Elmira Theatre Company Inc.: Blog

Christmas Belles

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:00:16 GMT

Christmas Belles

written by

Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope

and James Wooten

directed by

Cathy Judd

It's Christmas in Texas and the squabbling Futrell sisters - pregnant Frankie, recently jilted Twink and hot-flash suffering Honey Raye - are despeately trying to keep the annual pageant from spiralling into chaos. With an ailing Santa and reluctant Elvis, a family secret emerges that just might derail the entire production. Can the feuding sisters find a way to pull the Christmas program together? Join us in this hilarious journey through a misadventure filled Christmas Eve guaranteed to bring 'Joy to your World'!

produced with special permission of Dramatists Play Service Inc.

THE CAST

Miss Geneva Musgrave, the crusty town florist - Pat Northey

Honey Raye Futrelle, the hot flash suffering oldest Futrelle sister - Chris Grose

Rhonda Lynne Lampley, the mgr. of the Dairy Dog - Debbie Deckert

Twink Futrelle, the recently jilted middle Futrelle sister - Gail Wareing

Frankie Futrelle Dubberly, Frankie & Dub's daughter - Lindsay Coombs

John Curtis Buntner, the deputy Sherriff - Wayne Moore

Dub Dubberly, Frankie's husband - Bruce Wolff

Raynerd Chisum, part-time employee at the Dairy Dog - Andrew Frey

Justin Waverly, interim Pastor of the Tabernacle of the Lamb - Dan Pitman

Performances for this dinner theatre run from Nov. 12 - Nov. 30/08.

Tickets are available at Centre in the Square ( see link at upper right of our home page)

Office Hours Cast

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:29:27 GMT

Finally, the Cast for Office Hours by Norm Foster!

Although the play is often performed by as few as 5 and the audition call was for 10 actors, an almost overwhelming number of people auditioned. As a result, each and every role was cast without any dual roles by an actor required.

This cast is very, very strong with many seasoned perfomers and a few outstanding newcomers.

Here it is in alphabetical order:

Veronica Barton as Ellie Young

Cathy Bergen as Pamela Gerard

Tom Bolton as Stan Thurber

Gord Cameron as Warren Kimble

Ruth Connor as Rhoda Penny

Jeff Dakin as Mark Young

Mark Dakin as Neil Penny

John Fielding as Man

Gerard Gouthro as Bobby Holland

Patrick Hoy as Lloyd Penny

Hainan Huang as The One-armed Man

Gerry Kraft as Artie Barnes

David Lavety as Richard Penny

Kathy Paul as Sharon Freeman

Sue Rose as Francine Majors

Steve Whetstone as Gordon Blaine

Office Hours

Fri, 02 May 2008 16:25:43 GMT

Auditions for ETC's first show of the 2008-9 Season!

May 5 and 6 @ 7 pm

at the theatre

"Office Hours"

By Norm Foster Directed by Sue Jennings

The Story: "Office Hours" is a series of individual sketches that take place in various offices in a big city on Friday afternoon. Each sketch works independently from the others but they all loosely link together through various props and gags. It's a funny, quick moving, rather satirical play. Strong comedic timing is essential to the play's success.

Casting Reguirements: Flexible but approx. 10 actors needed: 5 women and 5 men.

The Director is looking for a variety of ages from 20's to 60's with creativity, flexivility and willingness to work hard and have fun! Some actors will be required to play more then one role. No experience necessary, new faces are always welcome at ETC!

Audition Format: Reading from the script and some improvisation.

Show Dates: Sept. 10 - 21/08

Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursdaay evening through May and June, taking a break in July and re-starting following the August long weekend, again only rehearsing on Tues. and Thurs. nights, (no weekends!) Due to the sketch-like nature of the play, not alll actors will be required at all rehearsals. There's lots of room for flexibility and working around vacation schedules.

Crew Requirements: Anyone interested in working backstage on this show should also attend one of the audition dates and let SM Rose Hoy know what you're interested in. No experience necessary. Sound, lights, props, set construction and decor - we will train you for the job! Learn a new skill and have a great time doing it!

WODL

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:08:54 GMT

W.O.D.L. AWARDS GALORE!!

Each of the individuals and teams in the following list deserves

special recognition. However, there are so many from

this outstanding production we can only say...

Congratulations to one and all!

Winners:

The Terry Doyle Memorial Award

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Major Role

Gord Cameron as Host in Ten Times Two

____

The Reuben Cardinell Award

Best co-ordinated Production

Elmira Theatre Company

____

Nominations:

The Bonanno Award

Outstanding Peformance by an Actress in a Major Role

Tracy Kenyon as Constance et al, Ten Times Two

____

The Pat and Vincent Matthewson Memorial Award

Oustanding Ensemble Work

Ten Time Two

___

The April Chappelle Award

Outstanding Direction

Deb Deckert - Ten Times Two

____

The D. Park Jamieson Memorial Award

Best Production in Festival

Ten Times Two

____

The Spanik Award

Best Visual Production

Ten Times Two - Elmira theatre Company

____

The Harold P. Sellers Memorial Award

Outstanding Technical Achievment

Dave Laverty, Kevin Presseault, Joe Brenner,Deb Deckert

Ten Time Two - Elmira Theatre Company

____

Special Adjudicator's Awards of Merit:

The Gifts of:

Mr. and Mrs. David Perkins

Laurie Kleinknecht, Costumes, Ten Times Two

CAnielle Deckert, Hair and Makeup, Ten Times Two

____

Mr. W. (Bill) Meaden

Deb Deckert, Music Selection, Ten Times Two

Paul Dietrich, Tree Creation, Ten Times Two

W.O.D.L. Festival 2008

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:56:10 GMT

Ten Times Two is in!!!

The adjudication results for W.O.D.L Festival 2008 have been announced and we're thrilled to have been chosen for our production of Ten Times Two.

At the W.O.D.L. awards announcements yesterday, Feb. 17/08,

the Lighting Design Award went to Dave Laverty

In addition, nominations went to:

Deb Deckert and Joe Brenner - Sound Design

and

Paul Dietrich - Set Design

Festival Week includes:

Mon., March 10 – Moonlight and Valentino, Thistle Theatre (Embro)

Tues., March 11 – I Ought to Be In Pictures, Kincardine Theatre Guild

Wed., March 12 – A Bed Full of Foreigners, Guelph Little Theatre

Thurs., March 13 – Letters in Wartime, St. Mary’s Community Players

Fri., March 14 – Ten Times Two, Elmira Theatre Company

Sat., March 15 – Awards Ball and Banquet

If you want to attend a night, a few days, or an entire week of wonderful theatre, come to Festival 2008.

Sponsored by Theatre Kent in Chatham.

For ticket and other info, just click, http://wodl.on.ca/08wodl_brochure1.pdf

Ten Times Two Opening

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:49:32 GMT

It's great to know that ETC has a reputation for being a fun and energetic company.

The recent article in The Record discussing the recent adjudication of Ten Time Two indicated "Spunky Elmira chose the hilarious but little known play by Canadian playwright, David Belke."

Yes, we are spunky, and yes, it is hilarious!!

There's still time to come out and see it. It's running at 8:00 P.M. - Fri. Feb. 8, Sat. Feb. 9 & Sun. Feb. 10 at 2:30 as well as Fri. Feb 15 and Sat. Feb. 16, both at 8:00 P.M.

Note: Tickets may be purchased at The Centre in the Square, Kitchener, (see the link on our main page), as well as at the door. ($17)

Mugworts Bane - AUDITIONS

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:29:09 GMT

Mugworts Bane

local playwright:

Paddy Gillard-Bentley

Directed by

Tracey Kenyon

Date: Saturday, January 26

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Elmira Theatre company, 76 Howard Ave., Elmira

Cast Requirements: Students of all ages welcome!

No prep necessary. Group audition.

Rehearsals: TBA

Productions Dates: To be presented throughout the day at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, April 5, at 9:00, 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00

For more information, contact producer Bev Dietrich, 669-5257 or dietrich@golden.net

Maggie's Getting Married - AUDITIONS

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:56:53 GMT

Maggie's Getting Married

Norm Foster

Directed by

Mike Grant

Dates: Jan. 14 & 15

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Elmira Theatre company, 76 Howard Ave., Elmira

Cast Requirements: 3 men 3 women

No preparation required, ETC traditionally does cold readings in groups. Just show up at the audition.

Rehearsals: TBA

Productions Dates: April 25-27, May 1-4 and 8-10

The Story: While the rehearsal party takes place in the living room, Maggie’s family copes with the night before wedding jitters in the kitchen. Maggie is nervous, her fiancée is missing, Dad is feeling sentimental about losing his little girl,

Mom is feeling pressured to have everything go perfectly, the sister’s boyfriend is trying to sneak a smoke on the back deck and the sister is trying to figure out whether or not she’s slept with the groom before.

Ages quite flexible. Listed are script descriptions but director Mike Grant says he can swing 5 plus years up or down depending on who comes to auditions.

Maggie; 29. The bride. She is getting married tomorrow. She is sweet, smart and slightly insecure.

Wanda: 32. Maggie’s older sister. She sells real estate and has much more experience with men than her sister.

Cass: early 50’s. Maggie’s mother is a no-nonsense woman, determined to make this night perfect for everyone.

Tom: 56. Maggie’s deadpan father who works as a dentist but has bigger dreams. He is going through a midlife crisis.

Axel: 37. Wanda’s latest boyfriend. He’s a wacked out actor with a real fear of women.

Russell: 35. The groom. Also in real estate. Somewhat of a social misfit as he tries too hard to make people like him.

2007

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:39:12 GMT

2007

what a year!

A fantastic year of hard work, quality shows and most of all FUN!!!

Thanks to all who contributed time, money - or any resource at their disposal -toward it and a standing ovation to our audiences! Their glowing reception of our artistic endeavours helps keep the burning desire to present our talents in the performing arts alive.

We all want to wish you the very best for the future and say:

Happy New Year!!!!

2008

The Odd Couple

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:25:52 GMT

What a success!!

The Cast and Crew are having a blast in this run of The Odd Couple and it shows. Standing ovations are the rule and accolades are pouring in.

This is just a sample of the comments received.

"Hey guys, that was a wonderful production. We were busting a gut laughing!"

"... fabulous seats and the meal was great as well."

"The props were unbelievable...."

"We had a walk down memory lane for sure."

"Very well done!!!!! We loved all of the characters."

Tickets are still available for this Thurs., Nov 22, which is show only ($17). So invite your friends and family to come out and join in this laugh riot.

Ten Time Two

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:40:10 GMT

Auditions for Ten Times Two

By David Belke

Directed by Deb Deckert

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7:00 PM and Saturday, Nov. 17 10:00 AM

The Story – Beginning in 1399 two immortals, known as "The Host" and Ephraim, agree to a wager. Ephraim must seduce the serving wench Constance into saying she loves him. Fate intervenes and the bet continues as the reincarnated Constance returns to the same location but in a different personality every 75 years. This is a whirlwind romantic romp through ten centuries, a tour de farce for the actors and the costume crew!

Cast Requirements: 2 men, 1 woman

EPHRAIM - an immortal, an evil-doer with great charisma, he thinks he’s God’s gift to women.

THE HOST, a supernatural observer and manipulator, quick witted and charming

***The female characters are all played by the same actor; will need to sing and do accents; CONSTANCE (1399) an Irish serving girl; LADY ELEANORE Penfield (1475) an English lady in waiting; POLLY (1550) a Cockney swineherd; SISTER FRANCESCA de la Cruz (1625) a Spanish nun; BETSY Parsons (1700) a young woman of London; SIMONE De Longchamps (1775) a French spy; CATHERINE Ballantyne-Bell (1850) a Scotswoman visiting London; PRU Grevney (1925) an American socialite; WOMAN (2000) a businesswoman; CONSTANCE (2075) a historical interpreter and museum curator

Crew Requirements:

Please contact SM Bev Dietrich (669-5257 or dietrich@golden.net) if you’d like to be part of this demanding show. Although the cast is small, the crew will be an integral part of the show as scene changes and costume changes must be choreographed – these will be the fastest changes you’ve ever done!

Show Dates: Feb 1-3, 8-10, 15-16. Rehearsal: TBA

NB -> This is our "IN" Festival entry for the WODL competition in March.

***If you audition or crew for this show it is with the understanding that you are committed to present the show in Chatham in March, if we are chosen to compete in the Festival.

If the show wins at this level it’s on to the Theatre Ontario competition during the 2-4 weekend in May, this year to be held in North Bay.

-> If you already know you’re going to be away - like Cuba in March or camping "May two-four" weekend - this is not the show for you.

The Odd Couple

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:08:53 GMT

Cast of The Odd Couple

Director Joe Brenner is pleased to announce the cast of Neil Simons's 'The Odd Couple'*, our fall dinner theatre production.

Oscar the slob: Tom Bolton

Felix the fastidious: Gord Cameron

Murray: Gary Seibert

Roy: Paul Duncan

Speed: Mike Grant

Vinnie: Patrick Hoy

and

Cecily and Gwendolyn, the Pigeon sisters: Kathy Paul and Michelle Kreutzer

Come out and see this veteran cast in an absolutely hilarious production: starting Nov. 9, running through to Nov. 24.

*With special permission by Samuel French

SCRIPT READING

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:43:17 GMT

Wednesday, October 17,/07

7:30 P.M.

at the theatre

Chair of the script readng committee, Sue Parr, sends out a call for scirpt submissions.

If you have a scipt you'd like to see on our playbill at some time, bring it along. Prospective directors are also invited to bring their treasures for consideration. Please bring a plot outline and a few copies of key scenes so we can read them together and get a feel for the show.

All ages and and voices are welcome at the script reading. You don't have to read if you choose not too, just listen and laugh along with the rest of us - the more the merrier!

Coffe and donuts provided.

Remains in the Family

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:07:51 GMT

The world premier of Ron Eagle’s autobiographic play ‘Remains in the Family’

was a resounding success.

From utterly ‘pin-drop’, poignant moments with the young ‘Bobby’, to hilarious moments with the ‘primping over the boarder’ sisters, the production had the audience riveted to their seats. Standing ovations confirmed this fact and ETC’s first late-summer production will surely become a mainstay in the playbill for all forthcoming seasons.

An added feature, for live theatre audiences, was the outstanding performance by Rosemarie Hoy as Enid, in a mid-run walk-on for the terribly ill Danielle Deckert.

“The Actor’s Nightmare” depicts the feeling every actor experiences from time to time: that of knowing neither your lines nor your blocking on stage. Rose had to do it live!

She displayed incredible courage and the audience accepted her fully as the exuberant, young Enid.

Thankfully, Danielle is recovering and will no doubt have a significant role in shows to come.

The Odd Couple

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 02:41:18 GMT

The Odd Couple

by Neil Simon*

Directed by Joe Brenner

Auditions will be held:

7:00 P. M. onTues., Mon., Aug. 27 & Wed. Aug. 29/07

at the Theatre, 76 Howard Ave., ELMIRA, ON

Cast Requirements:

6 men - Oscar, Felix and their 4 card playing buddies.

2 women - Cecily and Gwendolyn, the Pigeon sisters.

As always, lots of Crew positions available. Come and join the fun backstage where the real show takes place!

*with special permission from Samuel French

Cast of Standoff at the Lucky Fork

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:33:44 GMT

Rookie Director Tracey Ecclestone is pleased to announce the cast & crew for the Mini-fest production "Standoff at the Lucky Fork."

Henrietta, owner of the Lucky Fork - Lauren Snyder

Paul, a travelling salesman - Tracy Leighton

Betty, the sheriff - Gail Wareing

Terry, a C.E.O. - Lindsay Eitzen

Janice & Walter, a newly married couple - Jacqueline Godbout & Caleb Fahey

S.M. - Bev Dietrich

Props - Deb Deckert

Tech - Joe Brenner

Cast of Remains In The Family

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 04:17:18 GMT

Remains In The Family

Cast!

Auditions were great and here's the result:

Bobby Raven - Michael Hoy

Buck Raven - Rick Ryan

Sally Raven - Kathy Fahey

Myrna Geisel - Marilyn Dufresne

Addison Geisel - Brina Otto

Roger Geisel - Jared Wilson

Benny Geisel - Adrian Eitzen

Enid Geisel - Danielle Deckert

Alvie Geisel - Mark Dakin

Grace Geisel - Cathy Reid-Wilson

Ruby Winslow - Veronica Barton

Georgie Adams - Tracy Leighton

Jake Brady - Steve Robinson

Isobel MacIntosh - Jocelyne Proulx

Breadman - Werner Eitzen

Congratulations to all. It's going to be a fun production and we can't wait to see you on stage in Sept.!

Mini-fest Audions

Sat, 05 May 2007 04:10:17 GMT

Each year, the Western Ontario Drama League hosts two festivals: a week long event in March and a one-act festival on a weekend in July, known as mini-fest. Only six theatre groups are chosen to participate in mini-fest and the Elmira Theatre Company is one of the lucky companies selected for 2007!

This is a unique One-Act Festival where everyone presents the same play!

This year, the play is :

Standoff at the

Lucky Fork

David Victor

Directed by

Tracey Ecclestone

It's the story of 5 strangers stranded at the Lucky Fork diner in a driving snowstrom, during which, a sheriff interrogates all ot the suspects in the murder of a wealthy recluse.

There are 6 different endings for this play and each group's ending is one drawn from a hat!

Every presentation is unique and no one knows what the ending will bring.

The Cast includes 6 characters, with some roles suitable for either/or male andfemale.

The intent of Mini-fest is to encourage new actors, directors and techies to use their skills without

the pressure of a full length production.

This is your chance for a great experience and fun time, so, come out to:

AUDITIONS: June 10 & 11/07 at 7:00 P.M.

at the Elmira Theatre Company

76 Howard Ave.,

ELMIRA, ON

(Mini-Fest presented July 27 & 28/07 at the Thistle Theatre, EMBRO, ON)

Remains in the Family Auditions

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 02:31:27 GMT

AUDITIONS

for

Remains in the Family

By Ron Eagle

June 4, 5, 6/07 7:00 PM

Elmira Theatre Company, 76 Howard Ave., Elmira

Show to be performed Sept.12-16 and 21-23/07

The Story: Windsor, Ontario, 1942

Buck Raven, an MP with the Canadian military has been transferred to Windsor on border patrol. His wife, Sally, and their youngest son, Bobby, leave Preston and move back in with her parents and siblings in order to be closer to Buck.

Sally’s two married sisters have also moved back home while their husbands are overseas. A handsome boarder who lives with the family quickly becomes a disruptive element in the Raven marriage. With so many different personalities crammed under one small roof, Sally eventually suffers a temporary breakdown. Will she begin a new life with another man or try to repair her marriage and regain her young son’s respect?

Cast Requirements: 7 women, 5 men, 3 boys

Sally Raven - eldest Geisel Daughter, wife of Buck, pretty, but spoiled and a bit high strung: early 30's

Bobby Raven - youngest son of Sally and Buck, about 5 years old.

Myrna Geisel - mother of the Geisel family, she is the glue that holds the family together: mid to late 40's

s. Addisson Geisel - father and head of the Geisel family. Working night for the war effort and trying to sleep in a houseful of pople has left him exhausted: 50's

AdRoger Geisel - youngest son in the Geisel family: about 10

Benny Geisel - 2nd youngest son in the Geisel family: about 12

t 1RRuby Winslow - married daugher of Myrna & Addison, she has moved back home while her husband is away at war: late 20's

Georgie Adams - another married daughter of Myrna and Addison, also moved back home while her husband is away: mid 20's

Enid Geisel - another daughter of Myrna and Addison, determined to marry someone her parents do not approve of: early 20's

Jake Brady - a boarder in the Geisel home, handsome and quite a temptation to a houseful of young women: 30's

Alvie Geisel - married Geisel son: mid-30's

Grace Geisel - wife of Alvie, daughter-in-law to Myrna and Addison: mid-30's

Isobel MacIntosh - neighbour of the Geisel family, friend and confidant of Myrna: 50's

BBreadman - makes daily deliveries of baked good and gossip: 40 - 50's

For more information about the show, Remains in the Family,

contact director Ron Eagle, 519-669-8972

Angels In Love Staging

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 13:10:09 GMT

Check out the photos of the Angels In Love set on March 27.

As you can see, it's not there!

Every production ever presented needs a vast number of support people to make it to the stage and "Angels" is no exception. Come out and lend a hand, there are multiple tasks to be done, ranging from wardrobe design to construction. Contact us, (click on Contact Info under Categories), and find out just how much fun threading a needle or wielding a hammer can be.

Maple Syrup Play

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:40:59 GMT

Coming up quickly!!

The Blacklight Show

ETC’s Annual Family Show for the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

Performances @ 9:00 11:00 1:00 & 3:00 $2 per person

@ Trinity United Church, Arthur St. N., across from the IGA

What a success these family shows have become! And it’s a great way to rest your feet and get out of the cold!

All the performers are between the ages of 10 and 14! If you were at the Silent Auction and saw the “Ghost Busters” number they performed you know what a delight this theatre genre can be. We welcome all this dedicated young talent to the company.

Director is Deb Deckert with technical and back stage assistance thanks to Joe Brenner and Sue Rose.

Maple Syrup Day

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:35:42 GMT

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival – Sat. March 31

Affectionately known as “Sap Day”, ETC is involved with two big events during this day.

Looking for Info Booth Volunteers: Each year ETC runs the two Information Booths. It involves a two hour shift answering tourist type questions about the Festival and the Elmira area. Each shift is 2 hours long, beginning @ 7:00 AM. It’s well worth our time to do this (some years we have received as much as $1,200) and it’s easy! Where else can you actually tell people where to go and they thank you for it? Organizer Pam Webb would love to hear from you (669-8133). Call her NOW and get your first choice of shifts.