http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog Keep up with all things Great Lakes Theater. Our blog is a great way to learn about the very latest Great Lakes Theater news/notes and enjoy extraordinary "behind-the-scenes" access to the creative process of our artistic company. en-us Tue, 21 May 2013 05:55:00 EDT Great Lakes Theater Great Lakes Theater mail@greatlakestheater.org http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/05/2013-gala--guys-and-dolls-behind-the-scenes http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/05/2013-gala--guys-and-dolls-behind-the-scenes#comments Nearly 350 revelers attended our 2013 (speakeasy-themed) fundraising gala, "Guys and Dolls: Behind the Scenes," on Saturday, May 11 at our Scene and Prop Shop. Attendees sampled signature cocktails inspired by the era of bath tub gin, savored a "Rockin' (the Boat)" buffet dinner prepared by Marigold Catering, enjoyed live entertainment by Lounge Kitty (and her 6-piece band) and bid on silent and live auctions that featured one-of-a-kind experiences and weekend getaway packages. All proceeds benefited our mainstage and education programming which positively impacts over 100,000 adults and students annually. Thanks to all of our supporters for helping to make... Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 EDT Todd Krispinsky http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/04/lccc-playwriting-contest-staged-reading-2013 http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/04/lccc-playwriting-contest-staged-reading-2013#comments CONGRATULATIONS! Last night a crowd of supportive classmates, educators and new play enthusiasts gathered in the Stocker Center, Studio Theatre on the campus of Lorain Community College for a staged reading of George L. Stewart’s award-winning new play, THANOTOPIA (OR A NIHILIST MANIFESTO) performed by Great Lakes Theater actor-teachers and outreach tour company members. The LCCC Playwriting Contest is a free program offered as part of Great Lakes Theater's annual SURROUND series of events, designed to connect audiences to classic literature. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EDT David Hansen http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/04/bardstock-2013-student-songwriting-contest-winners-announced http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/04/bardstock-2013-student-songwriting-contest-winners-announced#comments Congrats to the grand-prize winners of our 2013 Bardstock Student Songwriting Contest! Ear Candy: Listen to WCPN's broadcast of Bardstock FM 2013 which aired on April 23rd. Check out the grand prize winning music tracks. (Scroll down to hear the songs.) Bardstock 2014? We look forward to continuing the legacy of Bardstock next season. If you are interested in participating in the contest during the coming year, drop us a line! Check back soon for details about our 2014 edition of the program. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EDT Todd Krispinsky http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/04/lorain-county-community-college-playwriting-contest-2013 http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/04/lorain-county-community-college-playwriting-contest-2013#comments On Monday, April 15 the works of six student playwrights and screenwriters were given staged readings and adjudicated at the Stocker Center, Studio Theatre. Each playwright is a member of Professor J.R. Simons Introduction to Playwriting class, and the plays were evaluated by Northeast Ohio playwrights Eric Coble, Margaret Lynch, Eric Schmiedl and GLT School Residency Supervisor David Hansen. First place was awarded to “Thanotopia (or a nihilist manifesto)” by George L. Stewart, and this work will receive a fully-staged, script-in-hand performance performed by Great Lakes Theater actor-teachers and directed by David Hansen on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30... Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EDT Todd Krispinsky http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/02/quick-change http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/02/quick-change#comments Backstage is a busy place during each stop of our FREE touring production of "Double Heart." Proof positive, we placed a web cam in the narrow wings during a recent performance to capture the 14 lightning fast costume changes completed by our 4-member acting company and compressed them into 90 seconds (hold onto your wigs!). We hope that you can join us at a neighborhood venue near you. The tour runs through March 7. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Todd Krispinsky http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/02/rehearsal-snapshot http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/02/rehearsal-snapshot#comments Noel Coward's advice to actors in his plays was: "Just say the lines and don't trip over the furniture." When we stopped by our Blithe Spirit rehearsal this afternoon, we confirmed that our artistic company was complying with Coward's directives. Production assistant Kristen Boehnlein ("on book") was ensuring that Sir Noel's lines were spoken accurately while our amazing actors floated nimbly through the space gracefully (avoiding all furniture btw, Noel) like...well, like blithe spirits. ; ) Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Todd Krispinsky http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/01/blithe-spirit-meet-greet-first-rehearsal http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/01/blithe-spirit-meet-greet-first-rehearsal#comments ON YOUR MARK, GET SET...GO! Today was the Meet & Greet and first rehearsal for our upcoming production of "Blithe Spirit." The cast, crew, designers and GLT's administrative staff gathered in one of the PlayhouseSquare rehearsal halls to welcome one another and launch the rehearsal process in good spirits. After introductions and a warm welcome, designers and staff departed for scene/prop/costume shops and offices to enable the cast to embark upon a first read through of the script together at tables as a company. Actors will be on their feet soon...bringing the play to life...as stage management... Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST Todd Krispinsky http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/01/picture-perfect-tour-photo-shoot-2013 http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2013/01/picture-perfect-tour-photo-shoot-2013#comments PICTURE PERFECT: Today we received the promotional brochure and poster that will support our upcoming outreach touring production of DOUBLE HEART (by David Hansen) back from the printer. They look great and we hope to share them with you soon! In prep for the process, last month we shot the promotional image that is featured on the pieces with our amazing and talented photography partners at TRG Reality. While we were at the studio, we also snapped some pics of our own to give you a sneak peek at how we collaboratively bring these images to life. For complete info... Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST Todd Krispinsky http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2012/12/classic-connections-our-education-programs-empower http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2012/12/classic-connections-our-education-programs-empower#comments Did you know that we connect over 40,000 students to the classics each year through our education programming - both on our main stage and in classrooms across NE Ohio? It's true! Committed to education since our inception in 1962, we're grateful to the myriad of corporations, foundations and individual donors who generously make this programming possible each season. Please help us continue to positively impact students' lives and consider making a donation. Over 40,000 students this coming season say THANK YOU. Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST Todd Krispinsky http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2012/12/a-christmas-carol-writing-contest http://www.greatlakestheater.org/blog/2012/12/a-christmas-carol-writing-contest#comments Great Lakes Theater, in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, celebrates the writing achievements of sixth, seventh and eighth grade winners who participated in our annual "A Christmas Carol Writing Contest." Special thanks to Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, CMSD Deputy Chief of Curriculum and Instruction Karen Thompson, and The Abington Foundation, for their leadership support of this program. Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST Daniel Hahn