Greetings from Atlanta. I'm here in the South this week at the 32nd annual League of Historic American Theatre's conference (of which we are a member). Most of the theatres that are a part of the league are different than us (they present work and rent, but don't produce).
I find us to be very unique...a professional theatre company that owns a historic building.
The sessions so far have been eye-opening and head-splitting (try figuring out the process of getting Tax Credits...if you do, I'll give you a prize!)
As I write this, I'm sitting on a bus awaiting take-off for a four-hour tour of small communities in Georgia that have historic theatres that have recently been renovated and restored. Perhaps these theatres we see today will be more like the Bangor Opera HOuse than our host theatre (the FABULOUS Fox theatre in Atlanta, 4000 seats!!!) is.
More later,
Scott
PS I'm really excited that tonight I will be leaving my conference mates and going to check out Actor's Express' production of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. Thanks to artistic director Freddie Ashley for hooking me up with tix.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
National Performing Arts Convention
It's been 6 months since my last blog posting. Sorry.
Mostly, that's because the spring season at the theatre was so chock full of activity that there was no time. In the end, the 2007-2008 season was the most successful (biggest audience) in the theatre's 34-year history. Thanks to all of you for making that happen.
I seem to have time to write now as I am sitting in my 28th floor hotel room in Denver after the third day of the National Performing Arts Convention. Every year around this time, TCG (theatre Communications Group) holds a national conference, and that's whats happening now. Except this year 1/2 of the time is spent with just the theatre folk (artistic and managing directors, board members, other staff and a FEW individual artists from all around the country), while the other 1/2 is combined with the orchestras, choruses, dance companies, operas, etc.
There are about 3,500 people here from all over the country and so far it's been somewhat overwhelming, somewhat inspiring, and oftentimes relevant to thinking the big thoughts.
In the end, I feel like I will leave here with a better sense of how theatre needs to be relevant to the community its in. Our growth in box office suggests that we are already doing that and I look forward to creating new initiatives and deepening the relationship with our already existing programs in the coming year.
More Soon. Happy Summer.
--Scott
Mostly, that's because the spring season at the theatre was so chock full of activity that there was no time. In the end, the 2007-2008 season was the most successful (biggest audience) in the theatre's 34-year history. Thanks to all of you for making that happen.
I seem to have time to write now as I am sitting in my 28th floor hotel room in Denver after the third day of the National Performing Arts Convention. Every year around this time, TCG (theatre Communications Group) holds a national conference, and that's whats happening now. Except this year 1/2 of the time is spent with just the theatre folk (artistic and managing directors, board members, other staff and a FEW individual artists from all around the country), while the other 1/2 is combined with the orchestras, choruses, dance companies, operas, etc.
There are about 3,500 people here from all over the country and so far it's been somewhat overwhelming, somewhat inspiring, and oftentimes relevant to thinking the big thoughts.
In the end, I feel like I will leave here with a better sense of how theatre needs to be relevant to the community its in. Our growth in box office suggests that we are already doing that and I look forward to creating new initiatives and deepening the relationship with our already existing programs in the coming year.
More Soon. Happy Summer.
--Scott
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Happy Holidays!
After three solid weeks of performances, both at the Bangor Opera House and at various venues across the state of Maine, it's nice to have a little break before 2008 starts!
Here's a quick update of recent events:
PETER PAN wowed critics and audiences alike and after 17 performances, many sold out, it is clear that a new holiday tradition has embarked in Bangor.
THE SANTALAND DIARIES had 13 performances, both in Bangor and in Houlton, Camden, Gardiner, Stonington and Ellsworth. Nathan Halvorson was hysterical as Crumpet and audiences and critics loved the work that Joye Cook-Levy directed. The return of SANALAND was a welcome anti-holiday treat.
As I write this from Iowa (where I'm spending christmas), the Bangor Film Festival is in residence at the Opera House. Word is that almost 150 people showed up for the first screening last night and they're showing movies all day today.
And, a couple of weeks ago, we received word from Jane's Trust, a regional foundation, that we have been granted $128,000 for the fabrication and installation of the new marquee that will adorn the facade of the Bangor Opera House. It's really something to see what's happening behind the scaffolding! I'll post pictures real soon of all the great work which has commenced and going full steam ahead.
And on to 2008. Our new Youth Theare for children ages 8-14 starts on January 12th and rehearsals for our next mainstage production, LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS by Neil Simon starts on the 14th.
And I've been reading a lot of plays as I begin to settle on the shows we will present in the 2008-2009 season. Stay tuned here for more updates!
And if by chance you saw a performance of PETER PAN and/or THE SANTALAND DIARIES, we'd love to hear what you thought about it. Write a review, by clicking the comment link below.
Happiest of Holiday Seasons and Happy New Year!
--Scott
Here's a quick update of recent events:
PETER PAN wowed critics and audiences alike and after 17 performances, many sold out, it is clear that a new holiday tradition has embarked in Bangor.
THE SANTALAND DIARIES had 13 performances, both in Bangor and in Houlton, Camden, Gardiner, Stonington and Ellsworth. Nathan Halvorson was hysterical as Crumpet and audiences and critics loved the work that Joye Cook-Levy directed. The return of SANALAND was a welcome anti-holiday treat.
As I write this from Iowa (where I'm spending christmas), the Bangor Film Festival is in residence at the Opera House. Word is that almost 150 people showed up for the first screening last night and they're showing movies all day today.
And, a couple of weeks ago, we received word from Jane's Trust, a regional foundation, that we have been granted $128,000 for the fabrication and installation of the new marquee that will adorn the facade of the Bangor Opera House. It's really something to see what's happening behind the scaffolding! I'll post pictures real soon of all the great work which has commenced and going full steam ahead.
And on to 2008. Our new Youth Theare for children ages 8-14 starts on January 12th and rehearsals for our next mainstage production, LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS by Neil Simon starts on the 14th.
And I've been reading a lot of plays as I begin to settle on the shows we will present in the 2008-2009 season. Stay tuned here for more updates!
And if by chance you saw a performance of PETER PAN and/or THE SANTALAND DIARIES, we'd love to hear what you thought about it. Write a review, by clicking the comment link below.
Happiest of Holiday Seasons and Happy New Year!
--Scott
Friday, November 9, 2007
Casting in New York City
Greetings from the Big Apple, where it's just as cold as it is in Bangor. I'm surprised at that really.
About 3 or 4 times a year, we come to NYC to audition actors for upcoming shows. Today we're casting roles in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS. We schedule about 40 people a day, rent a studio, have actors come in for about 5-10 minutes and then move on to the next one.
It's fun, tiring, and always good to meet new talent. And a nice little break. Following the huge success that TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE proved to be, it's good for me to be out of the office for a few days before rehearsals for PETER PAN begin on Monday (27 actors, oh boy!).
Following auditions, I remain in NYC this weekend for a TCG conference. TCG (Theatre Communications Group) is the national organization for non-profit theatres, of which we are a constituent member. About 120 artistic directors and board members from around the country will talk about innovations in fundraising, audience development and art over 48 hours. It's wonderful to be able to network with other theatres around the country and to tell everyone about the wonderful work going on in the Bangor Opera House.
But, in the end, I really can't wait to get back home to Bangor and begin the work on Peter Pan. Photos of the process will follow in subsequent posts.
Happy November everyone!
--Scott
About 3 or 4 times a year, we come to NYC to audition actors for upcoming shows. Today we're casting roles in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS. We schedule about 40 people a day, rent a studio, have actors come in for about 5-10 minutes and then move on to the next one.
It's fun, tiring, and always good to meet new talent. And a nice little break. Following the huge success that TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE proved to be, it's good for me to be out of the office for a few days before rehearsals for PETER PAN begin on Monday (27 actors, oh boy!).
Following auditions, I remain in NYC this weekend for a TCG conference. TCG (Theatre Communications Group) is the national organization for non-profit theatres, of which we are a constituent member. About 120 artistic directors and board members from around the country will talk about innovations in fundraising, audience development and art over 48 hours. It's wonderful to be able to network with other theatres around the country and to tell everyone about the wonderful work going on in the Bangor Opera House.
But, in the end, I really can't wait to get back home to Bangor and begin the work on Peter Pan. Photos of the process will follow in subsequent posts.
Happy November everyone!
--Scott
Monday, October 29, 2007
"The Allergist's Wife is nothing to sneeze at!"
That's what Kristen Andresen wrote in the Bangor Daily News on Friday about our production of Charles Busch's THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE and audiences seem to agree!
It's been a while since I have been able to report that we've sold out a performance, but we did, Saturday at 5.
Which means if you haven't bought tickets for this week's performances, I suggest you do it soon as the phone has consistently been ringing off the hook. This naughty and hilarious comedy for adults is making people in the Queen City buzz with excitement.
A great set, great costumes, music and lights only aid the 5 amazing performances with AJ Mooney as the Allergist's Wife leading the ensemble.
This is the kind of show people want to see more than once. So come on down.
--Scott
It's been a while since I have been able to report that we've sold out a performance, but we did, Saturday at 5.
Which means if you haven't bought tickets for this week's performances, I suggest you do it soon as the phone has consistently been ringing off the hook. This naughty and hilarious comedy for adults is making people in the Queen City buzz with excitement.
A great set, great costumes, music and lights only aid the 5 amazing performances with AJ Mooney as the Allergist's Wife leading the ensemble.
This is the kind of show people want to see more than once. So come on down.
--Scott
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
WOW!
Thanks to all of you who have come to DRIVING MISS DAISY so far and enjoyed the show so much that you have graced us with standing ovations each and every night.
For those of you who haven't seen it yet, thanks to the audience and critical response, we've decided to extend the show a week, through September 30th. So you have plenty of time to see what The Maine Edge calls "a can't miss" and what the Bar Harbor Times "thoroughly recommends any day or night.
Tickets to all performances start at $15, and we have $10 student rush tickets available beginning an hour before each performance.
Come see us and Miss Daisy at the Opera House soon!
--Scott
For those of you who haven't seen it yet, thanks to the audience and critical response, we've decided to extend the show a week, through September 30th. So you have plenty of time to see what The Maine Edge calls "a can't miss" and what the Bar Harbor Times "thoroughly recommends any day or night.
Tickets to all performances start at $15, and we have $10 student rush tickets available beginning an hour before each performance.
Come see us and Miss Daisy at the Opera House soon!
--Scott
Friday, September 14, 2007
DAISY gets driven to Bangor
It's Opening Night!!!
Once again, the season is really in full swing and we're thrilled that DRIVING MISS DAISY has already proven to be a bona fide hit! If it's opening night, what do I mean by that?
Here at Penobscot Theatre, official opening night is not the first time we perform a play in front of an audience. We actually started on Tuesday, with our final dress rehearsal that we open up to limited audience members who pay what they wish at the door.
Wednesday and Thursday we perform preview performances, meaning that the director of the play (in this case, me) is still taking notes and working with the actors on moments in the play based on the how the audience reacts.
And now, it's set. We're ready to open! Tonight at 8. With a party in the lobby to follow.
It's an exciting time as the 33rd season of Penobscot Theatre really begins.
And don't forget, if you've seen Driving Miss Daisy we'd love your own personal review of it. Click the comment button below!
--Scott
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