Monday, September 24, 2012

Week of 9/24

First, a sincere thank you to everyone who came out to see The Stage Monkeys of Lafayette's improv shows last week.  They will be back in November, but we sure are going to miss them during October!

This past weekend saw the UL student production of Proof by David Auburn move into Theatre 810.  In a continuing relationship with the UL Department of Performing Arts, Proof is being directed by Kelsey LaCoste, a BFA senior in the department.  Mario Raymond, a junior concentrating in technical design and production, is the scenic and lighting designer.  Theatre students are also performing in the show, the exception being veteran actor, Duncan Thistlethwaite, who is portraying the role of Robert, the father.  In an student-mentor style process, faculty at the university have been guiding the students through the process of bringing a show from script to stage.  Proof will be a one-weekend production, so please reserve your seats or purchase tickets online as soon as you are able.  Let's support our next generation of theatre practitioners, Lafayette! For more information, please visit the Proof event page.

Also this week, AUI's Dracula will continue rehearsing in Space 806.  As anyone who has been downtown on Jefferson in the evenings can attest, this cast has been hard at work bringing the original 1927 stage play to life.  We can't wait to see it complete with effects and spectacle!  A source close to the production says that stage make-up technicians will be watching rehearsals this week to determine the specific needs of this show.

Oh!  One other thing - a GIANT happy birthday to Marie Diaz, our Development Director, today - Happy Birthday, Marie!!!

That's it for us, right now....but we have lots more coming up, so stay tuned to our Facebook page and keep reading!


Monday, September 17, 2012

Week of 9/17

We at 810 are simply over the moon about all of the things that are happening at our theatre!  From productions to rehearsals to classes, there really isn't any time that something isn't happening.  Also, on the administrative side, we continue to refine our process, last week completing a Venue Rental Guide that will help clearly explain our policies and offer tips to guest producing companies and artists. 

Last month, The Stage Monkeys of Lafayette were forced to cancel their show due to Hurricane Issac.  So, this month, they are performing TWICE to accommodate the demand for their shinanigans - Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th at 7:30 pm.  Did you know that studies suggest that children laugh almost 400 times more frequently than adults each day?  And, did you know that MBA programs such as Duke are now teaching improvisation as part of their curriculum to encourage adaptability and reactibility?  So come laugh like a kid and learn like a business grad at 810 this week!  Tickets are $7/general and $5/w student ID, and you can reserve over the phone or purchase online through EventBrite.

Also at 810 this week, the AUI Theatre Academy acting classes (for all ages) are in full swing Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (you still have time to register before it's too late!).  Rehearsing in 806 and 810 is AUI's Dracula and Wanderlust Theatre Co.'s The Monster Tales.  On Sunday, the UL Department of Performing Art's student production of Proof is loading in, but more on that next week!  Whew! Until then....

Monday, September 10, 2012

Week of 9/10

This week performing at 810 is The Plastic Theatre of Lafayette's Recovery Academy.  This is such a treat for us to bring to you, and really, a reminder of why we all need the arts in our lives.  The Recovery Academy is a theater project for women recovering from addiction and homelessness.  A collaboration between Plastic Theater and the Acadiana Outreach Center, this project was funded by a generous grant that also makes this production FREE to the public.


Over the past month, a handful of local theatre artists conducted workshops at 810 with the participants, focusing on topics such as acting, improvisation, sound, puppetry, and movement.  From those workshops, a script was created based on the stories of these brave women's lives as they share how they have dealt with addiction and homelessness on the streets of Acadiana.  "Off the Streets" is directed and produced by Keith Dorwick, artistic director of The Plastic Theater of Lafayette and co-directed by Elaine Kibodeaux, member of the improv troupe The Stage Monkeys of Lafayette as well as an active local actor.

This show is not to be missed.  Oscar Wilde once said, "I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being."  Let's come get a sense of these women's lives, Acadiana. 

Admission is FREE.
Wednesday, September 12 - Saturday, September 15 at 7:30 pm.  Click here for online reservations.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Welcome Back!

Welcome to our 2012-2013 season!  There are so many things in store for you at 810 this year and we can't wait to tell you about them.  Each Monday, this blog will be updated with news and happenings of the week, so check back frequently.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have reorganized a few administrative things at the theatre; things that after almost a year of productions we found needed to be streamlined or improved to serve the community better.  We have an intern now at the theatre, Joseph Diaz, who opens the theatre box office every week day (M/W/F 3-5pm, T/TH 2-4) and is helping to interface with the producing companies.  Of course, Walter Brown continues to run the show as the Facilities Director, addressing countless needs of the venue.  Marie Delahoussaye Diaz had so much on her plate last year handling box office, promotion and administration needs, that she now has help with many of those tasks and can focus her energy more on long term development for 810 and Acting Unlimited, Inc.  Elsa Dimitriadis is the new Operations Manager, handling most of the promotion, overseeing box office needs and scheduling.

This week at 810, the Plastic Theatre of Lafayette's Recovery Academy is continuing to rehearse and prepare themselves for their show next week (see sidebar.)  On Friday, the AUI Theatre Academy acting classes begin.  Fridays will be the Tween acting classes from 4:30 to 5:30, Tuesdays will be the Teen acting class from 4:30 to 5:30 and Wednesdays the Adult class, also from 4:30 to 5:30.  Walter Brown will be teaching the Tween class, and Jarin Schexnider will be teaching the Teen and Adult classes.  There is still time to register - if you are interested, the online registration form can be found here!  Also on Friday, The Tea Sippers' Theatre Co. will be holding auditions at Space 806 from 4 to 7 pm. 

AUDITIONS for AUI's Dracula will be on Saturday and Sunday at 810.  For more information about those auditions, you can visit the AUI Facebook event page! 

OK - That should catch you all up for this week!  See what a crazy, exciting year it's going to be this season at 810?  Until next Monday...