THE PROMPTER. January Volume 6 Number 1 A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT IN THIS ISSUE

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1 THE PROMPTER January 2018 Volume 6 Number 1 A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT Normally, this column is reserved for comments from our president, Dennis Fogle. Since he s busy directing our next production, Steel Magnolias, I decided to give him a break from column writing, and use this space for my own comments. As you can tell from the lateness of this newsletter, it has been a very busy time for TCP. We re still experiencing growing pains as we adjust to the new playhouse and all the tasks involved with the capital campaign, renovating the new space, membership drive, legal requirement compliance, three performances, grant writing, and all the day-to-day tasks that come with running a theater. We are very fortunate to live in a community that supports the arts. The financial donors have been so generous our new playhouse would not have been possible without their sponsorship. Our annual membership drive has exceeded our expectations, and ensured that we will be financially able to meet our annual expenses. Our volunteers donate their time (sometimes with only 10 minutes notice), and talents to help us present quality shows. Our audiences continue to grow and appreciate our offerings by their attendance and applause. We appreciate all you do for us. As we continue to grow and expand our offerings, we look to you to help us flourish. Volunteers are vital to our success. If you haven t made your New Year s resolutions (or have already abandoned them), why not consider becoming a TCP volunteer? IN THIS ISSUE TCP Dates to Remember & 4 LocalYouth Theater...4 Steel Magnolias Youth Theater, James & the Giant Peach.. 6 West Side Story Auditions In Memorium.8 It s A Wonderful Life Instrumental Evening...10 New Season Planning Smart Ways to Support TCP...11 While some volunteer jobs require certain skills, many can be done with little or no training. Learn something new expand your brain cells! We re always in need of directors and producers. As a director, I can tell you that all the effort is worth it. There's nothing so satisfying as seeing a show evolve from page to stage. TCP show volunteers (on stage and off-stage) become family, and maybe even life-long friends. I know that many of my most cherished friendships have come from my involvement with TCP. Come join us! Therese Zins 1

2 Tree County Players Mission Enriching our community through performing arts experiences. And the Winner is Tree County Players won one of the January, 2018 $1000 grants from the Decatur County Community Foundation. The Foundation is awarding two grants each first Friday of the month during its 25 th Anniversary celebration. Thanks DCCF for all you do for Decatur County! Board Members President: Dennis Fogle Vice-President: Nancy Porter Secretary: Tammy Bates Treasurer: Therese Zins Member: Amanda Gault Member Hannah Giesting Member: Brian Ingmire Member: Abby Jones Member: Josh Snapp Past President: Cathy Lincourt Tree County Players - The Prompter - Published quarterly T. Zins - editor Address: 634 W., Greensburg, IN Annex Address: 327 S. Monfort St., Greensburg, IN Mailing Address: PO Box 423, Greensburg, IN Phone Number: Web Site: tcpgreensburg.com E Mail: tcpgreensburg@etczone.com Twitter and Instagram 2

3 TCP Dates to Remember February 2018 Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat Valentine's Day Steel Magnolias 7 pm Steel Magnolias 7 pm Steel Magnolias 7 pm Steel Magnolias 2 pm Board Meeting 6 pm Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat James & the Giant Peach auditions 5 pm - 8 pm James & the Giant Peach auditions 5 pm - 8 pm Board Meeting 6 pm March West Side Story Audition Workshop 10 am - noon 3

4 More TCP Dates to Remember April 2018 Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat West Side Story auditions 6 pm - 9 pm West Side Story auditions 9 am - noon West Side Story auditions 1 pm - 3 pm dance auditions 4 pm Board Meeting 6 pm James & the Giant Peach 2 pm James & the Giant Peach 7 pm James & the Giant Peach 7 pm Support Local Youth Theater North Decatur HS March 1,2,3 at 7:00 PM March 4 at 2:00 PM $8- students, $10 - adults Oldenburg Academy March 9 & 10 at 7pm OA auditorium. Tickets: jfitzgerald@o ldenburgacademy.org South Decatur HS April 5, 6, & 7 at 7 pm $8 - Adults, $6 - Students, 5 & under free Greensburg JR High April 13th & 14 th 7 pm $5-6 and up 5 & under free 4

5 OUR NEXT PRODUCTION February 22 25, 2018 Tickets are on sale now for our February production, Robert Harling s Steel Magnolias. Patrons may choose from four performances at the (634 W. Main, Greensburg, IN), February 22,23 and 24 at 7 pm, and February 25 at 2 pm. Check our web site (tcpgreensburg.com) for advance ticket purchase link. Any remaining seats will be sold at the door before the show. This is a popular show. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a "good ole boy." Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength and love which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad. The show is directed by Dennis Fogle, and produced by Nancy Porter. Cast members are: Regina Siefert (Truvy Jones, the sassy owner of the beauty shop), Morgan Kramer (Annelle Dupuy-Desoto, Truvy s new assistant), Sue Menefee (Clairee Belcher, the Grand Dame and widow of the former mayor), Claire Werner (Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, debutant and prettiest girl in town), Nancy Worland (Ouiser Boudreaux, the wealthy curmudgeon), and Donna Swinford (M lynn Eatenton, socially prominent career woman and Shelby s protective mother). This performance will mark the third time the popular show is presented by TCP. It was first performed in the season (directed by David Fry and Dennis Harmon). The cast was Lori Durbin (Truvy), Sue Ann Hum (M lynn), Naomi Stuckey (Ouiser), Connie Dent (Clairee), Mary Duncan Stein (Shelby), and Maria Larcomb French (Annelle). The season marked the second time the show was produced (directed by Mimi Pruett), and starred Lori Durbin (M lynn), Jan Ziegenfus (Truvy), Missy Clear (Annelle), Shawna Schroeder (Clairee), and Elizabeth Bailey (Shelby). This may be your last chance to see Steel Magnolias in Greensburg. Come and experience the laughter, drama, and tears, with this stellar cast. It s a show you won t forget! TCP s original Magnolias cast: Mary Duncan Stein (seated), from left to right - Sue Ann Hum, Lori Durbin, Connie Dent, Maria Larcomb French, Naomi Stuckey 5

6 James and the Giant Peach Youth Theater Production Auditions March 5 & 6, 2018 Directors Lori Durbin and Shawna Schroeder announce auditions for TCP s youth production, James and the Giant Peach. Auditions will take place on Monday, March 5, and Tuesday, March 6, from 5 pm 8 pm at the Main Street (634 W., Greensburg). Please enter through the front door. Roles being cast are: JAMES - our young hero; from a downtrodden, lonely child, he develops into a brave "captain" of the insect band; he acts as narrator, too. OLD-GREEN-GRASSHOPPER - elderly, genial, courteous, musical (he plays the violin); he helps narrate. Also plays TV REPORTER. MISS SPIDER - occasionally sharp, even a little sinister, but ultimately kind; her marathon-thread spinning to save the peach is truly heroic. Also plays NEW YORK TOUR GUIDE, RHINOCEROS, FIRST OFFICER. CENTIPEDE - a sparky, cocky, warm-hearted Jack-the-lad. Also plays MR. TROTTER, AUNT SPIKER, CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN MARY. LADYBIRD - posh though not prissy, pretty though not vain, volatile though level-headed. Also plays MRS. TROTTER, AUNT SPONGE, SECOND OFFICER. EARTHWORM - not only blind, but a pessimist, a doom merchant whose standing in the group and whose self-esteem improves, thanks to James. Also plays RHINOCEROS, OLD MAN. The script allows for expanding the number of roles with additional actors playing the parts in caps above. The decision to do this will hinge on the number of kids auditioning and casting potential. There are also children needed to play tourists, visitors, sharks, seagulls, fish, octopus, and New York citizens. Show dates are April 27, 28 and 29. There will be light rehearsals during the spring break weeks to accommodate family vacations. Auditioners should be prepared to read from the script, and complete an audition form (including rehearsal conflicts). Contact Lori (loridurbin61@gmail.com) with questions, or for more information. An important part of this show is someone who has the ability to create the fantasy costumes. A strong costume crew will be needed. Other production positions (make-up, sets, props, house, tech, etc.) are also needed. Stop by the auditions, or contact Lori or Shawna, if you re interested in filling one of these important roles. The story of Roald Dahl s classic tale is faithfully told by James himself and the insects. The play begins at the end of the story, when James and his friends are living in the giant peach stone in Central Park, New York. A tour guide brings a party of tourists (the audience) to see this major attraction, and James and his friends tell the story of how they came to live in New York. The insects play the other roles, like James cruel Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, and the epic journey across the Atlantic is acted out with live action, puppetry and storytelling in David Wood's masterful adaptation. 6

7 Audition Workshop March 31, 2018 Auditions April 6,7 & 8, 2018 An audition workshop for prospective West Side Story auditioners has been set for March 31, 2018, 10 am noon, at the (634 W., Greensburg). Those attending will receive information about the show, casting requirements, musical audition tips, and will have an opportunity to give a practice audition. The workshop will be led by director Therese Zins, and other production staff members. The workshop is intended for teens and adults (through early thirties). College students and other who cannot attend the April auditions may audition after the workshop. Contact the director ( or theresezins@yahoo.com), if you wish to audition after the workshop. Auditions will be held April 6, 2018 from 6 pm - 9 pm, April 7 from 9 am through noon, and April 8 from 1 pm 3 pm - at the TCP. Dance auditions will be held after the April 8 auditions, at 4 pm. Auditioners should be prepared to perform a 1 minute monologue (self selected or use one of those in the audition package), sing a selection from the show, show dance and stage movement ability, complete an audition form, and respond to the audition panel s requests. A complete audition package will be available on our web site (tcpgreensburg.com) by March 1, Auditions are by appointment only. See audition package for instructions for making appointments. West Side Story will be directed by Therese Zins and Brian Ingmire. Maria Keck will serve as vocal director. Megan Gehrich is the show s producer. Show choreographer will be announced at a later date. Other backstage crew members are needed (costumes, sets, tech, props, house, playbill, publicity, etc.). Contact Megan ( or mgehrich@stmarysgreensburg.com ), if you wish to volunteer. The Story: Shakespeare s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score, by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, is widely regarded as one of the best ever written. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theater's finest accomplishments. Its exciting, sophisticated score by Bernstein and Sondheim is often considered Broadway's finest, its songs (TONIGHT, SOMEWHERE, MARIA, ONE HAND ONE HEART, AMERICA, and more) are part of the nation's musical heritage. Many young actors, singers and dancers are needed for the cast. Contact Therese if you have any questions. 7

8 George Granholt Jacqueline (Jackie) Blasdel Merrilyn Gronau TCP was saddened to hear of the passing of three prominent members, George Granholt, Jackie Blasdel, and Merrilyn Gronau. George, who passed away on December 8, 2017, was very active in TCP s early days, and through the 1990 s. George was a teacher and coach at Greensburg High School. TCP tech crews will remember him as the light guy. Jackie passed away on January 15, She, too, was very active in TCP s early years, serving on the board, directing shows, and was the founder of TCP s vocal group, The Tree County Singers. Merrilyn passed away on January 1, She helped with several backstage crews, and never missed a TCP show. Each will be missed by TCP and the community. family and friends. TCP extends sympathies to their Audience Chairs Purchased Improvements to our new playhouse continue. In November, we received our purchase of custom-made audience chairs (155 chairs). We ve gotten several compliments on their comfort factor. Come try them! 8

9 TCP presented its first play in our new location in early December, It s A Wonderful Life Live Radio Play. The show premiered on November 30, 2017 with a special performance (including dinner) for our capital campaign donors who gave $1000 or more. Performances for the general public were held on December 1,2 and 3, Seventeen performers, many playing more than one role, brought the classic Christmas story to life in a 1940 s style radio station setting. Leron Giesting (Clarence) and Bill Blank (Joseph) watch George Bailey s life experiences. The Bailey Family, Jessa Wagner, Anastasia Ridzon, Tristan Ingmire, Trina Ingmire, Brian Ingmire, Cordon Simmonds (back row) The entire cast and director 9

10 The second non-traditional TCP show (the first was the October storyteller), and its first instrumental concert, An Evening of Instrumental Music, was staged on January 20, Local, and not-so-local, musicians performed self-selected pieces for almost seventy audience members. The evening began with classical guitar selections from Nancy Porter and Therese Zins. Their performance was followed by harp and flute pieces by Pat Hicks and Hannah Giesting. Audience members enjoyed a brief intermission, featuring baked goods provided by Sweet Harmony Bakery (Cathy Lincourt). After intermission, Kari Kinsey shared her sax playing expertise. Bill Rethlake entertained with a variety of selections from the American Songbook. The evening finale was a presentation of Broadway and other tunes from the Greenfield Community Orchestra. Look for similar concerts and other non-traditional offerings in future seasons. Therese Zins and Nancy Porter perform classical guitar selections. The Greenfield Community Orchestra prepares to play their first piece. **photos courtesy of Greensburg Daily News 10

11 Season Planning Do you have ideas for TCP s next season? Have a show you d like to direct? A show you d like to see? Audience requests brought this season s Steel Magnolias to the stage. Bring your ideas to the board. Keep in mind that we cannot stage certain shows due to production requirements or inability to obtain performance rights (for example, Wicked performance rights are not available, yet). We start the next season planning early. Potential directors must meet with the board, and present the show concept, estimated costs, potential audience, cast size, and potential issues (e.g. need 50 men for the cast), suggested producer, and special production requirements (e.g. rain effects). There are many opportunities for you to fulfill your creative side and bring great live theater to Decatur County. Smart Ways to Support TCP in 2018 Here are some smart ways you can support TCP in 2018: Donate appreciated stock: With the stock market at or near all-time highs, give your appreciated stocks to a nonprofit like Tree County Players and eliminate capital gains tax. Name us as a beneficiary of retirement plan assets: These assets remain taxable when distributed to a loved one, but tax-free when given to a nonprofit. Give from your IRA (if you are 70½ or older): Regardless of whether you itemize your taxes, this gift helps you fulfill your required minimum distribution and is not considered taxable income. As always, review any financial decisions with your financial advisor! Volunteer Opportunities Production crew volunteers are needed for James and the Giant Peach and West Side Story : light and tech crew, stage crew, costumers, make-up and hair artists, set decoration, set construction, prompters, publicity, house, and refreshments crew. The show cannot go on without a production crew. There are many new playhouse related volunteer jobs, too: framing sponsored posters and other pledge related duties, trash removal, and building clean-up. Try something new this year, learn a skill, and help create theatrical magic. Contact a board members (contact info. on page 2) with questions, or to volunteer. Thanks to: David Fry, Dennis Fogle, Mike Chapman, Chris Fogle, Nancy Porter, Mike Porter, Deb Reese, and Tony Reese, for helping with the TCP table purchase. The tables needed to be inspected, damaged ones moved and packed, and replacement ones unloaded and brought into the building. TCP Pays off Decatur County Community Foundation (DCCF) Loan Due to overwhelming community financial support, TCP s cash flow was large enough to make an early pay off the new building DCCF down payment loan. Although the building is not mortgage free (we still owe First Federal), we ve made a large step towards a debt-free future. Thanks for your continued support. 11

12 Membership Form Fiscal Year August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2018 Name: Address: City: Phone: State: Zip: Please select your membership level. All membership is tax deductible. Value of show passes is not tax deductible ($12 value per pass) If you wish to make your membership fully tax deductible (no show passes awarded), please check here Please make checks payable to: Responses should be sent to: Tree County Players Tree County Players PO Box 423 Greensburg, IN Membership Level Show Passes Individual membership renewal $ 10 no show passes Family membership renewal $ 20 no show passes Benefactor Membership Level Fan $ 50 2 show passes Rising Star $ show passes Star $ show passes Award Winner $ show passes Director's Club $ show passes Patron of the Arts $ 1, show passes Financier of the Arts $ 1, show passes Sustainer of the Arts $ 2, show passes Individual Show Stage Sponsor $ 3, show passes Individual Show Tech Sponsor $ 5, show passes Individual Show Sponsor $ 10, show passes Other (please fill in amount) number of passes TBD In kind donation (please describe) Benefactor name as you wish it to appear in the playbill Comments: Membership and Benefactor Benefits All members and benefactors receive the following benefits: * 20 % discount on all adult performance tickets (limited to 10 discount tickets per membership per show) * 10 % discount on all other programs/camps * The TCP quarterly newsletter * Voting membership (cast your vote in TCP business matters - must be present at meetings to cast vote) * An open invitation to all cast parties * First chance to purchase tickets to TCP events before tickets go on sale to the public Additional benefits to benefactors at the $50 or above level: *Show passes (see above for number of passes). May be used at any current season show. *Name listed as a TCP supporter in all event playbills Additional benefits to benefactors at the $100 or above level: *Preferred reserved seating (please call to request reserved seats for each event) *Additional benefits to benefactors at the $1,500 or above level: *Special mention as a TCP supporter in all pre-show announcements and TCP publicity tcpgreensburg.com Unless you tell us otherwise, our communications with you will be by . 12