Calvin College Theatre Kicks Off a Psychedelic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
by William Shakespeare

Overview: The year is 1968. A psychedelic world, fit for the midnight exploits of two pairs of young lovers, exploding in magic fairy dust and “flower power” serves as the backdrop for this classic Shakespeare comedy. The “Rude Mechanicals” have formed a rock and roll band and play groovy music for the Duke and the young lovers. All the guests will be invited to sing and dance along. Join us for the weddings and the reception!

Directed by Stephanie L. Sandberg
Original music by David Fuentes
Gezon Auditorium
April 10-12, 24-26, 2014 at 7:30pm
April 29-30, 2014 at 10:00am (High school matinees)

More information can be found at Calvin Theatre Company’s website.

Behind the Scenes of “God of Carnage”

Yasmina Reza, Plawright

Ms. Reza is a multi-award-winning French playwright, novelist and memoirist. Her work has been translated into more than 30 languages and been produced worldwide, and has achieved both critical praise and popular international success. She is the author of seven plays, including Conversations After a Burial, Winter Crossing, Art, The Unexpected Man, Life x3, A Spanish Play andGod of Carnage; the novels Desolation, Adam Haberberg and On Arthur Schopenhauer’s Sledge; the memoirs Hammerklavier andNulle part; Dawn, Dusk or Night, a nonfiction account of a year she spent trailing French president (then-candidate) Nicolas Sarkozy on the campaign trail; and a dramatic translation of Kafka’s Metamorphosis for director Roman Polanski.

Tom Kaechele, Director

Tom Kaechele holds a Master’s degree in Directing from Wayne State University and is the head of the theater program at Grand Rapids Community College. In addition to his on and off stage work with Actors’ Theatre, his previous directing credits at Actors’  include 2012’s Next Fall, The Little Dog Laughed, Lieutenant of Inishmore,Rabbit Hole, Fat Pig, and Lobby Hero. Other local directing credits include Rumors, RENT and Noises Off for Circle Theatre. Tom and his wonderful wife Amy have four exceptional children; Celia, Owen, Adelinne, and Linus.

God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translation by Christopher Hampton
April 17-26, 2014 
All Shows Begin at 8:00 pm
Call (616) 234-3946 for tickets or purchase them online now!

Save Grey Gardens Gala: May 1

Please join us for this year’s fundraising event!

Ms. Edith Bouvier Beale and Ms.”Little” Edie Beale along with Actors’ Theatre cordially invite you to “SAVE GREY GARDENS!”

The gala is May 1, 2014 from 6:30-9:00pm

Since the Grey Gardens estate is not currently safe for visitors, the gala will be held at the brand new
Rockford Construction headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids located at 601 First Street.

Attire for the event is business casual, with Bouvier attitude.
As Big Edie told Little Edie, “Don’t get excited, just put the damn thing on!”
Want to attend in true Bouvier attire? Best costume will win a prize!

The evening’s events will include: live and silent auctions, live performances around the Bouvier family grand piano, complimentary food and beverages, various games and photo opportunities!

*There may also be a sneak peek at Actors’ 2014-2015 Season line-up!*

Tickets are $35 for one, $60 for couples, and $20 for students (with proof of ID) IN ADVANCE.
At the door, tickets increase to $45 for one, $70 for couples, and $25 for students.

“God of Carnage” Tickets on Sale Now

God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translation by Christopher Hampton
April 17-26, 2014 
All Shows Begin at 8:00 pm
Call (616) 234-3946 for tickets or purchase them online now!

A playground altercation between their eleven year-old boys brings two couples together in an attempt to resolve the matter.  Initially diplomacy prevails but, as the evening progresses (and  alcohol flows…), the gloves start to come off in Yasmina Reza’s award-winning, comically explosive landslide.

“A study in the tension between civilized surface and savage instinct, this play is itself a satisfyingly primitive entertainment with an intellectual veneer. God of Carnage may be a familiar comic journey from A to B, but it travels first class.”
-The New York Times

“…turns on the idea that adults are no more evolved than kids, that the bourgeoisie, groomed and courteous on the surface, are beastly underneath.”
– London Observer

Underwritten by

Audition Notice: March 29 & 30 for “Grey Gardens”

Grey Gardens, The Musical

Director: Fred Sebulske / Music Direction: Michael Shansky
Run Dates: June 5-7, 12-14
Casting: 4 Men (1 Male -Sixties, 1 African American Male – Thirties, 2 Males –Twenties – Early Forties) 3 Females (1 female – Twenties, 1 female – Forties, 1 Female Sixties) 2 Girls (10 – 14 years old)
Audition Dates: ** Change in dates** March 29 & 30 (Call-backs, if needed, will be in the evening on the 30th)
Rehearsals Begin: Rehearsals won’t begin until April 21st

Synopsis: Equally hilarious and heartbreaking, Grey Gardens is a musical based on the cult classic documentary of the same name, which explores the true story of Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale – aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. From glamorous beginnings to a penniless, co-dependent existence, Grey Gardens paints an intimate and not unsympathetic portrait of two of the 20th century’s most notorious recluses. [Read More]

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Audition Times

Auditions start at 12 (noon) and will run no longer than 3pm. Those wanting to audition should arrive no later than 1:30 the day of auditions. If you cannot make it to auditions between Noon and 1:30 or are unable to make auditions completely but are still interested in auditioning, please contact Chris at the Actors’ Theatre Office (616 234-3968) to make arrangements to be seen on a different day or at a different time.

Scripts

Scripts are Available 1 month prior to Auditions and can be checked out with a $10.00 deposit. Contact Chris @ 234-3968 to make arrangements to check out a script (best times are M-F 10am-3pm).
*All Scripts must be returned by and cannot be checked out the week of auditions.

Statement of Inclusive Casting

As part of its mission of inclusion and in order to receive benefit from the rich diversity of our community, Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids is committed to casting all productions without bias towards race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. Except when necessary to the intent or message of the work, Actors’ Theatre and its artistic staff will cast productions, for all roles, without regard for race and, whenever possible, gender.