Last Week of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Show Closes February 26

It's Alice time!  

Don't miss closing week of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Thursday and Friday at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets available online, by phone (1-800-838-3006), and at the door!  

Directors' Workshop Night - March 28 at 7:00 pm

Join the directors of SouthFork Confessions, Shrek The Musical, and The Grapes of Wrath to learn more about their upcoming productions and specific audition information. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insight. Free.

Southfork Auditions - April 1 and 2
Shrek Auditions - April 19-23
The Grapes of Wrath Auditions- September 30, October 1

Alice continues through February 26

Only two more weeks of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland!  Don't miss all of your favorite characters.  Tickets are available online and at the door.  #GoSeeAlice

Shrek Audition Coming in April

Imagination Theater Audition Notice

Shrek The Musical

Directed by Peter Wolfe     Choreography by Maggie Bush     Vocal Direction by Jerri Myers

1.  Vocal Requirements for all auditioners:

·         Ensemble Roles.  Auditioners for ensemble roles will be asked to sing a musical theater type song of their choice.  Song choice may be from Shrek or any other show.  Some ensemble auditioners may be asked to sing in a falsetto voice.

·         Young and Teen Fiona.  Auditioners for Young Fiona or Teen Fiona are expected to sing the Young Fiona and Teen Fiona portions of “I Know It’s Today” from the show.

·         Adult Fiona.  Adult Fiona auditioners are expected to prepare 2 vocal pieces from the show: 

(1) The Adult Fiona portion of “I Know It’s Today,” and

(2) “Finale.” Through measure 60.

·         Donkey.  Auditioners for Donkey are expected to sing “Don’t Let Me Go” from the show.

·         Lord Farquaad.  Auditioners for Lord Farquaad will be asked to sing ”What’s Up Duloc?”  The song must be sung while kneeling.

·         Shrek. Auditioners for Shrek will be asked to sing “Who I’d Be.”

·         Voice of the Dragon.  Seeking a soulful, R and B sound.  Please prepare any suitable song.

·         All auditioners are encouraged to become familiar with the melody and lyrics to “Freak Flag.” Memorization of the lyrics is not necessary.

·         Auditioners should bring their accompanying music as an electronic file on a CD, a computer, an Ipad, or on a cell phone. A live accompanist will not be available. A capella singing is not allowed. Lyrics must be memorized. All vocal auditions must be accompanied by a musical backing track that does not include accompanying vocals. Appropriate backing tracks are available on You Tube.

2.  Audition Schedule:

·         All auditions are at Imagination Theater.

·         VOCAL AUDITIONS ONLY FOR YOUNG FIONA AND TEEN FIONA.

o   Wednesday, April 19, 2017; Check-in at 6:00pm. Auditions from 6:30-9:00pm.

o   Bring Theater Resume.  Headshots or Photos optional.

·         VOCAL AUDITIONS ONLY FOR ADULT FIONA and CALL-BACK VOCAL AUDITIONS FOR YOUNG FIONA AND TEEN FIONA.

·         Thursday, April 20, 2017; Check-in at 6:00pm. Auditions from 6:30-9:00pm.

·         Bring Theater Resume.  Headshots or Photos optional.

·         GENERAL VOCAL, DANCE, AND READINGS AUDITIONS FOR ALL AUDITIONERS.

·         Saturday, April 22, 2017; Check-in at 8:30am.

·         Vocal Auditions from 9:00am to Noon.  There will be a lunch break.

·         Dance Auditions from 1:00pm to 2:30pm.

·         Cold Readings from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

·         Auditioners for all Ensemble Roles, Shrek, Lord Farquaad, Donkey, and Dragon will sing on Saturday morning.

·         Bring Theater Resume.  Headshots or Photos optional.

·         Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and suitable dance shoes for all auditions.  Dancing in bare feet or sandals is not allowed. Do not wear heavy boots.

·         Bring water and snacks.

·         CALL-BACK AUDITIONS BY INVITATION.

·         Sunday, April 23,2017; 1:00pm to 4:00pm

o    Will include group singing, cold readings, and additional dancing activities

FOR QUESTIONS E-MAIL THE DIRECTOR, Peter at:  pwolfe615@gmail.com

New Box Office Hours

The theater is undergoing some important renovations in the next few months and we're excited about the changes.  We want to enhance your theater experience from the inside out.  This will take a bit of time--and we apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.

New Hours:  Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., one hour prior to show times, and by appointment only through March.  The box office will be closed for renovations in April and re-open in July.  

Ticket hours open 24/7 when you purchase online or call 1-800-838-3006.  We strongly encourage this option for purchasing tickets for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Tuna Does Vegas.  

Meet Sean Conley-Widing, Lighting Designer for SouthFork Confessions

1.  Designing and preparing lighting for any show takes time. What special challenges will there be for you in SouthFork, IT's first original musical?

This show has a different flow to the story that is more transitional in the telling than the other shows I have designed.  It will be a challenge to express that transition throughout both acts creating the tone the actors need for the telling of this story.  

2.  What shows have you designed that are memorable for you?

I have only recently been designing the lights for shows here at Imagination Theater for the last year, so all of the shows I have designed are memorable in their own way - each with its own special requirements and nuances.  For a new designer, the first show is always your most memorable since it is an expression of the directors vision through the skills you have developed either in your education or apprenticeship with the tools you have on hand to bring that show to life.  Without you, the actors are performing their craft in the dark.

3.  What advice would you have for people interested in helping with lights and running lights during a show?  

Sometimes when you are in the booth, it seems that you are disconnected and apart from the show, which is not true.  You are a part in the show - so be a part in the show and make sure you hit all of your queues.  The cast is depending upon you to play your part as much as any other actor on the stage and help make the show a success. 

4.  What other hobbies do you enjoy in your busy life?

My wife and I are members of the Girl Scouts where I teach Boating Safety using Canoes, and I teach Archery.  I volunteer for a number of Veteran organizations and utilize my Information Technology background to assist in web design and computer training.  I am in the process of developing and running a role-playing game for some friends which is going to start in a few weeks. 

5.  You've acted on stage as well as designed. Any other roles in theater you'd like to explore?

Since my first role on-stage in Camelot, I have worked in many of the jobs or roles that can be offered here at Imagination Theater because I want to get the whole Theater Experience.  I will probably not make a good costumer since I do not know my way around a sewing machine.  At sometime in the future, I would like to direct a show - however I do not have anything specific in mind as yet.  I would like to do a more in-depth exploration in Producing where I can utilize my organizational and communication skills not needed on-stage to make a show successful from inception to the final curtain call.  I had the opportunity to be the assistant producer in Deathtrap and loved being on the inside of that production.

To get involved behind the scene in SouthFork Confessions, please contact the theater at 530-642-0404.

Meet Caitlyn Miller, assistant director for SouthFork Confessions

1. What is it like working on an original musical as an Assistant Director, and have you ever done that before? This is the first time I've worked on an original piece from the ground up. It’s been both educational and fascinating to see how much this project has grown, morphed, and come together since it started.

2. What shows have you been in before playing the Mother in A Christmas Story? I was in a few Gilbert and Sullivan productions in San Francisco with the Lamplighter Opera company. Christmas Story was my first show in Placerville since 2005. Before that I was in Annie, Grease, and A Christmas Carol at IT.

3. What has been the biggest challenge for you in bringing SouthFork to life?The biggest challenge for me so far has been all the bits and pieces I didn't realize it took to put on a show. It never occurred to me how far ahead you have to plan things, like publicity.

4. What is your guiding motto when it comes to directing or being involved in a play? When I direct, I like to help the actors create something they can be proud of. I encourage them to approach their character from every possible angle. You never know what will work best until you try it.

5. What are some of your favorite shows that you have been in?

My favorites were Into the Woods at Sutter Street Theater and Iolanthe in San Francisco for similar reasons. Both shows were fantasy-themed with fun and challenging music. Being in those shows definitely improved me as a musician.

When not at Imagination Theater, Caitlyn runs the Crocker House Creative Arts Center in El Dorado. Caitlyn loves traveling and the outdoors, especially camping, hiking, and kayaking in the mountains. Bonus points for anything out of cellphone range!

Auditions are scheduled April 1 & 2. See the theater blog or website for details.

Meet Jo Avery, the Dramaturg for SouthFork Confessions

1. Jo, what is a dramaturg and what is your role as one?

It seems there are about as many definitions of dramaturg as there are people who do it. A dramaturg is a frequent collaborator with the playwright and/or director.  They may help the actors to understand and interpret their characters. While they are typically much more than a librarian, who just researches aspects of a production, in the case of SouthFork Confessions that has been my primary role. I have found historical information for Chrissie, and have also obtained permission to use copyrighted music and poetry, for example.

2. Tell us about your background and how it related to this job, and what challenges you faced?

I had never previously worked in theater before. But I was a school librarian for many years, so I have knowledge of the research process. Locating historical information, such as the poetry of Black Bart, was fun and well within the scope of my skills. Finding copyright information for the music was another story altogether. I don't have a music background, and the laws regarding music copyright are quite complicated. Helping to ensure that we stay within the law and respect the intellectual and artistic property of others has proven to be a serious responsibility. Chrissie recently told me that in professional theater dramaturgs can make big bucks - I can see why now!

Meet Afton Parker, Choreographer for SouthFork Confessions

1. 

   After a hiatus with Imagination Theater, what brings you back to work on SouthFork?

Mainly, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to work with Chrissie again! I also love helping to develop new theater. The whole process is very exciting to me.

2: Describe the kind of dancing and movement you envision in this production? All the movement will be reminiscent of American Folk Dance with a European influence. The Old West had a rich history of dance as a means of socialization and was therefore very important. Since everyone was an immigrant, all dancing was a derivative from their homeland's traditional dance that was reimagined to fit new music. I plan to capitalize on this idea to develop layers of different types of dance that focuses on the town's communal experience and dynamic.

3: Tell us about your background/training in theater, music and dance?  

I've been training or participating in the theater arts for the better part of 17 years, including voice, speech, dialects, acting, ballet, jazz, theater dance, and tap. I graduated with honors from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of NYC. I have been fortunate to train under industry greats such as Teri Ralston, Jason Chaet, Markus Potter, and our own Chrissie Addison!

4: In what shows have you performed that are memorable? A few of my most memorable shows thus far have been my NY showcases, The Who's Tommy, and American Legend.

5:  When auditioning for a musical with movement, what advice would you share with others?

Eat a good breakfast, stay hydrated, wear clothes that don't hinder movement, and give it your all! As a choreographer I would much rather have someone with energy and enthusiasm than someone with perfect technique but no charisma.

Auditions are scheduled for April 1 and 2. Go to www.imaginationtheater.net for further information.

“It's always tea-time” at Imagination Theater

Join us this February for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  All tickets for all shows are $12.  Come see this magical story brought to life by local adults and children in El Dorado  County.   The show is for all ages and runs approximately two hours in length. 

Tickets are available online at 

http://goseealice.bpt.me or by calling 1-800-838-3006

Tickets are also available at the door.

Rick Gaylord and Jeff Lathrop Reunite in Tuna Does Vegas

Imagination Theater is pleased to announce the return of Jeff Lathrop and Rick Gaylord in Tuna Does Vegas opening at Imagination Theater on March 17.    The director, Lanny Langston, is excited to work with them again as they reprise the many lovable and eccentric characters from the Greater Tuna series.  Behind the scenes (and the curtain) are the “Tuna Helpers” to assist with quick changes as the men alternate characters.  The show reintroduces many of the town’s citizens and it is not necessary to have seen previous installments to understand this satirical story as the characters from the 'third smallest town in Texas’ take a rambling romp in Sin City.  The comedy runs just three weekends-- March 17 through April 2 at Imagination Theater.  Tickets can be ordered through the theater website, or directly at http://tunadoesvegas.bpt.me or 1-800-838-3006.

The magical story, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland opens Friday

Join us in February as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland returns to the IT! stage. This Elly Award winning adapted script, written by Peter and Sarah Wolfe, was originally produced in 2001 to wide acclaim.  

Order tickets today for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at http://goseealice.bpt.me. 
or call 1-800-838-3006.

Q & A with Adeline Penn - Props Mistress for SouthFork Confessions

Q:  What challenge pulled you into working as Props Mistress on this original musical?

A: I enjoy being part of the process of bringing the director’s vision to life. The devil can truly be in the details, particularly if it is a period piece. Finding just the right prop is like a treasure hunt!

Q: Working on props in SouthFork also means being on stage and performing with the actors.  What’s is like doing back stage and on stage work in the same show?

A: Having had this experience in Quilters, I would say I enjoy it immensely. While I truly enjoy working backstage, I will admit to having a bit of the onstage bug. Also, working both on and off stage makes Southfork  truly an “ensemble” show in a deeper sense than is usually done.

Q: Tell us about your background and what brings you to Imagination Theater!

A: I have been entranced by theater since I was old enough to sit up, sit still (that was the hardest part) and watch. My personal experience both on and off stage includes junior and high school productions, a BA in theater arts, work in a few professional settings, and wearing a number of hats in a couple of community theaters.

Q:  What is the craziest prop you’ve ever had to find and manage?

A:  Hmmm…. Serving food hot enough for the audience to see the steam rising but the actors could actually eat.  Or making sure the fireworks on stage didn’t set any actors or the set on fire.  And I still love that bloody basket of body parts that had to look fresh. Deliciously gruesome!

Q:  What part of the process do you enjoy the most in working on a production?

A:  The process itself. Watching the disparate parts that make a show come together and to life - along with the people that devote themselves to this process is fascinating. Occasionally, the process can be a tad tortuous, but, oh, the glorious moment when the curtain goes up!

Q:  If you were to hang your motto for being in theater on the green room wall, what would it say?

A:  It would be “Ever Hopeful ”(interpret as you wish). For the theater it would be “Be True.” Be true to the vision, be true to the job you are doing on and/or off stage, be true to the people you are working with.   And be truly in the moment so that moment is the best that it can be for yourself and for the audience.