Altarena Playhouse

Bus Stop

Armando Fox — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:58 +0000

A play by William Inge
Directed by Michael Ryken

Bus Stop

January 8 – February 6

Long before “The Breakfast Club”, there was “Bus Stop”. It’s winter on the Great Plains, and a snowstorm near Kansas City has stranded a group of bus passengers at a local diner. During their weather-enforced overnight layover, the diverse group of strangers develop short-lived but revealing relationships as they learn about each other—and about themselves.

Featuring: Xanadu Bruggers • Charles Evans • Hannah Knapp • Charles Lewis • Adam Reeser • Cynthia Roberts • David Roberts • Stephen Steiner

Xanadu Bruggers

Charles Evans

Hannah Knapp

Charles Lewis

Adam Reeser

Cynthia Roberts

David Roberts

Stephen Steiner

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Announcing our 2010 Season!

Armando Fox — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:38 +0000

It’s that time of year…when Altarena announces its upcoming season!

We’re really excited about the five great shows we have lined up for 2010, including the timeless musical Man of La Mancha! If Gypsy and Chicago were any indication, Man of La Mancha will sell out fast, but as a Subscriber you can reserve early and even get the best seats!

Our season will open with the drama/comedy Bus Stop, and we’ll also feature the classic play Steel Magnolias and the hilarious Sylvia. Rounding out the season is the longest-running off-Broadway musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a wry and witty look at relationships that’s so popular it’s played the world over in 13 languages!

Read more about our 2010 season, or if you’re already sold, buy your subscription now!

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Artistic Director Fred Chacon honored for service to Alameda’s children

Armando Fox — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:15:53 +0000

This week’s Alameda Sun reported on the Alameda Community For Kids Awards, honoring Alamedans who have given outstanding service on behalf of the children of our community.

Among those honored was Fred Chacon, director of the drama program at Alameda High School and Artistic Director for Altarena Playhouse. Fred’s dedication to children and education is also apparent in his Altarena activities: his students and recent graduates routinely serve as production interns on Altarena shows, and he organized the very successful Summer Theatre Camp for kids, currently led by Altarena director/actor Richard Bunker.

We’re very fortunate to have someone as talented and dedicated as Fred working for the theater, bringing both art and art education to children and adults through his wide range of activities.

Please join us in congratulating Fred on this well deserved award! You can reach him at fred.chacon@altarena.org if you’d like to send him a personal note.

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Brian Copeland’s “Not A Genuine Black Man” returns to Altarena

Armando Fox — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:00:49 +0000

Altarena Playhouse and CaroLena Productions Present

Brian Copeland
in
Not A Genuine Black Man

The longest-running solo show in San Francisco History

Exclusive Alameda appearances: a Benefit for Altarena Playhouse
December 4 & 5 at 8:00 PM

Get Tickets
Subscribers: $5 off per ticket if you purchase in advance!

We’re excited to announce the return of award-winning playwright/performer Brian Copeland to Altarena Playhouse to perform his acclaimed show, Not A Genuine Black Man.

Genuine is the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history—the witty, trenchant, and ultimately ennobling story of Brian’s growing up in San Leandro when that town had some of the highest racial tensions in Bay Area history. Brian’s show, and the companion bestselling book (which he’ll be signing after each performance), have garnered so many accolades that he hardly needs any introduction! We at Altarena are extremely proud to count Brian as a member of our Honorary Board of Directors, and we’re thrilled to remain the exclusive Alameda venue for his performance.

Brian Copeland is generously giving a substantial fraction of the show’s proceeds to benefit Altarena Playhouse. All performances followed by complimentary champagne reception and book signing with the artist.

Brian performed at Altarena in 2006 and sold out in just a few days!
Get your tickets now as these are sure to go fast!

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Auditions: “Bus Stop” & “Man of La Mancha”

Armando Fox — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:51:46 +0000

Bus Stop

a play by William Inge

Directed by Michael Ryken

Auditions November 9 and 10, 7pm.

Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501

Callbacks November 11 at 7pm

Cold reading from the script. Non-AEA. All ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

Casting 5 men and 3 women.

Elma Duckworth – a waitress – female, teenager

Grace Hoyland – owner of the restaurant – female, 40+

Will Masters – sheriff – male, 40+

Cherie – a chanteuse – female, 20’s

Dr. Gerald Lyman – a former college professor – male, 50+

Carl – a bus driver – male, 40+

Virgil Blessing – a ranch hand – male, 50+

Bo Decker – young rancher and cowboy – male, 20’s

For info: phone/email

Announcing open auditions for Bus Stop, a play by William Inge, directed by Michael Ryken.

Non-AEA, stipend provided. All ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

Auditions: November 9 and 10, 7pm. Callbacks: November 11 at 7pm. Auditioners will be asked to cold-read from the script.

All auditions, rehearsals and performances will take place at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501. Altarena is convenient to public transportation. Rehearsals start November 16, performances Jan 8-Feb 6, every Fri./Sat. 8pm, every Sunday 2pm, and Thurs. Jan. 28 & Feb. 4 at 8pm.

Casting: 5 men and 3 women.

Elma Duckworth – a waitress – female, teenager
Grace Hoyland – owner of the restaurant – female, 40+
Will Masters – sheriff – male, 40+
Cherie – a chanteuse – female, 20’s
Dr. Gerald Lyman – a former college professor – male, 50+
Carl – a bus driver – male, 40+
Virgil Blessing – a ranch hand – male, 50+
Bo Decker – young rancher and cowboy – male, 20’s

For information or to make an appointment, email busstop-auditions@altarena.org

Auditions for Man of La Mancha

Open Auditions for Man of La Mancha Nov 15 & 16

Altarena Playhouse announces open auditions for their February/April 2010 production of Man of La Mancha, the Broadway classic about hope, the human spirit, and the power of art. Stewart Lyle will direct, with musical direction by Armando Fox and choreography by Christina Lazlo.

The production will feature a reduced cast of 12 (9M and 3W) and an on-stage, costumed, and mobile orchestra of 6 to take advantage of the Altarena space and make the entire show an intimate and immersive audience experience.

AUDITION/CALLBACK INFORMATION:

Non-AEA, Stipend provided. All ethnicities encouraged.

Auditions: November 15 and 16, 7–10pm.

Callbacks: November 22, 2–6pm, November 23, 7–10pm (if needed)

Location: Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, Alameda CA 94501.

Convenient to public transportation!

Appointments and Further Information: lamancha-auditions@altarena.org

Prepare:

We are looking for strong singers! Be prepared to show off your “legit” sound. Bring a song in the style of the show, and have a second ready to go if requested, with at least one of them being up-tempo. Sing your best song or that most appropriate for the part you’re interested in first. Songs from the show are acceptable.

Please also have short dramatic comic monologues prepared and be ready to move.

Production Schedule:

Casting to be completed by November 24th with scripts, scores, and practice CDs in the mail (or other distribution TBD) by November 25th.

There will be a preliminary read-through meeting for cast and crew on December 14th. Costume measurements will be taken at this meeting.

Some musical rehearsals may be scheduled (around the holidays) between December 14th and January 11th

Formal Rehearsals start January 11th and will be Monday through Friday evenings, and Sunday afternoons, but typically four days per week initially. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be created, so people will only be called for the rehearsals as they are needed.

Performs February 26th through April 3rd, 2010, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, and Thursdays March 25th and April 1st at 8pm.

There is an opening night reception on February 26th, and audience talk backs with the director and cast after Saturday night performances starting March 6th.

Seeking: 8 men and 2 women for the following roles (note that the roles of Aldonza and the Innkeeper have been cast):

Note that while not required, stage combat, martial arts, wrestling, and/or gymnastics training or experience will be a big plus for virtually all the roles.

Cervantes/Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana: Ideally reads about 50, tall and thin, a powerful baritone. The show’s driving force, he creates, tells, and portrays the story of Don Quixote using the prisoners in the dungeon as his players. Sings The Impossible Dream, I Am I, Dulcinea, others.

Manservant/Sancho Panza: Age contemporary to Cervantes, typically (but not necessarily) a shorter round guy with great, honest comic timing. A tenor or high baritone, sings I Like Him, A Little Gossip, others.

Captain/Prisoner/Muleteer/Moor/Mirror Fighter: Powerful, imposing man (either by size, presence, or both), he represents the armed power of the Spanish Inquisition. Sings in virtually all group numbers.

Guard/Prisoner/Anselmo (Muleteer)/Old Prisoner/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A pure beautiful tenor or high baritone, sings Little Bird and in virtually all group numbers.

Guard/Prisoner/Muleteer/Barber/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A comic tenor or high baritone, sings the Barber’s song and in virtually all group numbers.

The Duke/Muleteer/Dr. Carrasco/Knight of the Mirrors: Second in command of the prison, down on his luck noble now a prisoner of the Inquisition. He becomes one of the muleteers and then Dr. Carrasco, who attempts to cure Don Quixote with science. Sings Only Thinking of Him, and some group numbers. Baritone.

Prisoner/Pedro (Muleteer)/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A baritone and the leader and most dangerous of the muleteers, he sings in most of the group numbers.

Prisoner/Muleteer/Padre/Moor: Sensitive and compassionate monk played by a crazy prisoner. Beautiful tenor, sings Only Thinking of Him, To Each His Dulcinea, Requiem, and most group numbers.

Prisoner/Horse Dancer/Fermina/Antonia/Moorish Dancer: Dances/portrays a Horse or Mule in I am I and other scenes portrays the junior servant woman at the inn, plus niece and heir Antonia. Also dances the Moorish seductress. A mezzo/soprano, sings Only Thinking of Him, and most of the group numbers.

Prisoner/Mule Dancer/Inkeeper’s Wife/Housekeeper/Inquisitor: Dances/portrays a Horse or Mule in I am I and other scenes portrays the Innkeeper’s not-so-kindly and slightly unbalanced wife, the Houskeeper, and an Inquisitor. A mezzo/soprano, sings Only Thinking of Him and most of the group numbers.Altarena Playhouse announces open auditions for their February/April 2010 production of Man of La Mancha, the Broadway classic about hope, the human spirit, and the power of art. Stewart Lyle will direct, with musical direction by Armando Fox and choreography by Christina Lazo. Non-AEA, stipend provided, all ethnicities encouraged.The production will feature a reduced cast of 12 (9M and 3W) and an on-stage, costumed small orchestra to take advantage of the Altarena space and make the entire show an intimate and immersive audience experience.

Auditions: November 15 and 16, 7–10pm, by appointment. To make an appointment or if you have questions:
email lamancha-auditions@altarena.org

Callbacks: November 22, 2–6pm, November 23, 7–10pm (if needed)

Location: Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, Alameda CA 94501. Altarena is convenient to public transportation.

Preparation:

We are looking for strong singers! Be prepared to show off your “legit” sound. Bring a song (16-32 bars) in the style of the show and most appropriate to the part(s) you’re intersted in, and have a second song ready to go if requested, with at least one of them being up-tempo. Songs from the show are acceptable. Bring sheet music; accompanist provided.

Please also have short dramatic and comic monologues prepared, and be ready to do so movement.

Production Schedule:

Casting completed and scripts/scores/practice CD’s to be distributed by Nov. 25. Preliminary read-through for cast and crew on December 14. Costume measurements will be taken at this meeting.

Some musical rehearsals may be scheduled (around the holidays) between Dec. 14-Jan. 11 depending on conflicts.

Rehearsals start January 11 and will be Monday through Friday evenings, and Sunday afternoons, but typically four days per week initially. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be created, so people will only be called for the rehearsals as they are needed.

Shows Feb. 26- Apr. 3, 2010, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, and Thursdays Mar. 25 & Apr. 1 at 8pm. Audience talk backs with the director and cast after Saturday night performances, starting March 6.

Seeking: 8 men and 2 women for the following roles (note that the roles of Aldonza and the Innkeeper have been cast):

Note that while not required, stage combat, martial arts, wrestling, and/or gymnastics training or experience will be a big plus for virtually all the roles.

Cervantes/Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana: Ideally reads about 50, tall and thin, a powerful baritone. The show’s driving force, he creates, tells, and portrays the story of Don Quixote using the prisoners in the dungeon as his players. Sings The Impossible Dream, I Am I, Dulcinea, others.

Manservant/Sancho Panza: Age contemporary to Cervantes, typically (but not necessarily) a shorter round guy with great, honest comic timing. A tenor or high baritone, sings I Like Him, A Little Gossip, others.

Captain/Prisoner/Muleteer/Moor/Mirror Fighter: Powerful, imposing man (either by size, presence, or both), he represents the armed power of the Spanish Inquisition. Sings in virtually all group numbers.

Guard/Prisoner/Anselmo (Muleteer)/Old Prisoner/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A pure beautiful tenor or high baritone, sings Little Bird and in virtually all group numbers.

Guard/Prisoner/Muleteer/Barber/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A comic tenor or high baritone, sings the Barber’s song and in virtually all group numbers.

The Duke/Muleteer/Dr. Carrasco/Knight of the Mirrors: Second in command of the prison, down on his luck noble now a prisoner of the Inquisition. He becomes one of the muleteers and then Dr. Carrasco, who attempts to cure Don Quixote with science. Sings Only Thinking of Him, and some group numbers. Baritone.

Prisoner/Pedro (Muleteer)/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A baritone and the leader and most dangerous of the muleteers, he sings in most of the group numbers.

Prisoner/Muleteer/Padre/Moor: Sensitive and compassionate monk played by a crazy prisoner. Beautiful tenor, sings Only Thinking of Him, To Each His Dulcinea, Requiem, and most group numbers.

Prisoner/Horse Dancer/Fermina/Antonia/Moorish Dancer: Dances/portrays a Horse or Mule in I am I and other scenes; portrays the junior servant woman at the inn, plus niece and heir Antonia. Also dances the Moorish seductress. A mezzo/soprano, sings Only Thinking of Him, and most of the group numbers.

Prisoner/Mule Dancer/Inkeeper’s Wife/Housekeeper/Inquisitor: Dances/portrays a Horse or Mule in I am I and other scenes; portrays the Innkeeper’s not-so-kindly and slightly unbalanced wife, the Housekeeper, and an Inquisitor. A mezzo/soprano, sings Only Thinking of Him and most of the group numbers.

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Community spotlight: Patrick Kenney, Altarena Advisory Board member

Armando Fox — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:12:34 +0000

The San Jose Mercury News has a great story about the community leadership of Patrick Kenney, an Altarena Advisory Board member, founder of Cairdea Design (one of our many local merchant partners), and Scoutmaster of Alameda Boy Scout Troop 88, of which he’s been a member for over 25 years. In honor of his parents, Patrick started the Hike For The Cure, which has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. Altarena is proud to partner with businesses like Cairdea Design, exclusive vendor for all of our publicity and marketing materials, and to have community leaders like Patrick on our Advisory Board.

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The Nerd: “Crisp & funny”, “lighthearted fun”

Armando Fox — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:38:35 +0000

“Crisp and funny…
the cast comes through as individuals and ensemble. And it’s a perfect role for comic actor Beagley…” —Ken Bullock, Berkeley Daily Planet

“Lighthearted fun” —Alice Chalip, Inside Bay Area

Get Your Tickets Now: We’ve already had many sold-out performances! The Nerd runs through October 25, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20, or a discounted $17 for students (under 18) and seniors (62+). You can also call (510) 523-1553, but to ensure your reservation is received, please call well in advance of the desired show date. Same-day tickets, if available, may be purchased at the theatre box office starting one hour prior to showtime.

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Artistic Staff Positions Available

Armando Fox — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:14:57 +0000

Altarena is hiring various Artistic Staff positions for our 2010 season. To apply, please email artisticjobs@altarena.org, stating which position(s) you’re interested in. Please include a copy of your resume or other description of relevant experience. We’re looking for dedicated, self-starter people with a passion for the arts who can work well as part of a team.

All positions provide a stipend; exact amount will be negotiated based on experience and other considerations.

Director – Bus Stop – Auditions early November. Show opens January 8, 2010. Please send resume to ( can you make up a email address and have it come here to me? ) Good opportunity for up and coming director.

Technical Director responsible for building all sets for each show. Must have own tools and transportation. Willing to work weekends and afternoons. Must be experienced. (Stipend)

Stage Manager must attend all auditions and all rehearsals, runs the light board during performances and keeps close contact with all production staff throughout rehearsal period. Transportation helpful, but not necessary since the Altarena Playhouse is accessible through public transportation. (Stipend)

Property Manager must gather all props for each production and run props during performances. Must have transportation and be a self starter. Should get long well with people. (Stipend)

Stage Manager must attend all auditions and all rehearsals, runs the light board during performances and keeps close contact with all production staff throughout rehearsal period. Transportation helpful, but not necessary since Altarena Playhouse is accessible via public transportation.

Property Manager must gather all props for each production and run props during performances. Must have transportation and be a self-starter.

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Alameda Sun: Spitfire is “A wonderfully perfect, endearing treat”

Armando Fox — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:19:07 +0000

Today’s Alameda Sun carries a rave review of our production of The Spitfire Grill: “Director Fred Chacon once again shows his penchant and talent for the musical…by the end of the show you will have fallen in love with every character on stage…there isn’t a weak link.”

Alice Chalip, writing in the Alameda Journal, adds: “Audience members leave the theater feeling good about life and about their own place in the world.”

We at Altarena have always taken special pride in our ability to use Altarena’s intimate space to engage the audience in ways that a big theater can’t. And we’re thrilled that the Sun’s theater critic Higgins agrees with us: “…[T]he kind of heart that you root and cheer for. . . the kind of rare emotional connection you can find only in the theater, and in this case, your Altarena Playhouse.”

Some performances are already sold out, and with reviews like this the seats will go fast.

Get your tickets online now (or call 510-764-9718) and don’t miss this “simple musical about small towns, redemption, forgiveness, hope and love.”

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Auditions for “The Nerd”

Armando Fox — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:45:39 +0000

Audition details for Larry Shue’sÂ The Nerd (Director: Richard Bunker)

We post all auditions to TBA, but you can be notified personally by signing up for our audition email list!

Auditions: Â Monday July 13th andÂ Tuesday July 14th, from 7:00 to 9:00.Â Please email RichardBunker@hotmail.com to set up an audition time.

Callbacks: Monday July 20 at 7:00

Performances will be Sep 18 – Oct 25, Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm.

Auditions and callbacks are held at the Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda. Actors will do cold readings from the script for auditions.

Play Synopsis:

Willum, an aspiring young architect has often told his friends aboutÂ the debt he owes to Rick, a fellow ex-GI who he has never met, butÂ who saved his life in Vietnam. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up at his house the night of his 34th birthday party. However, his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopelessÂ Nerd with no social sense and even less tact. Willumâ€™s normallyÂ placid personality is pushed to its limits, but just as he is aboutÂ to go over the edge and take drastic measures to rid himself of hisÂ maddening house guest, a surprising twist sets things straight.

Character breakdown:

Willum (Mid 30â€™s)-Architect in Terra Haute, Indiana. Talented butÂ little gumption. A nice, pushover type of guy.

Tansy (20â€™s-30)-Willum’s female neighbor. Career driven. InterestedÂ in Willum but not more than her job as a newscaster. Attractive andÂ quick witted, but grounded.

Axel- (30â€™s-young 40â€™s) Willum’s best friend. Theatre critic andÂ meddler of affairs. A razor sharp wit with impeccable comedic timing.

Rick (Mid 30â€™s)-The nerd.

Warnock Wallgrave-Late (30-50â€™s) â€” Willum’s number 1 client. Self made man with little imagination. Gruff and commanding. A man used to being listened to.

Celia Wallgrave (30â€™s) â€” Warnock’s wife, whose outward appearance of composure belies an anxiety ridden personality.

Thor Wallgrave -Their 10-year-old son. A strong willed brat of a child.

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