PERFORMING ARTS

Kelowna Actors Studio is offering classes in drama, musical theatre, TV & Film, Improv and so much more all summer long!

Classes start June 29th with one week and two week programmes running until the end of August for ages 7 to 17

Classes include musical theatre with West Side Story and Mary Poppins, as well as 1/2 day and full day programmes with a variety of activities including
acting, commercials, tv and film, musical theatre and imrpov games.

Other classes are Theatrical Triple Treat, Whose Line Is It Anyway - Improv and The Variety Pack.

Instructors include Randy Leslie, Nathan Flavel, Mark Reinelt, Vivian Hughes, James Long and Carmen Harris.

Call 250-862-2867 or sign up on our website at www.KelownaActorsStudio.com

Also coming up is the musical
THE PRODUCERS
July 9 to August 2
Starring Randy Leslie, Chad Abrahamson, Tracy Ross

The Producers The biggest hit to land on Broadway in years -- taking home a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards -- is "The Producers," Mel Brooks' stage adaptation of his 1968 Oscar-winning movie classic. This madcap tale -- follows a desperate producer and mild-mannered accountant's attempt to make a fortune by producing a surefire bomb --

Shows: Thursday to Sunday with a Saturday matinee at 1pm
Dinner  6:30 pm or Dessert Options 8:00 pm available
Catering by the Greenroom
Call 250-862-2867 or www.KelownaActorsStudio.com

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20 Jun 2009

Auditions for 2009/10 Season
Ages 7 to 77

Several singing and non-singing roles are available for adults and children of all ages and experience levels.

Auditions are every five minutes from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Monday, June 8, and Friday, June 12. Children’s auditions are being held on Sunday, June 7 from 1:00 pm to 5 pm. Auditions are at Kelowna Actors Studio, 1379 Ellis Street (across from the Kelowna Public Library).

All actors are required to prepare a short [one-minute] contemporary monologue. All actors auditioning for musicals are required to prepare 16 bars from the traditional Broadway repertoire, not from the show and sheet music in the correct key for piano accompaniment. Facilities for pre-recorded accompaniments are not available and singing without piano is not permitted. All singers may also be asked to do some basic range and/or musicianship tests. All people auditioning for musicals must also participate in a group movement audition, so comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear are required.

For more information, including a breakdown of the shows and roles, please visit the Audition Notice page on the Kelowna Actors Studio website at www.KelownaActorsStudio.com. To book an audition, please call Cheryl Berg at the theatre box office at 250 862 2867. Any children’s choirs who are interested in auditioning for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat should contact Randy Leslie directly at rleslie@KelownaActorsStudio.com.                

Not quite ready for an audition?

Why not take an ACTING CLASS? ...

• Engage students artistically and personally!
• Incite investigation of the world through the creative process!
• Build confidence and self-awareness!
• Empower students to reach their creative potential!
• Provoke critical and objective thinking!
• Inspire amazing stories and memories!
• Train students to be triple threat performers!
• Encourage a fun filled, collaborative, and creative environment!

MOST CLASSES CULMINATE IN A FINAL PERFORMANCE ON STAGE WITH LIGHTS, PROPS AND COSTUMES!

Kids' classes and workshops are happening all summer long ... visit our website for more info!

Rather just watch?... Here’s what audiences are saying about our current production, Lend Me A Tenor, playing Thursdays to Sundays until June 7:

Loved it! Nate was very funny, the way he skittered around the stage; his mannerisms were hilarious. He was even sexy when he was in costume as Tito with Maggie. And Frank did a very believable job as Tito ... very funny as well, good timing and excellent singing. Nate and Frank really clicked together. I thought Patricia was the perfect Maria ... hilarious as well and so natural. Is she Italian? Everyone else did a great job too. The set was very well done, very professional. And of course the food was delicious. I love the Italian theme. The Greenroom scores again. We loved the 1-minute fast forward version of the entire story at the end. Well done everyone. Thanks for another great performance and a fun night out. Bravo.

Definitely a hit!

Thanks to everyone at KAS for a great night out last night! Laughter truly is the best medicine and that was a great escape!

WOW! what a lot of farcical fun that was! Well done everybody and special Kudos to James .. a great first directorship. As always Nate manages to get just the right amount of silliness and humility... great job! I laughed a lot... just what I needed.

I think the Actors Studio may have out done themselves!!! Last night was fabulous. You all deserve another standing ovation. Hats off to James – what an incredible job for a directorial debut! Everyone on stage absolutely shone… Patricia has obviously met my Auntie Babe… cause she was her to a tee!

My mom and I were in stitches thanks to you…

TO BOOK AN AUDITION, CALL CHERYL AT THE BOX OFFICE: 250 862 2867

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLASSES, AUDITION INFORMATION, OR OUR PRODUCTION, VISIT KelownaActorsStudio.com or call 250 862 2867

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25 May 2009

Melissa Wilmot, violin, and Claudia Chan, piano, perform....
J.S. Bach ~ Partita #2 in d-minor
Prokofiev ~ Sonata #1 in f-minor
Kriesler ~ Recitative and Scherzo
Aaron Jay Kernis ~ Air
Eugene Ysaye ~ Sonata for solo violin #2

Kelowna Violinist, Melissa Wilmot (20) and Ottawa pianist Claudia Chan (19) perform a highly anticipated recital featuring music that is sure to leave audiences moved and exhilarated. This recital marks Melissa's return to Kelowna to perform her first recital since she began studying at the Glenn Gould School in Toronto in September 2008, where Claudia is also a student. This recital will be the sixth violin recital program Melissa has performed in Kelowna, with past performances always receiving rave reviews from critics, media, and audiences.

Come hear this dynamic duo of two of Canada's highly acclaimed award winning young musicians live in concert.

Saturday May 30th, 7:30pm
Sunday May 31st, 7:30pm
Christ Lutheran Church, Kelowna
2091 Gordon Dr.
Admission by Donation, at the door

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13 May 2009

BOHEMIAN CAFE
524 Bernard Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6P1
(250) 862-3517

presents

June 12 Leah West(Indie Pop trio)
        19 Small Change (Cool Blues Fusion trio)
        26 Yoko (RnB/Blues trio)

July  3 Devin Roth Trio (Jazz jam session)  
       10 Moni Funk and the Groove Machine (R&B Funk quartet)
       17 Major Mambo (Salsa trio)
       24 Blue City (World Pop trio)
       31 Loni Moger Trio (jazz)

August 7 Leah West (Indie Pop duo)
          14 Trevor Salloum Trio (jazz)
          21 Yoko (RnB/Blues trio)
          28 Moni Funk and the Groove Machine (R&B Funk quartet)

 
7-10pm
Cover charge

Join us at the Boh for great live entertainment  every Friday throughout the summer

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11 May 2009

Sat. May 2nd at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
Matinee at 2pm and Evening at 7:30pm

Its Springtime and with it comes  Dance Artistico – fresh new dances performed by Mission Dance Centre (MDC) students and Mission Dance Company (MD Co.) through choreographer/dancer & teacher, Tanya Bakala.

The first half of this innovative and inspired parade of dance will be of “Alice in Wonderland” performed by Mission Dance Centre students who have the privilege to dance alongside Mission Dance Company member Sarah Watters  a superb professional dancer and soloist and choreographed by Tanya Bakala.  All students of the Mission Dance Centre will be cast in various roles of characters that meet up and dance with Alice and will also feature MD Co. stars like Nicole Vogt as the queen and MDC Apprentice Rachel Epp as the Cheshire Cat.

The second half of the show is a showcase of the talent of the Mission Dance Company and the apprentices and junior apprentices of the Mission dance Centre. The second half features guest choreographer Angel Jutzi (contemporary) who has brought in dancer Caitlin Lockwood to interpret her vision.  Melanie Newell (jazz and contemporary), Nicole Vogt (flamenco) and Tanya Bakala (ballet and contemporary) have also created and choreographed movement around there genre of dance. In addition, Sarah Watters will star in the "Queen of the Willis" from the well known ballet "Giselle".

Tickets go on sale Friday April 17th through Ticketmaster.
Kelowna Community Theatre
Reception to follow for all audience members (evening show only)
Matinee at 2pm and Evening at 7:30pm

Price: $18 Adults
         $15 Seniors
         $10 Children and students
Ticketmaster service charges added

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15 Apr 2009

Always looking to introduce new and exciting talent to its audiences, the 17th Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival is pleased to present "The Heart of Homegrown", a special showcase of emerging artists from up and down the Okanagan and from as far afield as the Kootenays.

Included in the showcase is Salmon Arm's own, Opening Axe, comprised of Bonnie McGrew and Kelsey Ngai. This engaging duo burst onto the Okanagan music scene in 2003 with the release of their debut cd, "Accidental" then went on to win the top prize at the Okanagan Grown Band Competition in 2004. Bonnie and Kelsey spent the next several years acquiring higher education in the field of music as they continued to polish their creativity and songwriting skills.  Their 2008 sophomoric release, "A Few Years Down The Road" is a stunning showcase of their maturity as musicians and writers, rich with gorgeous harmonies and sophisticated guitar work.

Jacobus Verburg is a local guitarist from Sicamous who draws on the influences of music from all parts of the world, and has spent the past few years exploring gypsy jazz and acoustic music. Joining Jake are two multi-instrumentalists, Darrin Herting and Leon Power who lend their own distinctive influences to give this trio a special twist on gypsy

The Flock, Arnold, Hopkins Trio was conceived when three friends from the Okanagan, Luke Arnold, Bryn Flock, and Lyle Hopkins, discovered they shared a passion for jazz and improvised music. Since their formation, the trio has been playing throughout the Okanagan, performing with local greats such as Gerry Sholomenko and Flora Ware. The two guitarists accompanied by double bass offer an elegant and intimate perspective on the timeless standards they perform.

Aspen Switzer's voice will stop you in your tracks. Filled with longing and an ethereal yet grounded quality, it is powerful, subtle, pure and haunting. Her songs at times are both complex and catchy, blending country with jazz, pop with folk, and an occasional hint of bluegrass thrown in. Aspen is accompanied by Jessa Koerber on keyboards and mandolin and Jesse Lee on guitar and bass. This trio blends seamless harmonies for a full and luxurious sound, balancing the charm and warmth of old time music with the contemporary.

"The Heart of Homegrown" brings together the freshest up-and-coming young performers on the BC music scene. All four acts will appear onstage together, each performing their own twenty minute set, in what is sure to be a highlight of the Festival. Prepare to be impressed by some of BC's most promising young musicians.   

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19 Mar 2009

Okanagan Mission Secondary School is thrilled to present the MissionMainStage production of the award winning 1980’s musical ‘Footloose’ written by Dean Pritchford.  This is the first major musical directed for OKM by Ryan Grenier, Theatre educator, recently recruited from the Lower Mainland. Ryan has partnered with OKM Music Directors Ed Schnellert and Megan Dobbs whose talents have been showcased in multiple music events with students at OKM and in the Kelowna community for years.

In this lively adolescent-oriented musical, a city kid attempts to adapt to life in an ultra-conservative backwater Midwestern town. Once there he ends up leading the repressed teenagers into a rebellion against the town fathers who have outlawed rock & roll and dancing. This musical is iconic for its’ classic 80s tunes including ‘Let’s hear it for the Boy’, ‘Hero’, and ‘Almost Paradise.’

This production boasts a cast of over 60 of OKM Secondary’s finest performers who have worked tirelessly over the past several months to bring this professional level show to our community. The production also features high energy choreography, brilliant set design, and whimsical costumes that will take you back to that black hole of fashion known as the 80s!

Footloose runs from April 14th through 18th and tickets are available starting Wednesday April 1st by phone or at the box office of the Rotary Centre for the Arts (ph. 250-717-5304)

Don’t miss this opportunity to come out and see this great Broadway show!

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13 Mar 2009

KAS Presents A Controversial and Compelling Musical, Kiss of The Spider Woman

Kelowna Actors Studio is proud to present the third show of their sixth season with the Broadway smash hit, Kiss of The Spider Woman. The production opens March 26 and runs Thursday to Sunday evenings, with Saturday matinees, until April 19, 2009. From the award-winning creators of Chicago and Cabaret, Kiss of the Spiderwoman took Broadway by storm in 1993, garnering the Tony Award for Best Musical, and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, as well as acting accolades for most of the leads. Based on Manuel Puig's El Beso de la Mujer Arana, Kiss of the Spiderwoman has been translated into 27 languages, adapted into a play and a movie, as well as the award-winning musical including the hit songs Gimme Love, Dressing Them Up and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Audiences will inevitably get caught in the web of explosive music, enthralling dances and witty humour.   Kiss of the Spider Woman spins a captivating web about a compelling friendship between two men who share a claustrophobic jail cell. Based on the novel by Manual Puig, the musical tells the tale of Molina and his cellmate Valentin. In order to help the two survive prison brutality, Molina dreams of the grade B movie star, Aurora the spider woman, and relates stories of her to Valentin. Kelowna Actors Studio’s production of Kiss of the Spider Woman is directed and choreographed by Nathan Flavel. It stars Tracy Ross as Aurora, the Spider Woman, Randy Leslie as Molina and Ryan Buehler as Valentine. The cast includes Norene Morrow as Molina’s mother, and Carmen Harris as Valentine’s girlfriend, Marta.  They will be joined on stage by KAS favourites James Long, Brad Hull, Colin Rutherford and Scott Lawler, and newcomers Rick Worrall and Colm O’Reilly. The musical direction is by Neville Bowman and Gwen Plitt, with set design by Nathan Flavel, set décor by Patricia Burns, and props by James Long. Costumes are by Norene Morrow, sound design by Jordan Leboe, set construction by Myles Christensen, hair and make-up by Chelsey Chase and the show is stage managed by Noelle Jefferys, with assistance from Tammy Abrahamson. “I am constantly impressed with the calibre of talent we have at KAS,” enthuses director Nathan Flavel. “The singing and acting are all second to none. Tracy Ross is a choreographer's dream! Her dancing is just as good as Chita Rivera, the original Spider Woman. She soars in this role."   An interesting footnote to this presentation is that Randy Leslie, Kelowna Actors Studio’s artistic director, and this production’s Molina, worked on the original preview in Toronto before it premiered on Broadway. “This has been a dream show of mine to produce since we started the company six years ago,” he says. “It’s amazing to have Randy in the cast since he was there with the first director Hal Prince, the original Spider Woman Chita Rivera, and the show’s writers, Kander and Ebb during the workshop process. He brings a wealth of insight to his role and our production,” says Flavel. “His Molina is incredibly strong.” “Kiss of The Spiderwoman pushes the envelope with adult themes and content,” admits Flavel. “The show may make some people feel a little uncomfortable, but it also makes us think, which is what good theatre does.” Kiss of The Spider Woman runs at the Kelowna Actors Studio (1379 Ellis, across from the Public Library) Thursday to Sunday evenings, with a Saturday matinee, from March 26 to April 19, with dinner catered by the Greenroom Bistro, and dessert ticket options available. For further information, or to purchase tickets, visit the on-site box office, call 250 862 2867, or log on to KelownaActorsStudio.com.

***

*** Tracy Ross stars as the Spider Woman, Aurora, in Kelowna Actors Studio's production of Kiss of the Spider Woman, which opens March 26.   Kelowna Actors Studio is the only licensed dinner theatre in the Okanagan Valley. Their mandate is to provide quality theatre and education, which showcases and fosters Okanagan talent. Dinner and dessert options are available for all productions. For more information about Kiss of the Spider Woman, the 2009/10 season, or any of the remaining shows this season, please call 250 862 2867 or visit www.KelownaActorsStudio.com.

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03 Mar 2009

Bumbershoot Children’s Theatre is now in rehearsals for its opening show Little Munsch on the Prairie, the hilarious new Canadian work written by Deb Patterson and based on the stories of Robert Munsch (illustrated by Michael Martchenko).

Little Munsch on the Prairie runs one day only, March 14th, with two matinee performances 11:30am and 2:00pm. Starring Gwen Plitt as the Dithering Wild Turkey, Michelle Hussey as the curious Prairie Dog, and Quinn Bates as the Alpha Toad, this compilation of five Robert Munsch stories is a perfect outing for the whole family.

“These loveable creatures are sure to make you laugh,” says director Tracy Ross. “Anyone with kids knows and loves Robert Munch’s stories. We invite audiences of all ages to join us for this particularly prairie take on some great classics - The Dark, 50 Below Zero and Pigs - and some new favorites - Show and Tell and I’m so Embarrassed.”

Bumbershoot Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization operating out of the Kelowna Actors Studio in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District. Their mandate is to introduce children and youth to the incomparable magic of theatre, to stimulate and liberate the imagination, the intellect and the spirit through creative theatre experiences, and promote theatre as an integral part of the learning process.

Bumbershoot’s inaugural children’s theatre series brings the page to the stage, with adaptations of favorite storybooks, Little Munsch on the Prairie, If you give a mouse a cookie, The Selfish Giant and Go!Dog Go!. Bumbershoot Young Performers finish the company’s performance season with the colorful musical story of Willy Wonka adapted from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Purchase your tickets on-line at www.bumbershoottheatre.com or by calling the box office at 862-2867, or in person at 1379 Ellis Street.

Children under 2- $4
Children and students- $12
Adults- $19

Subscription rates are available for the entire season and offer great discounts to an amazing season of theatre.  Please check the web site for more information or call the box office at 862-2867.

For more information on Bumbershoot Children’s Theatre please visit our web site www.bumbershoottheatre.com

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02 Mar 2009

Situated at the back of the Kelowna Community Theatre, Jazz Café’ will open its doors once a month to become a venue heralding the old-time speakeasy vibe when jazz music was an expression of creative hope and musicians, as well as jazz lovers, always had a home!

“Where the gin is cold but the piano’s hot!....and all that jazz”

International Jazz Singer Anna Jacyszyn has returned to her home town of Kelowna, BC.   After cutting her jazz teeth in London and Shanghai, Anna feels it’s time to fulfill her dream of owning and playing host to this type of environment.  “A jazz café to me”, Says Anna, “is somewhere that you can arrive alone and leave knowing you have a family to go back to the next night.  As a woman I use to frequent Ronnie Scotts, 606 (in London) also JZ, Cotton Club and House of Blues and Jazz (Shanghai). I never felt silly walking into a jazz club and sitting alone…the live music was my company and everyone is there for that reason.  It’s a social place of inspiration where I met my like-minded friends.” Says Anna reminiscing.

 “There are great musicians in the Kelowna area but no true venue to unshackle the creative energy that allows musicians to sharpen their chops and the freedom to loosen up. This is Jazz and I want this for Kelowna”.

 Double Bass Musician and Musical Director, Bernie Addington has assembled the finest musicians around the valley to make up a forte of talent in concert each month.  Featured musicians include Neville Bowman (Piano, Flügelhorn & Vocals), Scot Gamble (Drums & percussion), Craig Thomson (Alto & Tenor saxophone) and an assorted mixture of special guests to add texture and variety to each special night.  As host to Jazz Café, Anna Jacyszyn will also be on hand to sing a few.  “That’s the beauty of being the host; I get to play with the best in town!

 Capacity is limited so memberships are recommended to secure your place each month.  A 6 month membership costs $100.00. This includes guaranteed entry, priority table reservations for members & guests (each guest pays $20.00 at the door). As a founder member of Jazz Café, each successful applicant will receive a membership card along with a hand crafted gift as a token of thanks for supporting the embryonic development of a permanent residence for Jazz Café, in Kelowna.

Please apply by email to:  fabulousPR@gmail.com or call  250 763-6141

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24 Feb 2009