Theatres attending auditions will be Abreact Performance Space (Detroit), Blackbird Theatre (Ann Arbor), Breathe Art Theatre Project (Detroit/Windsor), Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company (Detroit), Matrix Theatre Company (Detroit) Performance Network (Ann Arbor), Planet Ant Theatre (Hamtramck), Project Theatre (Detroit), Who Wants Cake? Theatre (Ferndale) and Williamston Theatre (Williamston).

Male and female actors over the age of 18 from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Appointments are required; walk-ins are welcome but are not guaranteed a slot. Actors must make appointments by e-mailing frannie@magentagiraffe.org, including in the body of the e-mail full name, desired appointment time and phone number. Headshots and résumés should not be attached to the e-mail. No appointments will be made by phone. There will be a first-come, first-served waiting list at the theatre each night of auditions; we will do our best to see everyone. Actors should also bear in mind that several theatres will be holding additional general auditions, and all theatres will hold callbacks for individual productions.

Actors should prepare two contrasting contemporary monologues no longer than three minutes total. Actors should bring ten sets of headshot/résumé and all schedule conflicts for the season (one set for each attending company).

All roles offered will be paid. Most theatres may offer Guest Artist Equity contracts. Performance Network is an Equity house – SPT 3; paying non-equity $125/week for rehearsals and performance weeks. The Williamston Theatre is an SPT-4 Equity house, and non-Equity actors are paid $200 per week for rehearsals and performances.

Information about the companies:

THE ABREACT (Detroit)
www.theabreact.com
The Abreact is Detroit’s most dynamic and exciting FREE performance spaces! We are dedicated to creating an open forum/venue for Detroit performing artists and audiences. The Abreact, formerly the Abreact Playhouse was founded in 2000 by two Detroit actors whose goal was initially to hone their craft by creating their own artistic dojo of sorts. What blossomed as a result was a theatrical venue unparalleled in its freedoms and resourcefulness. Seven shows later the venue changed hands and the mantle has been passed on to the next generation. We pledge to do our best, to do our worst, to cut our teeth, to share our wit and skills, and learn together. Come join us!

BLACKBIRD THEATRE (Ann Arbor)
www.blackbirdtheatre.org
Ann Arbor’s daredevil professional theatre. Also home of the Blackbird Theatre Academy, a free theatre arts program for youth. More intimate. More exciting. More fun.

BREATHE ART THEATRE PROJECT (Detroit/Windsor)
www.breathearttheatre.com
Committed to the principle of contemporary programming through the collaboration of Windsor/Detroit actors, directors and designers, Breathe Art Theatre Project’s mission is to advance the spirit of contemporary social theatre in its community by nurturing and supporting artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships, and offering a skilled environment for established and developing artists from the Windsor/Detroit community. Breathe Art is dedicated to perpetuating an ethic of mutual respect within our communities and across our borders.

MAGENTA GIRAFFE THEATRE COMPANY (Detroit)
www.magentagiraffe.org
The Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company acts to eliminate apathy, violence, prejudice and barriers to education through theatre productions, projects and programs; and further acts to reestablish and expand Detroit’s theatre district.

MATRIX THEATRE COMPANY (Detroit)
www.matrixtheatre.org
Matrix Theatre Company uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community, and foster social justice. It creates opportunities for children, youth, adults and elders, especially those in isolated or challenged communities, to become creators, producers, and audience of original theatre.

PERFORMANCE NETWORK (Ann Arbor)
www.performancenetwork.org
Performance Network is Ann Arbor’s resident professional theatre company, featuring Off-Broadway quality productions in an intimate 139 seat theatre. Our mission is to provide uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produce works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

PLANET ANT THEATRE (Hamtramck)
www.planetant.com
Planet Ant Theatre is an organization founded on the principle of artistic freedom and artistic experimentation leading to the growth of community, to artistic fulfillment, and to artistic success. This has been the main attraction to its artists since its conception and in turn has been the main attraction to its audience.

PROJECT THEATRE COMPANY (Detroit)
www.projecttheatre.com
Project Theatre Company is an ensemble of creative artists that write, direct, produce, and act in original multi-media works that play the emotional strings of the human heart. A group of young, talented and dedicated actors work to create an enriching, original theatrical experience for Individuals in all facets of life; Bringing the hunger and desire for live theatre to the streets of Metropolitan Detroit. No need to travel to Chicago or New York, when you have quality entertainment right in your very own backyard. That’s right, we will come to you! Project Theater Company seeks to impact our community one production at a time. Opening their eyes to the possibilities… the misconceptions, and shedding light on their true potential. A potential within themselves that they didn’t know, or maybe just didn’t believe existed. Showing them how to really LIVE! And how to start a new tradition of stability and love for their future generations.

WHO WANTS CAKE? THEATRE (Ferndale)
www.whowantscaketheatre.com
Who Wants Cake? is dedicated to providing a creative environment for local artists to produce works that challenge, confront, and entertain. Who Wants Cake? is known primarily for staging works that are of the indie/alternative bent.

WILLIAMSTON THEATRE (Williamston)
www.williamstontheatre.org
Williamston Theatre’s mission is to produce professional theatre that excites and engages our audiences while challenging us all to explore our lives. This mission statement is supported by the following objectives:
~ To be an integral part of the cultural fabric of Michigan.
~ To pursue innovative collaboration in every aspect of our work.
~ To establish a home for Midwest artists.
~ To engage audiences of diverse ages, cultures and economic backgrounds.

For more information about Joint General Auditions or to make an appointment, please e-mail frannie@magentagiraffe.org.

M-1 Studios in Ferndale is producing several 30-second spots as part of an advertising campaign for a local client.

Auditions are being held to cast these spots. This is a paid job. The auditions will be held at:
The Actors Loft
Friday April 23rd starting at 6PM
Saturday April 24th starting at 1PM

Looking for males and females, 18 – 65, all types. The spots will be shot Sunday May 2nd, so you must be available that day, and be available for a short rehearsal period prior to the shoot. Experience preferred but not required.

Please e-mail casting@m-1studios.com to request sides for the audition. E-MAILS ONLY. DO NOT CALL. Also, please indicate which audition day you plan to attend.

You are invited to attend, one of the top training/Acting workshops in the country, right here in Michigan, right here in Detroit! There are a few seats left! Next week, Monday April 12th! You are invited to sit in on the 1st class of the workshop at NO charge! This is your chance to learn from Movie Producer, Director and Actor, Hugh Gall. This level of training is not offered anywhere!

Just e-mail or call to reserve your seat!

Monday, March 12th – 7PM
The Actors Loft
919 S. Main St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 850-8592
www.actorsloft.com

Opening April 2nd and running through April 17th, 2010

Planet Ant Theatre announces the next installment of the 2010 Late Night Series directed by BoxFest 2010 Winner Molly McMahon. Henrietta Hermaline’s Fall from Great Heights is a Michigan premier by playwright Maggie Smith. Opening April 2nd and running Fridays and Saturday at 9:30pm through April 17th. Tickets are general admission $10. Featuring Jonathan Davidson , Jill Dion , Richard Payton.

Henrietta Hermaline’s Fall from Great Heights is the story of Henrietta, a shy, awkward secretary, living an invisible life in Manhattan. Little does she know, however, that her world is about to change. By chance, Henrietta meets a suave editor, Richard Prymus, who sweeps her off her feet. Throughout their whirlwind romance, Henrietta is introduced to adventure and the world of elite society. Meanwhile, a mysterious Birdman, who has been watching her every move, proclaims that she is the rightful Queen of the Bird People. Rooftop pigeons attempt to steer her journey and help her take her place at the throne of Birdland. Henrietta soon finds herself torn between the human world and the world of the birds. The story of love, heartbreak, and fantasy culminates as Henrietta is forced to choose in which world to exist.

For reservations call 313.365.4948 or email reservations@planetant.com. For more information check out www.planetant.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Friday, April 2nd 9:30pm
Saturday, April 3rd 9:30pm
Friday, April 9th 9:30pm
Saturday, April 10th 9:30pm
Friday, April 16th 9:30pm
Saturday, April 17th 9:30pm

E. Ray Scott

It was Saturday, Feb. 6, when the cheerful, tuxedoed members of Detroit’s Players Club gathered for their monthly show of plays at their historic Playhouse. The mood quickly sobered when they heard that Player E. Ray Scott had died at 86. As Executive Director of the Michigan Council for the Arts from its inception in 1966 to 1985, and as Director of Michigan’s Commission on Art in Public Places until 1991, E. Ray was the solidifying voice and personality of the arts in Michigan.

E. Ray Scott was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1923, and the gentle tones of his Southern childhood never left him. Echoing erudition wherever he went, with a tongue he used as both rapier and unguent, E. Ray earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Speech and Theatre from the University of Southern California. He then spent six years in the United States Army as the Producer and Director of Army Entertainment for the Armed Forces in Germany.

In pursuit of a Ph. D. in Theatre and Communication Arts, Ray moved to Michigan in 1961. It was as a lobbyist for the State Medical Society and a popular figure in Lansing that Scott became aware of the need for a central figure who could gather the many tributaries of Michigan’s artistic life into one coherent, persuasive and forceful voice. E. Ray had found his life’s work.

As former Governor William Milliken remembers, “I was a State Senator when I first met Ray. He was omnipresent in Lansing and, from then on, Ray gave me advice on when and how far we could go in supporting the arts in the state.” It was when Senator Milliken became Lt. Governor that E. Ray approached his wife, Helen Milliken, with his idea for an art train. Mrs. Milliken describes it as “the genius idea which was soon thereafter copied all across the continental United States.”

As noted by his long-time friend Robert O’Leary III, “Yes, if there was one defining moment in which Ray took the most pride, it was in the establishment of Artrain, Inc.” (the official name of the art train concept). Launched in 1971 Artrain was a rail car equipped as a traveling art gallery. With great support from the railroads, the original mission of bringing art to under-served communities throughout Michigan expanded and eventually traveled over the whole country, Artrain, Inc. continues today and has provided arts and cultural programs for over 3.2 million people in cities, towns and villages across the country. Artrain’s exhibitions have become the catalyst for the development of local community cultural programs and the artists who have been nurtured by these programs.

Close behind the Artrain project, E. Ray was also instrumental in creating the enabling legislation that created the Michigan Council for the Arts – only the second state arts council in the country. Getting the State Legislature to approve a reasonable appropriation for the Council was his greatest task made easier perhaps by his warm and personal relationship with Governor William Milliken, which lasted for the 17 years he was governor of Michigan. In a meeting during his first year in office, Gov. Milliken told E. Ray, “If you can encourage the Appropriations Committee to allocate more than I have designated in my budget, I will not veto it.,” and he never did.

Though Artrain became the flagship program of the Michigan Council for the Arts (MCA) when E. Ray served as the Council’s Executive Director, his tenure, on all levels, was always marked by his passionate, intelligent and persuasive lobbying for state support of artists, all cultural institutions, artists and arts in education programs. On a national level, he established a warm working relationship with Nancy Hanks, Director of the National Endowment Arts, and served on numerous boards and committees of the NEA. E. Ray will always be remembered, however, as the tireless and determined advocate for the arts and artists in Michigan. He oversaw major growth in the arts council, which became one of the leading – and largest supporters—of public arts in the country.

Under Ray’s tenure, the arts council pioneered the concept of mini-grants – smaller grants to initiative local community arts activities. A large network of community arts councils that provided grass roots support to all areas of Michigan was a direct outgrowth of Artrain and Ray’s own commitment to Michigan artists and cultural institutions. The arts council provided significant support to every major arts institution in the state – supporting commissions, artistic seasons, premiers, new work, major museum shows, and a wide array of arts education projects.

Scott used his own resources to work with ArtServe Michigan to establish the Michigan Artist Award, which awarded $3000 prizes to three Michigan artists for two consecutive years. The purpose was to provide them with a level of economic freedom that allowed them to concentrate all of their energies on their art. In 2007, E. Ray received the Arts Advocate of the Year award from ArtServe Michigan.

E. Ray Scott is survived by his sister, Jo Ann Cole, and his daughter Dana (Mrs. Scott Tschirhart), seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. A memorial service will be held for E. Ray at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 27th, at the GEM Theatre at 333 Madison Avenue in downtown Detroit. The service will be followed with a light lunch. Once more stories and legends about E. Ray will be passed around among as many of his friends and admirers who can be there.

Family requests memorials to support the arts in Michigan and Michigan Artrain. To make a contribution in E. Ray’s honor, please go to www.artrainusa.org.

There is one month remaining for emerging and established metropolitan Detroit literary and performing artists to apply for one of 18 $25,000 Kresge Artist Fellowships. Applications are only available online at www.kresgeartsindetroit.org and must be completed by Friday, February 26, 2010. Kresge Artist Fellowships are funded by The Kresge Foundation and administered by the College for Creative Studies, with professional development opportunities for the selected fellows provided by ArtServe Michigan.

The fellowships provide support for 18 artists living and working in metropolitan Detroit (Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties) whose commitment to innovation and artistic achievement are evident in the quality of their work. Artists in the following literary and performing arts disciplines are eligible to apply:
• Literary Arts: Art criticism in all disciplines (including visual, literary and performing arts), creative non-fiction, fiction, poetry, playwriting and interdisciplinary work within the above disciplines.
• Performing Arts: Choreography, music composition (in all genres – classical, country, electronic, experimental, folk, hip-hop, jazz, rap, rock, etc.), performance art, spoken word, sound art and interdisciplinary work within the above arts disciplines.

The fellowships recognize creative vision and commitment to excellence within a wide range of artistic disciplines, including artists who have been classically and academically trained, self taught artists and artists whose art forms have been passed down through cultural and traditional heritage. The fellows are selected through an open, competitive process as judged by an independent panel of local and national artists and arts professionals. The 2010 Kresge Artist Fellows will be announced in June 2010.

The Kresge Foundation is a $2.8 billion private, national foundation, based in Troy, Michigan, that seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations through its support of nonprofit organizations in six fields: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services, and community development. Kresge Arts in Detroit, an initiative comprising the Kresge Eminent Artist Award, Kresge Artist Fellowships and Kresge Arts Support, represents one of five strategic objectives set forth in the foundation’s Detroit Program, a comprehensive community-development effort to strengthen the long-term economic, social and cultural fabric of the city and surrounding region by strengthening Detroit’s neighborhoods and downtown, promoting arts and culture, advancing regional economic development and enhancing the natural environment. For more information, visit www.kresge.org.

The Kresge Eminent Artist Award and Kresge Artist Fellowships are administered by the Kresge Arts in Detroit office at the College for Creative Studies. Located in Detroit, the college is a world leader in art and design education and prepares students to enter the new, global economy where creativity shapes better communities and societies. A private, fully accredited college, it enrolls 1,400 students pursuing Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. For more information, visit www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu.

ArtServe Michigan is the statewide arts and cultural advocacy organization. Its mission is to cultivate the creative potential of the arts and cultural sector to enhance the health and well-being of Michigan, its people and communities. The organization is committed to developing and supporting the creative and professional potential of artists and other creative practitioners working in Michigan. Through a portfolio of statewide programs, services and resources designed to connect practitioners to resources, information and networks needed to help them thrive, ArtServe Michigan provides practical opportunities that stimulate ideas and growth. Programs focus on four main areas: professional development, networking and dialogue, research and analysis, and awards and benefits. For more information, visit www.artservemichigan.org.

For more information about Kresge Arts in Detroit, visit www.kresgeartsindetroit.org.

A Tribute to Motown: An American Dream Story Previews: May 7- 8th, 2010 and Regular Performances:  May 13 – 29, 2010. For more information call (810) 787-2200 or visit McCree’s 24 Hour Box Office at www.BuyMcCreeTickets.com.

Previews advance ticket rate: $8.00 adults, $5.00 students/seniors; at the door ticket rate: $10.00 adults, $6.00 students/seniors;

Regular Performances: advance rate: $12.00 adults, $7.00 students/seniors; at the door rates: $15.00 adults, $10.00 students/seniors.

On each performance day, up to 100 high school students will participate in one of four workshops taught by Hilberry Company members. Prior to the workshops, lunch will be provided by Blimpie of Detroit. Workshop options include “Introduction to Stage Management” (taught by Don Hunter, third-year stage management MFA candidate), “Lighting Design Fundamentals” (taught by Jim Costello, third-year lighting design MFA candidate), “Improve your Improvisation” (taught by Lorelei Sturm, first-year acting MFA candidate) and “Finding your Voice” (taught by Andrew Papa, first-year acting MFA candidate).

For $15 a ticket, Hilberry Company actors and designers will provide school groups with a performance and a glimpse into how productions are brought to life for audiences.

Engage with the Stage is the brainchild of third-year theatre management MFA candidate Kelly O’Connor.
 “My idea for Engage with the Stage was a direct response to feedback we received from community drama leaders and educators,” O’Connor says.  “Wayne State Theatres have a long history of educating and entertaining the next generation, and this program is a fresh way to engage young people with the Hilberry and Bonstelle Theatres.”
For ticket information, please call (313) 577-0852 or visit the Wayne State University Box Office at 4743 Cass Avenue on the corner of Cass Avenue and Hancock.  Performance information and tickets may also be obtained by visiting the Theatre’s websites at www.theatre.wayne.edu and www.wsushows.com.

About the Hilberry Theatre Company
The Hilberry Company is unique in that it is the nation’s only graduate theatre company staffed by young up-and-coming professionals and runs on a rotating repertory schedule. There are about 50 graduate students selected in national competition to receive fellowships to work in this theatre and study for advanced degrees in theatre management, stage management, lighting design, costume design, scenic design and acting. The company performs an annual season of six plays, including high school matinees for nearly 10,000 students. Through the years, four Hilberry productions have been selected to appear at the American College Theatre Festival.

Mosaic is the only Detroit organization, out of 100 nationwide, to win the $25,000 Chase Community Giving “you decide what matters” Facebook campaign. Each of the selected organizations now advance to Round Two, where one organization will receive $1 million and the five runners-up will be given $100,000 each. For Round Two, participating organizations were asked to submit a “Big Idea” explaining how they would put the funds to use in service of the community; Mosaic’s is the building renovation. Voting runs from January 15 to 22.

The building is located at 7441 Second Ave. Mosaic is working with Zachary and Associates to put together the package of state and federal historic, brownfield and New Market tax credits that will offset the overall cost of renovation.

“FORGOTTEN: The Murder at the Ford Rouge Plant” will be presented at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, March 26, 2010. Elise Bryant will direct this new production, and Bill Meyer will serve as music director.

“FORGOTTEN” is an original jazz-folk opera by composer Steve Jones about the 1930s and the Great Depression in Detroit. It focuses on the real-life story of the Rev. Lewis Bradford, a Methodist minister who came to Detroit in 1936 and broadcast a weekly radio show over station WXYZ, “The Forgotten Man’s Hour” from the Howard Street Mission. Bradford was found fatally injured at the Ford River Rouge plant. An examination of the autopsy report led the Wayne County Medical Examiner to conclude that Bradford’s death should probably have been classified as a homicide.

Previously produced in Detroit in 2004 and 2005, this production is funded with donations and grants from individuals as well as nonprofit groups including the Michigan Labor History Society, the Ovshinsky Foundation, and the U.S. Peace Council, and by Macomb Community College. Target audiences include students at Macomb Community College and at local high schools as well as the general public. There are approximately eight principal cast members and a chorus of approximately 22.

Auditions for the cast and chorus will be held on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. (all should arrive by 6:30), and on Saturday, January 30 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. (all should arrive by 12 noon)

Audition participants are requested to bring sheet music for the pianist to play while they sing (or be prepared to sing a standard song they think the pianist might know without music). Have a second song ready. NO TAPES, NO A CAPELLA

Callbacks are on Sunday, January 31 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Auditions and callbacks will be held on the second floor at the historic Central United Methodist Church, 23 E. Adams at Grand Circus Park in downtown Detroit. Lighted parking is available behind the church.

Rehearsals in February and March will take place at Central United Methodist Church in preparation for the March 26, 2010 performance. 

If you are interested in being a part of the cast, chorus, or production team, please contact:
Anne Drake at: adrake898@comcast.net or 734-995-1738; Bill Meyer at: bmeyer@macgroup or 313-207-3904; Dave Elsila at: davelsi@aol.com or 313- 882-2032; or Sam Kirkland at: skirk56@aol.com or 313-433-9680.