THE VERTICAL HOUR Soars Ever Upward |
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Human Race Artistic Director Marsha Hanna knew she wanted to bring The Vertical Hour to The Loft when she saw David Hare’s socio-political drama in New York. “The dialogue is dynamic,” says Marsha, who will be directing the show. “It shows how political viewpoints are compromised by family relationships, how language changes because of relationships.” Marsha was also taken by surprising changes in relationships involving Nadia, an American-war-correspondent turned-professor; her British boyfriend, Philip; and his doctor father, Oliver. “I was stunned how Oliver changes from seeming evil to vulnerable and even pathetically abandoned.” She says some of Oliver’s speeches remind her of the Satan monologues in Angels in America.
While the play has been deemed by some to be about the Iraq War, that’s just a stepping off place. It’s really about what the role of individuals should be in world affairs, about the interaction of world views and personal ones. The New York production was essentially a star vehicle for the two main characters, with Julianne Moore as Nadia and Bill Nighy as Oliver. Marsha picked two strong actors for those parts as well. Oliver will be played by Human Race Resident Artist Bruce Cromer, who has transfixed audiences throughout the region in many roles, most recently at The Loft in Brother Wolf and the solo performer in I Am My Own Wife. “When I saw Oliver, I knew that he could reach into people,” says Marsha. “Bruce is able to create an environment that makes the response (of the other actors) the only logical one. (Nadia) can’t defend against him – that’s an Oliver trait.” |
Nadia, who Hare says is infused with American can-do spirit that runs up against Oliver’s British cynicism, will be played by New York-based Kathy McCafferty, whose fiery red hair is a big clue to her character’s personality. “Nadia has such a passion for being in a high-energy, volatile environment – she’s adrenaline-fed, but brainy, and finds a calming relationship with Philip” Marsha says. “Kathy has a great spark and drive that quickly puts her at the edge, but with a soft feminine side.” Todd Lawson, a New Carlisle native and Wright State grad now working out of New York, plays Philip. Those who like to consider symbolic relationships will deem it apt that Todd was once a student of the man playing his father. Rounding out the cast as students of Nadia’s are two actual students. Jasmine Batchelor is a Wright State senior from Georgia, Trevor Day a UC College Conservatory of Music senior from Kentucky. Marsha expects very interesting interactions between the audience and what’s happening on stage. “What makes the dialogue work,” she says, “ is that it’s immediate and imperative.” The Vertical Hour runs January 28 through February 14 at The Loft (please disregard the calendar at the bottom of the show’s page in the season brochure – we got so excited we advanced it a week there). Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Center Stage web site or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or toll-free at (888) 228-3630.
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THE VERTICAL HOUR opens January 28th ROUNDING THIRD opens March 11th ARTISTIC REFLECTIONS from the corner window DONOR SPOTLIGHT - Culture Works Winter Education Programs and Updates Smorgas-BOARD musings from our trustees DESIGNERS - Our Unsung Heroes EXECUTIVE RAMBLINGS from across the hall |
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ROUNDING THIRD AND HEADING FOR LAUGHS |
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That’s not exactly how Joe Nuxhall put it in the many years he broadcast Reds games, but it is exactly the right description for the show that The Human Race is bringing to The Loft in March. Richard Dresser’s Rounding Third is a sort of Bad News Bears’ Coaches with plenty of laughs for all. “It’s a modern day Odd Couple,” says director Tim Lile, “with varying views on parenting, and about male relationships as they develop in the sporting world.” Human Race Resident Artist Lile is developing a specialty in baseball plays, but Rounding Third is as far from his last baseball directing slot, Take Me Out, as a knuckleball is to a high, hard one. Rounding Third is the tale of two coaches. Rough, macho baseball buff Don is a Little League coach, and his son is the team’s star. Effete Canadian former curling buff Michael is the assistant Don gets stuck with, the father of the kid you try to hide in right field for a couple of innings. Don wants to win at all costs, Michael wants everybody to get a trophy. “When Marsha (Hanna) first sent me the script,” says Tim, “I thought ‘I can see Brian and me doing this,’ but then she asked me to direct.” It’s no surprise Tim thought of acting first, since he spends more time on the performing side, most recently in Lend Me A Tenor. “Brian” is Brian McKnight, who Tim especially asked to audition, and who is playing Michael. Resident Artist McKnight is also on a baseball run at The Loft, having last appeared here as Mason in Take Me Out. The other role ended up in a manner that surprised Tim. “The audition and casting process changed my view. I had stereotypical individuals in my head – the rough and tumble guy versus the nerdy guy – but the process led me to consider actors rather than type casting. I don’t envision Jake as an ex-jock, but his audition was outstanding.” |
“Jake” is Jake Lockwood, who was last in The Loft as the barber in Man of La Mancha. He’s perhaps best known here for his appearance with Tim in A Tuna Christmas. Rounding Third is loaded with laughs, but Tim says just how they’re brought out is bound to evolve through the rehearsal process. Tim says he’ll present a general outline, “but I’m an actor who directs, so I cast actors I trust implicitly and allow their work to round out the show. We might end up bringing something into play that hasn’t been there before.” Tim, whose own baseball background is limited to playing Little League, but who has umpired softball and coached wrestling, says how the set will look is still under discussion – but he’s looking forward to one challenge Technical Director Scott Kimmins faces. Don is a plumber and drives a full-size van, which gets involved in the show, “and I want to see how Scott gets that van into The Loft,” says Tim. Rounding Third will run March 11-28, and proved extremely popular among subscribers choosing shows for their 2009-2010 season packages, so the sooner you get tickets, the better. Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Center Stage web site or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or toll-free at (888) 228-3630.
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DYNAMIC DUOS |
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We at The Human Race are thrilled to announce that our very own leadership team of Kevin Moore and Marsha Hanna will receive the 2010 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Arts Administration. It is an extreme honor recognizing their 23 years of dedication to theatre arts and artists in this region, and their long term commitment to the now thriving company they created and the community they call home. Kudos to DVAC’s Executive Director, Jane Black for submitting an outstanding nomination highlighting Kevin and Marsha’s accomplishments. We are equally thrilled about the Governor’s Award for Arts Patrons that will go to long time Human Race supporters, Jim and Enid Goubeaux…names that should be familiar to anyone who has seen a production at The Loft Theatre. The Goubeauxs have been loyal sponsors for many years, offering the kind of support that truly makes a significant difference in all we are able to offer and accomplish. |
Congratulations on behalf of the many arts organizations and patrons who benefit from their generosity! The awards will be presented at a luncheon ceremony hosted by The Ohio Arts Council and Ohio Citizens for the Arts in Columbus, OH on April 21, 2010.
• The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency established in 1976 that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically. • Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation was formed in 1990 as a companion organization to the OAC as a volunteer, nonprofit grass roots organization working to increase public support of the arts in Ohio. |
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Marsha Hanna and Kevin Moore |
Jim and Enid Goubeaux |
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ARTISTIC REFLECTIONS from the corner window |
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 I know there’s a list of resolutions lying around here somewhere, things I ought to change, things I want to change and things that will change whether I like it or not. I ran into my high school yearbook recently, inscribed by close friends and mere acquaintances alike, most closed with “Remember Me Always” and “Don’t Ever Change”. It’s almost as if we wouldn’t know how to remember you if you changed. We’d have to learn who you are all over again, and we’ve just got used to you, so don’t change. We fear change and yet yearn for it. I ran into a quote from the New York Journal of Commerce in 1845 calling for change, “Let us go to war. The world has become stale and insipid, the ships ought to be all captured, and the cities battered down, and the world burned up, so that we can start again. There would be fun in that. Some interest, — something to talk about.” Perhaps that’s a bit more extreme change than most people seek, although it is such stuff as movies are made on. War is part of our everyday being now. Change could mean an absence of war. But that doesn’t seem likely anymore. Gone is the idea of declaring a war and defeating an enemy, no more surrendering. A cease fire or a cessation of violence or peace accords or a peace process are the more likely outcomes, with little concrete commitment to peace, just a momentary lull in a never ending conflict which becomes more or less violent depending upon the players and the position of the stars. For many families, war is a daily thought about the immediate danger to loved ones or to self or possibly a daily reminder of loss. To others, it’s on the list of things that needs to be changed, like the economy and health care and genocide and the school system. Just one more thing that we hope will change but can’t accomplish by ourselves. The Vertical Hour is about just that, our inability to make global changes and our responsibility as individuals to act in relationship to our beliefs. As we begin to work on this piece, we look forward to the changes it may bring in ourselves and our audience. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” On a lighter note, we are very close to deciding next season’s selections. I’m very excited that we’ll be collaborating with another wonderful arts community group. That word should be out any day now. Our tech staff has been combing the area’s junk yards to find the appropriate set for upcoming Rounding Third, directed by resident artist Tim Lile and featuring Brian McKnight and Jake Lockwood in this humorous examination of two little league coaches. Let me take a couple of moments to let you know how fortunate we are as a company to have a terrific Board of Trustees. They are so committed to helping us find the resources we need to continue and are working diligently on reconceiving the Board and the company’s role in the community. This company belongs to the community and the Board members are the guardians that ensure that we live up to our commitment to present universal themes that explore the human condition and startle us into a renewed awareness of ourselves.
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MARSHA'S SOUP KITCHEN |
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You’re wondering, what’s the catch? Are they going to try to sell us vacation property in Florida?? Are they asking for another contribution??? No, there’s no catch. We are grateful to those of you who have already gone above and beyond the duties of a subscriber and helped to support the company with an extra gift. This is the staff’s chance to say Thank You for helping us stay employed in a job we love so much. So come on down and enjoy the fruits of our labors in the kitchen. We may get a little wild . . . but a bowl of hot soup in February will soothe that savage beast.
P.S. You haven’t given a gift of $250 in the last year but you still want to come? We can fix that . . . call Kristen Hurley at 269-8067. |
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SUPPORT WITH NEW TWISTS! |
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Create life-long memories! |
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MAN OF LA MANCHA at The Loft 2009 Photo: Art Fabian |
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Introducing 2 exciting and EASY new ways you can support The Human Race! First by shopping online through our new Human Race Shop to Earn website Also billed as Shop to Earth because of their focus on environmental issues, this is the site for those who appreciate the convenience of shopping and saving online. With connections to over 1400 popular retail sites from Aeropastale to Zales, you’ll find savings opportunities galore while earning rewards that directly benefit The Human Race. Orbitz to Overstock.com, Vera Bradley to Victoria’s Secret, Walgreens to White House/Black Market are all at your fingertips along with a powerful search feature to help you find the best prices on exactly what you’re looking for. You already shop at places like Target anyway…now you can access them online through shoptoearn.net/humanracetheatre and help support The Human Race at the same time! Before you begin shopping, we recommend you click on the “Preferred Customer” tab and follow the instructions there so the rewards you earn for The Human Race can be tracked. It is not a necessary step to participate, but it will insure you receive a statement at the end of the calendar year listing all the donations made on your behalf. But whether or not you choose Preferred Customer status, any purchase you make after entering first through the Human Race Shop to Earn portal will help support our cultural and educational programming. Secondly, while you’re online… You can link to JustGive.org for a fast and easy way to become a member of The Human Race with a tax deductible online donation. JustGive is itself a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing charitable giving by connecting people with the causes they care most about. So they’ve created a comprehensive website featuring the tools and services you need to make secure online giving to any number of charities as fast and convenient as possible. Click here to learn more about membership in the Human Race and access information on the various levels and benefits. From there you can follow the link to JustGive.org. Or you can skip that and go directly to our JustGive page by clicking here. It’s that easy! (One small note…due to the volume of organizations being served, it may take 4-6 weeks for us to receive and acknowledge your contribution.) |
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT |
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CULTURE WORKS... it stARTed with you We would indeed be remiss if we didn’t focus on Culture Works as our featured sponsor as they gear up for the 2010 Annual Campaign for the Arts. As Dayton’s united arts fund, and arts service agency, they provide vital support for many area non-profit arts groups, and an invaluable service to enrich our community. While we still rely on our own efforts in raising membership and sponsorship support among theatre enthusiasts, we also gratefully recognize Culture Works as the largest single contributor to Human Race programming and operations, allowing us to bring so much more to Dayton’s vibrant arts scene than would otherwise be possible. This year, Culture Works is celebrating its 35th anniversary of raising funds for the arts in Greater Dayton. Begun in 1974 by Virginia Kettering and other community leaders, the united arts fund was first known as The Dayton Performing Arts Fund and spent its first few years funding the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Ballet and Dayton Opera. Over the years, the number and size of the groups receiving support from the annual campaign grew, and in 1989 the organization was renamed ArtsDayton to better reflect its expanded approach to the region’s arts community. Further changes lay ahead, and in 1993 following an extensive and in-depth study commissioned by the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District, ArtsDayton merged with The Miami Valley Arts Council to become Culture Works. Today, Culture Works continues to fulfill an expanded mission of providing both funds and services to strengthen the arts and culture in the Miami Valley. The annual campaign provides support to seven major arts organizations as well as six smaller groups. In addition to The Human Race Theatre Company, the seven major organizations include Cityfolk, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and The Muse Machine while the six smaller groups are Dayton Playhouse, Dayton Visual Arts Center, K12 Gallery for Young People, Kettering Children’s Choir, Rhythm in Shoes and YS Kids Playhouse. Culture Works also promotes and serves the entire arts community through its publications, special events, workshop, technical assistance and one-on-one consultations. |
With all these top-notch arts organizations, it is easy to see why our city was ranked number one in art and culture amongst mid-sized U.S. cities (Cities Ranked & Rated, 2007). According to Culture Works Executive Director Denise Rehg, “greater Dayton has become known for its quality and diversity of cultural offerings. But what makes our region truly remarkable is the number of groups producing art here in our community. Dayton has become nationally and internationally known for its arts, and in this area, the region truly lives up to its reputation as the cradle of innovation.” We at The Human Race are truly aware of the impact Culture Works has made in this community, and grateful for their ongoing support that is so vital to our efforts. On behalf of all the artists and groups they help sustain, we encourage you to be as generous as possible with your gift to their upcoming Annual Campaign for the Arts that officially begins February 1, 2010. Campaign Chairs Paul and Susie Weaver build a persuasive case for your support in the open letter below. Both have been very active in the arts community over the years as enthusiastic patrons, generous sponsors and dedicated board members. In fact Susie spent several years as President for The Human Race Board of Trustees, so we know first hand just how qualified they are to take the helm for the 2010 Culture Works Campaign. Please help them help us keep our stage lit and this community filled with enriching and beautiful arts experiences. Visit Culture Works online at www.cultureworks.org for more information on the Annual Campaign for the Arts and to make your donation today. |
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AN OPEN LETTER FROM |
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GOOD NEIGHBORS |
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It’s time once again to enroll in Dorothy Lane Market’s Good Neighbor Program, and we’ve made it as easy as possible by providing the form below. Just print it, fill in the details indicating that you wish The Human Race to be the recipient of your gift in their rebate program, and drop it off at any one of the Dorothy Lane Market locations. Then all you have to do is present your DLM Club Card each time you shop, and spend a minimum of $250.00 during the calendar year. A percentage of the total funds available will be donated to The Human Race determined by the number of our patrons enrolled and the total amount spent during the year. And that adds up to good food and great theatre! |
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Dorothy Lane Market’s |
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• The Good Neighbor Program runs from January 1st through December 31st yearly. • Your enrollment MUST be renewed annually. • Present your DLM Club Card each time you shop. To enroll or renew go to http://www.dorothylane.com/clubdlm/goodneighborsign-up.html Our Charity ID is 406 THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY |
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WINTER & SPRING EDUCATION PROGRAMS 2010 |
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Welcome to theatre classes at The Human Race Theatre! |
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Registration forms can be downloaded from our www.humanracetheatre.org/education website and mailed to the theatre with your choice of payment plan. Partial scholarships are available thanks to the generous support of National City. Scholarship applications are available on our website. Contact Education Director Marilyn Klaben at (937) 461-3823, extension 3132 for more information. |
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ADVENTURES IN THEATRE |
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Masks and Characters Ages 8-12 Saturdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 13 (5 weeks) Instructor: Jean Howat Berry Fee: $85 (includes a $10 fee for mask making supplies) Fascinating Masks! Modeled after the human face or animal face, real or imagined, they represent every culture in the world and are a primary tool for theatre and ritual everywhere. So, which came first? The character (person) from which the mask likeness is created, or the mask from which the character can be drawn? In this class, we will explore this issue as we create masks and act in them. The class will be hands-on , physically active and rich in the process of character development. |
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Theatre Workshop for Girl Scouts
Saturday, January 30 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Fee: $8 Have you ever wanted to perform in a play? Developing an original character is tons of fun. Learning how to transform your voice and body to step into a character role will be the focus of this workshop. Will your character be realistic or fantastic? How old will your character be? Does your character possess super abilities, a sense of humor or the desire to help others? At the end of this session, you will have earned your Junior Girl Scout badge. (Merit Badges are not provided by the theatre.) |
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Stories Come Alive Ages 6-8 Saturdays, April 17, 24 and May 1, 8, 15 (5 weeks) Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Fee: $60 In this five week class, students will listen to a wide variety of stories and learn about the structure of stories and what makes a story compelling. Then they will thrust themselves into the world of the story through role-playing that begins and ends with their amazing imaginative abilities. |
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Poetry in Performance Ages 9-12 Saturdays, April 17, 24 and May 1, 8, 15 (5 weeks) Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Fee: $75 Listen to the poetic sounds of beautiful language. Learn about rhythm and rhyme and literary elements. Explore the inclusion of rap as rhythmic poetry. Rehearse poems with dramatic choral techniques and purposeful movement. Prepare a poetry performance for the last day of class to be enjoyed by family and friends. |
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Theatre Workshop for Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors
Saturday, April 24 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Fee: $10 The Play's the Thing! We welcome the oldest girl scouts to participate in this new workshop designed to fulfill the requirements of the theatre interest project, ( except for the community service hours) and to provide girl scouts with two hours of dramatic activity. This lively workshop will feature bringing a play to life by performing monologues and trying some improvisational scenes that encourage quick thinking on your feet, in addition to some scriptwriting opportunities. Learning about different kinds of theatre stages and possible careers in theatre (onstage and behind the scenes) will also be discussed in this workshop. Please note: At the end of the workshop, girls will be given a list of theatres in the area in order for them to complete their service hours so that all of the requirements for the Theatre Interest Project Award can be met. |
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Theatre Workshop for Brownie Girl Scout Try-Its
Saturday, May 1 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Fee: $8 Do you sometimes imagine being someone else? Do you enjoy creating characters using costumes and props? Have you acted out scenes from a story, play or TV show with your friends? If so, come to our special theatre workshop where you will be introduced to basic theatre skills utilizing your expressive voice, creative body movement and your active imagination. At the end of the session, you will be eligible to receive your Brownie Girl Scout Try- it badge from your troop. |
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Conservatory Program with HR and MAPP/WSU Ages 13-18 Mondays, Feb. 1 - March 22 Fee: $275 The Conservatory for winter/ spring 2010, a partnership between The Human Race Theatre and Wright State University's Musical Theatre Preparatory Program, is designed for students who are interested in being trained in three artistic disciplines: Acting, Singing and Dancing. Instruction will be provided by accomplished professionals Scott Stoney (Acting) of The Human Race Theatre, Jamie Cordes (Voice), Amy Gray (Voice), and Jeri Dickey (Dance) of Wright State University's Theatre Department. Students will be evaluated on the first day of class by performing an audition piece of their choice. During the course of the training, the Conservatory members will enhance their natural abilities, gain confidence in all three disciplines, and expand their knowledge of theatrical technique. The training will culminate in the creation of a unique showcase of individual and group audition pieces based on professional criteria. This musical performance will be presented on the final day of the eight week session for parents, family members and friends. Classes will be held at The Human Race’s Creativity Center AND at Wright State University’s Creative Arts Center. Exact schedule of classes will be issued after registration. Contact Marilyn Klaben, 461-3823 x 3123 with questions regarding the schedule. |
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EDUCATION UPDATES |
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NEW Brownie/ Girl Scouts Theatre Workshop a Huge Success! This year The Human Race offered a theatre workshop on Saturday, November 14th for Brownies to have the opportunity to learn about theatre skills and at the same time earn their theatre merit badges. Ninety-five energized girls in the second and third grades (many wearing their brownie vests) arrived in downtown Dayton that day and divided into three smaller groups so that their instructors (Jene Shaw, Claire Kennedy and Marilyn Klaben) could provide them with a lively two hour workshop filled with dramatic opportunities for story creating, characterization, trying on costumes, and utilizing props in a scene. A great time was had by all! |
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Dominion Academy Celebrates 10 years of Shakespeare Productions
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ACTING, SINGING, and AUDITION PREPARATION Private Coaching Appointments are available for students of all ages. Schedule your one-on-one coaching session with The Human Race Resident Artist who will best meet your needs by calling Marilyn at (937) 461-3823, extension 3132.
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For more information or questions visit |
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Smorgas-BOARD |
TRYKE Winner
Full of the Giving Spirit
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The fundraising committee for The Human Race Theatre Company proudly invites you to participate in our fabulous Divine Decadence evening at Gilly's in downtown Dayton on the evening of February 13th. We want to start out 2010 with a bang and celebrate Dayton's greatest treasure - The Human Race Theatre Company.
Let's celebrate our wonderful theatre in our "Gem" of a city on February 13th. You and your Valentine won't want to miss the "decadence". Candy Pees
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DESIGNERS - Our Unsung Heroes |
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NATHAN D. DEAN Designing and implementing sound for theatrical productions has come a long way from the metallic containers full of water employed by ancient Greeks to increase the volume of speeches. But even in the era of digital editing precision, there’s nothing like a nice lead brick when you need one. Just ask Nathan D. Dean. Nathan has been the Sound Engineer for numerous Human Race productions, beginning with Moonlight & Magnolias in 2006. That means that he’s the person back in that booth in the far rear corner of The Loft, waiting for the cue that means it’s time to push a button to create dripping water or falling rocks or, should the occasion arise, an asteroid smashing into the Earth and ending life as we know it. Just which button to push when, and what then results, is established during tech week, the period before the opening of a show when sound and lighting and such are added to the performance. It’s then that levels are set. “In The Loft,” says Nathan, “you don’t need to mike actors except for musicals, and not all of them then. For Man of La Mancha, eight of the 17 actors had microphones, and you had to keep the levels and quality of sound the same.” For Man of La Mancha, Nathan was not only the Sound Engineer, but also the Sound Designer, his first shot at designing a full-fledged professional production, though he had done design for community theatres and in college at Sinclair. “You don’t want the audience to feel as if they get sound through a sound system; don’t want them to feel the sound is assisted,” he says. To stop that from happening, Nathan set up speakers all around The Loft, which fit in with the design that turned the entire space into a dungeon. Nathan says the biggest challenge in La Mancha was the drawbridge rolling in and out. “Scott (director Scott Stoney) said ‘I want it to be loud, I mean obnoxious.’ So I watched the bridge in action, and looked at machinery from that period – mostly chains, cogs, and huge wooden contraptions.” Which is where the lead bricks come in. First Nathan wrapped some chains around a dowel and rolled them over a wooden floor. Then he took a lead brick he just happened to have handy – a 25 pound brick he’d gotten from a retail display where it was used as a counterweight – and recorded the sound as he dropped it on the cement floor of his basement. Presto – the Spanish Inquisition. The lead brick was also useful for the general dungeon ambience. Nathan put sounds of dripping water and the brick being dragged along a floor through those speakers surrounding the audience to create a dungeon atmosphere. Nathan also contracts with a company that does sound for concerts and similar productions around the area, and says theatre is much more of a challenge. “Theatrical sound must be of a much more finished quality than concert sound.” That means such things as trying to create a feeling of depth and trying to keep any musical instruments used under separate controls that allow each to have its own natural, individual sound. Not that all the planning necessarily means perfection. “There are always things that don’t happen the way they’re supposed to,” Nathan says, “like mikes that make grinding noises” or, in one Christmas Carol showing, bells that wouldn’t stop ringing. Nathan, who grew up mostly in Dayton and was home-schooled so he and his mother could accompany his father on business trips, now lives in Kettering with his wife, Ashley, and their Russian Blue, Wellington. And, of course, those lead bricks. Click the PLAY button to listen to those wonderful drips from the dungeon in Man of La Mancha |
HEATHER POWELL Whether it something as big as Don Quixote’s lance in Man of La Mancha or as small as one of the wax grapes being munched in Lend Me A Tenor, all those items you see toted around or sitting on a stage got there thanks to a props director. It’s a job like that of a baseball umpire – it only gets noticed if something goes wrong. If a piece is missing or noticeably out of kilter – say a TV set in a 16th century dungeon – it’s pretty obvious, but otherwise props aren’t something likely to enter the minds of the audience. Depending on the play and the director, prop lists can range from a handful to many pages long – The Dazzle involved a stage full of junk piled eight feet high. This season at The Human Race, making sure everything is where it should be, be it on stage or in an actors’ hand, is the job of Technical Apprentice Heather Powell. The apprenticeship is the first professional theatre job for Heather, but she had lots of training in the field at Ohio Northern University, where she graduated in 2008 with degrees in communications with a theatre concentration and business management. In addition to performing at ONU (favorite role Catherine in Waiting for the Parade), Heather worked on productions with Tom Monaco, whom she calls a props master and who is now a furniture designer in Florida. Providing props for a performance involves a lot of creativity, either in finding things, or making them, or both. Heather says the hardest thing she’s had to try to find is trunk that holds the costumes in Man of La Mancha, which had to be quite large and at least look like it’s made The most challenging show on the construction side was an ONU production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - “I had to make some of those giant peacock
Heather says the shopping side of the props game dominates in productions that are modern and realistic, such as the upcoming The Vertical Hour. Making things comes more into play with time period works, since you have to come up with items that fit the period properly, and those can be hard to find on eBay. Heather currently dwells with her parents in Monroe, and spends lot of her free time reading, especially mysteries and fantasies. She plans to head to Chicago in a few years, where she hopes to be able to make a living both on and behind the stage.
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EXECUTIVE RAMBLINGS from across the hall |
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First, I would like to thank everyone who supported my “return to the stage” during Man of La Mancha. It was such a treat for me to play the role of Don Quixote, while reminding myself how hard it is to be an actor. I’m not talking about memorizing – thankfully that came very quickly. But the level of energy – the stamina – that not so quickly. Lucky for me, I was blessed with great directors and fabulous cohorts on stage. So, no, I am not giving up my day job. But what a joy each performance was. Thank you! In September, we hosted Tony Award-winning writer Brian Yorkey (Next To Normal), composer David Spangler (Nefertiti) and Nashville producer/songwriter Jerry Taylor in a two-week residency while they worked on their musical Play It By Heart. This new musical tells the story of a country music top female star battling her family and a changing industry. “It’s the quintessential story of a family in country music,” stated co-writer Jerry Taylor.
Speaking of musicals, we will close our 2009-10 Loft Season with the new musical Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon. Adam first sent me this show about 2 years ago, and I was very impressed. I quickly submitted it to the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Festival of New Musicals – where it was selected and presented in the Fall 2008 – and received rave notices. Realizing that it was destined for greatness, we promptly arranged to have it on our season. It has just closed a very successful run in New York at the Roundabout Theatre. I am looking forward to directing this new work, along with fellow Resident Artist Sean Michael Flowers.
“This year 26 students from the Dayton area applied for the scholarships” stated Human Race Executive Director Kevin Moore. “Thanks to the initial support from two very good friends, Tim and Char Scroggins, and those who have continued to support the program with their donations, we are able to again offer scholarships to two very deserving students this year.” On Monday, March 1, seven finalists will perform their audition in front of a live audience – including Stephen Schwartz. This year, along with our judges, the audience will help select the winner by casting their vote for their favorite performer. "The musical theatre survives and flourishes only with the infusion of new talent,” said award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz. “I've always tried to support and encourage emerging talent, and so I am proud and excited to have this scholarship named for me." “By collaborating with the Victoria Theatre Association,” stated Moore, “ we are able to build on the excitement of having Wicked in Dayton by offering a special opportunity to meet members of the cast and the show’s composer Stephen Schwartz – while helping to support the education programs of both organizations.” This year’s finalists include: Charity Farrell (Freshman at Wright State), Hilary Fingerman (Junior at Wright State), Kelsey Cathleen Hopkins (Junior at Wright State), Rachel Jones (Sophomore at Baldwin-Wallace), Andrew J. Koslow (Sophomore at University of Oklahoma), Charlie Mann (Senior at Wright State) and Alexandra Sunderhaus (Junior at Wright State). More details on the event, including location and ticket availability will be announced soon. Check our website in late January for details.
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The Human Race cast of A Christmas Carol had many family connections amongst the cast. Jacob and Maria Boyd are brother/sister. Rob and Jen Johansen are married, as are Aaron Vega and Claire Kennedy. Plus Mike Kennedy is Claire’s father. JJ Tiemeyer and Hannah Grizz started the run as “dating”, or in Facebook terms “in a relationship.” However, their status changed to “engaged” during curtain call on Saturday, December 12 when Mark Douglas- Not only will A Christmas Carol always be their first professional production together, but it will always be the one where they pledged their future together. We have all been touched by their love, and we congratulate them and wish them many happy years – and productions – together.
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Mark these Human Race dates in your calendar! Sat. Jan. 16 Wed. Jan. 27
Thu. Jan. 28 Fri. Jan. 29 Sat. Jan. 30 Mon. Feb. 1 Sun. Feb 7 Wed. Feb. 10 Sat. Feb. 13 Mon. Mar. 1 Wed. Mar. 10 Thur. Mar. 11 Fri. Mar. 12 Sun. Mar. 21 Wed. Apr. 14 Sat. Apr. 17 Wed. Apr. 21 |
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INSIDE THE RACE |
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The Vertical Hour was picked as a
title by British playwright Hare because
of its meaning in England
as the period in which a wounded
soldier can be saved. Told the term
is different in the U.S., Hare said
it wouldn’t be the first time he’s
messed up a title phrase – his
1988 title, Secret Rapture, turned
out to not have any meaning at all,
let alone the one he intended. 
Thanks to all our Board members.
Fall of 09 was a wild hunting season and I’m pleased to announce that our Technical Director, Scott Kimmins, and Master Carpenter, Tristan Cupp, successfully harvested 3 deer between them. The mental image of them crouching in their blinds waiting…waiting…waiting…for an opportunity to snag a bit of nature’s plenty, fills my heart with wonder. Ah, the thrill of the hunt, the call of the wild!
And Scott and Tristan have promised to share their wealth at our soup kitchen in February. We are not sure how the venison will be presented, perhaps a hunters stew, perhaps a venison chili. Is venison too risky for you? How about a ”Wild Rice and Cranberry Soup”? I think the “Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup” recipe is right up my alley with porcini and morels and Madeira. Leigh has promised to bring his talents to a “Wild Cajun Gumbo”. Am I making your mouth water yet? 
In case you've never been to Marsha’s Soup Kitchen – this year it will be on February 10th, from 11:30 am to 1 pm. We will have between 8 and 10 crock pots each created and served by a member of The Human Race staff. You can have a tasters cup or chow down on a full bowl of any or all of our creations, add some wild breads and noshes and some light desserts and it’s a lunch fit for the king of the jungle. That means you!!! And you will be invited, if you are a member at the $250 annual level or higher. 
Culture Works’ constituent groups are known for the high level of art they produce. Like The Human Race, many of the groups including Dayton Ballet, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company are known for their original works and regional and world premieres. In addition, The Muse Machine is a national model for arts education while Cityfolk, the largest folk and ethnic presenter in Ohio, brings thousands of people downtown each summer for their annual festival. The biggest names in opera often perform as guests of the Dayton Opera, and the Dayton Playhouse presents a critically acclaimed, national renowned new-works festival each year.
Paul & Susie Weaver
Exciting 2010 Theatre Programs for kids and teens are filling up rapidly! All classes are
held in our inspiring space, The Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center at 116 N. Jefferson Street in
downtown Dayton.
Grades 4 & 5
On Friday night, December 4th, a production of Two Gentlemen of Verona was presented, the 10th high school production of a Shakespeare comedy directed by Marilyn Klaben at Dominion Academy of Dayton. All of the alumni students who had ever appeared in a Shakespeare production at the school were invited to come for a celebration that night and many were there for the festivities. The former actors and the cast of Two Gentlemen were all called to the stage and they presented Mrs. Klaben with roses and a special picture frame with ten pictures, one from each production. The plaque on the picture frame reads: [All the world's a stage, Thank you Mrs. Klaben for 10 years of Shakespeare's Theatre]. Afterwards, everyone went out to the lobby for cake and punch and mingling.
Taylor and her 7 year-old twin brothers attended the Sunday matinee, their second year of attending, according to Mom. But Taylor is putting her “winning streak” to good use. She decided to donate the tryke to her church so that some other needy child will have a great Christmas gift. I would say there is definitely no “Bah, Humbug” in her future. 
The evening includes special performances by the Rubi Girls, Katie Pees, Michelle Zimmerman, Jake Lockwood, Brian McKnight, Alan Bomar Jones and Becky Barrett-Jones, Pat Linhart, Jamie Cordes, Scot Woolley, and more! There will be wonderful libations and lovely small bites, a complimentary arrival drink-Cash bar. Free parking will be included. This not to be missed event starts at 8:00 p.m. and the attire is dressy casual. At a $75.00 per person cost ($45.00 tax deductible), it is a bargain for such a fabulous evening. This fundraiser will be a sell-out. Get your tickets by calling 937-461-3823. If you are interested in being a sponsor for the event call Candy Pees at 937-298-0788 or e-mail Candy at 
of straw, since the script says it’s straw She finally had to give up and make one from scratch – a process that took two days and involved plywood, bamboo window shades, hot glue, upholstery tacks, liquid nails and a whole lot of ingenuity. 
fans, stone writing tablets, and sew a lot of leather pieces.” She got inducted into the world of carpentry by her father, who worked on sets when she was in school at Norwood High, and says she can handle most of the basics – handy not only for props but for helping build sets, and other tech work. 
While Wicked is playing at the Schuster Center, it’s composer Stephen Schwartz is planning to be in town to help award scholarships to deserving area musical theatre students. The Human Race Theatre Company is pleased to continue the musical theatre scholarship program named in honor of theatre legend Stephen Schwartz - composer of Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, The Baker’s Wife, Children of Eden, Working, and The Human Race’s 2007 premiere of Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook. The scholarship is designed to support singer/actors in the greater Dayton area who are training for a career in musical theatre, having awarding over $13,000 in scholarships to date. 
Jones (Scrooge) held up his hands to stop the standing ovation to announce that “a member of the cast had something he wanted to share with them.” As JJ moved center stage, Hannah realized what was about to happen – as did the entire cast. In classic style, JJ took her hand – moved her to the center stage spotlight – dropped to one knee and proposed. Through many happy tears, Hannah accepted. The audience – which included many of their family and friends - cheered as another standing ovation occurred. Two in one night!