Friday, March 13, 2015

2015 Performing Arts Camp and New High School Production



Water Works Theatre Company is proud to announce the return of Award-winning director and Water Works veteran Frannie Shepherd-Bates as Education Director for KidsAct! and Water Works Academy in 2015. With a select team of professionals, Frannie has big plans for our popular outdoor youth programs. Read on to learn more about our programs for grade and junior high students as well as the "3rd Show" for high school students this year or visit our website to learn more and register.

KIDS ACT!

It’s time to start thinking about summer, and that means KidsAct! This six-day learning experience for students entering grades 1-8 offers instruction in Shakespeare, stage combat, dance, and comedic improvisation from highly qualified, professional teaching artists. Students will have the opportunity to perform in an hour-long showcase to be presented for friends and family in Starr Jaycee Park.

Healthy snacks and water are provided daily, however KidsAct! will not provide lunch.  Be advised that this summer’s KidsAct! Program will be nut free.  It is suggested that each student bring a lunch packed with a beverage, insect repellent, and sun block.  Loose, comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather, including a hat, is also recommended.  For the comfort and safety of your student, we ask that NO Crocs, clogs or flip-flops be worn.  Sturdy shoes that buckle or tie are required.

For the final performance the students will be asked to wear black or navy blue pants, shorts, or skirts (no jeans, please!)  Also, each student should wear a bright, solid-colored shirt with no logos or designs, along with dark colored, laced or buckled soft-soled shoes.

KidsAct! will be held Monday, August 3, through Friday, August 7, 2015 with the final performance at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8 (students must be at the park at 10:00 a.m.). Drop off during the week begins at 8:30 a.m.; classes begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and pick up will be at 3:00 p.m.

Class size is limited to 65, so sign up early! The registration fee of $225 can be paid on our website. Please visit our website to learn more and register.

We are so thrilled to work with your young performers this summer!  Please feel free to email us at education@waterworkstheatre.com with any and all questions.


WATER WORKS ACADEMY

Now entering its 5th year, Water Works Academy, our extraordinary high school-age outdoor workshop, is taking on a new challenge. For the first time, our high school students will audition for, perform, and produce a full-fledged production of Romeo and Juliet in the Park: what we proudly call our '3rd Show'

Under the direction of professional Frannie Shepard-Bates (with assistance from selected professional coaches), the high school-aged ensemble will work together during an intensive five-day rehearsal process (July 27 – July 31, 2015) culminating in two live performances of Romeo and Juliet on our Shakespeare in the Park stage. Shows will be at 11:00 a.m. on August 1 and 2, 2015.  Admission is free! 

Students who wish to attend '3rd Show' audition workshop with me may do so on June 13 beginning at 10 a.m. at Starr Presbyterian Church located on the corner of 13 Mile Road and Crooks Road.  Auditions for Romeo and Juliet will be held June 20, beginning at 10 a.m. at the same location.  Students must be registered to be cast in the show.  If you are unable to audition, you will still receive a role if you wish join the ensemble later. Registration is only $225 per student, and available now on our website; space is limited and our registration deadline is June 25.

We are also excited to welcome, for the first time, students with targeted interests in directing, stage managing and design (costumes, props, sound) skills; these students need only register, and may attend auditions as an interview process, although this is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you tell me more about the “3rd Show” and Academy Program?

While our Romeo and Juliet will be somewhat abridged, it will keep all of its comedy, action, drama, and the beautiful poetry. Students will be expected to arrive on the first day of rehearsal with their lines memorized, ready to dive into learning advanced acting techniques and immediately begin staging the show. We’ll work hard even as we’re having tons of fun!

What will rehearsals be like?

On the first day, we’ll spend some time getting to know each other and the script in the morning, and we’ll begin staging it in the afternoon. For the next four days, our days will be structured so that we neither burn out nor get bored – we’ll do advanced scene work as we put our show together, taking it scene by scene and building it into a full production. Time will be set aside for both dance and fight choreography. By Friday, we’ll be able to run our show all the way through at least twice with all technical elements so that students are prepared for their performances. In an ensemble approach, even students who are not in a given scene will have ample input into its staging, and there are virtually limitless possibilities in terms of casting and stage time for everyone.

What will non-actors be doing during this program?

Students interested in directing, stage managing, and design (costumes, props, sound) will have opportunities not only to shadow professionals as they work, but will be asked to take initiative in their area of interest to actively contribute to the process and production. 

What do we need to bring to rehearsals?

Healthy snacks and water are provided daily, however Water Works Academy will not provide lunch.  Be advised that this summer’s program will be nut free.  It is suggested that each student bring a lunch packed with a beverage, insect repellent, and sun block.  Loose, comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather, including a hat, is also recommended.  For the comfort and safety of your student, we ask that NO Crocs, clogs or flip-flops be worn.  Sturdy shoes that buckle or tie are required.

What times of day will we be rehearsing?

Actors are expected to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., ready to begin warm ups promptly. Rehearsal will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Rest assured that we will take plenty of breaks throughout the day to eat, rest, and hydrate!

What are the requirements for auditions?

Students are asked to memorize one Shakespearean monologue (1-2 minutes long) for their auditions. I’ve included suggested pieces, as well as audition tips and etiquette, with this letter. As noted above, there will also be a free audition workshop on June 13, 2015 with me that students are welcome to attend. No headshots or resumes are required! To schedule an audition, email: education@waterworkstheatre.com. If you can’t make the audition, don’t worry – everyone who registers by June 25 will be cast in the show!

Please note: students who are interested in design and wish to attend auditions to as part of their process need not perform a monologue. Please contact us for more information!

What happens if it rains?

We have an alternate location in case of rain, details of which will be shared with students after they register.

Will there be costumes? What will they be like?

The ensemble will determine what costumes are necessary for our telling of this story, and parents/guardians should rest assured that they will not need to be anything that cannot be pulled from closets!

Please feel free to email us at education@waterworkstheatre.com with any and all questions and link here to register today!


Thursday, March 5, 2015

2015 Audition Schedule Shakespeare Royal Oak




 Water Works Theatre Company announces auditions 
15th Annual Shakespeare Royal Oak set to cast two shows

All's Well That Ends Well 
July 30 - August 9

As You Like It
August 1-9

Auditions scheduled for March 23 & 24  
 
Water Works Theatre Company announces that auditions for its 15th season of Shakespeare Royal Oak in Starr Jaycee Park will take place March 23 & 24. This season, Water Works will present All's Well That Ends Well July 30 - August 9 as the festival's main stage performance. For its popular daylight family show, the theatre company will present As You Like It August 1-9.

Auditions for All's Well That Ends Well and As You Like It will take place March 23 & 24 at Starr Presbyterian Church at the corner of 13 Mile and Crooks Road in Royal Oak. Interested actors should prepare two contrasting Shakespeare monologues (up to 2 minutes each with one comedic) and Email a preferred date and time to artisticdirector@waterworkstheatre.com. Appointments will be scheduled in 5 minute intervals from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.  Call backs will be scheduled for March 30 & 31.

All's Well That Ends Well will be directed by Water Works veteran Terry Carpenter who returns to Water Works this year after directing As You Like It and Comedy Of Errors in 2005 & 2006. An award-winning director and stage manager with Meadowbrook Theatre, he will set Shakespeare's tale of love and intrigue in a time of war in the "Downton Abbey" era. All's Well That Ends Well will appear in Starr Jaycee Park July 30 - August 2 with performances at 8:00pm Thursday - Saturday evenings and Sundays at 5:00pm.

Travis Reiff returns to Water Works after his exceptional portrayal of Horatio in 2014's Hamlet. Water Works' first stage manager in 2001 and a founding member of Planet Ant Theatre, Reiff will direct Water Works daylight family show, As You Like It in an abridged length fitting for audiences of all ages. As You Like It will appear in Starr Jaycee Park August 1 - 9 with performances at 7:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and 2:00pm Saturday and Sunday.

Both shows are open to Actors' Equity and non-equity performers. All roles are available. Equity members will work under a special appearance contract and non-equity actors will be paid a small stipend. Rehearsals will begin June 29.

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 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.shakespeareroyaloak.com.  

Saturday, August 9, 2014

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].

Thursday, July 31, 2014

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. 


Thursday, July 10, 2014

KidsAct makes my Summer Magical

-->



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! 

Friday, January 31, 2014

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