Tag: Ashtabula Arts Center

Zach Adkins: from Ashtabula to Broadway and back again (for one night only)

Zach Adkins doesn’t have much down time while playing “Dmitry” in Anastasia: the New Broadway Musical, but he took the time to talk about his journey from Ashtabula to New York City, and share the things he’s learned along the way.

“I grew up as a chubby kid in one of the many cul-de-sacs of Ashtabula Township.  Shy to the outside world but a performer to my family, having been born into a town where parents place success on how fast you can run or how far you can throw a ball, I learned early on the power of words. I never had a ‘thing’ growing up. My family enjoyed singing but I was never really interested in performing as a child. When I got to high school I started to blossom.

“As a bet with my sister, I auditioned for the school musical my freshman year. I was excited to perform but more focused on being dance partners with my then high school crush. That production ended and I was still single. But I found something more important. I’d finally found the thing that made me special. And I never looked back.

“After, I went on to work on over ten productions with Edgewood and the Ashtabula Arts Center. Then I headed to Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music where I worked on many projects, many of which were professional, before graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Music Degree.

“Since graduation, I signed with Abrams Artist Agency and moved to New York City. I spent a year on the road playing “Richard Bailey,” u/s Charlie Price in The First National Tour of Kinky Boots. After completing my time on tour, I came back to the city to start work on Anastasia. I was tasked with the job of ensemble/first cover for Dmitry.” He has since moved into the part of Dmitry full-time.

Zach credits Kimberly Godfrey, Director of Theater & Music at the Ashtabula Arts Center, and Bill & Mary Ann Kline, theater directors at Edgewood Senior High School, with much of his early success, calling both parties “mentors and dear friends.”

“The Klines took a chance on me my sophomore year of high school. Without them casting me as the lead, I would never have moved onto the Arts Center or continued with theater. I originally met Kim Godfrey on her first production at the AAC, High School Musical. Kim and I hit it off right away, and she sparked my interest in theater. She was the one to prepare me for college auditions and ultimately help me find my way to Baldwin Wallace.”

Having auditioned for and graduated from a theater school, Zach is able to offer his insight on the process to young performers looking to do the same. “My suggestion while picking a school is to research their Senior Showcase, their affiliation with regional theaters, and their agent signage rate. Moving to the city not being part of the actors’ union and not having an agent is an uphill battle that leaves most actors out of the professional world. Not saying it can’t be done – I know many highly successful actors who started out without representation or Equity backing. But you’re setting yourself up for a higher level of success with those two things.”

On the subject of success and failure in theater, Zach notes it’s important to remember that the former must always be earned, and the latter is a vital part of growing as an actor: “Success is fleeting. Broadway is a pass-through, not a landing point. It isn’t a club; working on one show doesn’t mean you’re entitled to another. It’s a business and people will not do you favors. Nothing comes easy – everything is about work ethic. And failure is an important aspect in every part of life, but there’s a difference between not being right for a role and being unprepared for an audition. Being wrong for a role – when you’re not tall enough or you have the wrong type of voice – is out of your control. Being unprepared is when you haven’t worked on the material or you stayed up too late the night before. Coming in prepared and educated helps you build a positive relationship with the casting director, and having that positive relationship leads you to other projects. That’s how I got my audition for ‘Anastasia’ – a recommendation. And this outlook is not actor-specific; replace ‘audition’ with ‘job interview’ and it applies to all.”

Zach’s advice to theater students who are just starting out is no-nonsense: “Performing is one of the only professions where people with no knowledge of how it all works can pass judgment on you. And they will, all the time. If this is the life you want, make it happen. So often I watch parents, teachers, and friends stifle wonderful young actors. It’s up to you to make this your life; no one is going to shower you with compliments and hold your hand throughout it all. Stand up and be proud to be an artist. And never stop learning and studying your craft. Art and great theater hold up a mirror to the world, and the world is constantly changing. Never lose the interest to become better than you are today.”

See more of Zach Adkins when he comes back to his hometown this fall for a one-night concert at the Ashtabula Arts Center on October 20. Find details and buy tickets here.

by Mandi Frazier, Ashtabula Arts Center

Tickets on sale now for Zach Adkins one-night performance!

Zach Adkins, breakout star of Broadway’s smash hit Anastasia and recent sold out NYC solo debut, brings his world class talent home for the first time since 2011 with a one-night only event at the Ashtabula Arts Center on October 20 at 7:30 p.m! Find details and get tickets here!

AAC Teaches Confidence, Sparks Tiara Collection

By Paris Wolfe, Contributing Writer

When Robin Vogel was two or three years old, her mom enrolled her in a class at the Ashtabula Arts Center. She continued taking classes every summer through her late teen years. Not only did she enjoy the experience, she came away with more confidence and a tiara collection.

“I could write a novel about the benefits of taking art and theater classes,” she says. “To keep it brief I learned self-discipline and commitment. I learned to be creative and think outside the sphere.”

Rather than narrow these experiences to one favorite, she says, “I don’t believe in favorites. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences that are all so different, I couldn’t begin to compare them. My highlights reel includes working on The Nutcracker, creating props for plays, running tech, and helping with Kid’s Day Out.”

Robin encourages others to enroll in the fine arts classes for entertainment and skill developmentand to become part of a caring community where lifelong friends are easily made.

“We are so fortunate to have this resource in our community. In all the places I’ve been or lived I have never encountered another facility with dance, theater, music and visual arts under one roof, let alone one that consistently holds classes and puts on productions of such high quality,” she says. “Through the Arts Center I’ve taken class with individuals who have gone on to become professional dancers and been part of theater productions with cast members who are now acting on Broadway. Outside of select schools in New York and California, where does onefind those opportunities?!”

As for the tiara collection? Robin has participated in The Nutcracker Party Scene for years. She says, “It seems that every year I find at least one new tiara to freshen up my costume.”

Robin’s experience performing in The Nutcracker is one that will be open to the entire community this year, as Ballet Theatre Ashtabula is offering a Nutcracker Production Experiencethis fall, in which participants will be cast in various roles in the Party Scene, Battle Scene, and more. Anyone interested should call the Arts Center at (440) 964-3396 to register.

Robin lives in Ashtabula and is Council Coordinator for the Ashtabula County Family and Children First Council.

Donate to Homesafe and get half off tickets to “Same Time, Next Year”

With each item you donate to Homesafe, you get 50% off a ticket to the performance of Same Time, Next Year at G.B. Community Theatre on Sunday, September, 23! Drop your items off and purchase tickets at the Arts Center box office during regular business hours: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Needed Items:
non-perishable food (esp. kid-friendly)
toilet paper
paper towels
trash bags
dishwasher soap (liquid/pods)
HE liquid laundry soap
bleach
diapers (size 4 & up)
baby wipes
Damp Rid
hair brushes
body wash
liquid hand soap
tissues
pajamas/slippers (children & adult)
socks (children & adult)
underwear (children & adult)
flash cards
colored pencils
sketch pads
travel-sized games
journals

Extra auditions for “Same Time, Next Year”

There will be additional auditions for the G.B. Community Theatre production of Same Time, Next Year on Sunday, August 5, from 1-3 p.m., and Monday, August 6, from 7-8 p.m.at the Ashtabula Arts Center. Please prepare a comedic monologue, and be prepared to read from the script.

Dining for the Arts Still Available

by Paris Wolfe, Contributing Writer

If you haven’t purchased a dinner from the Dining with the Arts fundraiser, pick one soon. This isn’t just food, it’s an experience.  We were overwhelmed the Progressive Arts Dinner on July 14. After meeting at the home of Ashtabula Arts Center executive director Meeghan Humphrey we were shuttled to each of four courses held in lush garden settings at the countryside homes of four different artists.

Judy Campbell, owner of Bridge Street Artworks, and her husband Don offered a tour of his day lily hybridizing beds which included original lilies that he created. After that Judy provided canvases on which to paint lilies while quaffing wine punch. The brave in our bunch of eight diners sampled the edible day lilies in a fruited salad.

The next stop, Greg and Pat Seymour started with a savory bruschetta cheesecake and a selection of beverages including watermelon-bourbon punch. Part two of this second course included two soups – garden fresh tomato and coconut curry zucchini.  Between servings Greg demonstrated wood turning on his lathe and explained how Japanese artist George Nakashima’s respect for the tree has inspired his work.  (PHOTO)

Becca Stowell greeted us at the third stop where we dined on chicken and pork kebabs, risotto and fresh vegetables. Then, we played with clay as Becca showed up how to make hand-carved clay tiles.  (PHOTO)

And the finale was like coming home after a busy day. Blacksmith Ralph Bacon,  Meeghan’s husband, demonstrated in his forge. Then, we relaxed under an organic pergola woven of black locust saplings and glowing strings of lights. I was sated from earlier stops, but someone had to eat the peach dumpling with bourbon hard sauce and so I did.

Not all dinners are quite so interactive, but all have themes and generous menus served in lovely local homes and businesses that promise to be an experience. Get yours now at Dining for the Arts.

Join us in celebrating Shelagh!

There will be a retirement party for Shelagh Dubsky, Dance Director at the Ashtabula Arts Center, on Saturday, August  4 at the AAC, 2928 West 13^th Street, Ashtabula. Please join us in celebrating Shelagh’s many years as a teacher, mentor, choreographer, and director. Call (440) 964-3396 for more information, and to RSVP if you’ll be attending.

Auditions for “same Time, Next Year” on July 26 & 28

Auditions for the G.B. Community Theatre production of Same Time, Next Year will be Thursday, July 26 from 6-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 28 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 

Please note that if you are interested in auditioning but cannot attend one of the audition dates, you can call the Arts Center at (440) 964-3396 and leave your name and number for the director to call and make alternate arrangements. Please come prepared with a short comedic monologue and a list of conflicts. Be ready to read from the script!

Same Time, Next Year – by Bernard Slade; directed by Cathy Lawson

Follow the sweet, funny love affair of Doris and George, happily married – to other people – at their annual rendezvous in the same coastal hotel over the course of twenty-five years.

Performance dates: September 21-23 & 28-30

Tickets available for “The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women”

Rescued from the Mess and Theater on the Edge present The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women by Carolyn Gage, directed by Marti Dixon, on stage at Straw Hat Theatre July 20-21 & 27-28. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call (440) 964-3396 or visit http://ashtabulaartscenter.org/schedule/#tabs-schedule-tab-4

Described as “a feminist Noises Off,” The Anastasia Trials is a farce with intense audience participation. Engrossing, controversial courtroom drama, where the audience must serve as judge and jury, deciding motions and verdict, in a case against the five women who betrayed the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov, the last surviving daughter of the Tsar of Russia. The format is a play-within-a-play, where a radical feminist theater company comes together in order to perform a courtroom drama. The play is shaped by the audience decisions to overrule or sustain the attorneys’ motions, and every night’s audience sees a different play.

Donate to the APL and get half-price tickets to “Joseph”

Ashtabula County Animal Protective League: donate and get half off the regular price of a ticket to the Sun., July 15^th performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
APL Wish List: canned cat food, dry cat chow, kitten chow, dry dog food, paper towels, Dawn dish soap, cat & dog toys, gently-used blankets, towels, & sheets, bleach

Please note: you must bring your items in when you purchase your tickets. Call (440) 964-3396 for more information.

Christy Altomare & Zach Adkins sing “At the Beginning” from “Anastasia”

Edgewood High School and Ashtabula Arts Center alum Zach Adkins, who plays Dmitry in Broadway’s Anastasia, performs “At the Beginning” from the film with Christy Altomare, who plays Anastasia.

Sign-ups ongoing for second Harry Potter Camp

We had so many young witches & wizards sign up for our Harry Potter Camp, we had to plan a second one! Sign-ups are ongoing for the afternoon session of Harry Potter Camp, for grades K-6, July 30-August 3, 1:30-3:30 p.m., with Nancy Nelson-Brotz.

Spend the week at Hogwarts and leave the muggle world behind! We’ll spend the week making wands & potions, creating our house crests, transfiguring clay, & chronicling magical creatures. We’ll finish the week making and playing a game of Quidditch. $95 camp fee (or $86 for donors) — financial aid is available. Call (440) 964-3396 to sign up.