The Misdirected Theatre Company Returns!

The Acclaimed Misdirected Theatre Company returns in the Jack Neary follow up to Robin Hood!

The Misdirected Theatre Company Presents:

Featuring:

Margaret: Maggie Nichols

Ozzie: Matt Arnold

Cynthia: Elizabeth Hartford

Larry: Doug Fitzgerald

Jason: Tim Fairley

Warren: Adam Fastman

 

 

Directed by:
Coral Ash and Shaine Carney

 

 

The Regent TheatreArlington, MA

April 9-10, 10:30am

Mansfield Music and Arts Society Mansfield, MA

April 16, 11:00am & 1:00pm

April 17, 11:00am

Riverside Theatre Works Hyde Park, MA

April 30-May 1, 11:00am

For additional info and tickets please visit http://www.makeshiftheatre.com/

Calling all Ducks!

Makeshift Theatre Co. is having auditions for the final show of it's 6th season!!

THE UGLY DUCKLING, adapted by Jack Neary.

 

Makeshift Theatre Co. has been producing high quality and affordable family theatre in the Boston area for the past 6 years. 

Please visit us on the web @ www.makeshifttheatre.com. 

The Ugly Duckling is the second in Jack Neary's MISDIRECTED THEATRE series, in which a theatre company staff is challenged to put on a scheduled show when the actors don't appear. As usual, this Misdirected telling of the tale is fast, furious and funny, but ultimately very moving as it cleverly addresses the issue of acceptance in society, and the power of love and friendship.

 

Auditions will be held February 22 from 7-10.  They will consist of cold readings from the script.

Rehearsals will be 3 nights a week in March and performances will be weekend days in April (excluding Easter Weekend.) 

To schedule an audition time please email a head shot and resume to Artistic Director, Coral Ash @ coral@makeshifttheatre.com

 

SEEKING:

Larry, the Sound Designer: He hasn't missed a meal in a while.  Plays multiple roles.

Cynthia, the Costumer: She is young and pretty, and is charge of the theatre's costumes and props.  She plays the story teller.

Warren, the UPS Guy: Warren is young and handsome, dashing-looking. Plays multiple roles.

Jason, the Technical Director: JASON is a very tall and muscular young man, who is incredible shy.  Plays the Ugly Duckling.

 

WWW.MAKESHIFTTHEATRE.COM

 

 

Surrender the Booty!!! (Day Two)

Well folks, a new show is upon us! Full of Buckled swashes, adventure, comedy...PIRATES! And that means we are once again sitting down with our latest cast for a series of interviews. Today we sit down with someone who is no stranger to the Makeshift Family, Mr. Matt Arnold.

So, Matt, tell us a bit about the character you play.
I play two characters throughout the play. Black Dog is a mean, nasty pirate who bullies people to get what he wants. Israel Hands is an equally mean, equally nasty pirate, but he's not terribly bright. My favorite thing about them is that, well, they're pirates! Pirates are definitely in the running to be the coolest thing ever, and it's a lot of fun to play not one, but two.


You've worked with Makeshift before, right?
I've done lots of shows with Makeshift in the past. I've been (in no particular order) three princes, a king, a French guy with a sword, a French Guy with a talking cat, and a bird.

What's the hardest thing you've ever had to do as an actor?
Auditioning. Since we're talking about Treasure Island, I'll compare it to treasure hunting... except instead of a shovel, you're digging with your face. There's a tiny fraction of a chance you'll get what you're after, and it doesn't actually hurt to try, but it's really uncomfortable while you're doing it no matter how much you prepare.


How do you prepare before you go on stage to perform?
Honestly, I don't. I just step on stage and "go." Even with all the lines and blocking and memorization, theatre is so spontaneous that I feel there's not much an actor can do to prepare once the rehearsal process is over. The important thing is to be aware of everything that's going on onstage and to work with it, since no two performances are ever going to be the same.


How do you memorize all those lines?
It just sort of happens as part of rehearsal. If there's a large monologue I need to memorize I'll take a few hours to go over it, then recite it in my head everywhere I go just to be sure, but the "basic" lines come naturally through rehearsal.

Is it hard to learn all the sword fighting?
The hard part isn't learning how to use the sword or even memorizing the fight sequences. The tricky part is keeping total coordination and control during the fight. All the fighters need to be not only aware of themselves, but of each other. If someone messes up it can be a disaster; at best, the fight looks bad. At worst, someone can get hurt. Safety is priority number one.

Makeshift Theatre Co Presents: Treasure Island Opens this February.

For tickets and showtimes please visit http://www.makeshifttheatre.com/

Surrender the Booty!

No, we're not talking about the truely awesome new theme to Booty Bay in the new World of Warcraft: Cataclysm expansion (Though lets face it, if Nero had his way, we'd all be hearing about how he spent 4 hours last night with his 85 Worgen Rogue battling his way through Grim Batol only to have his group fall apart right before he could get his fingers on Cho'Gall's Missive. Whatever that is. But Cho'Gall is a bad guy so I suppose his Missive would be something hands should be gotten around. Look, I'm not saying I lied and it was me and my Undead Warlock, but frankly I'm a busy guy and I've got things to do so if you're not going to quest to the end, why even bother in the first place? Stupid PUGs...)

*ahem*

Point is, Makeshift has a new show on the horizon and that show has PIRATES!

YES! Pirates!

And there's an ISLAND. Yes an Island. But unlike more well known islands, this one has TREASURE instead of smoke monsters and mind bending mysteries.



Next month, Makeshift returns with the incredible, exceptional, awe inspiring, totally uber l33t Treasure Island.

Pirates! Booty! Long Johns! Silver! Jims! and Hawkings!

Can you tell we're excited?!

Well we want you to be excited too, so once again, we're sitting down with a cast member for an informative infosession to give you, our faithful readers, a glimpse into the people that make up Makeshift Theatre Co. Today we are sitting down with newcomer Todd Larson.

1) Tell me a bit about the character you play. What do you like about him/her?
Squire Trelawney is a blustery, idealistic and often naive magistrate (a landed gentry landowner type) who organizes and orchestrates the trip to Treasure Island, only to see his fantastic plans go awry when Long John Silver commits mutiny and claims the ship and treasure for himself. I like him because I enjoy playing British gentlemen with thick accents, and I like the fact that he is unusually childlike and daydreamy in his aspirations for his age, therefore vulnerable to critical errors of judgment, which I myself can be at times.


2) What is/was the hardest thing you've ever had to do as an actor? Playing multiple roles as one of the lead actors in The Christus, an annual touring passion play staged by St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. It was hard because of the diversity of characters I had to play (which included the Angel Gabriel, a tax collector, and one of the thieves crucified with Jesus) and the often angry, ranting temperament of the director.


3) What was the most fun you've ever had as an actor?
Studying, analyzing and developing my role of King Henry VIII in Robert Bolt's A Man for All Seasons with minimal direction.

4) How do you prepare before you go on stage to perform?
I thoroughly study my script, making notes of the character's subtext (inner thoughts that accompany the lines) and intentions. I also go over the lines again and again to memorize them as early in rehearsals as possible.


5) What advice would you give to a young person in the audience that might be interested in performing? Project your voice forcefully, put your whole self into your role, and don't be afraid to take risks. Also, study your script thoroughly and carefully.


6) Who are some of your heroes and why?
Laurence Olivier, Christopher Plummer and Orson Welles, for being my favorite actors of all time; Peter Sellers and Alan Arkin, for being models for versatility in comic acting; and John Houseman, for being an academic and theatrical role model as Professor Kingsfield in The Paper Chase.

7) How do you memorize all those lines?
I go over them several times on the T and during meals, and I write in their subtext to help me understand their context.

Makeshift Theatre Co Presents: Treasure Island Opens this February.

For tickets and showtimes please visit http://www.makeshifttheatre.com/

Calling all Actors!!!!

Makeshift Theatre Co. seeking actors for it's winter production of

TREASURE ISLAND

Adapted by Jack Neary and Directed by Andrew Rhodes.

Auditions will be held on December 13rd and 15th from 7-10PM

And will consist of a cold reading from the script. Stage combat experience a plus.

Performances will be held February 5th & 6th at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, and at least 3 additional dates in the following 2 weeks.

For directions and to schedule an audition slot please email a copy of your headshot and resume to vinnie@makeshifttheatre.com

ROLES

some actors will be playing multiple roles

Ben Gun: a scrawny, toothless, ragged sailor. Agile, spry, energetic. Cackles when he talks.

Long John Silver: The Epitome of the dastardly pirate Has one leg and walks with a crutch.

Jim: Young boy works in his Mother's pub. Destined for adventure.

Billy Bones: Old, sickly pirate. Clearly on his last legs. (man/woman)

Pew: Tiny weathered seedy looking pirate. Voice like an annoying aunt. (man/woman)

Jim's Mother:Taking care of her son sine the loss of her husband. (man/woman)

Black Dog: another sinister looking alpha male pirate. (man/woman)

Squire Trelawney: A blustery magistrate.

Doctor Livesey: A strong and savvy woman.

George Merry: Pirate, Silver's conniving henchman. (man/woman)

Israel hands: Pirate, Silver's not so bright henchman (man/woman)

Captain Smollett: Stalwart captain of the HISPANIOLA

Lieutenant Gray:Captain Smollett's right hand man. Honest and true sailor. (man/woman)

For more info visit www.makeshifttheatre.com

or email vinnie@makeshifttheatre.com

The Interviewer and the Pea (Day Nine)

Well folks, a new season is upon us! A new season of adventure and comedy. A season a new faces. And to introduce some of those new faces (as well as say hello to some returning ones) we are once again sitting down with our latest cast for a series of interviews. Today we conclude our spectacular series of interviews, chatting with Jessica Barstis.

So, Jessica you're a newcomer to the Makeshift Family! Introduce yourself to everyone!
Hi! I'm Jess Barstis. I grew up outside of Boston and have been in love with theatre ever since my mom forced me to be the crocodile in Peter Pan when I was eight. I've been doing shows ever since. I tend to go towards musicals because I like to be a big cheeseball, but I always enjoy being in plays too, of course! =)
It's my first time with Makeshift, but I absolutely love the company! Everyone's amazingly creative and fun to work with, and it was great how the cast just clicked and started to work off of each other like we have in a relatively short amount of time.


Who do you play in Princess and the Pea?
I play "Cincinatti" Sue Morton. I like the entire sassy dynamic of the band, to be honest, because all three characters together are just way too much fun. I try to bring as much of myself as I possibly can to any character, but I already did see some of myself in her just reading the script- she's a fun loving girl who just wants to rock out to some jazz!


What was the hardest thing you ever had to do as an actor?
I had to learn to trust my first instincts, and not end up overthinking every single little thing a character I was playing might do.

Of all the shows you've been in, what was your favorite and why?
It'll sound silly, but whichever show I am performing in at the time. When I devote so much time and energy to something, I have to really, REALLY be in love with it, because otherwise I get bored (I have the attention span of a goldfish). Plus, every show brings something different to my life, whether it be new friends, a personal lesson learned, of just the overall experience itself.


What do you do before a performance to prepare to go on stage?
I make sure that I'm warmed up and ready to go. Also, I try to get into character and drink lots of water to distract myself from the performance butterflies!

What advice would you give to a young person in the audience who might be interested in theatre?
Never allow yourself to get discouraged. Get involved in shows, classes, whatever you can wherever you can to learn as much as you can, and then put it all to use.

What do you think families should take away from Princess and the Pea?
Be who you are, say what you feel, trust in your heart, and someone will love and respect you for it.
 
 

The Princess and the Pea is performing throughout October. Visit Makeshifttheatre.com for more information!

The Regent Theatre

781-646-4898

Arlington, MA

Sunday October 17th 1:00pm

Saturday October 23 10:30am

The Interviewer and the Pea (Day Eight)

Well folks, a new season is upon us! A new season of adventure and comedy. A season a new faces. And to introduce some of those new faces (as well as say hello to some returning ones) we are once again sitting down with our latest cast for a series of interviews. I took a few moments to sit down and talk with another familiar face to Makeshift Theatre Co, Tim Fairley.


Hi Tim, tell us a bit about yourself!
I'm from newton ma and I went to Newton South High School. My first love in theatre has always been Shakespeare which I first started doing at Newton South in collaboration with Newton North, but I also get a lot of joy doing theatre for children. I have previously done Hansel and Gretel, and The Emperor's New Clothes. Hansel and Gretel was my favorite because I got to ham it up with Andy.

Who do you play in Princess and the Pea?
I play Jim the Tailor. I really like him because he is very honest and I'd like to think that I am that honest.

What was the hardest thing you ever had to do as an actor?
That is a tough question but I think the toughest thing is always auditioning. I'm always confident once I get in a show, but no matter how well I prepare auditions are always nerve wracking.

Of all the shows you've been in, what was your favorite and why?
I just finished playing Marc Antony in Caesar and I think that is definitely up there on my list. Antony has some great speeches and it was a great experience working on that show.

What do you do before a performance to prepare to go on stage?
I sometimes do some warm ups for energy, and voice, but mostly I just review my lines and try to focus.

What advice would you give to a young person in the audience who might be interested in theatre?
Just keep doing it. No matter how many times you might fail you will always get back up stronger than you were in the first place.

What do you think families should take away from Princess and the Pea?
I think the moral is that love is the most important thing. Also you should be true to yourself no matter what people expect from you.

The Princess and the Pea is performing throughout October. Visit Makeshifttheatre.com for more information!

The Regent Theatre

781-646-4898

Arlington, MA

Sunday October 17th 1:00pm

Saturday October 23 10:30am