Granite State Stuff : Acting Loft

Summer Fun at The Acting Loft

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:50:00 GMT

Acting Loft announces its Summer Musical Theatre Camp

The Acting Loft is now accepting enrollment for students ages 5-14 for its Summer Musical Theatre Camp. The camp runs in three two-week sessions: July 6th-July 17th, July 20th-July 31st and August 3rd-August 14th. The campers spend their mornings in acting, singing and dancing classes, while their afternoons are spent in master classes and rehearsing for their final performance project. This summer, each performance project will focus on a specific aspect of musical theatre: Session 1's production will focus on acting, with a performance of "The Tales of Hans Christian Anderson"; Session 2's production will focus on singing, with a performance of "The Secret Garden"; and Session 3's production will focus on dancing, with a performance of "The Velveteen Rabbit". It is important to note that all sessions will provide classes in singing, acting and dancing. The focus on each of those areas will be more intense depending on the session students enroll in.

The Acting Loft Summer Musical Theatre camp offers a chance for campers to learn the basics of musical theatre performance in a safe, supportive environment. Campers are also treated to traditional camp activities and games.

The camp runs Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm, with an extended day option for pick-up and drop off at 516 Pine Street, Manchester. Tuition for each session is $300 plus a one-time enrollment fee of $25, which includes a camp T-shirt, morning snack and all camp materials. There are multi-session and family discounts, and financial aid may be available for Manchester residents. For more information or to enroll, please visit The Acting Loft's website, www.actingloft.org, or contact The Acting Loft's Director of Education, Kirstin Kennedy at 666-5999.

The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts open call audition

AskLisa — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:57:00 GMT

The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts will hold an open call audition for its newest educational program, The Teen Director's Lab presents An Evening of David Ive's One-Act Plays on Monday, March 23^rd from 6-8pm. The one-act comedies all written by David Ives, best known for the comic genius of his play, All In The Timing, range from 15- 25 minutes in length and will be directed by area high school students who will be mentored by Acting Loft Director of Education, Kirstin Kennedy and Artistic Director, Christopher Courage.

The evening of plays will feature 6 comedies providing parts for a large number of performers. Auditions are open to any performer age 15 and up. Rehearsals will be held one day per week and will be scheduled for either Wednesday or Thursday evening from 6:30 - 9:00 depending on the show an actor is cast in.

The Teen Director's Lab will perform Friday and Saturday evening, June 5^th & 6^th. Those wishing to audition for the show should prepare a contemporary one minute monologue and come prepared for cold readings from the script.. Auditions are by appointment only. Please call 603-666-5999 to schedule an audition appointment or for additional information.

The Teen Director's Lab is a new Acting Loft program designed to enhance The Acting Loft's mission of providing the highest quality theatre arts education and entertainment to children and adults of all ages. Teen directors were chosen from submissions from high school students from all over southern, New Hampshire. The Acting Loft hopes through this program to provide directorial opportunities and education to students who take a unique interest in the back-stage side of theatre arts.

The Acting Loft Presents The Little Prince

AskLisa — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:41:00 GMT

The Acting Loft Academy of the Performing Arts children's educational wing, The Kids' Acting Loft will present the beloved tale of The Little Prince as the first show in their 2008/2009 season.

The Little Prince is based on the classic children's book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery and tells the story of a world-weary and disenchanted Aviator whose sputtering plane strands him in the Sahara Desert and a mysterious, regal "little man" who appears and asks him to "Please, sir, draw me a sheep." During their two weeks together in the desert, the Little Prince tells the Aviator about his adventures through the galaxy, how he met the Lamplighter and the Businessman and the Geographer, and about his strained relationship with a very special flower on his own tiny planet. The Little Prince talks to everyone he meets: a garden of roses, the Snake and a Fox who wishes to be tamed. From each he gains a unique insight which he shares with the Aviator: In the end both the "little man" and the Aviator must go home each with a new understanding of how to laugh, cry, and love again.

A staple of every child's library, The Little Prince has been translated into more than 180 languages and has sold more than 80 million copies making it one of the bestselling books ever. It has been adapted into a movie musical by Lerner and Loewe, two different operas, as well as into an animated series.

The Kids' Acting Loft is the educational wing of The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts. This wing of the company is dedicated to introducing and educating the youngest of performers to the art of live theatre. Throughout the rehearsal process performers are taught proper acting techniques and use acting games and exercises to bring life and personality to each of the characters in the play. The Little Prince features a cast of over 20 talented young performers between the ages of 5 and 12 from all over the southern, NH region.

Performances of The Little Prince will be held Friday, January 23rd at 7:30pm and Saturday, January 24th at 3:00pm and 7:30pm at The Acting Loft studio theatre located at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. Tickets are $10.00 for adults or $5.00 for children and can be reserved in advance by calling The Acting Loft at 603-666-5999 or by visiting their website at http://www.actingloft.org.

Upcoming shows in the Acting Loft Mainstage Season include Jason Robert Brown's, Songs For A New World in February and The Kid's Acting Loft production of Carole King's, Really Rosie in March. For more information on upcoming auditions, productions of theatre arts classes please contact The Acting Loft.

The Acting Loft Academy of the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts organization dedicated t offering the highest quality theatre arts education and entertainment to children and adults of all ages from the Southern New Hampshire region.

The Acting Loft Announces Auditions for Jason Robert Brown's Songs For A New World

AskLisa — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:39:00 GMT

The Acting Loft Academy of the Performing Arts is holding open call auditions for their upcoming production of Songs For A New World on Sunday, December 28 from 5:30 6:30pm and Monday, December 29^th from 7:00 8:30pm

Jason Robert Brown has quickly become a leading Broadway composer for the younger generation. His other shows include; The Last Five Years, Parade, and a current production of his newest show, 13. Songs For A New World is his first show and was created as a song cycle that details the changes that individuals go through in their lives. Songs For A New World contains some of the most electrifying and innovative music to hit the world of musical theatre in many years. Musical highlights include; Stars and the Moon, Steam Train, The River Won't Flow and A New World.

Auditions for Songs For A New World are open to all performers ages 14 and up and

those wishing to audition should prepare a short song. Auditions will be held at The Acting Loft studios located at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. Those interested in auditioning should call 666-5999 to schedule an audition appointment.

Songs For A New World will be directed by Acting Loft Artistic Director, Chris Courage with musical direction by Joel Mercier. Songs For A New World will be performed Friday thru Sunday, February 20-22 and is part of the Acting Loft's Mainstage series which performs full-scale musical productions for the entire family using live musicians as well as complete sets and costumes. Song For A New World will is being produced with generous support from William L. Ritchie Jr.

The Acting Loft Academy of the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts organization dedicated to offering the highest quality theatre arts education and entertainment to children and adults of all ages from the Southern New Hampshire region.

The Acting Loft Presents Scrooge The Musical

AskLisa — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:52:00 GMT

The Acting Loft Academy of the Performing Arts will present Leslie Bricusse's musical Scrooge as a part of their 2008/2009 mainstage season. Performances will be held at their studios located at 516 Pine Street in Manchester, NH. Opening night is Friday, December 12^th at 7:30pm with additional performances on Saturday, December 13^th at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 14^th at 2pm.

Scrooge - The Musical is a rare holiday treat for the entire family. This refreshingly warm production will delight and enchant the oldest and youngest of audience members. Scrooge - The Musical offers an intimately staged yet high energy adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol. The Acting Loft's stage production of the classic movie is filled with excellent voices and inspired dances. It serves as the perfect show to jump start the holiday season.

Based on the Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is brought to life by Leslie Bricusse whose stage work includes Stop The World --I Want to Get Off, The Roar of the Greasepaint The Smell of the Crowd, Jekyll and Hyde and Victor/Victoria. With nineteen period-perfect songs including "Father Christmas," "December the Twenty-Fifth," "I Like Life" and "Thank You Very Much," Bricusse's score enchants and refreshes. As part of their mission of presenting rarely staged works of theatre like Stephen Sondheim's Company and Wuthering Heights The Musical, The Acting Loft is proud to produce this little seen take of a classic story.

Featuring a cast of some of southern New Hampshire's best known performers including, Neal Blaiklock, Nathan Barnes, Sue Bechard and David Goodman, Scrooge The Musical directed by Toby Paul with musical direction by Caitlin Cole and choreography by Jessica Goodman, promises to be a spectacular restaging of a classic show.

Scrooge The Musical is part of the Acting Loft's Mainstage performance series which stages full-scale musical productions using live musicians as well as complete sets and costumes.

Seating is reserved and tickets to Scrooge The Musical can be purchased in advance by calling The Acting Loft box office at 666-5999 or visiting their website at www.actingloft.org. Scrooge The Musical is produced in part by generous support from William L. Ritchie Jr.

Springing Into ACTion! The Acting Loft announces its Spring Semester of Classes!

AskLisa — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:35:00 GMT

The Acting Loft announces its exciting Spring Semester of classes! This spring they are offering a variety of classes for all ages and skill levels; and if you sign up before Friday, December 19^th, you will receive a 10% discount on your total tuition. Full color gift certificates are available and make a great holiday gift. The Loft is offering a lot of new classes this spring, as well as continuing with their most popular classes, so you are sure to find something for everyone.

Our popular Storybook on Stage class returns this spring with a new set of storybooks to explore, including works by Mo Willems, Maurice Sendak and other popular read-aloud authors. This class is led by a Dance Instructor, who leads students through warm ups and a simple routine, and a Drama Instructor, who engages students in creative dramatic activities; and by the end of class, it is time for a performance for parents! This class is a great way to get your youngest involved in the theatre. This class is for ages 3-5, and takes place on Saturday mornings from 10-11:15. We have added another Saturday class this spring; our Fairy Tale Theatre class is for ages 6-10 and explores well known fairy tales through dramatic play, arts and crafts, and music. This class runs from 11:30-1:00. Both of our Saturday classes are available for the drop-in rate of $25 with seven days notice, or $215 for all twelve weeks.

We are offering a brand new set of adult acting classes, The Complete Actor 1 & 2. Each of these classes is broken down into three four week sessions, with each session focusing on a specific topic that will help you achieve your goal of perfecting your craft. The sessions can be taken individually for $140/session or $315 for all three sessions. More experienced actors can pick sessions from Complete Actor 1 & 2 to create their own course of study, whereas it is recommended that beginning actors complete the full Complete Actor 1 course before moving on to any of our Complete Actor 2 sessions. This spring, The Complete Actor 1 course includes the following sessions: Technique, Movement and Stage Combat and our Complete Actor 2 course includes: Script Analysis, Scene Study Style: Farce and Solo Performance and the Art of the Monologue.

Other classes we are offering this spring include: Playwriting (14+), Young Actors' Drama (5-7), Introduction to Performance 1 & 2 (8-12), Teen Acting 1 & 2 (12-16), It's Never too Late to Learn to Dance (30+), The Children's Library Theatre Project (6-12), as well as singing and dancing classes for ages 5-16. For a full listing of classes or for additional information, please visit the Loft's website at: www.actingloft.org, or call 666-5999. There will be an open house event on Wednesday, January 7^th from 6-8pm at the Acting Loft studios, located at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. This event will give you the opportunity to tour the facilities, meet the instructors and ask any questions you many have.

About the Acting Loft: The Acting Loft is a non-profit 501(c3) Educational Theatre dedicated to offering the highest quality theatre arts education and entertainment to children and adults of all ages.

The Acting Loft Holds Auditions for Rent-School Edition

AskLisa — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:57:00 GMT

The Acting Loft will hold open auditions for Rent-School Edition on Monday, Dec. 1 from 6pm to 9pm and Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 6pm-9pm at their Studios located at 516 Pine Street, Manchester, NH.

Rent-School Edition is Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer-prize winning Broadway musical based loosely on Puccini's opera La Bohme. It follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York's East Village. AIDS and both its physical and emotional complications pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom, and Angel; Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble; Benjamin has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends; and Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general, always behind the camera recording the events but never playing a part.

The Acting Loft will perform Rent-School Edition as part of theirs Mainstage Production series on the weekends of February 13 through 15 and February 20 through 22. Auditions are open to students between the ages of 14 and 19. Those wishing to audition for the show should prepare a contemporary song. The Rent-School Edition cast will rehearse weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. All those who audition are expected to make a commitment for all scheduled rehearsals and all performances. This production will be directed by Kevin Roberge with musical direction by Joel Mercier. Mary Reilly will serve as assistant director.

Auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an audition appointment or for further information regarding Rent-School Edition, please contact the Acting Loft Studios at 666-5999.

The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts is a not-for-profit theartre education organization dedicated to offering the highest quality theatre arts education and entertainment to children and adults of all ages.

The Acting Loft Announces Auditions for The Little Prince

AskLisa — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:46:00 GMT

The Little Prince is part of the Kids Acting Loft performance series, and will be performed January 23^rd and 24^th. Designed as an educational experience for young performers between the ages of 5 and 14, the emphasis of this production is placed on learning the basics of performance through the staging of a complete show. A maximum cast of 30 will be used and all children auditioning are guaranteed to receive roles. Auditions will be held Sunday, November 23rd from 1:00pm -3:00pm at our studios located at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. Those interested in participating must prepare a short poem or nursery rhyme and also schedule and audition appointment by calling 666-5999 or e-mailing chris@actingloft.org. Audition appointments will be scheduled on a first come basis and when the maximum cast size is reached auditions will be closed to additional appointments.

The Little Prince is a fantasy about a pilot, stranded in the Sahara, who meets a small boy from another planet. The boy, who refers to himself as a prince, is on a quest for knowledge. The little prince asks questions of the pilot and tells the pilot of life on his own very small planet. This story is told in a simple fashion, as children's stories typically are, but it is not really a children's story. It is a story of a grown-up who has almost forgotten what is important. It is the story of the pilot's reconnection to his own sense of imagination and wonder. It is the story of the re-opening of the pilot's heart.

But What They Really Want to do is Direct

AskLisa — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:15:00 GMT

The Acting Loft introduces its Teen Directors' Lab!

The Acting Loft is pleased to announce its brand new educational program for teens aged 14 and up: the Teen Directors' Lab. This program aims to give teens the opportunity to direct their peers, explore the process of effectively directing a show from page to stage, and be mentored by the Acting Loft's Artistic Director, Chris Courage, and Director of Education, Kirstin Kennedy.

This year, the project will focus on David Ives' All in the Timing, a collection of linguistically comedic one-act plays that will challenge teens both in their role as director and actor. Any interested teen should attend the Teen Directors' Lab Introduction session on Wednesday, November 19^th from 6-8:30 PM, held at the Acting Loft studios located at 516 Pine Street. This first meeting will include a read-through of the script, a question/answer period, and an overview of the director proposal required for all teens who are interested in directing.

"I think it is important for teens to understand just how much work goes into directing a show," says Chris Courage, the Acting Loft's Artistic Director, "This program is what the Acting Loft all about an educational experience that is working towards a top notch production."

The final performances of All in the Timing will be June 5th & 6^th, with rehearsals beginning the last week of March. All director proposals will be due NO LATER than Friday, January 30^th. Please feel free to contact Kirstin Kennedy, Director of Education, at 666-5999 or kirstin@actingloft.org, if you have any questions.

The Acting Loft Audition Call For Scrooge - The Musical

AskLisa — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:12:00 GMT

The Acting Loft Academy of the Performing Arts is holding open call auditions for their upcoming production of Scrooge The Musical on Wednesday, Oct. 1 & 8.

Based on the classic film starring Albert Finney, Scrooge The Musical is an updated musical retelling of the classic Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol.

Filled with memorable characters including Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and of course, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, and including over twenty high energy musical numbers, Scrooge The Musical is the perfect opportunity for the entire family to participate in a theatrical show together. The Acting Loft is searching for a cast of over 30 performers and encourages entire families to audition. Auditions are open to any performer aged 6 and up.

Those wishing to audition should prepare a short song and a short reading or poem. A brief and simple dance combination will be taught at the audition so performers should come dressed in comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Auditions will be held at The Acting Loft studios located at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. Those interested in auditioning should call 666-5999 to schedule an audition appointment.

Scrooge The Musical will be directed by Toby Paul, musical directed by Cait Cole and choreographed by Jessica Goodman and will be presented Friday thru Sunday, December 12-14. Scrooge The Musical is part of the Acting Loft's Mainstage series which performs full-scale musical productions for the entire family using live musicians as well as complete sets and costumes and is produced with generous support from William L. Ritchie Jr.

Fall classes for kids! The Acting Loft is proud to announce its Fall 2008 classes for kids ages 3-11!

AskLisa — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:07:00 GMT

Acting Loft, Academy of Performing Arts, southern New Hampshire's leading Educational Theatre, announces its Fall 2008 series of classes for children ages 3-12! Whether your child is interested in studying acting, singing or dancing, the Acting Loft is the perfect place to begin--or continue--your child's theatrical education!

For children ages 3-5, the Acting Loft is pleased to introduce its "Storybook on Stage" class, which combines dance and drama with a new read-aloud story every week. This class is a great way to introduce your child to the world of the theatre and dance, or to help them explore imaginative play with their peer group. This class runs on Saturday mornings, beginning September 13th.

For the budding playwright in your family, ages 6-10, there is our "Play Machine" class. This class goes far beyond a traditional acting class to explore the basics of storytelling and playmaking. Children work together to create their own play, and the final performance is an Acting Loft exclusive play.it's never-ever the same play twice! This class runs on Monday afternoons, beginning September 8th.

There will be an Open House on Thursday, August 28th from 6:00-8:00pm at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. The teachers will be present to answer any questions you might have, and you will be able to see our brand new classroom renovations!

"It was my goal to offer classes that would be exclusive to the Acting Loft," says Kirstin Kennedy, the Director of Education, "It is important to me that our classes not only challenge the students who take them, but the instructors as well. Education is on-going and the last thing we want at the Acting Loft is teachers who aren't feeling challenged and excited by the classes they are teaching. I am confident that this will be a highly successful semester!"

The Acting Loft also offers beginning and advanced classes for children, teens and adults in acting, dancing and singing. All classes are twelve weeks long and range in price from $150-$200. For more information or to enroll, please visit: http://www.actingloft.org. Financial aid is available for Manchester residents. Please email any questions to Kirstin Kennedy, the Acting Loft's Education Director, at kirstin@actingloft.org, or call 603-666-5999.

Fall Classes for everyone at The Acting Loft!

AskLisa — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:02:00 GMT

Manchester, NH —The Acting Loft is pleased to announce its 2008 line-up of fall classes. The Acting Loft has always strived to offer high quality classes at an affordable rate. This fall, in addition to the usual fare, the Acting Loft is thrilled to announce some brand new classes that not only expand their education department, but also invite a wider age range to come and learn at the Loft.

For the littlest actors, aged 3-5, there is the brand new "Storybook on Stage" class, which is a drama class and dance class all rolled into one. Each week a new read-aloud book will be featured and explored through drama and dance exercises.

It is an exciting semester for teens at the Acting Loft. The brand new teen classes promise to challenge and excite! These classes include: "Directing Lab", "Young Playwrights", and "TV and Film Acting"—just to name a few.

Adult classes have also been updated. New Adult classes include: "It's Never too Late to Learn to Dance": a dance class especially designed for students aged 30 and up; "Hark! The Herald": a long form improvisation class led by Boston Improv Alum, Larry Pizza, and "Drama in the Classroom": a class designed to help teachers incorporate drama in their lesson planning.

There will be an Open House on Thursday, August 28^th from 6:00-8:00pm at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. The teachers will be present to answer any questions you might have, and you will be able to see our brand new classroom renovations!

"It was my goal to offer classes that would be exclusive to the Acting Loft," says Kirstin Kennedy, the Director of Education, "It is important to me that our classes not only challenge the students who take them, but the instructors as well. Education is on-going and the last thing we want at the Acting Loft is teachers who aren't feeling challenged and excited by the classes they are teaching. I am confident that this will be a highly successful semester!"

To see our entire class catalog, to enroll, or for more details, please visit the Acting Loft website at: www.actingloft.org or contact Kirstin Kennedy at kirstin@actingloft.org or 603-666-5999. Financial Aid is available for Manchester residents. Enrollment is limited…don't wait! Sign up today!

About the Acting Loft: Now in its eleventh season, The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts is a non-profit 501(c3) Educational Theatre serving the greater Manchester area. The Acting Loft's mission is to provide the community with quality class, camps and productions, all at affordable prices.

Story Time Theatre at The Acting Loft

AskLisa — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:22:00 GMT

The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts is pleased to announce our Summer 2008 Story Time Theatre series! Now in its fourth year, Story Time Theatre offers an opportunity for young audiences to experience the joy of live theatre at a minimal cost.

This year, Story Time Theatre presents three different shows, all written especially to entertain the youngest of audience members, as well as their parents. Greek Myths A-Z is a fast-paced look at the topsy-turvy world of Greek Myth, a show that will truly entertain one and all. The False Prince is a classic tale of mistaken identity, with broad comedy and a cast of quirky characters children will love. Romeo & Juliet, Jr. is kid-friendly Shakespeare at its best -- utilizing modern day vernacular and pop culture references that will make this classic story accessible to everyone.

All shows are performed at The Acting Loft, located at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. The show dates and times are as follows: Greek Myths A-Z: Friday, 7/11 at 2pm and Friday, 7/18 at 2pm; The False Prince: Friday, 7/25 at 11am and 2pm and Friday, 8/1, at 11am; and Romeo & Juliet, Jr.: Friday, 8/8 at 11am and 2pm and Friday 8/15 at 11am. All shows are $2.00/person, group rates available, special discounts available for non-profit organizations. Please contact Kirstin Kennedy, Director of Education, at 603-666-5999 for more information.

Acting Loft announces first auditions of 2008-2009 Season!

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:55:00 GMT

Manchester, NH - The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts, Manchester's Education Theatre, is packing their upcoming season with "a little something for everyone". From the opening of their 12th season in September through June of '09, the Acting Loft will be producing nine mainstage shows, ranging from classic Children's stories to modern Broadway Favorites. With the season's first auditions merely weeks away, the Acting Loft staff are pulling out all the stops to spread the word.

The season's first all-ages auditions will be for the classic musical "Oliver," to be held July 9th, 10th, and 13th, with rehearsals being on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, and performances running September 12th - 21st. Adults, teens, and children aged 5 and up are strongly encouraged to audition. Following soon after will be "Zombie Prom," open to teens aged 12-19. Auditions will be held August 12th and 14th, with rehearsals on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and the performances running October 17th - 26th. Actors and parents are strongly urged to visit www.actingloft.org for more info about these audition opportunities.

The rest of the season has been planned to allow performers of all ages and levels to be constantly involved at the Acting Loft. Following September's all-ages "Oliver" and October's just-for-teens "Zombie Prom" will be an all-ages production of "Scrooge" in December; a children's production of "The Little Prince" in January; an all-adult production of George M. Cohen's only non-musical, "The Tavern" in February; a just-for-teens production of "Rent: School Edition" in March; the return of the Acting Loft's hit "Cotton Patch Gospel" in April; an all-ages production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in May; and finally, an all-kids production of "House at Pooh Corner" in June! Each show was selected to allow kids, teens, and adults to have year-long involvement at the theatre.

"It's a really exciting and varied season," said John Sefel, Acting Loft's Producing Artistic Director. "There is truly something for everyone! From shows as mainstream as 'Oliver' and 'Fiddler on the Roof' to lesser known works like 'Zombie Prom' and 'the Tavern,' I think we've struck a great balance between old and new, comfortable and exciting. I think everyone will find something at the Acting Loft to call their own."

Coupled with the new shows is a lengthy list of new creative talent. This year's directorial staff includes Acting Loft newcomers Jessica Scalese, Kirstin Kennedy, Jude Bascom, Ozan Haksever, and a host of other experienced, often award-winning personnel, as well as a strong push to encourage new faces to come out and audition.

"It was important to me to see the Loft grow beyond where it had already been," said Sefel, now entering his second season with the company, "and part of that is bringing in new talent with fresh ideas and energy. From directing to acting to design, people are starting to see a lot of new faces around the Acting Loft. What's really special to me hough is that we've been able to introduce the new without alienating the old - we're -reintroducing ourselves to the community, without forgetting our commitment to those who have been loyal to us since the beginning. In the end, we're not simply changing - we're growing!"

Performers interested in auditioning for "Oliver" or "Zombie Prom" are encouraged to visit www.actingloft.org for audition rules and information. Meanwhile, the theatre is encouraging all potential auditioners and audiences to sign up for their mailing list at the website for information on all their upcoming shows. All auditions, rehearsals and performances are held at the Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts, 516 Pine Street, Manchester, NH 03104. For more information about the theatre, its season, camps, workshops, or its upcoming Fall semester, call 603-666-5999, or email Producing Artistic Director John Sefel at j.sefel@actingloft.org.

ABOUT THE ACTING LOFT - The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) Education Theatre based in the heart of Manchester, New Hampshire. Now entering its 12th season, its mission is to provide quality education and entertainment to the people of the Greater Manchester Area at affordable rates and with a welcoming smile.

Adult Summer Workshops at The Acting Loft!

AskLisa — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:29:00 GMT

Adult Summer Workshops at The Acting Loft!
The Acting Loft Announces its Summer Workshop Series for Adults

Why let the kids have all the fun this summer? The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts is pleased to introduce its new summer series of Saturday morning workshops for adults of all levels. Our goal is to attract highly trained theatre professionals to share their experience and knowledge with the New Hampshire Theatre Community.

The series kicks off on Saturday, July 12^th with an Audition Preparation workshop taught by Larry Pizza. This workshop aims to teach techniques to help calm your nerves, strengthen your confidence and make your next audition the best one yet!

The next in our series will be a Movement for the Actor workshop on Saturday, August 9th, led by certified yoga instructor and Equity actress, Jennifer Wintzer. This goal of this workshop is to connect your mind, body and voice through movement.

Join us this summer and explore your artistry in a fun, invigorating, and most of all supportive atmosphere. All workshops are $20.00 and run from 11:00am-1:00pm. For more information or to enroll, please contact The Acting Loft's Director of Education, Kirstin Kennedy at 666-5999, or email at kirstin@actingloft.org.