WORKSHOP: Auditioning for Film vs. The

Auditioning for Film vs. Theater-

An On-Camera Workshop with Ashleigh Prather

Contact: auditionworkshop2013@gmail.com for reservations

When: March 22 & 23 10am-5pm

Where: TBA

Cost: $100

Auditioning for Film vs. Theater-

An On-Camera Workshop taught by Ashleigh Prather will expand your skill set and help you learn how to tweak your training and theater background so that your work stands out in On-Camera auditions.  Theater training is invaluable to actors and provides the foundation for a successful career.  Working in front of the camera is a completely different experience and different rules apply. Learn the tools of the trade in this introductory workshop taught by Ashleigh Prather, a Louisiana native who received her BFA from NYU and has appeared in Theater, Film, Television, and over 50 National commercials.

This workshop will cover what to expect from an on-camera audition vs. a theater audition and how to prepare so you deliver a strong and honest performance. Everyone in the workshop will work on camera.  The film and TV industry is booming in Louisiana, make sure that you’re ready!

AUDITIONS! Deathtrap

Auditions for the play Deathtrap by Ira Levin directed by Cooper Helm and produced by Scott Gremillion.

 Saturday, March 16 3:00pm & Monday March 18th 6:30pm at Cité des Arts 109 Vine Street/Downtown Lafayette

 

 

Cast:  

 

Sydney Bruhl (M) 50-65 a famous writer of Broadway plays

Cliff Anderson (M) 25-35 An aspiring young playwright

Myra Bruhl (F) 35-50 Sydney's self-effacing but charming wife

Helga Ten Dorp (F) 45-65 A famous German psychic

Porter Milgram (M) 50-60 A Brahmin Lawyer, friend of Bruhl family

 

 

Production dates are: June 13-30

 

Always wanted to act? Now's your chance! 

The Stage Monkeys are coming back!

UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre presents DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY

The UL Lafayette Opera Theatre is thrilled to be presenting Maury Yeston’s new musical, Death Takes a Holiday this spring in Burke-Hawthorne Hall. 

The musical runs on March 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30PM and March 24 at 3PM.  Tickets are available at the door or in advance at pfar.louisiana.edu .  Tickets are $15 for individuals and $5 for people under 18.  They are also free for UL Lafayette students, faculty and staff.

The musical was written and performed off-Broadway in 2011 and UL Lafayette is the first place to do this wonderful new piece since closing in New York.  Based on an Italian play and a 1934 movie of the same name, it tells the story of the “grim reaper” himself deciding to take a holiday at an Italian villa  for the weekend.  As he discovers life, the inhabitants of the villa also discover their own personal joys and love and romance 

abound all around.  

Surrounded by a beautiful, lyric musical score and script by Thomas Meehan and Peter Stone, Death Takes a Holiday is an adventure not to be missed in this Lafayette premiere!

This production is being directed by Shawn Roy, with musical direction by David Boudreaux.  

For more information about tickets, call the School of Music at 482-6012.    

Acting Unlimited's SHOTGUN opens Saturday, March 9th!

Acting Unlimited is proud to announce its upcoming production of Louisiana Writer of the Year John Biguenet's SHOTGUN.   Set four months after the arrival of Hurricane Katrina and the collapse of levees in New Orleans, a white man and his teenaged son rent half of a shotgun duplex from an African-American woman.  Everyone is trying to cope with their losses from the hurricane (individual, familial and city-wide), including the woman's father, displaced by the devastating flooding, and an old boyfriend.  Even in the close quarters that they find themselves, there are still walls running between them--can those walls, like the city's levees, be breached?

SHOTGUN is directed by veteran director and producer Walter Brown.  Brown's varied past productions include shows ranging from "Our Town" to "Bat Boy:The Musical".   "SHOTGUN attracted me because it's a story about relationships and people in extremely difficult situations.   The heart of the story is both intensely personal and grounded in the New Orleans' experience of Hurricane Katrina and absolutely universal in its application," Brown explained.

The creative team is comprised of some of the best talent available in the area.  Duncan Thistlethwaite  is set designer ("Broken Chain", "William and Judith"and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" ), Brady McKellar from Wanderlust Theatre Co. and the UL-Lafayette Performing Arts Program  is costume designer ("The Rabble", "Picnic" and "Wolves in the Walls" ).  Travis Johnson, also from the UL-Lafayette Performing Arts Program, is the lighting designer ("An Evening of Poe", "The Rabble" and "Kaleidoscope" ).   Elsa Dimitriadis, from Wanderlust Theatre Co., is serving as dramaturg.

Acting Unlimited's cast for this show is comprised of some faces which the audience will recognize immediately and some relatively new to the Lafayette stage.   Rudy Eisenzopf ("Beau Jeste", "Buried Child"), Angela Thomas, Andrew D. Hunter ("We All Do", "Promised Land"), Dr. Daniel Wiltz ("To Kill a Mockingbird", "Lilies of the Field") and Cody Dunstan ("Wolves in the Walls", "Dracula") make up the cast.
SHOTGUN will be presented at Theatre 810, Acting Unlimited's home theatre, located at 810 Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette, opening on Saturday, March 9th at 8 pm (following ArtWalk Saturday) and running through March 17th.  Tickets are available for purchase online at shotgun.eventbrite.com.  They can also be reserved by calling (337) 484-0172.

Along with the Acting Unlimited production of SHOTGUN, there will  be productions of the other two plays of John Biguenet's Katrina Cycles.  The Swine Palace of Baton Rouge (http://www.swinepalace.org/) will be presenting RISING WATERS from March 6-17, and Southern Rep in New Orleans (http://www.southernrep.com/) will produce the world premiere of the newest play in the trilogy, MOLD, from March 20-April 14.

STAGE MONKEYS! Wednesday Feb, 20!

Experience the Stage Monkey's signature show - but with a Soap Opera twist! We're crying laughing in rehearsals. Don't miss this one if you in fact, enjoy laughing.

The Stage Monkeys of Lafayette are an improvisational theatre group, with 15 years experience performing in Lafayette. A truly unique experience for Acadiana!

Call Theatre 810 for reservations: (337) 484-0172
$7 Adult
$5 Student


February 20, 7:30-9:00!




As always we will head out for food and drink afterwards, and all are welcome!

 

Man of LaMancha -Iberia Performing Arts League

Man of La Mancha,  the legendary Broadway musical, will be presented by the Iberia Performing Arts League in New Iberia March 8-24. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings (7:30) with Sunday Matinees at 3:00.  Performances will be at the Essanee Theater, IPAL’s Art Deco home. Rating PG. Information can be obtained by calling the theater at 364-6114, e-mailing ipal@cox.net, or by visiting the IPAL website www.iberiaperformingartsleague.com.

The production is directed by Donald Voorhies, and stars Lynn Derouen (Cervantes/Don Quixote), Vincent P. Barras (Manservant/Sancho Panza), and Katelyn Stelly (Aldonza/Dulcinea). Additional cast members include Mitchell Prudhomme (Duke/Dr. Carrasco), Michael Parich (The Padre), Cindy Hebert (The Housekeeper), Lanie Marcantel and Blythe Bull sharing the role of Antonia (The Niece), Dawn Borel (Contora), and Will Grubbs (The Innkeeper). Mule Drivers are  Eli Hallmark, Seth Derouen, Mike Labiche, Phillip Smith, and Kerry Jackson. Other cast members include Michael Durand, Milton Resweber, Wanda Price, Rayna Theriot, Jessica Babineaux, Maggie Landry, Teresa Landry, Bo Belanger, Kerry Jackson, Keri Judice, Sheila Derouen, Rachelle Myers, Kaylon Khamphilavong, Wendy Parich, Renee Judice, and Kim Monroe.

            Man of La Mancha opened on Broadway in 1965, won 5 Tony Awards and ran for 2328 performances. Due to its universal appeal, it is the most performed of all musicals, having been translated into dozens of languages with performances worldwide. The show features Spanish and Flamenco style music and the noteworthy anthem “To Dream the Impossible Dream.”

            IPAL’s Man of La Mancha lavish production will be accompanied by a sixteen piece orchestra.  According to director, Don “Doc” Voorhies “Man of La Mancha is simply a beautiful show. It’s fun, it’s comic, it’s exciting, it’s uplifting and it ultimately delivers an important and moving message, whether for the upheavals and storms of the 1960’s or those of today.”

IPAL is working its usual magic and are expecting to have a great show.  In Voorhies’ production staff are Lynn DeRouen and Helen Hodge, Vocal directors; Bob Morgan, Musical Director; Mitchell Prudhomme; Assistant Director: Kim Degeyter, Choreographer; Teresa Landry, Art Director; Frank Sierra, Prop-Meister, and Mike and Katherine Caffery, technical directors.

This performance is supported, in part, by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council, through the Louisiana Divisions of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding has also been provided through the Acadiana Center for the Arts, Regions Bank, Regions Insurance and Iberia Cultural Resources Association.

Cajun Dance Lessons at Cite Des Arts!

Learn the FUNdamentals of the waltz, 2-step and the jitterbug.  All levels are welcome. Bring a partner and leather soled shoes!

     Learning the traditional Cajun waltz, 2-step, jig, ever changing jitterbug and the many turns and embellishments that I incorporate is proven to be nothing but fun. However, there is one thing that must be understood. When you think about Cajun dance, you must think: Mélange, French for mixture. Cajun dance is a mixture of many standards and personal styles from many parts of Cajun Country and other parts of the world. It is a dance that has the ability to transform one’s soul into a theatrical performance celebrating life. With that said, “Don’t just listen to the music”, “Just feel the music” and everything will come together “Comme un bon mélange, French for like a good mix.Dates: March 13, 20 &  April  3, 10, 17, 1  

Time: 6-7:30

Location: Cite des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, LA

Cost: $60 per person

Contact: Brandon K. Broussard

257-0801 or cajunlafayette@yahoo.com

     Brandon Broussard has been immersed in Cajun culture since birth. Of the many cultural traditions that he continues to dedicate his time and efforts to, dancing is ranked high on his list. As a shy child, he hid under the tables at wedding receptions and family reunions and get-togethers. Today, he is found on the dance floor dancing song after song. There are even times when he has been found dancing on the corner of the stage. Today, Brandon enjoys teaching the FUNdamentals of Cajun dancing to anyone who wants to learn and experience more than just clapping and tapping to the music. He has been called upon to provide private lessons, group lessons and even dance demos at Cajun festivals.

Coming soon -THE SEVEN

The Seven An Original Musical Directed by Lance Bordelon will be at Cité des Arts 109 Vine Street
February 22 & 23, 7:30pm Tickets are $12.00 General Admission $10.00 Students/Seniors
Reservations 337-291-1122, or Purchased online using Paypal www.citedesarts.org

   Lafayette native Lance Bordelon is excited to return to his roots in the creative community of Acadiana to produce “The Seven: a New Musical” on the Cité Des Arts stage this month. Boasting a powerhouse cast of vocal talent, mesmerizing orchestration of regional musicians, and innovative staging, “The Seven” continues to inspire audiences and showcase the kind of fresh talent that could only come from the heart of South Louisiana. 

   After nearly seven years of rewriting and workshopping under the title “The Subway” in Slidell, LA, the production relaunched this year as “The Seven: a New Musical” and is now touring across South Louisiana. The production is thrilled to share its Lafayette debut with the Cité Des Arts community under the technical mentorship of Cité veteran Shane Guilbeau. 

   The musical chronicles the journey of Scott—a young man abandoned on an NYC subway “7” train as a child—as he finds the courage to trust the world above the subway rails and once again believe in love. Scott’s story entangles with all the good and evil of the City through an array of colorful characters as he rediscovers what it means to truly live. Set in a pseudo-reality not too unlike the present, the story transcends generations to communicate the central themes of love and compassion. Audiences praise the show as “Mind-blowing” and “Amazing” – frequenting the question “This was created by students?! This is incredible!” 

   To learn more about the story of the production, behind-the-scenes highlights, the evolution of the project, and the production team, visit www.facebook.com/TheSevenMusical. For more information, please contact TheSevenMusical@gmail.com.

COMING SOON! You've Got Hatemail! -Wanderlust Theatre Company

In the hilarious broadband comedy of errors, You’ve Got Hate Mail, love “bytes” when an extramarital affair goes horribly wrong, thanks to a series of juicy online communications. Told entirely through a slew of misdirected emails, text messages, and cell phone calls unfit for public consumption, Milmore & Van Zandt’s comic answer to A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters explores the way in which modern technology can short-circuit even our best “laid” plans!
"The perfect bedroom farce...riotously enacted by a five-person ensemble!" - New York Post

***Note: This production contains adult language and situations, and is intended for mature audiences!

The ensemble cast is comprised of Steven Cooper, Cara Hayden, Elaine Kibodeaux, M. Brady McKellar & Elizabeth Satterly. Elsa Dimitriadis directs.

February 14 – 16 at 8 pm
February 17 at 3 pm
February 22 & 23 at 8 pm
Theatre 810, 810 Jefferson St., Downtown Lafayette

In honor of those past valentines who didn't work out so well...
A SPECIAL PROMOTION!
Write the "Dear John/Jane Letter You Wish You'd Written" for $1 off the ticket price. Keep it funny and anonymous (we will be posting them - haha) and turn it over at the door for your discount! Discount only applies to tickets purchased in person at the box office.

$10 General Admission
For ticket reservations, call (337) 484-0172 or purchase online at
hatemail.eventbrite.com.

For additional information about the company, visit
www.wanderlusttheatre.com or facebook.com/wanderlusttheatre.

COMING SOON! EDWIN EDWARDS LIVE!!

The One-man Play, Edwin Edwards Live!  Coming To Cité des Arts February 16,  7:30pm

Edwin Edwards Live!! , a one-man show about the life and times of the popular former Louisiana Governor, is returning to Cite Des Arts Saturday February 16, 2013, for one night only. 

"Thrilled, excited, and full of anticipation," said Storyteller Joe Paris, who seems to channel the mannerisms and especially the soft Cajun accent of the only four-time occupant of the Governor's Mansion in the Pelican State.

"I have loved Edwin Edwards, and lived in the same neighborhood as him and his family in East Crowley, for more than half a century," said Paris, who has worked for Edwards several times, including the famous 1971 gubernatorial election when Edwin finished first of 17 Democratic candidates.  "I coordinated all colleges and universities in the state for him during that '71 election," explained Paris. "This was necessary because 18 year olds had just been given the right to vote by the July 1, 1971 ratification of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution."

Paris promises a raucous love letter of a show about his former boss, calling his show "Unpredictable, irreverent, and FUN, just like the governor himself."

To add to the excitement, Paris said a live Press Conference will immediately follow his show, where live, unrehearsed questions from the audience will be encouraged and allowed.
"That always is a highlight of my show," he said, because the audience gets to participate in the production."

Tickets to this One Night Only production are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and students, and may be purchased online on the Cite Des Arts website or at the Box Office the night of the performance, though those wanting to go should purchase their tickets early, as it's expected to be a SOLD OUT, standing-room-only performance.

"We'll set aside two complimentary tickets, for Edwin and Trina," said Paris. "Just in case ... "

 Call 337-291-1122.

AUDITIONS! The Little Mermaid

Pandemonium Theater Group would like to announce their upcoming auditions for their production of The Little Mermaid for Tuesday, February 19 and/or Thursday, February 21 at 6:30 pm at the Crowley Art Gallery located at 222 North Parkerson Avenue.  No appointments are necessary as we will conduct the auditions in open forum manner. 

 

According to Director Machelle Booty, “We are looking for all ages interested in performing as this play calls for a cast of young children to mature adults. This play is full of opportunities for both singing and non-singing roles. Furthermore, this play presents an excellent opportunity to introduce anyone to theater for the first time as well as those who are experienced on stage. In fact, we would like to have a group of young sea turtles, fish, merfolk, etc. in order to share the wonderful world of live theater.”

 

This exciting play script takes the audience on a voyage to the bottom of the sea with a musical comedy that the whole family will enjoy. Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen tale, this adaptation follows the adventures of the young, fun loving mermaid Angelica as she struggles to save her underwater world from the clutches of the evil sea witch Octavia. With the help of a snappy seahorse and her silly friend Finn, Angelica battles Octavia for the future of the undersea kingdom. 

 

The main cast characters include: Octavia Wicked Sea Witch, Slick an evil but inept stingray, Sly an evil swordfish, Scooter a stuffy sea horse and Herald, Pépe a snappy sea turtle, Angelica the Little Mermaid, Angie’s father the sea king, Grandmer the Sea King’s mother and Angelica’s grandmother, Shelly Angelica’s eldest sister, Sandy Angelica’s sister, Wordsworth the Sea Captain and Prince’s Steward, Prince William the human Prince rescued by Angelica, Jake the Prince’s Saint Bernard, Grandfather Sea King’s father, and Octavia II a younger Octavia double. The chorus consists of: the kelp creatures, Merfolk and Sea Creatures, the Sea Servants, the sailors of Prince William’s ship, Sea King’s former wife and family, the Prince’s palace staff, and wedding guests. 

 

Those wishing to audition need to come prepared to sing a one to two minute solo. They should supply an instrumental CD to sing with or sing acapella. The audition will be cold reading from the intended script. Those individuals wanting to participate in this production need to fully commit to attending practices on Monday and Thursday nights from 6 to 9 pm weekly beginning March 7^th. The play is scheduled for June 7, 8, & 9 at the Grand Opera House of the South in Crowley. All cast members are responsible for obtaining their own costumes. Children are expected to behave during practices as those with behavior problems will be replaced.

 

For more information or questions please contact Director Machelle Booty at (337) 230-9175, email machellebooty@yahoo.com or visit the Pandemonium Theater Group Facebook page.

AUDTITIONS! In His Grace!

Announcing Auditions for the Local Smash Musical Hit In His Grace by Jane Billeaudeaux and John Richard.  

 

February 9th 3-5pm, and February 16th 2-4pm. 

 

We need 3 men, and 3 women ages 25-35, who can handle singing solos/duets in a variety of genres of music. 

 

For more information please call 337-291-1122.

This weekend- At Home at the Zoo !!

At Home at the Zoo, a play by Edward Albee, began in 1958 as an award winning one act called The Zoo Story. Peter, an unsuspecting bookworm, is accosted by Jerry in Central Park. Jerry, a "permanent transient," lives on the fringe of society and reality. He seems intent on breaking Peter out of his shell and pushing him to his limits. Jerry regales Peter with tales wondrous and incomprehensible, both explaining and concealing his true purpose.

 
      Nearly fifty years later, Edward Albee returned to this world with the prequel one act, Homelife. We find Peter, before he leaves for the park, reading at home. His wife, Ann, interrupts him with three dreaded words, "We should talk." Peter is unresponsive and Ann is distracted, soon forgetting what she wanted to talk about. Or has she?

      The two acts, performed together, comprise At Home at the Zoo, an exceptional play about the complexity of human relationships both old and new. It strikes at the underlying currents of the subconscious through characters extraordinarily absurd, hilarious, loving, respectful and irreverent.

Cast/Crew
Ann..........................Katryn Schmidt
Peter........................Scott Gremillion
Jerry.........................Cooper Helm
Stage Manager.........Erin Segura
Costumes................Angela Thomas
Publicity..................Hope Garrett Cook
Artwork...................Erin Broussard


Directed by Cooper Helm
Produced by Scott Gremillion


AT HOME AT THE ZOO will be presented at Theater 810
January 25 & 26 @ 7:30 pm
January 27 @ 2pm
February 1 & 2 @ 7:30pm
February 3 @ 2pm

Tickets are $12 ($10 for students and seniors) and will be available at the Theater 810 box office and online at http://athomeatthezoo.eventbrite.com/

**This play contains mature language and content. Only those 17 and older will be admitted. Thank you.**

Aladdin -Crowley High School Drama

Crowley High School Drama Club proudly presents

 

“Aladdin”

 

By Wayne R. Scott and produced by Special Arrangement with LifeHouse Productions, Inc. @ www.lifehousetheater.com

 

 

Friday, March 1st & Saturday, March 2nd at 7 pm

& Sunday, March 3 at 2 pm

$12 for adults and $10 for students

 

Grand Opera House of the South

505 North Parkerson Ave., Crowley, LA

 

Director:  Machelle Booty

Stage / Set Director:  Robert Baxter

Tickets can be purchased online at www.thegrandoperahouse.org or calling (337) 785-0440 or email machellebooty@yahoo.com

For more information call Director Machelle Booty 230-9175

Commercial Acting Class Postponed until Feb. 16th and 17th!

So, the good thing about taking a commercial acting class from a working actor is that you receive up to date information about what's happening in today's industry as well as learn a technique that's been proven to book jobs.

 

The bad thing is that sometimes that working actor works and it conflicts with class. Bill Coelius' Commercial Acting Class has been postponed until Feb 16th and 17th. Luckily, there are still spots left! 

Here is the info on the class:

 

 

 

Commercial Acting 101 (101 Things You Need To Know Before Your Audition) taught by commercial veteran Bill Coelius, is the product of his experience acting in over 35 national commercials, and auditioning on a weekly basis in today’s market. From slate to set, Bill shares a carefully crafted game plan that will help you book and shoot that national commercial.
 From a reminder as basic as remembering to bring black socks to the shoot, to psychological exercises designed to help you recognize how your habitual patterns of fear-based thinking may prevent you from booking, Bill presents a myriad of skills, strategies and trade secrets that will turn your beliefs about yourself and the industry inside-out. Commercial Acting 101 covers everything from a review of basic skills such as slating, sign-in, and making copy your own, to the hidden rules of auditioning and the secrets of on-set behavior.

Commercial Acting 101 tackles everything from the mundane to the mystical. Does how you sign in affect your chances of booking the job? Are there things you can do while walking off set to ensure a future job? Are there absolute rules about acting that will help you book a national commercial? Can you work fearlessly, and truly enjoy every audition? Commercial Acting 101 will explain why all of those questions are answered with a definite YES!
 
Student Quotes:
     “This is the most effective audition class I've ever taken - and I've taken many of them. I BOOKED a commercial 2 days after the class ended. The specific skill set bill taught me in class, hands down, was the sole reason I booked that commercial. Bill's class helped me extinguish the nervousness and my fear that plagued so many of my auditions, thereby helping me to realize my true creative potential. As an actor, I feel transformed into the type of artist I've always wanted to be. I can't recommend this class enough. and I feel confident that I can book so many more commercials. THANK YOU, BILL!!”- Shuo Z.   
      “It was awesome. Bill was full of information, and he was positive and inspiring. I really enjoyed everything about it. I want to be taught by an actor who is a WORKING actor and knows what they are talking about!” –Hollie
     “ Bill was so kind and generous, and pointed out in a great way a deeper meaning on how to be successful. It was fascinating for me because I realized I am often only too happy to help people in my everyday life but had not thought about taking this into the audition room. Extremely helpful. Thank you.” -Liz F.
      "Bill is an enlightened teacher: it was hard for everyone to leave the room once class was over! Aside from the rich toolbox of practical, repeatable commercial audition skills that Bill imparts, the warmth, respect, enthusiasm, and high spirit of play that he brings to the room quickly brings out the best work in all actors. I left the class not only with the confidence to succeed, but with real excitement for my next commercial audition." –Jacquelyn L.
     “Bill is the Yoda of commercial acting technique.”- Chris B.

Class will meet 10-5pm each day, location to be announced.
The cost for the class is $125.

You can contact Bill at  billcoelius@gmail.com or at 917 568 4391, or Aren Chaisson is acting as his 'local contact,' at arenchaisson@gmail.com