Learn more about the Young Playwrights' Competition

We are in the process of updating the Wayside Theatre website, but in the meantime, here's some updates about the Young Playwrights' Competition.

First, you might notice the name has changed--it used to be known as the Young Playwrights' Festival.  The reason we changed the name is because rather than a festival of multiple plays, Wayside Theatre only has the resources to produce a single play, making "festival" a misnomer, and a little confusing.

Second, we've updated our submission guidelines!   Click here to download them.

Call to schedule your Tempest audition today!

(Click on the image below to enlarge it)

See your work on Wayside's stage!

Education Update

There are many exciting opportunities to get involved with Wayside in the coming months!

Young Playwrights’ Competition

            The Young Playwrights’ Competition offers high school aged students the chance to create a piece of literature that is truly their own, and then see it brought to life on the Wayside Theatre stage!

            The winner of the Young Playwrights’ Competition will work with a professional dramaturg (a person responsible for textual interpretation and literary development) to polish their piece and prepare it for a staged reading. Then Wayside Theatre’s professional team will produce a staged reading of it that is free and open to the public.  The winner also receives a $100 savings bond and two tickets to a play of their choice in Wayside’s upcoming season.  The second place winner receives a $50 savings bond and two tickets to a play of their choice in Wayside’s upcoming season.

            Before submitting your play, please review the submission guidelines found on the Wayside Theatre website (http://www.waysidetheatre.org/downloadables/Playwright%20Festival%202012.pdf).  The formatting requirements and information that we need are very specific, so please read carefully!

To submit your play, send three copies of it to

Young Playwrights’ Competition

c/o Wayside Theatre

PO Box 260

Middletown, VA 22645

                 Audition for 

               The Tempest 

                                                             (in partnership with the Barns of Rose Hill)

            The Emerging Artists’ 2013 Spring Shakespeare is The Tempest.  In this fantastical comedy, the sorcerer and rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero, and his daughter Miranda, have been exiled on a tropical island for 12 years.  When Prospero’s enemies make the mistake of sailing too close to the island, he summons a terrible storm to make sure that they make amends for their past actions—and has fun playing matchmaker for Miranda while he’s at it!

Auditions are January 16th at the Barns of Rose Hill and January 18th at Wayside Theatre.  Call 540-869-1776 to schedule your audition time today! Both male and female actors will be cast.  Auditionees will be asked to perform a short monologue from memory, to read from the script of The Tempest, and may be asked to sing a standard (like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star).  Come dressed to move (no skirts or high heels).  Auditions are relaxed and low-pressure!  For more information email eia@waysidetheatre.org.

 

    Young Performers’ Workshop

            There are still spaces available in most of the Young Performers’ Workshop offerings at Wayside, including the specialty classes (YPW Acting +, YPW Musical Theatre Dance, and YPW Improv!).

            Classes are offered for students ages 7-18 on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and for students ages 4-6 on Saturday mornings.  Classes range in price from $125 to $250.  Payment plans are available on request.  There is also one scholarship available for the Winter 2013 session.

            For more information or to register, call the box office at 540-869-1776.

One YPW scholarship available for Winter 2013 session

A generous donor has funded a scholarship for the 2013 Winter session of the Young Performers' Workshop.

The donor has entrusted the Scholarship Team to select a student who will benefit the most from the YPW experience.  The ideal applicant:

Is dedicated to the process of creating theatre (as well as the performance itself)

Demonstrates a commitment to hard work

Values teamwork and supports their teammates in performance

Has a strong desire to learn

And shows a particular interest in theatre

For a scholarship application form, call the theatre at 540-869-1776 and ask for Molly, or e-mail eia@waysidetheatre.org.

Winter YPW registration opens today!

Gift certificates are available to give to your Young Performer as a holiday gift!  One scholarship is available for the 2013 Winter session.  Please call the theatre at 540-869-1776 and ask for Molly for more information, or e-mail eia@waysidetheatre.org.

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Young Performers' Workshop a great holiday gift!

Registration for the Winter session of the Young Performers’ Workshop at Wayside will open on November 27^th. 

Classes will begin on January 14 and run on Monday and Tuesday evenings through March 5.

If you would like to have your name added to our YPW mailing list, please e-mail eia@waysidetheatre.org with your name, your child’s name, your mailing address, e-mail address, and phone number.  Or you can call 540-869-1776 for more information.

Keep an eye out here and on the Wayside Theatre YPW web-page for more details about class offerings.

Charlie Chaplin: The Price of Art opens on Friday!

Don’t miss out!!

Charlie Chaplin: The Price of Art

Area teens Matanah Betko, Erin Foster, Zoe Giller, and Libby Powell have written the story of Charlie Chaplin's journey from poverty to life on the wicked stage, to his vaudeville career and beyond!  Follow Chaplin as he struggles to leave behind his "cold, terrible, and hungry" upbringing and achieve artistic independence.

Tickets are $10 for youth and $15 for adults.  For more information or to reserve your tickets, call the Wayside Theatre box office at 540-869-1776!

Another Important YPW Update

Another YPW Update:

Due to a contagious illness, we have postponed the YPW Music Theatre performance until Friday, November 2, at 5:30pm. Students should report to the theatre at 5:00 for dress rehearsal.

YPW 1 is still performing tonight at 5:15pm at Wayside.

Young Performers' Workshop updates

Hello!  Sorry to have been away from the updates for some time, but we have lots of news in the wake of Frankenstorm Sandy!  Here's the update on what's happening with the YPW performances:

The YPW1 Monday night class (Thomasin's class) performance was rescheduled to 5:15pm on Wednesday, October 31.
Students should report for dress rehearsal at 4pm on Wednesday, October 31

The YPW Music Theatre class (also Thomasin's class) was rescheduled to 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 31.
Students should report for dress rehearsal at 5:45pm on Wednesday, October 31

YPW 1 Tuesday night class (Joette's class) is performing tonight. We are still in the process of contacting families, but the performance will still take place at 7:00pm tonight (Tuesday, October 30).
Students should report for dress rehearsal at 5:00pm tonight (Tuesday, October 30--not at 4:00pm as is listed on their schedule).

YPW 2 and Shakespeare class (Molly's class) performances have been postponed, due to families dealing with the aftermath of the storm. The show will take place at 11:30 on Saturday morning, November 3. 
Students should report for dress rehearsal at 9:30am on Saturday, November 3.

Stay safe, everyone!

Charlie Chaplin: The Price of Art at Wayside Theatre

The Emerging Artists Fall New Work, Charlie Chaplin: The Price of Art, will be held at Wayside Theatre on November 9 & 10. This play is written by local teens Matanah Betko, Erin Foster, Zoe Giller, and Libby Powell, and the cast comprises of a variety of area high school students. It is directed and designed by Wayside Theatre staff members.

Charlie Chaplin: The Price of Art follows Charlie Chaplin from boyhood to stardom, rising through the ranks of vaudeville into films. As Charlie gains more success, he discovers that, even as a successful performer, artistic freedom is a hard thing to achieve. Charlie finds ways to direct, write, and eventually break away from the oppressive studio system in the Golden Age of Hollywood, becoming one of the most iconic figures in film history.

 
Call the Box Office for tickets at (540) 869-1776. Adult tickets range from $12-15, with a discounted rate for children under 18.

YPW registration is wrapping up. Call today!

Check out some of the work our YPW students did this summer!  If you think your young performer would enjoy being on Wayside's stage, call the box office today!

Class Space Still Available for Fall YPW--Register Today!

Fall YPW classes announced, registration now open!

If you'd like more information or have any questions, please call Wayside Theatre at 540-869-1776.

Auditions for our Christmas Show are coming up!

SHOW

Glory Bea! A Shenandoah Christmas Story

WHEN

• September 17th and 19th: 1-5, 6-9
• September 22nd: 10am-Noon
• September 23rd: 1-4

HOW TO SCHEDULE

Please call the Wayside Theatre box office at 540-869-1776 to schedule an audition time.

WHERE

Wayside Theatre
7853 Main Street
Middletown, VA

WHAT TO PREPARE

Kids

• 30 to 60 second monologue or poem (does not need to be memorized)
• Your favorite Christmas Carol a-capella OR 32 bars of any song – Accompanist will be provided.

Reminder: Charlie Chaplin auditions are coming up fast!

Less than 4 weeks to go!

Auditions on August 29 from 5:00pm-7:00pm; August 30 and 31st from 3:30-5:30pm.

Come audition for Wayside Theatre's Fall Emerging Artists New Work about Charlie Chaplin! We are seeking area teens, ages 13 - 18. There will also be a role for a small boy, age 5 - 12.

This brand new production will have a staged reading on September 16th (with rehearsals from Sept 11-15) and will have it's full performances on November 9th & 10th on the Wayside stage (rehearsing from October 23-Nov 8th). 

Those auditioning should come prepared to sing a short song a capella (like "Happy Birthday," “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” or a similar standard) and have the option of preparing a monologue of under 60 seconds if they so desire. All auditioning should be prepared to read from the script. There will be roles available for many males and females.

If interested in auditioning, call the Wayside Box Office at (540) 869-1776 to sign up for a time slot. If you are unable to make it to the times listed, please e-mail eia@waysidetheatre.org for an alternate time.

Production is written by area youth Erin Foster, Matanah Betko, and Zoe Giller.

Director: Rebecca Calkin.
Education Director: Molly MacLagan

Summer Playwriting Intensive wraps up

Friday was the last day of Wayside's Summer Playwriting Intensive.  The students turned out some excellent work!

Plays about everything from high school cliques to the financial woes of the soon-to-be married took shape over the week-long course, and instructor Marc Adams could not have been more pleased with the results.  Below are pictures of the students hard at work (they were taken between the giggle-fests that were the group's trademark).

Next up, the Summer Young Performers' Workshops begin, and auditions for the Emerging Artists' Fall New Work, Charlie Chaplin, will take place on August 29, 30, and 31 from 3:30 to 5:30pm.  

Also, keep an eye out here on the Education Announcements page for more information about Fall YPW classes!

(And don't forget!  Tonight Private Lives opens on Wayside Theatre's main stage!  Noel Coward's comedy about the woes of marriage contains some adult themes, but is appropriate for most middle and high schoolers.  If you have questions or would like tickets, call the Wayside Theatre box office at 540-869-1776)

Young Performers' Workshop registration closes today

Young Performers’ Workshop registration will close this evening at 5:00pm.  If you have a young performer and would still like to get them signed up for a class, act quickly!  Our YPW 1 classes, for students ages 6-11 are full, and have lengthy waiting lists, but there are still a couple of spots available in the YPW 2 classes, for students ages 12-18. 

Call our box office at 540-869-1776 to register today.

Registration for Fall YPW sessions will open on August 20^th.  Class details are still to be determined, but keep an eye out for the mailing that will list what classes will be offered at what times!  

Emerging Artists live up to their name!

Charlie Chaplin

Emerging Artists’ Fall New Work is well under way!

Playwrights have begun working on the 2012 Emerging Artists’ New Work about Charlie Chaplin.  Already in their fifth week of research and creation, they’ve begun turning out the first scenes of the brand new, original play that will see its world premiere on the Wayside Theatre main stage!  Here are some important facts for you to know:

All Emerging Artists’ productions are cast via open auditions!  This means that anyone who comes to try out for the play will have a chance to be in it.

Auditions will take place on August 29, 30, and 31 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

Performances are on November 9 and 10. 

And here’s a little bit of information about the man himself:

Charlie Chaplin?  He was a seriously cool character!  He was born in London in 1889, and both of his parents were music hall performers.  His father left when he was very young, and after his mother, Hannah, lost her voice she was unable to find work as a performer.  She took to sewing for sweatshops to make ends meet.  Eventually, Hannah was unable to make enough money to care for herself and her children.  After that, Charlie and his brother, Sydney, were in and out of work houses.  When Charlie was 14 years old, his mother had a mental breakdown, and he had to take her to the asylum.  She never fully recovered, and he had to fend for himself until Sydney returned from his most recent job as a steward on a ship at sea.  The brothers decided they would go on the stage, and within a year Charlie was gainfully employed playing the pageboy in Sherlock Holmes.  It was the first step in one of the most extraordinary rags-to-riches stories in modern history.

By the age of 30, Charlie Chaplin had made his way into one of the best burlesque/vaudeville acts in England, then to America and into film to become one of the highest paid people in the world.  He had also revolutionized the filmmaking industry by founding (with a group of fellow artists) the first independent movie distributor.

Want to know more?  Come out for auditions on August 29, 30, and 31, or join us for the performances on November 9 and 10!

Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp with child actor Jackie Coogan in The Kid.

New Class Offering!

New Class Offering!

Wayside Theatre Education in Action Presents:
Playwriting Summer Intensive

          This summer, Wayside Theatre’s Education in Action is trying something new: a playwriting intensive.  One week, four hours a day, one professional playwright and teacher, and a lot of creativity!  You might be asking yourself “Why offer playwriting?” 

The simple answer is that most schools in the area don’t.  Many students are missing out on a really unique and valuable experience.  That’s where we come in.  If your child is always writing, loves theatre, or is looking for a creative outlet (or maybe just a cool and productive way to spend the summer), this is a great opportunity for them.

You can expect benefits for your child above and beyond having a means to explore their creative voice.  Playwriting encourages students to think about issues from different perspectives as they write from the point of view of different characters.  It strengthens their critical thinking skills as they shape a plot and structure their story.  One of the most important things playwriting provides students is invaluable practice in writing that will serve them as they move ahead in their education.  When it comes time to write up a C.V. for college applications, you better believe that great writing skills (and participation in a writing intensive course) will come in handy!

The Summer Playwriting Intensive being offered through Wayside Theatre’s Education in Action will be taught by Marc Adams.  Mr. Adams is a professional script consultant and Virginia-certified English teacher, who has taught in both public and private schools in Federick, Fauquier, and Loudon Counties. 

Classes are to be held at the Town Office in Middletown, and will take place from 9am to 1pm, Monday July 9^th through Friday July 13^th.  The course will culminate in a reading of each student’s short play or scene.  The cost is $200 for the week.  To register your child for the Summer Playwriting Intensive, call the Wayside Theatre box office at 540-869-1776.  

YAG Convocation and Commencement -or- What is YAG, anyway?

Young Ambassadors’ Guild Convocation and Commencement

     Last Friday, the Young Ambassadors’ Guild inducted new members.  Below are pictures, but now seems like a good time to fill you in on the particulars of YAG.  YAG is still a mystery to many friends of Wayside, and it’s high time that changed!  So here’s a crash course on what YAG is all about:

     The Young Ambassadors’ Guild serves as an advisory group for Wayside’s Education in Action.  Members between the ages of 13 and 18 bring their passion for theatre to other young people, inviting them to experience theatre firsthand through education programming and social events.   Their goals are to provide opportunities for area youth to learn about and become involved in theatre, and to learn about theatre as an art and a business.

     Overstating the importance of YAG to Wayside is nearly impossible.  YAG organizes fundraisers and events that fund Wayside’s administrative needs, education programs and scholarships, and other theatrical endeavors.  In the past, funds raised by YAG have been used for everything from mailings to space rental fees.  YAG also provides important feedback from the perspective of young people. 

     One of the most unique aspects of YAG is their knowledge of and involvement in the business and administrative side of theatre.  By being involved in YAG, members learn about how nonprofit organizations in general and theatres in particular are run.  They also learn valuable skills like how to plan and coordinate events, how to run a formal meeting, and how to interact with professionally trained artists and staff members in a professional setting. 

     The members of YAG elect an executive board, comprised of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary Treasurer, and Member-at-Large, that makes decisions regarding Young Ambassadors’ Guild finances, by-laws, and actions.  Wayside Theatre Education Director Molly MacLagan acts as the Liaison, providing a sounding board for ideas, communicating the needs and desires of the students to the theatre, and advocating on their behalf.  Membership in YAG is achievement-based, and generally new inductees are nominated by current members. 

     But it’s not all work and no play!  The Young Ambassadors’ Guild is a family, too.  They support each other, inspire each other, challenge each other, and have fun together.  YAG hosts workshops and performance events, and they hope to broaden the circle of experiences to include master’s classes and visits to other theatres to learn about the different ways organizations approach the same art form.

     So now that you know more about this unique and exciting organization, take some time to check out the photos below!

YAG Chair Brandon inducts his sister, Shannon

Patrick receives his certificate of induction

Olivia is thrilled to be in YAG!

New inductee Ashley accepts her certificate

Zoe accepts her Sunflower Award for always bringing positivity and a smile to YAG

Vice Chair Josh receives the Super YAGer award for exemplifying what YAG is all about

Outgoing Treasurer and graduating senior Jessie receives the George Award for Outstanding Dedication to YAG

Kaitlin Duley: Newly elected Treasurer, Special Snowflake, and Most Likely to Win at Life

YAG Secretary Libby: Most Likely to Come Up With a Better Name for This Award... But that wasn't very well written but that's ok because she'll write a new one

Brandon, demonstrating that he is Most Likely to Steal the Show

Member at Large Ursula is Most Likely to Laugh at Brandon's Lame Jokes

Jake receives the award for being Most Likely to be Late to Receive This Award

Brandon gives outgoing education director Megan her superlative award: Most Likely to Influence Lots of People with her Complete and Utter Awesomeness

What's New in Education?

Education Update

Playwrights have been selected (and have begun writing) for the Emerging Artists’ Fall New Work about Charlie Chaplin.

On June 1, the Young Ambassadors’ Guild inducted its new members, changed over their executive board, and handed out awards. 

YAG also launched its Second Annual Sponsorship Campaign to raise funds in support of Education in Action programs at Wayside, and with a goal of funding future YAG functions (e.g. field trips to different theatres).  If you would like to sponsor the Young Ambassadors’ Guild and make education programming at Wayside Theatre possible, please contact YAG Liaison and Education Director Molly MacLagan at 540-869-1776, or eia@waysidetheatre.org.

The T. Carter Fussell Awards will be presented at 6:30pm at Wayside Theatre on June 7^th.  Participants and their families are invited to see Hank Williams Lost Highway after the awards ceremony.  Please be advised that there is live gunfire, adult language, and adult content.  For more information e-mail eia@waysidetheatre.org.  To reserve tickets please call the box office at 540-869-1776.

Coming up on July 9^th is the Summer Playwriting Intensive!

The Young Performers’ Workshop first summer session begins on July 16^th.  Performances to take place at 1:00pm on July 27^th.

Keep an eye out on the Education Announcements page for more news, and for photos of upcoming events!

T. Carter Fussell Award Winners, 2011-2012

Congratulations to the winners of the 2011-2012 T. Carter Fussell Awards! We saw a lot of outstanding work this year and are so honored to be able to recognize it! Awards will be presented on June 7th. Contact our Box Office for more details.

Central High School
	Guys and Dolls	Anna Everhart	as Harry the Horse	Outstanding Characterization
		Carie Heishman	as Miss Adelaide	Outstanding Performance
		Joshua Shelor	as Sky Masterson	Outstanding Acting
Chelsea Academy
	The Sound of Music	Claudia Elias	as Mother Abbess	Outstanding Acting
		Suzannah Evans	as Maria Rainer	Outstanding Acting
		Kieran O'Donnell	as Captain Georg von Trapp	Outstanding Acting
		Bethany Buono	as Gretl von Trapp	Outstanding Acting
		Anna Schaffer	as Elsa Schrader	Outstanding Acting
		Jack Evans	as Max Detweiller	Outstanding Acting
		Jack Evans	Set Designer	Outstanding Set Design
	Pride and Predjudice	Cameron DeLaFleur	Composer	Outstanding Original Music
		Tony Bergida	as Mr. Bennet	Outstanding Acting
		Winfield Turner	as Hill	Outstanding Presence in a Small Role
		Sarah Bouchie	as Charlotte Lucas	Outstanding Presence in a Small Role
		Peter Lee	as Mr. Darcy	Outstanding Acting
		Kieran O'Donnell	as Mr. Collins	Outstanding Physicalization
		Anna Schaffer	as Jane Bennet	Outstanding Acting
Clarke County High School
	12 Angry Jurors	Danny McGrath	as Juror 8	Outstanding Acting
		Samantha Schneeman	as Juror 11	Outstanding Accent
		Addison Peacock	as Juror 3	Outstanding Acting
	Into the Woods	Addison Peacock	as Cinderella	Outstanding Performance
		Josh Coumes	as The Baker	Outstanding Performance
		Sydney Wilkins	as The Baker's Wife	Outstanding Acting
		Logan Williams	as Little Red Ridinghood	Outstanding Performance
		Tony Shipman	as Jack	Outstanding Performance
James Wood High School
	Curtains	Josh Keller	as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi	Outstanding Comedic Performance
		Margot Cramer	as Nikki Harris	Outstanding Acting
		Katie Salata	as Bambi	Outstanding Triple Threat
		Chad Magaw	as Christopher Belling	Outstanding Characterization
John Handley High School
	Annie	Mark Sfeir	as Rooster Hannigan	Oustanding Acting
		Mikayla Balio, Erin Foster, Emma Foster, Cherith Pilong, Lauren Mason & Haley Deal	as the Orphans	Outstanding Ensemble
Millbrook High School
	Bye Bye Birdie	Barbie Sinnathamby	as Rose Alvarez	Outstanding Triple Threat
		Ryan Duffin	as Albert Peterson	Outstanding Performance
		Erin Roberts	as Kim MacAfee	Outstanding Musical Performance
		Alex Bennett	as Harry McAfee	Outstanding Performance
		Logan Groll	as Conrad Birdie	Outstanding Physicalization
		Entire Company		Outstanding Vocals
		Nick Hurst, Mitch Beauregard, Blake Heflin, Shaun Wilson, Ryan Duffin	in Baby, Talk to Me	Outstanding Vocals
		Nick Hurst, Cassie Maines, Kelsey Harris, Michele Federico, Hope DeCanio, Austin Breshears, Melissa Morgan, John Edward Dayrit	as Stage Management and Crew	Outstanding Set Changes
Skyline High School
	A Midsummer Night's Dream	Wyatt Karnes	as Theseus	Outstanding Acting
		Carter Robertson Rebecca Morrison	as Starveling/Moonshine as Titania	Outstanding Comic Performance Outstanding Acting
	The Importance of Being Earnest	Branden Klingenberg	as Algernon Moncrief	Outstanding Acting
		Sarah Burroughs	as Gwendolyn Fairfax	Outstanding Acting
		Tiffany Waters	as Cecily Cardew	Outstanding Acting
	All I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarted	Wyatt Karnes Justin Thorne Reno Vaughan	as Ensemble Member as Ensemble Member as Ensemble Member	Outstanding Presence in a Small Role Outstanding Vocals in "Reflect the Light" Outstanding Presence in a Small Role
Sherando High School
	A Tiny Miracle with a Fiberoptic Unicorn	Nathan Selove	as Louis	Outstanding Acting
		Jessie Kraemer	as Grandma Jacobs	Outstanding Characterization
		Sam Lacaria &                        Tara Asare	as George and Emily	Outstanding Arguments
		Full Cast		Outstanding Ensemble
St. John's Teen Drama Club
	It's a Wonderful Life	John Paul Alger	as George Bailey	Outstanding Acting
		Tim D'Andrea	as Clarence	Outstanding Acting
		Sam Shanley	as Young George	Outstanding Acting
		Mary Pesta	as Mother Bailey	Outstanding Acting
		Julia Clark	as Violet Peterson	Outstanding Acting
		Michael Clark	as Henry F. Potter	Oustanding Acting
Warren County High School
	The Odyssey	Stephanie Blakely	as Circe	Outstanding Acting
		Seumus O'Reilly	as Alcinous	Outstanding Acting
	Legally Blond	Sarah Kramer	as Elle Woods	Outstanding Lead in a Musical
		Jessi Platter	as Paulette	Oustanding Vocal Performance
		James Blankenship	as Kyle	Outstanding Characterization
		Kelsey Hurley	as Margot	Oustanding Performance
		Brian Carter	as Warner	Outstanding Vocal Performance
	Candyland	Tyler Peterson	as Candy Pirate Captain, Sugar Daddy "Pimp", Skittles Guy and Laffy Taffy	Outstanding Differentiation of Characters