Children’s Theatre of Knoxville

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville e-NEWS February 2010

2010-03-09T19:32:00.000-05:00

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville e-NEWS
February 2010
Included in this issue:

- “Ramona Quimby” To Open Friday, March 12
Shows: Fridays (3/12, 19 & 26) at 7 PM
**NEW TIMES! Saturdays (3/ 13, 20 & 27) at 3 PM & 7 PM
Sundays (3/ 14 & 21) at 3 PM
Thursdays (3/18 & 25) at 7 PM

- Cast of “Curiosity Cat” Announced; Play
Opens on March 12

- Only a Few Seats Left in CTK’s Spring Term of
Creative Dramatics Classes to Begin March 13;
Saturday Classes:
“You’re Making A Scene!” for ages 6 to 10
“Character Factory” for ages 11 to 15
After-School Classes:
“Auditioning for A Play” for ages 6 to 10 (Mondays)
“Imagi-Stage” Workshop for ages 13 to 18 (Tuesdays)
“Introduction to Directing” for ages 14 to 18 (Weds)

- CTK Enrolling Students for Annual Creative Dramatics
Summer Camps

- Vote for CTK for Best Theatre Group on WTNZ’s “Hot List”;
CTK Holds A Slim 2% Lead at Press Time!

- Over 750 Audience Members Attend “The Hobbit”
_____________________________________

“RAMONA QUIMBY” TO OPEN ON MARCH 12;
PLAYS WEEKENDS THROUGH MAR. 27

Unpredictable. Exasperating. Boisterous and independent. That’s Ramona Quimby for you. Always aggravating her older sister, Beezus, constantly getting into trouble and sometimes “making a big, noisy fuss” when things don’t go her way. As narrator, Beezus (Beatrice Quimby) introduces the Quimby family and friends and thereby sets the scene for the collection of vignettes that trace Ramona’s tumultuous passage through third grade and through her family relationships. At school, she throws a tantrum when provoked by a classmate and is sent home in disgrace. The teacher’s wrath, an important family wedding, persistent sibling bickering and Mr.
Quimby’s attempts to give up smoking are part of the fabric that shape a humorous, loving family portrait.

NOTE: CTK is changing the times of Saturday performances with this production. Saturday shows will now be held at 3 PM and 7 PM.

The COMPLETE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE is:
Friday, March 12 at 7 PM
Saturday, March 13 at 3 PM and 7 PM
Sunday, March 14 at 3 PM
Thursday, March 18 at 7 PM
Friday, March 19 at 7 PM
Saturday, March 20 at 3 PM and 7 PM
Sunday, March 21 at 3 PM
Thursday, March 25 at 7 PM
Friday, March 26 at 7 PM
Saturday, March 27 at 3 PM and 7 PM

Reservations are strongly recommended for all CTK performances.
To reserve tickets for the production, e-mail the number of adult and child tickets needed, along with your requested performance date and time, to tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com . Or you may call us at (865) 599-5284. Tickets are $11 per person. CTK is continuing our special Adult & Child Combination rate for this production: If an adult and a child enter together, these two may be admitted for $9 each.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The play is being performed by 13 of the Knoxville area’s finest child actors, being joined by six veteran adult performers. Samantha Hatmaker plays the title role of Ramona Quimby. CTK audiences may remember Sam from her previous roles of Templeton the Rat in “Charlotte’s Web” and The White Rabbit in “Alice In Wonderland.” Amber Hull portrays Beezus, Ramona’s older sister. Amber recently played the bratty singer Ashley Chaffin in “Zink: The Myth, The Legend, The Zebra” and adeptly played triple roles in “James and the Giant Peach.”

Other children appearing in the play include nine previous CTK performers (Madison Austin, Jaden Lily Branson, Jesscia Burks, English Daugherty, Zachary Hull, Bethany Moon, Wheeler Moon, Brandon Wilhoit, and Rowan
Young) and two young actors making their CTK debuts (Georgia Barton and Isabelle Hannah).

Since the play is about families, it’s only fitting that the cast contain a familial bent. Lisa Hatmaker is a veteran Knoxville performer who is playing Ramona’s teacher Mrs. Griggs. Lisa is Samantha Hatmaker’s mother. Houston Daugherty is making his CTK debut as Mr. Quimby, and he is the father of English Daugherty. Wade Houston is playing the millionaire Hobart Kemp, and his daughter Madison also appears in the play. And two sets of brothers and sisters are in the cast: Amber and Zachary Hull, and twins Bethany and Wheeler Moon.
CTK is privileged to have three additional successful veteran adult actors in the
cast: Rachel Jae (playing Mrs. Quimby), Jacqueline Nunweiler (playing Aunt
Bea)
and Janice Stanton (playing Next-door-neighbor Mrs. Kemp).

The play is directed by Zack Allen, CTK’s Executive Director. Wade Austin is the show’s scenic designer, and Jamie Jensen is the backdrop artist. Josh Beach is the production’s lighting designer, and Amie Dyer will provide the costumes.

LOCATION
The play is being performed at CTK’s theatre facility in downtown Knoxville, located at 800 Tyson Street. Heading north from downtown on Broadway, Tyson Street turns left (west) just past Old Gray Cemetery. Tyson Street is between the traffic lights on Broadway at Fifth Avenue and Central Avenue, and is directly across the street from historic Emory Place. The theatre is about 300 feet down Tyson Street, immediately next door to Dixie Kitchens. The CTK sign is visible from Broadway, looking down Tyson Street.
The play is made possible through the support of UT Surgical Associates, Schaad Companies, Kersey Family Care, and Knology.

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CAST OF “CURIOSITY CAT” ANNOUNCED; PLAY WILL BE WORLD-PREMIERE BY RENOWNED AUTHOR CHRIS GRABENSTEIN

CTK will produce the world premiere of “Curiosity Cat,” which was penned specifically our company by UT alum Chris Grabenstein, whose mysteries have earned him the Anthony Award and the Agatha Award, and whose books for young readers have inspired countless readers across the United States.

The title role of Curiosity Cat will be played by 13-year-old (and CTK veteran) Alex Drinnen. Alex was last seen in “The Hobbit”
as one-half of the twin duo Fili and Kili. Marianne Dodson will play the roles of Aunt Ginny and Mrs. Podger, while Sean Sloas will Also play dual roles: Slicker and Tubbs. Others returning to play roles for CTK are Caroline Dyer, Blair Johnson, Will White, Kellen Gifford, and Juliana Pulsinelli.

Eight actors will make their CTK debut in this prestigious premiere.
Cody Chaffins, Caelin Cole, George Cooper, Reed Cooper, Kira Cupp, Charles Fisher, Rachel Hopkins, and Lydia Pulsinelli will be participating in their first CTK show.

“Curiosity Cat” will open on April 9 and play weekends through April 24, with Thursday and Friday shows at 7 PM, Saturday performances at 3 and 7 PM, and Sunday shows at 3 PM.

The play will be directed by Jenny Ballard, with Ashlee Latimer serving as Assistant Director. Susan Kemppainen is the play’s stage manager, with Kiernan Bensey assisting. Kenneth Mayfield will serve as Scenic Designer, and Elizabeth Davis will provide the costumes. “Curiosity Cat” is sponsored by UT Surgical Asso- Ciates, Schaad Companies, Kersey Family Care, Comcast, and Knology.
___________________________________________________

SPRING TERM OF CLASSES TO BEGIN MARCH 13; SEATS STILL REMAINING IN ALL CLASSES AT PRESS TIME

CTK is now accepting students for our Spring 2010 creative dramatics classes. To reserve a seat in any class, call (865) 567-1522, or e-mail Jenny Ballard at jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .
A non-refundable payment of 50% of class fee is expected upon reservation. Students are seated on a first-paid, first-seated basis.
All classes take place at our theatre facility at 800 Tyson Street in downtown Knoxville. In Spring Term, all classes skip one week to accommodate Knox County Spring Break and Easter weekend.

Spring Term 2010 Classes are:

“YOU‘RE MAKING A SCENE!” for ages 6 to 10 Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 11:30 AM Five weeks: March 13, 20, 27 April 10 & 17

Instructor Caroline King teaches this character work class for ages 6 to 10. Students will concentrate on understanding how to create an appropriate character for a particular scene.
Focus will be on sustaining emotion and action throughout an entire scene. Games and exercises will be used to emphasize creativity. This class begins on Saturday, March 13 and continues for the following three Saturdays, then omits the Saturday of Knox County Spring Break (Easter Weekend) and resumes for two additional Saturdays. Classes take place from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. The instruction fee for the 7.5 hour workshop is $150.
Class size is limited to twenty students maximum.

“CHARACTER FACTORY” for ages 11 to 15
Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Five weeks: Mar. 13, 20, 27 April 10 & 17

CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard will teach this class for
ages 11 to 15. This class emphasizes the essence of acting: how
to create a believable, credible character in comic and dramatic
scenes and monologues. Students learn practical ways to “invent,“
“assemble,“ and “engineer” character development. This class
begins on Saturday, March 13 and continues for the following three
Saturdays, then omit’s the Saturday of Knox County Spring Break
(Easter Weekend) and resumes for two additional Saturdays.
Classes take place from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. The instruction fee
for the 10 hour workshop is $150. Class size is limited to sixteen
students maximum.

“AUDITIONING FOR A PLAY” for ages 6 to 10
Mondays after-school from 4:30 PM to 6 PM
Five weeks: March 15, 22; April 5, 12 & 19

CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard teaches this class which
focuses on improving an actor’s ability to audition for a
play, by preparing him or her for the event through instruction
on selection and performance of monologues, improvement of
volume and diction. This class begins on Monday, March 15 and continues
on the following Monday. After a week hiatus, class resumes April 5,
12 & 19. Classes take place from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
The instruction fee for the 7.5 hour workshop is $150. Class size is
limited to twelve students maximum.

IMAGI-STAGE WORKSHOP for ages 13 to 18
Tuesdays after-school from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Five weeks: March 16, 23; Apr. 6, 13 & 20

CTK Exec Director Zack Allen teaches this class, which centers
on teaching how to deal with a play script and how to bring it to
life through performance skills. The class emphasizes practical
work on a script. Students memorize lines and perfect acting
technique in order to perform for family and friends on the final
day of class. This class begins on Tuesday, March 16 and continues
on the following Tuesday. After a week hiatus, class resumes April 6,
13 & 20. The instruction fee for the 7.5 hour workshop is $150
Class size is limited to eight students maximum.

“INTRODUCTION TO DIRECTING” for ages 14 to 18
Wednesdays after-school from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Five weeks: March 17, 24; April 7, 14 & 21

Zack Allen (director of 8 previous CTK shows) teaches
this class, which introduces students to the fundamental
precepts of directing. Students will function as
director for scenes and as actor in the student-directed scenes,
experiencing and offering feedback on both sides of the
directing process. Budding stage directors learn a practical
checklist to follow to improve scenework by participants.
Student time is split between classroom work and hands-on
acting and directing. This class begins Wednesday, March
17 and continues on the following Wednesday. Class resumes
on Wednesday, April 7, 14 & 20. Class size is limited to six
students, all of whom must have prior theatre experience. The
cost of the class is $200.

________________________________________________

CTK SETS DATES FOR ANNUAL CREATIVE DRAMATICS
SUMMER CAMPS

CTK will hold our annual summer camps in creative dramatics
during June and July 2010. This year, there are three camps to
choose from, for a variety of age groups.

CAMP ONE will be a MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP, taught
by CTK instructor (and drama teacher at Sacred Heart Cathedral
School) Caroline King. This camp will emphasize vocal coaching
and choreography skills-building and will be held from 1 PM to
4 PM, from June 14 through 18 at CTK’s theatre facility at 800
Tyson Street. For ages 11 to 17.

CAMP TWO will be a TEENAGER’S WORKSHOP CAMP,
where students will build skills in script analysis and character
creation while working on a short playscript. This camp will be
held from 1 PM to 4 PM, from June 21 through 25 at CTK’s
theatre facility at 800 Tyson Street. Camp Two will be taught
by CTK Exec Director Zack Allen. For ages 13 to 17.

CAMP THREE will be an ELEMENTARY ACTING CAMP,
which teaches basic acting skills through exercises and games,
resulting in a simple recipe approach to the creation of characters.
This camp will be held from 1 PM to 4 PM, from July 26 through
30 at CTK’s theatre facility at 800 Tyson Street. Camp Three will
be taught by CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard. For ages 6 to 10.

The fee for any theatre camp is $230. To reserve a spot in any
camp, or more information, call Jenny Ballard at (865) 567-1522,
or e-mail jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com . A 50% deposit ($115)
is required at the time of registration. Students are seated in each
camp on a first-paid, first-seated basis.
____________________________________________

VOTE FOR CTK IN WTNZ’S “HOT LIST” CONTEST FOR
BEST LOCAL THEATRE GROUP!

CTK holds a slim 2% lead in WTNZ’s “Hot List” contest
for Best Local Theatre Group at press time! Please
consider voting for us on WTNZ’s website. Voting is
free and simple. To vote, simply log onto:
http://www.wtnzfox43.com . Follow the Hot List
link at the top of the page to begin voting. Help us
defend our 2009 Best Local Theatre Group title, and
good luck to all the theatre groups on the list!
____________________________________________

OVER 750 ATTEND “THE HOBBIT” IN FEBRUARY

Thanks to all who attended “The Hobbit” in February!
Somehow the dwarves and their wise wizard companion
managed to avoid the mighty Knoxville snow drifts
as well as the dragons in their path! The wonderful
turnout was especially meaningful, since this was the
culmination of Ashlee Latimer’s year-long technical
residency with CTK. At only 18 years of age, she
created a funny, spooky and memorable play in her
directoral debut. Kudos are also due to the cast, all of
whom truly seemed motivated to make their young
director’s play such a success. We hope you will come
back for a hearty laugh with “Ramona Quimby!”
____________________________________________

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Children’s Theatre of Knoxville e-NEWS February 2010

2010-02-23T22:45:00.000-05:00

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville e-NEWS
February 2010
Included in this issue:

- “The Hobbit” To Open Friday, Feb. 12
Shows: Fridays (2/12, 19 & 26) at 7 PM
Saturdays (2/ 13, 20 & 27) at 1 PM & 5 PM
Sundays (2/ 14 & 21) at 3 PM
Thursdays (2/18 & 25) at 7 PM

- Auditions Scheduled for “Curiosity Cat” on
February 28, 2010 by Appointment

- Cast of “Ramona Quimby” Announced; Play
Opens on March 12

- Spring Term of Creative Dramatics to Begin
March 13; Enrollment Now Open
Saturday Classes:
“You’re Making A Scene!” for ages 6 to 10
“Character Factory” for ages 11 to 15
After-School Classes:
“Auditioning for A Play” for ages 6 to 10 (Mondays)
“Imagi-Stage” Workshop for ages 13 to 18 (Tuesdays)
“Introduction to Directing” for ages 14 to 18 (Weds)

- CTK Sets Dates for Annual Creative Dramatice
Summer Camps
_____________________________________

“THE HOBBIT” TO OPEN ON FEBRUARY 12;
PLAYS WEEKENDS THROUGH FEB. 27

It’s unusual for a modern work to become a classic so quickly, but J. R. R. Tolkien’s “ring” stories, which began with The Hobbit, clearly are in this very special category.
They stir the imagination and intellect of everyone they touch.

Bilbo, one of the most conservative of all Hobbits, is asked to leave his large, roomy and very dry home in the ground in order to set off as chief robber in an attempt to recover an important treasure. It’s the last thing that any sensitive Hobbit would want to do, but great benefit eventually results—not only for Bilbo but for all of the Hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth—and the hearts of those children and adults who continue to enjoy this kind of magic.

Set in a time “Between the Dawn of Fairies and the Dominion of Men”, “The Hobbit” follows the quest of home- loving Bilbo Baggins to win a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug. It was published on September 21,
1937 to wide critical acclaim, being nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize from the New York Herald Tribune for best juvenile fiction. The book remains popular and is recognized as a classic children’s book.

Bilbo’s journey takes him from light-hearted, rural surroundings into darker, deeper territory. The story is told in the form of an episodic quest, and each sequence introduces a new, fascinating type of creature from Tolkien’s Wilderland. By accepting the romantic, fey and adventurous side of his nature and applying his wits and common sense to his quest, Bilbo develops a new level of maturity, competence and wisdom. See all of the famous characters of the book come to life: Gandalf the Wizard, Thorin Oakenshield, the proud pompous leader of the Dwarves, Smaug the Dragon, Gollum and his underground lake, and many more.

The COMPLETE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE is:
Friday, February 12 at 7 PM
Saturday, February 13 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday, February 14 at 3 PM
Thursday, February 18 at 7 PM
Friday, February 19 at 7 PM
Saturday, February 20 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday, February 21 at 3 PM
Thursday, February 25 at 7 PM
Friday, February 26 at 7 PM
Saturday, February 27 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Reservations are strongly recommended for all CTK performances.
To reserve tickets for the production, e-mail the number of adult and child tickets needed, along with your requested performance date and time, to tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .
Or you may call us at (865) 599-5284.

Tickets are $11 per person. CTK is continuing our special Adult & Child Combination rate for this production: If an adult and a child enter together, these two may be admitted for $9 each.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The play is being performed by 18 of the Knoxville area’s finest child actors, being joined by two seasoned adult performers. Blair Johnson plys the title role of Bilbo Baggins, the sensible hobbit who is reluctant to join another quest. Audiences may remember Blair as James in CTK’s recent production of “James and the Giant Peach.” Evan Satterfield, making his CTK debut, plays Thorin Oakenshield.

Rounding out the vibrant characters who made Tolkein’s work so compelling are Kiernan Bensey, Clare Carter, Abigail Coughlin, Alex Drinnen, Josiah Eakle, Zack Hall, Will Kersey, Caitlyn Lemmon, Alex Levi, Hannah Sloas, Sean Sloas, Sarah Smith, Luke Taylor, Morgan Voyles, and Sophie Wright. Veteran performer Steve Trigg portrays Gandalf the Wizard.

The play is directed by Ashlee Latimer, making her CTK directorial debut. Ashlee has worked with CTK since its inception, having served in a wide variety of capacities.
After acting in “Little Women” and “The Wind In The Willows,” she served her technical apprenticeship by stage-managing “The Diary of Anne Frank,” assistant directing “James and the Giant Peach,” and serving as the instructor for CTK’s “Styles and Stories” class. Jennifer Osborn serves as the play’s stage manager, and Liz Davis is the show’s assistant director. Kenny Mayfield is the show’s scenic designer and master carpenter, and Jamie Jensen is the backdrop artist.

LOCATION
The play is being performed at CTK’s new theatre in downtown Knoxville, located at 800 Tyson Street.
Heading north from downtown on Broadway, Tyson Street turns left (west) just past Old Gray Cemetery.
Tyson Street is between the traffic lights on Broadway at Fifth Avenue and Central Avenue, and is directly across the street from historic Emory Place. The theatre is about 300 feet down Tyson Street, immediately next door to Dixie Kitchens. The CTK sign is visible from Broadway, looking down Tyson Street.

The play is made possible through the support of UT Surgical Associates, Schaad Companies, Kersey Family Care, and Knology.

_________________________________________________________

AUDITIONS SCHEDULED ON FEBRUARY 28 FOR CTK’S UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF “CURIOSITY CAT”

CTK will hold auditions for the play “Curiosity Cat” on Monday, January 25. Auditions are by appointment only.

This will be the world premiere of “Curiosity Cat,” which was penned specifically for production by Children’s Theatre of Knoxville. The author of the play is UT alum Chris Grabenstein.

A former improvisational comedian (he and Bruce Willis were in the same Greenwich Village comedy troupe in the early 1980s), Chris spent almost twenty years writing commercials for
America's top advertising agencies. He ended his advertising
career as an Executive Vice President/Group Creative Director at Young & Rubicam in New York.

He won the Anthony Award for "Best First Mystery" for his debut TILT A WHIRL—the first in a series of John Ceepak stories, set "Down The Shore" in a New Jersey tourist town called Sea Haven. The second book, MAD MOUSE, was called one of the "Ten Best Mysteries of 2006" by Kirkus. WHACK A MOLE came out to great critical acclaim in 2007. The New York Daily News called the fourth Ceepak book a "must-read."
The fifth book in the series MIND SCRAMBLER was published by St. Martin's Minotaur in 2009. ROLLING THUNDER, available in 2010, rounds out the first six Ceepak books.

Random House publishes his "rip-roaring ghost stories"
for Middle Grades readers: THE CROSSROADS, which won both the Anthony and Agatha awards for Best Children's novel, THE HANGING HILL and, in 2010, THE SMOKY CORRIDOR.

In THE HANGING HILL, we meet Zack and Judy Jennings.
Just your average ghost-seeing kid and his famous-author stepmother. Off to enjoy a relaxing summer at a theater doing a production of Curiosity Cat based on Judy's books.

CURIOSITY CAT is the play being performed at the summer camp, and has been based on Judy’s famous books, and the play features Grabenstein’s remarkable ability to create side- splitting laughs and highly involving mystery.

CTK will be casting children, ages 6 to 18. Auditions are by appointment only. Auditioners may choose from the following appointment times: 4:00, 4:45, 5:30, 6:15, 7:00, 7:45.
\
Auditioners should prepare a short monologue, poem, story to be performed at the audition. This piece should not exceed two minutes in length.

Auditioners should arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the appointment time. Appointments will be taken on a first-reserved, first-scheduled basis. Ten auditioners will be scheduled for each time period. Therefore, a maximum of 60 auditioners will be seen.

Audition appointments may be made by e-mailing Jenny Ballard at jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com . The play will begin rehearsing Monday, March 8 and will rehearse Sunday through Thursday evenings. \The play will open on Friday, April 9 and play for 13 performances on weekends through April 24. Auditions will be held in our theatre facilty’s rehearsal wing, located at in downtown Knoxville at 800 Tyson Street.
___________________________________________________

CAST OF CTK’S “RAMONA QUIMBY” ANNOUNCED; PLAY RUNS WEEKENDS, MARCH 12 THROUGH 27

Unpredictable. Exasperating. Boisterous and independent.
That’s Ramona Quimby for you. Always aggravating her older sister, Beezus, constantly getting into trouble and sometimes “making a big, noisy fuss” when things don’t go her way. As narrator, Beezus (Beatrice Quimby) introduces the Quimby family and friends and thereby sets the scene for the collection of vignettes that trace Ramona’s tumultuous passage through third grade and through her family relationships.
At school, she throws a tantrum when provoked by a classmate and is sent home in disgrace. The teacher’s wrath, an important family wedding, persistent sibling bickering and Mr. Quimby’s attempts to give up smoking are part of the fabric that shape a humorous, loving family portrait.

The play is based on the beloved series of children’s novels by Beverly Cleary. The characters and the material, adapted by Obie Award-winning playwright Len Jenkin, are as “today” as the morning newspaper. The problems facing the Quimbys, a middle-class Oregon family, are problems common to most families, and the family’s togetherness in tackling the sacrifices and adjustments required when the father is unexpectedly fired from his job is a clear statement of traditional family values.
Along with the discovery that life is not always fair, eventually Ramona and Beezus come to realize that sisters may not always agree, but they can be good to have around.

Samantha Hatmaker plays the title role of Ramona Quimby.
Sam’s last performance with CTK was as The White Rabbit in Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, Jr. Since then, she has performed in Dollywood’s holiday show. Amber Hull will play Beezus, Ramona’s older sister. Amber was last seen as the bratty singer Ashley in “Zink: The Myth, The Legend… The Zebra.” Other children in the play include Madison Austin, Georgia Barton, Jaden Lily Branson, Jessica Burks, English Daugherty, Isabelle Hannah, Zachary Hull, Bethany Moon, Wheeler Moon, Brandon Wilhoit, and Rowan Young. These talented child actors join a group of veteran, dedicated adult
performers: Houston Daugherty, Rachel Jae, Jacqueline Nun- weiler, and Janice Stanton.

The play will be performed on weekends from March 12 to 27.
CTK is inaugurating new performance times on Saturday, with “Ramona Quimby.” Saturday shows will be held at 3 PM and
7 PM for the remainder of 2010.
________________________________________________

SPRING TERM OF CLASSES TO BEGIN MARCH 13; SATURDAY & AFTER-SCHOOL OPTIONS AVAILABLE

CTK is now accepting students for our Spring 2010 creative dramatics classes. To reserve a seat in any class, call (865) 567-1522, or e-mail Jenny Ballard at jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .
A non-refundable payment of 50% of class fee is expected upon reservation. Students are seated on a first-paid, first-seated basis.
All classes take place at our theatre facility at 800 Tyson Street in downtown Knoxville. In Spring Term, all classes skip one week to accommodate Knox County Spring Break and Easter weekend.

Spring Term 2010 Classes are:

“YOU‘RE MAKING A SCENE!” for ages 6 to 10 Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 11:30 AM Five weeks: Mar. 13, 20, 27 April 10 & 17

Instructor Caroline King teaches this character work class for ages 6 to 10. Students will concentrate on understanding how to create an appropriate character for a particular scene.
Focus will be on sustaining emotion and action throughout an entire scene. Games and exercises will be used to emphasize creativity. This class begins on Saturday, March 13 and continues for the following three Saturdays, then omits the Saturday of Knox County Spring Break (Easter Weekend) and resumes for two additional Saturdays. Classes take place from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. The instruction fee for the 7.5 hour workshop is $150.
Class size is limited to twenty students maximum.

“CHARACTER FACTORY” for ages 11 to 15
Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Five weeks: Mar. 13, 20, 27 April 10 & 17

CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard will teach this class for
ages 11 to 15. This class emphasizes the essence of acting: how
to create a believable, credible character in comic and dramatic
scenes and monologues. This class begins on Saturday, March 13
and continues for the following three Saturdays, then omits the
Saturday of Knox County Spring Break (Easter Weekend) and
resumes for two additional Saturdays. Classes take place from
10 AM to 11:30 AM. The instruction fee for the 10 hour workshop
is $150. Class size is limited to sixteen students maximum.

“AUDITIONING FOR A PLAY” for ages 6 to 10
Mondays after-school from 4:30 PM to 6 PM
Five weeks: March 15, 22; April 5, 12 & 19

CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard teaches this class which
focuses on improving an actor’s ability to audition for a
play, by preparing him or her for the event through instruction
on selection and performance of monologues, improvement of
volume and diction. This class begins on Monday, March 15 and continues
on the following Monday. After a week hiatus, class resumes April 5,
12 & 19. Classes take place from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
The instruction fee for the 7.5 hour workshop is $150. Class size is
limited to twelve students maximum.

IMAGI-STAGE WORKSHOP for ages 13 to 18
Tuesdays after-school from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Five weeks: March 16, 23; Apr. 6, 13 & 20

CTK Exec Director Zack Allen teaches this class, which centers
on teaching how to deal with a play script and how to bring it to
life through performance skills. The class emphasizes practical
work on a script. Students memorize lines and perfect acting
technique in order to perform for family and friends on the final
day of class. This class begins on Tuesday, March 16 and continues
on the following Tuesday. After a week hiatus, class resumes April 6,
13 & 20. The instruction fee for the 7.5 hour workshop is $150
Class size is limited to eight students maximum.

“INTRODUCTION TO DIRECTING” for ages 14 to 18
Wednesdays after-school from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Five weeks: March 17, 24; April 7, 14 & 20

Zack Allen (director of 8 previous CTK shows) teaches
this class, which introduces students to the fundamental
precepts of directing. Students will function as
director for scenes and as actor in the student-directed scenes,
experiencing and offering feedback on both sides of the
directing process. Budding stage directors learn a practical
checklist to follow to improve scenework by participants.
Student time is split between classroom work and hands-on
acting and directing. This class begins Wednesday, March
17 and continues on the following Wednesday. Class resumes
on Wednesday, April 7, 14 & 20. Class size is limited to six
students, all of whom must have prior theatre experience. The
cost of the class is $200.

________________________________________________

CTK SETS DATES FOR ANNUAL CREATIVE DRAMATICS
SUMMER CAMPS

CTK will hold our annual summer camps in creative dramatics
during June and July 2010. This year, there are three camps to
choose from, for a variety of age groups.

CAMP ONE will be a MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP, taught
by CTK instructor (and drama teacher at Sacred Heart Cathedral
School) Caroline King. This camp will emphasize vocal coaching
and choreography skills-building and will be held from 1 PM to
4 PM, from June 14 through 18 at CTK’s theatre facility at 800
Tyson Street.

CAMP TWO will be a TEENAGER’S WORKSHOP CAMP,
where students will build skills in script analysis and character
creation while working on a short playscript. This camp will be
held from 1 PM to 4 PM, from June 21 through 25 at CTK’s
theatre facility at 800 Tyson Street. Camp Two will be taught
by CTK Exec Director Zack Allen.

CAMP THREE will be an ELEMENTARY ACTING CAMP,
which teaches basic acting skills through exercises and games,
resulting in a simple recipe approach to the creation of characters.
This camp will be held from 1 PM to 4 PM, from July 26 through
30 at CTK’s theatre facility at 800 Tyson Street. Camp Three will
be taught by CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard.

The fee for any theatre camp is $230. To reserve a spot in any
camp, or more information, call Jenny Ballard at (865) 567-1522,
or e-mail jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com . A 50% deposit ($115)
is required at the time of registration. Students are seated in each
camp on a first-paid, first-seated basis.

____________________________________________

SUBSCRIPTION
You are receiving this information because either:
- you are a member of our Facebook group
- you have made an inquiry to CTK about programming
- you have attended a show
- you are a friend, supporter or participant of CTK
If you are receiving this newsletter in error, or if you no longer wish to
receive updates from Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, reply to this
e-mail and place the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE e-NEWS July 2009

2009-07-07T20:36:00.000-04:00

CHILDREN’S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE e-NEWS
July 2009

Included in this issue:
- Tickets On Sale Today for:“The Swiss Family
Robinson: Amazon Adventure”

- 2009 Production Calendar Dates Set

- Summer Workshop for Teens Scheduled for July;
Fall Classes Resume in September

- Cast Announced for “Disney’s Alice In Wonderland,
Jr.: The Musical”

- Audition Dates Set for “The Canterville Ghost”

- CTK Announces Partnership with Tanasi Girl Scouts
Council to Produce Cheri Bennett’s “Zink” in January

- CTK Wins Fox 43’s Best Theatre Group Award;
Named Runner-Up in Best of MetroPulse

- New Location Hosts Over 1,000 Audience
Members for “Charlotte’s Web”; Facility
Improvements Underway

TICKETS ON SALE TODAY for “THE SWISS
FAMILY ROBINSON: AMAZON ADVENTURE”

Tickets are on sale today for CTK’s most unique production yet: “The Swiss Family Robinson: Amazon Adventure.“ Josh Beach’s eye-popping set design includes a full-size boat, an inclined river bank, stone outcroppings, a life-size tree, jungle vines, and a multitude of life-size bugs and other animals. We hope you’ll join us for this thrilling and educational play.

The intrepid Robinson family head out on an educational escapade and luxury cruise down the Amazon River with their cousins, the Switzers. But an unexpected log jam and a sudden flash flood separate the children from their parents, sending the kids on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of our planet’s most fascinating places: the Amazon rain forest! This thrilling re-imagining of Johann Wyss’s timeless classic novel is a classic adventure story for all ages and teaches the audience much about the animals and plants of the Amazon jungle as well as about the environmental impact of logging in this delicate biosphere.

Here’s the complete performance schedule:

Friday, July 17 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 18 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday, July 19 at 3 PM
Thursday, July 23 at 7 PM
Friday, July 24 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 25 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday, July 26 at 3 PM
Thursday, July 30 at 7 PM
Friday, July 31 at 7 PM
Saturday, August 1 at 1 PM and 5 PM

The play is being performed by ten of Knoxville’s most talented young actors. And eight of the ten are performing with CTK for the first time. Alli Acuff plays Cassie Robinson, the oldest child, who is suddenly thrown into the role of “authority figure.”
Alli is a rising freshman at Christian Academy of Knoxville. Ten-year-old Will Kersey plays the amateur naturalist and survivalist Jake Robinson. And London Keller plays Ande, the youngest Robinson. At 7 years old, London is CTK’s youngest mainstage performer ever. The Robinsons are joined on this escapade by their cousins, Henry, Billy, and the twins Abbe and Claire Switzer. Fourteen-year-old Mac Bower plays Henry. Mac has performed previously with CTK and Theatre Knoxville. Eleven-year-old Sean Sloas plays Billy Switzer. Sean is a frequent performer at Grace Christian Academy. Ten-year-olds Caroline Dyer and Lauren Krahwinkel play the twins Abbe and Claire.
This is Caroline’s third CTK appearance, and Lauren has appeared in several church productions. Michaela Hall, Bethany Moon, and Wheeler Moon round out the cast as children of the Amazon natives. Twelve-year-old Michaela recently appeared in Bearden Middle School’s production of “Once Upon A Mattress.” Bethany and Wheeler are making their stage debuts!

THE CREATORS
This unique re-telling of “The Swiss Family Robinson” is the brainchild of veteran performers and writers, Josh and Meg Beach. Longtime Blount County residents, Josh and Meg wrote and produced many wonderful children’s plays in the 1990s for Blount County Junior Playhouse. Since then, both have acted for many local theatre companies and have had a lengthy association with Circle Modern Dance Company, for which they have created, choreographed, and performed.
Look for them to bring their knowledge of dance and percussion to this intriguing adventure play! Josh is also a talented carpenter and designer, and audiences will surely love the boat and treehouse he has designed for “The Swiss Family Robinson,” as well as his unique stage design for the production.

TICKETS
Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, July 6. Reservations are strongly recommended; for example, seven of the nine performances of “Charlotte’s Web” were sold out. The best way to reserve tickets is by e-mailing tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com.
Include the number of child tickets and adult tickets you wish to purchase, along with your preferred show date and time, and you will receive a detailed reply about the performance. Reservations may also be made by calling (865) 599-5284. Tickets are $11 per person. We are continuing our special rate with this show: any adult and child entering the theatre together may do so for $9 each.
Reserved tickets may be paid for at the door by cash or check.

LOCATION
The play is being performed at CTK’s new theatre in downtown Knoxville, located at 800 Tyson Street. Heading north from downtown on Broadway, Tyson Street turns left (west) just past Old Gray Cemetery. Tyson Street is between the traffic lights on Broadway at Fifth Avenue and Central Avenue, and is directly across the street from historic Emory Place. The theatre is about 300 feet down Tyson Street, immediately next door to Dixie Kitchens. The CTK sign is visible from Broadway, looking down Tyson Street. Click the “Map and Directions” link in the shaded area on the right side of this page for more directional information.

The play is made possible through the continuing support of UT Surgical Associates, Schaad Companies, and Signs ‘N’ Such.
__________________________________________________

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE SET FOR REMAINDER
OF 2009

CTK will present four more productions in 2009, and those performance dates have been set. Mark your calendars for these upcoming plays:

Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, Jr.
a musical play based on the 1951 Walt Disney Studios film August 14 through August 30 Thursdays & Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM and Sundays at 3 PM

The Diary of Anne Frank
a drama by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett September 11 through September 26 Thursdays & Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM and Sundays at 3 PM

The Canterville Ghost
a spooky comedy based on a short story by Oscar Wilde October 16 through October 31 Thursdays & Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM and Sundays at 3 PM

James and the Giant Peach
a comic fantasy based on the book by Roald Dahl November 13 through November 29 Thursdays & Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM and Sundays at 3 PM

________________________________________________

SUMMER ACTING WORKSHOP FOR TEENS SCHEDULED FOR LATE JULY

After hosting over 40 children for summer camps in June, CTK will hold an intensive week-long summer workshop for teens on July 20 through 24, from 1 PM to 4 PM. This workshop is specifically geared for ages 15 to 18.

This camp allows students to explore the theatrical process with an actual play script. Students will use exercises to develop characters from a 20-minute play and use the script to envision and enact believable characterizations within the constrictions of an actual play. This workshop begins on Monday, July 20 and continues through Friday, July 24, from 1 PM to 4 PM. The workshop will be held at CTK’s new theatre facility at 800 Tyson Street in downtown Knoxville. The instruction fee for the 15 hour camp is $200. To reserve a spot in this camp, e-mail CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard at jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com . Payment of 50% of camp fee is expected upon reservation. Students are seated on a first-paid, first-seated basis. Camp size is limited to ten students maximum. At this time, three slots remain in the workshop. Reservation deadline is July 14.

Our Matinee Club gears back up for the academic year in August. Matinee Club classes take place on Saturdays and teach performance basics and character creation through a fun and lively series of games, exercises, and classroom work.

The Early Fall Term topic for our Matinee Club class for ages
6 to 10 is: I Feel! I Am! I Do! This class centers on teaching character creation as a recipe of emotion (I Feel!), identity (I Am!) and action (I Do!). Students develop interesting and humorous characters using verbal and non-verbal skills with this effective actor’s “recipe”.
This class begins on Saturday, September 12 and continues for the following four Saturdays. Classes occur September 12, 19, 26; October 3 & 10. Classes take place at CTK’s new home (800 Tyson Street in downtown Knoxville). The instruction fee for the 10 hour workshop is $150. To reserve a spot in this class, e-mail CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard at jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .
Payment of 50% of class fee is expected upon reservation. Students are seated on a first-paid, first-seated basis. Class size is limited to ten students maximum.
______________________________________________________

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR “DISNEY’S ALICE IN
WONDERLAND, JR.: THE MUSICAL”

Almost 60 children auditioned for CTK’s first musical production, which will be “Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, Jr.” Each and every one was remarkably talented, and the casting decisions were difficult. In the end, 23 children were cast in the play, and fourteen of them will be appearing with CTK for the first time. Caroline King will be the play’s director, with Lisa Hatmaker serving as Choreographer, and Caitlin Kennedy working as Assistant Director.

If you know any of the cast members, give them a much-deserved congratulations. The cast is Sophia Abouelata, Kayla Allsop, Madison Austin, Marisa Beeler, Juliette Blais, Jaden Branson, Jacob Carpenter, Jacob Friedrich, Samantha Hatmaker, Amber Hull, Zachary Hull, Alex Levi, Laney Markham, Maggie McCoig, Faith Neece, Krista Nolan, Maya Rioux, Zoe Risley, Hannah Sloas, Kelly Tipton, Morgan Voyles, Nathan Wolfenbarger, and Abigail Wood.

Thanks to everyone who auditioned, and if you didn’t get in this play, please look below for our upcoming audition for our Halloween play.
_______________________________________________________

CTK ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH TANASI GIRL SCOUTS COUNCIL TO PRODUCE CHERI BENNETT’S “ZINK” IN JANUARY

CTK is proud to announce a partnership with Tanasi Girl Scouts to produce a magical and deeply moving play called “Zink: The Myth, The Legend, The Zebra” by legendary children’s dramatist and novelist Cherie Bennett, author of “Anne Frank and Me” and “Searching for David’s Heart.”

Commissioned by First Stage Milwaukee, Zink is about true courage in the face of unpredictable predators. Imaginative, funny, and heartbreaking, it's the story of the relationship of Becky, a lonely pre-teen girl with leukemia, to her guardian-angel herd of zebras on the African savannah. The zebras range from street-smart Ice Z to grandfatherly Papa Zeke, effete Zilch to endearing Shlep, a furry green monkey sure he is actually a zebra. In Africa, Becky learns about Zink, a mythical polka-dotted zebra once an outcast but later a hero with the most courage and biggest heart. Becky's health worsens and she zaps back and forth between her real life and the zebra world until the shattering, breathtaking and uplifting climax. Never maudlin, playwright Bennett does a masterful job of balancing the hard realities of illness and the magic found on the zebras' African plains.

Join us for a funny and inspirational play, and meet the national mascot Zink at each performance. Look for more details soon on our website:
www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com
____________________________________________________________

AUDITION DATES SET FOR “THE CANTERVILLE GHOST”

CTK will hold auditions for “The Canterville Ghost” on Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19.

“The Canterville Ghost” is a spooky comedy, based on a classic short story by Oscar Wilde. An American family buys an old mansion in rural England, scoffing at warnings of a rowdy resident ghost. The parents and their three children may have met their match in the “spirited”
and clever ghost, who is determined to scare them out! In the end, kind-hearted Virginia helps him fulfill the terms of the legend by summoning a heroic courage and learning the value of a good deed. The Dallas Morning News reports:
“It’s a pleasure to take the kids to something that diffuses fear with humor, such as ‘The Canterville Ghost’… a Halloween story with a difference… and a particularly fine one.”

CTK is casting five adults (3 males, 2 females) and five children
(4 males and 1 female) for this production. For this play, auditions are by appointment only. Auditioners may make an appointment for one of the following times:

Tuesday, August 18: 4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30 PM.
Wednesday, August 19: 4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30 PM.

Appointments will be taken on a first-reserved, first-scheduled basis.
Eight auditioners will be scheduled for each time period. Therefore, a maximum of 80 auditioners will be seen. Audition appointments may be made by e-mailing info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

The play will begin rehearsing Wednesday, September 2 and will rehearse Sunday afternoons and Monday through Thursday evenings. The play will open on Friday, October 16 and play for 13 performances on weekends through October 31.

Auditions will be held in our theatre, located at in downtown Knoxville at 800 Tyson Street.

__________________________________________________

CTK WINS FOX 43’S “BEST THEATRE GROUP” AWARD, AND NAMED RUNNER-UP IN BEST OF METROPULSE

In a recent media campaign, WTNZ Fox 43 surveyed their viewers on over 80 types of local businesses. After almost two months of polling, and over 12,000 votes!, CTK was named as the winner of “Best Theatre Group” with 35% of the votes!
Thanks to all those who chose us in this wide-reaching survey!

And in the 2009 Best of MetroPulse balloting, CTK was listed as a runner-up in “Best Local Theatre.” Considering the winner was The Actors Co-Op and our fellow runner-up was The Clarence Brown Theatre, we feel very proud that our child actors were honored in being mentioned with Knoxville’s alternative theatre and our city’s professional company in our first year of eligibility.
_____________________________________________________

NEW LOCATION HOSTS OVER 1,000 AUDIENCE
MEMBERS TO VIEW “CHARLOTTE’S WEB”;
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY

CTK thanks all of those who came out to see “Charlotte’s Web” and to celebrate the opening of our new theatre space! We expected to have around 500 audience members for the show, and over twice that number attended the play. We could not have had a better opening of a new location, and the support we have received from you is truly humbling!

We moved into the new Tyson Street location FIVE days before the play opened! All of the children (and their families) lent a hand to get the location performance- ready, doing everything from quickly building the scenery to stocking the bathrooms. After five sixteen-hour days, we opened the doors to a sold-out opening night!

Josh Beach has turned the facility into a jungle for our current production of “The Swiss Family Robinson.”
The barn from “Charlotte’s Web” has yielded to jungle vines, trees, a boat and a life-size tree! We are so fortunate to have such a flexible theatre environment!

But the work is not over: we have a multitude of plans for the new location, and we’ll proceed on these as resources and circumstances allow us to over the coming months. As autumn advances, we hope to build a permanent stage, rig a front-of-stage curtain, install sound- and light-absorbing curtains in the interior performance area, install a lighting grid, renovate and ventilate the adjacent wing for a rehearsal hall and classroom, and move our supplies into storage.
We hope you’ll notice some of these changes by the time you return for “The Swiss Family Robinson:
Amazon Adventure” in July!
___________________________________________________

SUBSCRIPTION
You are receiving this information because either:
- you are a member of our Facebook group
- you have made an inquiry to CTK about programming
- you are a friend, supporter or participant of CTK If you are receiving this newsletter in error, or if you no longer wish to receive updates from Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, reply to this e-mail and place the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Children's Theatre Classes!

2009-03-14T11:12:00.002-04:00

CTK Classes and Workshops
ENROLLMENT UNDERWAY for SPRING TERM of

IMAGI-STAGE and MATINEE CLUB CLASSES

CTK is now accepting students for our spring term of creative dramatics classes.
Imagi-Stage classes are held after-school and specialize in teaching the Basics of creative dramatics in a practical setting: through the rehearsal and performance of a short 20-minute play. Imagi-Stage classes are taught by CTK's Producing Director Zack Allen, who has directed CTK's recent productions of, “Wind in the Willows”.
Matinee Club classes take place on Saturdays and teach performance basics And character creation through a fun and lively series of games, exercises, and Classroom work.

(scroll down below our calendar to get all the details)

Auditions for "Charlotte's Web"

2009-03-09T13:29:00.002-04:00

Auditions for "Charlotte's Web"

Wed., Mar. 11th and Thurs., Mar. 12th

from 4:30-8:15 pm.

For this play, auditions are by appointment only.

Auditioners may make an appointment for one of the following times:

4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30PM.

Auditioners should arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the appointment time.

Appointments will be taken on a first-reserved, first-scheduled basis. Eight auditioners will be scheduled for each time period. Therefore, a maximum of 80 auditioners will be seen.

Audition appointments may be made by calling 599-5284 or e-mailing zack@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

Auditions will consist of cold readings, and will be held at the Emporium Center for Arts and Cultulre, located at 100 St. Gay St. For appts., call 567-1522.

The play will begin rehearsing Monday, March 23, and will rehearse Sunday afternoons, and Monday through Thursday evenings.

The play will open on Friday, April 24 and play for 13 performances through May 9. Audition location will be given upon reservation of appointment. This play will participate in Knoxville's annual Dogwood Arts Festival and have additonal performance requirements as a result.

Auditions for "Charlotte's Web"

2009-03-01T16:35:00.005-05:00

Auditions for "Charlotte's Web"

Wed., Mar. 11th and Thurs., Mar. 12th

from 4:30-8:15 pm.

For this play, auditions are by appointment only.

Auditioners may make an appointment for one of the following times:

4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30PM.

Audition appointments may be made by calling 599-5284 or e-mailing zack@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

The play will begin rehearsing Monday, March 23, and will rehearse Sunday afternoons, and Monday through Thursday evenings.

"Wind in the Willows" Final performances this Friday and Saturday!

2009-02-27T07:19:00.001-05:00

This weekend’s performances for “Wind and the Willow”:

Friday 2/27 at 7 PM
Saturday 2/28 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Reservations Must be Made
by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060

WOW! I hope that everyone in Knoxville gets the opportunity to see such an amazing performance.

Director Zack Allen defies gravity. Wind in the Willows is an absolute hit! This show belongs on the road. I cannot begin to describe the incredible performances. Each and every actor was amazing. The short cut is to tell you about the “Toad”, performed by Connor Hess. Connor nailed it! He is a toad – he is funny and has fully developed his character with an amazing attention to detail. Get his autograph now while you can. Mr. Hess certainly sets the bar in this show – however, not one of the actors backs down. In fact they bring it on. The opening show was so filled with laughter and clapping. I was having a difficult time hearing each and every word. That said you need to see this show.

By the way – did I mention the play was performed by children? Yes, “Wind in the Willows”, is a Children’s Theatre of Knoxville production. You would not know it… As soon as the lights come up you are drawn in by the amazing acting. Mr. Allen has taken a group of kids that in some cases are in their very first play and turned them into amazing actors. How someone accomplishes what Mr. Allen did in four weeks with literally no budget can only be described as magic!

If you have seen the show please post a comment – as a proud Dad of one of the cast members I do not want people to think I am biased. For that matter as a proud Dad I can say I have seen many many children plays and this one surpasses them all. In fact, I do not think it is fair to categories this as “Children’s Theatre”. This show, quite simply is quality theatre and great entertainment.

Take the family and have some fun with the classic “Wind in the Willows” that portrays a story more relevant today than when it was written.

This weekend’s performances for “Wind and the Willow”:
Friday 2/27 at 7 PM

Saturday 2/28 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Reservations Must be Made

by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060

The play is being performed at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, our city's oldest continuously-operating community theatre. The theatre is located at 319 N. Gay Street, directly across the street from Regas Restaurant.

Free parking is available just a few steps from the door of the theatre inwrought-iron enclosed parking lot on the corner of Gay and Depot Streets.

"Wind in the Willows" performance today!

2009-02-21T08:51:00.001-05:00

WOW! I hope that everyone in Knoxville gets the opportunity to see such an amazing performance.

Director Zack Allen defies gravity. Wind in the Willows is an absolute hit! This show belongs on the road. I cannot begin to describe the incredible performances. Each and every actor was amazing. The short cut is to tell you about the “Toad”, performed by Connor Hess. Connor nailed it! He is a toad – he is funny and has fully developed his character with an amazing attention to detail. Get his autograph now while you can. Mr. Hess certainly sets the bar in this show – however, not one of the actors backs down. In fact they bring it on. The opening show was so filled with laughter and clapping. I was having a difficult time hearing each and every word. That said you need to see this show.

By the way – did I mention the play was performed by children? Yes, “Wind in the Willows”, is a Children’s Theatre of Knoxville production. You would not know it… As soon as the lights come up you are drawn in by the amazing acting. Mr. Allen has taken a group of kids that in some cases are in their very first play and turned them into amazing actors. How someone accomplishes what Mr. Allen did in four weeks with literally no budget can only be described as magic!

If you have seen the show please post a comment – as a proud Dad of one of the cast members I do not want people to think I am biased. For that matter as a proud Dad I can say I have seen many many children plays and this one surpasses them all. In fact, I do not think it is fair to categories this as “Children’s Theatre”. This show, quite simply is quality theatre and great entertainment.

Take the family and have some fun with the classic “Wind in the Willows” that portrays a story more relevant today than when it was written.

This weekend’s performances for “Wind and the Willow”:
Saturday 2/21 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday 2/22 at 3 PM

Reservations made by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060

OVER 200 ATTEND “WIND IN THE WILLOWS” OPENING WEEKEND

2009-02-18T21:19:00.004-05:00

CHILDREN’S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE NEWS BRIEFS

OVER 200 ATTEND “WIND IN THE WILLOWS” OPENING WEEKEND; ONLY NINE PERFORMANCES REMAINING!

CTK’s first play in 2009 is also its first smash hit of the year! Over 200 people came to Theatre Knoxville Downtown to see “The Wind in the Willows” last weekend, putting the play on pace to be the company’s most successful show yet.

Reservations are recommended for the final two weekends of shows, since the performance space is an intimate 68-seat venue! You have nine more chances to see the hilarious adventures of Mr. Toad and his friends Rat, Mole, and Badger, as they try to rescue Polly Otter from the clutches of the invading weasels!

Performances will be held this weekend (2/19 - 2/22) on Thursday and Friday at 7 PM, Saturday at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sunday at 3 PM.
Next weekend (2/26 - 2/28), there will be shows on Thursday and Friday at 7 PM, and Saturday at 1 PM and 5 PM. The show’s final performance is Saturday the 28th at 5 PM.

For reservations, e-mail tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com , or call (865) 599-5284. For more information, visit http://www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com/, or blogspot.childrenstheatreknoxville.com !

"Wind in the Willows" performance today!

2009-02-14T10:07:00.004-05:00

WOW! I hope that everyone in Knoxville gets the opportunity to see such an amazing performance.

Take the family and have some fun with the classic “Wind in the Willows” that portrays a story more relevant today than when it was written.

This weekend’s performances for “Wind and the Willow”:
Saturday 2/14 at 1 PM and 5 PM
Sunday 2/15 at 3 PM

Reservations made by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060

"THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS" Opens this weekend!

2009-02-13T00:01:00.002-05:00

"THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS" OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

CTK will present its first show of 2009, as "The Wind in TheWillows" opens on next Friday (February 13) at 7 PM.

Here's the full-performance calendar:
Friday 2/13 at 7 PM

Saturday 2/14 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Sunday 2/15 at 3 PM

Thursday 2/19 at 7 PM

Friday 2/20 at 7 PM

Saturday 2/21 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Sunday 2/22 at 3 PM

Thursday 2/26 at 7 PM

Friday 2/27 at 7 PM

Saturday 2/28 at 1 PM and 5 PM

Mr. Toad's obsession with motor cars is causing his friends someconcern... especially considering he has crashed six cars in thepast few weeks! So, Mole, Rat and Old Mr. Badger decide to interveneon the poor amphibian's behalf and prevent him from harming himself orsomeone else. Meanwhile, Little Polly Otter has gone missing, and afamily of Weasels has taken over Toad Hall! This is a hilarious andheartwarming tale of friendship through trying times as well as aclassic adventure, complete with disguises, a prison escape, and a madtrain ride! Featuring a dozen of Knoxville's best child actors, this is alive theatre experience that both adults and children will find funnyand meaningful. Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of thistimeless tale by author Kenneth Grahame that gets more relevant as it ages!Farragut Middle School student Connor Hess plays the car-obsessed Mr. Toad,and twelve other children also perform in the play. Mr. Toad's friends,Mole and Rat, are played by Caleigh Schaad and Holland Hysmith,respectively.

The villainous Jack Weasel is played by Kiernan Bensey, and his co-hortsJen, Tom, and Tilly are played by Jordan Bridges, Caroline Dyer, and JulianaPulsinelli. Little Polly Otter is being performed by nine-year-old AbigailCoughlin, while Bearden High School senior Ashlee Latimer plays her over-protective mother. Samantha Hatmaker plays a wayward Chauffeur, SophiaAbouelata plays the Town Jailer, Caitlin Kennedy plays the Jailer's Grand-Daughter, Naomi Lloyd plays the Train Worker, Bea, and Lauren Zinser playsthe dual roles of Allie the Train Engineer and the Constable. Retired WebbSchool educator Ron Gratz fills out the cast as Old Mr. Badger.

Free parking is available just a few steps from the door of the theatre inwrought-iron enclosed parking lot on the corner of Gay and Depot Streets.

Reservations are strongly recommended, since Theatre Knoxville is anintimate 60-seat performance space. Reservations made by calling 599-5284 or 258-2060, or by e-mailing tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com. Tickets are $9 per person. We are continuing our special rate with this show: any adult and child entering the theatre together may do so for $7 each.

The play is directed by CTK's Producing Director Zack Allen, and CarolNordstrom is the play's Stage Manager. Ellis Greer is serving as Costume Designer.

The play is sponsored by Schaad Companies and Jupiter Entertainment.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS" OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 CTK

2009-02-11T08:35:00.001-05:00

CTK will present its first show of 2009, as

"The Wind in TheWillows"

opens on next Friday (February 13) at 7 PM.

Mr. Toad's obsession with motor cars is causing his friends someconcern... especially considering he has crashed six cars in thepast few weeks! So, Mole, Rat and Old Mr. Badger decide to interveneon the poor amphibian's behalf and prevent him from harming himself orsomeone else. Meanwhile, Little Polly Otter has gone missing, and afamily of Weasels has taken over Toad Hall! This is a hilarious andhartwarming tale of friendship through trying times as well as aclassic adventure, complete with disguises, a prison escape, and a madtrain ride! Featuring a dozen of Knoxville's best child actors, this is alive theatre experience that both adults and children will find funnyand meaningful. Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of thistimeless tale by author Kenneth Grahame that gets more relevant as it ages!

WATCH FOR ZACK ALLEN ON WBIR's NOON NEWS SHOW

2009-02-09T11:05:00.001-05:00

WATCH FOR ZACK ALLEN ON WBIR's NOON NEWS SHOW THIS MONDAY!

CTK's Producing Director Zack Allen will appear on WBIR's Noon Newsbroadcast thisMonday (Feb. 9) to discuss the company's activities and the upcomingperformance of "The Wind in The Willows." This is CTK's fifth appearance on WBIR in thepast year!

Thank you, WBIR TV 10, for being so supportive of Knoxville's theatrecompany forchildren, by children.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS" OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 CTK

2009-02-09T09:01:00.001-05:00

CTK will present its first show of 2009, as

"The Wind in TheWillows"

opens on next Friday (February 13) at 7 PM.

Mr. Toad's obsession with motor cars is causing his friends someconcern... especially considering he has crashed six cars in thepast few weeks! So, Mole, Rat and Old Mr. Badger decide to interveneon the poor amphibian's behalf and prevent him from harming himself orsomeone else. Meanwhile, Little Polly Otter has gone missing, and afamily of Weasels has taken over Toad Hall! This is a hilarious andhartwarming tale of friendship through trying times as well as aclassic adventure, complete with disguises, a prison escape, and a madtrain ride! Featuring a dozen of Knoxville's best child actors, this is alive theatre experience that both adults and children will find funnyand meaningful. Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of thistimeless tale by author Kenneth Grahame that gets more relevant as it ages!

Last Chance to see "The Little Prince"

2008-12-20T11:04:00.002-05:00

Holidays are here - time for the family!

make your reservations for "The Little Prince"

Saturday 12/20/2008 1:00 PM

Saturday 12/20/2008 4:00 PM

Reservations / Purchase tickets Call 865-599-5284

Tickets $9.00

$7.00 for a child with an adult

Also, reminder the current bid on the orginal painting is at $850.00. I am going to be running errands today – so if you want to bid you will need to call or text me at (865) 386-7860.

If you want updates of the bid change please text me a number I can text or call you.

Thanks so very much!

Happy Holidays,
Harvey

"The Little Prince" Original Painting Auction - NEW BID

http://ctkauction.blogspot.com/

The Bid is now at $850.00

We will continue to take bids for the painting after the close of the last production of “The Little Prince” Saturday December 20. The Final bid must be received by 5:30PM.

If you cannot be in the Theatre for the final live bids or prefer to remain anonymous, then you can call me on my cell phone to arrange a proxy to submit a bid on your behalf. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a proxy, please call me at (865) 386-7860. Because of the overwhelming interest in this unique work of art, the bid increment is set at $25.00.

Thanks so much for your support of our kids!

Best,
Harvey

Harvey Abouelata
Abacus Creative Management
Sales, Marketing and Business Planning
(865) 386-7860

The Little Prince" Original Painting Auction - NEW BID

2008-12-19T18:19:00.000-05:00

http://ctkauction.blogspot.com/

The Bid is now at $850.00

We will continue to take bids for the painting after the close of the last production of “The Little Prince” Saturday December 20. The Final bid must be received by 5:30PM.

If you cannot be in the Theatre for the final live bids or prefer to remain anonymous, then you can call me on my cell phone to arrange a proxy to submit a bid on your behalf. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a proxy, please call me at (865) 386-7860. Because of the overwhelming interest in this unique work of art, the bid increment is set at $25.00.

Thanks so much for your support of our kids!

Best,
Harvey

Harvey Abouelata
Abacus Creative Management
Sales, Marketing and Business Planning
(865) 386-7860

"The Little Prince" Original Painting Auction - NEW BID

2008-12-19T12:21:00.004-05:00

http://ctkauction.blogspot.com/

The Bid is now at $800.00

We will continue to take bids for the painting after the close of the last production of “The Little Prince” Saturday December 20. The Final bid must be received by 5:30PM.

If you cannot be in the Theatre for the final live bids or prefer to remain anonymous, then you can call me on my cell phone to arrange a proxy to submit a bid on your behalf. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a proxy, please call me at (865) 386-7860. Because of the overwhelming interest in this unique work of art, the bid increment is set at $25.00.

Thanks so much for your support of our kids!

Best,
Harvey

Harvey Abouelata
Abacus Creative Management
Sales, Marketing and Business Planning
(865) 386-7860

FINAL WEEKEND OF "THE LITTLE PRINCE"; ONLY FOUR PERFORMANCES LEFT!

2008-12-18T06:25:00.001-05:00

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville is presenting “The Little Prince,” a play based on the beloved children’s novel by Antoine de Saint- Exupery, for four more performances only!

Your last chance to see this remarkable play which appeals to both adults and children is December 20! Remaining performances are:
Thursday, December 18 at 7 PM
Friday, December 19 at 7 PM
Saturday, December 20 at 1 PM and 4 PM

Reservations are strongly recommended. Over 330 people have already seen the play, and we expect many more this weekend. The Friday night show, for example, has only 28 seats left! We would hate for you to miss our most ambitious production yet! You may reserve your tickets by calling (865) 599-5284 or e-mailing tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

The play will be performed at in the historic ballroom of the Farragut Building (530 S. Gay Street) in downtown Knoxville, immediately next door to The Tennessee Theatre. The show plays on Thursdays (Dec. 18) at 7 PM; Fridays (Dec. 12 & 18) at 7 PM; Saturdays (Dec. 13 & 20) at 1 PM and 4 PM; and Sundays (Dec. 14) at 3 PM. Tickets are $9 per person, although CTK is continuing its popular special rate of $7 per person for any adult and child entering together. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Remaining tickets may be purchased in the Farragut Building ballroom, beginning 30 minutes prior to each show. All seating is general admission.

“The Little Prince” is one of the world’s most famous books for children, having been translated into over 40 languages.
Thought-provoking, thrilling, and funny, “The Little Prince” tells the story of an Aviator who crashes his plane into the Sahara Desert, where he is surprised to find a little boy wandering near the crash site.
As the Aviator attempts to repair his plane, he learns that this is no ordinary little boy - but a “little prince” from Asteroid B-612 who has also fallen to Earth. “The Little Prince” is a timeless spiritual allegory for people of all faiths. Through a series of outer space encounters and Earthly adventures with The Fox, The Snake, and The Desert Rose, the Little Prince teaches the Aviator about the power of faith, the triumph of beauty over ignorance, and the spiritual victory of good over evil, making “The Little Prince” the perfect holiday experience for people of all beliefs.

Twelve-year-old Alex Drinnen will play “The Little Prince,” with Ben Croisdale appearing as The Aviator. UT student Harrison Young plays The Aviator (As A Grown-Up). Fifteen other children, age 9 to 15, play the various characters who meet The Little Prince, including Sophia Abouelata, Marisa Beeler, Mac Bower, Amelia Bryant, Abigail Coughlin, Gregory Croisdale, English Dougherty, Tessa Goodnight, Caroline Hartley, Emily Hartley, Amber Latham, Graham Marema, Juliana Pulsinelli, Sarah Smith, and Rowan Young.

Please come out and support CTK, and we promise you will see a very unique show that you and your families will talk about for many days to come!

You are receiving this e-mail as a result of your inquiry to CTK by phone or e-mail, or by joining one of our social networking groups, such as Facebook, or by being a friend, donor, or participant.
If you are receiving this in error, or no longer wish to receive the CTK e-newsletter, please reply to this e-mail with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

WINTER TERM OF “Solo Acting and Auditioning” (Age 11-15) SATURDAY CLASSES

2008-12-14T19:17:00.001-05:00

Enrollment has begun for the Winter term of “Solo Acting and Auditioning” Saturdayclasses.

For younger students (ages 11 to 15), CTK will offer“Performance Basics for Young People,” for five consecutiveSaturdays from 2 PM to 4 PM, beginning January 10.

All classes are$125 per student, and all meet in the ballroom of The Farragut Building at 530 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

For more information, contact Zack Allen at (865) 599-5284.

WINTER TERM OF “MATINEE CLUB” (Age 6-10) SATURDAY CLASSES

2008-12-14T17:29:00.000-05:00

Enrollment has begun for the Winter term of “Matinee Club” Saturdayclasses.

For younger students (ages 6 to 10), CTK will offer“Performance Basics for Young People,” for five consecutiveSaturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM, beginning January 10.

All classes are$125 per student, and all meet in the ballroom of The Farragut Building at 530 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

For more information, contact Zack Allen at (865) 599-5284.

Children's Theatre e-NEWS DECEMBER 2008

2008-12-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

CHILDREN’S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE
DECEMBER 2008 e-NEWS

FINAL EIGHT PERFORMANCES OF "THE LITTLE PRINCE" OVER NEXT TWO WEEKENDS

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville is presenting “The Little Prince,” a play based on the beloved children’s novel by Antoine de Saint- Expury, for eight more performances December 20. “The Little Prince”
is one of the world’s most famous books for children, having been translated into over 40 languages. About 200 people came last weekend to see the play, and we are expecting hundreds more over the next 8 shows.

One of our audience members had this to say in a recent e-mail: "(We had) done the (traditional) Christmas story type-thing one too many times. The Little Prince is an offbeat holiday production but very refreshing. Kids love the costumes and the music, and adults appreciate the underlying examination of man's values."

Thought-provoking, thrilling, and funny, “The Little Prince” tells the story of an Aviator who crashes his plane into the Sahara Desert, where he is surprised to find a little boy wandering near the crash site.
As the Aviator attempts to repair his plane, he learns that this is no ordinary little boy - but a “little prince” from Asteroid B-612 who has also fallen to Earth. “The Little Prince” is a timeless spiritual allegory for people of all faiths. Through a series of outer space encounters and Earthly adventures with The Fox, The Snake, and The Desert Rose, the Little Prince teaches the Aviator about the power of faith, the triumph of beauty over ignorance, and the spiritual victory of good over evil, making “The Little Prince” the perfect holiday experience for people of all beliefs.

The play will be performed at CTK’s new location in the historic ballroom of the Farragut Building (530 S. Gay Street) in downtown Knoxville, immediately next door to The Tennessee Theatre. The show plays on Thursdays (Dec. 18) at 7 PM; Fridays (Dec. 12 & 18) at 7 PM; Saturdays (Dec. 13 & 20) at 1 PM and 4 PM; and Sundays (Dec. 14) at 3 PM. Tickets are $9 per person, although CTK is continuing its popular special rate of $7 per person for any adult and child entering together. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Tickets may be obtained by calling (865) 599-5284. Remaining tickets may be purchased in the Farragut Building ballroom, beginning 30 minutes prior to each show. All seating is general admission.

Twelve-year-old Alex Drinnen will play “The Little Prince,” with Ben Croisdale appearing as The Aviator. UT student Harrison Young plays The Aviator (As A Grown-Up). Fifteen other children, age 9 to 15, play the various characters who meet The Little Prince, including Sophia Abouelata, Marisa Beeler, Mac Bower, Amelia Bryant, Abigail Coughlin, Gregory Croisdale, English Dougherty, Tessa Goodnight, Caroline Hartley, Emily Hartley, Amber Latham, Graham Marema, Juliana Pulsinelli, Sarah Smith, and Rowan Young.

AUDITIONS FOR “THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS” TO BE HELD IN JANUARY

CTK’s next production will be a dramatic adaptation “The Wind in the Willows,” which will play in February 2009. Auditions have been scheduled for Sunday, January 4 at 3 PM and Monday, January 5 at 7 PM. Up to 12 young people, ages 7 to 17, will be considered for casting. “The Wind in the Willows” is based on the children’s book by Kenneth Grahame and tells the story of the forest friendship between Mr. Frog and Mr. Toad. Auditioners may perform a short 1- minute monologue, and all will be asked to read from the script. The play will be directed by Zack Allen. Questions? Call (865) 599- 5284 for more information, or e-mail zack@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

WINTER TERM OF “MATINEE CLUB” SATURDAY CLASSES SCHEDULED

Enrollment has begun for the Winter term of “Matinee Club” Saturday classes. For younger students (ages 6 to 10), CTK will offer “Performance Basics for Young People,” for five consecutive Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM, beginning January 10. For older students (ages 11 to 15), CTK will hold another section of our most popular class “Solo Acting and Auditioning” for five consecutive Saturdays from 2 PM to 4 PM, beginning January 10. All classes are
$125 per student, and all meet in the ballroom of The Farragut Building at 530 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. For more information, contact Zack Allen at (865) 599-5284.

2008 MILESTONES

It has only been nine months since our inaugural production at St.
James Episcopal Church, but we have reached many milestones in 2008 which assert that CTK is the Knoxville area’s fastest-growing theatre company.

In our fourth production (Little Women in October), we had our 1,000th audience member attend a show. And overall, our four productions thus far have been attended at 88% capacity. Treasure Island USA sold out every show! We quickly outgrew our small 50- seat playing space, which was graciously provided by the Arts and Culture Alliance at The Emporium. In October, we were given permission by Kailyn Realty Management to utilize the 100-seat historic ballroom in the Farragut Building to stage and produce our shows and classes.

With The Little Prince, we will have had over 120 child actors audition for - and over 40 receive a role in - a CTK production. Our youngest actor to have appeared in a production was Caleigh Schaad, who was only 8 when she made her stage debut as Dolly the Rabbit in The Velveteen Rabbit. Also, two of our shows, The Princess and the Pauper and Treasure Island USA have been premieres of original plays by our Executive Director Zack Allen.

CTK has also been active in the community, having conducted a hands on Film and Theatre Camp for troubled teens at Peninsula Village, led numerous workshops at local Boys & Girls Clubs and at the Public Defender’s Juvenile Facility in partnership with Tennessee Stage Company, begun a three-month in-school residency at Mooreland Heights Elementary School (see article below), and led workshops in conjunction with the Clarence Brown Theatre for Blount County’s Day for the Arts.

If you have contributed to CTK over the past nine months, we hope you are as proud as we are of our accomplishments since February. We simply could not have achieved so much without you.

ROTHCHILD CATERING TO DONATE AUDIENCE CHAIRS FOR “THE LITTLE PRINCE”

One of Knoxville’s most respected and community-conscious businesses will help CTK to produce “The Little Prince.” Rothchild Catering will donate the use of 100 audience chairs to CTK to use in our new theatre in the ballroom of the Farragut Building. CTK’s move to a larger venue (which holds almost 100 theatre-goers per
show) will certainly allow for the organization to grow and expand programming opportunities and audience capacities. One of the hurdles to overcome, however, has been to populate the space with audience chairs. Enter Rothchild Catering! They have graciously agreed to donate 100 chairs to the new space! If you are considering a holiday party this season, please consider Rothchild as your catering source. Not only do they have decades of culinary service to their credit, but they truly care about our community and its children. Thank you, Rothchild Catering, for this meaningful donation to Knoxville’s fastest-growing performing arts group!

"THE LITTLE PRINCE" PAINTING USED IN POSTER TO BE AUCTIONED ONLINE

Nationally-acclaimed New York-based artist April Laragy created the remarkably beautiful artwork for our poster of “The Little Prince.”
(See it at childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com). Her national reputation and the quality of her work so impressed the Knoxville Museum of Art that the original painting is hanging there now!
Admission to the museum is free through the rest of 2008, so visit the museum and see the painting for yourself! If you like it, you can take it home! Yes, the painting is being auctioned online at the above “blogspot” address! This is your chance to obtain a gorgeous piece of original fine art for your child’s bedroom and to help CTK! All proceeds from the sale of the painting will be donated to CTK.

WEBSITE UPDATES / BLOGSPOT

Check out our updated website at www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com !
It has new information about the current play, classes, and outreach activities. Also, the most up-to-date information about CTK can be found childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com . Bookmark both sites to get all the CTK info!

The Little Prince Painting is now at $600.00 do I hear $750?

2008-12-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

All benefits will go to the Children's Theatre of Knoxville.

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc. (CTK) is a newly-formed non-profit 501(c) corporation, operating under Tennessee State Charter #0561570. Donations are tax deductable.

To place a bid please e-mail your offer to harvey@abacuscreativemanagement.com

or call (865) 386-7860.

Current bid is at:

$600.00

Auction site is [here]

"The Little Prince" Painting - New BID!

2008-12-09T10:50:00.001-05:00

or call (865) 386-7860.

Current bid is at:

$500.00

Auction site is [here]

"The Little Prince" orginal painting bid is now $450.00 do I hear $475.00?

2008-12-08T14:00:00.002-05:00

The current bid is now $450.00!

The Little Prince - Make Reservations today!!!

2008-11-30T09:38:00.005-05:00

Holidays are here - time for the family!

make your reservations for "The Little Prince"

Today

Ticket Sales Little Prince 2008

Friday 12/5/2008 7:00 PM

Saturday 12/6/2008 1:00 PM

Saturday 12/6/2008 4:00 PM

Sunday 12/7/2008 3:00 PM

Thursday 12/11/2008 7:00 PM

Friday 12/12/2008 7:00 PM

Saturday 12/13/2008 1:00 PM

Saturday 12/13/2008 4:00 PM

Sunday 12/14/2008 3:00 PM

Thursday 12/18/2008 7:00 PM

Friday 12/19/2008 7:00 PM

Saturday 12/20/2008 1:00 PM

Saturday 12/20/2008 4:00 PM

Reservations / Purchase tickets Call 865-599-5284

You can also email:

harvey@abacuscreativemanagement.com

Tickets $9.00

$7.00 for a child with an adult

We received our first bid!!! Please keep it rolling.

2008-11-25T20:12:00.001-05:00

The current bid is now $275.00!

"The Little Prince" at the Knoxville Museum of Art

2008-11-22T17:28:00.003-05:00

David L. Butler, Executive Director of the Knoxville Museum of Art and Zack Allen, Director of Children's Theatre of Knoxville with "The Little Prince" Original Painting by April Laragey - Stein on display of the Knoxville Museum of Art.
The Painting is for sale to the highest bidder. All proceeds will go to the Children's Theatre of Knoxville. To see the painting please visit the KMA @ 1050 World's Fair Park Knoxville, TN 37916-1653 from now until December 20. Admission is free!

CHILDREN’S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE NOVEMBER 2008 e-NEWS

2008-11-19T22:27:00.001-05:00

“THE LITTLE PRINCE” To Play December 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19 &
20

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville will present “The Little Prince,” a
play based on the beloved children’s novel by Antoine de Saint-
Expury, for thirteen performances throughout the first three weekends
of December. “The Little Prince” is one of the world’s most famous
books for children, having been translated into over 40 languages.

Thought-provoking, thrilling, and funny, “The Little Prince” tells the
story of an Aviator who crashes his plane into the Sahara Desert,
where he is surprised to find a little boy wandering near the crash site.
As the Aviator attempts to repair his plane, he learns that this is no
ordinary little boy - but a “little prince” from Asteroid B-612 who has
also fallen to Earth. “The Little Prince” is a timeless spiritual
allegory for people of all faiths. Through a series of outer space
encounters and Earthly adventures with The Fox, The Snake, and The
Desert Rose, the Little Prince teaches the Aviator about the power of
faith, the triumph of beauty over ignorance, and the spiritual victory of
good over evil, making “The Little Prince” the perfect holiday
experience for people of all beliefs.

The play will be performed at CTK’s new location in the historic
ballroom of the Farragut Building (530 S. Gay Street) in downtown
Knoxville, immediately next door to The Tennessee Theatre. The show
plays on Thursdays (Dec. 11 & 18) at 7 PM; Fridays (Dec. 5, 12 & 18)
at 7 PM; Saturdays (Dec. 6, 13 & 20) at 1 PM and 4 PM; and Sundays
(Dec. 7 & 14) at 3 PM. Tickets are $9 per person, although CTK is
continuing its popular special rate of $7 per person for any adult and
child entering together. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Tickets may be obtained by calling (865) 599-5284. Remaining
tickets may be purchased in the Farragut Building ballroom, beginning
30 minutes prior to each show. All seating is general admission.

Twelve-year-old Alex Drinnen will play “The Little Prince,” with Ben
Croisdale appearing as The Aviator. UT student Harrison Young plays
The Aviator (As A Grown-Up). Fifteen other children, age 9 to 15, play
the various characters who meet The Little Prince, including Sophia
Abouelata, Marisa Beeler, Mac Bower, Amelia Bryant, Abigail
Coughlin, Gregory Croisdale, English Dougherty, Tessa Goodnight,
Caroline Hartley, Emily Hartley, Amber Latham, Graham Marema,
Juliana Pulsinelli, Sarah Smith, and Rowan Young.

2008 MILESTONES

It has only been nine months since our inaugural production at St.
James Episcopal Church, but we have reached many milestones in 2008
which assert that CTK is the Knoxville area’s fastest-growing theatre
company.

In our fourth production (Little Women in October), we had our
1,000th audience member attend a show. And overall, our four
productions thus far have been attended at 88% capacity. Treasure
Island USA sold out every show! We quickly outgrew our small 50-
seat playing space, which was graciously provided by the Arts and
Culture Alliance at The Emporium. In October, we were given
permission by Kailyn Realty Management to utilize the 100-seat
historic ballroom in the Farragut Building to stage and produce our
shows and classes.

With The Little Prince, we will have had over 120 child actors audition
for - and over 40 receive a role in - a CTK production. Our youngest
actor to have appeared in a production was Caleigh Schaad, who was
only 8 when she made her stage debut as Dolly the Rabbit in The
Velveteen Rabbit. Also, two of our shows, The Princess and the
Pauper and Treasure Island USA have been premieres of original plays
by our Executive Director Zack Allen.

CTK has also been active in the community, having conducted a hands
on Film and Theatre Camp for troubled teens at Peninsula Village, led
numerous workshops at local Boys & Girls Clubs and at the Public
Defender’s Juvenile Facility in partnership with Tennessee Stage
Company, begun a three-month in-school residency at Mooreland
Heights Elementary School (see article below), and led workshops in
conjunction with the Clarence Brown Theatre for Blount County’s Day
for the Arts.

If you have contributed to CTK over the past nine months, we hope you
are as proud as we are of our accomplishments since February. We
simply could not have achieved so much without you.

IMAGI-STAGE CLASS PERFORMS FINAL PLAY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Students in CTK’s Imagi-Stage class will perform their final project, a
dramatic adaptation of the classic O. Henry story, “The Last Leaf,” on
Thursday, November 20 at 5 PM in The Farragut Building (530 S. Gay
Street) in downtown Knoxville, immediately next door to The
Tennessee Theatre. Performers include Jordan Bridges as Miss Sue,
Madison Hamilton as Miss Joanna, Bentley Young as Rand, Will
White as Dr. McMillan, and Savannah Huff as Miss Louisa.

CTK’s Imagi-Stage after-school workshops teach theatre basics in a
practical theatre environment, by rehearsing and performing a highly
dramatic 15-minute play. Students apply emotion, mood, task, and
physical condition to the acting process to create vibrant,
interesting characters. The play is performed with minimal technical
assistance to allow the actors to create the play’s reality. Admission
to the short performance is free. Those interested in taking future
Imagi-Stage classes are encouraged to attend to learn more about this
unique learning opportunity.

Enrollment has begun for the Winter term of Imagi-Stage classes. The
class for students (ages 10 to 14) will be Tuesdays after-school (4 PM
to 5:30 PM) for five consecutive Tuesdays, beginning January 13. The
class for ages 15 to 18 will be Thursdays after-school (4 PM to 5:30
PM) for five consecutive Thursdays, beginning January 15. All
classes are $125 per student, and all meet in the ballroom of The
Farragut Building at 530 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

TENNESSEE ARTS COMMISSION RESIDENCY AT MOORELAND HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UNDERWAY

CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard is teaching a 3-month residency,
sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission, at Mooreland Heights
Elementary School over the coming months. CTK teaches three 45-
minute drama classes twice weekly at the south Knoxville
school, centering on building verbal skills, self-confidence, and basic
theatre skills. The Tennessee Arts Commission is funding this project,
which furthers CTK’s mission of exposing as many students as possible
to the educational and entertaining aspects of creative dramatics. If
your school is interested in forming such a partnership with CTK,
please contact Jenny Ballard at (865) 599-5284, or e-mail her at
jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

WINTER TERM OF “MATINEE CLUB” SATURDAY CLASSES SCHEDULED

Enrollment has begun for the Winter term of “Matinee Club” Saturday
classes. For younger students (ages 6 to 10), CTK will offer
“Performance Basics for Young People,” for five consecutive
Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM, beginning January 10. For older
students (ages 11 to 15), CTK will hold another section of our most
popular class “Solo Acting and Auditioning” for five consecutive
Saturdays from 2 PM to 4 PM, beginning January 10. All classes are
$125 per student, and all meet in the ballroom of The Farragut Building
at 530 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. For more information,
contact Zack Allen at (865) 599-5284.

ROTHCHILD CATERING TO DONATE AUDIENCE CHAIRS FOR “THE LITTLE PRINCE”

One of Knoxville’s most respected and community-conscious
businesses will help CTK to produce “The Little Prince.” Rothchild
Catering will donate the use of 100 audience chairs to CTK to use in
our new theatre in the ballroom of the Farragut Building. CTK’s
move to a larger venue (which holds almost 100 theatre-goers per
show) will certainly allow for the organization to grow and expand
programming opportunities and audience capacities. One of the
hurdles to overcome, however, has been to populate the space
with audience chairs. Enter Rothchild Catering! They have graciously
agreed to donate 100 chairs to the new space! If you are considering a
holiday party this season, please consider Rothchild as your catering
source. Not only do they have decades of culinary service to their
credit, but they truly care about our community and its children. Thank
you, Rothchild Catering, for this meaningful donation to Knoxville’s
fastest-growing performing arts group!

AUDITIONS FOR “THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS” TO BE HELD IN JANUARY

CTK’s next production will be a dramatic adaptation “The Wind in the
Willows,” which will play in February 2009. Auditions have been
scheduled for Sunday, January 4 at 3 PM and Monday, January 5 at 7
PM. Up to 12 young people, ages 7 to 17, will be considered for
casting. “The Wind in the Willows” is based on the children’s book
by Kenneth Grahame and tells the story of the forest friendship
between Mr. Frog and Mr. Toad. Auditioners may perform a short 1-
minute monologue, and all will be asked to read from the script. The
play will be directed by Zack Allen. Questions? Call (865) 599- 5284
for more information, or e-mail zack@childrenstheatreknoxville.com .

CTK PARTNERS WITH ACCLAIMED NEW YORK ARTIST APRIL LARAGY FOR 2009 SEASON PROMOTION

Nationally-acclaimed New York-based artist April Laragy created the
remarkably beautiful artwork for our poster of “The Little Prince.”
(See it at childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com). Her national
reputation and the quality of her work so impressed the Knoxville
Museum of Art that the original painting is hanging there now!
Admission to the museum is free through the rest of 2008, so visit the
museum and see the painting for yourself! If you like it, you can take it
home! Yes, the painting is being auctioned online at the above
“blogspot” address! This is your chance to obtain a gorgeous piece of
original fine art for your child’s bedroom and to help CTK! All
proceeds from the sale of the painting will be donated to CTK. Ms.
Larage has agreed to paint five more original paintings for each CTK
mainstage production of the 2009 calendar year, and CTK will auction
each one off, after its display at KMA.

STAGE MANAGEMENT POSITION AVAILABLE

CTK is looking for a stage manager to help with “The Little Prince”
and/or for productions in the 2009 calendar year. This is a paid
position. If you have stage management experience, or would like to
learn about the stage managing, please contact Zack Allen at
(865) 599-5284.

WEBSITE UPDATES / BLOGSPOT

Check out our updated website at www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com !
It has new information about the current play, classes, and outreach
activities. Also, the most up-to-date information about CTK can be
found childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com . Bookmark both sites to
get all the CTK info!

You are receiving this e-mail as a result of your inquiry to CTK by
phone or e-mail, or by joining one of our social networking groups,
such as Facebook, or by being a friend, donor, or participant.
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Make your reservations today for the production of, "The Littel Prince" performed by the Children's Theatre of Knoxville

2008-11-16T15:44:00.004-05:00

Ticket Sales Little Prince 2008

Friday 12/5/2008 7:00 PM
Saturday 12/6/2008 1:00 PM
Saturday 12/6/2008 4:00 PM
Sunday 12/7/2008 3:00 PM

Thursday 12/11/2008 7:00 PM
Friday 12/12/2008 7:00 PM
Saturday 12/13/2008 1:00 PM
Saturday 12/13/2008 4:00 PM
Sunday 12/14/2008 3:00 PM

Thursday 12/18/2008 7:00 PM
Friday 12/19/2008 7:00 PM
Saturday 12/20/2008 1:00 PM
Saturday 12/20/2008 4:00 PM

Reservations / Purchase tickets
Call 865-599-5284

The Little Prince Promotional Poster for Print is posted online!

2008-11-10T21:32:00.003-05:00

The Little Prince Poster is online here:
Hi-Res: http://www.abacuszen.com/CTK/LittlePrince_PosterHR.pdf
Lo-Res: http://www.abacuszen.com/CTK/LittlePrince_PosterLR.pdf

Please feel free to download and print - and share with others!

Thank you for your support.

Press Release:Knoxville Museum of Art supports Children’s Theatre of Knoxville by displaying fundraising painting by fine artist April Laragy Stein.

2008-11-08T07:52:00.003-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2008

Knoxville Museum of Art supports Children’s Theatre of Knoxville by displaying fundraising painting by fine artist April Laragy Stein.

Fine Artist April Laragy Stein of upstate New York has donated an original painting to be used for promoting the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville’s upcoming production of “The Little Prince”. The painting will be on display at the Knoxville Museum of Art from Tuesday, November 11, 2008 until the last performance of “The Little Prince” on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at which time it will be auctioned and awarded to the highest bidder.

Knoxville, Tenn. – Children’s Theatre of Knoxville will present their fifth production and last play of the 2008 season, the beloved children’s classic, The Little Prince. Written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince will be directed by Zack Allen, Executive Director of Children’s Theatre of Knoxville. Fine artist April Laragy Stein has created an original painting to benefit the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville. The painting will be used for the promotional poster of the production of The Little Prince and the original will be auctioned off at the end of the performance to the highest bidder. The painting will be on display at the Knoxville Museum of Art from November 11, 2008 until December 20, 2008. Admission for the Knoxville Museum of Art is free through December 31, 2008.
April Laragy Stein’s pieces generally sell for $3,500 to $5,000 for original framed work. The starting bid on The Little Prince painting is $250.00. Bidding has already begun and will end after the final performance of The Little Prince on December 20, 2008. To place a bid you can call the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville’s promotional manager, Harvey Abouelata at (865) 386-7860 or email him at harvey@abacuscreativemanagement.com. A bid can also be placed with any board member of the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville. The current bid is posted on the Children’s Theatre Auction Blog http://ctkauction.blogspot.com/.
“We have been tremendously fortunate with the support we have received from the Knoxville community and a few old friends.” said Abouelata. “This poster alone is the result of many very kind and generous people that see the need and benefit of having a program like the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville in our community. The painting was donated by April Laragy Stein, a childhood artist friend of mine, and is being framed by Bennett Galleries. The Knoxville Museum of Art is hosting the painting, Andrea Truan Design is creating the poster, and Tennessee Valley Direct is printing the poster.”

The Little Prince runs Thursday through Sundays, premiering Friday, December 5th and closing Saturday, December 20th. The show plays each Thursday and Friday evening at 7 PM, Saturday afternoons at 1 PM and 4 PM, and Sunday afternoons at 3 PM. The Farragut Building is located at 530 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, next to the historic Tennessee Theater.

For reservations, please call 865-599-5284. Reservations are recommended as most shows tend to sell out. Occasionally tickets may be purchased at CTK’s box office 30 minutes before show time.

-# -
Contact

Zack AllenChildren’s Theatre of KnoxvillePhone (865) 599-5284 111 N Central St, Suite 9 Knoxville, TN, 37901Phone (865) 599-5284www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com

Assets
April Laragy Stein “Little Prince” original painting Images:

Web RGB: http://www.abacuszen.com/CTK/LPPaintWEBrgb.gif
Print RGB: http://www.abacuszen.com/CTK/LPPaintPUBLICATIONrgb.jpg
Print CMYK: http://www.abacuszen.com/CTK/LPPaintPUBLICATIONcmyk.jpg

About The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville

The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to producing meaningful theatrical productions for children and families, providing advanced theatrical instruction for children, and serving the community through drama-related outreach programs. CTK accepts charitable donations. Checks should be made to the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville. For more information, call 865-599-5284, visit http://www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com/ or email info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville was formed in 2007 by Zack Allen, who serves as the corporation’s Executive Director, and by Jenny Ballard, who serves as Artistic Director.

Website: http://www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com/
Blog: http://childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com/

Children’s Theatre Location
The Farragut Building is located at 530 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, next to the historic Tennessee Theater.

Tickets for Children’s Theatre Performances
For reservations, please call 865-599-5284. Reservations are recommended as most shows tend to sell out. Occasionally tickets may be purchased at CTK’s box office 30 minutes before show time

Sponsorship /donations
Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc. (CTK) is a newly-formed non-profit 501(c) corporation, operating under Tennessee State Charter #0561570. Donations are tax deductable. Checks should be written and mailed to:
Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc.
Po Box 3783 Knoxville, TN 37927

About the Little Prince
The Little Prince was written by a famous French airplane pilot, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, during World War II. It is a well-known children’s spiritual allegory, and is one of the most widely translated French books in literary history.

The Little Prince tells the story of the narrator, an airplane pilot who crashes in the Sahara Desert. Running out of food and water, and worrying over his predicament, the pilot is approached by the little prince, a young boy who asks him to draw him a sheep. The narrator obliges and the two become friends. As the pilot attempts to fix his airplane, the little prince tells his story. Through his tale, the pilot learns that the little prince actually comes from a small planet where he lived all alone with only a beautiful rose for company. In an attempt to cure his loneliness, he left the planet. On his journey, the prince encounters a king, a vain man, a drunkard, a businessman, a lamplighter and a geographer. At the geographer’s suggestion, the little prince visits Earth, but lands in the middle of the desert and cannot find any humans. Instead, he meets a snake who speaks in riddles and hints darkly that its lethal poison can send the little prince back to the heavens if he so wishes. Ignoring him, the little prince befriends a fox who teaches him, among other things, that the important things in life are visible only to the heart.

Performance Schedule for “The Little Prince”
Friday, December 5, 2008 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 6, 2008 1 PM & 4 PM
Sunday, December 7, 2008 3:00 PM

Thursday, December 11, 2008 7:00 PM
Friday, December 12, 2008 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 13, 2008 1 PM & 4 PM
Sunday, December 14, 2008 3:00 PM

Thursday, December 18, 2008 7:00 PM
Friday, December 19, 2008 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 20, 2008 1 PM & 4 PM

About April Laragy Stein
One of upstate New York's favorite artists, April Laragy Stein Stein presents her latest artistic achievements that awaken the imagination. Influenced by Chagall, Matisse and early Kandinsky, April’s watercolor, gouache and acrylic paintings are compelling and rich with fantasy. The broad theme of her work embodies the earthly dimension of time and space, and makes a connection to a second dimension through the use of the canvas. The paintings depicted on this website range in actual size from approximately 16” x 20” to 40” x 60”.

Acquiring April’s work

Most of the paintings shown on this website have been purchased by private collectors or by the Elizabeth Collection at Artisan Works. If you wish to inquire as to the availability of any of the paintings shown on this site or other works already completed by April please contact Artisan Works at www.artisanworks.net or at (585) 288-7170. If you wish to discuss commissioning a work with April please contact her directly at: aprillaragy@rochester.rr.com.
http://www.aprillaragy.com/

About the Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art serves East Tennessee with outstanding exhibitions and educational programs. The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park and is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM, Friday 10 AM – 8 PM, and Sunday 1 PM –5 PM. Parking is free. Admission is free through December 31, 2008. For more information contact Angela Thomas at (865) 934-2034 or visit http://www.knoxart.org/.

KMA Location and Hours
865.525.6101
1050 World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916-1653
Closed MondayTuesday- Thursday: 10am- 5pmFriday: 10am- 8pmSaturday: 10am- 5pmSunday: 1pm- 5pm
###
Abacus Creative Management (http://www.abacuscreativemanagement.com/) provides business, marketing, sales and promotional planning. Contact Harvey Abouelata (865)386-7860.

April Laragy Stein, Knoxville Museum of Art, Little Prince, Silent Auction, Knoxville Tennessee Theatre, Plays, Children’s Theater, Kids Activities, Acting, Acting Class. Theater Groups, Down Town Knoxville, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Family Entertainment

Children's Theatre of Knoxville could use you as a sponsor

2008-11-03T15:24:00.004-05:00

Children's Theatre of Knoxville is starting rehearsal for the "Little Prince" today!

We have been very fortunate with the Knoxville Business Community helping us grow. Times are tough right now - but our kids are only kids once... If you can dig up a few dollars of support we could sure use the help.

The kids work hard for every dollar you donate in the production and spreading the word about your business. The kids hang over 150 posters, hand out 600 flyer's, post to the web and perform to an average of 675 people a production. We make sure every person we touch knows who our sponsors are and that they make the Children's Theatre possible.

Link: Donation Letter and Suggested Levels

We are also in need of furniture (specifically chairs for our theatre). If you can lend hand thank you in advance!

Our very generous sponsors have been:

Tennessee Valley Direct, Mortgage Investors Group / Kristin Abouelata, Fletcher PR, Mercy Health Partners, Jupiter Entertainment, Dan Lipe Design, Andrea Truan Design, Hardin Valley Animal Hospital, Trust Company / Jim Shelby, Regal Entertainment Group, Covenant Health Credit Union, Parkwest Medical Center

Little Prince Performance Schedule

2008-11-02T12:19:00.006-05:00

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville
present
Little Prince
a dramatization of the novel by Antoine de Saint-Expury
Directed and Written by Zack Allen

Friday, December 05, 2008 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 06, 2008 1 PM & 4 PM
Sunday, December 07, 2008 3:00 PM

Thursday, December 11, 2008 7:00 PM
Friday, December 12, 2008 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 13, 2008 1 PM & 4 PM
Sunday, December 14, 2008 3:00 PM

Thursday, December 18, 2008 7:00 PM
Friday, December 19, 2008 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 20, 2008 1 PM & 4 PM

Reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets Call 865-599-5284

All performances will be at t the Farragut Building ballroom (530 S. Gay Street, 2nd fl oor), Tickets can be purchased starting 30 minutes before each show.

* Please try to call well in advance. We have moved into a much larger theatre and I doubt we will have the problems we have had in the past of turning people away. However, to be on the safe side - please make your reservations now.

The Little Prince Painting arrived today!

2008-10-29T22:01:00.000-04:00

Thank you April Laragy!

CTK: Thank You Knoxville Museum of Art

2008-10-25T09:13:00.006-04:00

Here is some exciting news for the Children's Theatre of Knoxville.

The Knoxville Museum of Art will display April Largagy's orginal painting donated for fund raising for the production of "The Little Prince"!

As soon as the painting arrives we will get it over to KMA and it will remain on display through the last show Sunday, December 20, 2008.

Please visit the KMA to view the painting and place your bid. The bid is starting at $250.00. April Laragy's paintings sell for $3,500 - $5,000.

To enter a bid please email:
Harvey@abacuscreativemanagement.com

or enter your bid (HERE)

Support Children's Theatre of Knoxville - Bid on this original painting

2008-10-24T08:09:00.004-04:00

"Little Prince" is an original painting by April Laragy.

Typically her painting sell for $3,500-$5,000.

Please place your bid (HERE).

All proceeds go directly to the Children's Theatre of Knoxville.

Thank you for your support.

Chris Grabenstein, "The Crossroads"

2008-10-24T07:38:00.004-04:00

THE CROSSROADS

"If Grabenstein's first YA book were to receive a one-word review, the word would be Coooool..." —BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW (read the full review here)

Chris Grabenstein's first book for younger readers is filled with the same humorous and spinetingling storytelling that has made him a fast favorite with adults. Order now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Random House, and wherever books are sold! (also available in audio here!)

AUDITION: CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF KNOXVILLE, PRODUCTION OF THE "LITTLE PRINCE"

2008-10-23T11:02:00.003-04:00

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville will be auditioning for roles in the production, The Little Prince, in its new location at the Farragut building in downtown Knoxville. We will be casting two boys ages 8-12, as well as a variety of roles for boys, girls, men and women, of all ages and experience levels October 26th at 3:00 PM, and October 27th at 7:00 PM at Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, in the historic Farragut Building.

Knoxville, Tenn. – Children’s Theatre of Knoxville will present their fifth production and last play of the 2008 season, the beloved children’s classic, The Little Prince. Written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince will be directed by Zack Allen, Executive Director of Children’s Theatre of Knoxville. Just in time for the holidays, The Little Prince will debut at their new home in the second floor ballroom of the historic Farragut Building, 530 S. Gay St., downtown Knoxville, next door to the historic Tennessee Theater.

To audition, actors should come prepared to perform a one-minute monologue and do a cold reading from the script. Auditions will be held October 26th at 3:00 PM, and October 27th at 7:00 PM at Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, in the historic Farragut Building.

The Little Prince was written by a famous French airplane pilot, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, during World War II. It is a well-known children’s spiritual allegory, and is one of the most widely translated French books in literary history.

The Little Prince tells the story of the narrator, an airplane pilot who crashes in the Sahara Desert. Running out of food and water, and worrying over his predicament, the pilot is approached by the little prince, a young boy who asks him to draw him a sheep. The narrator obliges and the two become friends. As the pilot attempts to fix his airplane, the little prince tells his story. Through his tale, the pilot learns that the little prince actually comes from a small planet where he lived all alone with only a beautiful rose for company. In an attempt to cure his loneliness, he left the planet. On his journey, the prince encounters a king, a vain man, a drunkard, a businessman, a lamplighter and a geographer. At the geographer’s suggestion, the little prince visits Earth, but lands in the middle of the desert and cannot find any humans. Instead, he meets a snake who speaks in riddles and hints darkly that its lethal poison can send the little prince back to the heavens if he so wishes. Ignoring him, the little prince befriends a fox who teaches him, among other things, that the important things in life are visible only to the heart.

Zack Allen, Executive Director of Children’s Theater of Knoxville (CTK) said, “CTK is very excited about presenting a dramatic adaptation of this beloved children’s book. The story, which emphasizes themes of tolerance, friendship, and self-discovery, is one that is important for people of all ages. Its themes are especially relevant during the holiday season, when we will be performing the play!”

The Little Prince runs Fridays through Sundays, premiering December 5th and closing December 20th. The show plays each Friday evening at 7 PM, Saturday afternoons at 1PM and 4PM, and Sunday afternoons at 3PM. The Farragut Building is located at 530 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, next to the historic Tennessee Theater.

For reservations, please call 865-599-5284. Reservations are recommended as most shows tend to sell out. Occasionally tickets may be purchased at CTK’s box office 30 minutes before show time.

# -

About The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville

The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to producing meaningful theatrical productions for children and families, providing advanced theatrical instruction for children, and serving the community through drama-related outreach programs. CTK accepts charitable donations. Checks should be made to the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville. For more information, call 865-599-5284, visit www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com or email info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville was formed in 2007 by Zack Allen, who serves as the corporation’s Executive Director, and by Jenny Ballard, who serves as Artistic Director.

Website: www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com
Blog: http://childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com/

Sponsorship /donations
Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc. (CTK) is a newly-formed non-profit 501(c) corporation, operating under Tennessee State Charter #0561570. Donations are tax deductable. Checks should be written and mailed to:
Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc.
Po Box 3783 Knoxville, TN 37927

###
Abacus Creative Management (www.abacuscreativemanagement.com) provides business, marketing, sales and promotional planning. Contact Harvey Abouelata (865)386-7860.

Auditions, Little Prince, Knoxville Tennessee Theatre, Plays, Children’s Theater, Kids Activities, Acting, Acting Class. Theater Groups, Down Town Knoxville, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Family Entertainment

Children's Theatre of Knoxville e-NEWS

2008-10-22T09:41:00.009-04:00

CHILDREN'S THEATRE OF KNOXVILLE IS MOVING!

CTK has found a beautiful new home for our classes and performances! Our fall term of classes and our upcoming production of "The Little Prince" will take place at our new location in the historic Farragut Building on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue (530 S. Gay Street) in downtown Knoxville, immediately next door to the Tennessee Theatre. We will have a gorgeous auditorium on the building's second floor (formerly the ballroom of the old Farragut Hotel) without load-bearing poles in the viewing area, as well as a lovely classroom area and a comfortable green room (or actor's lounge) for our performers and their families. The State Street Garage is directly behind the building and is free during all of our performance times! Thanks to Mike Davis of Kailyn Realty Management and Cris Lutz of Community Shares for providing this opportunity for CTK to grow and expand our programming in a safe and lovely setting.

FALL TERM OF IMAGI-STAGE CLASSES START THIS THURSDAY

The fall term of CTK's Imagi-Stage after-school classes are starting this Thursday, October 23. The Imagi-Stage program is a weekly after-school workshop for beginners and veterans, which teaches and reinforces creative dramatics in a practical theatre environment. This means that students will work with CTK Executive Director Zack Allen on an age-appropriate script, delving into creating characters and learning the basics of stage production.

Students will perform the script on the final day of class. This is a five-session class for ages 11 to 15, which will meet from 4 PM to 5:30 PM on October 23, 30, November 6, 13 & 20. The class will meet at our new location at the Farragut Building in downtown Knoxville (530 S. Gay Street). Students should gather with the instructor in the lobby, and the class will take place in our classroom and theatre on the second floor. Cost is $125 per student, payable on the first day of class.

FALL TERM OF MATINEE CLUB CLASSES START THIS SATURDAY

The fall term of the Matinee Club (CTK's Saturday classes in creative dramatics) begins this Saturday at our new location at 530 S. Gay Street. There are two classes for two age groups being offered this term. Please note that both Matinee Club classes are near capacity, and slots are available on a first- registered, first-seated basis.

Our PERFORMANCE BASICS class is for ages 6 to 10. This class, taught by CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard, will teach students how to create specific and unique characters, using a myriad of theatre games and exercises designed for fun and learning. Students are instructed in TN Dept. of Education Theatre Learning Standards for elementary grade levels. The class will also take a guided tour of the historic Tennessee Theatre on the first day of class.

The class meets on Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 12 PM for four sessions (October 25, November 8, 15 & 22). Cost for the 8-hour class is $125 per student, payable on the first day of class.

This term's topic for older students (ages 11 through 15) is SOLO ACTING & AUDITIONING. This class is specifically designed to assist the young actor with self-preparation and auditioning technique. Studens will memorize and polish two audition-appropriate monologues which emphasize emotional and physical expression. The class will also take a guided tour of the historic Tennessee Theatre on the first day of class. This class meets on Saturday afternoons from 2 PM to 4 PM for four sessions (October 25, November 8, 15 & 22). Cost for the 8-hour class is $125 per student, payable on the first day of class.

AUDITIONS FOR "THE LITTLE PRINCE"

Children's Theatre of Knoxville will hold auditions for the play "The Little Prince" on Sunday, October 26 at 3 PM and Monday, October 27 at 7 PM at our new location at 530 S. Gay Street (the Farragut Building immediately next door to the Tennessee Theatre). Roles are available for boys and girls, ages 8 to 18, as well as adult actors of all ages. Those planning to audition may prepare a short 1-minute monologue or solo acting piece, if they wish. All auditioners, however, will be asked to read from the script. The play will rehearse Monday through Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout the month of November (with the exception of Thanksgiving weekend) and the first week of December. The performance dates are December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19 & 20.

LITTLE WOMEN WRAP-UP

Our production of "Little Women" was a resounding success. Over 380 people saw the production, and we feel even more would have trekked downtownto see the play if we hadn't performed on two home football Saturdays. The good turnout for "Little Women" put our turnstile count at over 1,000 audience members in 2008, an overwhelming success for a company in its first full year of production. The production was featured on "Live at Five at Four" (with an appearance by Kat Moore (who played Jo March) and director Jenny Ballard) and Alyson Hunt spent 90 minutes live on the set on WVLT's Morning Show, presenting two scenes from the play as well as interviewing Kat Moore ("Jo"), Ashlee Latimer ("Meg"), Rowan Young ("Beth") and Holland Hysmith ("Younger Amy"). Also, the Knoxville News-Sentinel featured a backstage photo of Young and Latimer, along with Carin Lagerberg ("Older Amy") and Marisa Beeler ("Belle"), as well as audio also featuring Sophia Abouelata, on their website as the "Special Moment of the Week." You can view the photo and hear the audio at http://web.knoxnews.com/special/moment/molittlewomen.html .

VISIT OUR BLOGSPOT FOR UPDATED INFORMATION

Want the latest news about CTK? Want to see slideshow pictures from previous productions? Want to write a review of "Little Women" for everyone to read? Visit our blogspot at http://childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com !

"Moments", Saul Young Knoxville News Sentinel

2008-10-20T08:52:00.004-04:00

Check out Saul Young's, "Moments" in the Knoxville News Sentinel!

(HERE)

Also, in print in Today's Knoxville News Sentinel Monday's October 20, 2008 Local section.

CTK , "Little Prince" Poster - April Laragy to Paint

2008-10-16T08:36:00.005-04:00

April Laragy of Upstate New York has committed to a painting for our next promotional poster for the production of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's, "Little Prince" directed by Zack Allen!

April's painting have been selling for $3,500 and up depending on the size.

If your business would like to be a sponsor for the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville poster a minimum donation of $250.00 will get your logo on the poster and huge thank you! If you would like to purchase the painting at the end of the production of "Little Prince" you can start your bid now. We will be selling the painting to the highest bidder in a silent auction. We will post the current bid on the blog.

For sponsorship information or to place a bid please email:
Harvey@abacuscreativemanagement.com

April Laragy Stein One of upstate New York's favorite artists, April Laragy Stein presents her latest artistic achievements that awaken the imagination. Influenced by Chagall, Matisse and early Kandinsky, April’s watercolor, gouache and acrylic paintings are compelling and rich with fantasy.

See some of her painting (HERE)

Little Women - Todays Show is Sold out

2008-10-12T12:48:00.003-04:00

Thanks so much for the support on Little Women. Our last show is today - and yes it is sold out. Be sure to catch our next production "The Little Prince" December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, and 20th.

If you or someone you know would like to audition please join us on Sunday October 26 at 3:00PM or Monay October 27 @ 7:00PM. The location will be announced at a later dat.

For ticket reservation or audition information please call Zack Allen at (865) 5995284.

Our new theatre in the Farragut building has much more seating capacity!

advanced reservations are always appreciated.

Fall Classes - Children's Theatre of Knoxville

2008-10-06T07:45:00.003-04:00

2008 Fall classes being offered by Children's Theatre of Knoxville.

Here is a link to a PDF flyer of the

[FLYER HERE]

TODAY! "Little Women" Presented by the Children's Theatre of Knoxville

2008-10-04T07:03:00.007-04:00

“Little Women,” our fourth full-scale production

Presented at The Emporium Center for the Arts in downtown Knoxville

(100 S. Gay Street).

This weekends performances are

Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1 PM and 4 PM

Sunday, Oct. 5, at 3 PM

Please reserve your tickets by calling:

call 865-599-5284

e-NEWS from CHILDREN'S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE

2008-09-25T23:22:00.000-04:00

LITTLE WOMEN TO PLAY SEPT. 26 THROUGH OCT. 12 at THE EMPORIUM CENTER
“Little Women,” our fourth full-scale production is already in rehearsal and will be presented at The Emporium Center for the Arts in downtown Knoxville (100 S. Gay Street). The performances will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, Saturday, Sept. 27, Saturday, Oct. 4, Sunday, Oct. 5, Friday, Oct. 10, Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12. The Friday performances are at 7 PM, Saturday performances are at 1 PM and 4 PM, and Sunday performances are at 3 PM.
“Little Women” is based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. The play follows the four March sisters (tomboyish, headstrong Jo; confident, caring Meg; sweet, vulnerable Beth; and spoiled, naïve Amy) for five years as they mature from girls to young women. These five years are marked by sacrifice (the girls’ father is away serving as a Chaplain in the American Civil War), romance (Jo, Meg, and Amy experience the first pangs of young love), and family (the girls’ mother, aunt and uncle play large roles in their lives). Alcott’s book is often looked upon as a turning point in the portrayal of women in American fiction. The play takes place in the March’s attic, a place where Jo’s memories of her life at home magically come back to life. The play is directed by CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard.
Ticket prices for the performances are $9 per person. CTK will continue its popular admission policy, however, which allows any adult and child entering together to see the play for $7 per person. Reservations are recommended, since there are only 60 seats available for each performance. To order tickets or to receive more information, please contact Zack Allen at (865) 599-5284 or send an e-mail to the company at info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com.
“Little Women” is made possible through generous support from UT Surgical Associates, Regal Entertainment Group, Parkwest Hospital, Jupiter Entertainment, Mortgage Investors Group, Tennessee Valley Direct, Abacus Creative Marketing Group and through the generous donations of people like you: theatre-goers and believers in the positive impact of theatre on young people. MEET THE "MARCH SISTERS"... and the REST OF THE "LITTLE WOMEN" CASTKATHERINE MOORE is playing Jo March. “Kat” has spent the last year as a working actor in Los Angeles and is back home in Knoxville for her senior year. She has worked with the Actors Co-Op and TN Stage Company. ASHLEY LATIMER (Meg) is a Bearden High student who has acted and directed for the Actors Co-Op. In 2008, she won Bearden’s “Best Advanced Acting” Award! HOLLAND HYSMITH will play Younger Amy. She recently moved to Knoxville from Cincinnati, where she had extensive experience in professional and community theatre. CARIN LAGERBERG will play Older Amy. Carin is an avid actor, singer, and actor, who has performed with The Wordplayers and Knoxville Children’s Choir.
CTK audiences will be very familiar with ROWAN YOUNG, who has given exceptional performances in our productions of “The Princess and the Pauper” (as Lady Amelia) and “Treasure Island USA” as Nurse Violet Livesay
The rest of the cast includes Sophia Abouelata, Marisa Beeler, Timothy Blackwell, Sarah Campbell, Jim Eernisse, Ron Gratz, Connor Hess, and Nicholas Robinson, Francisco Sanchez, and Robbin Paige Sharp. Suzanne Curtis is the play’s assistant director, and Cristin Downs is the stage manager.

CTK FALL INSTRUCTION SCHEDULEIMAGI-STAGE for Ages 6 to 10Tuesdays: October 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18 & 25 IMAGI-STAGE for Ages 11 to 15Thursdays: October 23, 20; November 6, 13 & 20The Imagi-Stage program is a weekly after-school workshop for beginners and veterans which teaches creative dramatics in a practical theatre environment. Students will work on an age-appropriate script, delving into creating characters and learning the basics of stage production. Students will perform the script on the final day of class. Younger students have six sessions; older ones have five sessions. The class takes place at The Emporium Center for the Arts (100 S. Gay St.). Cost for the younger level is $150 per student, and $125 per student for the older level. All Imagi-Stage classes meet from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. PERFORMANCE BASICS for Ages 6 to 10Saturdays: October 25; November 8, 15 & 22Our Saturday “Matinee Club” classes continue with this class which teaches students about the creation of specific and unique characters, using a myriad of theatre games and exercises designed for fun and learning. Students are instructed in topics based on TN Dept. of Education learning expectations for elementary grade levels. Class also includes a backstage tour of the historic Tennessee Theatre. Cost for the 8-hour class is $125 per student. Class meets from 10 AM to 12 PM each Saturday at The Emporium Center for the Arts (100 S. Gay Street). SOLO ACTING & AUDITIONING for Ages 11 to 15Saturdays: October 25; November 8, 15 & 22This class is specifically designed to assist the young actor with self-preparation and auditioning technique. Students will memorize and perfect two monologues, which emphasizes emotional and physical expression and allows students to leave the class with 2 polished audition monologues. Class also includes a backstage tour of the historic Tennessee Theatre. Cost for the 8-hour class is $125 per student. Class meets from 2 PM to 4 PM each Saturday at The Emporium Center for the Arts (100 S. Gay Street). Scholarships are now available for all CTK classes.
E-mail info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com for more information.
CTK ANNOUNCES TWO NEW RESIDENCIES for ELEMENTARY STUDENTS & SENIOR CITIZENS CTK Artistic Director Jenny Ballard will begin a new in-school residency program at Moreland Heights Elementary School this fall. This pilot program is made possible through funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission. Students will have a bi-weekly drama class, which will correlate to core curriculum issues. Afterwards, teachers can incorporate CTK instructional programming into their everyday class lessons! Also, CTK Executive Director Zack Allen will begin a new outreach program with Strang Senior Center in January, which will result in a full-scale production in April 2009. Capitalizing on the therapeutic aspects of creative dramatics, the workshop for seniors will help with memory, physical coordination, and self-confidence, as it does with children! THANKS to ALL WHO MADE “TREASURE ISLAND USA” SUCH A SUCCESS! “Treasure Island USA” sold out every performance! When the dust settled, over 550 people saw the play! Thanks to everyone who attended, all who performed, all who worked behind the scenes, and especially all who supported the production financially, CTK had its first smash hit!

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Visit our blog at http://childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com/or our website at www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com

You are receiving this e-mail as a result of an inquiry to CTK or as a member of our Facebook page. If you no longer wish to receive this e-Newsletter, please e-mail info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com, with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Little Women - Final Poster

2008-09-08T16:13:00.003-04:00

If you would like a poster please email: harvey@abacuszen.com

Thanks for your support!

Little Women - Show Times

2008-09-06T10:41:00.003-04:00

Children's Theatre of Knoxville presents
Little Women
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

Directed By Jenny Ballard

at The Emporium Center for Arts & Culture
100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville

September 26 & 27
October 4,5,10,11 &12

Fridays at 7 PM
Saturdays at 1 PM & 4 PM
Sundays at 3 PM

For tickets, call 865-599-5284

This show has been made possible thanks to:
Mortgage Investors Group - Kristin Abouelata
Parkwest Medical Center
UT Surgical Group
Tennessee Vallery Direct
Jupiter Entertainment
Regal Entertainment Group

LITTLE WOMEN CAST LIST

2008-08-19T17:26:00.002-04:00

LITTLE WOMEN CAST LIST

Jo March....Katherine Moore
Meg March....Ashlee Latimer
Beth March....Rowan Young
Younger Amy March....Holland Hysmith
Older Amy March....Carin Lagerberg
Aunt March....Robbin Paige Sharp
Mrs. March (Marmee)....Sarah Campbell
Uncle Carol....Jacques DuRand
Younger Laurie....Connor Hess
Older Laurie....TBA (to be announced)
John Brooke....TBA
Sallie Gardiner (Meg's friend)....Sophia Abouelata
Ned Moffat (Sallie's friend)....Timothy Blackwell
Belle Moffat (Sallie's friend)....Marissa Beeler
Fred Vaughn (Sallie's friend)....Ben Croisdale
Professor Bhaer....Nicholas Robinson

Understudy for Jo....Maya Rioux
Understudy for Meg....Morgan Voyles
Understudy for Beth....Faith Neece
Understudy for Younger Amy....Sophia Abouelata
Understudy for Older Amy....Amanda Murphy
Understudies for Sallie....English Daugherty, Jennie Cunic

AUDITION NOTICE from CHILDREN'S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE

2008-08-11T09:30:00.004-04:00

AUDITION NOTICE from CHILDREN'S THEATRE of KNOXVILLE

Quick Note - the Turnout Sunday was tremendous - however, we still need high school age boys (approximately 14 years of age). If you know of anyone please encourage them to come by and audition this evening.

WHAT: Auditions for the upcoming production of "Little Women" by Children's Theatre of Knoxville

WHEN: Sunday, August 10 from 3 PM to 5 PM and Monday, August 11 from 7 PM to 8:30 PM

WHERE: The Emporium Center for Arts & Culture, 100 S. Gay Street (1 block south of Regas Restaurant and 1 block north of Summitt Hill Drive.

WHO SHOULD COME? Beginning or veteran actors between the ages of 7 and 80 are invited to audition! That's right, there are roles for a wide variety of ages in this play. We will be casting up to 8 girls, ages 7 to 17; up to three boys, ages 12 to 17; and up to five adults, from early adulthood to senior citizens.

WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE? You may prepare a very short 1-minute monologue to perform, if you wish. A monolgue is a series of lines from a play or dramatic scenario spoken by one actor. You may take a monologue from a play you own, or choose a series of lines spoken by one character in a play, and run them together to form a monologue. You should also bring your calendar with you, because you will be asked to list any conflicts you will have with a proposed rehearsal and performance schedule, which will be given to you during the audition.

DO I HAVE TO PREPARE A MONOLOGUE? WILL IT GIVE ME A BETTER SHOT AT A ROLE? You do not have to prepare a monologue. Some very good actors have common reading disorders, such as dyslexia, and a prepared monolgue allows the actor to concentrate on emotion and expression better than a script reading. Other actors just seem to express themselves more naturally during a prepared monologue. Still others excel at reading from the script. Every auditionee will be given a fair chance at being in the play, whether he/she performs a monolgue or not.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? Auditionees will be asked to perform his/her monologue, if he/she has prepared one. Everyone will be asked to read an excerpt from at least one scene in the play. You will also be asked to fill out a short audition form, which asks auditionees about potential conflicts with the rehearsal and performance process, as well as about any relevant special needs you or your family may have. It is an easy and fun process; arrive in the mindset to be as expressive as you can be! You will not know if you are cast at the end of the audition. We want to see everyone and give it some careful thought before casting the play. A cast list will be sent via e-mail to everyone who auditioned. Those who have been cast in the play will then receive further instructions.

WHAT IF I CANNOT ATTEND EITHER AUDITION DATE? We will see a very limited number of appointments after the auditions, if you cannot attend either date. Contact Zack Allen at info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com to schedule an appointment. There will be a couple of times and dates to select from. No other auditions will be scheduled outside these makeup appojntments, and we will see no more than 6 actors in outside appointments, on a first-contacted, first-scheduled basis. WHAT IS THIS PLAY ABOUT? "Little Women" is a play, based on a much-loved book by Louisa May Alcott. It tells the story of the March family, especially the four March duaghters: Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy. The play deals with the period in the family's lives, when Mr. March has left to work as a chaplain in the American Civil War. The family must pull together, even as the daughters are struggling to find their own individual identities, during this period of wartime and personal sacrifice. The book was made into a feature film about ten years ago, starring Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, and Claire Danes.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? There will be approximately 26 reherasals for the play. Rehearsals generally take place from 7 PM to 9 PM, Mondays through Thursdays, and from 2 PM to 4:30 PM on Sunday afternoons. The play will be performed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for three weekends in late September or early October. The schedule will be finalized when the direcor has a chance to look at the auditionees' conflicts. A conflict with a rehearsal can often be worked around by the director, but in order to be considered for a role, the actor must be available for all performances. WHAT IS CHILDREN'S THEATRE OF KNOXVILLE? Children's Theatre of Knoxville is a new TN nonprofit corporation, formed in October 2007. CTK was founded by Jenny Ballard, who serves as the group's Artistic Director, and Zack Allen, who serves as Executive Director. Together, they have over 40 years of experience in teaching creative dramatics and creating theatrical productions, and both have worked closely with Clarence Brown Theatre, The Actors Co-Op, Tennessee Stage Company, and Theatre Knoxville. Since February, CTK has produced three shows; and over 1,000 people have seen these productions. Our last show, "Treasure Island USA," played to sold-out houses for every performance! "Little Women" will formally kick off our first full season of programming, which will include 5 full-scale productions and dozens of acting classes and workshops for young actors.

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS! WHERE DO I FIND ANSWERS? Contact Zack Allen or Jenny Ballard at info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com . Or call us at 865-599-5284.

WHY DID I RECEIVE THIS e-MAIL? You have made an inquiry to CTK about programming, or you have joined one of our groups on Facebook or MySpace. If, however, you feel you have received this e-mail in error, or no longer wish to receive e-mails about CTK programming at this address, please send an e-mail to info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com with the word

UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Need something for the family to do on a rainy day?

2008-07-26T09:59:00.012-04:00

Treasure Island USA
Last two shows TODAY!
Call now for Tickets (865) 599-5284
Saturday July 26, 2008 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday July 26, 2008 @ 4:00 PM (very few seats left)
No Sunday show this weekend

Pirates - that is all I am saying

2008-07-25T16:22:00.006-04:00

Tonight and Tomorrow are the last shows for TREASURE ISLAND, USA

Call now for Tickets (865) 599-5284

or it might be too late!

Treasure Island USA - Last weekend and tickets are going fast (thank you everyone!)

2008-07-25T09:15:00.002-04:00

This weekends shows are filling up!

For Tickets call early(the first 8 were sold out) and reserve a seat- Only three more shows available!

To purchase tickets, call 865-599-5284.

Last three shows:

Friday July 25, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday July 26, 2008 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday July 26, 2008 @ 4:00 PM (very few seats left)
No Sunday show this weekend

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.
$12 for one child plus one parent
Additional tickets are $8 per person
To get tickets, call 865-599-5284.

SOLD OUT - TWO WEEKENDS IN A ROW

2008-07-21T11:46:00.003-04:00

Looking for a Seat?

Call early(the first 8 were sold out) - Only three more shows available!

To purchase tickets, call 865-599-5284.

Last three shows:

Friday July 25, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday July 26, 2008 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday July 26, 2008 @ 4:00 PM
No Sunday show this weekend

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.
$12 for one child plus one parent
Additional tickets are $8 per person
To get tickets, call 865-599-5284.

We have PIRATES!!!

2008-07-20T09:45:00.006-04:00

"A fun, energetically performed kid's take on the classic novel of pirates and buried treasure. The staging is simple but the action is gripping - and kept at least one five year old on the edge of his seat for all 90 minutes."

- Zak Weisfeld / Executive Producer, Jupiter Entertainment

Sunday July 20, 2008 @ 3:00 PM

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

$12 for one child plus one parentAdditional tickets are $8 per person

To get tickets, call 865-599-5284

Live Theatre for the Family - TODAY

2008-07-19T07:48:00.002-04:00

- Zak Weisfeld / Executive Producer, Jupiter Entertainment

Saturday July 19, 2008 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday July 19, 2008 @ 4:00 PM
Sunday July 20, 2008 @ 3:00 PM

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

$12 for one child plus one parentAdditional tickets are $8 per person

To get tickets, call 865-599-5284

The Knoxville Journal Reports: "Children’s play is a treasure"

2008-07-18T16:11:00.005-04:00

By Stephanie Edwards

Pirate costumes, tons of imagination and a lot of hard work were all important parts of the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville’s latest production — “Treasure Island USA.”

To say the very least, these kids had no shortage of imagination. Acting comes naturally for most children, and these kids take it to the next level.

Written and directed by CTK Executive Director Zack Allen, the play is based on the classic novel “Treasure Island,” with a new kid-friendly twist.

[MORE]

This weekends performances of “Treasure Island USA” performances are scheduled as follows:

•7 p.m. on July 18

•1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on July 19

•3 p.m. on July 20

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.To purchase tickets, call (865) 599-5284 or visit The Emporium Center.Tickets are $12 for one adult and one child. Additional tickets are $8.For more information, visit

www.childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com

This weekend must see: "Treasure Island USA", "Gripping"

2008-07-18T08:52:00.002-04:00

- Zak Weisfeld / Executive Producer, Jupiter Entertainment

Friday July 18, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday July 19, 2008 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday July 19, 2008 @ 4:00 PM
Sunday July 20, 2008 @ 3:00 PM

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

$12 for one child plus one parentAdditional tickets are $8 per person

To get tickets, call 865-599-5284

Auditions for Upcoming Production of “Little Women”

2008-07-16T22:37:00.000-04:00

Knoxville, Tenn. - Children’s Theatre of Knoxville (CTK) will hold auditions for the upcoming stage production of Little Women, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, on Sunday, August 10 from 3 PM and 5 PM and Monday, August 11 from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Auditions will take place at The Emporium Center for Art & Culture at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

The company will be casting up to three boys and up to six girls. CTK will also cast at least one adult male and one adult female. Rehearsals take place five evenings a week from Sunday, August 17 to Thursday, September 18. The play will be performed Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 4 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM, from September 19 through October 4. All rehearsals and performances will take place at The Emporium Center.

Auditioners should be prepared to read from the script with both adult and child actors. No other materials or preparations are required, but auditioners may perform a 1 to 2 minute monologue if he/she wishes. Auditioners will be asked to fill out a short information form at the audition.

Little Women is a wistful tale of growing up, set during the American Civil War. The story centers on the four daughters of Mr. and Mrs. March: Meg, aged 16; Jo, aged 15, who wants to become a writer; Beth, a frail girl of 13, and 12-year-old Amy, the pampered youngest daughter. Mr. March is called away to serve as a Chaplain during the war, leaving Mrs. March alone to raise the girls. Many of the play’s themes reflect the sacrifices that adults and children must make during wartime. The March’s world changes when young Theodore “Lawrie” Lawrence moves in next door, and the March girls learn the value of “friend” and “family.”

Suzanne Curtis will direct the play. Ms. Curtis (MFA, University of Alabama - Alabama Shakespeare Festival) has worked as a professional actor and director in theatres in over a dozen states, including work in New York and California. She has worked extensively with children’s theatre, both as a director and instructor. Zack Allen and Jenny Ballard, CTK’s Executive Director and Artistic Director respectively, will serve as the play’s producers. In addition, Allen will design the set and Ballard will design the costumes. Susan A. Kemppainen will provide the lighting and sound design.
- # -

About The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville

The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to producing meaningful theatrical productions for children and families, providing advanced theatrical instruction for children, and serving the community through drama-related outreach programs. CTK accepts charitable donations. Checks should be made to the Children’s Theatre of Knoxville. For more information, call 865-599-5284, visit http://www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com/ or email info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

The Children’s Theatre of Knoxville was formed in 2007 by Zack Allen, who serves as the corporation’s Executive Director, and by Jenny Ballard, who serves as Artistic Director.

Website: http://www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com/
Blog: http://childrenstheatreknoxville.blogspot.com/

Sponsorship /donations
Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc. (CTK) is a newly-formed non-profit 501(c) corporation, operating under Tennessee State Charter #0561570. Donations are tax deductable. Checks should be written and mailed to:
Children’s Theatre of Knoxville, Inc.
Po Box 3783 Knoxville, TN 37927

Abacus Creative Management (http://www.abacuscreativemanagement.com/) provides business, marketing, sales and promotional planning. Contact Harvey Abouelata (865)386-7860.

Treasure Island USA: "Gripping"

2008-07-16T09:59:00.006-04:00

- Zak Weisfeld / Executive Producer, Jupiter Entertainment

Friday July 18, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday July 19, 2008 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday July 19, 2008 @ 4:00 PM
Sunday July 20, 2008 @ 3:00 PM

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

$12 for one child plus one parentAdditional tickets are $8 per person

To get tickets, call 865-599-5284

Rainy day with the kids? Experience "Treasure Island USA"

2008-07-13T10:32:00.006-04:00

Wondering what to do with the kids today and all the rain?

Check out, "Treasure Island USA"

"The actors are so talented that I forgot I was watching children on stage."

-Stephanie Edwards Entertainment Reporter The Knoxville Journal

Sunday - July 13, 2008 @ 3:00 PM

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.
$12 for one child plus one parent
Additional tickets are $8 per person
To get tickets, call 865-599-5284.

Talented reports the Knoxville Journal

2008-07-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

"The actors are so talented that I forgot I was watching children on stage."

-Stephanie Edwards Entertainment Reporter The Knoxville Journal

Friday - July 11, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday - July 12, 2008 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday - July 12, 2008 @ 4:00 PM
Sunday - July 13, 2008 @ 3:00 PM

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.
$12 for one child plus one parent
Additional tickets are $8 per person
To get tickets, call 865-599-5284.

Treasure Island USA Opens TONIGHT!

2008-07-11T08:56:00.003-04:00

“Treasure Island USA”

the Emporium Center for Arts & Culture.
Friday, July 11, 2008: 7 PM

To purchase tickets, call 865-599-5284

100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville

aarrgghhh matey a treasure hunt of sorts

2008-07-10T06:53:00.000-04:00

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville will premiere

“Treasure Island USA”

the Emporium Center for Arts & Culture.
Friday, July 11, 2008: 7 PM

To purchase tickets, call 865-599-5284.

100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

Night out with the kids this FRIDAY: "Treasure Island USA"

2008-07-09T12:17:00.005-04:00

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville will premiere

“Treasure Island USA”

the Emporium Center for Arts & Culture.
Friday, July 11, 2008: 7 PM

To purchase tickets, call 865-599-5284.

100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

The Matinee Club

2008-07-08T09:00:00.002-04:00

Dramatic Workshops

on Saturdays

July 26 - August 26

Acting 101: Ages 6-11; 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Character Factory, Intermediate acting: Ages 12-16; 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Each Matinee Club class costs $125.00 per child

Treasure Island USA was made Possible by

2008-07-07T20:25:00.000-04:00

Kelly Fletcher PR
Robert and Pat Watson
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Shelby

Covenant Health Federal Credit Union
Hardin Valley Animal Hospital
Mercy Health Partners
Mortgage Investors Group
Tennessee Valley Direct

CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF KNOXVILLE TO PREMIERE “TREASURE ISLAND USA”

2008-07-06T07:50:00.000-04:00

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville will present the premiere of a new play, “Treasure Island USA,” at the Emporium Center for Arts & Culture beginning July 11.

“Treasure Island USA” runs Fridays through Sundays, premiering July 11 and closing July 26.

Friday, July 11, 2008: 7 PM

Saturday, July 12 2008: 1 PM and 4 PM

Sunday, July 13 2008: 3 PM

The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

To purchase tickets, call 865-599-5284.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF KNOXVILLE TO PREMIERE “TREASURE ISLAND USA”

2008-07-05T08:48:00.001-04:00

Knoxville, Tenn. - Children’s Theatre of Knoxville will present the premiere of a new play, “Treasure Island USA,” at the Emporium Center for Arts & Culture beginning July 11.

Written and directed by CTK Executive Director Zack Allen, the play is based on the classic novel “Treasure Island” with a new kid-friendly twist. Set around Charleston, S.C. during 1713, the play revolves around the well-known character Long John Silver and a gang of treasure-seeking children.

“Treasure Island USA” runs Fridays through Sundays, premiering July 11 and closing July 26. The show plays each Friday evening at 7 PM and Saturday afternoons at 1 PM and 4 PM. The cast will also perform the play on Sunday, July 13 and 20 at 3 PM. The Emporium Center is located at 100 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.

"'Treasure Island USA' will thrill and delight children of all ages," says Allen. "The show's theme teaches children about trust and friendship in the face of adversity, while transporting them to the thrilling and colorful world of 18th century pirates. We are excited about introducing many new fans to the exploits of Long John Silver and young Jim Hawkins."
To purchase tickets, call 865-599-5284. Tickets can also be purchased at The Emporium Center, starting 30 minutes before each show.