This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

On Stage: Do You Have the Write Stuff?

If you've written a play you'd like to see performed, now's your chance to try to get it on stage.

 

There are always auditions being held for actors who want to share their talent on area stages, but opportunities for writers are less common.

So now’s the time for you to get that manuscript out of the draw and try to get it performed. Chatham Community Players is looking for one-act plays by New Jersey writers for this year’s Jersey Voices production. You have until March 15 to polish your script and get it to the theater.

Writers also have until Jan. 15 to send submissions to Premiere Stages’ Eighth Annual Play Festival.

And there are plenty of audition opportunities for actors of all ages, along with lots of plays and musicals to go see. Read this week’s On Stage Scoop to find out all about them.

Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

ON STAGE SCOOP:

Getting in on the Act:
The is seeking original, one-act plays, short musicals and/or original dance pieces, written by New Jersey authors, for the 18th annual Jersey Voices presentation. Play submissions of any genre, style and length up to 20 minutes running time will be accepted through March 15. Selected pieces will be performed in the Players’ Black Box Theater in July and August. To email submissions or to request more information, go to jerseyvoices@chathamplayers.org.

Audition Alert, “By Jeeves:” The Chester Theatre group will host auditions for “By Jeeves” on Jan. 10, 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Black River Playhouse at the corner of Maple and Grover in Chester. Needed are six male performers and two female performers for lead roles, and three ensemble performers (two female, one male). Click here for a character breakdown. Note that vocal ranges are approximate as this is not a big singing show. However, all auditioning must have impeccable British accents, except for the actor playing Budge, who has an over-emphasized American accent. Also being sought are musicians for the orchestra (piano, woodwinds, keyboard, bass, drums, guitar). “By Jeeves” is a musical comedy by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Alan Ayckbourn, based on the “Jeeves” novels of P. G. Wodehouse.

Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Audition Alert, “Slush:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will hold an open casting call for adults 18 and over for “Slush,” the adult version of “Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs,” on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 14 at noon. Neither experience nor talent is necessary, but the ability to have fun and be absurdly ridiculous while running amok is. A combination of Monty Python, “Grimm” and “Family Guy,” “Slush” follows the travails of a less-than-pure princess caught up in palace intrigue where deceit, murder and witchcraft run rampant. Seven randy dwarfs, a murderous huntsman, a less-than-heroic Prince and a Desperate Housewife Queen complete the ensemble. One of the most popular shows in the castle’s 42-year history, the revival will be performed March 3, 10 and 18 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For more information, call 973-691-2100 or visit PaxAmicus.com.

Making Vows: Triangle Circle Players will present “Avow” at the Villagers Theatre in Somerset, Jan. 13 through 22. The play’s story involves Brian and Tom, a gay couple, their liberal priest Father Raymond, and Brian’s Sister Irene, who is pregnant with a baby Brian and Tom plan to adopt. Tickets cost $12, or $10 for seniors and students. For reservations, go to VillagersTheatre.com, email boxoffice@villagerstheatre.com or call 732-873-2710. The theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane in Somerset.

Love, Life and Laughter: will present Scott McPherson’s “Marvin’s Room” Jan. 13 through 29 at the theater, located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville. In the show, Bessie, who has been caring for her ailing father Marvin and Aunt Ruth, learns that now she too is sick and turns to her sister for help, bringing to surface long-buried resentment and overwhelming love. Tickets cost $15 and can be ordered by calling 973-334-9320. The box office is staffed every Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, go to BarnTheatre.org.

Funny Business: Standup comedian Bobby Collins will bring the laughs to for a concert on Jan. 13, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $37 to $57. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org. This performance will include mature themes and language.

It’s Time For Jazz in Hackettstown: The Denise King Sextet will kick off Centenary Stage Company’s Jazz in January series with a concert on Jan. 14, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Center. Advance tickets cost $22.50, $17.50 for 18 years and younger. Tickets at the door cost $27.50 for all ages. The series will also feature the DIVA Jazz Orchestra on Jan. 21 and an All Star Jazz Jam on Jan. 28. Tickets for the entire series are available for $70. The theater is located at 715 Grand Ave in Hackettstown, on the campus of Centenary College. For tickets and information, call 908-979-0900 or go to CentenaryStageCo.org.

Getting Their Irish Up: Frankie Gavin and De Dannan will take stage at on Jan. 14 for an 8 p.m. concert. Led by fiddler Frankie Gavin, De Dannan performs upbeat jigs, reels and emotional ballads that speak to the spirit and soul of Ireland. Tickets cost $32 to $52. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Audition Alert, “Lend Me a Tenor:” is holding auditions for Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” on Jan. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. Ron Mulligan will direct this farce about the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, whose members are ready to welcome the world’s greatest tenor for one grand performance, until the star passes out. The theater is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville. For more information, go to BarnTheatre.org.

Seeing Red: will host two performances of “Clifford the Big Red Dog – Live” on Jan. 15, beginning at 1:30 and 4 p.m. In the show, Clifford and his friends Emily Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone embark on fun and exciting adventures in this all-new musical celebrating Clifford’s 50th anniversary. Tickets cost $20 to $30. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Audition Alert, The Morris Choral Society: The Morris Choral Society is holding auditions for its spring concert on Jan. 16 following the regular rehearsal, which begins at 7:30 p.m. The ability to read music is helpful but not necessary. Anyone from high school age on through adulthood is welcome to audition. Singers auditioning for all voice parts, including soprano, alto, tenor and bass, are invited. Anyone planning to audition should attend the full rehearsal. For more information, call 973-998-7239 or visit MorrisChoralSociety.org.

Audition Alert, “The Ladies Man:” The Centenary Stage Company will hold auditions for Charles Morey’s “The Ladies Man” on Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lackland Center, at 715 Grand Ave. in Hackettstown. CSC operates under a SPT contract, with both Equity and Non-Equity performers. The following roles are available: MARIE, late 20’s early 30’s. A maid with a secret in the household of Dr. Molineaux; ETIENNE, 30s-40s, randy Butler with an eye toward the ladies. Need gifted physical comedian; YVONNE MOLINEAUX, 20s to early 30s, young wife of Dr. Molineaux; BASSINET, 40s,  patient of Dr. Molineaux. Has a comic lisp, Needs good physical comedian; MADAME AIGREVILLE, Yvonne’s mother. Of indeterminate age. Referred to as a “Medusa;” SUZANNE AUBIN. can be 20s to 40s. Oversexed wife of a Prussian Soldier; GUSTAV AUBIN, 30’s-50s.  Large, physically imposing Prussian officer. Good physical comedian. All parts need to be good at farce. Actors may read from the script or perform a comic monologue.  The production will be directed by Carl Wallnau, CSC Artistic Director.  While appointments are being scheduled, attempts will be made to see all auditionees who attend.  For more information, call 908-979-0900, ext. 8.

There’s Laughter in the Air at Paper Mill: will present Marc Camoletti’s “Boeing-Boeing” from Jan. 18 through Feb. 12. The farce follows an American playboy in ’60s-era Paris who is juggling relationships with three different flight attendants around the world, but his dream setup is headed for disaster after a new, superfast jet changes the women’s schedule. For more information, go to PaperMill.org or call 973-376-4343.

Finding Their Way: The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre in Netcong will present Suzan L. Zeder’s “Mother Hicks” Jan. 19 through Feb. 5. Set during the Great Depression, the play tells of three outsiders—a girl, a deaf boy and Mother Hicks, who is accused of being a witch—through poetry and sign language, according to the theater. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. Thursday performances include a question-and-answer session with the actors and director. Tickets cost $18, $14 seniors/children. Recommended for ages 7 and up. The theater is located at 7 Ledgewood Ave. in Netcong. For more information, call 973-347- 4946 or go to GrowingStage.com.

Ahead of the Pack: Somerset Valley Players will present  "Leader of the Pack:  The Ellie Greenwich Musical" for a run beginning Jan. 20 and continuing through Feb. 5 at the company’s playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road/Route 514 in Hillsborough. The musical features classic songs of the 1960s in a rags-to-riches story of Greenwich, who whose songs include “Chapel of Love,” “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “And Then He Kissed Me.” Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18, $16 seniors/students. For more information, call 908-369-7469 or visit SVPTheatre.org.

Guess Who’s Coming to Morristown: Burton Cummings is, that’s who. The lead singer for The Guess Who will play a concert at on Jan. 20, beginning at 8 p.m. Fans can expect to hear such classics as “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” “Laughing,” and “No Time.” Tickets cost $37-$57. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

From 30 Rock to 100 South St.: Tracy Morgan will perform his for-adults-only comedy act at on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. Morgan, who stars on the sitcom “30 Rock” and is a former cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” is well known for his politically incorrect comedy. Dominique is the opening act. Tickets cost $49-$79. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Improv Comedy in Dover: The Out of Order improv group will perform at Dover Little Theatre on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. The theater is located at 69 Elliott St. in Dover. Admission costs $10. For reservations, call 973-328-9202.

Audition Alert, “Over the River and Through the Woods”: The Summit Playhouse will hold auditions for Joe DiPietro’s “Over the River and Through the Woods” on Jan. 22, 23 and 25. For more information, call 908-273-2192 or go to SummitPlayhouse.org.

Centenary Stage Company Young Performers Workshop Spring Session: Centenary Stage Company will hold additional interviews for its Young Performers Workshop Spring Session on Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. in the Centenary Little Theatre Lobby, 400 Jefferson St. in Hackettstown. Led by theater, TV and film veteran Michael Blevins, the spring session will run on Saturdays from February 11 to June 10, culminating in a two-week Festival of Shows from June 1-10. The cost is $350. To make an appointment, call 908-979-0900. For more information, go to CentenaryStageCo.org.

What’s Going on in that Room? in Morris Township will present Ira Levin’s “Veronica’s Room,” Jan 26 through Feb. 12. The theater’s website describes the play as a thriller that explores the line between fantasy and reality. In the play, a young couple ends up at a mansion whose owners are struck by the young woman’s resemblance to their dead daughter. NOTE: The play contains adult language. Tickets cost $40. For more information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Dance Classes at Centenary College: Registration is open for dance classes at The Conservatory of Dance at Centenary College. Classes begin Jan. 17 and will be held in the Lackland Center, located at 715 Grand Ave. in Hackettstown. Classes are taught by Centenary College dance faculty and guest artists. Classes are offered in modern, jazz, ballet, and theater dance. Beginner and advanced classes are also available. Prices are $130 for one class a week, $195 for twice a week and $275 for three a week. Register before Jan. 6 and receive a 15 percent discount. For more information please contact Professor Lea Antolini-Lid at 908-852-1400, ext. 2421 or visit CentenaryStageCo.org.

Summer Camp at Playwrights Theatre: Registration is open for the Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey’s Creative Arts Academy summer camp for kids and summer theatre program for teens beginning June 25 and running all summer long in two-week sessions. Summer programs include a Full-Day Theatre Academy, which costs $525 when enrolled before Jan. 31. Also being offered are a Half-Day Summer Camp, and a Getting Ready To Audition class for high school students. For more information, call 973-514-1787 or visit ptnj.org.

Winter Theatre Classes at Brundage Park Playhouse: Brundage Park Playhouse will begin its winter theater classes on Jan. 30. Classes are being offered in acting, musical theater dance, modern dance and more. Click here for class descriptions, schedules and prices. Randolph Township is also hosting a Stars on Stage program for children with special needs, beginning Jan. 12 and continuing through March. Click here for more information.

Winter Programs for Kids at Growing Stage: Registration is open for the Growing Stage theater’s Winter Creative Arts Program. Classes are offered for kids ranging from pre-kindergarten to ninth grade. Classes include Creative, Dramatics, Performing Arts Workshop, The Actor Speaks and Musical Performance Lab. The theater is located at 7 Ledgewood Ave. in Netcong. Classes begin Jan. 28 and continue through April 21. Click here for more information.

Giving Plays a Chance: Premiere Stages is seeking submissions to the Eighth Annual Premiere Stages Play Festival. The competition for unproduced scripts offers developmental opportunities to four playwrights born or currently residing in the greater metropolitan area (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut). The winner of the festival will be awarded $2,000 and a full Equity production in Premiere’s 2012 season. The runner-up will receive $750 and an Equity workshop in June. Two other writers will receive staged readings in March and a cash prize of $500. Entries are evaluated by a panel of theater professionals in consultation with the artistic director and resident dramaturge. Agents may submit full scripts; playwrights may submit a synopsis and script sample directly. Postmark deadline is Jan. 15, 2012. No entry fee. Complete submission guidelines available at Kean.edu/PremiereStages.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from New Providence-Berkeley Heights