“#Keeping Drama On – and Off – Stage Series” and Upcoming Auditions
Theatre Bristol is “Keeping Drama On – and Off – Stage,” as it announces major rescheduling of its 2020 Season and introduces new fall and holiday auditions and registrations.
Planned auditions for “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “elf The Musical” are now scheduled for 2021, but the show goes on for 2020! We present new ways to perform, enjoy theatre, and connect with our theatre community.
Theatre Bristol kicks off its “Keeping Drama On – and Off – Stage” Series, to foster creativity and expression while we work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The #KDOS Series offers three ways to get involved that together preserve elements of live performance: auditions, casting, rehearsals, storytelling, acting, community, fun, entertainment, and audiences too.
The #TBKDOS Series launches with Theatre Bristol On Air, a radio drama throw-back to Theatre Bristol’s days of “Don’t Touch That Dial.” Theatre Bristol On Air’s production of “The War of the Worlds” will air on radio 89.5 WETS, Thursday, October 29 at 8:00 pm. Throughout the month of October, the program will also be available on various podcast services and the Theatre Bristol website.
Originally broadcast from New York’s Mercury Theatre in 1938, this infamous radio play, based on the novel by H. G. Wells, had many terrified listeners convinced that an actual alien invasion of Earth was taking place. This original script detailing the frightening tale of an extraterrestrial takeover, is brought to life to thrill and chill audiences.
Leading the classic radio show is Dottie Havlik, serving as director and the program announcer. The cast is made up of both long-time veterans, as well as some new-to-Theatre Bristol performers, including Andrew Hunt, Steve Basket, and Mary Ellis Rice as announcers, Robert McCrary as Orson Welles, General Smith and an operator, Bailey George as an announcer and operator, James Francis as Phillips and an operator, Fred Dunagan as Professor Pierson, David Maloney as a police officer and commander, John Runde as Wilmuth, McDonald, and an operator, Joey Collard as Captain Lansing, an officer and operator, Sarah King as a Red Cross Representative, Secretary of the Interior, and an observer, and Jacob Maurer as a gunner and a stranger. Camille Gray serves as the audio technician and Samantha Gray is the producer.
Auditions for the Zoom-rehearsed production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” directed by Glenn Patterson are September 26, 27, and 28, with signups now open at www.TheatreBristol.org/audition. Also available at the link are the rehearsal schedule and roles. Airing information on your favorite podcast service will be announced at http://www.TheatreBristol.org. Provided interest, another broadcast featuring the works of Edgar Allen Poe may be included, with audition information to come. Stay tuned at http://www.TheatreBristol.org.
Part two of the #KDOS Series is a new program, Reader’s Theatre Bristol. Participate with friends and meet new friends in one of four opportunities for adults, teens, and children, to gather and read dramatic, comedic, classic or new plays online. Beginning in August, enjoy great titles with some of your favorite roles, along with feedback from Theatre Bristol directors, fun and connection with our community, while developing or honing your acting skills. Learn more and register online for the August, October, or December sessions at www.TheatreBristol.org.
Live performance needs an audience, so we present the third part of our #KDOS Series, Quaranteam Theatre! Theatre Bristol invites families, or groups quarantining together, to participate in our Quaranteam Theatre outdoor production. Quaranteams can register now and we will provide direction, scripts, and feedback as you rehearse and prepare for our theatre-in-the-park presentation in the fall. Audiences can spread out in their own spaces and enjoy live theatre on stage and our community talent! Register your Quaranteam now!
Theatre Bristol appreciates the support of the Tennessee Arts Commission of our newly revised 2020 Season, as well as the support of our arts sponsors: the City of Bristol, TN, Leticia Peltzer ENT & Allergy Consultants and ETSU Cross-Disciplinary Studies, United Company Foundation, Citizens Bank, HVAC Inc., Summit BSR Roofing, Seaman Corporation, Stephanie Snelson, DDS, Food City, Party Central, Guthrie Dentistry, M&M Bookkeeping and Tax Services, Celebrate Rentals, Blackbird Bakery, WCYB News 5, The Loafer, The Bristol Herald Courier, and The Home Depot. Thank you to our graphic designer Haley White for our Series design.
If you love your community theatre you can help nonprofits like Theatre Bristol. Theatre Bristol has lost a significant amount of income that it cannot recoup without community support. We hope you make a contribution, of any size, and help us continue. To donate online visit: www.TheatreBristol.org/donate or mail a check to 512 State, Bristol, TN 37620. Thank you.
Follow Theatre Bristol’s website and Facebook page for details and updates on our #KDOS Series.
Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee. Its Main Stage season consists of up to six productions. Some of its performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 120, and other performances are on stage at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Theatre Bristol is volunteer run and we invite you to get involved.
For more information, visit Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.