Arts News
NEA and Arts Midwest offer grants to theater companies for young audiences
NEA and Arts Midwest Offer Theater Arts Opportunity for Young Audiences
Shakespeare in American Communities Opportunity
About Shakespeare in American Communities
Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Through grants to theater companies, this program supports productions and educational activities for young audiences throughout the United States. Applicants can choose from two paths: Schools or Juvenile Justice. Grants range from $15,000 to $25,000 each.
What: Shakespeare in American Communities is a project-based, matching grant that helps theater companies and organizations bring Shakespeare and works inspired by Shakespeare to students.
When: The mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 25, with final applications due February 8, 2024, and funded projects must occur between August 2024 – July 2025.
Where: Nonprofit theater companies and organizations located across the United States and the Native nations that share this geography can apply.
Who: The schools program is available to theater companies producing a play that is a work written or inspired by Shakespeare, an adaption of Shakespeare’s text, or a production that incorporates scenes, monologues, and/or sonnets by Shakespeare, with related educational activities in partnership with schools. The Juvenile Justice program is available to nonprofit organizations providing Shakespeare educational activities in partnership with the Juvenile Justice System.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more about Shakespeare in American Communities, review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on Arts Midwest website.
Warroad Summer Theatre presents Nana’s Naughty Knickers
Warroad Summer Theatre presents Nana’s Naughty Knickers. Tickets are available.
More Drama Please! NWMAC Gallery Exhibit is open
More Drama Please!
Featuring Photos, Costumes, Props and More from Area Theater Groups
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls October 4 - November 30
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our exhibit – More Drama Please! Open from October 4 through the end of November, this gallery exhibit features non-profit theater groups that work primarily with children in the NW Minnesota region. When you visit the exhibit you will find props, costumes, shoes, Paper-Mache creations, photos, playbills, advertising, and historical information. Many of the props and costumes are handmade and have been used in a variety of plays over the years.
The featured theater groups are Thief River Falls Area Community Theater, Middle River Community Theatre, and Fosston Community Theater. For this exhibit there are no pieces of art for sale.
TRFACT Director Jane Anderson said, “Since I am a full-time employee of the Thief River Falls ACT, theater is my working life. But it is also my non-working life. I live to create theater for the community, to educate children and adults on stage, and to bring joy and inspiration to those in the audiences. Bringing joy to others, makes me happy and whole.”
Kay Dell Super of the Middle River Community Theatre explained, “Directing children/students on stage has been a highlight of my life. Striving to implant teamwork, self-confidence, and compassion into children in today's world seems impossible at times with all the "outside noise of society" filling their minds and hearts. I feel drama is a great avenue for such qualities ... it forces them to focus and concentrate on the world around them. To combine two loves of children and theatre is a gift!”
The Fosston Community Library & Arts Association (FCLAA) Theater Program has been thriving for decades. Their Children's Summer Theater Program has run continuously since the mid-1980s. In 2019 "Mary Poppins, Jr." was performed with donated costumes by an anonymous patron. Included with the donation was a note stating that this dress, along with others, was made in the early 1900s. Director Abby Pearson shared, “Mary Poppins was a delight to costume and cast. Children in 3rd -12th grades were able to be a part of the ensemble. One of the Directors favorite parts of the show was creating the illusion of magic. It was so much fun for the students to brainstorm ways to make the illusion work. Students are involved in every aspect of the show to give them a well-rounded experience in theater.”
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett said, "I love the enthusiasm of the theater directors. They are passionate about youth being involved in and experiencing the world of drama and acting. Many of the high-quality props and costumes in the exhibit are homemade and have been used throughout the years. The creativity of the directors, staff, youth, parents, costume designers, prop engineers, artists, and photographers is evident in this wonderful exhibit."
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B. Visitor parking is free.
Stay tuned for an online discussion with the theater directors. You will be able to watch this Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Visit the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page for more information. The Artist Spotlight will also be available to view at any time after the live broadcast. Reach out to us with questions.
For more information about our exhibits or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Auditions for Fall Play A.C.T. of Thief River Falls — Consider Trying Out!
AUDITIONS FOR FALL PLAY
A.C.T. of Thief River Falls is seeking auditions for its fall play, which will feature two titles: “It’s All an Act” by Carl L. Williams and “Bad Auditions for Bad Actors” by ian McWethy.
Auditions will take place at the Eagles Club on September 28 and 29 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Please be prepared to read from the script: “Bad Auditions” is available online at www.playscripts.com/play/2257 Copies will be available at the audition also.
Performances will take place on November 17-19 at the Eagles Club in Thief River Falls. The play will be directed by Jane Anderson.
This is a great opportunity for new actors or for seasoned actors on a tight schedule. This evening will feature several short segments with a large cast.
For more information, contact Jane Anderson at trfact56701@gmail.com.
Stage Lighting and Design Workshop Oct 15 & 16
Northern Light Opera Company in Park Rapids will be hosting their first ever Stage Lighting Design Workshop on October 15th and 16th.
Led by professional lighting designer Heidi Eckwall, the workshop will be two packed days of hands-on lighting design.
The workshop is free to all, but sign up now as space is limited!
More information, including the application can be found here.