 1st submissions should be in Word or Adobe pdf format. Additional Annual Great Plains Theatre Conference. In continuing with the spirit information regarding submissions can be found at our new and of the Theatre Conference, Mr. Albee and Dr. McDowell, who improved website, www.shelterbelt.org, scheduled for launch in April. became President of Metropolitan Community College in July 2005, ______are bringing the Conference to Metropolitan Community College. The Great Plains Theatre Conference will continue to seek the embodiment of Mr. Albee’s quest for an important, enduring Opera Omaha Announces Season discussion of theatre at the national level; to foster educational Opera Omaha’s 2006-07 Season, running from September through opportunities for developing playwrights and actors; and to bring April, will include popular favorites and a much-anticipated world serious theatre to new audiences, and thereby stimulate the premiere event. The company’s 49th consecutive season opens with appreciation and preservation of the theatre arts in our culture. Puccini’s Tosca, closes with Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and has, as its centerpiece, the world premiere of Anthony Davis and Yusef Metro is offering a TAG discount for the 8 days (including the Komunyakaa’s Wakonda’s Dream, a new opera inspired by the trial evening events & the gala evening). Tickets for the entire of Chief Standing Bear. Tosca will be performed September 27, 29 conference will be $112.50 – a savings of 50% off the regular and October 1, 2006; Wakonda’s Dream will premiere March 7, 9 inclusive conference admission of $225! A one-day pass, which and 11, 2007; and The Barber of Seville will be staged April 25, 27 includes both day & evening events, will be $25 instead of $50. and 29, 2007. All performances are at the Orpheum Theater, There will be no phone reservations taken. Reservations can be Slosburg Hall. Two- and three-opera subscription packages are made two ways: currently on sale. Prices range from $19 to $221 if purchased by June 30. Subscribers also receive a discount on additional single 1. On their website at www.mccneb.edu/theatreconference. There tickets. Visit www.operaomaha.org; call 34-OPERA; or visit the will be a box (for TAG members) that will need to be checked to get Opera Omaha Box Office at 17th and Farnam Streets. the discount. ______2. Cards are being mailed out by Metro. When returning the card you will need to indicate that you are a TAG member. Bellevue Little Theatre Fireworks Stand Needs Volunteers ______Bellevue Little Theatre would like to ask all TAG members to remember the BLT fireworks stand. We will be offering a tremendous Interfaith Storytelling Festival selection of legal fireworks before and on July 4. Anyone wishing to Featuring Rita Paskowitz, a Jewish storyteller; Sheila Rocha, a help us in the booth can email the theatre c/o bilingual Christian storyteller; and Arif Choudhury, a Muslim [email protected]. Curtis Leach will be back in town to help us storyteller. When: Sunday, May 7, 2006 from 1:00 - 5:30 PM. Where: run the booth. Hopefully we'll have lots of TAG members both selling Omaha Community Playhouse (6915 Cass Street) Bring the whole and buying. family for an afternoon of stories and activities including a children's book fair hosted by Soul Desires Bookstore; art activities by the

Page 6 Theatre Arts Guild 2005 – 2006 Awards Info

Nominations Ballots Mailed Week of June 5th

Friday, June 23rd – Nomination Ballots Due

Wednesday, July 5th – Nominations Night, 7PM @ Rick’s Boatyard Café

Sunday, August 6th – Awards Banquet, Holiday Inn Central, 72nd & Grover

Awards Night program advertising is available and includes: -Full page back cover - 6.5" wide x 7" tall - $300 -Full page inside back cover, inside front cover - 6.5" wide x 7" tall - $300 -Full page: 6.5" wide x 7" tall - $200 -Half page: 6.5 x 3.5" horizontal or 3.25 x 7" vertical - $100 -Quarter page: 3.25 x 3.5" vertical - $50 -Business Card Ad: 2.5 x 3" vertical - $25

Advertising suggestions: your business, congratulate the nominees, salute to theatre, your theatre, your theatre's season. To place your ad in the program, or for advertising questions, contact Roxanne Wach (402) 457-6160 or via email: [email protected]

Media Sponsorship levels include: •Multi-Platinum Patrons: for advertising and coverage totaling $10,000 - + Acknowledged in program, full page ad in event program, announced at Awards Night, logo in advertising and publicity, logo on invitation, other details worked per individual sponsor.

•Platinum Patrons: for advertising and coverage totaling $1000 - + Acknowledged in program, full page ad in event program, announced at Awards Night, logo in advertising and publicity

•Gold Patrons: for advertising and coverage totaling $500 - $999 Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night, mentioned in advertising and publicity.

•Silver Patrons: for advertising and coverage totaling $100 - $499 Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night.

To become a media sponsor, or for media sponsorship questions, contact Roxanne Wach (402) 457-6160 or via email: [email protected]

Sponsorship levels include: •Platinum Patrons: $1000 - + Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night, mentioned in advertising and publicity, allowed 3-4 minute presentation slot during Awards Night Program.

•Gold Patrons: $500 - $999 Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night, mentioned in advertising and publicity.

•Silver Patrons: $100 - $499 Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night.

To become a sponsor or if you have questions regarding sponsorship, contact Awards Chair, Liz Heim: (402) 552-9326.

Page 7 Theatre Arts Guild 2005 – 2006 Awards Info

This is not a ballot! In an effort to streamline the nomination’s process, we’re asking for your help to make sure that all eligible shows are listed and categorized correctly. The following is a list of shows, by production company, for the 2005-2006 theater season. Please review this list and notify us immediately of any corrections. Note: Comedy and Drama are separated on here.

To report any corrections, please call Liz Heim at 552-9326 or e-mail [email protected]. Make sure you include all information, including the name of the show, production company, show category, and reason for the change. All corrections are subject to verification, so please include your contact information with phone number.

LIST OF PRODUCTIONS

• Pericles Shakespeare on the Green Drama • Othello Shakespeare on the Green Drama

• The Sum of Us SNAP! Productions Comedy • A New Brain SNAP! Productions Musical • Come Back to the Five & Dime Jimmy Dean , Jimmy Dean SNAP! Productions Drama • Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks SNAP! Productions Drama

• The Sound of Music B & D Musical

• The Murder of Mother Goose The Circle Theatre Comedy • And to All a Good Night The Circle Theatre Comedy • Bradyfest 2005! The Circle Theatre Comedy (new script) • The Good, the Bad, & The Stinky • The Crime of the Century • Outward Bound The Circle Theatre Drama • Starkweather The Circle Theatre Drama • The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild The Circle Theatre Comedy Dramatic Society Presents A Christmas Carol

• Disney’s Aida Ralston Community Theatre Musical

• Big Love Blue Barn Theatre Comedy • The Dresser Blue Barn Theatre Drama • The Santaland Diaries Blue Barn Theatre Comedy • Minstrel Show: or the Lynching of William Brown Blue Barn Theatre Drama • Thom Pain Blue Barn Theatre Drama • Hal France and Friends Blue Barn Theatre Special Event

• The Seven: Cast the First Stone Witching Hour at the Blue Barn Comedy (new script) • Mad World Witching Hour at the Blue Barn Comedy (new script) • The Outlaw Project Witching Hour at the Blue Barn Comedy (new script) • Curio & Valentine are Pissed Witching Hour at the Blue Barn Comedy (new script)

• The Marvelous Wonderettes Omaha Community Playhouse Musical • Lost in the 50’s Omaha Community Playhouse Musical • Swing Omaha Community Playhouse Musical • The Graduate Omaha Community Playhouse Comedy • The Battle of Shallowford Omaha Community Playhouse Comedy • A Christmas Carol Omaha Community Playhouse Musical • Rave On! A Tribute to the Day the Music Died Omaha Community Playhouse Musical • Pride’s Crossing Omaha Community Playhouse Drama • Das Barbecü Omaha Community Playhouse Musical

Page 8 Theatre Arts Guild 2005 – 2006 Awards Info

• Ruthless! The Musical Omaha Community Playhouse Drama • Bus Stop Omaha Community Playhouse Comedy • The Underpants Omaha Community Playhouse Comedy • Biloxi Blues Omaha Community Playhouse Comedy • Ragtime! The Musical Omaha Community Playhouse Musical

• Sweet Charity Bellevue Little Theatre Musical • The Rainmaker Bellevue Little Theatre Drama • The Mousetrap Bellevue Little Theatre Drama • Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Bellevue Little Theatre Musical • Crossing Delancey Bellevue Little Theatre Comedy

• Proposals The Lofte Community Theatre Comedy • The Lone Star Love Potion The Lofte Community Theatre Comedy

• Copacabana Mills Masquers Community Theatre Musical • The Boys Next Door Mills Masquers Community Theatre Drama • Masquers Merry Little Christmas Mills Masquers Community Theatre Drama (new script) • The Sound of Music Mills Masquers Community Theatre Musical • An Evening of One Acts Mills Masquers Community Theatre One Acts • The Temp • Wanda’s Visit • When the Cat’s Away

• Cinderella Cbluffs Children Theatre at the Chanticleer Musical

• Deathtrap Chanticleer Community Theater Drama • Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Chanticleer Community Theater Musical • A Midsummer’s Night Dream Chanticleer Community Theater Comedy • Oliver Chanticleer Community Theater Musical • Home for the Holidays Chanticleer Community Theater Musical • Murder, Murder, Murder Chanticleer Community Theater Special Event

• Millions of Cats The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Comedy • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Omaha Ballet Theater at The Rose Ballet • The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Musical (new script) • The Nutcracker The Omaha Ballet Theater Company Ballet • Holidays Around the World The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Musical • Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Comedy • Sleeping Beauty The Omaha Ballet Theater at The Rose Ballet • Stuart Little The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Comedy • Confetti – Dance Showcase The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Dance • If You Give a Mouse a Cookie The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Comedy • Disney’s Aladdin Jr. The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Musical • A Thousand Cranes The Omaha Theater Company’s Teens n Theater program at The Rose Drama • Pride Players 7 The Omaha Theatre Company at The Rose Drama • To Life! Growing Up Jewish in America The Omaha Theater Company’s Teens n Theater program at The Rose Drama • Langston Hughes: Soul Grows Deep The Omaha Theater Company’s Teens n Theater program at The Rose Drama • Playwrights Festival The Omaha Theater Company’s Teens n Theater program at The Rose New Scripts • Cindy Rella The Omaha Theater Company’s Teens n Theater program at The Rose Comedy • All in the Timing (Young Directors Project) The Omaha Theater Company’s Teens n Theater program at The Rose • The Universal Language One Act • The Philadelphia One Act • Sure Thing One Act • Words, Words, Words One Act

Page 9 Theatre Arts Guild 2005 – 2006 Awards Info

• john & jen The Shelterbelt Theatre Musical • True West The Shelterbelt Theatre / B-Rated Productions Drama • Shelterskelter X The Shelterbelt Theatre One Acts • Foolproof • Strange Visitors • Mr. Sex Machine • Hypnotized • Blood Sucker • This is a Dark Ride • Hon, You’ve Got to Love Me • Veni, Vidi, Voodoo • West Omaha Soul Sucker • The Box (new script)

• Rarities and B-Sides The Shelterbelt Theatre One Acts • He Who Laughs Last • The Woman in the Blue Dress • Liar’s Poker • Burn Me • Easy Prey

• From Shelterbelt With Love V The Shelterbelt Theatre One Acts (new scripts) • Man of Your Dreams • Christmas Flight • iLonely • Tarzan of Woolworth Avenue • Dr. Schell’s Fine Products • The Weather Report • The Catharsis • Measuring Matthew • Sensitivity • Three Things About Love

• Defending Marriage The Shelterbelt Theatre Drama (new script)

• Hamlet Brigit Saint Brigit Drama • My Three Angels Brigit Saint Brigit Drama • Love in the Title Brigit Saint Brigit Drama • The Seagull Brigit Saint Brigit Drama • A View from The Bridge Brigit Saint Brigit Drama

• Homebody / Kabul UNO Dept. of Theatre Drama • Smash UNO Dept. of Theatre Comedy • Mother Courage and Her Children UNO Dept. of Theatre Comedy • Tartuffe UNO Dept. of Theatre Comedy • Rebound and Gagged UNO Dept. of Theatre Comedy • The Arabian Nights UNO Dept. of Theatre Drama

• The Vagina Monologues UNO Women’s Center Drama

• Summer and Smoke Creighton Performing Arts Drama • One Act Plays Creighton Performing Arts One Acts • Distinguished Physician’s Society • The Maids

• A Flea in Her Ear Creighton Performing Arts Comedy

Page 10 Theatre Arts Guild 2005 – 2006 Awards Info

• Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Creighton Performing Arts Musical

• George, Cole & The Duke Grande Olde Players Musical • Barefoot in the Park Grande Olde Players Comedy • A USO Christmas Grande Olde Players Musical • Wait Until Dark Grande Olde Players Drama • Plaza Suite Grande Olde Players Comedy • Auntie Mame Grande Olde Players Comedy • Summer Showcase Grande Olde Players Musical

• Let’s Fall in Love Cabaret Theatre Special Event • The Look of Love Cabaret Theatre Special Event

• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • Native American Tales The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • The Shoemaker and the Elves The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • A Winter Festival The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • Native American Tales 2 The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • Peter Rabbit The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • Puppet Factory The Urban Prairie Puppet Company

• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Iowa Western Community College Musical • The Lisa Project Iowa Western Community College Drama (new script) • A Midsummer Night’s Dream Iowa Western Community College Comedy

• The Secret Garden Dana College Musical • A Christmas Proposal Dana College Drama (new script) • Return to the Forbidden Planet Dana College Musical

• TopDog / Underdog John Beasley Theatre & Workshop Drama • Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom John Beasley Theatre & Workshop Musical • Seven Guitars John Beasley Theatre & Workshop Drama

• Dogs Playing Poker Living Picture Project Comedy (new script)

• A Clockwork Orange Baby D Theatre Drama • Picasso at the Lapin Agile Baby D Theatre Comedy • Boston Marriage Baby D Theatre Comedy • Moon for the Misbegotten Baby D Theatre Drama

• Community Based Dance Initiative Omaha Dance Project Special Event

• School Marm’s Inn Danger Kountze Memorial Theatre Comedy • School Marm’s Matrimony Mayhem Kountze Memorial Theatre Comedy • The Second Time Around Kountze Memorial Theatre Comedy • Don’t Dress for Dinner Kountze Memorial Theatre Comedy

• Annex THIS! Omaha Press Club Show Special Event

• Nine Little Apple Productions Musical

• Florenceville Terror The Florentine Players Special Event • Is That the Hat that Robbed Ya? The Florentine Players Comedy

• Brandon’s Nut-Crackin’ Holiday Extravaganza Max Cabaret Series Special Event

• Fiddler on the Roof St. Paul United Methodist Church Musical

Page 11 Theatre Arts Guild 2005 – 2006 Awards Info

• La Pastorela South Omaha Arts Institute Musical (new script)

• The Threshold of Dawn First United Methodist Church Musical (new script) • Free to Be, a Revue of Rights, Freedom and Integrity First United Methodist Church Special Event (talent show)

• Letters Home Westwood Church Musical (new script)

• Far Away in the Orchard Bemis Underground Drama

• Five Women Wearing the Same Dress Ted Bailey Productions Comedy

• The Curious Savage The TC Players (Trinity Church) Comedy

• Murder by Mistletoe Dave and Buster’s Mystery Dinner Theatre Comedy

• A Madrigal Christmasse Feaste! Ibsen Costume Gallery Musical

• Christmas in Germany Die Schnur Puppen Comedy

TAG Member Benefits

Monthly Newsletter: TAGLines, highlighting area productions, audition notices, class offerings, employment opportunities, and articles of interest.

Annual TAG Roster A directory listing of current TAG members with phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, and talent/skill inventories.

Theatre Preview Guide Annual directory of the Metro area’s upcoming theatre seasons, including performance dates, reservation information, ticket prices and audition information.

Web Page Access Visit TAG Online (www.theatreartsguild.com) Check for late breaking news, updated member listings, and search the skills inventory on the Members Only Page. To sign up for Member Only access send an email to [email protected]

TAG E-Broadcasts Get late breaking information, schedule changes, audition notices and more via email. If you would like to receive these Broadcasts, email membership chair Barb Ross: [email protected]

TAG Night Out For the cost of “pay what you can” donation to the TAG Scholarship Fund at the door, you can see the preview performances of many area theatre productions. Watch TAGLines for TNO schedule. TAG suggests a donation of $5.

Educational Programs Workshops and presentations by actors, directors, producers and technicians, plus forums where TAG members are invited to speak out on topics of interest. Got an idea for a program? Send an email to [email protected]

Scholarships Annual talent-based scholarships are given to TAG Member high school seniors intending to pursue further education in the area of theatrical arts. Post-Graduate scholarships are available for workshops, seminars, master classes, and festivals. Interviews required for this scholarship opportunity.

Awards Night Gala Annual event when TAG members nominate and vote for their metro area productions’ outstanding actors, technicians, etc., and gather to celebrate the year’s achievements.

Script Library TAG members may borrow scripts to look at prior to an audition, for monologue research, etc. Contact Roxanne Wach at [email protected] for more information.

Want to get more involved with TAG? Attend a TAG Night Out; volunteer at a local theatre (set construction, bar service, etc.); or consider a 3 year term on the TAG Board of Directors. Most importantly, Get Real! Experience Live Theatre! Page 12 Chanticleer Community Theater is looking for all staff positions for its 2006-07 Season. Anyone interested please send letter of application and resume to: Chanticleer Community Theater Attn: Theater Manager 830 Franklin Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503

2006 – 2007 SEASON

BYE BYE BIRDIE (CHILDREN’S THEATER) (MUSICAL) Already Filled Performance dates are September 8 – 24, 2006 Audition dates: July 15 & 16, 2006

NO TME FOR SARGEANTS (COMEDY) Performance dates: November 3 – 19, 2006 Audition dates: September 10 – 11, 2006

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (MUSICAL) Performance dates: January 12 – 28, 2007 Audition dates: November 5 & 6, 2006

DON’T DRINK THE WATER (COMEDY) Performance dates: March 9 – 25, 2007 Audition dates: January 14 & 15, 2007

THE KING AND I (MUSICAL) Performance dates: May 4 – 20, 2007 Audition dates: March 11 & 12, 2007

Positions include Director Musical Director Choreographer Props Manager Stage Manger Light Designer Sound Designer Set Designer Costume Designer

Submissions for TAGLines must be turned in by the 14th of every month: [email protected]

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Theatre Planning Calendar

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 May 2006 M T W THF SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M TU W

* Member Theatres * Opera Omaha – Abduction Seraglio * Dana – Return Forbidden Planet * Witching Hour – Curio & Valentine * UPPC – Puppet Factory * Shelterbelt – Defending Marriage * Blue Barn – Thom Pain * Chanticleer – BLW in Texas tno * Circle Theater -Starkweather * OCP – Biloxi Blues * BSB – A View from The Bridge * Teens N’ Theater – Cindy Rella * BLT – Crossing Delancey tno * OCP – Ragtime! The Musical!

Non-Member Theatre TADA – Sweeney Todd TADA – Taste of Wine & Broadway

Auditions * BroadStreet – Hot Flashes * Shelterbelt – Eating Raoul * SNAP – I Am My Own Wife (appt.) * Chanticleer – Oklahoma!

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]

May 2006

TAG Board of Directors & General Information

Jerry Abels (2008) (712) 329-9066 Rachel Lien (2004-2005), Teen Rep. 330-6862 Allison Botkin (2008) 672-0806 Eduardo Millan (2007) 345-7223 Deb Beck (2007) 558-7985 Ted Roche (2006), Treasurer 292-3781 Tom Bertino, Webmaster, Ex-officio 572-7971 Barb Ross (2006), Membership Chair 571-8311

Mary Carrick (2006), President 344-3257 Amanda Rounds (2004-2005) Teen Rep. (712) 323-4510 Gary Emenitove, TAG E-Broadcast, Ex-officio Les Schultz (2008) Pegi Georgeson (2007) 330-7762 Daena Schweiger (2006), Newsletter Chair / Ed. 677-4076

Fred Goodhew (2007), TAG Night Out Chair 391-2270 Diane Watson (2007) 346-0949 JoAnn Goodhew (2008) 391-2270 Jim Watson (2008) 346-7598

Liz Heim, Awards Chair (2006) 552-9326

• The next Board of Directors Meeting will be held Saturday, Saturday, May 13, 2006 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 May Newsletter is Sunday, May 14, 2006. • 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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