http://americanplayers.org/index.php/site/index/experience-apt en Copyright 2013 2013-05-17T20:07:07+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/we-know-what-we-are-but-not-what-we-may-be/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/we-know-what-we-are-but-not-what-we-may-be/#When:19:07:07Z Follow Matt Schwader's blog, Bounded in a Nutshell. Here's an excerpt from his most recent post. I was at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK in 2006 after our (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's) opening night of Henry IV parts 1 & 2. Patrick Stewart... yes Patrick Stewart was standing alone at the post show party. Having just seen him the previous night in the role of Antony in Antony & Cleopatra, I knew I had, at the very least, an ice breaker with which to chat him up. Being a fan of both Shakespearean legacy as well as comic books (specifically Marvel's the X-Men), I could barely hold myself together as I approached Patrick-Antony-Shylock-Professor X-Captain Picard-Stewart. I introduced myself as a member of the cast and gracefully landed a simple, but direct, "I loved Antony & Cleopatra, you were fantastic." He was nothing but gracious and returned the compliment (although I doubt he would've remembered me from my show) and we began to talk about Shakespeare. We went from Star and Blubbering Fan in one instant to just two Shakespeare lovin' nerds in the next. Mr. Stewart... - oh who am I kidding?... my old buddy Patrick, Pat, Patty-o... - starts telling me about his current rehearsal process for the role of Prospero in the upcoming RSC production of The Tempest. Having played the role in his teens and again in his 40's, he felt his age now and Prospero's were much closer to alignment. I told him that I too played Prospero in my teen years. We shared a smile that only two former teenage Prosperos could share and then I asked him, "so, what's it like... to return to a role like that at different stages in your career?" Mr. Stewart will not very likely remember this conversation, but it will live in my memory as long as I have one. "It's all there," he said. Now, I won't be foolish enough to attempt to directly quote the rest, but I will share what I gleaned of his insightful response. He told me that it was all there, that it never changes only we do. He explained that Shakespeare is so rich and deep that it is impossible to get it all in one take, nor should one attempt to do so. In fact the only thing that was different was Patrick, himself. There was no way the teen age Prospero could deliver the performance of the 40 year old, nor could he now attempt to capture the magic of a moment that may have worked very well for him as a teenager. However, not one of those different experiences should invalidate the other. Just because he understood a moment or piece of text now after some life had been lived, doesn't mean that he missed an opportunity the last time. This philosophy could be applied to a performance from night to night. Each time an actor enters into the machine of a role in performance he or she carries with them a different set of perspectives and opportunities, but as for the text... it's all there. This look at the work was enormously freeing and continues to impact me from role to role. I played (or should I say attempted to play) Hamlet in 1995 at the age of 17 (see photo on this page). The previous summer I witnessed Lee Ernst play the role at American Players Theatre. I was first introduced to the story at McKinley Jr. High School via the Zeffirelli film starring Mel Gibson. I have watched Kenneth Branagh's film. I witnessed James DeVita on many nights playing the role at APT in the 2003 season, under the direction of David Frank. Full post including photos & links Plays, People, Behind the Scenes 2013-05-17T19:07:07+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/usher-at-apt/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/usher-at-apt/#When:17:28:33Z Like APT? Like volunteering? Be an usher! This year the task of coordinating our many ushers has been handed over to Cari Stebbins (also APT’s friendly House Manager). We depend upon our ushers tremendously to help make sure our shows run smoothly and to uphold our high standards of patron service. One of the nice things about ushering (besides feeling good about helping out) is complimentary admission to the show. If you’ve never ushered before, and you are at least 15 years old, please consider signing up. We are still looking for ushers on the following dates: The Two Gentlemen of Verona - 6/26, 7/6, 7/14, 7/26, 8/3, 8/16, 8/30, 9/15, 9/21, 9/26, 10/6 Too Many Husbands - 7/13, 8/18 Hamlet - 8/3, 8/31, 9/20, 9/24, 10/4 (*Please note: if you are looking at your APT Book of Summer schedule, the performance on 9/24 has been changed to Hamlet.) If you’re interested in ushering at APT, please go to http://americanplayers.org/support/usher-at-apt/: 1. Read the Volunteer Usher Guidebook 2. Fill out the Usher Sign-Up Sheet 3. Sign the Usher Agreement Letter You can return all of your materials via e-mail to Cari at ushers@americanplayers.org, or mail to: APT PO Box 819 Spring Green, WI 53588   Behind the Scenes 2013-05-09T17:28:33+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/the-box-office-buzz-april-26-2013/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/the-box-office-buzz-april-26-2013/#When:16:15:05Z The River Valley Middle School will be producing Hamlet, with APT's Marco Lama, Simon Ehlinger and Noah Hamblen all playing parts.   "The play 's the thing. Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king." - Hamlet Act II, Scene II Each year River Valley Middle School Shakespeare Group in Spring Green presents one of the Shakespeare plays that APT is producing. This year they have taken on the challenge of Hamlet, and rehearsals are in full swing. The kids participate in a variety of educational experiences leading up to the performances, including studying voice and characterization in their language arts classes. APT’s very own David Daniel conducted workshops with the cast members, showing them some smooth moves with swords. “I just never thought a tragedy could be so much fun,” said Sue Quale, play co-director and middle school teacher. Marco Lama (who is playing the part of Bert in APT's production of All My Sons) will be playing Hamlet in the River Valley production, and Simon Ehlinger and Noah Hamblen (who will be playing playing Clarence in alternating performances of Too Many Husbands) will play Laertes and Bernardo, respectively. In the fall, RVMS students and teachers will attend one of the performances of Hamlet at APT. All performances will be held at RVMS and are free and open to the public. Performance dates and times: Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2013, at 10:15 a.m. Photo Credits: Small photo: Simon Ehlinger and Marco Lama. Photo by Sue Quale. Summary photo: Marco Lama and Laura Knutson (Horatio). Photo by Sue Quale. News, Plays, People 2013-04-25T16:15:05+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/the-box-office-buzz-april-5-20131/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/the-box-office-buzz-april-5-20131/#When:21:00:38Z The scoop on the season from inside the APT Box Office. The box office has been abuzz with phone calls from eager patrons returning this year for another stellar season. If you haven’t ordered your tickets yet, take heart, great seats are still available. Some shows in the Touchstone are sold out (added dates for Molly Sweeney are July 9, August 25 matinee and September 28 matinee), so don’t wait too long! The deadline is April 12 in house and April 14 online to get the 25/40 discount, and we encourage you to order prior to the 12th, especially if you are planning to use the online system. The box office will not be staffed that weekend, and we would hate for you to miss out on the great deal. We understand it is frustrating when the Web site doesn’t function perfectly, so we are happy to help. You’ll notice something different this year when we are wrapping up order phone calls. We are asking if you’d like to round up your total to support our education programs, benefitting school kids who come to our student matinee series. Your roundup provides funding for scholarships and workshops in the fall. It also gives you an opportunity to contribute to APT when you may otherwise choose not to. Every little bit helps, even if it’s only a roundup to the nearest dollar. News, Behind the Scenes 2013-04-05T21:00:38+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/our-newest-nature-trail/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/our-newest-nature-trail/#When:19:41:56Z The natural beauty of APT's 110 acre grounds just got a little more accessible, thanks to the Ice Age Trail Alliance, and a bunch of awesome volunteers. On Monday November 12, 2012, APT staff and green volunteers, along with volunteers from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, started building a new nature trail leading off the side of our Touchstone Theatre. 1,200 feet are already complete, with an additional 600 feet to be added to the trail in spring of 2013. This nature trail is being constructed per the ice Age Trail Alliance standards, and will offer our patrons a beautiful walk through APT's Oak Savannah. When it's complete, you will be able to walk the entire trail in nine minutes. This will be a wonderful opportunity for anyone wants to soak up some nature during intermission. We hope you all enjoy our new addition. In the photo: The fabulous trail construction crew: Ice Age Volunteers David Lonsdorf, Allen Henn, Barbara Wollmer, Matt Kaufmann, Bill Welch, Dan Tureck, Theresa Werner, Brad Crary, Kevin Thusius & David Jenkins. APT Green Volunteers Darcy Kind, Reed Cockrell, Mike Humke & Ann Thering APT Staff (not depicted) Justine Myers & Edwin Hodgson 2012-12-17T19:41:56+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/winter-and-the-core-company/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/winter-and-the-core-company/#When:19:21:19Z Wondering where to see your favorite APT actors when the snow flies? Look no further! The Gift of the Magi – featuring core company member Brian Mani and the newest addition to the core company Marcus Truschinski, along with Kelsey Brennan – will be playing in the Touchstone through December 22. Tickets are still available to some performances, follow the link for details. Tracy Michelle Arnold January 12 – February 17, 2013 Brooke Wyeth in OTHER DESERT CITIES The Goodman Theatre Sarah Day November 21 – December 16, 2012 Ruth in COLLECTED STORIES Milwaukee Chamber Theatre January 17 – February 3, 2013 Ruth in COLLECTED STORIES Forward Theatre Company Jim DeVita Jim is currently working on adapting Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra with director Kate Buckley for the 2013 Touchstone Theatre stage. He'll soon be touring In Acting Shakespeare around the country! January 10 – February 3, 2013 The Pearl Theatre, New York, NY February 22 – February 24, 2013 The Gainesville Theatre Alliance, Gainesville State College and Brenau University April 11, 2013 Edgewood College, Madison, WI April 18 – April 20, 2013 The Wise Fool Theatre, Duluth, MN James Ridge December 14 – December 23, 2012 Ebenezer Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL Children’s Theatre of Madison February 21 – March 17, 2013 Librarian in UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Jonathan Smoots November 29 – December 24, 2012 Scadger in A CHRISTMAS CAROL Milwaukee Repertory Theater (at the Pabst) January 18 – February 10, 2013 Frank in EDUCATING RITA The Broadway Theater Center with Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee, WI A few of our actors are working strictly off-stage this winter. Here are some notes from the folks you’ll have to wait to see at APT in 2013: Paul Bentzen “Fly fishing, cooking, pickin' bluegrass with friends. Lately I've been wintering in NYC where I recharge my cultural batteries.” David Daniel As APT Education Director, David is busy traveling the Wisconsin countryside bringing theater workshops to kids in their schools, sometimes for a day or two, sometimes a full week. "We (APT) are continuing to explore possibilities for a second phase/level for PoP (lovingly referred to as 2PoP). This year offers new types of poems (hash tag poetry), new types of delivery (Dr. Who time travel poems) and stitching -  an APT original where we take a poetic text that has been broken down into images and phrases on random slips of paper and, using only the words written on their slip of paper, students stitch the poem together. When complete, we are careful to draw the distinction between what they group stitched and what the author created. We compare, contrast, and draw distinctions between the two. As always, more detailed info upon request. Colleen Madden “I'm not up to much, except motherhood! You know, guiding two young boys as they become healthy, joyful, balanced members of the human race. Easy. I am also writing scripts, and Children's Theatre of Madison is producing my adaptation of A Christmas Carol this winter, starring....James Ridge as Scrooge and Will Mobley as Tim! I'll also be fundraising for Feed My Starving Children and organizing a benefit perfomance for that charity sometime in late winter.” Matt Schwader “I'm taking some time off from the stage before playing Hamlet at APT next season. Doing lots of voice over work and taking improvisation classes at the Second City Training Center in Chicago.”   News, People, Behind the Scenes 2012-12-03T19:21:19+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/winter-at-apt-a-poem/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/winter-at-apt-a-poem/#When:17:38:29Z A poem from APT's fabulous Facilities Supervisor, Justine Myers The deer were all nestled down in their beds, while visions of headlights danced in their heads. The lights have been hung on the paths and trees with care, in hope that our patrons would soon be near. When all of a sudden, there arose such a sight: a caravan of cars in the cold winter night. The audience had come with thoughts of holiday cheer, to see a great play with a message so clear. The Gift of the Magi is now open, my dear. With love like this you will most definitely shed a tear. 2012-11-30T17:38:29+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/theatre-review-skylight-heroes-richard-iii/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/theatre-review-skylight-heroes-richard-iii/#When:17:32:23Z An excerpt from another group of glowing reviews from Wall Street Journal Theater critic Terry Teachout. "Passionate Acting, Impeccable Setting" By Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal Skylight Closes Oct. 20 Spring Green, Wis. Theater isn't about theaters. You can see a great show in a living room—or a parking lot. The only thing that a good-looking performance space guarantees is a performance. But when a well-run company builds a well-designed new house, then uses it with taste and imagination, the plays that you see there will be all the more satisfying for being enacted in a space that sets them off in the way that a first-class frame enhances a first-rate painting. Wisconsin's American Players Theatre did just that in 2009 when it opened the Touchstone Theatre, a low-slung, elegantly simple 201-seat indoor house located a stone's throw-and-a-half from the 1,148-seat rural amphitheater where the company has been headquartered since 1979. Having spent three decades presenting Shakespeare and Shaw in the Up-the-Hill Theatre, APT wisely opted to use the Touchstone to broaden its repertory with modern fare. This season's offerings include David Hare's "Skylight" and Tom Stoppard's "Heroes," two smartly written small-cast-single-set shows that don't get performed nearly often enough in this country. Read the full article here News, Reviews 2012-09-21T17:32:23+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/in-the-spotlight-paul-bentzen/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/in-the-spotlight-paul-bentzen/#When:15:15:31Z 30 questions for 30 seasons, core company actor Paul Bentzen gives us the lowdown on three decades at APT. APT: Over the past 30 years, which show has been your favorite? Paul Bentzen: The classic answer: the one I'm doing now. In this case Heroes. APT: Do you have a specific pre-performance ritual? PB: No, I like to get to them a bit early. APT: What can we find you doing during your free time? PB: Fly fishing, cooking, pickin' bluegrass with friends. Lately I've been wintering in NYC where I recharge my cultural batteries. APT: If you were stranded on an island, what would be the one thing you took along? PB: A good boat. APT: What is your fondest memory of APT? PB: On stage: Singing Wind and Rain as Feste, in actual wind and rain. Off stage, showing up at rehearsal with a five-foot bull snake wrapped around my arm, and bleeding where it bit me. Awesome! APT:  What are your top three movies? PB: Crazy Heart, Fanny and Alexander, The Pawn Broker APT: What's your most embarrassing APT moment? PB: When I unintentionally accused Randy Kim of ranting and raving. APT: Any pets? PB: Not anymore. RIP Wally and Darwin. APT: What is an indulgence for you? PB: Pigging out at the Dorf Haus's Bavarian Smorgasbord. APT: Do you get nervous before a show? PB:  I'd call it excited anticipation. APT: What's your favorite season? PB: Spring and Fall, a tie. APT: How is acting at APT different from other venues? PB: You have to be able to speak and inhale bugs at the same time. APT: What was your childhood ambition? PB:  To be a zoologist. APT: What was the last thing you purchased? PB: Shampoo and conditioner. APT:  Sweet or salty? PB:  A bit of both is nice. APT:  What are three words that describe your life? PB: Charmed. Lucky. Quirky. APT:  What is the best part of performing outdoors, up the hill? PB: Seeing the stars when the lights go to black. APT: What's your favorite possession? PB: My sense of humor. APT: As an experienced banjo player, what's your favorite serenade? PB:  Banjo players don't serenade. You'll get a shoe thrown at you...or worse! APT: What book do you suggest we all go out and read? PB: Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. APT: What show has had the largest influence on you personally? PB: Cherry Orchard all because of one scene between me as Firs and Tracy Arnold as Charlotte. APT: APT has put you in some crazy costumes. Which is your favorite? PB:  Budd Hill's design for Angelo in The Comedy of Errors would be right up there. I also seem to recall having huge wings for Time in Winter's Tale. One night one broke and I flounced about like a ruptured chicken. Am I imagining that? APT: Do you prefer having a mustache or going without? PB: Without (for now). APT: Where's your favorite place to eat? PB: My backyard patio. APT: It's Saturday Night. What's your drink of choice? PB: Beer mostly. In summer I've been gravitating back to American lagers like Leinies. In winter, Guinness. APT: What's your dream role? PB: I'd like to do a really good role (doesn't have to be big) in a really good Indy film with a really good director. APT: What would the title of your autobiography be? PB: I Came, I Saw, I Stayed for Thirty @#$%@#$ Years! APT: What's your proudest accomplishment at APT? PB: Actually making a living doing what I love. I wish everyone could be so lucky. APT: What's your favorite album/band? PB: Impossible to say - so many. How about Gordon Lightfoot's very first album for United Artists. Also JD Crowe and the New South, Old Home Place. APT: Did you ever think you'd spend thirty years at APT? PB: When I first saw the outdoor stage and met Randy and Annie I knew that it was destiny that I would work there. Thirty years?? That's crazy!! 2012-08-31T15:15:31+00:00 http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/video-in-the-spotlight-troilus-and-cressida/ http://americanplayers.org/experience-apt/backstage-apt-blog-post/video-in-the-spotlight-troilus-and-cressida/#When:16:00:58Z Marcus Trushinski (Hector in Troilus and Cressida) reads from director William Brown's notes. News, Plays, Behind the Scenes 2012-08-15T16:00:58+00:00