The SKyPAC

SKyPAC, in partnership with Orchestra Kentucky, Announces Auditions for West Side Story

The SKyPAC — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:34:45 +0000

The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC), in partnership with Orchestra Kentucky, announces auditions for the musical theater classic “West Side Story”, to be performed at the end of August 2013.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” “West Side Story” is a tale of immigrant families in New York’s West Side and the plight of young star-crossed lovers – Tony and Maria – attempting to create an idyllic world for themselves despite the warring gangs – the Jets and Sharks – from which they come.

Orchestra Kentucky will provide full, live orchestral accompaniment, as composed by Leonard Bernstein, with Jeff Reed as music director and conductor.

Auditions for roles portraying ages from 16 to 25 years of age and four adult male non singing parts will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and by appointment at SKyPAC. Those auditioning for gang member roles will be asked to sing and will be taught a short dance combination during the auditions. Previous experience is not required. For more information about being a part of this production please call 270-904-5000 or email info@TheSKyPAC.com

Download the flyer: WestSideStory_Flyer

-Faith Holley

2013 SKyPAC Youth Theater Summer Camp

The SKyPAC — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:12:05 +0000

SKyPAC is excited to partner with the Missoula Children’s Theatre this summer for four exciting weeks of camps where kids will be active participants in every phase of staging a full-length theatrical production. For those interested in a more focused theatrical learning experience, consider one of our individual workshops taught by SKyPAC’s Youth Theater Educator.

Missoula Children’s Theatre, one of the country’s leaders in youth theater education, will partner with SKyPAC for four separate week-long sessions. Set up in a camp-like structure, participants will audition, rehearse and perform in a full-length production. Every camper will be cast in a role or be an assistant director for the performance. When campers are not in rehearsal they will participate in theater classes concentrating on core theatrical skills: acting, singing, dancing, teamwork and building self-confidence. In addition, participants will have a new workshop every day between rehearsals. Download the summer schedule and registration form below!

DOWNLOAD: SKyPAC_YouthTheaterSummerCamp2013

SKyPAC’s First Flash Mob

The SKyPAC — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:17:10 +0000

Last Thursday, February 21, 2013 SKyPAC’s lobby erupted with young talent as the Bowling Green High School cast of Godspell broke into song and dance. If you missed it check out the video and the article below by the BG Daily Newspaper:

A SHOW BEFORE THE SHOW
Students surprise SKyPAC with ‘Godspell’ peek

Posted: Friday, February 22, 2013 12:09 pm | Updated: 12:27 pm, Fri Feb 22, 2013
By LAUREL WILSON, The Daily News, lwilson@bgdailynews.com/783-3240
Visit Bowling Green Daily News: http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/local/a-show-before-the-show/article_06b4abd6-7d1b-11e2-9788-001a4bcf887a.html

Among the crowd in the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center lobby Thursday night before the performance of “A Chorus Line” was the 45-member cast of Bowling Green High School’s upcoming production of “Godspell.”

When a trumpet sounded from the balcony, the students made their way to the area in front of the box office and burst into song and dance, surprising many patrons around them. Their seemingly spontaneous performance of “You are the Light of the World,” a song from “Godspell,” was actually a flash mob. BGHS choir director Patricia “Trish” Beresford got the idea for a flash mob from a parent, and the students were excited when she presented them with the idea.

“The students watch flash mobs on YouTube all the time,” Beresford said. “It seemed like a fun way to promote the musical.” Marilyn Johnson of Bowling Green, 15, a sophomore in the show, enjoyed being part of it. “I don’t think it’s been done before, so it’s different,” she said. “It’s cool.”

“Godspell” isn’t typical of the musicals BGHS has performed in the past, students said. The show tells the story of the Gospel of Matthew with singing and dancing. “It’s really energetic,” Johnson said. “It’s more modern than other shows we’ve done. It’s a lot easier to relate to.” For example, one of Johnson’s roles is a hipster and most of the costumes are modern clothes.

“You are the Light of the World” is a song that comes at the end of the first act, when the disciples come together and band around Jesus, said Evan Atwell of Bowling Green, 17, a senior who plays Jesus. “You can really start to see a community being built,” he said.

Rehearsals for the show began in January, and the flash mob offered the first chance for the cast to wear their costumes and practice in front of people. “I think it will help them not be as nervous,” Beresford said. “It’s a good experience before the show.” Although it was the first time performing part of the show outside rehearsals, Jesse Shadowen, 15, a sophomore who plays a disciple, wasn’t nervous. “I was more excited than nervous,” he said. “I was pumped.”

The flash mob made Atwell more excited for the show. Having an audience Thursday night, the cast was able to perform with more intensity than in rehearsal, he said. “I think that’s really going to spark our confidence,” Atwell said.

Beresford was thrilled with how the flash mob went. “I thought they were energetic,” she said. “It was a lot of fun to watch them have an opening performance.” She plans to use a flash mob to prepare and promote every show from now on. “This is going to be a regular part of our process,” Beresford said.

— Bowling Green High School’s production of “Godspell” will be March 8-10 at the Capitol Arts Center.

Get Tickets Now: http://www.theskypac.com/event/godspell-presented-bowling-green-high-school-choral-department

SKyPAC to host VSA’s National Juried Exhibition Sustaining/Creating

The SKyPAC — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:35:17 +0000

Visual Art Exhibition to Display Works from 15 Emerging Artists with Disabilities
By: Faith Holley, SKyPAC Communications Manager

Bowling Green, KY (February 20, 2013) – The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center will exhibit the works of 15 emerging artists with disabilities organized by VSA, the international organization on arts and disability and an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This national touring exhibition will be in the Houchens Gallery of the Capitol Arts Center from March 4th through April 19th.

This year’s artists, ages 16-25, were asked to address the theme “Sustaining/Creating” by creating work that illuminates innovative viewpoints on sustainability and contemporary creativity. Beyond its scientific definition, sustainability references notions of responsibility and stewardship of our natural world in all facets of human interaction-from the environmental to the cultural. Sustainability also indicated the capacity to endure.

In their 11th year of collaboration, VSA and Volkswagen Group of America teamed up to recognize emerging artists with disabilities who demonstrate promise in the visual arts. The 15 award recipients were awarded a total of $60,000 and will display their work in the touring exhibition that began at the prestigious Smithsonian Institution.

“We are honored to present the VSA Exhibition: Sustaining/Creating with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The selected artworks support ideas of sustainability and personal voice. Each selected artist encourages the viewer to look more deeply into the ideas of sustainability, environment and endurance. Although you can’t take any of the artwork home; each visitor will want to make return trips to the gallery and will receive a free full color catalog,” said SKyPAC’s Education and Visual Arts Director Andee Rudloff.

Several workshops will also be offered in conjunction with this exhibit. For information about the exhibit or to schedule a tour of the exhibit, visit TheSKyPAC.com or contact Andee Rudloff at arudloff@TheSKyPAC.com or 270-904-5015.

Mark Nizer: 3D Juggler at SKyPAC February 9

The SKyPAC — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:47:54 +0000

The phrase “Nothing Less Than Brilliant” (Performance Magazine) has been used to describe the outrageous comedy antics and expertly crafted juggling feats of Mark Nizer.

He is scheduled to perform at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 7:30PM.

Mark Nizer is one of the greatest entertainment comedians and jugglers performing today. His wild exploits have landed him on MTV, HBO’s Just for Laughs, Arsenio Hall, Bob Hope and Other Young Comedians, Comic Strip Live and LA Law. He has opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Hope, George Burns, John Byner, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Ray Charles, and Barry Manilow. The late Bob Hope said, “He just keeps getting better and I didn’t think that was possible.”

Making the impossible possible and the improbable probable, Mark Nizer has taken his one-man show to a variety of venues around the world, including The Improv, The Comedy Store, Walt Disney World, numerous college campuses, and all major cruise lines. He has also performed in thousands of opera houses, civic centers, festivals and performing arts centers including the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (three times). Entertainment Magazine states, “Without a doubt the hottest juggler on the entertainment market, Mark Nizer is simply incredible.”

Don’t miss the combination of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology that promises a spellbinding evening. Whether juggling laser beams at 1000 rpms, or five ping pong balls being thrown 20 feet in the air using only his mouth; or even juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16-pound bowling ball, you’ll discover for yourself that Mark Nizer is truly “the juggler your mother warned you about.” Or if she didn’t, she should have.

Watch the video: http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/jiloTG1_3NU&fmt=18?rel=0

Purchase tickets now by calling 270-904-1880 or visit us online: http://www.theskypac.com/event/mark-nizer-3-d

Willie Nelson & Family to Perform on January 19th at SKyPAC

The SKyPAC — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:56:38 +0000

By Faith Holley, SKyPAC

Willie Nelson, the iconic Texan and creative genius behind historic recordings like “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “Red Headed Stranger,” and “Stardust” will perform at The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) on Saturday January 19th, 2013. He will be joined by Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.

In a career that spans six decades, Nelson has more than 200 albums in his catalog and has been in feature films such as “The Electric Horseman,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “Stagecoach.” He continues to thrive with ten new album releases in the last five years, two of which received Grammy Nominations, the debut of his first novel, and he remains the headliner of Farm Aid, an event he co-founded in 1985. His most recent release, “Heroes,” showcases new songs and deep country classics with a diverse list of guest artists including Merle Haggard, Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joe Shaver, Sheryl Crow, Jamey Johnson, and his sons Lukas Nelson and Micah Nelson.

“We are excited to have Willie Nelson perform at SKyPAC, he is a living legend and we look forward to the community’s response to this great opportunity to see him live in Bowling Green,” said Tom Tomlinson, SKyPAC Executive Director.

This will likely be a sell-out performance so it is suggested that interested patrons mark their calendars for Friday, December 7th at 11 a.m., when tickets will go on sale to the general public. Tickets will be available online at TheSKyPAC.com, by phone at 270-904-1880 or by visiting the SKyPAC ticket office at 601 College Street, Bowling Green.

SKyPAC membership offers many benefits including the opportunity for early ticket purchases before they open to the general public. Membership contributions are fully tax deductible and begin at $100. For more information about becoming a member contact Deb Stein at 904-5002 or dstein@TheSKyPAC.com.

# # #

About SKyPAC

SKyPAC Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, oversees the administration of the SKyPAC and the Capitol Arts Center facilities and programs. SKyPAC is a multi-use facility located in downtown Bowling Green, KY and has become a premier center for entertainment.

The SKyPAC facility includes a 1,800-seat state-of-the-art Performance Hall that serves as the home of Orchestra Kentucky; a 200-seat flexible Studio Theater for intimate productions and gatherings; several multi-functional rehearsal halls and classrooms for students, schools and local arts organizations to use as they prepare for live performances; an Amphitheater for ‘theater under the stars’ and an indoor art gallery space to exhibit the works of regional artists. The Capitol Arts Center provides a 750-seat Performance Hall and two art galleries, the Houchens Gallery and Mezzanine Gallery. For more information, visit www.TheSKyPAC.com or call (270) 904-5000.

The fabulous time I had in Monroe County! (the first time)

jsouthworth47 — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:47:46 +0000

First I would like to say sorry for the delay. Election Day, what craziness. However, here, as promised, is the continuation of my summer as an intern. This week: Monroe County! My first contact with Monroe began with getting in contact with Blanche Trimble – she was referred to me as “the Matriarch of Tompkinsville arts.” I’ll go ahead and spoil the surprise: I never met the lady, but we chatted several times on the phone. She always sounded cheerful and eager to help. Of course for that matter, so did everyone in Monroe.

After several talks with Blanche I headed out of Bowling Green along Hwy 100. On the map it seemed the most direct route, not only to Tompkinsville but to hit Fountain Run as well (Fountain Run has a park with an amphitheater that needed to be measured and documented), but Hwy 100 on the map does not take into account the slow moving tractors frequently utilizing said highway. So it took a bit. I should note the Fountain Run Park furnishes their patrons with some of the coolest outhouses too. The toilets are stone, and it was kind of awesome.

Anyway, at the far end of the park sat a little white house, and I needed some additional info. So I walked over to the porch. I was about to knock on the door when I noticed some deer skulls on the table outside and a skinning knife stuck in one of the porch supports. I knocked anyway, and inside met this young guy named Johnny, who was going to be deployed soon. He answered my questions about the park and then confided he had been one of the local contractors hired to help build SKyPAC. “Whoa! Really?” I said. He confirmed, and I shook his hand and headed off to T-ville.

The first place I looked for was the Monroe County Rolley-Hole Marble Super Dome. You can Google more specifics about the game if you want, or you can hang around with this blog for a while, and at some point I’ll post more specifically about the game, how to play and who does play, and other pertinent details about all things Rolley-Hole.

Tangent aside, I made my way through downtown T-ville with some half-baked directions, and at the fork in the road, I turned right when I should have made a left. About five miles down, I saw a couple of old guys: one was mowing the lawn and the other seemed to be flipping his socks inside out. I stopped and briefly explained about SKyPAC and cultural mapping and looking for Rolley-Hole arenas; they quickly began bickering whether I needed to go straight to the Super Dome or if the Bowman boys still played down by the market up the street or….well honestly, it went on for a bit and I started admiring the scenery until I heard directions.

Eventually the guy on the mower said, “Well you go up the street for a couple miles. You’ll go down a hill and there’s another hill after that one. Well down in between those two hills there’s a grocery store. The Bowman boys used to have a Rolley-Hole court down there and if they still play there I’m sure you’ll run into one of ‘em. The Super Dome is back the other way through the stop sign.” I said thanks and took leave toward the hills with the grocery store that might have a Rolley-Hole court. Really I just wanted to see the Super Dome, but I figured they went to so much trouble arguing about where I needed to go, I could be polite.

Well the grocery store was kind of tiny, and I wasn’t entirely sure if it was open. Eventually, after staring at it for a sec, I went in and grabbed a Sprite and asked the guy at the counter about the Rolley-Hole court and the Bowman boys and mentioned something about SKyPAC and cultural mapping. “Well,” he said, “if you go up this street you’ll see a barber shop on your left, and the Bowman’s house is as about as far away from that barber shop as we are from that stop sign.” He was pointing at a stop sign, “You see that stop sign there?” I did see the stop sign, and I told him as much. “Well their house is the brick one and if you go knock on the door, I’m sure they can answer your questions.” I said thanks and headed down the road to the Bowmans’.

Now the Bowmans were the Bowmans, but where I was going was actually the Waldens because a Bowman daughter had married a Walden but they’re still considered Bowmans. It still confuses me a bit, but they all turned out to be great people and went above anything I had expected. Anyway, I got to the door and Mrs. Walden answered. There was talk of SKyPAC and cultural mapping and she called up her son who was a couple houses down. His name is Ben, and he walked up the back trail where I was waiting next to the car. “You must be Ben!” I said. He was Ben, and there was more talk of SKyPAC and cultural mapping. He explained the gist of Rolley-Hole and briefly the history and handed me a couple Rolley-Hole marbles he had made out of river granite. “You want to watch me make one?” he asked. Of course I did.

Now why I didn’t get to meet with Blanche and take her to get some tasty barbecue like I had promised. We walked a couple houses down and Ben went through the whole process of picking out stones and grinding them down and all things Rolley-Hole marble-making related. Afterward his mom brought me a book about the history of the game. So I left there with three homemade Rolley-Hole marbles and a book explaining it all.

As I was leaving I asked again about the Super Dome. Ben looked at the time and figured it might be too late to catch anyone but told me the lights were on the left as you walk in the front door. I guess he saw this confused me (because I couldn’t imagine anyone could just walk in whenever they wanted and turn on the lights) so he offered to take me down there and show me how to play. As we left, Ben ran into his grandpa Colonel in the drive. The two talked for a bit and there was mention of SKyPAC and cultural mapping and the Monroe County Rolley-Hole Marble Super Dome. So Colonel hopped in Ben’s truck, and we headed off to Super Dome.

The two old guys with the socks and the mower had been right: I should have turned left when I turned right at the fork in the road, but it worked out because I still made it to the Super Dome. Now the Super Dome is tucked in back of the fairgrounds at the end of a dirt road, and it’s kind of a blue shack. I’m not going to explain too much because this is getting lengthy, and I already omitted the side jaunt to Mud Lick. I hung out with Ben and Colonel, and they showed me how to play Rolley-Hole (which I was no good at), then took leave to meet up with Blanche. Sadly, when I called it was too late, and she said she was already in her PJs. So instead we had another great phone chat, and I promised to get her barbecue some other time.

I swung by Gamaliel to catch the Thursday night bluegrass jam they hold at the town hall, but it ended right before I got there. I got some more stories about Monroe and the great people there, but I’ll get to that later. Maybe after I finally track down Blanche and buy her some barbecue.

Shrek The Musical – Fun & Games

The SKyPAC — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:24:54 +0000

With Shrek The Musical this weekend Shrek thought it would be fun to share with all his fairy tale friends some fun and games! Below are the super fun activities just click to download, print and play!

From a Summer Intern at SKyPAC

jsouthworth47 — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:06:59 +0000

This summer I interned for SKyPAC doing Community Engagement- a description while self-explanatory remains remarkably vague. This is a sentiment I felt even as I signed on for the program. Neither had I any idea how quickly the gears turn at this operation; being my first foray into the performing arts field, my expectations formed around my knowledge of theatre. My knowledge of theatre, though, lacked anything more than a handful of plays I participated in during high school.

Andee, my supervisor (you should know her cause she’s awesome), luckily had a plan- which turned out to be more like a mad scheme. Not mad for any absence of substance or vision but mad as in maddening because Andee doesn’t stop to train; she bowls you over with her positive attitude and you hit the ground running.

This is what I did: in order to be neighborly, SKyPAC reached out to other non-profit organizations, seeking gaffs that we could help fill. My job fell to be the greeting-and-handshake of new neighbors to these organizations. I visited the International Center, Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, and also some local businesses and other places. I worked to spread the word about our summer camp programs and applicable scholarships, handed out posters, passed along business cards, and spoke with representatives of the non-profits regarding their programs and how SKyPAC might be able to achieve their objectives. Oh and there were murals.

Keep in mind, this represents merely an introduction to my summer with SKyPAC, eventually my internship developed into a cultural mapping project of the arts in the BRADD (Barren River Area Development District) region to be divulged in the following weeks. The BRADD region is the ten county region centered around Warren County. It turned out to be more fulfilling than my original summer plans of canoeing every day, more fun, and a heck of lot more useful as far as life experience goes. I should note, I have no intention of entering these entries chronologically. Anyway, check back next week; I’ll tell you about Monroe County and Rolley Hole and bluegrass.

Sincerely,

Joseph

Auditions for Treasure Island and Little Women

The SKyPAC — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:01:36 +0000

Check out the Education page of our blog for information about the Treasure Island and Little Women Auditions. http://theskypac.wordpress.com/education