Black Sheep Theatre 2015-16 Season
Donation protected
Rochester’s Black Sheep Theatre is a Coalition of performing artists based in Rochester, NY, promoting and encouraging community service, education, and social awareness through advocacy and performance of the theatre arts.
We are very excited to announce this, our 10th full season! As we enter into another successful year bringning artists and audiences together to share in the amazing experience that only live performance can bring, we invite you to learn more about us as we ask for your support!
This year, we have planned so many wonderful things!*
> A regional (Eastern States) theatre festival competition
> A celebration of Gay Pride
> An evening of original works by an emerging local playwright
> A Halloween evening of thrills and chills!
(*Details below!)
Our Vision is to create a society where creativity and individuality are valued above convention and conformity; where people are free to live a full, rich, and rewarding life, doing work they love.
To fulfill this Vision, our Mission is to provide:
> An extraordinary live performance experience, with an emphasis on interactive, unique, and experimental formats and emerging artists.
> Service opportunities for participating artists to give back to the community.
> Educational opportunities for students to develop communication, collaboration, teamwork, interpersonal, and creative skills for a life-long journey of learning.
We are very excited to be entering our 2015-2016 season, and we need your help! As many of you know, Black Sheep Theater is run by volunteers and entirely funded through the generous donations of our friends, families, sponsors, and patrons. Our volunteers give selflessly of their time, talents, and financial resources to ensure our continued success.
Please take a look at what we have in store for the season and consider making your own donation. We can’t do it without your support! Your contribution will go 100% to fund the myriad of expenses incurred in any artistic endeavor.
And just to give you an idea of how much your donation provides, please consider the following:
$10 buys a script
$25 pays to have posters printed
$75 pays royalties for one performance
$100 pays for set building, paint, and decor
$250 pays for props and costumes
$550 pays one month rent
$600 pays one month rent plus utilities
No contribution is too small to make a BIG difference. And if you’d like some specifics about exactly what your generosity supports, read on!
Upcoming Projects
"Feeding the Moonfish" goes to the ESTA Festival
Last October, our fall festival of one act plays, entitled “Infinite Scope,” was evaluated by the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS). After receiving several Roving Adjudicator Awards for both acting and directing, one of the plays, "Feeding the Moonfish" was selected to compete in the annual Festival Competition of TANYS in November. After much hard work, sweat equity, and tears of joy, Rochester’s Black Sheep Theatre’s production of "Feeding the Moonfish" won Best Short Production at the Festival. With that honor came the opportunity to continue on to the Eastern States Theatre Association (ESTA) Festival Competition to be held in La Plata, MD in April. If we win there, we then go on to the National competition, the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) Festival Competition to be held in Grand Rapids, MI in June. The project is under the direction of Diane Mashia.
We have already started raising funds for this very ambitious endeavor, but we’re far from finished! Your contribution to this campaign can be designated to help offset the costs of our participating in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
An Evening of Original Works: "Bar Jobs" and "The Dangers of Abstinence"
Next, we’ll be presenting something really special, that is generally a big hit with our actors and audiences alike. Two original works by a local playwright, presented together in one hysterical evening.
"Bar Jobs" is a one act comedy revolving around a young man, Chris Kooper, who is is cut off by his rich mother. In order to keep a lavish lifestyle and appearances, Chris, along with his loyal British chauffeur Lucius Drumford, devise an absurd plot to keep Chris' financials flowing. The plays draws inspirations on the lengths a man will go in order to remain in the lifestyle in which he is accustomed.
"The Dangers of Abstinence" is a one act comedy. When newlyweds Greg and Lisa get married all seems well, but there is just one problem: Greg is a virgin. Nervous about their wedding night, Greg runs off before the reception in order to find out how to please his wife sexually. Luckily for Greg, he has the help of his groomsman. What could go wrong?
"Bar Jobs" and "The Dangers of Abstinence" are written by James St. Jean, and directed by Jared Lee Morgan. Performances are tentatively planned for June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 (with a discussion with cast, crew, and playwright to follow).
Sordid Lives
In July, we present "Sordid Lives," by Del Shores, directed by Charlie Cooper and Kristy Angevine-Funderburk. A hilarious black comedy about white trash!
The author of "Daddy's Dyin' (Who's Got the Will?)" brings you a comedy that was nominated for over thirty awards during its long run in Los Angeles. When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover's wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas. As three generations of the Hickey family gather for her funeral, we learn the hilarious, sad, trashy truth about their sordid lives.
To be performed in celebration of Gay Pride, performances are tentatively scheduled for July 10, 11, 12 and 16, 17, 18. You won’t want to miss the fun!
Rochester’s First Niagara Fringe Festival: "Freud’s Last Session"
In September, Black Sheep Theatre hopes to bring you an entry in the 2015 First Niagara Fringe Festival, taking place from September 17 to 28, right here in Rochester.
"Freud’s Last Session," by Mark St. Germain, tells the story of a fictional meeting between two of history’s greatest philosophical minds. Legendary psychoanalyst and well-known atheist Sigmund Freud has invited the young, rising Oxford prodigy and devout Christian, C.S. Lewis to his home in London. On the day England enters World War Two, Freud and Lewis clash about love, sex, the existence of God and the meaning of Life, just weeks before Freud will take his own life. The story is a deeply touching one, filled with humor, as it explores the minds, hearts, and souls of two brilliant men - both icons of the Twentieth Century - addressing the greatest questions of all time. "Freud's Last Session" was inspired and suggested by "The Question of God," by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.
The project is directed by Diane Mashia, and may also be submitted for acceptance to the 2015 TANYS Festival in November.
Halloween 2015: An Evening of Deadly Intentions
Black Sheep theatre has presented a Halloween-themed production in previous years with much success and enjoyment for casts and audiences alike. This year’s production is sure to continue this success by presenting multiple short one act plays and Halloween-themed monologues. Three of those pieces currently under consideration include:
"Cheating Death" by Kamron Klitgaard
Six mental patients gather for group therapy and are confronted by the Grim Reaper. The patients conspire to deprive death of his mission in a quick-witted fast-paced comedic encounter.
"A Witch’s Brew" by John Pielmeier
Daed, his sister Jule, and her boyfriend Tucker, nervously explore the macabre secrets of the shallow graves they believe to be in the basement of their childhood home. Performed in semi-darkness, the play makes eloquent use of the powerful—and frightening—imagery of words to build to its shocking and terrifying denouement.
Selected Works by Edgar Allen Poe
Rick Staropoli, a talented actor and well-known local Poe impersonator, will reenact and recite two dramatic readings from Horror Master Edgar Allen Poe’s body of work. Rick has appeared in various independent films including Indiana Jones and the Legend of Bimini, and has performed with professional comedy troupe Estro-Fest.
The Halloween project will be directed by Kristy Angevine-Funderburk and is planned for the last two weekends in October.
Risks and Challenges
There are always potential risks and dozens of challenges that go along with mounting any theatrical production or endeavor. Together, our Artistic Company has over 100 years (OK, we’re old!) of experience in community theatre and volunteer coordination. We have successfully mounted production after production for Black Sheep Theatre, which we founded in 2006, specifically to provide a forum for artists such as ourselves to see their dream come alive, and see their vision fulfilled.
We are fully supported by a six-member Board of Directors, who will see to all of our back-stage and front-of-house staffing needs, providing a House Manager, Ushers, Box Office, and Concessions personnel. After all, we are beginning our 10th full theatrical season, and we’ve learned what to do and what not to do. We’re a fully functioning and successful community theatre organization!
Our Artistic Director has been at the helm of several plays for Rochester’s Black Sheep Theatre, and knows the organization, marketplace, and community theatre climate very well. Past credits include Later Life (awarded Excellence in Directing by the Theatre Association of New York State – TANYS), Feeding the Moonfish (Winner, Best Short Production, TANYS Festival competition in November of 2014), Vincent (selected to perform at the TANYS Festival competition in November of 2013), The Sisters Rosensweig (awarded Excellence in Directing), and selections from Almost Maine (whose casts received multiple Acting Awards and recognition from TANYS).
Remember, no contribution is too small to make a BIG difference! Thank you for your continued support! See you at the theatre!
We are very excited to announce this, our 10th full season! As we enter into another successful year bringning artists and audiences together to share in the amazing experience that only live performance can bring, we invite you to learn more about us as we ask for your support!
This year, we have planned so many wonderful things!*
> A regional (Eastern States) theatre festival competition
> A celebration of Gay Pride
> An evening of original works by an emerging local playwright
> A Halloween evening of thrills and chills!
(*Details below!)
Our Vision is to create a society where creativity and individuality are valued above convention and conformity; where people are free to live a full, rich, and rewarding life, doing work they love.
To fulfill this Vision, our Mission is to provide:
> An extraordinary live performance experience, with an emphasis on interactive, unique, and experimental formats and emerging artists.
> Service opportunities for participating artists to give back to the community.
> Educational opportunities for students to develop communication, collaboration, teamwork, interpersonal, and creative skills for a life-long journey of learning.
We are very excited to be entering our 2015-2016 season, and we need your help! As many of you know, Black Sheep Theater is run by volunteers and entirely funded through the generous donations of our friends, families, sponsors, and patrons. Our volunteers give selflessly of their time, talents, and financial resources to ensure our continued success.
Please take a look at what we have in store for the season and consider making your own donation. We can’t do it without your support! Your contribution will go 100% to fund the myriad of expenses incurred in any artistic endeavor.
And just to give you an idea of how much your donation provides, please consider the following:
$10 buys a script
$25 pays to have posters printed
$75 pays royalties for one performance
$100 pays for set building, paint, and decor
$250 pays for props and costumes
$550 pays one month rent
$600 pays one month rent plus utilities
No contribution is too small to make a BIG difference. And if you’d like some specifics about exactly what your generosity supports, read on!
Upcoming Projects
"Feeding the Moonfish" goes to the ESTA Festival
Last October, our fall festival of one act plays, entitled “Infinite Scope,” was evaluated by the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS). After receiving several Roving Adjudicator Awards for both acting and directing, one of the plays, "Feeding the Moonfish" was selected to compete in the annual Festival Competition of TANYS in November. After much hard work, sweat equity, and tears of joy, Rochester’s Black Sheep Theatre’s production of "Feeding the Moonfish" won Best Short Production at the Festival. With that honor came the opportunity to continue on to the Eastern States Theatre Association (ESTA) Festival Competition to be held in La Plata, MD in April. If we win there, we then go on to the National competition, the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) Festival Competition to be held in Grand Rapids, MI in June. The project is under the direction of Diane Mashia.
We have already started raising funds for this very ambitious endeavor, but we’re far from finished! Your contribution to this campaign can be designated to help offset the costs of our participating in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
An Evening of Original Works: "Bar Jobs" and "The Dangers of Abstinence"
Next, we’ll be presenting something really special, that is generally a big hit with our actors and audiences alike. Two original works by a local playwright, presented together in one hysterical evening.
"Bar Jobs" is a one act comedy revolving around a young man, Chris Kooper, who is is cut off by his rich mother. In order to keep a lavish lifestyle and appearances, Chris, along with his loyal British chauffeur Lucius Drumford, devise an absurd plot to keep Chris' financials flowing. The plays draws inspirations on the lengths a man will go in order to remain in the lifestyle in which he is accustomed.
"The Dangers of Abstinence" is a one act comedy. When newlyweds Greg and Lisa get married all seems well, but there is just one problem: Greg is a virgin. Nervous about their wedding night, Greg runs off before the reception in order to find out how to please his wife sexually. Luckily for Greg, he has the help of his groomsman. What could go wrong?
"Bar Jobs" and "The Dangers of Abstinence" are written by James St. Jean, and directed by Jared Lee Morgan. Performances are tentatively planned for June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 (with a discussion with cast, crew, and playwright to follow).
Sordid Lives
In July, we present "Sordid Lives," by Del Shores, directed by Charlie Cooper and Kristy Angevine-Funderburk. A hilarious black comedy about white trash!
The author of "Daddy's Dyin' (Who's Got the Will?)" brings you a comedy that was nominated for over thirty awards during its long run in Los Angeles. When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover's wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas. As three generations of the Hickey family gather for her funeral, we learn the hilarious, sad, trashy truth about their sordid lives.
To be performed in celebration of Gay Pride, performances are tentatively scheduled for July 10, 11, 12 and 16, 17, 18. You won’t want to miss the fun!
Rochester’s First Niagara Fringe Festival: "Freud’s Last Session"
In September, Black Sheep Theatre hopes to bring you an entry in the 2015 First Niagara Fringe Festival, taking place from September 17 to 28, right here in Rochester.
"Freud’s Last Session," by Mark St. Germain, tells the story of a fictional meeting between two of history’s greatest philosophical minds. Legendary psychoanalyst and well-known atheist Sigmund Freud has invited the young, rising Oxford prodigy and devout Christian, C.S. Lewis to his home in London. On the day England enters World War Two, Freud and Lewis clash about love, sex, the existence of God and the meaning of Life, just weeks before Freud will take his own life. The story is a deeply touching one, filled with humor, as it explores the minds, hearts, and souls of two brilliant men - both icons of the Twentieth Century - addressing the greatest questions of all time. "Freud's Last Session" was inspired and suggested by "The Question of God," by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.
The project is directed by Diane Mashia, and may also be submitted for acceptance to the 2015 TANYS Festival in November.
Halloween 2015: An Evening of Deadly Intentions
Black Sheep theatre has presented a Halloween-themed production in previous years with much success and enjoyment for casts and audiences alike. This year’s production is sure to continue this success by presenting multiple short one act plays and Halloween-themed monologues. Three of those pieces currently under consideration include:
"Cheating Death" by Kamron Klitgaard
Six mental patients gather for group therapy and are confronted by the Grim Reaper. The patients conspire to deprive death of his mission in a quick-witted fast-paced comedic encounter.
"A Witch’s Brew" by John Pielmeier
Daed, his sister Jule, and her boyfriend Tucker, nervously explore the macabre secrets of the shallow graves they believe to be in the basement of their childhood home. Performed in semi-darkness, the play makes eloquent use of the powerful—and frightening—imagery of words to build to its shocking and terrifying denouement.
Selected Works by Edgar Allen Poe
Rick Staropoli, a talented actor and well-known local Poe impersonator, will reenact and recite two dramatic readings from Horror Master Edgar Allen Poe’s body of work. Rick has appeared in various independent films including Indiana Jones and the Legend of Bimini, and has performed with professional comedy troupe Estro-Fest.
The Halloween project will be directed by Kristy Angevine-Funderburk and is planned for the last two weekends in October.
Risks and Challenges
There are always potential risks and dozens of challenges that go along with mounting any theatrical production or endeavor. Together, our Artistic Company has over 100 years (OK, we’re old!) of experience in community theatre and volunteer coordination. We have successfully mounted production after production for Black Sheep Theatre, which we founded in 2006, specifically to provide a forum for artists such as ourselves to see their dream come alive, and see their vision fulfilled.
We are fully supported by a six-member Board of Directors, who will see to all of our back-stage and front-of-house staffing needs, providing a House Manager, Ushers, Box Office, and Concessions personnel. After all, we are beginning our 10th full theatrical season, and we’ve learned what to do and what not to do. We’re a fully functioning and successful community theatre organization!
Our Artistic Director has been at the helm of several plays for Rochester’s Black Sheep Theatre, and knows the organization, marketplace, and community theatre climate very well. Past credits include Later Life (awarded Excellence in Directing by the Theatre Association of New York State – TANYS), Feeding the Moonfish (Winner, Best Short Production, TANYS Festival competition in November of 2014), Vincent (selected to perform at the TANYS Festival competition in November of 2013), The Sisters Rosensweig (awarded Excellence in Directing), and selections from Almost Maine (whose casts received multiple Acting Awards and recognition from TANYS).
Remember, no contribution is too small to make a BIG difference! Thank you for your continued support! See you at the theatre!
Organizer
Diane M. Mashia
Organizer
Rochester, NY
