The Summer of Déjà Vu

Contributed by: Andrew Papa, one-third of the cast of our hilarious daylight show this season

My summer of 2014 could probably best be labeled “The Summer of Déjà Vu.”   Not only is this my second year working for the Water Works Theatre Company, it’s also my second time performing in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised].  Despite the befuddlement that usually accompanies déjà vu moments, these particular repeat experiences are both humbling and exhilarating.  This is a magnificent company to work for, and I get to perform in one of my favorite shows of all time.  What could be better?

But looking ahead at this particular production, there are so many new and exciting elements.  What makes this show so much fun is that no two productions are alike.  I suppose you could say that about any play, but it could not be truer than with this one.  Many of the show’s key moments are completely made up by the cast – not just by what’s in the script – and a great deal of it is improvised.  Just which parts are made up, you might ask?  You just might have to comes a few times to see for yourself.  J

This is a great cast, a great company, and a wonderful way to spend the summer…even if it is, as the great Yogi Berra once said, “déjà vu all over again.” 

Visit www.shakespeareroyaloak.com for tickets to The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abriged) [Revised].

To Be: Something Wicked This Way Comes

My son Jarod and I before the annual WWT fundraiser

Contributed by Jenni Carmichael Clark, WWT Community Marketing and Events Director

Ten years ago I learned of a theatre education program where my son could do sword-fighting, learn acting skills and become familiar with Shakespeare that took place outside in a local park… I signed him up immediately.

Eignt years ago I received an invitation to be part of that program. I remember the invitation clearly. Here was a unique opportunity to apply my event planning and marketing skills within the theatrical community -- coordinating fundraising, special events, playbill planning and community outreach programs to get the word out about Shakespeare Royal Oak. I didn't hesitate then either. I signed me up.

Since that time I have watched my son perform on the Water Works Theatre Company stage. I have worked alongside him, and countless other theatre lover volunteers, to breathe life into each season and manage a Hospitality tent that lets our audience know how important they are and how much we appreciate their continuing support of our expanding programs. I have witnessed stellar performances under the stars and the fortitude of actors and crew on misty, rainy, chilly and sweltering summer nights.

Since that time I have coordinated eight fundraisers, attended countless community organization meetings to “spread the word,” written articles and sold advertisements to businesses who also value what our programs offer. And I have spoken with thousands about the amazing experience that we call Shakespeare Royal Oak. 

To be part of this organization – and what my son calls “The Best Two Weeks of the Summer” – is Wicked Awesome! I am honored to promote a program that employs local artists and makes Shakespeare productions possible in my hometown. I am passionate about sharing the fact that these plays can be accessible and affordable and fun for all ages. I am excited to see Hamlet amidst the slings and arrows of park improvements and inclement weather that haunted our “tech week” but never daunted our artists … or our staff.

To BE part of Shakespeare Royal Oak is an amazing leap of faith. Each spring we go once more into the breach. What a piece of work is every man, woman and child involved in our programs. The play’s the thing that brings them back each season.

Shakespeare Royal Oak is an exceptional program. Our community is lucky to have it. My kids are lucky to grow up with it. I am passionate to be part of it …. I celebrate that it is To Be … every summer. 

Visit www.shakespeareroyaloak.com for more information and tickets for this season which runs July 31 - August 10. 

KidsAct makes my Summer Magical

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Contributed by: Grace K -  KidsAct! camper who is ready for her eighth year of fun at the park.

Kids Act is the reason I love summer. Ever since I can remember, I was there at Starr Jaycee park sword fighting, dancing, reciting Shakespeare, and so much more. I started KidsAct at six years old knowing absolutely no one. I was shy and scared, but the instructors and campers welcomed me with open arms. They love every single one of their campers and are so excited that you have joined them. Over the past seven years, I have made good friends and I have found some great role models to look up to. I have learned many sword fighting and combat moves (and not gotten hurt while doing it). I have learned how to dance to songs like  “Bad” and “Telephone”. I have learned how to think on the spot and make people laugh with improv. And I learned what Shakespeare actually is talking about! I even started going to the shows at night under the stars with my mom. Most of all though, I made memories that will last me a lifetime. Kids Act has made my summers in August magical and I hope it does the same for you!

Learn more and register for KidsAct! 

2014 Summer Internship Program

Water Works Theatre Company, Inc.

2014 Summer Internship Program
(Please scroll down  to see blog post regarding for audition information: 2014 Audition Information

Purpose:  To enhance the career prospects of aspiring actors, production technicians, and those interested in theater administration or education by offering opportunities to work in Equity conditions for an established Shakespeare theater.

 

Schedule:  Pre-production for some interns begins as early as April, 2014.  Acting rehearsals for all shows will begin after July 4, 2014. Performances will take place in Royal Oak’s Starr Jaycee Park July 31 – August 10, 2014.  Our Main Stage show, Hamlet, directed by Edward Nahhat, will be performed Thursdays through Sundays, while our popular Daylight Show, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, (Abridged) [Revised], directed by Sara Catheryn Wolf, will be performed on two weekday evenings and weekend mid-days from August 2 to 10, 2014.

 

Opportunities:

• Acting Intern:  As an acting intern, you would be performing in either our main stage production, or our daylight family show production. You will be performing Shakespeare under Equity conditions with professional actors. If applying for the acting internship, you must make an appointment and audition on either March 10 or 11.
• Production Intern:  As a production intern, you would be working with trained technicians in your chosen field of study. The possibilities are: costumes, props, assistant stage management, lights, and sound.
• Administrative Intern:  As an administrative intern, you would be assisting office administration, box office, marketing, hospitality and front of house duties, working with reservations, and assisting in publicity.
• Education Intern:  As an education intern, you would be assisting one or both of our two one-week outdoor education workshops, Water Works Academy and KidsAct!, during the day. You would be working with children, assisting the leaders in teaching, and helping young people to build and produce a show at the end of each week.

Compensation:

• A certificate and letter of recommendation.
• Experience working under Equity conditions.

Provisions:  This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for their own transportation.  

Application:  email your resume and a description of your area of interest to: waterworksbackstage@earthlink.net.

Auditions:  All prospective interns will fill out an application form.  All potential acting interns must attend an audition:

Monday, March 24: appointments are available between 6 pm and 10 pm

Tuesday, March 25:  appointments are available between 6 pm and 10 pm

 

About Water Works Theatre Company

Since 2001 Water Works has presented Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak and other award-winning productions.  Water Works enhances the quality of life in the community by offering Michigan’s only outdoor professional Shakespeare event, close to home in Royal Oak’s Starr Jaycee Park.  Water Works’ mission is to provide a place to call home for local professional actors, designers, directors, teachers, and other artists in a dynamic collaboration with skilled professional volunteers and other community supporters.  Learn more at: www.waterworkstheatre.com

 

 

2014 AUDITIONS - SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK ROYAL OAK

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK 2014

July 31 – August 10

 

AUDITIONS

HAMLET

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Edward Nahhat

Performance Dates: July 31—August 10

 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

(Abridged) [Revised]

By Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield

Directed by Sara Wolf Molnar

Performance Dates: August 2—10

 

Audition Dates:  Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25, between 6:00 pm and 10 pm, ***New Location *** Royal Oak First United Methodist Church 320 W. Seventh Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. Please prepare two contrasting monologues, one Shakespeare, and one comedic contemporary piece, no longer than 4 minutes total.

Please request your preferred time for an audition appointment via email to waterworksbackstage@earthlink.net or call 248 399 3727.  Please include your name, the date and time of your preferred slot, and an email address and phone number where we can contact you to confirm your appointment.  All prospective acting interns should attend auditions.  We support non-traditional casting.

All roles are open to Equity and non-Equity actors, with the exception of Laertes and Ophelia in Hamlet. Equity actors cast will be offered a Special Appearance Contract. All non-Equity actors will be paid a small stipend. Rehearsals will begin after July 4.

About Water Works Theatre Company

Since 2001 Water Works has presented Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak and other award-winning productions.  Water Works enhances the quality of life in the community by offering Michigan’s only outdoor professional Shakespeare event, close to home in Royal Oak’s Starr Jaycee Park.  Water Works’ mission is to provide a place to call home for local professional actors, designers, directors, teachers, and other artists in a dynamic collaboration with skilled professional volunteers and other community supporters.  Learn more at: www.waterworkstheatre.com