THE MUSIC MAN: Under Construction. RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN: In Rehearsal. CANCELING CABLE: In Los Osos Friday. 2015-2016 SEASON: On the Way!

We are definitely UNDER CONSTRUCTION this weekend at the Little Theatre. The sounds of a tablesaw, electric drills and hammering mingle with the smell of paint and the voices of volunteer set builders. At the same time, the lobby is full of young voices chattering away as the Academy of Creative Theatre holds auditions in the rehearsal room for THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE; and then, if you hang around until about 6 pm, you can catch a Barbershop quartet warming up out front for Music Man rehearsals. I know, you've heard it before and you'll hear it again: it gets pretty busy around here during the week, even when there's no show scheduled for the weekend!

These are the happy faces of the children featured in The Music Man. Winthrop, Amaryllis, Gracie and Zaneeta posed with their young friends and neighbors during a break from rehearsals. In a little over a week, they'll be dancing across the (completed) stage set, in costume, singing The Wells Fargo Wagon!   Under the skillful hands of director Zach Johnson, the show is coming together bit by bit and will open next Friday night, May 15th. Seats are filling up fast, so I'd recommend making your reservations sooner, rather than later. Not kidding! You can do it right HERE, right NOW.

And no sooner do we open THE MUSIC MAN, but our 8th Ubu's Other Shoe Staged Reading of the season will take the stage mid-week for two shows only, May 19 & 20 at 7 pm. Director Jenny Shaheen has assembled a cast of real pros for Gina Gionfriddo's RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN, including Marilyn Blake, David Norum, Robin Kirk Wolf, Joan Pederson and Ashley Moses. This fast-paced, witty comedy explores the continuing fallout and evolution of the feminist movement. You can read an interview with the playwright about the play HERE. 

You don't have to wait for the weekend to enjoy some live theatre, you know! Join us for a mid-week dose of UBU and enjoy a staged reading of RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN. You can get your tickets for just $10 right HERE. 

If you missed it before, don't miss it again! On Friday, May 8 at the South Bay Community Center in Los Osos, We're Canceling Cable (And Other Empty Threats) will be resurrected as a benefit for the Monarch Grove PTA. This hilarious look at parenthood is directed by Jill Turnbow and features the talents of Gregory Gorrindo, Alicia Klein, Katie Gucik and Nathan Emmons, with piano accompaniment by Mark Pietri. Original sketches, monologues, and songs explore the hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy moments that take place on sidelines of soccer fields, behind closed doors of parent-teacher conferences, and within our own living rooms. Get your tickets HERE! (This show features adult language and situations; not exactly appropriate for children.  But why would you bring them? This is your time.)

Are you ready? Are you set?... Then GO!  Plans for the exciting 2015-2016 Season are moving forward rapidly and you are going to LOVE what we have planned for our 69th Season here at the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre!  Season Subscriptions will be available for purchase beginning May 22, but YOU can take a sneak peek at the entire season schedule right HERE. If all goes well, our season brochure will hit your mailbox right around May 27th. What's that? You're not on our mailing list?!  Well, we can't have that. Click HERE to email me and I'll make sure that you get all the news that's fit to print about next season. You won't want to miss a minute!

Like I told you before, it's a DARK weekend here at the Little Theatre, except of course for major rehearsals, set construction, lighting and sound design. But starting next weekend.... you'll be in major TROUBLE if you don't get your tickets for THE MUSIC MAN soon!

Have a great weekend!

~Patty

New Show Added for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, Tom Stoppard's ROCK 'N ROLL is up next and VOTE FOR US!

There are just two more weekends of shows left for our wildly successful gala musical SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. If you haven't seen it yet, you may be in luck! We've just added one additional performance on THURSDAY, MARCH 12TH at 7 PM. Seats are going fast, but if you hurry, you just might make it. Click HERE for reservations. Ready...set...GO! And if you can't make it next Thursday, our wait list is your best bet to get your foot in the door. Arrive one hour early, tell the box office, have a glass of wine and 9 out of 10 times...you're in!

The next Ubu's Other Shoe Staged Reading will take the stage March 20-21 for 3 Shows Only: Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 2 pm and 7 pm. We are extremely proud to present Tom Stoppard's groundbreaking, mind-blowing drama ROCK 'N ROLL. It is 1968 and the world is ablaze with rebellion, accompanied by a sound track of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Clutching his prized collection of rock albums, Jan, a Cambridge graduate student, returns to his homeland of Czechoslovakia just as Soviet tanks roll into Prague. When security forces tighten their grip on artistic expression, Jan is inexorably drawn toward a dangerous act of dissent. Back in England, Jan's volcanic mentor, Max, faces a war of his own as his free-spirited daughter and his cancer-stricken wife attempt to break through his walls of academic and emotional obstinacy. Over the next twenty years of love, espionage, chance, and loss, the extraordinary lives of Jan and Max spin and intersect until an unexpected reunion forces them to see what is truly worth the fight.

If you love Stoppard, get your tickets now- this is going to be an amazing staged reading of an absolutely brilliant play. Click HERE to reserve your seats today.

Let's do it again! The Little Theatre has been voted the BEST LOCAL THEATER GROUP in the annual New Times Readers Poll every year since 2010 and BEST PLACE TO SEE A PLAY at least three times over the past ten years.  If you've enjoyed a show here in the past year, or two, or three, and if you LOVE our intimate downtown space in downtown SLO as much as we do, then take a minute and let New Times know! Pick up a copy of this week's New Times or click HERE to fill out this year's poll online. The deadline is March 16th at 5 pm.

We just finished three full nights of auditions and call backs for our season finale musical THE MUSIC MAN!  Stay tuned to this page and we'll let you know the latest news on director Zach Johnson's fabulous cast as soon as the list is posted!  In the meantime, here's another taste of this classic show - just to whet your appetite!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
~Patty

Farewell to January, 4000 Miles and The Secret Garden and Welcome to February, our History Exhibit and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN!

Last weekend's Ubu's Other Shoe production of 4000 MILES performed to capacity audiences in three awesome shows. Our Ubu staged readings grow more and more popular with each performance. Thank you to director Danielle McNamara and her fabulous cast and crew for creating a wonderful show. Mark your calendars now for our next Ubu's Other Shoe Staged Reading:  ROCK 'N ROLL, directed by Leticia Velez. Click HERE to find out more about this 2006 Tom Stoppard play and our talented local cast.

We also bid farewell to our Academy of Creative Theatre production of THE SECRET GARDEN in January. This heartwarming tale of the transforming power of love and nature was beautifully told by our young, student cast and we were sorry to see it go. If you know a young person who would like to learn and grow their theatrical talents, consider signing them up for ACT Spring Theatre Classes at the Little Theatre! There are still a few spots open in our musical theatre class AND in our Spring Break Camp. Click HERE for all the details and to register your child. Generous scholarships are always available thanks to a grant provided by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.

Interested in some Little Theatre history? Join us at Art After Dark this Friday night at the History Center of San Luis Obispo County for a look-back at 68 years of SLO Little Theatre called: "LET'S PUT ON A SHOW!" The exhibit will run through April 26th at the History Center at 696 Monterey Street in downtown SLO. In addition to showcasing some of our history, we'll also give you a glimpse of some exciting plans for the future! 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!

Photo by Jamie Foster Photography

Meet the cast of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN! One of the most beloved Hollywood movie musicals of all time will be coming to SLO, live on stage, and it's not too late for you to join us for our Gala Opening Night Celebration on February 13th! This very special evening will feature generous hors d'oeuvres, wine, martinis, a movie-themed silent auction and more! Film maker, actor and producer Todd Fisher (son of the lovely Debbie Reynolds, star of the original MGM Classic film!!) will be at the opening night show and will be bringing along a very special item to display: one of the original costumes worn by his famous Mom in the film! Also on hand will be KSBY's charming meteorologist Dave Hovde. Dave will keep us posted on the weather and serve as our host for the evening. Guests are invited to join the fun, dressing in classic 1920's style, or elegant black tie and gowns. Doors open at 5:30 pm for wine, food and auction, and the show starts at 7 pm. After the performance, you're invited to stick around for dessert and  mingling with the cast and crew.

Photo by Jamie Foster Photography

Center section seats are SOLD OUT for our gala opening  night, but there are still side seats available at the discounted price of $75. Click HERE for more information about the show and our gala opening night and click HERE to reserve one of only 14 remaining seats for this fabulous event!

And if you can't make it on Opening Night?  No worries! There are still great seats available for most performances, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm, running February 14-March 15. All seats are $35. Click HERE for more info and a link to buy tickets. But you'd better hurry, tickets are flying out the door!

The Little Theatre is dark this weekend as we get ready for our Gala Opening Night Celebration next weekend. Hope you have a great weekend and we hope to see you at SINGIN' IN THE RAIN!

~Patty

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!

MISS WITHERSPOON solves the midweek holiday blues, last chance for SANTALAND and CHRISTMAS STORY and GIFT CERTIFICATES make great gifts!

Christopher Durang's irreverent and insightful comedy, MISS WITHERSPOON takes the stage this Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 pm, the 4th of nine UBU'S OTHER SHOW STAGED READINGS this season. If you're looking for something to bring a little life to your mid-week schedule OR snap you out of the holiday blues, this is your show. Directed by Kelly Fidopiastis and featuring Jill Turnbow in the title role, along with Valerie Palai, Katie Gucik, Irene Platt, Jonathan Shadrach and Priscilla McRoberts, this dark comedy is the perfect remedy for whatever ails you. Click HERE for more information and tickets.

For the second year in a row Kevin Harris has taken on the role of Crumpet the Elf in David Sedaris's THE SANTALAND DIARIES and audiences last weekend had a blast! You have just 4 more chances to join the frenzied fun of Christmas in Macy's Santaland, so don't wait too long to get your tickets or you'll be out of luck. This late-night holiday treat shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9:45 pm and on Sunday at 7 pm. Click HERE for more information and get your tickets today!

"Give your family, friends and neighbors a sparkling gift in advance of Christmas: tickets to see SLO Little Theatre’s A Christmas Story." - Charlotte Alexander, Two for the Show Central Coast

Your last 5 chances to see A CHRISTMAS STORY start Thursday night at 7 pm! Click HERE to read Charlotte Alexander's complete review of our holiday show, then click HERE to get  your tickets. If the show looks sold-out, come on down anyway and get your name on our waiting list at the door -- we'll get you in to the see this show!

Too rainy outside to go shopping?  We've got you covered. Shop online and give the gift of live theatre for the holidays! Spend a little or spend a lot, it's entirely up to you. These gift certificates never expire and are the perfect solution for your theatre-loving, hard-to-buy-for friends and family! Click HERE to order your gift certificates today and have a merry, merry Christmas!

And just one more little note from "the girl upstairs" (me!)  Rehearsals have already begun for our February production of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, and I am thoroughly enjoying listening to Zach Johnson and Jeff Salisbury rehearse MOSES SUPPOSES. This morning I got to sneak in and watch their tap rehearsal too. I'm still smiling. Can't wait for that show! Enjoy a little taste of the music and dancing in this clip from the classic film and don't wait too long to get your tickets to our winter Gala Musical! It's going to be fabulous!

Stay dry!
~Patty

P.S. Due to popular demand, BEST OF NO SHAME has added an encore performance at 10:30 PM on Friday, December 26th. Do yourself a favor and click HERE for more information and tickets before our second show is SOLD OUT! Cheers!

SANTALAND is coming to town, MISS WITHERSPOON takes the stage and A CHRISTMAS STORY packs the house!

BACK BY  POPULAR DEMAND!  Kevin Harris returns to the Little Theatre stage in the hilarious David Sedaris holiday story of Crumpet the Elf at Macy's Santaland, complete with tights, jingle bell shoes and festive cap. This late night holiday show is more than a little irreverent, just a tad "salty" and if you missed it last year, be sure to get your tickets early to ensure your seats.

"A sardonic, merrily subversive tale—just the antidote to bright-eyed joy before too many shopping days have passed. Worth more than a photo album full of Santas!" —NY Newsday

Grab a glass of wine at the bar and join  us for THE SANTALAND DIARIES opening this Friday, December 12th at 9:45 pm and running through December 21st immediately following A CHRISTMAS STORY on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 9:45 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. Click HERE for your tickets today!

UBU'S OTHER SHOE will bring another award-winning show to the stage next Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 pm. Christopher Durang's black comedy MISS WITHERSPOON will be presented as a staged reading directed by Kelly Fidopiastis and featuring Jill Turnbow in the title role as the cantakerous, sardonic and stubborn Miss Witherspoon. Also featured in this very funny show are Valerie Palai, Katie Gucik, Irene Platt, Jonathan Shadrach and Priscilla McRoberts.

"This is Durang at the top of his metaphysical, apocalyptic, high-and-pop cultural game…thoroughly lovable. And funny." —NY Newsday.

Our staged readings have become one of our hottest tickets here at the Little Theatre, so don't wait until the last minute to book your seats. Tickets are only $10 and you can purchase them online right HERE. If you attend on Tuesday evening, be sure to join us for a talk-back with the actors and the director after the performance.

A CHRISTMAS STORY is breaking all records for ticket sales! But never fear, you can still get tickets to see this heartwarming holiday show. Good seats are still available ONLINE for a few shows and we will keep a waiting list at the box office beginning one hour before curtain at every show so that you can take advantage of last minute seats that become available. We'll do our best to get you in to this delightful family show!

"Classics bloom quickly in modern times...you don't have to have grown up with 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his ache for an air rifle under the tree to think of A Christmas Story as a Christmas must."

A CHRISTMAS STORY runs through December 21st on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. Have a Merry Christmas and remember..."Don't shoot your eye out!"

This holiday, don't give THINGS, give EXPERIENCES!  If you're still looking for that special gift for that certain someone, we've got the perfect solution to your gift-giving dilemma. Give the gift of live theatre for the holidays!

Little Theatre Gift Certificates:

• Can be purchased in any amount you choose, making them affordable or extravagant - it's entirely up to you!
  
• Are valid for tickets to ANY show on our stage, from Ubu's Other Shoe to After Hours, The Secret Garden to Singin' in the Rain!
  
• NEVER EXPIRE! That's right, as long as there's a Little Theatre in San Luis Obispo, your gift certificate will be honored. And after 68 years of continuous performances, we're not planning on leaving any time soon.

Gift Certificates are easy to order ONLINE or you can call the box office at (805) 786-2440.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season from all of us here at the Little Theatre to all of you. Hope to see you soon for some live, local theatre!

~Patty

Happy 6th anniversary to our M.A.D., SPELLING BEE final weekend, AUDITIONS and the HOLIDAYS are coming!

We had a bit of a celebration at last night's Little Theatre board meeting. November 19th marks the date when, six years ago, Kevin Harris took the helm at the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre. It's been an amazing six years, marked by off the chart growth both artistically and organizationally. In the words of our board president, Bryce Engstrom:

"I am simply in awe of how much Kevin Dale Harris has managed to accomplish as Managing Artistic Director at the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre in his six years with us. Dude, you rock. Happy anniversary."

Thanks Kevin. We're looking forward to what the next six years will bring!

It's almost time for "The Last Goodbye." What a run it's been!  Many, many  thanks to the amazing cast and crew of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE for all of their hard work and heart bringing this great show to the Little Theatre stage. Performances this weekend are sold-out, but you might still be able to catch the BEE if you arrive one hour before show time and get your name on our waiting list. You've got five more chances: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. We can usually squeeze in 8-10 people, so give it a try! You'll be glad you did!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of ANNA IN THE TROPICS, who enjoyed two full houses this week as well. Thank you Leo Cortez and the amazing cast pictured above for bringing us such an insightful, beautifully written drama as our third Ubu's Other Shoe staged reading. Mark your calendars now for our Ubu #4, MISS WITHERSPOON, taking the stage on December 16 and 17.

Here it comes... the show you've all been waiting for:  SINGIN' IN THE RAIN!!  Auditions are this Sunday, beginning at 4 pm. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this delightful musical! Check out all the details HERE, bring your tap shoes and we hope to see you on Sunday !

This December, we're unwrapping a double feature of holiday hilarity that you won't want to miss! Be sure to make your plans now to attend the classic holiday comedy, A CHRISTMAS STORY and our late-night version of holiday good cheer, THE SANTALAND DIARIES. Some shows are nearly sold out already, so make your reservations today and share your holiday with good friends at the Little Theatre!

The holidays and the future here at the Little Theatre look very bright indeed and we are so very thankful for your support both off and on the stage. We hope you'll share the fun, share the joy, share the laughs and the music and the warmth right along with us this holiday season and in the new year.  Have a great weekend and we'll see you soon!

SPELLING BEE is going to rock the house this weekend! Can you spell F-U-N?

The Spelling Bee cast with director Dana Shaheen and stage manager Jo Jackson 

All photos courtesy of Jamie Foster Photography

This week, I got to be onstage again. I was attending a rehearsal of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and they chose me as an audience contestant. The last time I acted in a musical was... hmmmm... maybe it was NUNSENSE about 20 years ago?  Yikes. At any rate, I spelled two words right and did the Macarena (badly) before being escorted offstage with my juice box prize. Even in a rehearsal setting with only about six people in the audience, it was a blast!

Director Dana Shaheen has gathered together a talented and energetic cast to take on this delightful tale of teenage overachievers' angst in the guise of a spelling bee and they are amazing. But don't be lulled into complacency as you sit in your seat waiting to be entertained. You too might end up being part of the entertainment! A handful of audience members are going to be asked to join the fun onstage every single performance, and whether it's you, your spouse or your next door neighbor, it's all part of the fun and you'll have a blast on or off the stage. I know I did!

Yep. That's them. The talented cast that can sing, dance, spell and make me laugh. ALOT. Come on out to the Little Theatre this weekend and maybe you'll get called on to spell a word and do the Macarena too. Even if you don't, I promise you'll have a great time. Just ask SLO Tribune writer Debby Nicklas, I think she'll agree. Or better yet, you can read her story about SPELLING BEE in today's TICKET right HERE.

Every speller has a unique "technique" to help them spell correctly

I think the rest of today's BLOG can speak for itself. Enjoy a little taste of the show with these great photos by Jamie Foster Photography and I'll hope to see you this weekend, or the next, or even the next here at the Little Theatre. But don't wait too long to reserve your seats, click HERE to get your tickets today !

Chip and Barf "warm-up"

Rona Lisa Peretti introduces the contestants

Marcy gets a "lift" from Rona and Mitch

Leaf Coneybear's parents offer a little support...sort of.

Every contestant's exit gets a grand "good-bye"

Okay. I think that's enough for now. I don't want to spoil the ending or anything. If you want to know who wins THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, you'll have to get your own tickets and come down to the theatre and see for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Have a great weekend!

~Patty

A brand new LIGHTING SYSTEM, AUDITIONS on Sunday, SPELLING BEEs are fun, AND Happy HALLOWEEN!

CFSLOCO's Janice Fong Wolf, Kevin Harris and Board President
Bryce Engstrom in the booth with our new light board.

Thanks to two generous grants from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, we are looking pretty spiffy these days, both onstage and off, here at the Little Theatre. In October, we received a very generous grant of $5,000 to fund the purchase of a new state-of-the-art computerized lighting console replacing our 23 year old “antique” light board. The new system is able to be programmed with multiple lighting designs for multiple shows and will greatly enhance the experience of both audiences and technicians alike during our ambitious 2014-15 Season.

Intern extraordinaire Ellis Beardsley displaying our new tickets and color print materials.

In addition to our gorgeous new light board, we also have new printers! Almost a year ago now, we received a grant of $2,850 through the Foundation to purchase a new thermal ticket printer and a new color printer/scanner. It took awhile to find the perfect ticket printer AND to program it to work with our ticketing system, but now, you can actually read the seat numbers on your tickets and our publicity materials really stand out in full color!  Many thanks to our Community Foundation for their generous support!

Every time we turn around lately, it seems like it's time for more auditions. I love it! Our next Ubu's Other Shoe staged reading to hit the rehearsal room will be MISS WITHERSPOON by Christopher Durang. Director Kelly Fidopiastis needs five or six talented actors and actresses to bring this deliciously offbeat comedy to life. Auditions are this Sunday at 4 pm and Monday at 6 pm. Hope to see you here. Click HERE for all the details.

If musicals are more to your talents and taste, be sure to dust off your tap shoes and come on down on November 23 and 24 for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN auditions. This is going to be our biggest musical of the year, so warm up those vocal chords and stretch those dancing muscles. You can check out audition requirements and the roles available HERE, then come on down and "make 'em laugh...make 'em laugh...make 'em laugh!"

When the trick or treating (in the rain or under moonlight!) is done, the party is definitely NOT over! If you like LIVE, ORIGINAL, FREE late-night theatre, come on down for a one-of-a-kind Halloween party at NO SHAME THEATRE. Because when NO SHAME and HALLOWEEN collide, you never know what might happen. The doors open at 9:30 pm, we'll accept your original five minute scripts at 10 pm and the show starts at 10:30 pm.

Saw a rehearsal for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM VALLEY SPELLING BEE last night and we are in for a real treat! This Tony Award winning musical comedy opens next Friday, November 7th. Directed by Dana Shaheen, the laughs and songs come fast and funny and don't be surprised if YOU wind up on stage joining the BEE! Click HERE for more info and tickets.

And finally....THRILLER!  It's an oldie, but it's also a goodie. So, in honor of Halloween, here's a little zombie action just to get you in the mood.  Have a fun Halloween weekend! ~ Patty