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TAGLines T h e N ew s l e t t e r o f t h e T h e a t r e A r t s G u i l d , I n c . – M a r c h 2 0 1 0

J i m M a r t i n , P r e s i d e n t C a t h y H i r s c h , C h a i r / E d i t o r w w w . t h e a t r e a r t s g u i l d . c o m

TAG

N I G H T

O U T

Execution of Justice SNAP Productions

March 3

Jesus Christ Superstar Chanticleer Theatre

March 11

Get Back Bellevue Little Theatre

March 11

This is How It Goes SkullDuggery Theatre

March 17

Godspell Creighton Universtiy

March 18

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T H I S I S S U E On Stage News

The Green Room / Auditions

Other Good Stuff

Theatre Planning Calendar

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N EW

M EM B E R S

Wendy Lundeen Brittany Locke

Q&A Discussion Series: Scenic Design By Jennifer Gilg Over the past year, the TAG Board has looked at its awards process from several angles in an effort to ensure that the TAG Awards fulfill our mission of raising awareness of and participation in live theatre in the metropolitan Omaha community through recognition of contributions to the art form. In addition to examining voting methods, the Board undertook a thorough audit of ballots to determine the level of member participation in the selection of TAG Award nominees and winners. One of the things the Board noted is that the technical categories receive far fewer nominations from voters than the acting categories. In the hopes of promoting greater participation in the recognition of designers and technicians who contribute so much to our theatre community, TAGLines is launching a series of articles focusing on the TAG Awards’ technical categories. The first in this series features a Q & A discussion with TAG Award-winning scenic designers Bill Van Deest and Paul Pape. Bill Van Deest is the lighting and scenic designer at Creighton University and the Associate Artistic Director for Design for the Nebraska Shakespeare Company. He has designed for numerous theatres in the Omaha area, and is a three-time TAG Award winner for best scenic design (Night of the Iguana, I Am My Own Wife, Seascape). Paul Pape is a free lance designer who has also served as scenic design professor and technical director at UNO. Pape has designed for Alicia Keys, the LaJolla Playhouse, the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, UNO, and SNAP! Productions, just to name a few. He was awarded the 2009 TAG Award for his scenic design for Doubt: A Parable. Read the Question and Answer portion of the article, continued on page 7.

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On Stage News*UNO Theatre presents Gross Indecency Through March 6 Moises Kaufman's Gross Indecency: the Three Trials of Oscar Wilde artfully weaves actual trial transcripts, Wilde's personal correspondence, interviews, and other source material to illustrate the "man of letter's" historical downfall. Gross Indecency unveils Wilde's artistic genius which has long been overshadowed by the scandal surrounding his imprisonment. Overall, an insightful, human, drama. The show is directed by Dr. Amy Lane and will run from February 24-27 to March 3-6 at 7:30 pm. All performances will be located in the Theatre of UNO's Weber Fine Arts Building, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha NE, 68182. The UNO box office will begin taking reservations on February 15th-- call 402.554.PLAY for tickets. FREE for all UNO Students. All other students pay only $5.00.

The John Beasley Theater presents August Wilson's Jitney Through March 7 Directed by John Beasley and starring Beasley and Anthony Chisholm, the show runs Feb. 12-Mar. 7, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For reservations, call 502-5767.

Nebraska Wesleyan University Theatre presents

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Through March 7

The musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is based on a popular 1998 film by the same title. It's about two fraudsters, Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson, living on the French Riviera. Lawrence is a cultivated and suave gentleman who cons rich ladies out of their money. Freddy on the other hand is a small time American thief who cons women into giving him money by telling made up stories about his sick grandmother. One day they meet on the train and try to setup some work together, but soon find out that the small French town they live in isn't big enough to support two scammers. So they setup a challenge, they agree that the first person to successfully steal $50,000 from a young Chistine Colgate will get to stay in town, while the loser gets to leave. The battle between them then starts, with many twists and laughs along the way. Call 402-465-2384 for ticket information.

*The Circle Theatre presents Escanaba In Da Moonlight Through March 13

The Circle Theatre will be starting the New Year with the regional premier of the comedy Escanaba In Da Moonlight a hilariously twisted comedy about five Yoopers – residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – and their escapades at a ramshackle deer camp on the eve of the Opening Day of the 1989 hunting season by actor Jeff Daniels. For nearly three quarters of a century, Soady men have trekked to their little “home away from home” north of Escanaba – the heart and soul of the U. P. – to drink, cause a little bit of trouble, and bag bucks. But in the words of the Patriarch Albert, “Dat year camp was as tense as a moose’s butt durin’ fly season. Why? At 35,

Rueben Soady is in danger of becoming the oldest member in the history of the family never to bag a buck! The show features the talents of Cullen Chollett, Chris Wiig, Don Harris and David Sindelar. Directed by Kevin Ehrhart, Escanaba will be staged in the lower level of Central Presbyterian Church, opening on Friday February 19th and will run through Saturday, March 13th. Doors open at 6:30pm.with dinner served at 7:00pm and the show starting at 8:00pm. The show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets for dinner and show are $23 and show only tickets are $13. The entrees for this production will include Ham and scalloped potatoes, Crusted Chicken Breast and Macaroni and Cheese. The Circle Theater is located in the lower level of Central Presbyterian church, 726 So. 55th St. (Corner of 55th and Leavenworth). For reservations and further information call Doug Marr at 553-4715 or dlmarr@cox.net.

The Rose presents There’s An Alligator Under My Bed March 5 – 21

Don't miss your chance to see this world-premiere production based on three of Mercer Mayer's famous children's books — "There's an Alligator Under My Bed," "There's Something in My Attic," and "There's a Nightmare in My Closet." How does a child sneak past the alligator under the bed, the Big Nightmare in the closet, and the Silly Scary Thing that lives in the attic? You will have to come to The Rose to find out! Plus, you won't want to miss the fun new songs by Stuart Kenny, who wrote all of the music for last season's "The Little Engine That Could." Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 pm performance on Saturday, March 13. Based on the books written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer. Adapted by James Larson with songs by Stuart Kenny. Free for members, $16 for all other tickets. Visit www.rosetheater.org for more information

The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents Death of a Salesman Through March 21 (Howard Drew Theatre)

Willy Loman is a traveling salesman whose American Dream of success has been haunted by missed opportunities and an uncertain future. His home life is equally unsatisfactory. He’s tried to instill his values in his sons Biff and Happy, but they repeatedly fail to meet his expectations. His long-suffering wife Linda finds herself being a referee as Willy and the boys fight. Ultimately, Willy’s lifetime of self-deception distorts his dream into an American tragedy. Kevin Lawler is guest director. Stage Manager is Wes Houston. Bernie Clark stars as Willy Loman. Other members of the cast include Tim Abou-Nasr, Brigid Amos, Kathleen Byrd, Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek, Larry French, Ryan Fuller, Scott Kroeker, Jolene Mathis, Jennifer McGill, Lois Nemec, Geoffrey Stienblock, and Jonathan Wilhoft. Performances run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and

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On Stage News Salesman, Continued

Sundays at 2:00 PM only. Tickets for this drama are $32.00 for adults and $21.00 for students. Prices include tax. Mention that you’re a TAG member for a $10 discount; membership card must be shown when picking up your ticket. Call the ticket line at 553-0800 or go to www.omahaplayhouse.com for reservations or information.

*SNAP! Productions presents Execution of Justice March 4-28

The perfect companion piece to last year’s Academy Award winning film biography “Milk”. In 1982, Emily Mann penned a gripping courtroom drama that explores the trial surrounding the shooting of City Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. This trial is considered a landmark court case and ultimately lead to what we now know as the infamous “Twinkie Defense”. M. Michele Phillips will direct this drama and has assembled a cast that includes Matt Allen, Jennifer Gilg, Thomas Lowe, Michal Simpson, Scott Fowler, Jerry Evert, Barb Ross, Judy Radcliff, Robert Williams, Echelle Childers, Mark Cramer, and Stacy Lamb with Josh Mullady, Heather Hannerford, Fred Slegers, Melinda Mead and Laura Maxwell. Costume design by Hilary Winkworth, set design by Adam Nathan, and lighting design by Audrey Fisher. Rounding out the production staff are Brian Callaghan (Stage Manager) Michal Simpson (Producer), Mark Cramer (Visual/Graphics Designer), Rhonda Hall (Props Design) and Dan Baye (Sound Design). The show runs March 4 – 28, 2010 at 3225 California Street. Curtain times are 8:00 pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 6:00 pm on Sundays. The Sunday, March 28th show will start at 2:00 pm. The theater opens a half hour before curtain time. Reservations may be made on the SNAP! Productions’ website: www.snapproductions.com. Tickets are $15.00, general admission; $12.00, students, senior citizens, and TAG members. The performances on March 11, 18 and 25 will have our New Thursday Special Pricing of only $10.00. Call 402-341-2757 with questions about tickets. There will be a TAG Night out Wednesday, March 3rd at 8:00pm

*Chanticleer Theatre presents Jesus Christ Superstar March 12 – 28

Chanticleer announces the opening of “Jesus Christ Superstar”. The production will begin March 12 and run through March 28, 2010 with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. The production is directed by Daena Schweiger. Other staff members include Keith Hart/Music Director; Wai Yim/Choreographer; Lisa McNeil/Stage Manager; Loyal Fairman/Scenic Designer; Dave Podendorf/Sound Design, Darrin Golden/Light Design, Rhonda Hall/Properties Designer and Costumes by Ibsen Costume Gallery. Cast members include: Shawn Cannon/Jesus; Dan Chevalier/Judas; Amanda Miller/Mary Magdalene; Katherine Jarvis/Mary Magdalene; Matthew Hemingway/Simon; Andrew Miner/Peter; John Morrissey/Pilate; Joe Blackstad/Herod & Annas; Wayne

Moore/Caiaphas. Other cast members are Mindi Cavanaugh; Denise Chevalier; Dana Donlan; Jeremy Gillmore; Rachel Holmes; Katie Kasher; Dale Krusemark; John Kuehl; Karen Lehmer; Jeff Lively; Kayla Mitchell; Kate Simmons and Danielle Smith. Ticket prices are: Adults - $ 17.00, Seniors - $ 14.00 Children/Students - $ 9.00. For more information and reservations, contact the box office at 712-323-9955 or email manager@chanticleertheater.com. There will be a TAG Night Out Thursday, March 11 at 7:30pm.

*Bellevue Little Theatre presents Get Back March 12 - 28 Conceived by Ric Swanson and staged by Bridget Robbins, Get Back spotlights the super hits of the seventies and features a cast of outstanding singers and dancers who will take us back to the time of hot pants and leisure suits to help us all relive this memorable era. Ric Swanson is musical director, Bette Swanson produces; Terry Schmidt is stage manager; Jack Hogston is set designer; Cody Seebohm is sound designer; Leah Skorupa is in charge of costume design. The cast includes Roger Bennett, Carol Blood, Joe Blood, Debbie Cline, Steve Couch, Phyllis Cremonini, Blare Fritz, Teri Gabel, Jan Gabrial, Gloria Jensen, Bob Kropp, Tori Loutzenhiser, Christi Malek, Donna Matlock, Morgan McCaw, Brock McCullough, Vince Riha, Steve Spurgeon, Terry Schmid, Ann Stergiou, Michael Taylor-Stewart, Sammi Swanson, Tammi Swanson and Angela Wagner. Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 W. Mission in Olde Towne Bellevue, the weekends of March 12-28. The musical begins at 8 pm on Fri. and Sat. evenings and 2 pm on Sundays. Reservations are strongly recommended and may be made by calling the theatre at 291-1554 on Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $7.50 for students. There will be a TAG Night Out on Thursday, March 11 at 8:00pm.

*Creighton University presents Godspell March 18 – 28 Curtain times are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. A TAG Night Out will be held Thurs, March 18 at 7:30.

The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents All Shook Up March 5 - April 3 (Mainstage)

All Shook Up is not about Elvis, but IS a tribute to his legend and his music. The show mixes a little bit of Shakespeare with a whole lot of The King. Time: the summer of 1955. Place: a small you-never-heard-of-it town somewhere in the Midwest. The story: Natalie, a small town girl with big dreams falls for Chad, a motorcycle-riding stud who rides into town. Chad has just been released from prison and is looking for excitement. He is shocked to learn that the mayor has outlawed excitement: no tight pants, no public necking, and

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On Stage News/The Green Room All Shook Up, Continued worst of all, no loud music. Chad sets out to “fix” this. Eventually, everyone responds with new attitudes and welcome results, but along the way, as in the Shakespeare comedy Twelfth Night, everyone falls under love’s spell, but with the “wrong” person. As Elvis music fills the theatre, the complications work themselves out and the townspeople sing and dance their way to the “right” person and a happy ending. Carl Beck directs, with Mary Dew as Stage Manager. The cast includes Adam Abou-Nasr, Sofia Abou-Nasr, Samantha Brown, Bailey Carlson, Jason DeLong, Cathy Hirsch, Steve Krambeck, Austin Learned, Debbie Massey, Allison McDermott, Jesse Merriman, Catie Miller, Joe O’Connor, Jake Ozanne, Michael Sewell, Nora Shelton, Theresa Sindelar, Courtney Stein, Rick Tritz, Edward Wayne, David Wierschem, and Julie Rose Zukaitis. Performances run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Because Easter falls on April 4th, the show will close with the performance on Saturday, April 3rd. Tickets are $38.00 for adults and $24.00 for students. Mention that you’re a TAG member for a $10 discount; membership card must be shown when picking up your ticket. Seven Buck Sunday is March 7th; all seats for the 6:30 PM show will be sold for $7, going on sale at 4 PM – cash or check only, in person at the Box Office. Twilight (half-priced) tickets are sold beginning at noon on each performance day (subject to availability and valid for that day’s show only); sales are done at the window, cash or check. Call the Box Office ticket line at 402-553-0800 (toll free 888-782-4338); or visit the OCP web site at www.omahaplayhouse.org.

Bluebarn Theatre presents Hot ‘N’ Throbbing March 11 – April 3 Susan Clement-Toberer directs this surreal and yet hilarious drama which showcases costumes by Jenny Pool, scenic design by Martin Scott Marchitto, lighting design by Carol Wisner, and sound design by Martin Magnuson. The play stars Kim Jubenville, with Mike Markey, Shannon Jaxies, David James Zenchuk, Jr., David Mainelli and Kirstin Kluver. Take Charlene, a suburban mother who writes erotic screenplays for women in order to support her children; add Clyde, her funny, dangerously obsessive and estranged husband; toss in hormonally overcharged teenagers; and layer it all with a screenplay on a deadline that Charlene desperately tries to write—and you end up with HOT 'N' THROBBING, a gripping new play written by the Pulitzer Prizewinning author of How I Learned To Drive. Shows run Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, March 21st and 28th at 6 p.m. There will be a free post-performance discussion following the performance on Sunday, March 21st. The talk-back will be held at the KANEKOUNO Library, 1111 Jones Street. Ticket prices are $25 for adults; and $20 for students, TAG members, seniors 65+, and groups of 10 or more.

SkullDuggery Theatre presents This is How it Goes March 18 -April 11

Written by Neil Labute and directed by Andrew McGreevy ths play stars: Eric Grant-Leanna, LeAnn Tipler, and D. Kevin Williams. Belinda and Cody Phipps appear to be a typical American couple: teenage sweethearts now married with children and a luxurious home. Typical except that Cody is in almost every respect an outsider - .rich and black and different - in the words of Belinda, who finds herself attracted to a white former classmate who has recently returned to town. As the battle for her affections is waged against a backdrop as seemingly serene as a Norman Rockwell painting, Belinda and Cody frankly question the foundation of their initial attraction, opening the door wide to a swath of bigotry, deception, and betrayal. Tickets are $10 for students. $12 for adults. Shows at 7:30pm. Reservations can be made by calling 402-317-7893. The March 17th performance is a TAG Night Out.

The Green

Room *The Florentine Players presents Hint – an Adaptation from Clue: the Movie and Board Game March 12 - 13 Doors open at 6PM and Show starts at 7PM for this murder mystery presented at the Florence City Hall building, 29th and State Street. Ticket prices are $15 for Dinner and Show, $10 for Show only, (reservations are required for dinner). $2 discounts on all tickets for TAG members, Seniors over 60, or Groups of 8 or more. Reservations can be made by calling 871-8791 or online at http://www.florentineplayers.com/tickets.php

Papillion-La Vista H.S. Presents Guys & Dolls March 12 - 14 The musical will be presented March 12th and 13th at 7 p.m. and March 14th at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 898-0488. For more information, email Molly Grasso at mgrasso@paplv.esu3.org

*OPAS presents The Color Purple March 16 – 21

The unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, The Color Purple is about hope and the healing power of love. Performances at the Orpheum Theater will be Tues, Wed, Thurs and Sun at 7:30 p.m.; Fri and Sat at 8:00 p.m. and Sat and Sun at 2:00 p.m.

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The Green Room Color Purple, Continued For more information about THE COLOR PURPLE visit OmahaPerformingArts.org, TicketOmaha.com or www.colorpurple.com. The TADA Theatre presents Always…Patsy Cline March 11 - 28

The musical, Always...Patsy Cline, one of the most popular shows produced at the TADA Theatre, will return for a limited three week at The TADA Theatre. Production dates are March 11-14/18-21/25-28 with performance times Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $18.00 (Thursday-Saturday) and $15.00 for Sunday matinees. The award winning TADA Theatre is located in the Creamery Building at 7th & P Streets in the historic Haymarket district of Lincoln, Nebraska. Tickets can be reserved by calling (402) 438-TADA (8232) or on-line at www.tadatheatre.info.

And waiting in the wings … *Shelterbelt Theatre presents Instant Theatre 3 April 2 – 3

The Rose Theatre presents The Bridge to Terabithia April 2-18

The Omaha Playhouse presents Mister Roberts April 16 – May 9 SkullDuggery Theatre presents Blasted April 22 – May 9

Brigit St. Brigit presents Mrs. Warren’s Profession April 22 – May 15

The Omaha Playhouse presents Awesome 80s Prom April 30 – May 30

Auditions & More Auditions Auditions for the Mills Masquers' upcoming production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing will be held Sunday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m., and Monday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at the Barton Theater north of Glenwood on old U.S. Highway 275. Those who audition should be prepared to read from the script. There are many parts available for performance age 13 and up. The show will open April 30 and run through May 9. For more information, contact show director Jeff DeYoung at 527-5443. BroadStreet Theatre Co. will hold auditions for Little Women: the musical Monday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 9, both at 7 p.m. at

North Side Christian Church, located at 5555 Larimore Ave. (two blocks north of 56th & Ames). The show will run June 18 - July 4 at the Bellevue Little Theatre. Directed by Todd Brooks, music direction by Keefer Peterson, and produced by Mary Carrick Needed are (7) women ages high-school through adult and four men, ages 20s and up. Those auditioning should come prepared with 16-32 bars of music from the musical theatre genre (please bring sheet music) and may also be asked to read from the script and sing from the score. An accompanist will be provided. For more information, contact Todd Brooks at (402) 968-5543 or at brooks1965@aol.com. You may also contact Mary Carrick at (402) 301-1370 or at broadstreettheatre@hotmail.com. The Omaha Community Playhouse will hold auditions for The Awesome 80s Prom, directed by Carl Beck which will be performed April 30 through May 30, 2010. Auditions are March 8th & 9th at 7:00pm and will consist of cold readings from the script and an Improv session. Use west Stage Door – sign in upon arrival. To check out a script, call (402) 553-4890 x. 110

Auditions are set for Chanticleers’ Production of Footloose. The auditions will be March 15 and 16 at the theater. They will both start at 7:00 pm. Please bring appropriate shoes for the dance part of the audition. Roles are available for all who can look high school age and older. No roles are precast. You will need to bring a prepared song to the audition. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music in your key and there will be no accapella singing. Please be prepared to fill out an information sheet and to list all conflicts from March 17 thru May 30, 2010. Any questions, please contact the director Todd Brooks at Brooks1965@aol.com.

The Rose Theater is casting singers, dancers and actors ages 12 to adult to perform on the main stage in its summer musical - Disney’s High School Musical 2! Auditions for adults over age 18 and students between the ages of 12 and 18 will be held separately at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street. Student Auditions: Students ages 12 to 18 will audition Sunday, March 28th at 1:00 p.m. Auditioners are asked to arrive at The Rose 20 minutes early with sheet music to a prepared song and list of conflict dates between April 26 and June 20, 2010. Students should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to do a cold reading, sing their prepared song and learn a short, hip-hop style dance. Call-back auditions will take place on Tuesday, March 30th at 6:00 p.m. Adult Auditions: Auditions for adults over age 18 who can play teen roles will take place Monday, March 29th at 6:00 p.m. Auditioners should arrive at The Rose 20 minutes early with sheet music to a prepared song and a list of conflict dates between April 26 and June 20, 2010. Adults are asked to come in comfortable clothes and be prepared to do a cold reading, sing their prepared song and learn a short, hip-hop style dance. The only available roles for adults are “teen character” roles.

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The Green Room Rose Auditions, Continued

Disney’s High School Musical 2 will be presented June 4 - 20, 2010 on The Rose Theater’s main stage. Rehearsals begin on April 26, 2010. For additional information about auditions please contact Ashley Hare at 502-4647 or ashleyh@rosetheater.org. The Rose will also hold auditions for its Teens ‘N” Theatre series show Four Directions: The Independence of Eddie Rose Auditions will be held Monday, March 15th at 6:00 p.m. Auditions are open to artists of Native background, ages eight and older. This powerful production chronicles the plight of a Native American teenager who tries to break free from a dysfunctional family. Performances will be offered on Thursday, April 22nd at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 24th at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 25th at 4:30 p.m. For additional information, please contact Sheila Rocha at teatromestizo@msn.com.

And finally, the Rose Theatre will hold auditions for its 15th Annual Young Playwrights Festival Auditions will be held on Monday, March 29th at 6:00 p.m. Middle school and high school teenagers are encouraged to audition for this production which will showcase the work of some of Omaha’s best teenage writers. Written entirely by teens, most as part of the year-long Young Playwrights class, the scripts reflect their talent and depth of emotion. Performances will be offered on Thursday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, May 8th at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 9th at 4:30 p.m. For additional information, please contact Kevin Ehrhart at (402) 502-4620.

& Other Good Stuff Q&A: Scenic Design with Bill Van Deest (BVD) & Paul Pape (PP) Continued from page 1 TAG: What do you consider to be the hallmarks of a good scenic design? BVD: Good scene design starts with telling the story. Does the design contribute to understanding the story being told? Scenery is often the first production element the audience sees. It is imperative to draw the audience into the world of the play. PP: A good set design is one in which the audience doesn’t see it after the show has begun. As much as I would like to think that my work is all about me, the true job of a designer (scenic, costume, lighting, sound) is to make their work blend seamlessly into the show. TAG: What are some problems that can doom the success of a set, even though it may look aesthetically pleasing? BVD: Creating a beautiful design that does a great job of visually telling the story is compromised if the ground plan does not facilitate the movement of the show. Good scenic design should make the actors’ movements effortless within the world of the play. The audience should never be drawn out of the show by theatrical devices, poorly constructed scenery, inappropriate period or color choices, or obstacles the actors need to deal with that have nothing to do with the play. The ideal production is one that seamlessly blends all production elements into a complete picture. We always say if the set, no matter how beautiful, is the focus of the production rather than an equal part of the overall production, something is wrong. Does this mean if you get a TAG award for scene design it

was an inappropriate design because the audience noticed it? Oh, the slippery slope… PP: The main problem that dooms a set (or even a designer) is the need to constantly change location by changing parts of the set. It can break the momentum of the show and it creates so much more work for the actors to bring the audience back in. I’ve been to some shows where the audience sat in darkness for up to two minutes waiting for the scene change. You could hear audience members stirring. Other problems that can doom a set are items that pull the focus from the acting. A water fountain, special effect, unintentionally squeaky door, etc., can all pull focus. Again, it’s the job of a scenic designer to make his work blend seamlessly into the background. TAG: Many of our theaters (well all, actually) have limited budgets. What can a good scenic designer do to serve the script when he or she is working with limited resources? How might a TAG voter compare the work of different designers working under different budgets? BVD: Creighton has a very nice budget as does the Playhouse. We also have full time professionals hired to design and build. Many of the local theatres hire a professional designer but often that hire includes being the builder. Unless a designer has bunches of free time or is willing, like I often do, to pay their design money out for skilled carpenters and/or painters, the design is scaled back to accommodate time and budget. That being said, many successful and exciting designs often grace our local stages. The smaller theatres allow a creative freedom that is often more difficult in the somewhat sterile design of a true proscenium theatre. I do not believe the goals of being true to the script change because of budget. A broad knowledge of materials, costs and available resources is essential to a quality design on a small budget. Design comparisons based on budget are difficult. If the question of telling the story is satisfied, then the audience almost needs to be able to judge the merits of the design separate from the budget. Elements of design and composition coupled with ease of blocking patterns would need to be considered. PP: Again, it comes down to designing a show that blends seamlessly. It also means the designer has to work hard at giving a director what they need without necessarily catering to what they want. It's our job to give the director the most bang for their buck, but sometimes it only is a buck. Experience will come in handy here; knowing some of the tricks of where to acquire used materials helps. Why paint grass or buy fake when you can get sod for cheap? How do you get a TAG member to compare the two? Well, unfortunately, it isn't that easy. There is a saying that if you can't design well, throw in a lot of stuff. And people have a tendency to think that a lot of stuff equals a good design. I am a minimalist designer, so it is always hard to compete with the shows that have the budget to throw a lot onto the stage. TAG: Similarly, several of our theaters have small playing areas and little to no wing space. What are some tricks a good scenic designer can employ to maximize space? BVD: Incorporating the actual space into the scenic design maximizes the space and cuts back on cost. Minimizing scenic elements and changes reduces the need for wing space. Less is truly more. Creating diagonals in the smaller spaces often creates wing Continued, Page 8

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Q&A, Continued space and adds the illusion of greater depth to the space. PP: Being able to read a script, see a scene change and tell yourself it doesn't need to be an actual "change" is a good start. In limited spaces, a flexible set that can become other areas is a good way to combat it. Also, using an object to depict a location, as opposed to a location to depict a location is good, too. If you want a space to be larger than it is, sometimes it is good to break the 4th wall and bring the audience into the set. Some of my most memorable set designs had the audience as part of the world. TAG: Can you name one of your own set designs for a local theater that you think was particularly successful under the criteria that you have provided for a good set design? BVD: I was very pleased with Seascape at the BlueBarn. We used old rocks from previous shows and added to them. We used stock platforms at a diagonal rake to the audience and construction burlap for the floor and painted the back wall for the sky. The fabulous lighting design for the show helped us create a great sense of depth in a small space. PP: I think that Doubt for SNAP! was a good one, given the need for multiple locations inside and out. I also liked my designs for Proof and Metamorphoses at UNO. Both used the space in unexpected ways that really brought the audience into the show. In coming issues, TAGLines will include similar articles on lighting, sound, properties, and costume design. These articles are not intended to be definitive or prescriptive. The goal is to educate us all, as nominating voters, to do the best possible job in recognizing outstanding achievement in technical categories of the TAG Awards.

Flashback or Hot Flash?

By Denny Maddux For some of us, we may just experience them both, when we do some time traveling in March with the help of local productions. There are numerous Tag Night Outs planned, and as always, be on the lookout for some last minute additions. SNAP! productions will stage the trial of Harvey Milk's murderer, The Execution of Justice, on Wednesday, March 3rd at 8:00. On Thursday, March 11th you can choose between Bellevue Little Theatre's 70's musical revue, Get Back, at 8 PM, or Chanticleer's staging of the ultimate 70's party album, Jesus Christ Superstar at 7:30. Just trust me on this one. I was there. No one could resist doing The Hustle to "What's the Buzz tell me what's a happenin’?" If that isn't proof enough that the 70's students partied "religiously", Creighton's Theatre Department will stage the other 70's same song-second verse musical, Godspell, on Thursday, March 18th at 7:30. Finally, the deadline for high school seniors wanting to audition for the TAG Scholarship is Friday, March 5th. Scholarship and TAG Membership applications can be found on our website. Now excuse me, I have to look for my bell bottoms, disco balls, and rosary beads. Are you feeling groovy yet? Get Your Taxes Done and Help TAG TAG member Les Schulz, of Schulz Financial, has arranged for TAG to receive a $25 donation for every new client that pays for the preparation of an original personal income tax return (1040, 1040-A or 1040-EZ). The definition of a new client is anyone who has not used the service before. Les’ office is located at 8031 W. Center Road, phone 397-4145.

Coming soon from the Shelterbelt Theatre: The insanity and fun of Instant Theatre is back! Original plays written, rehearsed and performed in a 24 hour period. Writers will meet at the Shelterbelt Theatre by 8:30 pm Friday, April 2 and begin writing soon after. Directors will meet by 6:30 am Saturday, April 3 to read scripts and prepare. All actors will be at the theatre by 8 am to be cast and begin rehearsal. Performances will be Sat. April 3 at 8 pm and at 10 pm. Tickets are only $10, available at the door. Come challenge yourself and have an unforgettable experience! We need writers, directors, actors and tech crew. SIGN UP NOW!! Email executive@shelterbelt.org. Performing arts programs seek young artists for collaborative production Omaha Performing Arts and Metropolitan Community College invite artists under 25 years of age to create original dramatic works for a March 7 Young Artists Night – Exploding/Exploring Fairy Tales, Fables, Myths and Youth - at the Holland Center's Scott Recital Hall. Performance pieces will be conceived and rehearsed over the course of three Saturday workshops on Feb. 20, Feb. 27 and March 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested visual artists, musicians, writers, actors, singer-songwriters, dancers, poets and directors should register by Feb. 15. For complete information or to register, contact Scott Working at saworking@mccneb.edu or Molly Welsh at mwelsh@omahaperformingarts.org. March Events at SkullDuggery Theatre March 5th and 6th -"Trust Us, This Is All Made Up" A screening of an independent documentary of a live Improv Duo. SkullDuggery has received rights to screen Trust Us, This is All Made Up to play across the country as part of “Theatrical on Demand™ Program” Hilarious and uplifting, anyone interested in improv as an art form, or anyone who wants to laugh till they cry at some of the best improv in the country can and for cheap! Only $5 admission. Screenings showing at 7pm and 9pm on Friday and Saturday March 5th and 6th. March 13 at 7:30pm - 2nd in the new Readers Theatre Series. A staged reading of "The Whole Famn Damily" written by Eric J. Salonis. Event Hosted by Kendall Gray. Read by SkullDuggery Actors. Brings a voice to local playwrights work and offers a talkback session with writer. Be the first to hear this new play by local talent. Only $5. Reservations for all events can be made by calling 402-317-7893.

The John Beasley Theater is seeking set designers, costume designers and stage managers to join our production teams for upcoming shows. We will be producing Of Mice and Men (April/May), Come Back Little Sheba (June/July), and The Wiz (August). Please contact Meghan at meghan@johnbeasleytheater.org for more details or call 402.502.5767.

Do You Have TAG’s Stuff?

Check those old boxes in the garage and attic! If you happen to have any of our historical TAG items, please return it to us so that we may store everything in a central location. Please see any board member if you have been hanging on to any of these items from over the years.

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Theatre Planning M Tu W Tr F S Su M Tu W Tr F S Su M Tu W Tr F S Su M T W Tr F S Su M T WMar-2010 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

On Stage

UNO - Gross Indecency

JBT - Jitney

NWU - Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsFP - Hint - An Adaptation

CIR - EscanabaPLV - Guys & Dolls

DANA - Stepping Out

OCP - Death of a Salesman

OTC - Alligator Under My BedOPAS - Color Purple

TADA - Always…Patsy Cline

SNAP - Execution of Justice TNO

CHT - Jesus Christ Superstar TNO

BLT - Get Back TNO

CU - Godspell TNO

OCP - All Shook Up

BB - Hot 'N' ThrobbingSDT - This is How it Goes TNO

Auditions

MM - Much Ado About Nothing

BS - Little Women

OCP - Awesome 80s Prom

OTC - Four Directions

CHT - Footloose

OTC - High School Musical

OTC - Young Playwrights

TNO=TAG Night Out Black Box=Closing Performance

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Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. P.O. Box 24008

Omaha, NE 68124-0008

www.theatreartsguild.com

Keep receiving TAG mail.

Send address & e-mail address

changes to:

TAG

PO Box 24008

Omaha, NE 68124 membership@theatreartsguild.com

March 2010

TAG Board of Directors & General Information

Jim Martin (2010), President (402) 933-6259 jimbunny99@yahoo.com

Connie Fowler (2010),Program co-chair (402) 455-3918 conniefowler@cox.net

Lois Nemec (2011) Scholarship co-chair (402) 733-6453 (No e-mail) Jerry Onik (2011), Theatre Services Co-Chair, Ways & Means Co-Chair (402) 733-8161 jerryonik@hotmail.com

Jennifer Gilg (2010), Corresponding Secretary/Publicity (402) 551-6284 joe_jen1@yahoo.com

Paul Schneider (2010), Theater Services Co-Chair (402) 384-8338 paul.schneider@cox.net

Jim Herron (2012), Membership chair (402) 496-3217 jherron@tconl.com Cathy Hirsch (2012) Newsletter chair (402) 740-4877 sugacattey@yahoo.co Laura Jay (2010), Treasurer, Theatre Grant Chair, (402) 517-8707 laura.jay@hotmail.com

Randall Stevens (2012), Awards co-chair (402) 208-0150 randalltstevens@hotmail.com

Pat Thomas (2012) Program Co-Chair (712) 322-5980 misspat01@aol.com

Mary Kelly (2011), President-elect, Finance Co-Chair, Awards Co-Chair (402) 733-6999 mkelly24@cox.net Denny Maddux (2011) Scholarship co-chair, TNO Co-Chair (712) 310-0265 dm2u@cox.net

Allison Wissman (2011), Recording Secretary, (402) 672-0806 allisonwissman@gmail.com

Debbie Krambeck (2012), Ways & Means Co-Chair, Treasurer-elect (402) 639-2437 diegottin@hotmail.com

Sherry Fletcher (2009), Immediate Past President, Ex-officio queenoftag@juno.com

Tom Bertino, Ex-officio, webmaster@theatreartsguild.com Rox Wach, Ex-officio, Archivist/Librarian roxwach@aol.com

Teen Reps: Cali Neuberger and Bailey Newman

• The next Board of Directors’ meeting will be held Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m., Swanson Library (90th & Dodge). All TAG Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Call Jim Martin at (402) 933-6259.

• The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for the March Newsletter is Saturday, March 20. • To submit newsletter information/articles, send via e-mail to taglines@cox.net (preferred) or mail to TAG, Attn: Cathy Hirsch, Box 24008, Omaha, NE

68124. • To advertise in TAGLines, e-mail taglines@cox.net. Our advertising rates can be found under Contact Us at www.theatreartsguild.com. Non-

members may only advertise theatre-related business. • To sign up for members-only access at www.theatreartsguild.com, send an e-mail to webmaster@theatreartsguild.com. • An e-broadcast service is available for newsworthy information that is not included in TAGLines or urgent information pertaining to date changes,

cancellations and/or auditions. For questions regarding TAG e-broadcasts, contact taglines@cox.net.