Oddfellows Playhouse Announces 2016-17 Productions, Fall Classes

Oddfellows Playhouse launches its 41st season. Registration is open now for fall youth theater classes, circus training and play productions. Materials can be found at www.oddfellows.org, by calling (860)347-6143, and at our playhouse: 128 Washington St, Middletown, CT.

The season kicks off with an open house from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, September 10. The open house offers students and families an opportunity to meet Playhouse teaching artists and staff. The day will include arts activities, refreshments, tours of The Playhouse, and fun and games for all.

For the 2016-17 season, Oddfellows Jr. & Teen Companies will produce four main-stage shows. The Jr. Company (open to students in grades 5 - 8th) will present The Hobbit, adapted by Patricia Gray and directed by Hannah Simms. All students who register are cast in a speaking role. Rehearsals for this production start October 5th and Middletown Public School students can take the bus to The Playhouse after school for classes and rehearsals.

The Teen Company (open to students in grades 9th-12th) will begin the season with a six-week Open Ensemble session to create an original Halloween performance. In November, auditions begin for Shakespeare's The Tempest. Both projects will be directed by Kim West.

The spring will feature two contemporary plays: Anon(ymous), written by Naomi Iizuka, and Einstein's Brains by Philip Dawkins. Students involved in the Jr. & Teen Companies have opportunities to work back-stage and participate in community projects at The Playhouse throughout the year. The Jr. & Teen Companies are supportive, creative, and welcoming groups where kids build skills, discover talents, and form friendships while they meet the challenges inherent in making live theater.

"Our season theme, SEEKING HOME gives artists, students and our audiences a frame to view the plays. Questions of home, of safety and of who decides who is allowed to find refuge are woven in different ways throughout this year's material and will guide our discussions and approaches to these four plays," said Artistic Director, Kristen Palmer.

Fall after-school and Saturday classes in theater and circus arts will run for 12 weeks from September 19 to December 17. After-school classes are from 4:30 - 5:30pm. Middletown Public School students have the option of taking a school bus to The Playhouse for a snack and supervised free-time before their classes or Jr. Company rehearsals.

At The Playhouse, professional teaching artists lead engaging programs that build confidence, creativity and collaboration by getting every student actively involved in artistic self-expression. Students work together and learn to support one another. Oddfellows programs are inclusive, embracing children from all backgrounds and circumstances and creating a safe space where all students can grow together in a mutually supportive setting. Oddfellows currently serves nearly 1400 students through its programs annually.

In partnership with ARTFARM, advanced circus training is available through Circophony. Training for aspiring circus performers is offered year round and open to all interested students ages 12 - 19. In January, students are invited to audition for the touring company. The touring company creates and performs an exciting new show that will tour to schools, clubs, fairs, corporate events, and festivals.

Online registration is available for all classes and productions through The Playhouse's website, www.oddfellows.org. The website also offers online payment for classes, financial aid and scholarship information, and online ticket sales. Full scholarships are available for any student receiving free or reduced school lunch.

For more information, visit www.oddfellows.org, email info@oddfellows.org or call (860)347-6143. Find The Playhouse on Facebook: www.facebook.com/oddfellowsplayhouse, Twitter: twitter.com/OddfellowsPlay, and Instagram: instagram.com/oddfellowsplayhouse.

To post a comment, you must register and login.