Friends,

1. After Memorial Day, Marketing Often Dries Up!

Ever notice how the Weekend Section of your local newspaper (it USED to be called the Arts and Entertainment Section in many papers) focuses on vacations, the shore, and movies as soon as Memorial Day comes?

It's harder and harder to get the public's attention focused on what theaters are doing.

So what do many theaters do? They give up.

Oh, sure… many don't have productions from June through August, so they stop communicating with their supporters.

BIG MISTAKE!

You need to find a reason why you should contact your interested supporters. You need to keep their attention ESPECIALLY when you have no production to help you keep their attention.

The longer they don't think about you, the longer they find that they can live without you, the harder it will be to get them refocused on you in the fall.

Successful theaters know this and continue to do a weekly email to their supporters.

Unsuccessful theaters sit by and wonder why they aren't selling their empty seats.

Which kind of theater are you?

2) YPTW Announces YPTW Idol - For ALL Ages!

This marketing lesson should NOT be overlooked.

Young People's Theatre Workshop, one of the strongest programs of theater for youth anywhere in the country, is celebrating 30 years during their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie May 23 - June 1, 2008.

As part of their celebration they are sponsoring YPTW Idol for singers of ALL ages.

YPTW Idol Details - Read Here To Learn More - and Enter NOW!

The marketing lesson is this: when YPTW's Executive Director, Claudia Carlsson, found that much of her cast was tied up at a local school's prom for the final Friday evening performance (yep… at least ONE school has its Senior Prom in June!), she knew that giving up a Friday night's income could be very painful.

So… what did she do?

She created another event for that one special evening. And it's open to the public and people of ALL ages are encouraged to get up to sing!

Everyone in attendance will have fun with the entertainment on the set of Thoroughly Modern Millie at The Players Club of Swarthmore AND YPTW will gain some income to help offset the loss of a performance. And their silent auction that night will help too!

Great way to celebrate 30 years of educating students about theater.

And a Good Marketing Idea as well!

3) American Association of Community Theatre Comes Knocking

Once our Member Advocate, Kate, has a chance to tell our theaters about the article I was asked to write for AACT, I'll let you know! (Clearly it's on marketing - do I talk about anything else these days?!)

===================================
Productions Opening This Week:
===================================

People's Light & Theatre presents I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document, opening Wednesday May 28th.

The Barley Sheaf Players presents The Full Monty, opening Friday May 30th. Now that makes TWO local theaters where the guys are taking it off in the spirit of the show!

The New Candlelight Theatre presents Gypsy, opening Friday May 30th.

===================================
Auditions Coming Up:
===================================

Mainstage Center for the Arts will be holding auditions for Ragtime on Tuesday May 27th.

Please remember: Theaters publish their own information on our site, so if any are missing, please be sure your person in charge of your StageMagazineOnline.com membership updates everything right away. And these can appear for up to 60 days BEFORE an audition, so check the site often!

Full information is on our site.

If You Need Some Help Publishing Your Theater Information On Our Site, Please Contact Kate Now!

NB: Always be sure to check with the theater AFTER their auditions if you REALLY want to be in that show. Who knows… maybe they didn't cast the very part that you want!

===================================
Job Postings:
===================================

Act II Playhouse has an opening for a Part Time House Manager.

Haddonfield Plays and Players is looking for a Part TIme Lighting Designer.

Langhorne Players is looking for a Part Time Director.

Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra has Part Time Technical positions available.

Sketch Club Players has positions open for Part Time Director, Lighting Techs, and Sound Techs.

Village Producitons has Part Time Administrative, Instructor, Intern, Production, and Technical positions available.

Willow Manor Players is looking for a Part Time Set Designer and Technical Director.

===================================
Read A Good Review Lately?:
===================================

If YOU Are Interested In Writing Theater Reviews, Please Write To Maribeth Waddington!

We're gearing up for the summer and next season (assuming theaters feel that what we're doing is good for them: they should watch their USPS mail in early June for a VERY important note from Kate), so if YOU want to join our Reviewers, get in touch with Maribeth! Join us now while we still have openings. Interest is building for Reviewers and if YOU have ever wanted to tell people why they should see a production you loved, please consider reviewing with us.

(Please remember that this is NOT the complete information. You need to log into your membership area on StageMagazineOnline.com to see everything!)

Also, if you are NOT yet a member of StageMagazineOnline.com and want to join or have your theater join:

1. Click Here To Go To The Main Site

2. On the lower left side click on "Visitors, Click Here To Tour The Site"

3. Indicate if you are there as an individual or representing a theater

4. Read the information and join us! It's very simple to do and all the details are there!

Enjoy the information on the site, and now go see a show!

Charlie Seymour Jr
StageMagazineOnline.com
Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com
Click Here To See The StageMagazineOnline.com Facebook PAGE and all of our Reviews and our Articles/Blogs!

PS: To see how to view all Current Productions:

Click Here To Learn About Current Productions on our Theaters Page!

On Monday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m., InterAct Theatre Company’s ninth season of Writing Aloud concludes with The Whole Wide World, an evening of three wild and far-reaching stories of travel, immigration, and inter-cultural encounters.

ABOUT The Whole Wide World

Presented on Monday, June 16, The Whole Wide World features three intimate and adventurous stories of foreignness and travel, immigrants and tourists, language barriers and love. The three featured writers take a good hard look at how relationships, roads, languages, relics, buildings, animals, and sex can all reveal to us how big—and small—the world really is.

The Whole Wide World is the final program in the 2007-2008 season of InterAct Theatre Company’s award-winning series Writing Aloud, featuring works by contemporary writers read aloud by Philadelphia’s best actors. Tickets for the performance, held at 7:00 p.m. on the mainstage at The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street, are $15.00 for general admission or $10.00 for InterAct subscribers. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 215-568-8079. Discount subscriptions and group rates are also available. A reception with refreshments will follow the performance.

The June 16 season finale of Writing Aloud opens with “Songbird,” written by Rayne Debski (of Boiling Springs, PA) and read by Catharine Slusar. “Songbird” follows an illegal Russian immigrant who works as a caretaker for an elderly American invalid as she undertakes the harrowing task of finding someone to substitute for her at work so that she can go to her relative’s wedding.

Next, “Brancacci Chapel,” written by David Sanders (of Philadelphia, PA) and read by Christie Parker introduces us to Lydia, a cruise-ship magician’s assistant, who accepts on a whim her lover’s invitation to move to Italy, but soon finds she’s on board for more than she bargained for.

Finally, “Cross-Cultural Studies,” written by Rosemary Zurlo-Cuva (of Madison, WI) and read by Erin Reilly charts the brief love affair between Tracie, a Midwestern college freshman, and Sunil, a Hindu graduate student.

ABOUT THE WRITING ALOUD PROGRAM

Founded by David Sanders, Writing Aloud was established in 1999 to present diverse voices in contemporary fiction by the region’s best writers, read on stage by professional actors. Quickly establishing itself as the region’s premiere reading series, Writing Aloud has attracted sold-out audiences, has been featured in special broadcasts on WHYY-FM public radio, and is a recipient of Philadelphia Magazine’s 2001 “Best of Philly” award. This season, Rebecca Wright takes over the directorship with hopes to spend the coming season building upon the program’s strengths and taking a fresh look at how it can be even better.

ABOUT INTERACT THEATRE COMPANY

InterAct Theatre Company, lead by Producing Artistic Director Seth Rozin, is one of the nation’s leading centers for new writing in theatre, introducing important contemporary writers to audiences through its world premiere stage productions, developmental residencies, and Showcase of New Plays. The Writing Aloud program extends InterAct’s mission of cultivating and presenting diverse artistic voices into the realm of short fiction.

UPCOMING WRITING ALOUD EVENTS

The Whole Wide World is the finale in InterAct Theatre Company’s 2007/2008 season of Writing Aloud. A new season of Writing Aloud will be announced in July.

Moorestown Theatre Company will be performing School House Rock in the Burlington County Children's Theater Festival on Saturday May 24th at Burlington County Ampitheater (5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ 08060).

This event will begin at 10AM, with performances and workshops running throughout the day. Moorestown Theatre Company's performance is scheduled for 12:30 on the Ampitheater stage.

There will be food available for purchase at the amphitheater, as well as inside the library. People are also encouraged to bring picnics. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and please no pets, glass containers, or alcohol.

For more information call 609-265-5068

The Wilma Theater proudly celebrates its 30th Anniversary with the upcoming 2008-2009 Season.? “We have chosen plays that will be among the most inventive and thrilling ever to grace our stage,” say co-Artistic Directors Blanka Zizka and Jiri Zizka, who staged their first Wilma production in 1979 – an original adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

The 2008-2009 Season opens with the Philadelphia Premiere of Tom Stoppard’s latest critically acclaimed play, Rock ‘n’ Roll. “With half of the play taking place in former Czechoslovakia, Rock ‘n’ Roll brings us back to one of the defining moments in our lives when we left Czechoslovakia in 1976,” says Blanka Zizka. “Tom himself was born in Czechoslovakia, and he has long been impressed by our personal story of immigrants coming to a foreign place, knowing nobody, and creating a theater. It is the perfect play to mark our 30th Anniversary Season.”

Over the holiday season, the Wilma will produce Schmucks, a comic fantasy by Roy Smiles whose work returns to the Wilma for a second season. A tale of a fictitious meeting between two comic icons, Groucho Marx and Lenny Bruce, Schmucks received a very enthusiastic audience reception at a staged reading earlier this year.

Following will be the intensely dramatic and moving Scorched from the internationally acclaimed Lebanese-born playwright Wajdi Mouawad. Portraying characters searching for humanity while surrounded by the irrationality of war in the Middle East, this play was called “a fiery epic of intricate layers that mixes humor, tenderness, tragedy, and social upheaval.” (TorontoStage.com)

Closing the season will be Terry Johnson’s Olivier Award Winner for Best New Comedy, Hysteria, based on an historical meeting between Sigmund Freud and Salvador Dali. An explosive comedy, this production full of surrealist imagery will feature the Wilma’s trademark excellence in design, with a set by Mimi Lien who won a Barrymore Award for Outrage at the Wilma in 2005.

30th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

Rock ‘n’ Roll (Philadelphia Premiere)

September 17 – October 19, 2008

by Tom Stoppard

directed by Blanka Zizka

This extraordinary theatrical event from Academy Award winner and four-time Tony Award-winner Tom Stoppard (The Invention of Love) was a recent hit on Broadway following a record-breaking run in London's West End. In August 1968, Russian tanks are rolling into Prague; Jan, the Czech student, lives for rock music; Max, the English professor, lives for Communism; and Esme, the flower child, lives for a high. By 1990, the tanks are rolling out, the Stones are rolling in, and idealism has hit the wall. Stoppard's sweeping and passionate play spans two countries, three generations, and 22 turbulent years, at the end of which, love remains — and so does rock ‘n' roll. “Triumphant… Rock ‘n’ Roll is arguably Stoppard’s finest play… he is a magician, and this is a passionate, decades-spanning tale of love, revolution, and music!” – The New York Times

Schmucks (U.S. Premiere)

December 3, 2008 – January 4, 2009

by Roy Smiles

directed by Jiri Zizka

It’s 1965, and the great Northeast Blackout covers New York City in a state of panic and disorder. Isolated in a small diner, a young stand-up comic with an upcoming gig on The Ed Sullivan Show encounters comic icons Groucho Marx and Lenny Bruce and implores them for comedic guidance. What results is an exhilarating and unpredictable debate of the nature and purpose of comedy. From one of London’s funniest playwrights, Roy Smiles, comes the U.S. Premiere of the play that the Wilma’s audience found wickedly entertaining during a reading earlier this year. “An evening of total comic virtuosity… another success for the prolific and aptly named Roy Smiles!” – The Evening Standard

Scorched (Philadelphia Premiere)

February 25 – March 29, 2009?
by Wajdi Mouawad

translated by Linda Gaboriau

directed by Blanka Zizka

A tour-de-force epic mystery depicting one woman’s moral conviction to interrupt the cycle of war and revenge, Scorched is an intensely dramatic play from internationally acclaimed Lebanese-born playwright, Wajdi Mouawad. After the death of their mother, twins Janine and Simon receive a surprising request in her will to deliver letters to a father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew existed. These tasks lead them on a journey to the heart of their mother’s war-torn Middle Eastern homeland. In the course of their search, they learn about their mother's long-concealed history and uncover shocking secrets about their own origins. Born in Lebanon in 1968, Mouawad fled the war-torn country with his family, and they settled in Montreal after spending a few years in Paris. Scorched has had over 100 productions in French speaking countries; the Wilma’s production will mark only its second production in the U.S.? “Scorched introduces a playwright with an important voice to the English language theater.” – Variety

Hysteria (Philadelphia Premiere)

May 13 – June 14, 2009?

by Terry Johnson

directed by Jiri Zizka

Winner of an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and based on an actual meeting between two of the world’s greatest and most eccentric men – Sigmund Freud and Salvador Dal? – Hysteria is a madcap comedy full of mistaken identities, missing clothing, and dazzling surprises. Set in London in 1938, this wild comedy showcases Freud as he deals with several unexpected encounters with his physician, a persistent young woman who delves into his past, and his biggest fan, surrealist Salvador Dal?. Soon Dal?’s surreal imagery begins to take over both Freud’s consciousness and his study in this explosive comedy full of mix-ups, misunderstandings, scantily clad women, and Freudian slips. “Hysteria is an exuberant surprise… as unexpectedly resonant as a crazy sonnet.” – The New York Times

Special Events

Throughout the season, the Wilma will announce free readings which offer audiences previews of plays, chosen from the best new writing from the U.S. and abroad. Audience members will also have opportunities to attend special chats with members of the artistic team and symposia on themes related to the season’s plays. Confirmed panelists include Jonathon Glover, author of Humanity: A Moral History of the Twentieth Century, and Mark W. Edmundson, author of The Death of Sigmund Freud, with more to be announced.? The Wilma’s symposia are supported by a grant from The Wallace Foundation Excellence Awards.

Subscriptions & Tickets

Subscription prices range from $32-$210, with Flex Subscriptions available that give subscribers the flexibility to choose performance dates over the season. Special discounts are available on single tickets for seniors, students, educators, under-35 patrons, and groups of 10 or more. Subscriptions and tickets are available by calling (215) 546-7824, visiting The Wilma Theater box office located at 265 South Broad Street in Philadelphia, or online at www.wilmatheater.org. Single tickets for the 2008-2009 Season go on sale August 1st.

Friends,

1. Congrats to our friends at Dutch Country Players!

Dutch Country Players was voted #1 for Best Live Theater in Montgomery County by the readers of The North Penn Reporter.

They will be in the May 21st Winners Supplement special insert of all the papers in the Montgomery News syndicate, acknowledging the honor.

Way To Go!!

2) YPTW Announces YPTW Idol - For ALL Ages!

Young People's Theatre Workshop, one of the strongest programs of theater for youth anywhere in the country, is celebrating 30 years during their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie May 23 - June 1, 2008.

As part of their celebration they are sponsoring YPTW Idol for singers of ALL ages.

YPTW Idol Details - Read Here To Learn More - and Enter NOW!

3) Thoroughly Modern Millie announced with short video

Continuing our recognition of theater organizations that are using Web 2.0 methods to market their productions, congratulations to YPTW for the use of video.

Thoroughly Modern Millie at YPTW - see their blog post here!

4) Cappies - Congratulations!

Harry Dietzler, Program Director for the Greater Philadelphia Cappies, runs a tight ship! Especially when assisted by Julianna Shauerman and her whole production staff.

On Sunday, May 18, the local Cappies received their awards in a gala at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center - a very special event for everyone involved.

I was pleased to have been one of the presenters. (I'm now waiting for my call from the Tony Awards committee!)

===================================
Productions Opening This Week:
===================================

The Drexel Hill Church Players at James Hall presents Forever Plaid, opening Thursday May 22nd.

InterAct Theatre Company presents House, Divided, opening Friday May 23rd.

===================================
Auditions Coming Up:
===================================

Narberth Community Theatre will be holding auditions for Disney's Beauty and the Beast on May 19th and 20th.

Old Academy Players will be holding auditions for Bad Seed on May 20th.

Please remember: Theaters publish their own information on our site, so if any are missing, please be sure your person in charge of your StageMagazineOnline.com membership updates everything right away. And these can appear for up to 60 days BEFORE an audition, so check the site often!

Full information is on our site.

If You Need Some Help Publishing Your Theater Information On Our Site, Please Contact Kate Now!

NB: Always be sure to check with the theater AFTER their auditions if you REALLY want to be in that show. Who knows… maybe they didn't cast the very part that you want!

===================================
Job Postings:
===================================

Act II Playhouse is looking for a Part Time House Manager.

The Drama Group is looking for Part Time Directors.

Langhorne Players is looking for Part Time Directors.

Narberth Community Theatre is looking for a Part Time Director.

Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra has Technical positions open, particularly sound positions.

Sketch Club Players is looking for Part Time Directors, Lighting Techs, and Sounds Techs.

Village Productions is looking for Part Time Instructors/Interns, and Technical/Production staff.

Willow Manor Players is looking for a Part Time Set Designer.

===================================
Read A Good Review Lately?:
===================================

If YOU Are Interested In Writing Theater Reviews, Please Write To Maribeth Waddington!

Next season is around the corner AND several theaters perform over the summer! Join us now while we still have openings. Interest is building for Reviewers and if YOU have ever wanted to tell people why they should see a production you loved, please consider reviewing with us.

(Please remember that this is NOT the complete information. You need to log into your membership area on StageMagazineOnline.com to see everything!)

Also, if you are NOT yet a member of StageMagazineOnline.com and want to join or have your theater join:

1. Click Here To Go To The Main Site

2. On the lower left side click on "Visitors, Click Here To Tour The Site"

3. Indicate if you are there as an individual or representing a theater

4. Read the information and join us! It's very simple to do and all the details are there!

Enjoy the information on the site, and now go see a show!

Charlie Seymour Jr
StageMagazineOnline.com
Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com
Click Here To See The StageMagazineOnline.com Facebook PAGE and all of our Reviews and our Articles/Blogs!

PS: To see how to view all Current Productions:

Click Here To Learn About Current Productions on our Theaters Page!

Young People's Theatre Workshop Presents Thoroughly Modern Millie

Throughly Modern Millie plays May 23 - June 1, 2008 at The Players Club of Swarthmore, presented by Young People's Theater Workshop.

See their Website, YPTW.org, for more details or call 610.558.0988 for tickets.

This limited run will be VERY popular, so get tickets early!

YPTW Celebrates 30 Years

Young People's Theater Workshop will celebrate its 30th anniversary of "training young actors at the Players Club" with a silent auction and vocal competition, 7 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2008.

"YPTW Idol" is open to singers of all ages looking to showcase their talent.

A completed registration form (available that night) and a $10 fee will secure a place in the competition. Singers should prepare a 2-minute song of their choice (any genre) and provide an accompaniment CD or sheet music. Guest judges, including Young People's Theatre Workshop alumni and local celebrities, will be on-hand to score the performances.

The celebration will commence with a silent auction at 7 p.m. Local YPTW supporters will contribute photography, massages, jewelry, restaurant gift certificates, opera tickets, and more to support the arts.

Josh Young, currently starring in Les Mis at the Walnut Street Theatre and a former YPTW student, has made a special donation.

"YPTW Idol" will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on the Players Club of Swarthmore's mainstage. A $5 fee will admit audience members to a night of entertainment and friendly competition.

For a registration form and more information about "YPTW Idol" or Young People's Theatre Workshop's classes and shows, visit www.yptw.org or email YPTW@aol.com.

Friends,

1. Time To Redo Your Website?!

Are you still working on Web 1.0 rules in a Web 2.0 world?

Is your website interactive with those who are interested in you? Can you accept comments (and do you reply to them) so that when people speak, you listen and then tell them what your thoughts are?

All kinds of sites are now being built directly on blog software (like WordPress) to take advantage of the SEO qualities built right in.

And how prepared is your site to accept names and email addresses (EVERY page have a name capture form?) and sell tickets for you (at least tell people on EVERY page HOW to buy tickets).

If you are not capturing names and email address and if you are not selling ticket from online, you are way behind… time to catch up!

2) Member 2 Member: your strongest advocates helping to get more people into your theater!

Have you ever tried a campaign called "Member2Member" where your members invite their friends to join you?

Who will speak more clearly about the terrific theater you produce than people who see and enjoy it?

I'm always being stopped in church by people telling me about one theater or another. I encourage them to tell all their friends when they like a production, reminding them that each theater needs as much help as possible.

So… go ahead. Create a contest. See which of your members can encourage the most NEW members for your theater… reward BOTH the person doing the inviting AND all the people who show up. Give them recognition, a few dollars off (your early-bird special?), and have a prize for the TOP Member2Member supporter. Make a BIG deal of this, and put all these enthusiastic folks to work for you!

3) Josh Young returns home!

People in Delaware County (especially) are VERY familiar with Josh Young - the mid-20s star of Walnut Street Theatre's production of Les Miserables, opening May 13, 2008.

Josh grew up in Delco, went to school there, and performed with Strath Haven High School, Young People's Theatre Workshop, and The Players Club of Swarthmore.

His rich, full-bodies tenor voice will soar once again for many weeks in Les Mis - he toured nationally as Marius and now lands here at home to play it once again.

And there's a surprise coming: I'm not sure I'm supposed to announce it yet: but soon!

Welcome home, Josh… we hope to hear you here for a LONG time!

4) Cappies - Your Time Has Come!

Harry Dietzler, Program Director for the Greater Philadelphia Cappies, has announced their big awards and celebration event for May 18, 2008.

All cappies should be sure to check their schedules: You don't want to miss this event!!

I'm honored to be one of the award presenters next Sunday.

===================================
Productions Opening This Week:
===================================

1812 Productions presents Beautiful Boy, opening Tuesday May 13th.

Walnut Street Theatre present Les Miserables, opening Tuesday May 13th.

===================================
Auditions Coming Up:
===================================

Narberth Community Theatre will be holding auditions on May 19th and 20th for Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Old Academy Players will be holding auditions on May 20th for Bad Seed.

The Players Club holds its callbacks for Seussical on May 12, 2008

Please remember: Theaters publish their own information on our site, so if any are missing, please be sure your person in charge of your StageMagazineOnline.com membership updates everything right away. And these can appear for up to 60 days BEFORE an audition, so check the site often!

Full information is on our site.

If You Need Some Help Publishing Your Theater Information On Our Site, Please Contact Kate Now!

NB: Always be sure to check with the theater AFTER their auditions if you REALLY want to be in that show. Who knows… maybe they didn't cast the very part that you want!

===================================
Job Postings:
===================================

Act II Playhouse is looking for a Part Time House Manager.

The Drama Group is looking for Part Time Directors.

Dramateurs, Inc at the Barn Playhouse is looking for Part Time 2009 Season Directors.

Langhorne Players is looking for Part Time Directors.

Narberth Community Theatre is looking for a Part Time Director.

Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra has Technical positions open, particularly sound positions.

Sketch Club Players is looking for Part Time Directors, Lighting Techs, and Sounds Techs.

Village Productions is looking for Part Time Instructors/Interns, and Technical/Production staff.

Willow Manor Players is looking for a Part Time Set Designer.

===================================
Read A Good Review Lately?:
===================================

Interest is building for Reviewers and if YOU have ever wanted to tell people why they should see a production you loved, please consider reviewing with us. Next season is around the corner AND several theaters perform over the summer! Join us now while we still have openings.

If YOU Are Interested In Writing Theater Reviews, Please Write To Maribeth Waddington!

(Please remember that this is NOT the complete information. You need to log into your membership area on StageMagazineOnline.com to see everything!)

Also, if you are NOT yet a member of StageMagazineOnline.com and want to join or have your theater join:

1. Click Here To Go To The Main Site

2. On the lower left side click on "Visitors, Click Here To Tour The Site"

3. Indicate if you are there as an individual or representing a theater

4. Read the information and join us! It's very simple to do and all the details are there!

Enjoy the information on the site, and now go see a show!

Charlie Seymour Jr
StageMagazineOnline.com
Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com
Click Here To See The StageMagazineOnline.com Facebook PAGE and all of our Reviews and our Articles/Blogs!

PS: To see how to view all Current Productions:

Click Here To Learn About Current Productions on our Theaters Page!

Act II Playhouse presents Songs for a New World, opening Tuesday May 6th. This inspirational collection of transformational stories took off-Broadway by storm. “It’s about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back,” says composer Jason Robert Brown. Soaring melodies and irresistible rhythms fuel songs that are heart warming, thought-provoking and uplifting.

Joanne Javien (right) sings to Arthur W. Marks (center) and Jonathan Hack in Act II Playhouse's musical revue Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown. Not shown is Jennie Eisenhower.

Music Director John Daniels accompanies the singers on piano in Act II's production directed by Peter Reynolds, director of Musical Theater for Temple University and Artistic Director of Maukingbird Theatre Company. Songs for a New World is on stage May 6 through June 1. Tickets are $30 weekdays and $40 weekends. Information is available at 215-654-0200 or www.act2.org.

Friends,

1. Next Season's Theater Subscription Marketing In Full Swing?!

I've noticed that several theaters are announcing next season during their final production of the 2007 - 2008 season, even before they have their marketing materials in the hands of their strongest supporters.

Some are even offering "better than early-bird" specials to get people to sign up during intermission.

So… have you:

- Contacted your present subscribers and strongest supporters about next season?
- Listed next season here on StageMagazineOnline.com?
- Found a way to "touch" your audience at the final performance of THIS season? Afterall, they are IN your building and know how to get to you - don't let this opportunity pass by!

2) Ritz Theatre Company Presents: Video of Cheaper By The Dozen!

Following on their earlier use of video to announce the transformation of Bruce Curless for their production of The Importance of Being Ernest, The Ritz Theatre Company in Haddon Township, NJ is again using video to market their production. You can see it here:

3) Facebook - You know that I strongly support Social Marketing?!

StageMagazineOnline.com has its own Facebook Page and will be expanding on social networks over the coming months.

The Players Club of Swarthmore has just started a Group on Facebook. You may join it here:

4) Spotlight on Actors OFF The Stage: Amy Lewis!

Many people know Amy for her witty and charming reviews here on StageMagazineOnline.com. She has submitted more reviews than any other single person and we often receive requests from theaters that she be the one to review their latest production.

Well… did you know that Amy was in Rocky Balboa, the latest in the long history of Sylvester Stalone movies?

In a new series started by our Member Advocate, Kate Winward, you can read all about Amy's adventure in our new series: Spotlight On Actors OFF The Stage:

5) Cappies - It's Time For You To Celebrate Your Many Achievements This Season!

Harry Dietzler, Program Director for the Greater Philadelphia Cappies, has announced their big awards and celebration event for May 18, 2008.

All cappies should be sure to check their schedules: You don't want to miss this event!!

===================================
Productions Opening This Week:
===================================

Act II Playhouse presents Songs for a New World, opening Tuesday May 6th.

The Ritz Theatre Company presents Cheaper by the Dozen, opening Thursday May 8th.

Town and Country Players presents Proof, opening Friday May 9th.

===================================
Auditions Coming Up:
===================================

The Celebration Theater will be holding auditions for The Laramie Project on May 5, 2008.

The Players Club holds its second night of auditions for Seussical on May 5, 2008

Please remember: Theaters publish their own information on our site, so if any are missing, please be sure your person in charge of your StageMagazineOnline.com membership updates everything right away. And these can appear for up to 60 days BEFORE an audition, so check the site often!

Full information is on our site.

If You Need Some Help Publishing Your Theater Information On Our Site, Please Contact Kate Now!

NB: Always be sure to check with the theater AFTER their auditions if you REALLY want to be in that show. Who knows… maybe they didn't cast the very part that you want!

===================================
Job Postings:
===================================

Act II Playhouse is looking for a Part Time House Manager.

The Drama Group is looking for Part Time Directors.

Dramateurs, Inc at the Barn Playhouse is looking for Part Time 2009 Season Directors.

Langhorne Players is looking for Part Time Directors.

Narberth Community Theatre is looking for a Part Time Director.

Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra has Technical positions open, particularly sound positions.

Sketch Club Players is looking for Part Time Directors, Lighting Techs, and Sounds Techs.

Village Productions is looking for Part Time Instructors/Interns, and Technical/Production staff.

Willow Manor Players is looking for a Part Time Set Designer.

===================================
Read A Good Review Lately?:
===================================

Next season is around the corner AND several theaters perform over the summer! Interest is building for Reviewers and if YOU have ever wanted to tell people why they should see a production you loved, please consider reviewing with us. Join us now while we still have openings.

If YOU Are Interested In Writing Theater Reviews, Please Write To Maribeth Waddington!

(Please remember that this is NOT the complete information. You need to log into your membership area on StageMagazineOnline.com to see everything!)

Also, if you are NOT yet a member of StageMagazineOnline.com and want to join or have your theater join:

1. Click Here To Go To The Main Site

2. On the lower left side click on "Visitors, Click Here To Tour The Site"

3. Indicate if you are there as an individual or representing a theater

4. Read the information and join us! It's very simple to do and all the details are there!

Enjoy the information on the site, and now go see a show!

Charlie Seymour Jr
StageMagazineOnline.com
Charlie@StageMagazineOnline.com
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PS: To see how to view all Current Productions:

Click Here To Learn About Current Productions on our Theaters Page!