We're traveling 4000 MILES this weekend, 68 Years of LITTLE THEATRE HISTORY will be on display next weekend and you're invited to "Celebrate Charlene" on February 17th

"[4000 MILES] unfolds with the unassuming ease of conversations overheard, among people with complicated relationships." - Bloomberg

"Herzog’s....humor, honesty and narrative subtlety make this a rarity: a family play that avoids sentimentality or sitcom shtick" - Time Magazine

Plays like 4000 MILES are the reason that our UBU'S OTHER SHOE STAGED READING series exists. Challenging, award-winning, cutting-edge plays that are a joy to be performed and demand to be seen. Artistic Director Michael Siebrass reads a mind-boggling number of plays each and every year and this year he has chosen nine. All award-winners, all not your typical day at the theatre.

3 SHOWS: FRI @ 7 PM / SAT @ 2 PM & 7 PM

4000 MILES features a small, tight cast of actors, including Dixie Parker, Alpha O'Neal, Allen Negrete and Arisa Bega. The show is directed by Danielle McNamara. You can click HERE for a "shout-out" in today's New Times and click HERE for a thoughtful Washington Post article about the play.  Then I'd recommend you BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE before they disappear.

Let’s Put on a Show! is the title of an exhibit about the evolution of the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre that will be displayed at the History Center of San Luis Obispo County from February 4 through April 26, 2015. The exhibit will trace the development of the Little Theatre over the years with an emphasis on how it has evolved from a small, completely volunteer group of local citizens with a passion for theater into a professionally run, non-profit, performing arts organization that, in addition to fully staged plays, offers youth theater classes, staged readings, and other programming. The exhibit project was spearheaded by board member Michael Simkins and has been generously sponsored by Joan Gellert Sargen. Click HERE for more information, then join us for Art After Dark in downtown SLO next weekend!

Remembering Charlene... All of us here at the Little Theatre are still reeling from the news that our dear friend and dedicated volunteer Charlene Premer passed away last Sunday. The news was unexpected and devastating, however Charlene would rather we celebrate her life than mourn her passing, and that is exactly what we will do (and invite you to do) on February 17th at 11am at New Life Community Church in Pismo Beach. Per Charlene's request, this is a celebration of her life, so please do not wear black, and no flowers. I don't think she can stop us from shedding a few tears, but there will certainly be laughter as well. If you'd like to make a donation in Charlene's name, an account has been setup at Coast Hills Federal Credit Union for those who would like to honor her with a donation. The donations will help her family pay for cremation expenses and the balance will be donated in her honor to her favorite charities: Arthritis Foundation and Cancer Treatment Center.

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN: Don, Kathy & Cosmo | Photo by Jamie Foster Photography

There's a lot of singin' and dancin' and rehearsin' goin' on at the theatre these days and the whole "glorious feelin'" experience will be ready for YOU to enjoy on February 13th!  Click HERE for more information and we'll see you at the show!

Remembering Charlene

Hello friends of the Little Theatre,

Late on Sunday evening, the local theatre community learned of the unexpected loss of one of our own, Charlene Premer. The outpouring of emotions- shock, grief, complete, dumbfounded bewilderment- speak to the important place Charlene had in our lives (both in the theatre and out.)

Charlene created the props for nearly every single production at the Little Theatre since I arrived in 2008 (and was a constant presence backstage and in the lobby for many, many years before that.) In the last 6 years, she was an integral part of over 40 artistic teams, bringing her incredible ingenuity (and occasionally infuriating attention to detail) to an amazing assortment of shows. There was never a prop challenge that Charlene couldn't meet, and perhaps the most appropriate testament to her passion and dedication to live theatre is to remember her last time at 888 Morro Street: dropping of newly finished props for Singing in the Rain before heading north for surgery. Dedicated, prepared, and a perfectionist until the end.

We at the Little Theatre have lost not only one of our most amazing volunteers, but one of our very good friends; a person whose off-kilter sense of humor (and perspective on life) brought joy to everyone lucky enough to spend time around her. Our thoughts go out to Charlene's family and friends during this difficult time.

 “If you keep your head when everyone else is losing theirs, 

you’ll be that much taller.”

Safe home, Charlene. And TenQ.

-Kevin

Ubu's Other Shoe AUDITIONS this weekend and an Ubu's staged reading of 4000 MILES next weekend!

Director Leticia Velez is looking for a large cast of talented actors to take on Tom Stoppard's funny, sentimental, insightful play about art and politics. ROCK 'N ROLL will be #6 in our series of nine Ubu's Other Shoe Staged Readings this season and YOU can play a role. Staged Readings are a great way to get back into acting, especially for busy, talented people. Less rehearsal time and a limited performance run, with all the challenge and fun of a full production.

Playwright and screenwriter Tom Stoppard, author of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, The Real Thing, Arcadia, Shakespeare in Love, Brazil (just to name a few) has won four Tony Awards and one Academy Award and is one of the most internationally performed playwrights of his generation. You can read more about his 2006 play, ROCK ' N ROLL, in a Huffington Post story right HERE and find out more about auditions HERE. Auditions are this Sunday at 4:30 pm. Come on... you know you want to.

And don't miss our next Ubu's Other Show staged reading performance: Amy Herzog's 4000 MILES, directed by Danielle McNamara and featuring Allen Negrete, Alpha O'Neal, Dixie Parker and Arisa Bega.  A finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize, Herzog's heartfelt and riveting drama "...seems fresh, particularized, plausible...4000 Miles is the family drama that really sticks with you, easily the best play of the season." (Time Magazine review.)

There will be three performances of 4000 MILES: Friday, January 30 at 7 pm and Saturday, January 31 at 2 pm and 7 pm. You can find out more about the production and get your tickets online HERE.

Anet Carlin

To know her is to love her. She has participated in more than 275 stage productions on the Central Coast over more than 60 years and next weekend, we're going to honor her for many, many contributions to theatre and the arts in San Luis Obispo County.

If you'd like to join us in honoring Anet at this benefit event for arts education in SLO County, you can click HERE for more information and to make your reservations. And if you'd like to sit at one of our four Little Theatre tables, contact Patty Thayer and she'll make sure your seating is confirmed!

And lest you should forget! There is something for everyone this weekend at the Little Theatre! Last chance to see the Academy of Creative Theatre's production of THE SECRET GARDEN and our late-night comedy WE'RE CANCELING CABLE! (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS).

Hope to see you soon!
~Patty

Making Theatre Magic on a Small Stage PLUS it's the Final Weekend for 2 Fabulous Shows!

PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE 2014
Set Design: Dave Linfield / Lighting Design: Kevin Harris
Photos by Jamie Foster Photography

We're in a "calm before the storm" week here at the Little Theatre. There's one more weekend of performances for THE SECRET GARDEN and WE'RE CANCELING CABLE! and then we take down those sets, store those costumes and start building the magical world for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, opening on February 13th.  That's just 18 days and nights to transform the Little Theatre stage from an early 20th century English manor into 1920's Hollywood. How do we do it, you may ask? It's a mystery!

Dave Linfield and Zach Johnson consider the set for A CHORUS LINE

Actually, it's NOT a mystery. (That's just one of my favorite quotes about theatre!) Technical Director/Designer Dave Linfield and a team of dedicated volunteers spend hours upon hours working on each and every set you see on our stage. It starts with reading the play, then research, then several meetings with the director and the artistic team for the show. Dave then creates digital plans and a practical model of the set. More discussion, a few changes (or more than a few) and then building begins.

Scenic Artist Lisa Langere works on the set for ENCHANTED APRIL (2013)

Here's a photo of a typical production week where the theatre is generally a huge mess. Lighting instruments are being adjusted, set pieces are being constructed and painted and each night the stage needs to be cleared and ready for a rehearsal.

Lisa Langere working on the "Picasso" for PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

I wish I had more "before" photos I could show you of our sets in process, but take my word for it, it's an amazing process of transformation. One that would not be possible without the help of our set construction and painting volunteers including Ron Burkhart, Lisa Langere, Janet Elder-Nichols and many more.

Pam Hester (Stage Manager and Light/Sound Operator) Randal Sumabat (Costume Designer for The Secret Garden) Franklin Mognett (Running Crew for Good People) Ella Harris (Sound Operator The Secret Garden)

Not to mention our amazing prop masters, back stage crews, stage managers and running crews. It takes a village to put on a show, and we are fortunate to have a very dedicated and talented group of people who help make the magic happen for each and every show here on the Little Theatre stage!

The set for THE SECRET GARDEN designed by Dave Linfield

Speaking of which... it's closing weekend for two fabulous shows and if you haven't seen them yet, then you'd best get your tickets now!

"If you’re looking for a little more magic in your life, The Secret Garden is the play for you." - NEW TIMES

There are just four performances remaining of our Academy of Creative Theatre production of THE SECRET GARDEN. If you missed it the first time around, you can read the lovely review in New Times HERE. It's a terrific show for all ages and you can find out more and purchase your tickets online right HERE.

 "Funny, well-executed, apropos to the times." "Lot's of laughs and sometimes just a funny grin." "Hilarious and so true!" (Facebook comments)

It's also the final weekend for our After Hours @slotheatre late night comedy show WE'RE CANCELING CABLE! (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS).  Excellent cast, very funny writing, this show is LOADS of fun and you don't want to miss it!  I'll be there for the second time this weekend, because once is just not enough!  Do yourself a favor and spend an evening full of laughs at the Little Theatre. WE'RE CANCELING CABLE runs Friday and Saturday at 9:30 pm and Sunday at 7 pm. It's not exactly appropriate for children, but why bring them? This is YOUR time. :)  You can read Sarah Linn's Tribune story about the show HERE and get your tickets HERE!

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see how Dave Linfield and his team make THIS happen for our next show. It's going to knock your socks off. Big show, tiny stage, talented directors, designers, actors and crew. I just can't wait for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN! I'll keep you posted as production continues, but if I were you I'd get your tickets NOW. And you can do that right HERE.

Have a great rest of your week everyone - and I hope to see you at the theatre this weekend!

~Patty

AFTER HOURS returns to SLO with the premiere of WE'RE CANCELING CABLE! [and other empty threats]

Late night comedy is alive and well in downtown SLO and it's all happening at the Little Theatre! Super soccer moms and dads on the sidelines, uncomfortable conferences in the principal's office, ridiculous arguments with 12-year-olds and sullen teenagers in the back seat. Sound familiar? Even if your kids are grown, or you've never experienced the withering glare of a 14 year old from the back seat, you're going to love WE'RE CANCELING CABLE! (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS)!

Written by Michael Kaplan, with original music by Mark Pietri, and directed by Jill Turnbow, WE'RE CANCELING CABLE features original sketches, monologues and songs that perfectly and hilariously capture the experience of being a modern parent. But you know, even if you're not a parent, grab a drink at the theatre bar and join us anyway - we guarantee this show will leave you laughing! Click HERE to check out a great story by Sarah Linn in the Tribune today and come on down this weekend for live, local, late-night comedy ONLY at the Little Theatre!

WE'RE CANCELING CABLE (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS) runs January 16-25, Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. Click HERE for more information and tickets. (This show is not exactly appropriate for children. But why would you bring them? This is your time.

"If you’re looking for a little more magic in your life, The Secret Garden is the play for you." - NEW TIMES

Yes! You can still catch THE SECRET GARDEN here at the Little Theatre for the next two weekends and the NEW TIMES highly recommends that you do! Check out the entire review by Adriana Catanzarite HERE and find out why you should bring the whole family to this delightful Academy of Creative Theatre production.

The Secret Garden runs January 16-25, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. Find out more and get your tickets to this heartwarming show right HERE.

I couldn't sign off today without mentioning this show. As you know, I'm lucky enough to work upstairs here at the theatre, which means that sometimes I get to see and hear some pretty cool stuff. For the past two weeks, I have heard tap-dancing! And singing! And FUN! This morning I was repeatedly treated to the sounds of Don Lockwood (Jeff Salsbury), Cosmo Brown (Zach Johnson) and Kathy Selden (Kerry DiMaggio) singing and dancing one of my favorites from this classic MGM musical: GOOD MORNING!  What a treat!

Yep, I'm a lucky girl. But never fear, next month YOU can enjoy this fabulous musical too! Click HERE for more information and to take a sneak peek at the entire cast list and click HERE to get your tickets before they're all gone!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
~Patty

THE SECRET GARDEN is open, WE'RE CANCELLING CABLE enters tech, and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN hits its stride. This week at the Little Theatre!

Good morning friends of the Little Theatre,

The Secret Garden, our winter Academy of Creative Theatre production, had a magical opening on Friday night- this is a beautiful show performed by wonderful young performers enrolled in our winter ACT production class. Don't miss your chance to see this classic story come to life on the Little Theatre stage. The Secret Garden, directed by Shelagh Garren, only plays for 8 more performances and tickets are going fast. Get yours today by clicking HERE. Thank you to Jamie Foster photography for these great production shots:

The inaugural AFTERHOURS@SLOTheatre series continues with the riotously funny We're Cancelling Cable (and Other Empty Threats.) 

Don't miss the premier of Michael Kaplan's hilarious evening of original sketches, monologues, and songs that explore the hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy moments that take place on sidelines of soccer fields, behind closed doors at parent-teacher conferences, and within our own living rooms.  Not exactly appropriate for children.  But why would you bring them?  This is your time. Come check out what AFTERHOURS is all about- get your tickets to We're Cancelling Cable today by clicking HERE.

It's coming...the famous songs, the legendary dancing, the hilarious script--- Singing in the Rain takes the Little Theatre stage in a month! We're entering the second week of rehearsals and this cast and crew look absolutely great. This is going to be the biggest show all year, so, don't miss your chance to see it live onstage. Get your tickets instantly online by clicking HERE. Never seen the movie? Click HERE to get taste of Gene Kelly and Donald O'Conner at their best.

Thank you for your support of the Little Theatre! Have a wonderful week, everyone!

-Kevin

FREE and reduced price tickets are available for ACT's production of THE SECRET GARDEN thanks to Central Coast Funds for Children

The Cast of The Secret Garden | Photos by Jamie Foster Photography

We recently received a generous $1,500 grant from the Central Coast Funds for Children in support of the Academy of Creative Theatre (ACT) production of The Secret Garden which runs January 16-25, 2015. Specifically, the grant underwrites discounted children’s tickets to ALL performances as well as a limited number of free tickets for children and families in collaboration with the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO.) The tickets are being distributed through CAPSLO to families involved in Head Start and other programs for families and children.

Martha (Penny DellaPelle) and Mary (Campbell Ellery)

ACT’s production of The Secret Garden is directed by Shelagh Garren and features 12 student actors from the Little Theatre’s ACT educational program. The classic children’s story, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, centers around Mary Lennox, a young orphan, who is sent to England to live with her invalid cousin and reclusive Uncle Archibald on his mysterious estate. When Mary discovers a hidden, locked garden, her life is changed forever. With the help of the warmhearted maid Martha; Dickon, the boy who understands the language of animals; the crusty gardener, Ben, and, of course, the robin who leads her to the garden, Mary brings both the neglected garden and her family back to life. A magical story of hope, renewal, and the transforming power of love, this heartwarming story is ideal for children and families.

Ben Weatherstaff (Conner Allen)

The Secret Garden runs January 16-25, 2015 at the Little Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. The cast includes young actors from throughout the County: Jayda Monreal, Campbell Ellery, Sienna Ritter, Linnea Marks, Brooke Andris, Penny DellaPelle, Elizabeth Tharp, Trevyn Wong, Conner Allen, Zoe Peach-Riley, Raegan Lunceford and Riley Hutcheson.

Dickon (Trevyn Wong) and Colin Craven (Linnea Marks)

“Participating in theatre encourages creativity and builds self-confidence” says ACT Coordinator Kerry DiMaggio. “ACT provides a creative, artistic, educational and FUN outlet for children who might not otherwise be engaged with their peers or other important adult role models. This generous grant from the Central Coast Funds for Children enables us to share this production of The Secret Garden, not only with the students performing in the production, but with children and families throughout the county who might not otherwise be able to attend.”

Thank you Central Coast Funds for Children for helping us to share high quality live theatre with children and families from all across the county!

For more information about THE SECRET GARDEN or to make your reservations, click HERE.

Archibald Craven (Riley Hutcheson) and Mrs. Medlock (Elizabeth Tharp)

ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF CREATIVE THEATRE
If you haven't yet heard about the programs of the Little Theatre's Academy of Creative Theatre, it's time you did! ACT provides year-round theatrical training for youth ages 5-18 (kindergarten through 12th grade.) ACT’s after-school programs, summer camps and theatrical production classes inspire young performers and technicians to develop skills which will benefit them throughout their lives, both on and off the stage. Students involved in ACT learn from professional artists in programs designed to help students explore creative self-expression and individuality. Whether our students choose to pursue theatre as a career, as volunteers or as audience members, our hope is their experience at the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre will help them to develop a greater appreciation of the theatre arts and a stronger connection to their community.

Sound Operator Ella Harris

SPRING THEATRE CLASSES
ACT is now accepting registrations for its Spring 2015 Theatre Classes.  All ACT classes take place in a lively, nurturing, fun environment and are taught by professional teaching artists who are passionate and skilled at working with young performers.  ACT classes stretch the imagination, encourage teamwork and collaboration, and help students develop listening and speaking skills, all while promoting creativity and self-esteem.

Mary (Campbell Ellery ) surrounded by taunting children 

ACT is offering a variety of classes this spring for all age ranges and levels of experience beginning February 23 and running through April 29. A Spring Break camp will also be available April 6-10. Thanks to a generous grant through The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, generous scholarships are available so that every child with a desire to learn can participate.

Click HERE for more details on spring theatre classes and scholarships or to register your child or grandchild, niece, nephew or neighbor today!

Mary (Campbell Ellery) and Dickon (Trevyn Wong) discover The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is a delightful show for young and old alike. It's also a wonderful opportunity to introduce youngsters to the joys of live theatre. Just two more weekends of performances remain --- don't miss your chance to see this lovely show! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

We're Halfway through a Landmark Season of 25 SHOWS and 225 PERFORMANCES!

July-December, 2014

Our 2014-2015 68th Anniversary Season kicked off in July with the high-energy dance musical PLAY ON! and we've barely stopped to catch our breath since. In December alone, we produced four very different, wildly successful shows, and we actually lived to tell the tale. So, what will we do for an encore, you may ask? 

January-June, 2015!

How about several MORE very different, wildly successful shows? From THE SECRET GARDEN to THE GOAT, there is something for everyone this winter and spring at the Little Theatre. Dramas, comedies, musicals, staged readings and student performances, we've got it all, plus NO SHAME THEATRE at the end of each and every month! How do we do it all? I don't know. It's a mystery. 

If you drop by on any given day of the week, you will rarely find our Little Theatre dark. There are rehearsals and performances going on at all hours of the day and night. Sitting upstairs in my little office on a typical weekday morning, I can hear laughter, singing and the sound of tap-dancing as our principal players rehearse some of the major numbers featured in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (like this ONE!)  Later in the afternoon, several young actors are chattering happily in the lobby as they wait for their turn to be fitted in their costumes for THE SECRET GARDEN (opens this Friday!) All the while, the sounds of power saws hum on the patio as Dave Linfield and his crew put the final touches on the set, while in the upstairs office committee members plan for our Opening Night Gala Celebration for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, and a production meeting for WE'RE CANCELING CABLE (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS) meets in the green room. Later that evening, there's a rehearsal for 4000 MILES in the lobby, while THE SECRET GARDEN has its first dress rehearsal in the theatre and music rehearsals begin in the rehearsal room for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN! 

Since 1947, the Little Theatre has been bringing great stories to life for our community. We are so fortunate to enjoy the support of that community, both as generous DONORS and as members of our enthusiastic audience. Thank YOU for your support that keeps the lights on, the shows opening, the education programs running, the music playing, the tap shoes tapping and live, local theatre going strong in downtown San Luis Obispo year after year.

This season our goal is to offer something for everyone. Our lineup of shows is one of the most unique and ambitious in the state and those shows are SELLING OUT!  Check out our line-up for the New Year on our website HERE, then be sure to get your tickets early to ensure your seats. You can also get involved as a volunteer or audition for a show!  Join us this spring and become a part of the story. You'll be glad you did.

And just one more thing... did you know that on January 31st, ARTS Obispo will be honoring outstanding achievement in the performing arts in San Luis Obispo County? And did you also know that one of the amazing artists being recognized at this event was nominated by the Little Theatre? The legendary Anet Carlin will be honored as an outstanding contributor to  the lively arts scene here on the Central Coast and YOU can be a part of this fabulous event! Click HERE for more information and to purchase your tickets today. I'll be there to enjoy the party and pay tribute to Anet, along with Leslie Baumberger, Gary Lamprecht, Clifton Swanson and Jacalyn Kreitzer, and the best part is that my ticket purchase supports the arts in arts education in SLO County -- so it's definitely a win-win! Hope to see you there. 

Happy New Year everyone! Here's to a wonderful 2015, filled with laughter, music, friends, family and the magic that is live theatre!

Cheers!

~Patty

THE SECRET GARDEN is coming, AFTERHOURS continues, 4000 MILES is in rehearsal, and SINGING IN THE RAIN jumps into the fray tonight! It's a new, BUSY year at the Little Theatre!

Happy new year, friends of the Little Theatre!

What a fantastic way to wrap up 2014:

From December 12-December 26 we had FOUR different productions playing at 888 Morro Street. Congratulations to the sold-out casts of A Christmas Story, The Santaland Diaries, Miss Witherspoon, and the first-ever Best of No Shame! In the span of only 14 days the Little Theatre welcomed over 1,500 patrons through our doors- thank you for making our 2014 Holiday season the most successful in Little Theatre history!

We jumped into technical rehearsals on Saturday for our upcoming Academy of Creative Theatre production of The Secret Garden directed by Shelagh Garren. Join this incredibly talented cast of young actors as they bring this classic story to life on our stage. The Secret Garden opens on Friday, January 9; you can read more about the play or get your tickets instantly online by clicking HERE.

Our inaugural AfterHours@SLOTheatre season continues in January with We're Cancelling Cable (and other empty threats), written by Michael Kaplan and directed by Jill Turnbow. Featuring original sketches, monologues, and songs that explore the hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy moments that take place on sidelines of soccer fields, behind closed doors at parent-teacher conferences, and within our own living rooms.  Not exactly appropriate for children.  But why would you bring them?  This is your time. Reserve your tickets today by clicking HERE.

Ubu's Other Shoe (the staged reading series here at the Little Theatre) is halfway done with its 11th anniversary season. Get one of the hottest tickets in town by reserving your seats for 4,000 Miles directed by Danielle McNamara; join us for an incisive talkback with the cast and director after the Friday night performance. Read more about this award-winning play and get your tickets by clicking HERE.

It's coming! The biggest show of the 2014-2015 season, featuring such favorites as Good Morning, Moses Supposes, and the classic titular tune, Singing in the Rain! We're just over a month away from out GALA OPENING NIGHT EVENT on February 13! The incredible evening includes generous pre-show gourmet hors d’oeuvres, wine and cocktails, the opening night performance plus a post-show dessert reception with the cast and crew. The Little Theatre lobby will be dressed up for a 1920's movie opening and guests are encouraged to dress the part in 1920's costumes or in elegant black tie and gowns while placing their bids on a classic movie-themed silent auction!Get your tickets for this event by clicking HERE! Tickets to any other performance of Singing in the Rain can be reserved by clicking HERE.

Thank you for making 2014 a record-breaking year for our organization! We have so much planned to share with you in the coming years- the future looks great!

Happy new year!

-Kevin