[Capdist-announce] PRESS RELEASE: WAM Theatre Announces 2016 Season

[Gail Burns]

February 23, 2016

Contact: Gail Burns, Marketing and Publicity Associate

www.wamtheatre.com <http://www.wamtheatre.com/#_blank>

pr at wamtheatre.com; 518.243.9627

Press Photos can be found at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wamtheatre/
<https://www.flickr.com/photos/wamtheatre/sets/72157648698789976/#_blank>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WAM Theatre Announces 2016 Season Highlights

The Berkshire-based theatre company launches its seventh season

with exciting new collaborations and the third annual Fresh Takes reading
series

LENOX, Mass. (Feb. 23, 2016) — WAM Theatre’s Artistic Director Kristen van
Ginhoven announced plans for the company’s 2016 season today. The
Berkshire-based professional theatre company celebrates its seventh year
with some notable special events, a thought-provoking series of play
readings, and an exciting new collaboration for the fall mainstage
production.

“I’m delighted to announce the programming we’ve planned for WAM Theatre’s
seventh season,” said van Ginhoven. “We have a dynamic lineup of events
from February through October that fulfill our vision of creating
opportunity for women and girls through our mission of theatre as
philanthropy.”

FEBRUARY

2016 started off with WAM co-producing the very successful staged reading
of Facing Our Truth - six ten-minute plays commissioned in 2013 by New
Black Fest to explore Trayvon Martin, race and privilege - that involved
dozens of artists and community members using arts as activism in the
Berkshire community. More than 400 people packed the Colonial Theatre for
the February 6 event and panel discussion. As a beginning to this year of
collaboration, WAM co-produced this event with Multicultural BRIDGE and
Yvette “Jamuna” Sirker.

On February 19, WAM participated once again in the 10X10 Upstreet Arts
Festival in Pittsfield as one of the five local arts organizations involved
in the In Motion Pittsfield Literary Party. With a piece directed by WAM
Artistic Associate Molly Clancy and performed by Jennie Jadow and Dana
Harrison, WAM shared a short piece combining the words of Henry David
Thoreau’s letter of Civil Disobedience with those of living writers,
including Nicholas Kristof, shared in an exploration of transcendentalism
in our world today.

MARCH

WAM Theatre, with playwright and actress Rachel Siegel, will co-produce a
workshop production of Special at the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn
Theatre in Stockbridge March 18-20. Created and performed by Siegel, and
based on personal experience and interviews with mothers of children with
special needs, Special follows one woman's journey after she discovers she
is pregnant with a child with Down syndrome.

WAM Advisory Board member Jayne Atkinson will direct this funny,
unstinting, and ultimately inspiring look into the complexities and
possibilities of love. “I am very honored to be part of Special,” Atkinson
said. “It is a humorous, poignant, at times dark journey - an eye of the
needle experience that will move us all deeply.” A portion of box office
proceeds will be donated to the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers, Whole
Children, and CATA.

APRIL

Back by popular demand, the 24-Hour Theatre Project, a staple of past WAM
seasons,  returns to the Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany
on April 2. Combining the spontaneous creativity of improvisational theatre
with the rigorous professionalism and production value of scripted theatre,
the project brings together more than 50 of the best playwrights,
directors, and actors from across the Capital Region and the Berkshires to
beat the clock as they race to write and stage five new theater pieces in a
24-hour period.  This year’s playwrights will be Kat Koppett, Jessica
Provenz, Maizy Scarpa, Yvette “Jamuna” Sirker, and Randolyn Zinn. Taking
the directing reins will be Michael Burns, Molly Clancy, David Girard,
Margaret Hall, and Yvonne Perry.

FRESH TAKES READING SERIES: APRIL-SEPTEMBER

The third season of WAM’s popular Fresh Takes Play Reading Series kicks off
on April 17 with a reading of The Last Wife, by Kate Hennig, directed by Molly
Clancy.  We are returning once again to the gallery space at No. Six Depot
Roastery and Café in West Stockbridge at 3pm on Sunday afternoons starting
 on April 17 and including: May 15, Photograph 51 by Anna Ziegler, directed
by Kelly Galvin; June 19, The Oregon Trail by Bekah Brunstetter, directed
by Estefanía Fadul; August 21, Samsara by Lauren Yee, directed by Megan
Sandberg-Zakian; and September 11, Grand Concourse by Heidi Shreck,
directed by Sheila Siragusa. These are all professional readings of
thought-provoking plays that have had successful productions elsewhere but
are new to Berkshire audiences, written by women and telling the stories of
women and girls. Molly Clancy curates the season, which is sponsored by No.
Six Depot and Kristin and James Hatt. There is a talkback with the cast and
director after every reading.

This year, in response to our audiences request for deeper discussion
around the women’s issues raised in each play, WAM Theatre is partnering
with OLLI to co-present a companion class called ‘Fresh Takes/Your Take’.
Starting with the May reading of Photograph 51, a companion class will be
offered on the Monday evening following the Sunday readings. This class
will be led by WAM Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven and will provide
a more in-depth look at the central issues infused in each play. During the
companion class, van Ginhoven will share the underpinning of the piece and
its author, setting the scene for discussion of your questions, reactions,
and experiences as they were evoked by the Sunday reading.

JULY

After the success of last summer’s benefit at Hilltop Orchards - WAM is
doing it again! Save the date of Thursday, July 14 for our 2nd Annual Stars
in the Orchard Summer Benefit - a magical midsummer night’s cocktail party
with wonderful music, stellar entertainment, delicious food, and wine made
on site by Furnace Brook Winery. The evening’s guests will be the first to
learn about this year’s beneficiary and to learn more about WAM Theatre’s
fall co- production of The Bakelite Masterpiece.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

We are delighted to announce that this year our fall Main Stage play will
be a co-production with the Berkshire Theatre Group on the Larry Vaber
Stage in The Unicorn Theatre. WAM Artistic Director  Kristen van Ginhoven
will direct the American Premiere of The Bakelite Masterpiece by Kate Cayley,
with David Adkins and Corinna May. The show begins previews on September
29, opens on October 1, and closes on October 23.

The end of World War II. Holland is in chaos. The artist van Meegeren is
arrested. His crime? Selling a long-lost painting by the Dutch Master
Johannes Vermeer to Hermann Goering, Nazi leader. His defense? It was a
perfect forgery painted by him. His proof? In front of his prosecutor (art
historian and resistance fighter) Geert Piller, he must paint another
flawless Vermeer to save his life. A play that debates beauty, faith,
memory and the reconstruction of a country.

In keeping with WAM’s double philanthropic mission, a percentage of the box
office proceeds from The Bakelite Masterpiece will be donated to an
organization that creates opportunity for women and girls.

"As the daughter of Dutch parents who lived through WWII, I feel compelled
to tell this story," said Kristen van Ginhoven. "The play came to me via a
close colleague in Canada who acted in the original production. I
immediately envisioned it at the Unicorn and approached Kate Maguire,
Berkshire Theatre Group Artistic Director/CEO, who loved the play. WAM
Theatre is very excited that the Berkshire Theatre Group has opened their
doors to make this a co-production. This collaboration makes it possible
for this story to reach a wider audience, which, ultimately, makes it
possible for WAM to make a larger donation to our beneficiary for the
production.“

“I was very excited when Kristen van Ginhoven proposed co-producing  the
captivating The Bakelite Masterpiece,” said Kate Maguire. “We look forward
to this project with WAM Theatre, and certainly are honored to know that
the enormously talented David Adkins and Corinna May will perform these
complicated and provocative roles."

WAM THEATRE’S 2016 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

March 18-20

Special

Workshop Production/Play in Development

Created and Performed by Rachel Siegel

Directed by Jayne Atkinson

Co-produced by Rachel Siegel and WAM Theatre

March 18-20

on the Larry Vaber Stage in the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn Theatre,
Stockbridge, MA

Based on personal experience and inspired by interviews with mothers of
children with special needs, Special follows one woman's journey after she
discovers she is pregnant with a child with Down syndrome. Special is a
funny, unstinting, and ultimately inspiring look into the complexities and
possibilities of love.

A portion of box office proceeds will be donated to the following
organizations:

March 19: Berkshire Festival of Women Writers

March 18 and 20: Whole Children and CATA

Dates/Times:

Friday, March 18 @ 7:00

Saturday, March 19 @ 8:00 * Special benefit for BFWW

Sunday, March 20 @ 2:00

Tickets:

$20

Tickets available through the WAM website.

Cast and Creative Team:

ABOUT Rachel Siegel

Rachel has performed widely in the Berkshires, New York, and abroad in
theatre at venues such as Stageworks (Hudson); Shakespeare & Co.;
Williamstown Theatre Festival; Berkshire Theatre Festival. She trained at
RADA in the UK and performed there at The New End Theatre, Birmingham Rep,
and The Royal Court. Her TV work includes Chappelle’s Show (3 episodes), Wit
(HBO), and BBC Drama. Writing credits include Von Trapp Family Inn
(premiered Boston Women in Comedy Festival 2013); So Sing Already! at the
New End, London; I Heart Cory Booker (WAM/MOPCO 24-hour fest); Callback.
Funnycryhappy.net.

ABOUT Jayne Atkinson

Jayne has enjoyed a long and varied career as an actress, wife and mother.
She has appeared in regional theatre, off-Broadway, and Broadway, and
counts two Drama Desk, an Outer Critics Circle and Tony nominations to her
name. She is best known on television for her long-running roles in
24, Criminal
Minds, and the current Netflix original series House of Cards, and on film
for her roles in Free Willy, and Free Willy 2. Directing credits
include Motherhood
Out Loud and Can You Hear Me, Baby?, both for the BFWW. She runs Jadana
Productions, which specializes in entertainment development.
www.jayne-atkinson.com.

April 2

24 Hour Theatre Project

Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 pm

at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center

One night to write…one day to play.  The clock starts ticking when the
playwrights' fingers hit their keyboards and ends with a final bow from 50+
theatre artists who have convened for just 24 hours to create and present
five new works.  Combining the spontaneous creativity of improvisational
theatre with the rigorous professionalism and production value of scripted
theatre, this fast-paced, adrenaline-packed event boasts the best in
theatre talent from across the Capital Region and the Berkshires.

Presented by the Performing Arts Center in collaboration with WAM Theatre
and in conjunction with the NYS Writers Institute. Support provided by the
University at Albany Foundation, University Auxiliary Services, and Hampton
Inn.

Tickets

Advance tickets: $15 general public

$10 students, seniors & UAlbany faculty-staff

Day of show tickets: $20 general public

$15 students, seniors & UAlbany faculty-staff

http://www.albany.edu/pac/prime_performances.shtml?tab=tab4

Cast and Creative Team:

Playwrights: Kat Koppett, Jessica Provenz, Maizy Scarpa, Yvette “Jamuna”
Sirker, and Randolyn Zinn

Directors: Michael Burns, Molly Clancy, David Girard, Margaret Hall, and
Yvonne Perry

Actors: TBA

April through September

Fresh Takes Play Reading Series

Curated by WAM Theatre’s Artistic Associate Molly Clancy and hosted by No.
Six Depot Roastery and Café on 6 Depot Street in West Stockbridge, MA, on
select Sundays at 3 pm.

The companion class, ‘Fresh Takes/Your Take’, will run on Monday evenings
from 7:00-8:30 pm at the OLLI campus at Berkshire Community College in
Pittsfield.

The readings and classes will take place on the following dates - May
15/16, June 19/20, August 21/22 and September 11/12.

Tickets/Registration:

$20 for reading only

$139 for all 4 readings/companion classes

$40 for one reading/companion class.

Tickets and registration through the WAM Theatre website.

Please note there are only 30 tickets available per reading. Refreshments
will be available for purchase at the Café.

The 2016 Fresh Takes series is sponsored by No. Six Depot Roastery and Café
and Kristin and James Hatt.

April 17, 2016

The Last Wife

by Kate Hennig

directed by Molly Clancy

Kate is smart, poised, and passionate, a rising star in a world of intense
competition, but her obligatory marriage to Henry is rife with the threat
of violence and deceit, her devotion to the education of his daughters is
putting strain on her marriage. A contemporary retelling of the compelling
relationship between Katherine Parr and Henry VIII; WAM Theatre invites
audiences to a powerful examination of patriarchy, sexual politics and
women’s rights.The play had its world premiere in 2015, with a sold out
extended run at the Stratford Festival in Canada.

May 15, 2016

Photograph 51

by Anna Ziegler

directed by Kelly Galvin

An intriguing portrait of British scientist Rosalind Franklin and her—often
overlooked—role in the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure. This
complex tale explores how Rosalind, an intelligent, stubborn and courageous
woman, navigated a world dominated by men. This critically acclaimed play
ran on London’s West End in 2015, featuring Nicole Kidman. A balance of the
historical, romantic, and scientific, Photograph 51 is a touching play that
dramatizes the fight for education, equality and access for women.

June 19, 2016

The Oregon Trail

by Bekah Brunstetter

directed by Estefanía Fadul

A tale of two young women, both named Jane. One is an awkward middle
schooler with body odor and epic skills for The Oregon Trail computer game.
The other Jane is the woman in the game, living through the hardships of
trail life with her family. Looking at the impact of memory and the legacy
of sadness across generations, the play weaves parallel stories of
survival, and asks the age-old question – do you want to ford the river?
WAM is proud to present Brunstetter’s funny, imaginative and poignant play,
which had it’s world premiere at the 2015 Women’s Voices Theatre Festival
in Washington D.C.

August 21, 2016

Samsara

by Lauren Yee

directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian

Katie and Craig are having a baby, with a surrogate who lives in India. A
month before the baby’s due date, Craig travels to the subcontinent, where
he meets Suraiya, their young, less-than-thrilled surrogate. As all three
“parents” anxiously wait for the baby to be born, flights of fancy attack
them from all sides, in the form of an unctuous Frenchman and a
smart-mouthed fetus. WAM Theatre is proud to share this vibrant and
whimsical take on modern day colonialism.

September 11, 2016

Grand Concourse

by Heidi Shreck

directed by Sheila Siragusa

Called to a life of service, Shelley is the devoted manager of a Bronx soup
kitchen, but lately her heart’s not in it. Enter Emma: an idealistic but
confused young volunteer, whose recklessness pushes Shelley to the breaking
point. With keen humor and startling compassion, Schreck’s play navigates
the mystery of faith, the limits of forgiveness, and the pursuit of
happiness. WAM Theatre is pleased to share a play which was a nominee for
the 2015 Lucille Lortel Award and a finalist for the 2015 Susan Smith
Blackburn Prize.

July 14

2nd Annual Stars in the Orchard Summer Benefit

at Hilltop Orchards in Richmond, MA

A magical midsummer night’s cocktail party to benefit WAM Theatre with:

Wonderful music, stellar entertainment, an exciting auction, delicious
food, and wine made on site by Furnace Brook Winery. The evening’s guests
will be the first to learn about this year’s beneficiary and to learn more
about WAM Theatre’s fall co- production of The Bakelite Masterpiece.

Ticket information coming soon.

September 29-October 23

The Bakelite Masterpiece

American Premiere

by Kate Cayley

Directed by Kristen van Ginhoven

with David Adkins and Corinna May

Co-produced by the Berkshire Theatre Group and WAM Theatre

on the Larry Vaber Stage in the BTG’s Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge, MA

The end of World War II. Holland is in chaos. The artist van Meegeren is
arrested. His crime? Selling a long-lost painting by the Dutch Master
Johannes Vermeer to Hermann Goering, Nazi leader. His defense? It was a
perfect forgery painted by him. His proof? In front of his prosecutor (art
historian and resistance fighter) Geert Piller, he must paint another
flawless Vermeer to save his life. A play that debates beauty, faith,
memory and the reconstruction of a country.

A portion of box office proceeds will be donated to an organization that
benefits women and girls. This year’s beneficiary will be announced at
WAM’s summer benefit on July 14.

Dates/Times:

Previews September 29 & 30

Opening October 1

Closing October 23

Tickets:

$45-$50

Tickets available through the Berkshire Theatre Group website or at
413-997-4444.

OUR SEASON SPONSORS

Our 2016 sponsors include the  Brabson Library & Educational Foundation,
Dylandale Foundation, Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union,
International Schools Theatre Association, Jon Gotterer DMD, Massachusetts
Cultural Council, Nina Molin MD, No. Six Depot Roastery and Café, RBC
Wealth Management, Petricca Industries, and Regina Burgio.

WAM Theatre is also supported in part by grants from the Lenox,
Alford-Egremont, Pittsfield Cultural Council, Cultural Council of Northern
Berkshires , Washington Cultural Council, Monterey Cultural Council,
Stockbridge Cultural Council, West Stockbridge Cultural Council, Richmond
Cultural Council – local agencies that are supported by the Massachusetts
Cultural Council, a state agency.

ABOUT WAM THEATRE

Based in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, WAM Theatre is Where Arts and
Activism Meet. The company was co-founded in 2010 by Canadian director,
actor, educator, and producer Kristen van Ginhoven. WAM’s vision is to
create opportunity for women and girls through the mission of theatre as
philanthropy.

Inspired by the book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for
Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, WAM donates a
portion of the proceeds from its theatrical events to organizations that
benefit women and girls.

Over the past six years, WAM Theatre has donated more than $21,000 to eight
nonprofit organizations and provided paid work to more than 175 theatre
artists. In addition to the main stage productions and special events, WAM
Theatre’s activities include a comprehensive educational outreach program
and the Fresh Takes Play Reading Series. For more information, visit
www.WAMTheatre.com

# # #

Gail M. Burns

*Marketing + Publicity Associate*
www.WAMTheatre.com <http://www.wamtheatre.com/>
413-274-8122

*Our 7th Season:*Special  <http://www.wamtheatre.com/special/>| 24hr Project
<http://www.wamtheatre.com/2016-24-hour-theatre-project/> | Fresh Takes
<http://www.wamtheatre.com/fresh-takes-2016/> | Stars in the Orchard
<http://www.wamtheatre.com/stars-in-the-orchard-2016/> | Bakelite
Masterpiece <http://www.wamtheatre.com/the-bakelite-masterpiece/>

Make a donation now
<https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/WAMTheatreInc/donate.html> to WAM
Theatre!
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