Raconteur Theatre Company

I must admit on the eve of the 1^st Rehearsal, I’m really looking forward to moving into production. It’s been a long few weeks leading up to this. We had such a short amount of time after the Flex Series ended and our projected Audition Date, that we had much to do and little time to do it. We’ve been through a series of mishaps: pushing back of the production calendar, loss of one and then two of the actors originally cast, and even a change in performance dates.

Somehow, as is always the case, it all works out. It’s been a real experience for me, as Raconteur has never had a Producer in the past. During the Flex Series, the entire Board of Directors co-produced the production. After the show, we realized that there really needed to be one person that everyone could go to if there were any problems.

It’s been a fun transition for me coming from stage managing to a position where I still get to experience the overall view of the production and organize various parts of the process but without the daily commitment of rehearsals. At the same time, it’s a position we’re definitely still figuring out. My duties started out pretty basic and continue to grow as we move forward. Originally, I was only responsible for the production calendar, following up on deadlines and dealing with any difficulties that could arise from the process. Since the original discussion, I have also taken on production team/actor/copyright/rental contracts and the hiring of individuals to the production. It’s such a cool thing to see everyone come together from their various backgrounds and talents, and I can’t wait to meet the cast that’s going to bring Ghosts to life.

Excited for the future,
Suellen Kasiara
Producer, Ghosts

Just a quick shout to those of you who are reading this who weren’t currently aware - but we’re getting ready to cast our next show.

We’re putting up Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts, translation done by Lanford Wilson, directed by none other than our own Tricia Jones.

(She directed the Roulette half of After the Afterglow, ya know.)

Now, if you’re reading this blog, I know you want to be a part of this production. So, you’re probably saying “Tell me the details.”

Gladly!

Auditions are Sunday, August 3 from 3-5 and Monday, August 4 from 7-9 at the Main Library’s auditorium. (96 S. Grant Avenue)
The show dates are from October 2-18, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. the first two weeks of the run.

You want to know more? Of course you do! And fortunately, you can find out more at our website.

Now, we want to see all of you there with bells on. (Bells optional).
-Aaron

Auditions are complete and the auditionees will be contacted today with the results.  It was exciting to have the milestone of our first auditions, but for me it was a strange experience. 
Along with the others who came, I auditioned for the show.  It put me in a strange spot of being on the board for the company but desiring equal footing with the others auditioning.  I would have been disappointed not to get a part, but I certainly didn’t want a part just because I’m an integral part of the company.  I wanted a part because I deserved one as an actor. 

And what a difficult place for the directors who are both my friends and fellow board members!  Would I be mad at them if they didn’t cast me? No. But would they feel as though I was? Perhaps.  And I will likely be in their shoes for another show where I am directing and a board member is auditioning. 

We didn’t create this company so that the board members could take whatever parts or direct whatever shows they personally wanted to have.  In fact, we have a board rule to the contrary.  No board member can act in more than 2 of our 4 shows every season- or direct, or write, et cetera.  In theory, this allows for many people to participate in a variety of ways without the theatre company becoming incestuous.  It is in our mission to be inclusive to the Columbus arts community, and this rule helps us stay true to that.

So all that said, I’m excited to be performing in our premiere show and excited to know that it wasn’t just given to me for being Jill (right guys?)… Okay, right.
 
Looking forward to performing for you,

Jill

Welcome to our provisional blog - soon to be replaced by our official website…

DEBUT PRODUCTION 

Raconteur will debut with its first annual “FLEX SERIES” this spring.  The FLEX SERIES is an evening of two one-act plays allowing patrons to choose to attend just one of the two or - for a discounted ticket price - to attend both.  Here’s the line-up:

AUDITIONS

Open auditions will be held at Kafe Kerouac on Sunday, April 6 at 4pm and Monday, April 7 at 7pm.  We will be looking for:

• 2 males, twenties

• 2 females, twenties

• 1 male, middle aged, tall

Bring a headshot and resume if available; auditions will consist of readings from the scripts.  You may peruse the scripts online here.

Aster Holger Gunn by Justin Toomey

Unable to let go of his love for Aster, Holger writes a dialogue between the two of them in the hopes of working through his attachment to an obviously dead relationship. Despite having complete control over every move Aster makes and every word she says, Holger cannot change the ultimate destiny of their relationship. In his struggle we see our own efforts to construct our reality and make sense of the pain we encounter in life. What will release Holger - and us - from this cycle of living in the past?

Roulette by Douglas Hill

After four years of a painful marriage, Janine and Matt decide divorce is the only way out.  But when the couple embarks on a final road trip to drop off Matt in Las Vegas, they start to question their decision.  Strange, inexplicable things start happening: money appears and disappears in Matt’s wallet; Janine throws their photo album out the car window but it keeps returning to them.   In this raw portrait of love on the brink of annihilation, Janine and Matt must decide whether their marriage is anything more than a high-stakes gamble.

If you have questions, please send an email to Tricia Jones

PERFORMANCES

Shows will be at Kafe Kerouac on the following dates:

• May 29-June 1, June 5-8, and June 12-14

• Thursday, Friday, & Saturday shows at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Information for purchasing tickets will be posted soon.

The scripts and location have been selected!  Our grand opening show will be the first of our “Flex Series.”  Our Flex Series is an evening of two one-act plays allowing our patrons to choose to attend just one of the two or for a discounted ticket price, to attend both.  Here’s the line-up:

Roulette by Douglas Hill

Aster Holger Gunn by Justin Toomey

The show will be at Kafe Kerouac on the following dates:

May 29-June 1, June 5-8, and June 12-14

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday shows at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Audition announcements will be posted soon as will information for purchasing tickets.

Excited to share our stories,

Jill