To say Dean's contribution to live theater is outstanding does not even begin to scratch the surface. He has participated on our production team in a number of ways over five years. He's gone way beyond pushing the "GO" button behind our sound board. Dean has composed music and created sound cues for a number of shows, most notably Bike America, for which he composed the full soundtrack as his senior project. Our 2018 summer production required Dean to commit countless hours of composing, editing, and working with the rest of the cast and tech crew through rehearsals and performances. Missi Smith, the show's director, was thrilled with Dean's artistic interpretation through music, and she loved how his work enhanced the production.
Though he has typically remained behind the scenes in the tech booth, Dean recently went in front of the audience in our Reader's Theater production of A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Adding another whole level of risk, and stepping even further out of his normal comfort zone, he became a strong advocate for those living with autism while teaching his fellow cast members about his own experiences with it. His participation on stage, for the first time ever, greatly enhanced the production. The guy can act, too! Our founders, Carolanne and Egon Steinebach took huge risks to begin The Merc Playhouse Society. They committed to building a theater that has grown into a community gem over the past 20 years. Without their countless hours of work, their dedication to live performing arts, and their inspired vision, we wouldn't be the organization we are today. We are happy to honor people in our theater community who show the same type of dedication to live performing arts, and Dean could not be more deserving of the award this year. Dean is graduating from Liberty Bell High School in May. He will be greatly missed at The Merc while he bravely ventures out into his future, but we are certain he has many successes ahead of him. We just hope he comes back to see us once in a while, and maybe work on some more shows... Now hiring a Facilities Cleaning and Maintenance Person! The Facilities Personnel is responsible for cleaning and maintaining The Merc’s Facility, including:
Approximately 20 - 25 hours per month. Flexible schedule to the extent it follows the calendar of events. Weekends necessary. The Merc Playhouse connects curious seekers through live theater. The Merc’s staff enjoys the creative process involved with making magic onstage in a lively and energetic theater space. We make connections and interact with The Methow Valley community while engaging in performing arts. We have fun and work hard to create quality live theater and we are looking for a new member to our team. We look forward to meeting you! To Apply: download an application here. Return application via email to Missi or mail to PO Box 425 Twisp, WA 98856.
The Tom Zbyszewski Children's Theater at The Merc Playhouse proudly presents "Charlotte's Web"! Showing March 15-24. Thurs-Sat @7pm, Sunday @2pm. Click here to purchase tickets! July 22nd - 27th 10 AM - 4 PM We are pleased to announce exciting plans for summer camp this year! Along with our well-loved and totally fun week of Musical Theater Camp that culminates in a musical production at the end of the week, we have added a new option for our growing pre-teen and teen bunch of actors. Drama Camp, for students in 7th grade through 12th grade, will focus on further developing acting skills, and this camp will culminate in the performance of a one-act play. Both camps are happening the week of July 22nd - 27th and offer public performances on Friday, July 26th and Saturday, July 27th. The Details:
Tuition: $250 $100 deposit due at registration scholarships available, email Missi or call 509.997.7529 for information and application
Meet the Summer 2019 Camp Staff:With their combined experience and areas of expertise, our team of camp instructors is looking forward to providing an enriching and fun week of theater development.
We are thrilled to have Megan Hicks return to Twisp to lead her 7th summer camp with us! She is a director, actor, and choreographer from the Puget Sound and teaches junior high drama and English. She looks forward to working with new and returning campers to build theatre skills and create well rounded characters! And in a serendipitous turn of events, we are so lucky to bring you Julie Wenzel! Julie has been involved with theater since she was a child. She has a BA in the theater from the University of WA with a specialization in children's theater. Previously the Artistic Director of The Merc Playhouse, she is currently the Development Director of Fidalgo DanceWorks and is working to complete her masters degree in counseling from Seton Hall University. Added to this powerhouse is Jane Orme, a veteran teacher at Liberty Bell Jr. Sr. High and a Merc board member. Jane has directed a number of shows at The Merc over the past four years, and before that she directed at Liberty Bell for over two decades! She is currently working with our children directing Charlotte's Web and last year helped direct Rikki Tikki Tavi. Missi Smith, The Merc's Executive Director, helped direct Rikki Tikki Tavi last year and before that Peter Pan. She has been dancing since she was a child and has choreographed at The Merc since working with Julie on The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. She has worn nearly every hat at The Merc from actor, to board member, to staff member. She is thrilled to be working with this team of instructors and can't wait to see all the kids this summer! Each of these instructors will work with both camps in a number of ways throughout each day. They are excited for a fun-filled week with all of you!! Join us this summer! "A Seussified Christmas Carol" runs 12/6/18 - 12/16/18. Thurs-Sat, 7pm & Sun, 2pm Calling all young thespians ages 8 and up! The Tom Zbyszewski Children’s Theater at The Merc Playhouse announces auditions for the beloved children’s classic, Charlotte’s Web.
Director Jane Orme will be auditioning parts for all of the enchanting characters recalled from the story: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; the Zuckerman family; the Arables; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte. No experience and no prepared readings necessary. Must be 8-years-old on or before December 16th in order to audition. Pages of script will be handed out at auditions. Bring your calendar to auditions and be prepared to list rehearsal conflicts! Rehearsals begin in early January, and performances run March 15th – 24th. For more information call 509.997.7529 or email us! For the first time ever, The Merc Playhouse is selling Season Tickets in advance!
Regular Price Season Ticket: One Reserved Seat** for each Center Stage Production $72 / person Friend of the Merc Season Ticket*: One Reserved Seat** for each Center Stage Production $60 / person *Purchased with a minimum donation of $300. Individual Show Ticket Prices Advance Online Sales $18 Adult General Admission $20 Adult Reserved Seats $5 Youth General Admission $7 Youth Reserved Seats At The Door Sales $20 All Adult General Admission $5 All Youth General Admission Reader's Theater Prices At The Door, General Admission $10 Adults Youth FREE **Please note that all unoccupied reserved seats are released to general admission 5 minutes before showtime. The Cast Left to right: Amy Sweet, Matt Draggoo, Laurelle Walsh Sharla Lynn, Marc Holm, Mary Kiesau Tony Love, Matt Armbrust From the Director, Missi Smith Audiences will enjoy Bike America regardless of whether they've ever been on a bike, or on a bike trip across the USA. The play tells the story of Penny, a Millennial, a curious seeker whose character represents a longing many of us can relate to. The theme of self-discovery is ubiquitous, no matter what generation you claim, and while Bike America is an outrageous comedy, it also presents thought-provoking content about love, acceptance, individuality, and the quest for identity. We've warned you that the language and themes are adult, but f-bombs aside, this play brings a contemporary, real-life story to our stage with relatable, quirky, and lovable characters who try to help Penny along her journey. You'll enjoy seeing the cast bring them to life onstage. And then there's the bikes! What fun it has been to create the biking world onstage. 4000 miles and you never have to leave your seat. You don't want to miss that. |