This week on the podcast, Isaac Bont and Brooke Smith chatted alot about the upcoming summer youth camps (titled Art in Action Camps), teaching the summer company to be arts educators, and a little about Brooke's first year anniversary being on the St. Croix Festival Theatre staff! For more information about the upcoming summer camps (there's still a few slots available in each camp) check out http://www.festivaltheatre.org/art-in-action.html

Here's the transcript!

Isaac
H!.
 
Brooke
Hi!
 
Isaac
Thanks for doing this thing with me. I think the first one went pretty well and people were excited and wanting to check it out. It's almost been a year that you've been working here which is pretty exciting. I have a lot of questions about that. But first, let's slate. Who are you?
 
Brooke
I am Brooke Smith and I'm the arts education director and an artistic associate here at Festival Theatre!
 
Isaac
Of course, I want to talk to you on the podcast anytime because you and I started around the same time and it's interesting to hear from the staff what their lives are like. But I definitely wanted to get you on right now because I know art in action is debuting in a couple weeks so I figured this would be another good chance to approach that from a different avenue and keep getting the word out.
 
Brooke
Yes art in action! Yay!
 
Isaac
Yay! Can you tell me a little bit about art in action? What is it?
 
Brooke
So art in action is our week long theatre summer camp. We do five of those. So it's five weeks, but they're all in different places, which is great because we can bring our philosophy and our teaching artists at Festival Theatre to different cities around St. Croix Falls to different people who we may not have met before at our weeklong summer camp. It's all about process-based learning and allowing our campers to take a hold of the creative process themselves. They will come in and they will create their own play from a game that we play together on the first day. They will be cast in it. They will come up with designs for a set with costume designs. At the end of the week they will put on a play for their family members or friends or anyone who wants to come and see it. It's always a wonderful really inspiring experience to see these young people take hold of these ideas and make it their own.
 
Isaac
Yeah. I like the sounds of that because it sounds like it really approaches theatre from a very broad perspective. A lot of times when people think of theatre camps as acting, acting, acting. But it sounds like it kind of goes through a lot of the different processes of theatre which I think is really neat.
 
Brooke
Yeah. Definitely because they are starting up creating a story that's playwriting right there 101 and then they get to also think about technical elements like scenic design. They do paint their own backdrop which is a very fun, messy day for all of us.
 
Isaac
So, you said that the story is brought up by a game that happens on the first day. Is it kind of an improv game in a way, or what is that game like?
 
Brooke
Yeah, definitely! It's a game called Story Ball. So one person starts with a ball or any sort of object (it doesn't have to be a ball) and passes it around the circle and when ball is in your hand it's your turn to add something else to the story. The only real rule is that you can't negate anything that was said before you. So you can add whatever you want, you just can't take away something that someone else has said.
 
Isaac
That's so "Yes and"! Classic improv! Improv starts tonight! .
 
Brooke
Woo-hoo!
 
Isaac
Do you remember one of the stories from art in action or a brief example of either if you've trained recently with the teaching company of this year or a story that happened? Like a brief synopsis of what came about from Story Ball?
 
Brooke
Yes. One of my favorites from last year was a story called "Gus!" Exclamation point and it was about a police chicken working at a local mall who had to stop a group of young adult shoplifters. And the twist was you find out at the end that the chicken's name is Gus. So that's where the title comes from.
 
Isaac
Wow! I would watch that!
 
Brooke
Yeah it was beautiful.
 
Isaac
I would watch adults put that on, but kids? That would be delightful! So last year, you went through the process of being taught art in action to be a teaching artist. This year, you're teaching the teaching artists how to be teaching artists. Can you talk about what that's like or  how that transition has been and how Brook Smith teaches art in action in a different way? How do you put your own flavor on it as the arts education director?
 
Brooke
Yeah, definitely. So you know last year I was a teaching artist and I did three of the four camps that we did last year so I got a lot of experience which was really great. It's really nice to be able to bring that experience into teaching teaching artists. The biggest thing that I have found helpful in teaching other teachers is making sure everything's very clear, which was really well laid out by my predecessor, Rachel Kuhnle, who is fantastic and lovely and wonderful.
 
Isaac
Yeah, she's great.
 
Brooke
So she had a lot of that information laid out in all these beautiful documents. So it's been so easy to take that over and then take it into the classroom with our interns this year and give them some real hands on experience. This year, I guess a little differently, we've delved more into the psychology of ourselves as teaching artists. We talk a lot about teacher personas as well as the co-teaching relationship. So at art in action, every teacher has a co-teacher; you are both co-teachers for the week. So you always have someone in the room with you helping you out and playing the games and being in the plays. So it's very integrated and fun. And we are a true co-teachers. There are different sorts of co-teaching philosophies like "one teach one observe". That's not as helpful for us. We need both teachers to be just as engaged even if they're not necessarily the person leading the game. So it's been a really great experience seeing how our teaching artists are learning to deal with that and learning to work with each other. And this week, actually, they will all go into turns being co teachers and they will have a great time I'm sure and do wonderfully.
 
Isaac
How do you figure out that different philosophies like "both teachers need to be engaged"? How do you figure that out? Just from the experience of running these camps last year?
 
Brooke
Yeah, I think a lot of it is just experience doing it, but also and this goes along with experience, it's seeing how the kids react. If we've got two people who are equally engaged, then the kids are going to be equally engaged. We always say that our best classroom management tool is our teaching persona. So if we come in and we are excited to be there and we are jumping in and having a great time then everyone else will too. And that's pretty much the case across the board. We have very few classroom management issues, which you know, speaks to obviously we're in a great region with some great kids, but it also speaks to the power of our teaching artists and the way they come in and take control of the room and make sure everyone's having a great time.
 
Isaac
Any funny or weird anecdotes about this process of teaching your summer company? Anything crazy happen?
 
Brooke
Last week, they have all been experimenting with their facilitation of games which means that while they are facilitating, the rest of us get to be children. So that has obviously been a wonderful time as they all tap into their little child selves and show us exactly what they were like as children and it's exactly what you think if you have met any of these people. So you've got people who are very strict rule followers and then kids who are fun little weirdos who will say whatever comes to their mind, which is true for you know the kids who will be at camp. But it's also true for us when we think back to ourselves as children.
 
Isaac
That's funny. Yeah now we're all fun big weirdos. I can see how that personality would translate. That would be a fun exercise. While you're on staff here, you also said you're an artistic associate and I feel like summer is where things get crazy for the Arts Education Director because you've got Marvelous Wonderettes. Four girls, they're onstage singing almost the entire time and then Fools, you've got a great part and a huge part in Crimes of the Heart. There's also improv going on. There's a whole lot going on for the arts education director this summer at Festival Theatre. How are you doing with all that?
 
Brooke
I think I'm doing well. So far you know we're still at the beginning, but we've already got a lot of balls in the air. We've got the resource guides that come out with every show that tell a little about the show and that's Arts Ed. And then we've got teacher training shows, like you said, in improv. We really have a great team of interns this year. I mean, we always do. But this year, you know they're so willing to jump in and help out with everything. It's been so helpful. I'm so proud of them. Just how they're handling all the work that comes their way because sometimes they have more than I do when they come in for work calls: to paint and everything. They're so willing to help each other, which is very helpful for all of us on staff, I think, when they can jump in and help each other with things.
 
Isaac
Yeah, they're a good group.
 
Brooke
So they have really made things a lot easier than I ever could have imagined. Though obviously, it is a busy summer and it will continue to be a busy summer. But it's all things I love. So it's a wonderful time.
 
Isaac
You're doing great work. I love watching you perform. I love watching your arts education stuff. You're an inspiration. Thank you for your time.
 
Brooke
Thank you.
 
Isaac
I look forward to hearing more about art in action camp. The first one is in two weeks?
 
Brooke
Yes, our first one is July 15th in St. Croix Falls. The next week we are back in St. Croix Falls, so two in St. Croix Falls. Then we are in luck. Then Grantsburg then finishing it out in Scandia.
 
Isaac
And if somebody were, to say, want to find more information they can go to our Web site?
 
Brooke
Yes, they can go to our website: festivaltheatre.org or come into the box office. We have registration forms here in our lobby and we also have posters hanging up that say a little more about it.
 
Isaac
Super! Actually one last question! I probably won't get around to interviewing you again before you've officially been here for a year. So, what are your thoughts a year into being on staff at Festival Theatre?
 
Brooke
It doesn't feel like a year at all. I guess, because we move very quickly here. So that takes away some of the time, but also because it hasn't felt like work. It's been so fun to be around my friends and to be around this community that loves us so much, and who we love so much, that it's gone by so quickly! It doesn't feel like it's been a year at all.
 
Isaac
That's great! All right. Thank you Brooke.
 
Brooke
​Thank you Isaac.
 

Festival Theatre Announces Youth Auditions for
The Diary of Anne Frank
Thursday May 9, 4:00 pm - 6:15 pm*
Friday May 10, 4:00 pm - 6:15 pm*
*Auditions will be held in 45 minute time slots. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4fa4ac28a5f49-auditions

Did you know auditions for The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood are happening on the same day? 
Check out some more info about that here!

ABOUT THE SHOW: A living, lyrical, gifted girl confronts her rapidly changing life and the horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination. The Diary of Anne Frank captures the daily existence of the eight people hiding in that attic—their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief.
A PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP will be held Saturday, April 27 at 10 am. The audition workshop will take approximately 45 mins and will provide some basic audition coaching. Youth will receive an introduction to the stage area, a few vocal & physical exercises, and a “pep talk” for how to prepare for their audition. Youth should dress comfortably and be well-rested.  If you have never auditioned for Festival Theatre, we highly encourage you to attend this workshop!  Parents are urged to attend as well. Please register in advance for the PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP through SignUpGenius at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4fa4ac28a5f49-preaudition
WHO: We are looking for between 3 and 4 actors ages 13+. Two to three girls for the roles of Anne, Margot, and Miep. One boy for the role of Peter
PERFORMANCES:
The Diary of Anne Frank                    
2:00pm:     10/6, 10/12, 10/13, 10/19, 10/20
7:30pm: 10/5, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/26
**Additional yet-to-be scheduled student matinee dates not included

REHEARSALS for The DIary of Anne Frank  will begin approximately the week of September 2nd. To aid us in creating a successful rehearsal calendar, please be as accurate and detailed as possible with known and potential conflicts on audition registration form. A complete rehearsal schedule will be made available to cast members at the first  rehearsal.

What is needed for the AUDITION?

• PLEASE REGISTER in advance by email (preferred) or telephone for a specific audition time slot.
• TO REGISTER: sign-up for a timeslot through SignUpGenius at this link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4fa4ac28a5f49-auditions

• A COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM with all scheduling conflicts during the listed rehearsal and performance schedules.  Registration forms can be received via e-mail or picked up at Festival Theatre.

A physical copy of the registration form will be accepted at time of audition, not before. ​

• A RECENT PHOTO (headshot preferred – school photo is fine) and a list of any performance experiences, classes, or performance camps. Please attach the photos and list to the registration form.  Photos will not be returned.
• PERFORM A MEMORIZED MONOLOGUE (30-45 seconds only – not longer). Choose a piece from a play, a poem, very short story, part of a story, or even a joke.
• ARRIVE FIVE TO TEN MINUTES EARLY FOR A PROMPT START. Late arrivals will be rescheduled if space allows. Arrive well-rested, dressed comfortably for movement, with a ready attitude for small group activities.

**NOTE: This is a joint audition with our 2019 Youth and Family Series production of The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood. Youth actors may indicate on their registration form they would like to be considered for both, however they may only be cast in one due to overlapping rehearsal schedules. If you would like to be considered for both, register for ONLY ONE audition slot and indicate both on your registration form.
Can parents/guardians watch the auditions?
In order to provide a safe and distraction-free environment for all participating youth, we ask that youth NOT have their adults along in the audition space. However, if it seems essential to be present, one parent/guardian may request to be present at the back of the theatre and must be completely quiet. Siblings or friends who are not auditioning may NOT attend.  Requests must be made at least six hours in advance of audition.

Are there some favorite roles you wish to have mention?
Some favorite roles include Bluebeard (Bluebeard's Dollhouse), Leonardo Da Vinci (Flying & Falling), Van Helsing (Dracula), Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro), Mr. Peachum (The Threepenny Opera), Collatinus (The Rape of Lucretia), and Bottom (A Midsummer Night's Dream). Here at Festival I've loved all my roles, but Sancho Panza (Man of La Mancha) is my favorite so far! 

Are there any aspects of your training in the theatre arts that you wish to share?
My first official training the theatre arts that was legitimately lifechanging came from the absolutely incredible Kym Longhi, as she shared a physical acting methodology known as Margolis Method with me my sophomore year in college. It's this incredible style that focuses on the energy between actors, objects, audiences, and everything. Anybody who has the slightest interest in theatre work would do well to look into Margolis Method workshops held in Minneapolis by the wonderful Combustible Company! The UMN - Twin Cities BA program was wonderfully eclectic and extremely helpful in learning about many different forms of theatre-making and their faculty is full of incredible artists and people that also happen to put their all into helping their students succeed.

Festival Theatre is so lucky that you've joined the full time staff! What are you most looking forward to about your new job?
Festival has been so vital to my own growth as a professional performing artist. Not only is the work incredibly high quality, but the culture of Festival Theatre is warm, inviting, and vibrant. It's an honor to be a part of that culture, and as marketing director, I am delighted to find the best ways to invite this community to share in that. Festival first shared it with me and it was lifechanging, and I can't wait to share it with the community at large as best as I can!

      Festival Theatre was lucky to get to chat a little with Colleen Raye this week about her upcoming show (That'll Be the Day: The Music of Gene Pitney, Linda Rondstadt, and Roy Orbison) showing only this Friday, and some of her experiences in the life of a performing artist/musician! Check out some of her great insights in this quick Q&A!

Festival Theatre - What was the creative spark or genesis of "That'll Be the Day"? How does putting a show like this together look?
Colleen Raye - For this particular show, Wayne Luchau had been singing Roy Orbison/Gene Pitney for years and wanted to collaborate to book more shows. I decided to write a show around that music, add a female singer, and write the dialogue between songs. I wrote the show, paced it out. You know, when you create a show, it’s different than just going song to song, you want to be uptempo for one, say something funny between, a little bit of comedy, find the right time for ballads, having a closer that’s meaningful. There’s more to building a show like this than what people might think.

Festival Theatre - As a performing artist/musician, with lots of shows under your belt, do you have any interesting or funny anecdotes or experiences recently in your performance work? Any cool or crazy venues?
Colleen Raye - I’ve performed for hundreds of shows professionally, so I’ve been everywhere from the nightclubs of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Philadelphia, all over the nation in some of the biggest showrooms, television, etc. So I’ve had some very embarrassing stage moments! What do you do? You just laugh it off! Everything from falling flat on my face walking on stage, to hairpieces flying off, in some of the biggest places like Las Vegas! You just gotta laugh it off! By this time, I’ve gone through almost anything, and you learn you gotta roll with it. That’s live entertainment. You know, what’s funny, when that does happen, and you’re not embarrassed about it, people are with you. They love it! They love when you make fun of yourself, because you feel connected!

Festival Theatre - You wrote this show, as well as many of your other shows (such as Sirens of the 60's and the upcoming Christmas Show). Is there something in your shows that audiences might be able to see as an artistic handprint of yours if they're looking?  
Colleen Raye - All of my shows have this; first of all, high quality musicians and singers. The big thing I want is I want to reach the audience with the music, with our personalities. Because I really do believe that when you’re up on the stage, you’re not just performing for the people, you’re connecting with the audience. After each show, we love going out to the lobby, and connecting more with the audience after. We have a little bit of sing along, a little comedy, some touching moments, and also the way they’re paced, they move very smoothly. It’s not “oh hey, what’s the next song” with dead time, it moves very smoothly and professionally. You walk out of there feeling like you had a good time, were involved, and you had an experience.
​
Don't Miss "That'll Be the Day": A Colleen Raye Production:
Wayne Luchau, Colleen Raye,Debbie O’Keefe and The Echoes Rock and Roll Band performing the dynamic music of Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstadt, and Gene Pitney.  You’ll hear your favorites including Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman”, “You Got It,”  “Crying,” Gene Pitney’s “Town Without Pity,” “24 Hours From Tulsa,” “Liberty Valence,” and Linda Ronstadt’s “Blue Bayou,” “That’ll Be The Day” and “Desperado.”  Filled with stories and humor as well as masterful musicianship and impressive vocals, the show will take you on an emotional, energetic and nostalgic journey you won’t forget.

"That'll Be the Day" shows only on Friday, September 28th at Alliance Church of the Valley in St. Croix Falls, WI!
Reserve your tickets at the link below today!
​https://festivaltheatre.secure.force.com/ticket#sections_a0F2A00000TYbVEUA1

Festival Theatre is thrilled to welcome new Arts Education Director and Artistic Associate Brooke Smith! Brooke is joining the Festival Theatre staff after completing her summer apprenticeship. Audiences will remember Brooke from her roles in The Fantasticks and Elephant's Graveyard. ​

Where did you grow up and what were your earliest performance art activities?
I grew up in Bristol, TN, which shares a border with Bristol, VA. It’s home to the “World’s Fastest ½ Mile,” the Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR track. My earliest performance art activity was the 3rd grade Christmas play at my elementary school. It was about a school putting on a Christmas play, and I had a big solo that talked about how I was going to take over the production and be a terrible tyrant, which has been a common thread in many of my other performance art activities since then.

Where did you study and/or earn your degree (special awards, etc.)
I received a B.A. in Theatre from the University of South Carolina where I performed in 15 productions over 4 years. I was a recipient of the Helen Hayes Undergraduate Outstanding Contribution Scholarship, as well as the Columbia Free Times Personal Favorite Performer of 2016.

What were you up to before joining us this summer?
This past year I have been living back in Tennessee with my family and working as an Instructional Assistant at a middle school while preparing to (hopefully) return to school for an MFA in Acting in the near future.

Are there some favorite roles you wish to have mention?
I was recently Olivia in Twelfth Night, which was definitely a favorite. While in college, I was also in a one-woman show called Grounded about a female fighter pilot who switches over to piloting drones, which was very challenging and powerful. I also loved both of my roles in our summer season here as Bellomy in The Fantasticks and the Tour Manager in Elephant’s Graveyard!

Are there any aspects of your training in the theatre arts that you wish to share?
While at the University of South Carolina, most of my training was focused specifically on performance, however, I was also a student employee of the Lab Theatre, our campus’ smaller, black box space, so I have a little bit of experience on the technical side of things, including house management and box office work, as well as set and prop building. In school, I was also very lucky to get to work on two premiere performances of shows with the playwrights themselves, one of which has gone on to publication: Herculine and Lola by Dipika Guha in the Center for Performance Experiment and Player King by Ryan Stevens in the Lab Theatre.

If you could use one word to describe your apprenticeship with Festival Theatre, what would it be?
Great-experience! (I’m cheating)

Festival Theatre is so lucky that, after a successful apprenticeship, you’ve decided to stay! What are you most looking forward to about your new job?
I’m most looking forward to really getting integrated into the community. I’ve met so many wonderful people during my time here so far, and I’m so excited to get to become a part of their world while getting to continue to make art. I couldn’t imagine anything better.

What are you most looking forward to artistically at Festival Theatre?
We have our Youth and Family series production of Cinderella coming up which is SO EXCITING. I’ve gotten to sit in on several of their rehearsals and the work that the actors and Jackie, the director, have put into it is so beautiful. So, I’m super excited to get to see that one go up as my first Y&F show as Arts Education Director. We also have our production of Little Women coming in the fall, which has a beautifully written script and a youth-led cast! I’ll be in that one, so I’m super excited to get to work with all of the actors and tell such a beautiful story. Then, to finish up our Fall/Winter Season, we have Miracle on 34th Street. There will be several guest artists coming in for that one, and it’s sure to be full of Christmas cheer and holiday spirit! I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

What is one fun fact about Brooke Smith?
Like the previous Arts Education Director, Rachel Kuhnle, I also have a twin sister! Her name is Jordan, and she’s a 6th grade English and Social Studies teacher.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Yes! It’s from Harry Potter. I think about it all the time, and I made my sister put it up as a part of the decorations in her classroom. “It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” There’s also a quote from The Great Gatsby that I’ve started to think about a lot as I’ve gotten older that sort of follows the same vein. “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone...just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.”

What do you like to do for fun?
I like to read and do a little free writing, as well as play volleyball, swim, and play with my dogs. Also, I recently visited Franconia Sculpture Park for the first time, which was super fun, so I foresee myself doing that a lot more in the very near future!

What is most important to you as a theatre artist? What is a value you hold as a theatre artist?
The most important thing to me as a theatre artist is accessibility. To me, this means making theatre available for as many people as possible, as well as creating and producing works in which people are able to see characters like themselves. This goes along with a value that I hold as a theatre artist, which is authenticity. Even if we’re doing the strangest, most surreal play, there still has to be something authentic about it to reach people. And, theatre can’t be truly authentic in our world without showcasing a diverse group of people and their experiences.

If you were on a desert island and could only have 3 things, what would they be?
I would have my fully charged iPod and then probably two books. Wild by Cheryl Strayed, which a friend gave me and I am right in the middle of finishing, and then maybe an old favorite like Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, or maybe I’d just cop out and take a Harry Potter book.

If you could have a super power, but you had to choose between either flying or the ability to become invisible, which would you choose?
Flying! I’m very afraid of flying in airplanes, but if I could just fly on my own I think I’d love it. And, I’d be able to travel to places much faster.

As the summer season comes to an end, Festival Theatre says goodbye to Arts Education Director Rachel Kuhnle and Marketing Director Josiah Laubenstein, resident married couple and staff members since January 2017. 

Josiah and Rachel have accepted positions at the Commonweal Theatre Company in Lanesboro, Minnesota - a small professional theatre located about 50 minutes southeast of Rochester. Josiah first performed with Festival Theatre in 2010 in Is He Dead? and A Christmas Carol. Rachel came to Festival in the 2015 season performing in Little Shop of Horrors and A Streetcar Named Desire and directing The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged].

Since arriving on staff in 2017, Josiah and Rachel have directed or acted in nearly every production of the past two seasons. It’s been a busy, but productive and rewarding two years for the both of them and they are very grateful to the community and staff for their love and support. 

What are some of your favorite performances on the Festival Theatre stage?

Josiah: Too many to count, honestly. They’ve all been fun and artistically rewarding. I will always have a deep love for my first performance out here, Is He Dead? - many of the cast members of that show have remained dear friends in my life. Recently I’ve been very proud of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, and The Amish Project which I was able to direct (Rachel acted in it and it’s special and wonderful to collaborate on something artistic with a loved one.) And also Leading Ladies in which I got to work with some of my best friends (many of whom were in the cast of Is He Dead? 8 years ago - 8 years?!?! Really?!?! Time flies when you’re having fun!) and my mother was able to come see me in a dress. 

Rachel: It was really special for me to perform the one woman play The Amish Project. I’m really grateful to everyone who was able to see the show. Other than that, I loved working with Josiah, Jackie and Steven in A Streetcar Named Desire with director Mark Baer back in 2015 and I feel so lucky to have gotten to be a part of the 2017 all-female production of 1776! I still can’t believe we pulled that off - kudos to director Seth Kaltwasser. Overall, though… the most fun I’ve had performing a role was definitely as Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors. Shout out to my Audrey II squad!

What will you miss most about Festival Theatre?

Josiah: The people. It’s rare to find a group of people so dedicated to improving the arts in a small community. Festival Theatre has brought me in contact with so many wonderful people, many of whom I keep in contact with today. It’s a blessing to have spent time in such a beautiful place. I honestly can say it’s been one of the most impactful places artistically and personally. It’s like a second home.

Rachel: I will miss all the awesome theatre artists I have met and had the chance to collaborate with through Festival Theatre - the theatre has been able to attract some really quality people! But I will miss directing for the Youth & Family series most of all. I am really proud of both youth shows that I was privileged enough to direct (Children of Mystery River and Peter Pan.) Festival Theatre is so lucky to have some wonderful youth actors and such supportive families in our community. It always meant so much to me personally and artistically to see our young actors connecting with the themes of the plays and relating them to their lives. My hope for them all is to keep pushing themselves as actors, but to also explore all aspects of theatre including directing, designing, and writing! And remember - you don’t have to sit around, waiting to be cast. You can always make your own theatre!

What will you miss the most about the St. Croix valley?

Rachel: I loved living in Taylors Falls and being able to walk down by the river whenever I wanted to. I’ll miss riding my bike through Interstate Park. I’ll miss Franconia. I’ll miss getting root beer floats from the Drive In. I’ll miss Loggers.

Josiah: Can I say the people again? It’s hard to not pick that for pretty much every question. I have a soft spot in my heart for the trails around here. Interstate Park is a great park (both sides, but I like the WI side better) and the Ice Age Trail and Wert Nature Preserve have provided me countless hours of walking pleasure. Also The Vegetarian, bar none, the best Indian food I’ve had. 

Do you have a single memory that sums up your time here? 

Josiah: It’s hard to pick one, amidst all the joy and love. I don’t know that I can say. But I will say that whenever autumn rolls around I will think of this place and wish I was here. 

Rachel: Directing Tom Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound in the black box was one of the most rewarding and challenging things I’ve ever done. Memories from that time will always be close to my heart. I feel so lucky to have gotten so many wonderful directing opportunities at Festival Theatre.

Tell us more about where you’re going. What are you looking forward to? 

Josiah: The Commonweal Theatre is in Lanesboro, MN, about 3 hours south of here. I’ll be a Marketing Associate down there as well as an actor in the company. Similar to here, they produce year-round theatre. It’s located on the Root River. There’s actually a lot of similarities to here. And I am looking forward to new experiences. As actors we have a strange chance to travel and move around for work. It’s tiring at times, but always renewing. 

Rachel: I will be the new Company Manager and part of the resident ensemble. I am looking forward to playing on a whole new playground! Do be sure to come visit!

Any parting words? 

Josiah: This is a unique thing, Festival Theatre. Cherish it. Don’t take it for granted. It occupies a special place for many artists and audience members alike. Cherish it. Did I already say that? Cherish it. 

Rachel: “Remember me, in light.” (Henry, The Fantasticks)

ABOUT THE SHOW: A holiday classic for all ages, Miracle on 34th Street asks us all, "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"  It's the trial of the century when Kris Kringle takes on the skeptics in this time-honored, holiday show - one that is sure to have you believing in miracles.
A PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP There will be no pre-audition workshop for this audition.
WHO: We are looking for 4-5 youth actors. We have a strong need for a few actors between the ages 7-12. A couple of the roles could be for any youth actor between the ages 7-18.
PERFORMANCES:
Miracle on 34th Street                    
2:00pm:     11/25, 11/27, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23
7:30pm: 11/24, 11/29, 11/30, 12/1, 12/2, 12/6, 12/7, 12/8, 12/13, 12/14, 12/15, 12/20, 12/21, 12/22
**Additional yet-to-be scheduled student matinee dates not included

REHEARSALS for Miracle on 34th Street will begin approximately Oct 29.  To aid us in creating a successful rehearsal calendar, please be as accurate and detailed as possible with known and potential conflicts on audition registration form. A complete rehearsal schedule will be made available to cast members at the first rehearsal.
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What is needed for the AUDITION?

• PLEASE REGISTER in advance by e-mail (preferred) or telephone for a specific audition time slot.
  
• TO REGISTER: e-mail or call the box office to register for the audition. Hours: T-F, 10 am - 3 pm
  

festivaltheatreboxoffice@gmail.com OR  715-483-3387

• A COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM with all scheduling conflicts during the listed rehearsal and performance schedules.  Registration forms can be received via e-mail or picked up at Festival Theatre.
  

• A RECENT PHOTO (headshot preferred – school photo is fine) and a list of any performance experiences, classes, or performance camps. Please staple the photos and list to the registration form.  Photos will not be returned.
  
• PERFORM A MEMORIZED MONOLOGUE (30-45 seconds only – not longer).  Choose a piece from a play, a poem, very short story, part of a story, or even a joke.
  
• ARRIVE FIVE TO TEN MINUTES EARLY FOR A PROMPT START. Late arrivals will be rescheduled if space allows. Arrive well-rested, dressed comfortably for movement, with a ready attitude for small group activities.
  

Can parents/guardians watch the auditions?
In order to provide a safe and distraction-free environment for all participating youth, we ask that youth NOT have their adults along in the audition space.  However, if it seems essential to be present, one parent/guardian may request to be present at the back of the theatre and must be completely quiet. Siblings or friends who are not auditioning may NOT attend.  Requests must be made at least six hours in advance of audition.