| | | ABOUT US | | |
Mission
Playhouse Merced enriches, engages and entertains the diverse communities of Merced and the Central Valley by providing exceptional live theater and arts education rooted in strong community involvment.
History
Founded in 1994 as the Merced Center for the Performing Arts, Playhouse Merced has grown over the years into the area's premier theatre organization, presenting a Mainstage season of at least a dozen shows annually in its two performance spaces. Additionally, the youth Conservatory offers after-school instruction in theatre, voice and dance, provides educational opportunities through outreach to outlying communities and presents two acclaimed theatre summer camps for youth.
Factoids Playhouse Merced is one of Merced County's "Top Ten Attractions," with over 20,000 visitors annually, with upwards of 40% of those visitors from out of town. Playhouse Merced boasts a budget, staff and theatrical offerings that are more in line with a city of 200,000 - 300,000, than with the 75,000 that make up the city of Merced. Now in its 16th season, Playhouse Merced offers musicals, dramas, comedies, classics and children's theatre offerings, all created with an attention to detail and professionalism, by a mixture of professional staff, community actors and volunteers and visiting artists. The performing arts promote CULTURAL TOURISM, which is a key component in the economic development of any metropolitan area. Arts and culture contribute to the identity and cohesion of a community, help to increase literacy, break down social barriers and help foster economic development and civic improvements. |
| THE BLACK BOX
The Black Box Theatre The Black Box Theatre, located in the old Beverly Fabrics building was designed specifically to explore and learn more about ourselves and the creative process of playmaking and creative expression. The Black Box is a place where it's okay to get our hands dirty. It's okay to take risks. It's okay to try something new. The facility is primarily dedicated to two very specific activities. 1. To provide a safe and open environment for students ages 7-18 to truly explore the performing arts with after school and weekend clesses in dance, acting, voice and technical theatre. Students will attend class and perform recitals, as well as perform their own productions within this intimate 99-seat shoebox flexible space. 2. To establish an artistic laboratory where new work, alternative art forms, creative freedom and the relationship between audience and artist can be tested beyond the limits of a commercial enterprise such as our mainstage. From the perspective of audience and community, this will be a significant alternative to explore different performaing arts events not usually available outside and urban setting. As the community grows, this can become a truly eclectic environment where different voices can truly express themselves to a larger audience. The Black Box was designed as a flexible space able to reconfigure easily into many orientations. Half the fun will be seeing how the shows are oriented and imagining where you'll be sitting next! This is a wonderful opportunity to get right in the thick of it and enjoy the energy of live, spontaneous and invigorating artistic expressions. Call (209) 725-8587 for rental information!
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| | COMPANY BIOS Playhouse Staff
Artistic Director - Robert Hypes
Robert Hypes joined the Playhouse Merced family in 2004 as an intern and working his way up to Technical Director and now the Artistic Director -- overseeing the entire workings of Playhouse Merced. Rob has produced light designs, (Godspell, Grease, The Diary of Anne Frank, Fiddler on the Roof), Directed (Annie Get Your Gun, Little Women: The Musical, Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical) and acted (The Underpants, Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare: Abridged).
Rob would like to thank his ever-understanding wife and all of his mentors and friends who helped him reach his aspirations and goals. Though they may not be here, they will always be in his thoughts.
robh@playhousemerced.com
Education Director - Noelle Chandler
Originally from the DC Metro area, Noelle is pleased to be able to bring her big-city experience to the ever-growing population of Merced. Noelle has a degree in Theatre Performance from University of Maryland in College Park, and enjoys playwriting, acting, directing and of course teaching the eager young students who cycle through her door. She believes firmly that schools should be palaces, learning needs to be interactive to be effective, and that teachers who mold the youth of tomorrow should be paid way, way more than someone who can hit a ball further than anybody else. She sends her love, deep thanks, and honest regards to all of her wonderful Conservatory staff, her family and friends (East Coast and West) and the town of Merced for this wild and wonderful experience. "Vive Le Conservatoire!"
noelle@playhousemerced.com
Technical Director - Chad Phillips
Chad started as Technical Director in 2006. Chad graduated from the Art Institute of Dallas in 2002 and handles everything tech related in the theatre. Marketing Representative - Jim Kocher
Jim moved to Merced from the Los Angeles area, where he was an actor and entrepreneur, co-founder of online jobs board Showbizjobs.com. Before joining the Marketing Department, Jim appeared in Playhouse shows, The Underpants, Annie Get Your Gun, Something's Afoot, I Do! I Do! and Children of Eden. Community theater is expensive! If you're reading this and would care to make a donation to Playhouse Merced, please contact me
jimkor@playhousemerced.com
Box Office Manager/Administrative Assistant - Cheri Steck
Cheri is a local girl who moved back to Merced after 9 years in the frozen tundra of Spokane, Washington. She started as a volunteer usher to keep her busy until she found a "real" job. Little did she know that Playhouse Merced would end up being her "real" job. She is thrilled to be working with such a fun group of people. She would like to thank her mother for giving her the love of live theatre because without that, she would still be looking for a "real" job.
boxoffice@playhousemerced.com |
| Board of Directors
President - Marilyn Fauerbach Vice President - Bill Cook Secretary - Bruce Logue Treasurer - Carol Longobardi
Members - Richard Barnes, John Mayer, Jennifer Ossowski, Melissa Proietti, Teri Stefani, Kathy Wagner, Michael Winder, David Zacharias Ex-Officio Members - Maciej Ossowski, Dunya Ramikova, Suma Thondapu, Ellie Wooten, Tony Varni, Terry Bohlke Company Doctor - Maciej Ossowski, M.D. Company Photographer - Tom Frazier
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| AUDITIONS
All auditions are open to all members of the community. We'd love to see you come by and try out for an upcoming show. It's fun! We're nice people!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Upcoming Auditions
- - - - - - - - - - - - 12 Angry Men
Directed by Jim Kocher
12 Angry Men depicts a jury forced to reconsider its nearly unanimous decision
by the single dissenter who sows a seed of reasonable doubt.
Auditions are Saturday August 7 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday August 10 at 6:30pm
Character Breakdown
Foreman: A small, petty man; impressed with his authority. Not terribly bright.
Juror Two: Meek, hesitant man; easily swayed.
Juror Three: Strong, forceful, humorless -- almost angry
Juror Four: Wealthy stockbrocker, has a superiority complex
Juror Five: Naive, frightened, serious young man
Juror Six: Honest, dull-witted; somewhat negative
Juror Seven: Loud, flashy, glad-handed salesman type.
Juror Eight: Quiet, thoughtful and gentle. Fighting for justice.
Juror Nine: Mild, gentle older man -- defeated by life.
Juror Ten: Angry, bitter, intimidating and bigoted
Juror Eleven: Refugee to America, speaks with an accent. He's ashamed, humble, almost subservient.
Juror Twelve: Slick, bright advertising man. A superficial snob.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Reefer Madness
Director TBA
Auditions are Saturday, August 14 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday, August 17th at 6:30pm Cinderella
Director TBA
Auditions are Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 6:30pm Lend Me a Tenor
Director TBA
Auditions are Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 6:30pm MID-LIFE! The Crisis Musical
Director TBA
Auditions are Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 6:30pm Chicago
Director TBA
Auditions are Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 6:30pm All Shook Up
Director TBA
Auditions are Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 6:30pm Lysistrata
Director TBA
Auditions are Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 6:30pm
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Director TBA
Auditions are Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 1:00pm
Callbacks are Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 6:30pm
Audition requirements requirements will be published as the audition date approaches for each show. Questions? Please call Playhouse Merced (209) 725-8587 with any questions! |
| VOLUNTEERING AT THE PLAYHOUSE
Volunteer Opportunities Too much free time? We'll keep you busy! Playhouse Merced is constantly looking for new volunteers. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and we would not exist without the efforts of dedicated community members like you! Whether you're interested in ushering, acting, sewing, scene-building, or publicity, we have a variety of opportunities for people of all skill levels. If you would like to help, please call Cheri in the box office at (209) 725-8587.
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| SUPPORT THE PLAYHOUSE
Individual Patrons Playhouse Merced, like any quality arts presenter, relies on the support of committed members of the community to help us continue to provide the best in entertainment and education.
Here are just a few examples of what your individual sponsorship supports: * Our educational Conservatory, serving close to 20,000 local students a year. * The presentation of over 125 performances per year. * A professional staff coupled with a strong volunteer pool. * Continues our tradition of bringing in the finest local, regional and national actors, directors and designers. Your generous tax-deductible contribution may also include recognition in all of our season programs. Founders $5,000
Producers $2,500
Directors $1,000
Playwrights $500
Actors $250
Patrons $100
Understudies $50
Ushers $25 Won't you join our growing family? Endowments, gifts or bequests help support the theatre's mission, while making a difference in your community. Please feel free to make an appointment with our staff or your financial planner to set this important work in place.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Becoming a business partner with Playhouse Merced helps provide exposure to the finest in the theatrical arts for a wide section of our community and region. As a sponsor, you will acheive visibility and recognition throughout the year. In addition, sponsors receive additional benefits, not available to most patrons! This is an excellent opportunity to publicize your business or organization, while providing valuable, much needed support to one of the area's leading arts providers. Business Sponsors:
Diamond - $10,000
Platinum - $7,500
Gold - $5,000
Silver - $2,500
Bronze - $1,000 With each level you receive an advantage package, recognition on our corporate board and season tickets! Show Sponsorships
Want to sponsor a show for the season? Individual show sponsorships are a great way to get your name out there and show support for the arts! Talk with Joe Hypes or Jim Kocher in our Marketing/Sales Department to find out more details! (209) 725-8587
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