Carol Burnett... Before the Laughter

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1 MARCH 2008 Box Office: Business Office: HOLLYWOOD ARMS fri apr 4 8pm sat apr 5 8pm thu apr 10 7:30pm fri apr 11 8pm sat apr 12 8pm sun apr 13 2pm fri apr 18 8pm sat apr 19 8pm FREE POST-SHOW TALK BACKS FREE jan 12 POST-SHOW and jan 19 TALK BACKS apr 5 & apr 12 sponsored by: sponsored by: our mainstage season presenter: our mainstage season presenter: our parish our theatre season presenter: parish theatre season presenter: Carol Burnett... Before the Laughter C arol Burnett is one of America s most beloved comediennes. Born in San Antonio, Carol was uprooted as a child and moved to Los Angeles. At Hollywood High School she did well enough to apply to college, though only a $50 bill from a mysterious benefactor gave her enough money to register at U.C.L.A. Later, another benefactor, who insisted on remaining anonymous to everyone but her, gave her and her first husband enough money to go to New York. Her big break came in 1957 at the Blue Angel nightclub, with regular television following. There was also work on Broadway, most notably in Once Upon a Mattress. But it wasn't until 1967, with the start of a 10- year run in The Carol Burnett Show on CBS, that the comedian became, like Lucille Ball, an institution in American pop culture. But before the laughter there was a life filled with chaos and dysfunction. I wish my mother had left me something about how she felt growing up. I wish my grandmother had done the same. I wanted my girls to know me Ms. Burnett has said. This touching play serves as an affectionate tribute to the woman who raised the beloved comic genius, Carol s strong-willed Grandmother. Abandoned by her alcoholic Father, the budding performer shared a shabby one room apartment with her Nanny while her disillusioned Mother lived down the hall. Escape from her troubled home life could be found on the roof of their rundown apartment house where she created her own magical world at the foot of the Hollywood Hills. Sad, funny and always real, this is the story of one young girl s journey from shattered hopes to realized dreams, and the broken family who loved her. (Adult Themes) civic auditorium drama by Carrie Hamilton and Carol Burnett Director Morrie Enders will lead this cast featuring Civic veterans Nancy Stefanick (Older Helen); Priscilla Cronley Swiat (Nanny); Lesley Kaye Maston(Louise); Tallis Kleinbergs (Jody); Michael Andres (Bill); Aly Badalamenti (Alice); and Evan Shoemaker (Malcolm). Making their Civic debuts are Tiffany Melvin (Young Helen); Michelle Lee Robison (Dixie); Robert Shoemaker (Cop); and Robert Melvin (Cop). You don t want to miss this production so order your seats today by calling the Box Office at or visit us at As always we offer special rates for groups, seniors and students.

2 behind the scenes D. Terry Williams and Kathy Mulay visit with Artist-in-Residence Jim Carver. John Mulay, Janet Gover, Sharon Williams and Mike Helms catch up on old times during a reception honoring Jim Carver. upcoming auditions Scripts are available and may be checked out from the Business Office with a $5.00 refundable deposit. If you have previously volunteered or auditioned we are happy to provide you with a completed audition form when you arrive. Simply call or and let us know that you are planning to audition and we'll have your audition form ready for you. All of us at the Civic are committed to the practices of flexible, imaginative casting. We encourage volunteers of all ethnicities and backgrounds to participate in our creative endeavors. Also, reasonable accommodations will be made for those requiring special needs. For more information regarding show synopsis, auditions, volunteering or crew opportunities, call or visit us online at has Something for Everyone M arch is here and spring is just around the corner (we hope)! On February 26th we announced the shows that will comprise our season. It s going to be our 80th season, and we re celebrating with a lineup that includes exciting new works, timeless classics and heart-warming comedies. Kicking off the season will be the singular sensation, A Chorus Line, which will be followed by a new adaptation of Cyrano De Bergerac entitled Cyrano. Just in time for the holidays, will be the newly released musical version of the family favorite Willy Wonka. We ll ring in the New Year with the mystery thriller Deathtrap and celebrate Valentines Day with the heart warming comedy Affections of May and the gently romantic musical The Baker s Wife. The Pulitzer Prize winning play Doubt will be presented in March in the Parish Theatre. March will also bring a new play, Intimate Apparel to the Parish Theatre and the wonderful American classic Stage Door will light up the Auditorium in April. In May we ll go all the way and close the season with The Full Monty. Our Senior Class Reader s Theatre will present the Senior Class Sock Hop in the fall and the compelling drama Twelve Angry Jurors in the spring. Next season promises to offer a wonderful assortment of opportunities for participants in our Youth Theatre. Opening the CYT season will be the beautiful stage adaptation of Esperanza Rising. This uplifting Cinderella story of immigration and assimilation will play in the Parish Theatre in November. Disney s High The Senior Class Reader's Theatre is designed to meet the needs of volunteer actors 50 and over. Rehearsals are usually held in the afternoon and are shorter in duration. Because the productions are readers theatre in nature the lines need be learned but not memorized. AUDITION DATES Sunday, March 30 at 4pm Monday, March 31 at 4pm WHERE Carver Center Studio, 426 S. Park Street CASTING Seeking a cast of 10 men and 9 women ages 50 and older to play leading and supporting roles. REQUIREMENTS Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script. Please bring your calendars as you will be asked for any conflicts you might have with rehearsals. Rehearsals typically occur Monday through Friday, 5:30-7pm FIRST REHEARSAL Monday, April 7 PERFORMANCES May 2-May 4 DIRECTOR Kim Chandler-Williams School Musical 2 will rock the Auditorium in March, with James and the Giant Peach rounding out the CYT season in April. And speaking of Youth Theatre, we are very pleased to once again be offering summer classes and camps for students age 6 to 18. Participating students will explore acting, improv, costumes, props, painting, scenery, singing and dancing through a wide variety of one week classes or three or four week camps. Whether you re experienced or just starting out, this is a great way to spend the summer at the Civic. For more information be sure to check out the information included in this newsletter. Kristen Chesak Managing Director come early We encourage those auditioning to arrive thirty minutes prior to the audition time. An early arrival will provide plenty of time to fill out necessary paperwork, get a drink of water and take a few deep breaths before the audition begins. For TICKETS Call the Box Office at: COLOR PRINTING PROVIDED BY RIVER RUN PRESS

3 Summer 08 Class Schedule Whether you re experienced or just starting out, you ll have fun and enhance your theatrical skills...and best of all, our educational classes are taught by theatre professionals. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE application deadline is JUNE 16th ages 6-9 GET INTO THE ACT This introductory level class is a great way for our youngest actors to test the waters. It is designed to expand the child's imagination and increase concentration and self-confidence. Students will develop confidence while learning the basics of performing. GOTTA START SOMEWHERE Through a series of creative games and fun exercises, students will learn the basics of character creation and script analysis. They will also be introduced to all the cool technical elements of theatre. INSTANT ACTING This is the perfect class for those youngsters who want to play and have fun while exploring their creativity. Improv games and exercises will be tailored to enhance the abilities of those participating. THEATRE CRAFTS Creativity meets crafty in this project-filled class designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of theatrical sets and costumes. Students will engage in a variety of projects sure to stimulate their imagination. ages ACTING I How do you choose the perfect monologue for an audition? And once you've chosen it, how do you make the most of it? This class will focus on preparing students for auditions and perfecting physical and vocal technique. FUNDAMENTALS OF IMPROV Imagination and resourcefulness, two important tools for any good actor, will be developed through this innovative approach to acting. Using traditional scenes and monologue work, this class is going to be fast and fun and most of all it's going to challenge participants to think on their feet. ON THE SCENE Focusing on scene work, this popular class offers participants a chance to work on character development and script analysis while learning the importance of focus, attention and interaction with other actors. STAGECRAFT CLASSES Costumes/Props/Scenery/Paint These exciting classes will focus on many of the design elements that help to bring a theatrical production to life. One class will focus on costume design and construction and another will look at the design and building of scenery. The art of properties design and creation will be the subject of another class while students in our fourth stagecraft class will study painting techniques. All of these fun-filled classes will provide hands on opportunities for students to work with tools and techniques as they create take home projects. Class enrollment is limited to ten participants so register early. ages ACTING AND IMPROV Incorporating the use of dialogue, props and movement, this dynamic class provides students with an opportunity to explore a more in depth approach to character creation through the use of improvisation. Although it is an introductory class, the pace will be determined by the skill level of the participants. ACTING II Let s polish those acting skills to perfection! This class is designed to challenge experienced actors and give them additional techniques to put on a first-rate performance. Auditions, scene work and monologues will be covered. MAKE A SCENE This popular class looks at character development and the study of subtext through scene work. As they prepare and present scenes, students will be introduced to the concepts of dramatic structure and character interaction. Script analysis will focus on character development based on the character s situation and their interaction with other characters. All actors, from beginning to experienced, are welcome. STAGECRAFT Makeup Design The art of makeup design and application will be explored in this introductory course. While working with everything from old age makeup to latex scars and false moustaches students will learn how to enhance character creation through the proper use of makeup application. The cost of all materials is included in the price of tuition. Class enrollment is limited to ten participants so register early. REGISTRATION DEADLINE is JUNE 30th PARENTS: For your convenience, we offer early drop off and late pick up for class participants. You may drop your student(s) off up to one hour prior to the scheduled class time and pick them up to one hour after the scheduled class time. The charge for this service is $25per week and advanced registration is required. CUT HERE Scholarship and registration forms are online at

4 Summer 08 Registration Form classes camps Week 1 (July 7-11) AGES Morning Session - 9am to 12pm 6-9 Instant Acting FUNdamentals of Improv Stagecraft: Scenery Week 2 (July 14-18) AGES Morning Session - 9am to 12pm 6-9 Gotta Start Somewhere On the Scene Stagecraft: Paint Week 3 (July 21-25) AGES Morning Session - 9am to 12pm 6-9 Get into the Act! 6-9 Theatre Crafts Acting I July 7-26 AGES 9am - 4pm Shakespeare Camp AGES Afternoon Session - 1pm to 4pm 6-9 Gotta Start Somewhere On the Scene Stagecraft: Props Acting and Improv AGES Afternoon Session - 1pm to 4pm 6-9 Get Into the Act Acting I Stagecraft: Costumes Make a Scene AGES Afternoon Session - 1pm to 4pm 6-9 Instant Acting FUNdamentals of Improv Acting II July 21-August 16 AGES 9am - 4pm Godspell Jr. AGES Evening Session - 6pm to 8pm Make a Scene AGES Evening Session - 6pm to 8pm Acting II Stagecraft: Makeup AGES Evening Session - 6pm to 8pm Acting and Improv July 28-August 16 AGES 9am - 4pm 9-12 Musical Camp Student s Name: Age: Grade: Save $35 or more We want to make this summer a family affair at the Civic. For each full price class tuition ($85) we are offering you a second tuition for just $50, which can be used for the same student or another member of the family. For example: A student may take a morning class for $85 and take an afternoon class the same week for just $50 Parent s Name: Phone (H): (W): (Mobile): Address: A student may take a class one week for $85 and another class later in the summer for $50 prices & registration City: State: Zip: First Class = Second Class = Early Drop Off/Late Pick Up Service each week per student= for Class Participants 3 week Summer Camp(s) = Early Drop Off/Late Pick Up Service per student= for 3 week Summer Campers 4 week Summer Camp = Early Drop Off/Late Pick Up Service per student= for 4 week Summer Campers Registration Deadline is June 30th TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ Check: Payable to Kalamazoo Civic VISA Mastercard Exp. Date: / Acct. No: Signature: A student may take a class for $85 and another member of the family may take a class at any time this summer for just $50 We will provide supervision for students staying through the lunch hour. (Students are asked to bring a lunch.) If you are enrolling more than one student, please visit our website at for additional registration forms. Please use a separate form for each student, but tabulate all charges on one form Return to: Civic Youth Theatre Classes, 329 South Park, Kalamazoo, MI or FAX

5 Summer 08 Camp Schedule Shakespeare Camp: Scenes from King Lear 9am to 4pm Mon thru Fri July 7 thru July 26 Ages: Camp Fee: $350 Three Week Camp Students will be taken to a magical new world as they explore Shakespeare s epic of three princesses that inherit their father s kingdom as his age gives way to insanity. Students will learn about the Bard himself, how to break down his language, and bring his works to life. The camp will culminate in a presentation of scenes and monologues from King Lear on July 26. Class enrollment is limited to 18 participants so register early. Musical Theatre Camp: Godspell Jr. 9am to 4pm Mon thru Fri July 21 thru August 16 Ages: Camp Fee: $395 Four Week Camp This four week camp will concentrate on acting, singing and dancing as we produce the musical, Godspell Jr. Using theatrical traditions such as clowning, pantomime, and vaudeville, Godspell Jr. tells the story of the life of Jesus and features messages of tolerance and love. Campers will be learning such Broadway hits as Day by Day, Prepare Ye, and Learn Your Lessons Well. This will be an exciting journey through the first great Broadway hit by Stephen Schwartz, the composer/lyricist of Wicked. The camp will culminate in a presentation on August 16. Class enrollment is limited to 14 participants so register early. Musical Theatre Camp: Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance 9am to 4pm Mon thru Fri July 28 thru August 16 Ages: 9-12 Camp Fee: $350 Three Week Camp It's time to clear your throat, lace up your dancing shoes and get ready to stop the show! While taking a fun-filled look at ground-breaking musicals from Oklahoma! to Wicked, campers will perform songs that have made Broadway history. In addition, they will take a peak behind the scenes at the technical elements that go into making a successful musical. On August 16th, after three dynamic weeks of instruction, rehearsal and tech work, campers will offer an all singing, all dancing presentation featuring the best of Broadway. The camp will culminate in a presentation on August 16. This camp has proven to be so popular that we will be offering two sessions this summer. Class enrollment is limited to 25 participants per session so register early. CAMPER PARENTS: For your convenience, we offer early drop off and late pick up for camp participants. You may drop your student(s) off as early as 8:00 am and pick them up as late as 5:00 pm. The charge for this service is $75 for the three week camps and $100 for the four week camp. Advanced registration is required. Scholarship and registration forms are online at

6 N O N - P RO F I T THE KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE 329 South Park Street Kalamazoo Michigan O RGA N I Z AT I O N U S P O S TAG E PA I D K A L A M A Z O O, M I P E R M I T N O. 714 THE FOURSOME fri mar 28 8pm sat mar 29 8pm thurs apr 3 7:30pm fri apr 4 8pm sat apr 5 8pm sun apr 6 2pm fri apr 11 8pm sat apr 12 8pm FREE POST-SHOW TALK BACKS mar 29 & apr 5 For TICKETS call or visit us online at G march 28 april 12 parish theatre comedy by Norm Foster et ready to tee off for 18 holes of laughter in this life-affirming comedy by Norm Foster, one of Canada's most beloved and prolific playwrights. When four former college friends get together for their 25-year class reunion, they decide to catch up on the good ol' days while playing a round of golf. It turns out to be a game of clever one-liners and rib-tickling one-upmanship as the fearless foursome share the birdies, bogeys, and sand traps of life after college. Warm, witty and wise, this winning comedy is a hole-in-one for both men and women. We are very pleased to have Artist-in-Residence, Jim Carver, returning to the Civic as director of The Foursome. Anyone that knows Jim knows that a play that takes place on a golf course is a perfect fit. The Foursome features Civic veterans Roger W. Burleigh, Michael Ray Helms, Lou Price and Tim Eschelbach parish theatre season presenter: Artist-in-Residence program sponsored by: