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Welcome to the official APT blog. This is also the place to come to see the latest news, reviews, and most anything else we have to share with you.

We know what we are, but not what we may be.


By Matt Schwader | 2:07PM.May 17th, 2013
We know what we are, but not what we may be.

Follow Matt Schwader's blog, Bounded in a Nutshell. Here's an excerpt from his most recent post.

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Usher at APT


By Suzan Kurry | 12:28PM.May 9th, 2013
Usher at APT

Like APT? Like volunteering? Be an usher!

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The Box Office Buzz - April 26, 2013


By Suzan Kurry | 11:15AM.April 25th, 2013
The Box Office Buzz - April 26, 2013

The River Valley Middle School will be producing Hamlet, with APT's Marco Lama, Simon Ehlinger and Noah Hamblen all playing parts.

 

1 Comment | Read On »

 

The Box Office Buzz - April 5, 2013


By Suzan Kurry | 4:00PM.April 5th, 2013
The Box Office Buzz - April 5, 2013

The scoop on the season from inside the APT Box Office.

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Our newest nature trail


By Justine Myers | 2:41PM.December 17th, 2012
Our newest nature trail

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.

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Core Company in Winter


By APT | 2:21PM.December 3rd, 2012
Core Company in Winter

Wondering where to see your favorite APT actors when the snow flies? Look no further!

3 Comments | Read On »

 

Winter at APT:  A Poem


By Justine Myers | 12:38PM.November 30th, 2012
Winter at APT:  A Poem

A poem from APT's fabulous Facilities Supervisor, Justine Myers

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Theatre Review: Skylight, Heroes, Richard III


By APT | 12:32PM.September 21st, 2012
Theatre Review: Skylight, Heroes, Richard III

An excerpt from another group of glowing reviews from Wall Street Journal Theater critic Terry Teachout.

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In the Spotlight: Paul Bentzen


By APT | 10:15AM.August 31st, 2012
In the Spotlight: Paul Bentzen

30 questions for 30 seasons, core company actor Paul Bentzen gives us the lowdown on three decades at APT.

8 Comments | Read On »

 

Video In the Spotlight: Troilus and Cressida


By APT | 11:00AM.August 15th, 2012
Video In the Spotlight: Troilus and Cressida

Marcus Trushinski (Hector in Troilus and Cressida) reads from director William Brown's notes.

2 Comments | Read On »

 

In the Spotlight: Twelfth Night


By APT | 11:55AM.August 2nd, 2012
In the Spotlight: Twelfth Night

APT talks to Cristina Panfilio about playing Viola (aka Cesario) in the 2012 production of Twelfth Night.

3 Comments | Read On »

 

In the Spotlight: The Royal Family


By APT | 2:58PM.July 19th, 2012
In the Spotlight: The Royal Family

In this excerpt from APT's new podcast series, Orange Schroeder talks Royal Family with Laura Gordon and Sarah Day.

6 Comments | Read On »

 

APT Talkbacks To Go


By APT | 9:54AM.July 13th, 2012
APT Talkbacks To Go

We now have a new way to enhance your theatre going experience, a series of podcasts called APT Talkbacks to Go.
 

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Twelfth Night in a nutshell


By APT | 10:23AM.July 9th, 2012
Twelfth Night in a nutshell

Some of the stars sum up Twelfth Night in APT's latest video.

2 Comments | Read On »

 

In the Spotlight: Skylight


By APT | 10:00AM.July 9th, 2012
In the Spotlight: Skylight

Brian Mani talks lost (and found) love in Skylight .

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In the Spotlight: Richard III


By APT | 2:28PM.July 5th, 2012
In the Spotlight: Richard III

APT chats with director Jim Devita and actor James Ridge about Richard III.

8 Comments | Read On »

 

The David R. Kraemer Terrace


By APT | 8:43AM.June 20th, 2012
The David R. Kraemer Terrace

A glimpse at the stunning David R. Kraemer Terrace just outside of the Touchstone Theatre.

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Twelfth Night Revisited


By Mariah Young | 12:37PM.June 18th, 2012
Twelfth Night Revisited

Twelfth Night, directed by David Frank, has opened for the season! Following the opening performance, we asked a few patrons to share their reactions and opinions with us. In a quick clip, here is what they had to say.

 

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Spring Green Night 2012


By Mariah Young | 3:33PM.June 13th, 2012
Spring Green Night 2012

An evening of food and community, Spring Green Night is a chance for APT to show its appreciation for the village that shows us never - ending support. We provide the brats and burgers, you bring the sides, and join us for dinner and a show. 

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Come along with us (and watch the new spot).


By APT | 6:24PM.June 7th, 2012
Come along with us (and watch the new spot).

The lovely 2012 APT spot - more art than advertising.

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Video: The Standoff


By APT | 8:14AM.March 19th, 2012
Video: The Standoff

The latest video pits winter against summer. And James Ridge against David Daniel.

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APT on the radio


By APT | 12:10PM.March 12th, 2012
APT on the radio

Got a minute? Check out this short interview on WTDY.

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Brenda DeVita to succeed David Frank as APT artistic director


By APT | 10:03AM.January 13th, 2012
Brenda DeVita to succeed David Frank as APT artistic director

American Players Theatre puts plan in place for David Frank's eventual retirement

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The Wall Street Journal names APT “Company of the Year”


By APT | 2:35PM.January 5th, 2012
The Wall Street Journal names APT “Company of the Year”

Wall Street Journal theater critic Terry Teachout calls APT Best Company and The Cure at Troy Best Play of 2011.

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APT makes The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s nice list


By APT | 10:59AM.December 19th, 2011
APT makes The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s nice list

Theater reviewer Mike Fischer shares his thoughts on the 2011 Wisconsin theater scene.

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Where do they go when it snows?


By APT | 2:09PM.December 5th, 2011
Where do they go when it snows?

APT's Core Company members have a busy off-season planned. Here are the places you will find many of them before the return of Spring.

3 Comments | Read On »

 

New Video: Something for Everyone


By APT | 11:11AM.September 12th, 2011
New Video: Something for Everyone

Get the scoop on what's special about APT from the people who know us best: the audience.

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Learn more about your play (homework optional)


By APT | 9:55AM.September 2nd, 2011
Learn more about your play (homework optional)

Every season, APT supplies study guides to accompany student matinee performances. But they're available on the website to anyone who might want to learn a little more about the play they're going to see. 

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Take a (guided) walk on the wild side


By APT | 1:14PM.July 13th, 2011
Take a (guided) walk on the wild side

Hi, I'm Peggy Timmerman, your host for the guided Nature Walk, and this post is designed to tell you a little bit about myself and how I came to be doing this.
 

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Behind the Curtain with Matt Schwader


By APT | 9:19AM.June 24th, 2011
Behind the Curtain with Matt Schwader

Want more APT? Check out our brand-new podcast "Behind the Curtain" narrated by Matt Schwader. Subscribe on ITunes by searching American Players Theatre, or download episodes here: Behind the Curtain.

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Showstopper: APT’s Tracy Michelle Arnold is sexy, edgy or funny, as the role requires.


By APT | 9:56AM.May 27th, 2011
Showstopper: APT’s Tracy Michelle Arnold is sexy, edgy or funny, as the role requires.

A great story about Tracy Michelle Arnold in The Isthmus, written by Jennifer A. Smith.

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Video: First look at Critic Costumes


By APT | 10:40AM.May 19th, 2011

See what goes into creating the costumes you finally see in The Critic.

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American Players Theatre expands its troupe


By APT | 8:54AM.May 16th, 2011
American Players Theatre expands its troupe

Michael Brosilow Photo
Deborah Staples (center) will be back in Spring Green after a decade-long absence. Jonathan Smoots at far right.

A preview story from The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel written by Michael Fischer.

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The Beauty of it All


By APT | 2:37PM.May 13th, 2011

APT's TV commercial is running now! Look for it on a station near you (or watch it here). Produced, directed and edited by Tilt Media, Inc.

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A Morning at the Wig Shop


By Hannah Craig | 1:12PM.May 10th, 2011
A Morning at the Wig Shop

The Alice Cooper song, “School’s Out” blares from a speaker in the corner of APT’s famous wig shop. Summer may be closer, but school is just starting for the designers and craftspeople working at APT.

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Today at APT -  29 Days to Open


By APT | 3:29PM.May 6th, 2011

We've been bad about updating the "Today at APT" blog this week. You'll have to excuse us...with everything in full swing, sometimes time gets away.

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Today at APT—36 Days to Open


By APT | 3:16PM.April 29th, 2011

Finally, it was a beautiful sunny day and it seemed like everyone on the APT campus was taking advantage of it.

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Today at APT—38 Days to Open


By APT | 4:12PM.April 27th, 2011

This week everything is picking up and you notice a different tempo around APT. The parking lot is filling up, the building is louder, and you start seeing people you don't know. It's really exciting.

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Today at APT - 47 Days to Open


By APT | 4:08PM.April 19th, 2011

Okay....um...it's snowing here. Not exactly the April 19th we were expecting.

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Today at APT - 48 Days to Open


By APT | 4:13PM.April 18th, 2011

Today was sort of a quiet day around APT; there weren’t a lot of meetings and most people were either in their offices or out on the grounds preparing. The maintenance crew and carpenters are continuing their preparation for the season.
 

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Today at APT - 53 Days to Open


By APT | 7:34AM.April 14th, 2011

Today was the monthly staff meeting, where the year-round staff get together to talk about what they've been up to.

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Today at APT - 54 days to open


By APT | 5:02PM.April 12th, 2011

Here's what's been going on today at APT.

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Today at APT - 58 days to open


By APT | 2:47PM.April 11th, 2011

Mary Rowe, the gift shop manager, got a great shipment of jewelry in today. They call it the “hug jewelry”...

1 Comment | Read On »

 

Today at APT - 60 Days to Open


By APT | 4:03PM.April 6th, 2011

Welcome to Today at APT. We are approaching our very busiest time of year here at APT. Our challenge is to blog on most of the next 60 days, and give you a little glimpse into the process of getting the season ready to go. Let us know what you think…and if you have questions you’d like us to answer.

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Video: APT’s Ghost in the Costume Shop


By APT | 10:41AM.March 31st, 2011
Video: APT’s Ghost in the Costume Shop

Every theater has a ghost. Maybe you'll recognize ours.

2 Comments | Read On »

 

Plays for your family


By Sara Young | 2:12PM.March 7th, 2011
Plays for your family

What's good for kids this season?

1 Comment | Read On »

 

‘The Syringa Tree’ makes 77 Square’s ‘Best Arts of 2010’ list.


By APT | 11:43AM.December 23rd, 2010
‘The Syringa Tree’ makes 77 Square’s ‘Best Arts of 2010’ list.

77 Square's Lindsay Christians gives The Syringa Tree a year end shout out.

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‘Gift of the Magi’ Previews


By APT | 9:55AM.November 22nd, 2010
‘Gift of the Magi’ Previews

Lovely preview pieces by Lindsay Christians of 77 Square and Terry Rindfleish of The LaCrosse Tribune

No Comments | Read On »

 

Core Company in Winter


By APT | 2:24PM.November 16th, 2010
Core Company in Winter

Missing your APT favorites during the fall and winter months? You can find some of our core company acting in theaters around the state and the midwest.Simply click the links below for more information on the productions.

1 Comment | Read On »

 

150 Ways to Kill a Man with David Daniel, take two.


By APT | 2:08PM.October 11th, 2010
150 Ways to Kill a Man with David Daniel, take two.

A few more of the ways David Daniel (aka Touchstone) came up with to kill a man (with a little help from his friends.)

3 Comments | Read On »

 

Firsts and Lasts


By Ally Carey | 1:06PM.October 1st, 2010
Firsts and Lasts

Some thoughts on closing night by All's Well That Ends Well's Helena, Ally Carey.

6 Comments | Read On »

 

150 Ways to Kill a Man with David Daniel


By APT | 11:06AM.September 28th, 2010
150 Ways to Kill a Man with David Daniel

APT Core Company member David Daniel shows us a few of the methods that didn't make it into Touchstone's '150 Ways to Kill a Man' in this season's production of As You Like It.

6 Comments | Read On »

 

Backstage with Matt Schwader


By APT | 9:02AM.September 21st, 2010
Backstage with Matt Schwader

Ever wonder why the actors look so different from one production to the next? APT Core Company member Matt Schwader demystifies theater makeup in this fun video.

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APT in the Wall Street Journal


By APT | 8:16AM.September 3rd, 2010
APT in the Wall Street Journal

New reviews of The Circle, Another Part of the Forest and Major Barbara from Terry Teachout of the Wall Street Journal.

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A Taste of ‘As You Like It’


By APT | 9:01AM.August 19th, 2010
A Taste of ‘As You Like It’

If you haven't seen this year's production of As You Like It (or if you'd like a refresher), here's just a little from Act III Scene II.

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As the warm Wisconsin night closes in, so does ‘The Circle’ at American Players Theatre


By APT | 8:52AM.August 16th, 2010

A review of 'The Circle' from Chris Jones of The Chicago Tribune.

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Looking Up


By Nicholas Harazin | 9:35AM.August 13th, 2010
Looking Up

Director Tim Ocel of As You Like It said early on in the process, that the set design for the show was from the point of view of the characters within it. That the trees were painted on the walls so that it was as if you were at the base of them looking upward. No matter how bad things get within the world of the play - he said these characters are always looking up.

2 Comments | Read On »

 

Lovers Spar In The Circle


By APT | 12:26PM.August 9th, 2010
Lovers Spar In The Circle

A review of The Circle by 77 Square's Lindsay Christians.

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A Touch of Nature


By Kayla Sklar | 9:33AM.August 2nd, 2010

I have a confession to make: I've never been what some would call "the outdoorsy type." I'm allergic to the sun, I'm terrified of insects, and despite the fact that I'm from Georgia, I hate the heat of summer.

1 Comment | Read On »

 

The Life and Times of a Suit Coat


By Andrea Williams | 4:45PM.July 28th, 2010

I remember when I first arrived at the store, perfectly pressed and snappily displayed. I was certain that it wouldn’t be long before I was bought.

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Wigs 101 (a.k.a. everything you wanted to know about wigs but were afraid to ask)


By Becky Scott | 4:39PM.July 28th, 2010

A few things you may not have guessed about what goes along with designing, making and wearing wigs.

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Clothing as Art


By Tonja Peterson | 4:17PM.July 28th, 2010

As the draper for The Circle, my challenge was that I had a beautiful, light, drapey silk that I have to applique lace trim to, without destroying the hand. (If you don't know what "hand" means here, keep reading).

1 Comment | Read On »

 

Off the Isthmus: APT


By APT | 9:13AM.July 19th, 2010
Off the Isthmus: APT

An Isthmus video interview with the lovely Ally Carey. Click in to watch.

1 Comment | Read On »

 

APT Offerings are worth a road trip to Spring Green


By APT | 8:32AM.July 12th, 2010
APT Offerings are worth a road trip to Spring Green

A review of The Syringa Tree and Waiting for Godot by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Michael Fischer.

3 Comments | Read On »

 

APT through the years.


By Aleta Barmore | 5:19PM.June 29th, 2010
APT through the years.

Today I was reading a description written in 1983 (hand-written on lined notepaper) of what a house manager at APT might face. Many of you will remember these things, and can probably add to the list.

2 Comments | Read On »

 

How many buttons does it take to dress the cast of All’s Well That Ends Well?


By Dundee McNair | 11:29AM.June 15th, 2010
How many buttons does it take to dress the cast of All’s Well That Ends Well?

It starts with an idea. The director creates his vision for a play and shares it with his design team.

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The ABCs of APT


By APT | 9:35AM.June 14th, 2010
The ABCs of APT

A 2010 season preview by 77 Square's Lindsay Christians.

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First Look at The Syringa Tree


By APT | 1:23PM.June 9th, 2010

Our marketing and development intern, Audra Lange, got a chance to see a runthrough of The Syringa Tree yesterday. Here are her thoughts on the experience.

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APT Costume Shop on NBC


By APT | 12:54PM.June 7th, 2010

A nice behind-the-scenes video in APT's Costume Shop, featuring Another Part of the Forest costume designer Rachel Anne Healy. Thanks to Amy Carlson and NBC for the story!

1 Comment | Read On »

 

1 Down, 172 to go


By Sara Young | 10:35PM.June 5th, 2010

We had one of those little "APT miracles" tonight.

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Shakespeare through the filter of middle school


By Emily Beck | 3:50PM.May 28th, 2010

With just a week until the first performance of As You Like It, things are busy here at APT preparing for a season of performances and guests to our woods. Last night I had the opportunity to attend River Valley Middle School Shakespeare Group’s performance of As You Like It which proved to be a delightful nod to APT and preview of our season to come.

4 Comments | Read On »

 

From Madison’s 77 Square


By APT | 8:47AM.May 27th, 2010

An article on ticket sales by 77 Square's Lindsay Christians:

Would-be attendees eager to see "Waiting for Godot" at American Players Theatre in June are out of luck; the show is sold out for that month.

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Can You Dig It?


By Jeremy Jackson Smith | 9:23AM.May 24th, 2010
Can You Dig It?

To paraphrase APT Artistic Director David Frank, There are 3 things that are certain in this life… Death, taxes, and the return of the staff to begin the season at APT. And what a return it has been!
 

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Do y’all dream in Southern?


By Jacqueline Singleton | 12:35PM.May 21st, 2010

Often, as we rehearse more and more hours on the plays at APT, I find myself find that moments in the play begin to seep over into my time outside of rehearsal, too. A particularly catchy song in the play will stick in my head (especially when you hear it 50 times in a row).

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Thanks for keeping APT beautiful!


By Dundee McNair | 7:16AM.May 20th, 2010
Thanks for keeping APT beautiful!

Our annual Garlic Mustard Weed Pull was held Saturday and Sunday, May 1st and 2nd. Garlic mustard is an invasive species that quickly takes over the landscape, forcing out other flora because of its early growing season, its height, and its density per square foot.

1 Comment | Read On »

 

Singin’ and…Workin’ in the Rain!


By Jeremy Jackson Smith | 10:11AM.May 13th, 2010
Singin’ and…Workin’ in the Rain!

OK, so it’s not a full feature musical movie with Gene Kelly, but it is exciting none-the-less. Today is a great example of what it truly means to be a part of American Players Theatre.

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Other Duties As Assigned, part II


By Michael Broh | 12:30PM.May 12th, 2010

I volunteered to help Bill Duwell, our Technical Director, pick up 100 bales of straw. We expect to use about 9 bales in any given performance of As You Like It.

1 Comment | Read On »

 

Exciting things are happening Up the Hill!


By Jeremy Jackson Smith | 12:43PM.May 6th, 2010
Exciting things are happening Up the Hill!

Right now is an absolutely wonderful time of year to be outside and the deck crew has already been busy at work these past few weeks preparing the Up Hill Theater for rehearsals. The stage has been dusted off and repaired from a long Spring Green Winter hibernation.

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IN LOCO PARENTES: My First 24 Hours in Spring Green


By Mark D. Hines | 4:57PM.May 4th, 2010
IN LOCO PARENTES: My First 24 Hours in Spring Green

Well for those of you who didn't take 7 years of Latin: In loco parentes means: In place of the parents. (It wasn't a TOTAL waste of 7 years, pop!)

7 Comments | Read On »

 

Every day here is something new.


By Michael Broh | 8:33AM.April 22nd, 2010

Last Thursday was, in some ways, our first day of the new season. At least it was the first day we had seasonal staff in any of the shops. A carpenter was beginning to build a piece of scenery for As You Like It. The sun was shining and it was shaping up to be a great day of work on the hill. Alas, it was not to be. 

3 Comments | Read On »

 

Pre-season video #2: Longing for summer (and lunch)


By APT | 12:41PM.April 15th, 2010

Sure, winter can be depressing without APT. But a guy's got to eat. Check out Jonathan Smoots in this latest video.

3 Comments | Read On »

 

Tickets for the 2010 Season are now on sale to everyone


By APT | 11:12PM.April 11th, 2010

Get your tickets before June 4 to get at least 20% off every single show ticket.

3 Comments | Read On »

 

Much love for APT’s pre-season promo


By APT | 11:41AM.March 5th, 2010

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words about our new video, starring Jim & Sophia DeVita (we think it's pretty cool, too). Special thanks also to producer Nick Langholff and his crew for putting it together for us, they did an awesome job.

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Video: Longing for Summer, Richard III style


By APT | 10:54AM.March 2nd, 2010

How Jim DeVita copes with the long winter months.

4 Comments | Read On »

 

Explanation (and tips) about our Online ordering Situation


By Sara Young | 2:41PM.March 1st, 2010

When tickets went on sale online last night at midnight, we got off to a bit of a rocky start. We wanted to explain, and hopefully give you some tips for easier ordering.

4 Comments | Read On »

 

Thanks for thinking of us, Mr. Teachout


By APT | 11:07AM.February 22nd, 2010

There was a nice mention of APT by Terry Teachout in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend.

No Comments | Read On »

 

Passing the Torch


By Sara Young | 2:58PM.February 19th, 2010

We have a couple major staff transitions underway at APT. We start this season with a new Box Office Manager, Company Manager, and a brand new position dedicated to our audience.

9 Comments | Read On »

 

A Brave New World


By David Frank | 3:14PM.February 4th, 2010

Two firsts today: a brand new website and my first blog!
And I mean that: it really is my first. I had to ask what a ‘blog’ was. A kind of digital ‘stream of consciousness’ as I understand it. Be careful what you wish for!
 

5 Comments | Read On »

 

Welcome to the New APT Website


By Sara Young | 8:48PM.February 3rd, 2010

If you're reading this, you've found your way to the new APT website.

Welcome! We're proud to launch the new site, and we're looking forward to hearing what you think of it. So feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you think. We've tried to make it as user friendly as possible and include as much information as possible.

10 Comments | Read On »

 

Building the Website


By Sara Young | 11:59AM.January 20th, 2010
Building the Website

We're just a couple weeks away from launching the website. I told David Frank today that it's like building a mansion. We keep finding hallways that we've forgotten about that aren't done yet. We just keep working away. I have to give a major shout out to the team that's working so hard on this new site.

5 Comments | Read On »

 

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