Archive for the ‘Performing Arts’ category
Music Department offers World Drumming course in fall 2013
March 20, 2013Guitarist Mark Kroos to perform April 9, 2013
March 19, 2013The Grand Rapids Community College International Guitar Series presents Mark Kroos, Double Neck Guitar Wizard, on 7:30 p.m. April 9, 2013, in the Recital Hall (room 200) of the GRCC Music Center at Ransom and Lyon.
Admission is $7 for students and seniors, and $10 for everyone else; $1 parking is available in the GRCC student parking ramp with a GRCC guest parking voucher sold at the door.
Call 234-3940 for further information or e-mail: bmorris@grcc.edu.
Mark Kroos plays 2 guitar necks at the same time. Originally from Lansing, MI, but currently based in Williamsburg, VA, he is one of the only people in the world touring his trade. His primarily instrumental style is characterized by open harmonies, polyphonic textures, incredible tapping technique, and is as entertaining to watch as it is to listen to. Live performances burst with energy and magnetism not typical of solo guitar music. Drawing influence from folk, Celtic, indie, and even punk rock artists as well as other great guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Phil Keaggy, Tommy Emmanuel and Leo Kottke, Mark Kroos has developed his own edge to the acoustic guitar.
Mark’s debut solo album, And Grace Will Lead Me Home was released in January, 2010 to rave reviews. The album features Mark on both double and single neck guitars with no overdubbing and also employs his own innovative studio technique of separating the two signals from the double neck for stereo purposes. Tracks from the album have been licensed for multiple productions on CNN.
GRCC Players present ‘Based on a Totally True Story’
February 27, 2013The GRCC Players present Based on a Totally True Story by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa at 8 p.m. February 28 through March 2, 2013, at Spectrum Theater.
The plot of the play, directed by alumnus Rob Karel, involves a Hollywood producer deciding to turn one of Ethan’s plays into a big-budget horror movie possibly starring Nicole Kidman. With that tasty carrot clouding his vision, Ethan struggles to be everything to those he loves. Hearts are broken, lessons learned, and dreams deferred in this quirky, offbeat romantic comedy of manners. This show contains graphic language.
Tickets cost $5 for GRCC staff, $3 for students and $10 for the public. Call 234-3946 or visit www.grcc.edu/theater for tickets.
Guitarist Mark Kroos to perform April 9, 2013
February 25, 2013The Grand Rapids Community College International Guitar Series proudly presents Mark Kroos, Double Neck Guitar Wizard at 7:30 PM Tuesday, April 9, 2013.
The concert will be held in the Recital Hall (Room 200) of the Grand Rapids Community College Music Center at the corner of Ransom and Lyon.
Admission is $10 for general admission and $7 for students and seniors.
One dollar parking is available in the GRCC student parking ramp with a GRCC guest parking voucher sold at the door.
Call 234-3940 for further information or e-mail: bmorris@grcc.edu.
Actors Theatre to stage reading of ’8′
February 12, 2013
In February of 2013, Actors’ is proud to present, in conjunction with Fubble Entertainment, the staged reading of Dustin Lance Black’s “8”.
“8” chronicles the 2008 Federal District Court trial (Perry vs. Brown) which attempts to strike down California’s Proposition 8. Proposition 8 rescinded the right of gay and lesbian Californians to marry. Black crafts his accounts using actual trial transcripts, personal and first-hand observations, and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families. As a screenwriter, producer, director, and social activist – Black’s “8” challenges and examines the true meaning of equality. Black takes on a prominent social issue and, in the process, brings light to the continuing fight for equal rights.
In an interview with Academy Award winning director Oliver Stone, Black had this to say about the politics surrounding the issues addressed in “8”:
“I think by having Ted Olson (attorney for the Plaintiffs and Solicitor General under President George W. Bush) pleading the case and making such strong, passionate, cogent arguments obviously sends a signal that this isn’t a partisan issue. I think that started a wave through the conservative side saying, ‘it’s okay for you to come out as pro-gay on civil rights, pro-equality.’”
Featuring the talent of some of West Michigan’s finest actors, the cast of “8” includes the talents of Alice Kennedy, Shelley Irwin (of The WGVU Morning Show), Jon March, Joe Miller, Jonathan Clausen, Billy Konsoer, Larry Young, Patrick Ziegler, Teresa Thome, Tracey Walker, Shelia Shotwell, Richard Carnegie, Jean Reed Bahle, Tommy Allen, Justin Kilduff, Ben Boerkel, Neil Trevisan, Greg L. Rogers, and many more! “8” will be directed by Actors’ Theatre Founder, GRCC Professor Emeritus and Recipient of the Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement Award for Grand Rapids Theatre, Fred Sebulske.
“8” will be presented for two consecutive nights at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI on February 23rd, 2013 at 7:00pm and Park Theatre, 248 South River Ave, Holland, MI on February 24th, 2013 at 4:00pm. This staged reading is produced in partnership by Actors’ Theatre and Fubble Entertainment, LLC as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER).
Ticket prices are $25 each and are general admission. Tickets for “8” may be purchased online at http://atgr.org/8theplay or by contacting the Actors’ Theatre box office at (616) 234-3946.
Actors Theatre presents ‘play within a play (within a play)’
February 7, 2013Opening March 28, 2013, Actors Theatre is proud to present Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell’s musical comedy [title of show].
The two main characters — Jeff and Hunter as themselves — have decided to put their script-writing skills to the test by submitting their work to a musical theater festival. With the deadline only a few weeks away, though, they have not a single music note written – or any sort of plan! With a serious case of writers’ block, it seems that Jeff and Hunter will get nowhere with their musical. Enlisting the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry, they come up with their own “original” idea that is sure to be noticed at the festival.
A completely hilarious and silly take on the world of theater, [title of show] is the ultimate definition of a play within a play (within a play). In short, it’s “a musical about two guys writing a musical … about two guys writing a musical.”
Michelle Urbane is directing [title of show], and the cast includes Actors’ veterans George Toles and Rob Karel.
The musical will be presented on two consecutive weekends, opening March 28 and closing on April 6. All evening performances begin at 8 p.m. at GRCC Spectrum Theatre. Ticket prices begin at $24 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Students with a valid ID are eligible for $10 RUSH seating, based on availability and beginning one hour before the performance. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts. Tickets may be purchased online or by contacting the Actors Theatre box office at (616) 234-3946.
![The words "[title of show]book by Hunter Bell , music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen" are in the middle surrounded by four photos. The first, on the upper left, shows a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green argyle sweater vest, seated at a piano. A blond woman wearing a red jacket and gray T-shirt, leans over his left shoulder. Next to her is a woman with short red hair wearing a purple shirt. A man with blond hair and a beard leans on the piano. The second photo, upper right, shows a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green argyle sweater vest, holding a glass plaque with white etching on it. Next to him is a blond woman wearing a red jacket and gray T-shirt, also holding a glass plaque with etching. Next to her is a woman with short red hair and a purple shirt. A man with blond hair and a beard is next to her; he holds a glass plaque too. The third photo, lower left, shows a man in a purple T-shirt, wearing a giant white rabbit head, standing on a crosswalk in the middle of an empty street. Next to him is a woman with short red hair and a purple shirt; she is throwing her arms in the air. Next to her is a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green argyle sweater vest; he has his left arm thrown out to the side. The fourth photo, lower right, shows six rows of red theater seats. A woman with short red hair and a purple shirt sits at the far left, holding a booklet saying “Playbill” in her left hand. Next to her, a woman with blond hair and wearing a red jacket looks down at the booklet she holds in both hands. Next to her is a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green argyle sweater vest, holding a booklet saying “Playbill” in his left hand and pointing at it with is right. Next to him is a blond man with a beard holding a booklet that says “Playbill” with his right hand.](http://grcctoday.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/title-of-show-logo-image.jpg){kind=logo}
GRCC Players present ‘Crooked’
January 15, 2013
GRCC Players present:
“Crooked” by Catherine Trieschmann
Jan 17 – 19 at 8pm
Spectrum Theater Room 201 (limited seating available – call for tickets today!)
Starring: Aubrey Pierzchala, Meeka Postman & Jessi Towell
Directed By: Michelle Urbane
Show description: Fourteen year old Laney arrives in Oxford, Mississippi with a twisted back, a mother in crisis and a burning desire to be a writer. When she befriends Maribel, a fervent believer, Laney embarks on a hilarious spiritual and sexual journey that challenges everything.
For tickets, call 234-3946 or click here.
Actors Theatre Grand Rapids presents ‘A Steady Rain’
January 11, 2013
Opening January 24, 2013, Actors Theatre Grand Rapids is proud to present the West Michigan premiere of the Keith Huff’s poetic police drama. A Steady Rain. A Steady Rain tells a story of brotherhood, loyalty and betrayal through the plays two main characters: Denny and Joey.
Denny and Joey are childhood best friends as well as partners on their job with the Chicago Police Department. In addition to their days on the job, Joey helps out with Denny’s family and Denny keeps Joey away from his many vices. When a routine domestic disturbance call turns in to something much more frightening and tragic, the aftermath sends the two on a harrowing journey where friendship and loyalty are tested, and lives will be forever changed.
A Steady Rain originally debuted at Chicago Dramatists in 2007, before transferring to Broadway, where the production starred famed actors Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig. In its premiere production, the Chicago Sun Times had this to say:
“Huff tells the story of a relationship of almost biblical intensity, and one riddled with love, loyalty, guilt, shame, rage and a sort of primal inevitability.”
The Daily Herald called A Steady Rain “a thoroughly engrossing examination of the toll the job takes on those sworn to serve and protect, and how amorphous the line between criminal and cop can be.”
The Actors’ production is directed by veteran Jeralyn Pinsky, who has directed nearly 20 productions for Actors’ Theatre, and features the talents of Todd Lewis and Jim Cantrell in the roles of Denny and Joey, respectively. Lewis and Cantrell are no strangers to West Michigan stages and bolster this vivid and intense two-person drama with their expertise.
Jonathan Clausen, Director of Development at Actors’ Theatre had this to say about the play:
“A Steady Rain follows a great tradition of two-person dramas such as Eugene O’Neill’s Hugie, Susan Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-Winning Top Dog/Underdog or David Mamet’s Oleanna in that the actors, through their characters, are not only responsible for portraying their distinct personalities but also conveying the richness of the world in which they live. People often use the word ‘cinematic’ to describe A Steady Rain and, yet, it’s the kind of play that somehow works best where it was intended: the live stage. It’s harshly authentic at times, poetically poignant at others. Audiences are in for a wild ride of discovery, twists and turns when they see the show.”
A Steady Rain will be presented on two consecutive weekends at GRCC Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, beginning on January 24, 2012 and closing on February 2, 2013. All evening performances begin at 8PM.
Ticket prices begin at $24 for adults and $20 for students/seniors. Students with valid ID are eligible for $10 RUSH seating, based on availability, beginning one hour before the performance. Groups of ten or more are eligible for discounts. Tickets for A Steady Rain may be purchased online here or by contacting the Actors’ Theatre box office at (616) 234-3946.
Members of the media wishing to obtain interviews or special access may contact Jon Clausen, Director of Development and Marketing, at jon@atgr.org or (616) 234-3817.
Cellist Eva Jenson joins Arts Outreach
December 19, 2012Arts Outreach is excited to welcome cellist Eva Jenson to the faculty! Miss Jenson studied cello with her father, Grand Rapids Symphony director David Lockington, and currently enjoys performing with the Quatenus Quartet.
To inquire about cello lessons or for more information, click here or contact the coordinator, Dr. Yelena Wells, at grccao@gmail.com.
Arts Outreach Suzuki Strings musicians perform for Lab Preschool kids
December 19, 2012Arts Outreach Suzuki Strings students performed a holiday concert for Lab Preschool kids on December 14, 2012.
Under the direction of instructors Cassandra Kroondyk and Annette Henry, the musicians performed holiday favorites such as” Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” classical compositions such as “Gavotte” from “Mignon” and study pieces such as Dr. Suzuki’s “Variations on ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.’” Preschool students enjoyed singing along to famous tunes and ringing jingle bells to the grand finale of “Jingle Bells.”
Arts Outreach is a community music program offered through GRCC. Our highly qualified faculty uses Suzuki and traditional methods of training to provide exceptional individual and group instruction in violin, cello, guitar, piano and voice. The program serves all ages and levels, from the earliest beginners through adult.
Video: the latest from GRCC TV on YouTube
December 19, 2012“Grand Rapids Men and Boys Choir”
‘Make the Yuletide Gay-(er)’ to benefit scholarship funds
December 11, 2012
GRCC and Actors Theatre are teaming up on “Make the Yuletide Gay-(er),” an “old-fashioned holiday variety special,” to benefit the Combined Theatre Scholarship Fund, the Fred and Mickey Sebulske Scholarship Fund and the GRCC Alumni Scholarship Fund.
The show starts 7 p.m. December 16, 2012, at Spectrum Theatre. It’s hosted by Ellie Frances and Rob Karel and features Craig Hammerlind, Matt Tepper. Lynne Tepper, Neil Trevisan, the GRCC Madrigal Singers, and a collection of past and present vocal students.
If you mention or enter the code “YULEMETWICE” when ordering adult tickets at 234.3946, they cost $12 instead of $14. Tickets for GRCC students are $5 and $8 for other students. For more information, click here.
GRCC In the News, 12-3-12
December 3, 2012Rising demand for associate’s degrees invigorates GRCC
November 30, 2012; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Getting an associate’s degree might be good enough.
Michigan State University’s annual survey by its Collegiate Employment Research Institute revealed big job opportunity gains have been made by those with associates degrees.
Finalists for Armen Oumedian’s Armen Awards announced
November 30, 2012; Kettering Magazine
November 29, 2012 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. North End Community Ministry, Family Promise and East Leonard Elementary are among the eight West Michigan organizations that will benefit from service learning projects designed by the finalists for Grand Rapids Community Colleges annual Armen Awards.
Review: ‘Next to Normal’ at Actors’ Theatre is intense, tender portrayal of struggling family
November 30, 2012; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI The current production at Actors Theatre may be called Next to Normal, but Id say its pretty darn close to fantastic.
Earn a Degree in Water from Grand Rapids Community College
November 29, 2012; WMEAC blog
Ever wonder what it takes to work in a water treatment facility? Students in West Michigan now have the opportunity to pursue a degree in Water Environmental Technology (WET) through an articulation agreement between Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Delta College, located near Bay City, Michigan. There is also an agreement with Bay College in Escanaba, Michigan for a similar degree. The program is designed to prepare students for entry into the water and wastewater field, most often working for municipal treatment plants, but with opportunities existing in engineering firms, laboratories, and state and local agencies as well.
Faculty member’s daughter to dance as Clara in ‘Nutcracker’
November 30, 2012Those going to see the Grand Rapids Ballet‘s 2012 production of “The Nutcracker” could see Matisen L. Douglas — daughter of Biology Department faculty member Matt Douglas — front and center.
Mattie, a student at Forest Hills Northern, will dance the part of Clara in the performances at 2 p.m. December 16 and 7:30 p.m. December 22 at DeVos Performance Hall. She will also portray Clara during “Clara’s Nutcracker Party” at the University Club on December 16 before the 2 p.m. performance.
GRCC In the News, 11-27-12
November 27, 2012Actors’ Theatre production of ‘Next to Normal’ relies on small cast, strong lyrics
November, 26, 2012; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — It’s not normal for a musical to win the Pulitzer Prize. But then who would expect a routine response to a musical named “Next to Normal?”
