THE PROMPTER October 2017 Volume 5 Number 4 A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT WOW! What a few busy months this has been! I can t thank all those involved with the Capital Campaign enough. I am overwhelmed with the support that has come to us through pledges and donations to our group! As the campaign winds down, we do have one project still going. My $500 Club is growing. I am asking for 40 pledges of $100 per year for 5 years making the total pledge $500. If you are interested in joining the $500 Club, please feel free to contact me. During the next year many changes with begin that will elevate the functionality of the TCP Playhouse. Lights, sound, chairs, etc. are all under discussion. Our new home will be shared with many for performances of plays, musicals, readings, storytelling and recitals - not to mention the opportunity for the community to utilize the venue for meetings and other small events. IN THIS ISSUE TCP Dates to Remember..... 2 Westport DQ Fundraiser......3 Storyteller 4 Christmas Show Auditions......5 Steel Magnolias Auditions.6 Escanaba in da Moonlight......7 Meet the Board.....9 New Season....... pgs. 10,11 & 12 Capital Campaign.........13 Local Youth Theater..14 As we start the new season please watch for details on the website so you can be involved with our bright future of sharing the arts with our communities! Dennis Fogle 1
TCP DATES TO REMEMBER 10-17-17 Board Meeting - 6:00 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 10-21-17 Halloween Storytelling 3 pm & 7 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 10-27-17 Auditions Wonderful Life - 6 pm 8 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 10-28-17 Auditions Wonderful Life - 9 am noon TCP Main St. Playhouse 11-10-17 Auditions Steel Magnolias - 5 pm 8 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 11-11-17 Auditions Steel Magnolias - 10 am 1 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 11-21-17 Board Meeting - 6:00 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 12-1-17 It s A Wonderful Life Radio Play 7 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 12-2-17 It s A Wonderful Life Radio Play 7 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 12-3-17 It s A Wonderful Life Radio Play 2 pm & 7 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse 12-19-17 Board Meeting/Members Christmas Party - 6:00 pm TCP Main St. Playhouse Tree County Players Mission Enriching our community through performing arts experiences. Board Members President: Dennis Fogle 812-614-0634 dfogle59@gmail.com Vice-President: Nancy Porter 812-569-7806 nanporter56@gmail.com Secretary: Tammy Bates 812-371-8678 tbates87@localnet.com Treasurer: Therese Zins 812-528-5289 theresezins@yahoo.com Member: Amanda Gault 812-593-2384 agault@decaturco.k12.in.us Member Hannah Giesting 812-363-3714 Hannah.Giesting@gmail.com Member: Brian Ingmire 812-212-5036 bearheartraven@gmail.com Member: Abby Jones 812-212-4732 abbylynjones@yahoo.com Member: Josh Snapp 513-520-1353 joshsnapp1130@yahoo.com Past President: Cathy Lincourt 219-613-1723 music_diva@etczone.com Tree County Players - The Prompter - Published quarterly T. Zins - editor Playhouse Address: 634 W. Main St., Greensburg, IN 47240 Annex Address: 327 S. Monfort St., Greensburg, IN 47240 Mailing Address: PO Box 423, Greensburg, IN 47240 Phone Number: 812-222-4766 Web Site: tcpgreensburg.com E Mail: tcpgreensburg@etczone.com Twitter and Instagram 2
Stop by the Westport, Indiana 10-16-17 On Monday, October 16, 2017, the Westport Dairy Queen (206 N. St. Rd 3, Westport, IN), will donate a portion of their proceeds (from 4 pm until close) to the TCP Capital Campaign. Stop by, enjoy a treat, and help TCP. This is the second event at the Dairy Queen. The last event generated a $90 donation. Thanks! A round of applause to Greensburg Presbyterian Church members who donated several hours on Saturday, September 30, cleaning the Main Street Playhouse! We appreciate your help. Due to the focus on our Capital Campaign, TCP decided to delay the 2017-18 membership drive until October/November. When you receive your membership renewal notice, please respond and enjoy all the benefits of membership. TCP depends upon the annual membership drive to fund our annual operating expenses (utilities, insurance, etc.). Please consider donating at the benefactor level. All donations to TCP are tax-deductible. 3
Our Next Event October 21, 2017 Calling all ghosts, goblins, and spooky critters join TCP for a very special Halloween treat storytelling with Grant Fitch. Two performances are scheduled on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Storytelling is not just for kids! 3 pm Ghosts & Giggles geared to the young and young at heart. Kooky, Spooky Kids' Stories For Halloween. Scary stories with 'gotcha' endings, tales of trick-or-treating, and silly-spooky picture books, along with a Ghost Hunt and a "13 Days of Halloween" sing-along. Encourage the kids to come in costume for extra fun! Special pricing, 3 pm show only all tickets $5 7 pm Creepy Classics - a frightful delight. Dramatic readings of the best of 200 years of spooky writing, from classic horror to modern suspense stories of ghosts and gunmen, monsters and madmen, and deals with the devil: The Monkey s Paw, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Lovecraft, Poe, Hitchcock, Roald Dahl, Stephen King, and more! Grant s specialty is energetic and fast-paced storytelling, with vivid characterization and an engaging sense of humor. He s been storytelling in the Midwest mostly northwest Indiana and the Chicago area for more than a decade. He likes to say that "we never outgrow our need for stories" - and that's why he offers tales for all ages: from piles of picture books for kids, to classic literature for adults. Grant also works here and there in local theatres, starring in shows like Charlie Brown, The Crucible, My Fair Lady, Macbeth, Mary Poppins, Twelve Angry Men, and Same Time, Next Year. He also directs several Shakespearean plays. Check out his web site for more information - www.grantfitch.com. 4
AUDITIONS OCTOBER 27 & 28, 2017 Director Cathy Lincourt announces auditions for the December Christmas show, It's a Wonderful Life Radio Play, by Joe Landry, on Friday October 27, 2017 from 6-8 pm, and Saturday October 28, 2017 from 9 am noon at the TCP Playhouse 634 W. Main St., Greensburg, IN. This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Roles for up to 25 people of all ages and types are available. Some small parts for children age 10 and older are possible. A small singing ensemble (singing jingles and Christmas Carols) will also be cast. Singers may also be cast in speaking parts. Those wising to audition for singing roles should be ready to sing a vocal selection (prepared, or one that Cathy selects for you). Call Cathy with questions and to make audition appointments (219-613-1723). No preparation is necessary. Auditioners will be doing cold readings from the script. Since the show is a radio play, line memorization is not required a great opportunity for performers who have trouble learning lines. Some performers will run sound effects. Show dates are December 1,2, and 3 (two shows on the 2nd). Rehearsals begin in early November. Rehearsal time commitment will depend upon role. Some roles may only require rehearsals during the last week of November. TCP CHRISTMAS MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2017 6 pm Plan to attend the December Board meeting and party! Share some holiday fun with fellow TCPers (after a short business meeting). More details will be available later. 5
MORE AUDITIONS! November 10 & 11,2017 Director Lawrence Lee announces auditions for Steel Magnolias. Auditions will take place at the Main Street Playhouse (634 W. Main Street) on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 5 to 8 pm and Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 10 am to 1 pm. If callbacks are needed, they will take place on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 6 pm. While walk-ins are welcome, you are encouraged to schedule a time. Prepared monologues are welcome, but not necessary. Sides will be read with other potential cast members at auditions, so be prepared to stay for a while. To check out a script on a 24 hour basis, or to schedule an audition time, contact the director, Lawrence Lee (218-591-9686, ironic1@ironic1.com). Auditions outside the scheduled times are possible, but must take place by November 12. Rehearsals will begin the week of January 14, 2018. There will be a read through scheduled soon after casting and there will be one-on-one tablework with the director before rehearsals begin. Please have schedule conflicts listed on your audition form. Performances: February 22, 23 & 24, 2018-7 pm, February 25, 2018-2 pm. Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling, follows the lives of six women in Chinquapin, Louisiana in the 1980s whose paths cross in Truvy s beauty salon. Hilariously sad and heartbreakingly funny, this play has it all. As Truvy says, Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion. Cast: Truvy Jones - 40ish. Owner of the beauty shop. Flamboyant. Annelle Dupuy-Desoto - 19. Beauty shop assistant. Clairee Belcher - 66ish. Widow of former mayor. Grand dame. Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie - 25. Prettiest girl in town. M lynn Eatenton - 50ish. Shelby s mother. Socially prominent career woman. Ouiser Boudreaux - 66ish. Wealthy curmudgeon. Acerbic but lovable. We are still recruiting a producer, and a design crew, including all aspects of design: set, lights, sound, props, costumes, hair and make-up, etc. Please contact a board member (contact information on page 2 of this newsletter) if you are interested in producing or doing design work. 6
On September 16, 2017, TCP inaugurated the new Main Street Playhouse, with a staged reading of Jeff Daniels Escanaba in Da Moonlight. The show, directed by Nancy Porter, featured hilarious performances, and lots of audience laughter. Cast members, Jim Powell, Brian Ingmire, Peter Harrah, Trenton Hanna, Harry McCullough, and Darla Martin seemed to have as much fun reading as the audience had watching their antics. The cast and audience agreed that the show would be a great addition to the 2018-19 Season. The cast. Jim Powell, Peter Harrah, Brian Ingmire, Trenton Hanna, Harry McCullough, and Darla Martin take a bow. Nancy Porter reads the stage directions, Jim Powell, Trenton Hanna, Brian Ingmire, and Peter Harrah describe the strange occurrences at the deer hunting lodge. Ranger Tom (Harry McCullough) wears his Smokey the Bear hat with pride. 7
Volunteer Opportunity Production crew volunteers are needed for the 2017-18 season : producers, stage managers, set designers, light and tech designers and technicians, stage crew members, costumers, make-up and hair artists, set decoration crew members, set construction members, prompters, playbill designers, marketing managers, house/ticket/usher crew. The show cannot go on without a production crew. 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. 2017-18 TCP Board Members Board member elections were held at the annual meeting. Welcome to our new board members, Amanda Gault, Hannah Giesting, and Josh Snapp. Thanks to our retiring board members, Megan Gehrich, Cathy Lincourt, and Laura Simmonds. Officers were elected at the August board meeting: Dennis Fogle: president, Nancy Porter: vice-president, Tammy Bates: secretary, and Therese Zins: treasurer. As past president, Cathy Lincourt will continue to serve on the board in an advisory role. Board meetings are held on the 3 rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm, at the Main St. Playhouse. Board meetings are open to all members. Cathy usually brings a home baked treat for the members to enjoy. 8
MEET THE BOARD Amanda Gault Amanda Gault is excited to serve on the TCP board. She is a South Decatur Jr./Sr. High School graduate and was involved in both musicals and plays. Some of her favorite performances were in Grease and Harvey. She stepped away from the stage during her college years at Indiana State University. Amanda returned to her high school alma mater to start her teaching career five years ago. She teaches 8th grade U.S. history, AP government, and digital citizenship. She has taken on the role of drama club sponsor. A few of the productions she enjoyed directing were Sweeney Todd, Singin in the Rain, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and M*A*S*H. Amanda is also the Student Council sponsor and the junior social studies academic coach. She is thrilled to bring her love of theater to her new role as a board member. She looks forward to the exciting changes that the new building will bring! Hannah Giesting Hannah first appeared on the TCP stage in 2016 s That 70s Christmas Revue. She followed that with a performance as Winnifred Banks in this past summer's production of Mary Poppins. Hannah has loved performing and music since she was young. In addition to vocal performances, she plays flute and piano. Growing up in Zionsville, she had the opportunity to participate in show choirs and musicals during her high school years. She came back to the stage after a break to start a family and live "real life". She is currently trying out the production side of theater as the Theater Director at Oldenburg Academy. Hannah and her husband Leron live in Batesville with their 4 children, Nalley (7), Felicity (6), Siena (4) and Levi (2). They are excited to welcome baby #5 in mid-april 2018. 9
Our 2017-18 Season September 16, 2017 7 pm a staged reading October 21, 2017 3 pm Ghosts & Giggles Kooky, Spooky Kids' Stories For Halloween. Scary stories with 'gotcha' endings, tales of trick-or-treating, and silly-spooky picture books, along with a Ghost Hunt and a "13 Days of Halloween" sing-along. Encourage the kids to come in costume for extra fun! Special pricing, 3 pm show only all tickets $5 7 pm Creepy Classics Dramatic readings of the best of 200 years of spooky writing, from classic horror to modern suspense stories of ghosts and gunmen, monsters and madmen, and deals with the devil: The Monkey s Paw, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Lovecraft, Poe, Hitchcock, Roald Dahl, Stephen King, and more! December 1, 2017-7 pm December 2, 2017 2 pm & 7 pm December 3, 2017-2 pm This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. "One of the best holiday shows around. This is a fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption." Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times 10
Our 2017-18 Season January 20, 2018 7 pm Spend a cozy evening enjoying the talents of local instrumental musicians. Featuring harp, classical guitar, piano, and other instruments, playing classical, and popular selections. Dessert and hot drinks included in the ticket price. February 22, 23 & 24, 2018 7 pm February 25, 2018 2 pm Six women come together in this hilarious and heartwarming story of life, love and loss. 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. 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 April 27 & 28, 2018 7 pm April 29, 2018-2 pm Youth Theatrical Production Title TBD 11
Our 2017-18 Season June 22, 23, 28 & 29, 2018-7 pm June 24 & 30, 2018-2pm 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 filled with hate, violence and prejudice is one of this country's 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 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. Tree County Players is supported by: Tickets $5 age 18 and under $12 TCP Members $15 non-members Visit our web site, tcpgreensburg.com, for more information, additional yet-to-be scheduled performances, audition dates, and ticketing. We are also found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 12
Capital Campaign a Success! A TREE-MENDOUS FUTURE The Stellar Project The City of Greensburg, through a tree-mendous amount of work from a stellar committee, has been named an Indiana Stellar City Finalist. The project team made a presentation to state officials on October 3. Tree County Players members supported the project by doing what we do best, acting! TCP president, Dennis Fogle, played a monumental role as the Greensburg City Hall Tower, complete with tree. Thanks to a generous community and great work by our team (consultant David Fry, Honorary Chair Cleo Duncan, Campaign Chairs Harry and Dr. Mary McCullough, Amy Borns, Dennis Fogle, Cathy Lincourt, Nancy Porter, Donna Swinford, Barbara Waits, and Therese Zins), TCP s capital campaign raised $275,000. Dreams do come true! There s still time to donate. Be a part of Decatur County performing arts future. More info. on the web site. DAVE STULTS MEMORIAL FLAGPOLE DEDICATION As part of the Tree County Players Capital Campaign, donors provided funding for a new flagpole to honor Past President, David Stults who passed away on September 16, 2016. The flagpole was dedicated on September 16, 2017. The flag is now flying in front of the Main Street Playhouse. 13
Support Local Youth Theater Oldenburg Academy - Sense and Sensibility, adapted by Jon Jory, October 27 and 28-7pm in School Auditorium. Tickets - $7 adults, $5 children, may be purchased at the door or by calling the school office at 812-934-4440 South Decatur High School Arsenic and Old Lace November 2, 3 & 4-7 pm in SDHS Cafetorium, Tickets $6 adults, $4 students, under 5 free. Call 812-591-3330 for advance tickets. Tickets will also be sold at the door. North Decatur High School You Can t Beat the House - November 10 & 11-7 pm, in the school cafetorium. Tickets - $8 for Students (5-18), $10 for Adults. Tickets may be purchased at the door or, in advance, by calling 812-663-4204 on or after October 18 th. Greensburg JR. High School - November 10 & 11. Contact the school for more information. 812-663-7523. 14