2015-2016 season brochure
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Gamut Theatre Group is excited to invite you to the inaugural season in our New Home. Located in the former First Church of God, the newly renovated building has historical charm and plenty of space for all of Gamut’s programming!
We would like to thank everyone who have helped us complete Phase One, and encourage you to continue your support as we move into Phase Two. In this final phase we will need to raise $500,000 in order to finish renovating the back of the building where our classrooms, second stage, costume, and workshops are located.
For more information, and to make a donation, please visit GamutTheatre.org/support
Concept art of the Select Medical Mainstage.
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Featuring:• Seating for up to 250, including balcony seats.• A reception lobby with seating and bar for
guests to enjoy before and after performances.• Dedicated educational space for Gamut’s
Theatre Academy• Integrated architecture using pre-existing
stained glass windows.
15 North Fourth StreetHarrisburg, PA 17101
Artwork by Ian Potter.
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HARRISBURG SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
GAMUT CLASSIC THEATRE
GAMUT THEATRE ACADEMY
Twelfth Night ........................................................... 6A Midsummer Night’s Dream ............................... 7Red Velvet ................................................................. 8The Seagull ............................................................... 8The Merry Wives of Windsor ................................ 9Educational Outreach ...........................................10
POPCORN HAT PLAYERSPopcorn Hat Players ........................................................11
Stage Door Series ............................................13TMI Improv.......................................................14
Theatre School Classes ......................................... 15Gamut Theatre Summer Academy ..................... 15Popcorn Hat Summer Camp............................... 15
Our New Home Next Door ...................................2
Special Events ................................................... 16Tickets and Seating Information .............. 17About Gamut Theatre Group ..................... 18Support Gamut ................................................ 19
TWELFTH NIGHTA MIDSUMMER
NIGHT’S DREAM
RED VELVET By Lolita Chakrabarti
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
THE SEAGULL By Anton Chekhov
SEASON20152016
Join Harrisburg Shakespeare Company for their exciting opening season on the new Select Medical Mainstage! Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at Gamut Classic Theatre, unless otherwise stated.
• Opening Night Receptions–Following the first performance of each show enjoy hors d’oeuvres and meet the cast & crew. Tickets sold separately.
• BOGO Fridays–Buy one ticket, get one free.• BYOP (Bring your own price) Sundays–Any size
donation buys a ticket.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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TWELFTH NIGHT
“This is Illyria, lady!” And so, we enter with the lovely Viola into the strange, funny, and confused Dukedom of Orsino, the house of the aggrieved Lady Olivia, and the hilarious plots and plans of Feste the Fool, Malvolio the malcontent, the desperately conniving Sir Toby, and the resourceful kitchen-maid Maria.
NOVEMBER 7–29, 2015
This delightful Shakespearean comedy features fairies, young lovers and a crew of bumbling players trying to perform a play for the Duke’s wedding celebration. Puck sums it up best: “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” Recommended for ages 12 and up, Midsummer is extremely accessible, employing Gamut’s unique educational outreach style of bridging the most famous scenes from the play together into an easy-to-understand story.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
ON TOUR: DECEMBER 2015–JULY 2016*CALL TO SCHEDULE
MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCES:FEBRUARY 19–21, 2016
RED VELVET By Lolita Chakrabarti
THE SEAGULL By Anton ChekhovTranslated by Carol Rocamora
JANUARY 23–FEBRUARY 7, 2016*AUDITIONS: DECEMBER 2 & 4, 2015
MARCH 12–26, 2016*AUDITIONS: JANUARY 6 & 8, 2016
The remarkable story of Ira Aldridge: gentleman, actor, star of the London West End stage. In his lifetime, Aldridge played the most coveted of Shakespearean roles. He toured Europe extensively and performed for many of its crowned heads. But, Ira Aldridge was not only an unparalleled and respected theatrical talent. The son of an African American slave, he was the survivor of New York City slum life in the early 1800s.
As the moon rises behind a tiny outdoor stage on a lakeside estate, a beautiful young actress performs a new play by Konstantin Treplev. A small gathering of friends and family are in attendance, including Konstantin’s fiery actress mother, Arkadina, and her new love interest, the famous novelist, Trigorin. The performance and its aftermath will forever alter the lives of everyone who see it. What follows is a classic and indelible story of unrequited love, profound sacrifice, and artistic ambition.
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THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
JUNE 3–18, 2016RESERVOIR PARK, HARRISBURG*AUDITIONS: MARCH 29, 31, APRIL 2, 2016
Everyone loves Sir John Falstaff but, probably not quite as much as he loves himself. Not to fear! Mistress Ford, Mistress Page, and the entire town of Windsor have a plan to humble the bawdy, carousing knight.
Harrisburg Shakespeare Company is proud to present the 23rd Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park. Help us continue the tradition of enjoying Shakespeare under the stars.
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Educational Outreach is an important part of HSC’s mission to make theatre accessible to a variety of audiences. HSC offers student matinée performances for each of their productions, giving middle school through college-aged students the opportunity to experience live theatre in a professional setting.
HSC also adapts a Shakespearean play into an easy-to-understand production to take on tour to area schools and venues. This year’s Educational Outreach production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, can be paired with a “prep” workshop taught by HSC instructors to assist Shakespeare novices in understanding the performance.
Each Educational Outreach Production is followed by a “talk-back” session in which students can ask the director and actors questions in order to better understand the production, its themes, and how the actors develop their characters.
Twelfth NightNovember 11, 12, 18, 19, 2015
Red VelvetJanuary 26, 29, February 3, 4, 2016
The SeagullMarch 16, 17, 23, 24, 2016
A Midsummer Night’s DreamDecember 2015–July 2016
STUDENT MATINÉES* ALL PERFORMANCES AT 9:30 AM, MUST CALL TO SCHEDULE.
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An eclectic selection of classical verse poetry, from the renowned to the arcane, from East to West, from antiquity to the twentieth century adapted for the stage. Through dramatic recitation, "Hear The Voice, Be The Verse" illuminates the timeless bond between the poetry that distills our collective experiences and the human voice that gives it life.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s female characters, regional playwrights were tasked with re-imagining the worlds of Shakespeare’s plays and the women in them who often have small or underdeveloped roles to play. Now, in As She Likes It, these women are given full voice to say things they didn’t have the opportunity to in the Bard’s world or do things that the “pipsqueak boys” who played them never did.
HEAR THE VOICE, BE THE VERSEAN ADAPTATION BY FRANKLIN L. HENLEY JR.
AS SHE LIKES IT
DECEMBER 11 & 12, 2015
AUGUST 12–14, 19–21, 2016
SEASON20152016
The Stage Door Series complements and builds upon Gamut’s Mainstage season, through the presentation of engaging and educational productions that highlight the essential elements of theatre: the text, the story, and the action.
While the Stage Door Series maintains the professional theatrical standard of Gamut Theatre, all participation in Stage Door productions is volunteered, and admission for every production is by donation only, as defined by our motto: “Come as you are; pay what you will.” Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. at Gamut Classic Theatre unless otherwise stated.
• Popcorn Hat Storytime at the Little Scholar in Midtown Scholar Bookstore. Presented by Stage Door Series. Dates TBA.
• Popcorn Hat Players On Tour–Available throughout the season for private parties and daycare/school performances. Contact the Box Office for more information.
PRESENTED BY
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Popcorn Hat Players (PHP) Children’s Theatre has been entertaining children and their families since 1993, bringing fairy tales, folk tales, and fables to new audiences every year. Using creative comedy and improvisation, the Players write original adaptations and breathe new life into unforgettable stories.
PHP productions are appropriate for ages 2-12.Performances are held Wednesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. at Gamut Classic Theatre, unless otherwise stated. Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Box Office at 717-238-4111 or [email protected]
SPECIAL EVENTS
December 2-19, 2015A Popcorn Hat
Christmas Carol
January 13-30, 2016Sleeping Beauty
February 17-March 5, 2016Stone Soup
April 13-30, 2016Rumpelstiltskin
May 11-26, 2016Robin Hood
June 8-18, 2016Wonder Tales from Around the World
July 13-August 20, 2015Cinderella
Here at Gamut Theatre Group, we are extremely excited about our curriculum for young actors! Gamut Theatre Academy includes our Fall & Spring Theatre School programs, as well as our Popcorn Hat Summer Theatre Camp, and Gamut Theatre Summer Academy.
Our goal is to enhance communication skills and develop self-confidence, imagination, and creativity. In doing so, we educate the student on a general knowledge of the theatre while having lots of fun! All classes are held at Gamut Classic Theatre and are instructed by professional actors. We offer a variety of classes organized by age and content, so no matter your level, we have a class for you!
THEATRE SCHOOL CLASSES
GAMUT THEATRE SUMMER ACADEMY
POPCORN HAT SUMMER CAMP
• Theatre Basics I: Ages 5-12• Theatre Basics II: Ages 9-14• Acting I: Ages 8-14• Acting II: Ages 10-18• Acting Intensive: By invitation only• Performance Class: For graduates of Acting II/Acting Intensive
A summer theatre intensive for ages 8-16, held at Gamut Classic Theatre and taught by experienced teaching professionals. Students are immersed in the study of theatre, dance, voice, improvisation, and writing. Each week culminates in a Friday evening performance!
This camp, taught by the Popcorn Hat Players themselves, aims to teach children general knowledge of the theatre while having lots of fun! Classes are held at Gamut Classic Theatre. Students will present a performance at the end of the summer camp.
FALL SEMESTER: SEPT. 8–DEC. 12, 2015SPRING SEMESTER: JAN. 12–APR.30, 2016
JULY 11–AUGUST 5, 2016
AUGUST 9–19, 2016
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT GAMUTTHEATRE.ORG OR CALL 717-238-4111
TMI is Gamut Theatre Group’s in-house improv comedy troupe. It is peopled by some of the most decent, charming and sweet-smelling folk you’d ever want to meet. Founded in 2007, TMI specializes in long and short-form, character-driven improv, where simple suggestions from the audience pave the way for improvised journeys that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Mainstage tickets are BYOP (bring your own price) and begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
Improvisation is the skill of thinking on your feet–either your own, or as part of a group–and making something entertaining, “on the fly”. In business, improvisation theatre can be a fun and effective way to help employees learn creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills.
TMI’s Workshops are customized to fit the needs of your business. Workshops focus on the basics of improvisational theatre to strengthen important elements of a successful business such as active listening, conflict resolution, decision making, and adapting to change.
For more information please contact our Box Office at 717-238-4111 or [email protected]
December 18, 2015 & April 1, 2016
IMPROV WORKSHOPS
“ While many people might think of improvisation as unscripted comedy, it can apply to any form of spontaneous theater -- and practitioners say that using ‘improv’ to teach business skills is no joke.” –CNN
POPCORN HAT PLAYERS’ NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY FOR CHILDREN
POPCORN HAT PLAYERS YOUNG ACTING COMPANY PRESENTS
SNOW WHITE
KIDSFEST
SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Featuring a performance by Popcorn Hat Players and a countdown to noon complete with noise-
makers, hats, leis, and a balloon drop. This event is so big we host it at the Sunoco Performance
Theater in the Whitaker Center. Tickets go on sale in November.
A cast of over 30 student actors ages 5-18 present a professionally-produced original adaptation of
this childhood favorite. This production will feature singing, dancing, stage combat, and, of course,
endless laughs.
Open auditions will be held January 13 & 16, 2016 at Gamut Classic Theatre. Look for more information
this winter at GamutTheatre.org
Fun for the whole family in Riverfront Park, Harrisburg. Popcorn Hat Players host the annual
Kidsfest section of Artsfest featuring performances, crafts, games, and more!
Celebrate the Bard’s birthday in style with gourmet food and drinks. Take home a fabulous prize from
the live and silent auctions, and the spring raffle. All proceeds benefit Gamut Theatre Group.
DECEMBER 31, 2015
APRIL 17, 2016
APRIL 8–10, 2016
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MAY 28–30, 2016
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HARRISBURG SHAKESPEARE COMPANYAdults $30Senior/Military $25Students $15Educational Outreach Productions $12*Call for touring prices & information
POPCORN HAT PLAYERSAdults/Children $8Groups of 20–49 $6Groups of 50+ $5Season Pass (Unlimited access to each production) $50*Call for touring prices & information
STAGE DOOR SERIES & TMIAdults/Children BYOP (bring your own price)
Tickets can be purchased online at GamutTheatre.org, through our Box Office at 717-238-4111, or by emailing [email protected].
Patrons will be asked to reserve a seat using our new seating chart for Mainstage Harrisburg Shakespeare Company performances.
On-street parking meters run until 7 p.m. Monday–Saturday. Parking is free all day Sunday.
SEASON SPONSORS:
POPCORN HAT PLAYERS ON TOUR SPONSOR:
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®
Gamut® Theatre is the combined company of Popcorn Hat Players Children’s Theatre and Harrisburg Shakespeare Company. Our mission is to tell classic stories in new and exciting ways for the entertainment and enlightenment of children and adults alike.
Each year Gamut presents approximately 250 performances to 30,000 people. Moreover, 20,000 students per year enjoy our theatre school classes, workshops, residencies, and shows. Since our inception in 1993, Gamut has cumulatively reached over 500,000 children and adults through our touring and educational programs and is consistently voted “Best Drama/Theatre Classes” as awarded by Central Penn Parent magazine.
We have been recognized by the press and the public for the quality of our productions, the breadth of our programs, our reach into all segments of the community, and our ability to keep classic stories relevant and alive. Gamut Theatre is an Educational Improvement Organization as approved by the PA DCED and is an approved Arts in Education Roster Artist through the PA Council on the Arts.
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Gamut Theatre Group is a proud member of