REGISTER FOR CLASSES TODAY @ LUNA STAGE

Click Here
to Register for Classes for Children!

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to Register for Classes for Adults!

WHERE: Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, West Orange

Our team of outstanding professional teaching artists focus on the process of creation and development of the artist. Through the generous support of our donors, our classes are kept affordable, enabling all members of our community to reap the benefits of first-rate instruction in a professional theatrical environment. Whether you are looking to bring your child to an arts program for the first time or looking to build upon your own craft as an artist, Luna is the home for you and your family to grow.

If you have questions, please email info@lunastage.org or call our business office Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-3pm (summer hours) at 973-395-5551.

OUR THEATRE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AGES 4-13

Song and Dance
(Ages 4-7)
WHEN: Saturdays - 9 weeks - September 9th - November 11th (no class on 9/30)

Song and Dance I: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Song and Dance II: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

FEE: $113

Luna's Song and Dance Class allows offers a fun introduction to musical theatre for our youngest artists. Children are introduced to all the different elements of musical theatre (acting, singing, dance and stage presence) and given the opportunity to discover their individual talents, creativity and self-expression. The class culminates in a sharing for family and friends.

Little Luna
(Ages 4-7)

WHEN: Saturdays - 9 weeks - September 9th - November 11th (no class on 9/30)

• Little Luna I: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Little Luna II: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

FEE: $86

In the Little Luna program, young performers discover the creative elements of drama through a basis in story-telling. Through fun games and exercises, Little Luna participants learn about different theatrical elements (sets, costumes, props, scripts, etc.) and how they combine to create a performance. The class culminates in a sharing for family and friends

Musical Theatre
(Ages 7-9 & 10-12)

WHEN: Saturdays - 9 weeks - September 9th - November 11th (no class on 9/30)

• Musical Theatre I (Ages 7-9): 9:00AM - 10:00AM
• Musical Theatre II (Ages 10-12): 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

FEE: $113

Luna's Musical Theatre Class allows children of all experience levels an opportunity to discover their individual talents, creativity and performing interests while exploring the basics of Musical Theatre (acting, singing and dance). Young performers work collaboratively to explore vocal technique, character-based song interpretation, and choreography from Broadway musicals. The class culminates in a sharing for family and friends.

Creative Drama
(Ages 8-10)

WHEN: Saturdays - 9 weeks - September 9th - November 11th (no class on 9/30); 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
FEE: $86

The class is specially designed with creative minds and play as the focus. Through the use of theatre games and mini-performance workshops, young actors receive a comprehensive study of the various aspects of acting and performing. Topics include voice and speech, character development, creative expression through movement and solo and group improv, just to name a few. Actors will have an opportunity to perform for each other every class, and will work together to develop self-confidence, team/group dynamic, body and spatial awareness. The class culminates in a sharing for family and friends.

NEW CLASS!

Improv
(Ages 11-13)

WHEN: Saturdays - 9 weeks - September 9th - November 11th (no class on 9/30); 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
FEE: $86

Young artists will have a blast learning how to think on their feet in this new class that incorporates scene work and movement-based and group exercises to explore the primary fundamentals of improvisation. Participants will gain self-confidence and improve their focus and listening skills. A great class for serious young acting students looking to improve their craft, and for beginners looking for a fun way to explore their creativity on stage.

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OUR THEATRE CLASSES FOR ADULTS

NEW CLASS!!!

Introduction to Musical Theatre
WHEN: Mondays - 12 Weeks - September 11th- November 27th (no class 10/9, 11/3); 7pm-10pm
FEE: $295

Have a song in your heart?  Ready to let it out on stage?

Come to Luna's Newest Class... Introduction to Musical Theater.... for Adults!

• Explore how to effectively tell the story of your song
• Gain confidence in your voice
• Learn how to transition your character from scene into song

This is the perfect class for actors who want to branch into Musical Theatre, and for more experienced singers looking to hone their talents to the particular genre of Musical Theatre. Broadway veterans, Stage Directors and Master Coaches, Robin Irwin and Erick Buckley are ready to guide you on your path from singing show tunes in the shower to singing under the lights!

Read more »

LIVE TRIBUTE PERFORMANCE TO ELVIS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

Just a few seats left for this live tribute performance!

Tony Grova celebrates a legend with song and story.

Pay tribute with us on the 40th anniversary of Elvis' passing!

www.RhinoTheatre.com for tickets

SINGERS INVITED TO JOIN THE CRESCENT CHORAL SOCIETY

The Crescent Choral Society

The Crescent Choral Society is currently welcoming new singers for its 2017-18 season.  All parts are open and singers of all ages are invited to join the Society for its 36^th season. The Society’s new Artistic Director, Dr. Deborah Simpkin King (left), will conduct the opening concert, Basically Brahms, featuring Brahms’ German Requiem and selections from his Liebeslieder Walzes.

No auditions are necessary to join the Choral Society, just a love of singing masterworks from all periods with seasoned choral singers in a warm and inviting atmosphere.  The Society is especially excited to have Dr. King conducting this November concert.  She is an advocate and teacher of choral singing and conducts throughout the Metropolitan area, most recently as a guest conductor for the world premiere of David Lang’s choral piece for 1000 voices at Lincoln Center.

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, NJ. 

The first rehearsal is slated for September 11 and begins at 6:45 pm with a “Meet ‘n Greet.”  For the Brahms concert, rehearsal dates are, Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 followed by a dress rehearsal on Friday, November 3 and then the public performance on Saturday, November 4 at 4:00 pm.

WHERE: The Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church is located at 716 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield, NJ.  There is ample secure parking for singers at the church.

For more information on the Choral Society, email Dr. B.D. Bills at bingbills70gmail.com or Mr. Michael Tackvic at myktak@verizon or just simply join us on September 11 to sing the glorious Brahms Requiem.

INTRODUCING THE CAST OF “WHAT THE BUTLER SAW”

"Doctor – I'm naked! You do realize that, don't you?" WHAT THE BUTLER SAW By Joe Orton Directed by Paul Mullins WHEN: Performances begin September 6 WHERE: F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Ave., Madison First performed in 1969, two years after Orton's murder at the age of 34, this scathing farce shocked audiences when it was first produced. Now, almost 50 years later, what were racy subjects are far less so, and we are able to both laugh more and see better the acid bullets that Orton fires in a startling pace from beginning to end. This hilarious comedy unveils the fragile state of truth in the hands of those in power, and the ultimate power of truth despite our easy ability to twist it. Use code SALE3 at checkout to receive $39 tickets to all 7:30 p.m. performances!* Buy tickets! ShakespeareNJ.org | 973-408-5600 Click here for directions to the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre and for information about FREE parking. Please note: this play is not suitable for young audiences and will include moments of partial undress and shots fired from a blank gun. *Offer expires September 5 and is only valid on 7:30 p.m performances. Not valid on Opening Night, preview performances, or prior purchases; other restrictions may apply. Please call the Box Office for more information. What the Butler Saw is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

SAD NEWS TO REPORT:

I am sad to announce the death of Sheila Abrams, the music and dance critic for the NJ Arts Maven Blog—and my cousin, friend, mentor, critic—on Wednesday, August 16, 2017.

Sheila’s father and my mother were siblings in a very close-knit family. Even more than animals (if that were possible), Sheila was passionate about the arts. She wrote theater reviews for the Hackettstown Gazette, which occasioned my entrée into the world of dramatic criticism. Back in the winter of 1996, Sheila called me with “an offer I couldn’t refuse”: reviewing The Miracle Worker at the George Street Playhouse because she was unable to go. I felt very comfortable doing this because I had taught the play for eleven years to seventh grade Language Arts students. Despite her telling me that my review sounded like a term paper, I was bitten by the critic bug.

In 2010, we were both “terminated” when the Recorder Newspapers discontinued their Out & About entertainment section. I started this blog; Sheila joined me soon after as the drama critic, and when her husband Bernie died, she wrote the music reviews. She was my right-hand woman when I couldn’t get to theater out in western New Jersey, and I knew I could always count on her for honest, well-informed reviews that were a pleasure to read.

I will miss her passion, her love of books, her thirst for knowledge, her political acumen (she’d discuss socialism with our Bubbe’s ancient cousins, much to my wonderment), her superior writing skills and her kindness.

Although I was unable to spend time with Sheila toward the end, she will remain in my heart as my cousin, mentor, critic, role model—and friend. Rest easy, Sheil.

ALLIANCE REP SETS AUDITIONS FOR 2 PLAYS IN SUMMIT

AUDITIONS NOTICES:

LATER LIFE 
by A. R. Gurney
David Christopher directs

WHEN: Sunday, September 10th, at 7:30 PM.
WHERE: MONDO, 426 Springfield Ave, Summit (Lower Level)

Production dates: November 3 -18, 2017.

A romantic bittersweet tale of lost opportunities and the hope for new beginnings as a middle-aged couple seek to fan the flames of yesteryear and take a second chance on love.

Audition sides can be found on the Alliance Rep website www.alliancerep.org

Roles available:

• Austin - late 40s - 50s. A conservative banker from Boston, divorced, stuck in a rut
• Ruth - late 40s - 50s. A woman of the world but stuck in a bad marriage, looking for love
• Jim, Roy, Dwane, Ted & Walt. This actor must play 5 distinctly different characters, of varying ages, types and dialects

GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES
by Rajiv Joseph
Christine Gaden directs

WHEN: Sunday, September 24th, at 7pm.
WHERE: MONDO, 426 Springfield Ave, Summit (Lower Level)

Production dates: February 16 - March 3, 2018.

Over the course of 30 years, the lives of Kayleen & Doug intersect at the most bizarre intervals, leading the childhood friends to compare scars and the physical calamities that draw them together.

NJ PREMIERE

Audition sides can be found on the Alliance Rep website www.alliancerep.org

Roles available:

• Doug - 20s -30s – male
• Kayleen - 20s - 30s - female

Both actors play ages 8 -38 throughout the show. Versatile, experienced performers sought

THE STROLLERS SET AUSITIONS FOR “COME BACK TO THE FIVE AND DIME, JIMMY DEAN, JIMMY DEAN” IN MAPLEWOOD

AUDITION NOTICE:

The Strollers proudly announce auditions for their first main stage show of the season:

Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
by Ed Graczyk
Directed by Wanda Maragni

WHEN: Monday, August 28 at 7pm, Tuesday, August 29 at 7pm. Callbacks: Thursday, August 31 at 7pm
WHERE: The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ

All sides are available on The Strollers website at www.thestrollers.org.

Perfomances: Friday, November 3 at 8pm; Saturday, November 4 at 8pm; Sunday, November 5 at 2pm; Friday, November 10 at 8pm; Saturday, November 11 at 8pm

Characters:
(Note - all characters reside in West Texas, so please be prepared to give us your best "West Texas" accent for auditions.)

• Juanita - 40-50 (with the ability to transition to herself 20 years younger): owner of the Five & Dime; a simple Texas woman who is guided by her religious convictions.
• Mona (then) - late teens: naive and deeply romantic; imagines herself as different and better than the small town people she grew up with.
• Mona - 30s: Fragile; she prefers to live in a dream world and in her memories; has remained in this small town and has changed very little in 20 years.
• Sissy (then) - late teens; early 20s; a young girl with dreams of getting out of this small town; aware of her sexuality.
• Sissy - 30s: vivacious and outgoing with a quick wit; she appears to be only concerned about her attractiveness and having a good time, but has unexpected depths.
• Joe - late teens; sensitive and confused; misunderstood by most except for Mona and Sissy.
• Joanne - 30s; mysterious visitor with a big secret; sensual; raised in the area, but escaped to live a different kind of life.
• Stella Mae - 30s; loud and boisterous; she appears to have been one of the success stories of the group, but covers up her regrets and longings.
• Edna Louise - 30s; pregnant with her 7th child; shy and awkward; simply sweet-natured.

Contact TheMaplewoodStrollers@gmail.com with any questions.

FILL YOUR CALENDAR WITH FUN EVENTS FOR EVERYONE!

This Week: LACE CREATIONS August 19 Watch the nimble fingers of the Lost Art Lacers of North Jersey as they perform the centuries-old arts of bobbin lace-making and tatting. Try your hand at bobbin lacing. Learn more here. HOMEMADE WATERCOLORS August 19 Be a scientist AND an artist as you use natural ingredients to create your paints. Check it out here. CREEPY CRAWLIES August 22 Learn where insects live and the signs they leave behind during an outdoor, hands-on insect study. Ages 7 - 10. Click here to learn more. Look What’s Coming: YOU SAY TOMATO August 24 Harvest, taste, create art, and play games with the garden favorite, the Jersey Tomato. Ages 6 - 10. For more info, click here. INTERMEDIATE FLOWER ARRANGING WORKSHOP: PART 2 August 26 Enjoy an afternoon with Professional Floral Designer, Marge Hulstrunk, who teaches those with some floral arranging experience, but would like to hone their skills. She demonstrates several designs and you can make a topiary design arrangement to take home. Bring clippers and a box to carry your arrangement home. I want to learn more. EPISTLES & ERASURES: THE POETRY OF ADDRESS & WHAT IS UNSAID September 23 Join 2017 Honoree Artist, Emari DiGiorgio, in this craft talk and writing workshop to learn a brief history of the epistolary poem (the letter as poem), try your hand at two guided-writing exercises, and share your work informally. To learn more, click here. Spotlight On: 1920s COUNTRY FAIR AND HARVEST FESTIVAL September 17 Come one, come all to the country fair with farm animals, wagon-rides, food, live music, crafts, exhibits, demonstrations, period games, wood-burning cook stove demos, and hands-on farm activities. This annual event attracts hundreds of people! Fun for the entire family. Check it out here. Facilities & Parks | Golf | Mennen | Reservations | Calendar

KAROAKE THIS FRIDAY IN RED BANK—LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

Had a Long Week? Sing About It!

Want a fun night out with your Phoenix family after a long week?

Back by popular demand:

CHECK OUT OUR

PHOENIX KARAOKE NIGHT

TO BENEFIT THE PHOENIX BLACK BOX FUND!

WHEN: August 18th, 6:30pm-11:00pm
WHERE: Phoenix Performing Arts Center, 59 Chestnut Street, Red Bank

Karaoke brings people together in a way like no other activity.

Join your Phoenix family for our second Karaoke Night! Part 2! 

All ages welcome starting at 6:30pm.

Tickets required (and limited) so get yours today! 

Yes, Sign Me Up!

Karaoke bar scene a bit too much? Join us, along with your family and friends, for a fun evening of Karaoke! Along with the usual Karaoke we will have a few diversions and surprises as well as some trivia ! Wine, Beer and noshes will be provided for just $20 Bucks! Don’t sing? Just want to tag along to enjoy the singing, wine and beer? $15 bucks for you! Finally if you have no place to leave Aunt Tillie, Uncle Jed , or the kids because they don’t sing or drink alcohol bring them along for just $5 bucks!

Can't Make Karaoke, But Miss Your "Phoenix Family?"

Email volunteers@phoenixredbank.com for exciting opportunities  to get involved with Phoenix's 2017 Season.

FALL 2017 DRAWING CLUB REGISTRATION NOW OPEN @ THE ZIMMERLI ART MUSEUM AT RUTGERS NEW BRUNSWICK

Zimmerli Drawing Classes

Zimmerli member registration is now open for fall classes
Nonmember registration opens August 21 for fall classes

Drawing has never ceased to be a fundamental tool of human perception and knowledge, akin to writing itself. The Zimmerli offers advanced and beginning classes, for children and adults, with an opportunity to draw from both live models and the museum's collection.

Online registration for Zimmerli classes is available through the museum's collaboration with the Mason Gross Extension Division. The link directs you to the Zimmerli classes listed on the Mason Gross Extension Division site, where you can create an account through ASAP and begin your registration.

For information about all of the museum's Workshops and Classes, includingART-haus Academy classes offered by the Mason Gross Extension Division, visit our webpage.

Drawing Club for Children and Young People 7-10 and 11-14 year olds; space is limited to 16 students per class WHEN: Tuesdays / 4:15 to 5:45 pm (beginning October 3) WHERE: 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick FEE: $75 Zimmerli Members at family level and above / $85 MGSA Extension Division Members / $100 Nonmembers

Children unlock the secrets of drawing when they participate in the Zimmerli’s popular Drawing Club, which takes place for eight weeks on Tuesdays after school in the fall, winter, and spring. Aspiring artists explore a variety of drawing methods, including pencil and charcoal, while learning about different types of art such as still life and portraiture. Classes are inspired by works from the Zimmerli's exhibitions, which reflect a variety of styles and historical periods. Drawing Club is led by practicing artists who are also graduate students at Mason Gross School of the Arts. Register online, or by printing and either emailing (education@zimmerli.rutgers.edu) or faxing (732.932.8201) the downloadable enrollment form for Fall 2017. Zimmerli Drawing Society for Adults Ages 18 and older; space is limited to 16 participants WHEN: Saturdays / 12:30 to 2:30 pm (beginning September 23) WHERE: 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick FEE: $100 Zimmerli Members / $120 MGSA Extension Division Members / $135 Nonmembers Each Drawing Society session is overseen by master artists Wes Sherman and Tom Rutledge. The museum provides drawings boards, live models at select sessions, and professional instruction; participants are asked to bring their own drawing pads, portable easels, and other materials suggested by the instructors. Registered participants receive a class schedule and supply list a few weeks before the start of class.  Register online, or by printing and either emailing (education@zimmerli.rutgers.edu) or faxing (732.932.8201) the downloadable enrollment form for Fall 2017.

“ALL JEWISH HISTORY IN ONE HOUR…REALLY!” @ TEMPLE B’NAI ABRAHAM FEATURES RENOWNED SCHOLAR

ADMISSION: Free

Ample parking. For more information, visit www.tbanj.org online or call 973.994.2290

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE BROADWAY SHOW CHOIR: MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

A FREE PROGRAM
Join the area' most talented students in
New Jersey's award-winning show choir

Auditions by Appointment Only
(Must be ages 15-22 by November 1, 2017)
Sunday, October 15, at 5:00PM
Tuesday, October 17, at 6:00PM
Wednesday, October 18, at 6:00PM

The Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir is an
audition-based exhibition show choir that stems from
Paper Mill Playhouse’s award-winning arts education
and outreach programs.

There is NO COST to participate.

The choir consists of 60 singer/dancers ages 15–22. The Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir acts as ambassadors to Paper Mill Playhouse with an array of performance opportunities throughout the community and beyond. Students selcted to be a part of this talented group have the opportunity to fine-tune their craft with free intensive instruction and an array of public performance opportunities.

To make an audition appointment
please fill out the online audition form at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017ShowChoir

For more information please
email: pmpshowchior@gmail.com
or call 973-315-1640.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO