Welcome to the Mainstage Center for the Arts Blog

Mainstage Center for the Arts provides a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults. Using the performing arts as a catalyst for individual expression and growth, Mainstage enriches the quality of life for its South Jersey community.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Mainstage Center for the Arts
Contact:
http://ping.fm/gqSlu
...........................................





Help
us Continue the Magic at Summer Stage 2009!

Contributions to the Mainstage scholarship fund are tax deductible. Scholarship campaign ends June 3.




May 29, 2009

Dear Friends of Mainstage:

Well, the -Magic- with the scholarship fund is happening-to some degree. We have been pleased to hear from old and new friends, as well as a number of alumni. And very thankful for each one!

However, the amount collected from the e-mail campaign is about $800-little more than 1 full scholarship, or 3 partial ones for Summer Stage. We have had 8 requests already, and the estimated amount needed is at least $3,000 to provide partial scholarships for these children. If everyone on the e-mail list could give just $1, we would easily meet that goal of $3,000!

Many have contributed on-line through GoogleCheckout, or have been sending us checks with -scholarship- in the memo line. If sending us a check, mail to:

Mainstage Center for the Arts

@ Camden County College

PO Box 200

Blackwood, NJ 08012

The response has been heartening so far. Please keep it up. Remember no contribution is too small. Remember, too, the campaign will end on June 3. Let-s make this last week a special one for a lot of great kids!



Sincerely,

Joe Bretschneider Executive Director



Special Note: For contributions of $20 or more, you will receive our VIP Discount Card sponsored by Mainstage and the Cherry Hill Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Mainstage is looking for a music director for our children's theatre Program for Summer Stage. Piano skills a must. Must like kids!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Summer Stage Audition Workshop

Summer Stage Audition Workshop
for Children's Theatre and Guys and Dolls
Venue:Dennis Flyer Theatre, Camden County College
Time:1:00PM Sunday, May 31st

Summer Stage Audition Workshop with Renee Chambers

” How to Audition” Master Workshop with Broadway Veteran Renee Chambers Liciaga. Mrs. Liciaga has performed in such Broadway and Touring Companies of Westside Story, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, DreamGirls, and Evita just to name a few.

Renee will share her expertise of over 25 yrs in the Performing Arts Industry. In this Workshop the students will have hands on training in the area of Musical Theatre Audition Preparation.

Students will be taken in a step by step process of Vocal & Movement preparation as well as How to present themselves at an Audtion to ” book” the role!

So Come on out, and have and have fun while learning from one of our areas Broadway Theatre Professionals.

Class space is limited so sign up today

Monday, May 25, 2009

Mainstage Center for the Arts
Contact:
http://ping.fm/8Dc8i
...........................................



Help
us to Continue the Magic at Summer Stage






May 25, 2009


Dear Friends of Mainstage and Summer Stage:


You know -the Magic- of Summer Stage-that special feeling shared by hundreds of kids each year. However, this summer, some young people may not get a chance to share the magic. Unfortunately, Mainstage has lost a funder who gave scholarship money for those in very difficult financial circumstances. (A few scholarships were awarded last year for those who applied and met the requirements).


Here is how you can help: if you make a donation of $1, $5, $20-. or whatever you can, Mainstage can build a scholarship fund so some great kids can enjoy the magic of Summer Stage 2009.



Time is critical. This drive must end by June 3, so if you would like to contribute, please make your check out to -Mainstage- and put -scholarship- in the memo line and send to:

Mainstage Center for the Arts
Camden County College
PO Box 200
Blackwood, NJ 08012




You can also donate with a contribution online by clicking on our secure GoogleCheckout. ( http://ping.fm/c8vO6 ) Your contribution will be posted immediately and we welcome any amount, no matter the size. For those who contribute $20 or more, we will send you our new VIP Discount Card sponsored by Mainstage and the Cherry Hill Regional Chamber of Commerce. Your contribution is totally tax deductable, but in addition, with this card you will receive discounts to every show that Mainstage presents for an entire year along with great savings at local restaurants, shops, and services.

Thank you for your continued support of Mainstage. If everyone on this email list contributed just $1 each, we would be able to allow a number of children to attend this summer who would otherwise not be able. At this time when government grants and corporate giving have all but dried-up, community grass-roots organizations such as Mainstage depend more than ever on personal giving. We thank you for your consideration in this matter.


Sincerely,

Joe Bretschneider
Executive Director

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Summer Stage Auditions are Fun and Relaxed

Performers rarely call auditions fun and relaxed, but that’s exactly what they say about auditioning for Summer Stage Children’s Theatre productions. Summer Stage veterans enjoy the audition process so much that they can’t wait until June 10th, when this year’s auditions begin.

“The staff guides us through the audition so it’s very simple. It’s a great first audition for kids who’ve never done one before,” said Sean McLaughlin, of Washington Township. “The directors act like kids themselves. They bring up people who’ve participated in Summer Stage for years and have them help demonstrate good acting and bad acting.”

“And, they really put no pressure on you. They let you audition when you’re ready. If you want to do the speaking and dancing audition, but not the singing, it’s fine. You do what you’re comfortable with,” added Hillary Kurtz of Turnersville.

Auditions for children entering 6th through 12th grade for the productions of High School Musical 2, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., and Disney Spectacular will take place June 10, 16, and 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Each participant will receive everything they need at the auditions, but they must have previously registered for Summer Stage’s seven-week Children’s Theatre program or register the evening of the auditions. This program is designed to excite and encourage young people with an interest in the arts and to help them develop confidence and self esteem. Everyone who registers and auditions receives the opportunity to perform in the shows; no child is eliminated.

“The atmosphere at Summer Stage auditions, and the whole program, is so open and supportive. You make so many friends here. And, if anything concerns you the staff are so easy to talk to,” said Tom Shaw of Pine Hill.

Tom is 15 and is entering his eighth year of Summer Stage. For children who start young as he did, Summer Stage offers Kids Stuff and Apprentice five-week, half-day programs (with a full day option) designed just for children entering second through fifth grades. These programs culminate with their own musical revue. There is no audition for these programs, but those wishing to perform must be registered members of either the Kids Stuff or Apprentice programs.

For more information on Summer Stage and all Mainstage Center for the Arts programs, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (856) 227-3091.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program for Summer Stage, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to providing a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is also made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Cultural Trust.
Strengthen your audition skills at Mainstage Center for the Arts Audition Workshop presented by professional actress and Broadway veteran Renee Chambers Liciaga on Sunday, May 31, 1 to 4 p.m., Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, 200 College Drive, Blackwood, NJ.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Summer Stage Tech Program is now filled to capacity. We are taking names on a waiting list. Apprentice Program is filling fast.
http://ping.fm/OxyGB

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Friday, May 31 - Audition Workshop for Children’s Theatre and Guys and Dolls – ALL AGES –see web site: www.mainstage.org

Friday, May 8, 2009

The Apprentice Program and teck crew at Summer Stage are filling up fast. Be sure to get your registration in. Video program is at capacity and is closed.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Summer Stage '09 Open House and Preview Performance tonight at 6:30 pm at CCC. Come up and see us.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Be sure to attend the Summer Stage '09 Open House on Wednesday, at 6:30 PM. See the preview, meet the staff, hear about the newest programs.