Auditions for Matilda and The Secret Garden on October 16-17

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Performance dates: January 14-16, 21-23, 28-30
Directed by Kimberly Godfrey Warren
and
The Secret Garden
Performance dates: February 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Directed by Stephen Rhodes

Auditions for both shows will be held October 16-17, Saturday from 11a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday from 5-7 p.m.

Please come prepared with a short song in the style of one of the two shows, and a list of calendar conflicts. Both directors will be present at both days of auditions. Both shows feature significant roles for adults and children.

Announcing G.B. Community Theatre 2021-22

Announcing our 2021-22 season of G.B. Community Theatre! Tickets and season subscriptions will go on sale soon.

The Smell of the Kill
September 17-19 & 24-26
by Michele Lowe
Directed by Bob Kilpatrick
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
Take three delicious, malicious wives, add three miserable, unloving husbands—and chill. Nicky, Debra and Molly have tolerated one another for years, but when their no-good spouses accidentally lock themselves in a basement meat locker, the women are faced with a life-or-death decision: should they leave them permanently on ice, or let them thaw?

Peter Pan the Musical
October 8-10, 15-17, 22-24
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Music by Morris “Moose” Charlap
Additional Lyrics by Betty Comden & Adolph Green
Additionaly Music by Jule Styne
Based on the Play by Sir J.M. Barrie
Directed by Christy Seymour
Music Directed by Chris Bott
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.com
Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ravenous crocodile, a proud tribe of islanders, a band of bungling pirates, and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (Auditions Saturday, October 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. & Sunday, October 17, 5-7 p.m. Details to come.)
January 14-16, 21-23, 28-30
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Directed by Kimberly Godfrey Warren
Music Directed by Debra Fleming
Presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.com
Revel 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
February 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Book & Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Directed by Stephen Rhodes
Music Directed by Chris Bott
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.

Puffs (or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic)
April 1-3 & 8-10
by Matt Cox
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Directed by Ave Warren
For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs…who just happened to be there, too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

Auditions for G.B. Community Theatre

The Smell of the Kill
Wednesday & Thursday, July 28-29
7 p.m.
3 adult female roles
Auditioners should arrive at the Arts Center at 7 p.m. Please come prepared to read from the script, and bring a list of calendar conflicts. PLEASE NOTE: This show requires actresses to appear on stage in undergarments for a portion of the performance.

Directed by Bob Kilpatrick
Written by Michele Lowe
Licensed through Dramatic Publishing
Performance dates: September 17-19 & 24-26
Take three delicious, malicious wives, add three miserable, unloving husbands—and chill. That’s the recipe of Michele Lowe’s tantalizing comedy The Smell of the Kill. The show revolves around Nicky, Debra, and Molly who have tolerated one another during once-a-month dinners for years. While their unseen spouses play golf in the dining room, the women exchange confidences for the first time revealing that all three marriages are on the brink of disaster and all three women are facing the challenges of their lives. Nicky’s husband has been indicted for embezzlement, Molly’s husband is stalking her and Debra’s husband is leaving her for another woman. When the men mistakenly lock themselves in a basement meat locker the women are faced with a life-or-death decision—should they leave the men out in the cold—permanently—or let them thaw? One by one the women make their choices with more than a little help from one another.
Peter Pan the Musical (1954 Broadway version) 
Monday & Tuesday , August 2 & 3
6:30-8:30 p.m. 
Roles for ages 7-adult, flexible casting, large ensemble
Directed by Christy Seymour
Music directed by Chris Bott
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Music by Morris “Moose” Charlap
Based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).
Performance Dates: October 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
All genders are encouraged to audition. Any unvaccinated performers who are cast will be supplied with masks that match their costumes for performances, and will be required to rehearse and perform masked. We strongly recommend that anyone auditioning for a show be fully vaccinated when possible for their age group.

Auditions for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown: June 14-15

Auditions for the third show of our 2021 Straw Hat Theatre season, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, will be held June 14-15, 6:30-8 p.m. Auditions are open to kids ages 10-14. Auditioners should come prepared with a short song and short monologue. This show will be directed by Mary Ann Kline; performance dates are August 13-15 & 20-22. All Straw Hat performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Call (440) 964-3396 to schedule an audition time.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Based on the Comic Strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz
Book, Music, & Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Additional Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals

Announcing auditions for “Nunsense II”

Auditions for Nunsense II will be held May 11-12, 6:30-8 p.m. Call (440) 964-3396 to schedule your audition. Nunsense II will run July 9-11 & 15-17; all performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. This production will be directed by Cathy Lawson. If possible, auditioners should wear clear masks and/or face shields for their auditions. Please come prepared with a short song in comedic musical theater-style (no church hymns, please!) — a short comedic monologue is also preferred, but not required. We ask that anyone auditioning to perform this summer be vaccinated for COVID.
Nunsense II
Book, Music and Lyrics by Dan Goggin
A Tams-Witmark Title

Announcing auditions for “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”

Our 2021 Straw Hat Theatre season is still a work in progress, but we are VERY excited to announce auditions for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change on May 4-5 between 6:30-8 p.m.! Call (440) 964-3396 to schedule your audition spot. This show will be directed by Steve Rhodes, and performance dates will be July 23-25 & July 30-August 1. All Straw Hat performances begin at 7:30 p.m. If possible, auditioners should wear clear masks and/or face shields for their auditions. Please come prepared with a short song and a monologue. We ask that anyone auditioning to perform this summer be vaccinated for COVID.

We’ll be announcing the rest of our summer season as soon as we are able!

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro / Music by Jimmy Roberts
A Concord Theatricals Title
Directed by Stephen Rhodes

Casting call for student film roles

This is a project that may be of interest to our some of our young actors. We were contacted by Bobby Housel, a student of film and business at the University of Michigan, who is casting two roles in a short student film:
“Some fellow college screenwriting students and I have put together a project for a script we’ve written, entitled ‘Rabbit.’ We are looking to cast two boys to play characters around the 10-15 age range. Rabbit is a roughly 10 minute short film, a coming of age story about a young boy who goes on an adventure through the forest with his (imaginary) friend. There will be two days of shooting on a weekend sometime in Mid-December.
If you/your son/any young boy you know is interested in auditioning/learning more about one of the two parts we’re casting, please let me know, and I’ll set up a time for my co-producer and I to meet with you and your parent(s) over Zoom. Note that previous acting experience is preferred, but not required by any means. This is a great experience for young actors looking to be involved with a high production project and get into the film/tv acting world, as well as develop their portfolio and acting reel.
It should be noted that all relevant Covid Masking and Social Distancing guidelines will be followed in the creation of this project.
Anyone who is interested or has any questions is encouraged to reach out to me at 440-221-8710 or at bhousel@umich.edu.
Also, if interested, a sample of my most recent work can be found at https://youtu.be/wRue9C1cl8Y “

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.

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.

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.

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