Updated programming changes for COVID-19
The Ashtabula Arts Center is closed to the public until at least Friday, May 1. All programming is also suspended until at least May 1. Staff will be available for limited hours at (440) 964-3396, and Executive Director Meeghan Humphrey will be available by email at mhumphrey@ashtabulaartscenter.org. If you would like to be added to our email list, please contact Amanda Frazier at marketing@ashtabulaartscenter.org.
Straw Hat auditions are postponed indefinitely. New dates for auditions will be announced as soon as possible.
The following events are cancelled:
all performances of Boeing Boeing
all performances of the spring dance concert, Perpetuum Mobile
the wine tasting before the spring dance concert
the Children’s Dance Recital
reception for “Women’s Rights” exhibit
Kiwanis 2020 Student Art exhibit/receptions
The Good Life Concert: Greetings from Ashtabula County
The Dining for the Arts Cocktail Party is postponed; new date TBD.
New dates for classes and workshops will be announced as soon as possible.
Call for art — share your Granny Squares!
Stuck at home and looking for a project? Help yarn bomb the Arts Center for a fiber arts exhibit this August! We are looking for Granny Squares — any size, any color! Acrylic yarns are best. We will be collecting them in a box in our lobby as soon as we reopen.
COVID-19 update for Frozen JR and AAC programming
In light of Governor DeWine’s declaration canceling all gatherings of 100 people or more to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Ashtabula Arts Center is canceling all performances of Frozen JR this weekend, as well as the Frozen Luncheon on Saturday. We know this is a disappointment to our audiences, performers, and crew, and we are very sorry to have to make this decision. We are so very grateful for the support our audiences have shown for this performance and our Youth Theatre actors. We will be refunding tickets purchased for the March 13-15 performances of Frozen JR, and the Frozen Luncheon, starting tomorrow, March 13. Anyone who has purchased tickets should contact us at (440) 964-3396 so we can collect the information needed to process your refund. If you are able and willing to donate the price of your ticket to help the Arts Center weather what will be a difficult period financially, we are grateful.
We are looking into the possibility of running the final four performances of Frozen JR at a later date.
Straw Hat auditions this weekend and next will be held as scheduled, however, we are asking that all auditions be by appointment. Please arrive 5 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment time to fill out your audition form, and please exit the building promptly when your audition is complete.
Boeing Boeing will not open as scheduled; we will provide updates on that show as soon as possible.
The building will be closed to the public and all classes & programming at the Arts Center will be suspended for the next 3 weeks, resuming on Monday, April 6.
Thank you so much for your understanding and patience in this situation.
“Women’s Rights” accepted pieces
The following pieces have been accepted into the 2020 Ashtabula Arts Center Women’s Show. The theme this year was Women’s Rights.
All work not accepted into this year’s show should be picked up by March 7. Please make sure you sign your work out at the front desk. Thank you for everyone for sharing your art with us!
Heather Denning – Miss Cheyenne
Sharon Konkoly – Force Fed for Freedom
Nancy Nelson-Brotz – No More Stolen Sisters
Shelby Kacludis – Susie be Proud
Bev O’Reilly – “I am Woman”
Diane Fleisch-Hughes – 1. Around 2. Split
Tracy Zakraysek – Title IX
Valerie Rose Gale – A Women’s Prayer Flags
Tangerine Tirado – Frida Kahlo
Sydney Manis – Untitled (Lucille Ball Quote”)
Belinda Rogers – 1. RBG’s Majority Jabot 2.RBG’s Dissent Collar
Judy Campbell – Moving on Up!
Elizabeth Ginn – Fight like a Girl
Merrily Edgecombe – 1. The Color of our Skin 2. Honor all Women of Suffrage
Emily Glink – 1. Courage 2. Legacy
Deborah Boyd-Tressler – Respect and Value their Commitment
Katey Hudson – 1. The Fight For Women 2. Harriet
Ashley Platt – 1. Terminus 2. Dr. Mary Miller Battels
Susan Phillips – Shirtwaist Liberties: Triangle Fire, 1911
Get 20% off your order at Edgewood DQ when you show your AAC ticket stub!
Save your ticket stub from the next show you see at the Arts Center! Edgewood DQ, show sponsor for Frozen JR, will give you 20% off your next order when you bring your ticket stub from any Ashtabula Arts Center production.
Edgewood DairyQueen is located at 1723 E. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, OH 44004. Ticket stubs must be forfeited upon use at the DQ.
Private art lessons are now available
The Arts Center is now offering private instruction in visual arts. Students can receive one-on-one artistic guidance from a professional artist, learning foundational art techniques that support their unique goals. Build a personal artist portfolio, or get professional feedback and guidance on an existing portfolio. Private art lessons are available for all experience levels and ages, and are held at the Ashtabula Arts Center. All lessons are $30 an hour. For mediums in which students must provide their own materials, a materials list will be provided prior to the first lesson. Call (440) 964-3396 to arrange a lesson schedule.
Instructors & Mediums:
Jim Loomis – Drawing, Art Portfolio Mentor
Ralph Bacon – Drawing, Acrylics, Art Portfolio Mentor
Nancy Nelson-Brotz – Mosaics, Oil Pastels, Needle Felting
Rebecca Ollikainen – Drawing, Watercolors
Sandy Rill – Sculpture, Clay
Mary Underwood – Chalk Pastels
Ryan Rosinski is back with more hip hop!
Ryan Rosinski is back at the Arts Center with a Hip Hop Master Class for ages 7-adult on Saturday, February 29 from 1-2 p.m. $15 per student. All experience levels welcome! Don’t worry if you’ve never danced before —newbies are welcome! This is a fun, high- energy class open to anyone who wants to get on their feet to some great music and have fun. Professional Hip Hop dancer Ryan Rosinski was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, and now teaches adults and children throughout Ohio. His dance instruction was recognized by Cleveland Magazine’s Best of the East awards in 2017 & 2018. He has given live performances at Playhouse Square, Goodyear Theater, and The Agora Theater, among others.
Get half-price tickets to The Sound of Music when you donate children’s books for United Way
You can get half-price tickets to the performance of The Sound of Music on Sunday, February 9, when you donate children’s books for United Way of Ashtabula. Drop off books and purchase half-price tickets at our front desk.
Now taking appointments for Straw Hat Theatre auditions!
We are now taking appointments for Straw Hat Theatre auditions! Call (440) 964-3396 to schedule. (Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.)
Auditions will be held Sat., Mar. 21, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., and Sun., Mar. 22 from 6-8 p.m. Auditions for all three shows will be held on these dates.
Please come prepared with 32 bars of a song from the musical theater genre. There will be an accompanist present. Sheet music is preferred, but not required. If you are bringing pre-recorded accompaniment, it must be instrumental only — no vocals. Straw Hat auditions are open to the public. Anyone, regardless of experience level, is welcome to audition. We are also always in need of volunteers to work backstage.
Tuck Everlasting
Performance Dates: June 12-14, 19-21, 26-27
Book by Claudia Shear & Tim Federle
Music By Chris Miller
Lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Based on the novel “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt
Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatrical Company
What would you do if you had all eternity? Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure, but gets more than she could have imagined when she meets the Tucks, a family that has become immortal. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck family’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life, or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Performance Dates: July 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 (in our indoor theater)
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics Tim Minchin
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials also supplied by MTI.
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, this Tony Award-winning musical revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Little Matilda Wormwood is an amazing girl with wit, intelligence, and incredible powers. Unloved by her cruel parents, Matilda’s life begins to change when she meets kind schoolteacher Miss Honey, as well as child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull. It will take all Matilda’s wit and courage to be the heroine her classmates need.
The Secret Garden
Performance Dates: July 31- August 2, August 7-9, 14-15
Book & Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatrical Company
Orphaned in India, young Mary Lennox travels to Yorkshire, England to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald Craven and his invalid son Colin. The Craven estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers,” spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life in this tale of forgiveness and renewal.
Announcing Straw Hat 2020!
We are excited to announce our show lineup for the 2020 season of Straw Hat Theatre! Auditions for all three shows will be held Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, 6-8 p.m. Appointments are encouraged; drop-ins welcome. We will begin scheduling appointments in the new year.
TUCK EVERLASTING
June 12-14, 19-21, 26-27
Book by Claudia Shear & Tim Federle
Music By Chris Miller
Lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Based on the novel Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatrical Company
What would you do if you had all eternity? Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure, but gets more than she could have imagined when she meets the Tucks, a family that has become immortal. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck family’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life, or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey.
Roald Dahl’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL
July 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 (in our indoor theater)
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics Tim Minchin
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials also supplied by MTI.
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, this Tony Award-winning musical revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Little Matilda Wormwood is an amazing girl with wit, intelligence, and incredible powers. Unloved by her cruel parents, Matilda’s life begins to change when she meets kind schoolteacher Miss Honey, as well as child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull. It will take all Matilda’s wit and courage to be the heroine her classmates need.
THE SECRET GARDEN
July 31- August 2, August 7-9, 14-15
Book & Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatrical Company
Orphaned in India, young Mary Lennox travels to Yorkshire, England to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald Craven and his invalid son Colin. The Craven estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers,” spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life in this tale of forgiveness and renewal.
Get half-price tickets to The Nutcracker with donations for Faith Food Pantry
You can get half-price tickets to the Dec. 19th performance of The Nutcracker when you donate items for Faith Food Pantry. In addition to non-perishable food items, they have a particular need for shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, body soap, dish soap, and laundry soap, as well as any other basic personal hygiene items. Please check expiration dates on food — expired items will not be accepted. Drop off items and purchase half-price tickets at our front desk.
Get half-price tickets to “Forbidden Broadway” when you donate items for Sub Zero Mission
Get half-price tickets to the January 11th performance of Forbidden Broadway when you donate items to Sub Zero Mission, providing the homeless in Northeast Ohio with lifesaving winter gear. Drop off donations and purchase half-price tickets at our front desk.
“Stay Alive Five” Needed Items:
Hats (winter)
Coats (adult sizes L – 4xl)
Gloves
Boots (Men’s Size 9 – 13)
Sleeping bags