Victoria Theatre Association's ImPACt Series Launches 2009-2010 Season 8/21, 22

Victoria Theatre Association's ImPACt Series will launch its 2009-2010 lineup of performances and events August 21 and 22, 2009 at the Mathile Theatre in the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.

In its 5th year, Victoria Theatre Association's ImPACt program provides a cooperative, economical, professional performance environment for new and sometimes fledgling artists and companies in the Dayton region. These individuals and organizations benefit from greatly reduced rental rates and also can access VTA professional technical and marketing staff for advice.

"ImPACt has really been a ‘best kept secret' for a few years now," comments David Brush, Education and Outreach Manager for VTA. "When you're a new artist or company trying to get your work out there in front of an audience, it's difficult - and it can be cost prohibitive. This program was created to help out. It gives groups like Zoot Theatre Company, Encore Theatre Company, and filmmakers like Steve Heman - to mention just a few - a place where they can hone their craft, get a little advice and support from experienced professionals, and find an audience for their work. Victoria Theatre Association is honored to provide this program for our fellow artists in the region."

The sardonic film "The Curtain Goes Up On Geraldine's Birthday [35 apologies to David Lynch and Jack Frost] kicks off the 2009-2010 lineup of events. The film features over 40 actors, many from the Dayton area, and is written and directed by Dayton native, Steve Heman. A short social commentary, The Curtain Goes Up...examines cultural power and its connection to the private and public figure. The film pays homage to director David Lynch (Twin Peaks, The Elephant Man (1980), Dune), who's unorthodox and distinctive approach to narrative filmmaking has been influential in both television and film genres.

To view a trailer and movie stills, go to www.myspace.com/454576563. The Curtain Goes Up On Geraldine's Birthday [35 apologies to David Lynch and Jack Frost], premieres Friday, August 21 at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Tickets are $5 and maybe purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com or by calling 937/228-3630. Tickets will also be available at the door. There will also be a question and answer session with the director Steve Heman immediately after each showing.

Participation in the Victoria Theatre Association ImPACt program is by application only and requires the artists to present a free educational outreach component as part of Victoria Theatre Association's education and outreach programming. All ImPACt performances are held in the Mathile Theatre at the Schuster Center.

For more information on how to apply for the 2010-2011 ImPACt series, please download and complete the ImPACt Proposal Form and return to: David Brush, Education and Outreach Manager, Victoria Theatre Association, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402.