Aug 1: Pickett on "Gospel Train"

A note from Tom...

Hey Everybody: In case you are going to be home tomorrow (Friday August 1) from 8 – 9:30pm I am going to be sharing some music, friendly gossip and good times on the Gospel Train on Co-Op radio.

That’s CFRO Co-op Radio 102.7FM

Love and Gratitude,

Tom Pickett

Pacific Theatre article by Rosie Perera

Nice profile of our company by Pacific Theatre regular Rosie Perera, for COMMENT Magazine....

Vancouver's Pacific Theatre: Good art with Christian motivation but no "agenda"

Since its beginnings in 1984, Pacific Theatre has become one of the premiere professional theatre companies in Vancouver, winning awards and accolades year after year. Its reputation goes way beyond the Christian audiences which were its staple during the first decade. This coming season marks Pacific Theatre's twenty-fifth anniversary. I had the privilege of meeting with founding artistic director Ron Reed and asking him to reflect on the past quarter century of producing great plays for this theatre-savvy city.  (more...)

Jul 20 - Aug 10: AS YOU LIKE IT, Shadows & Dreams

One of my most memorable Sunday afternoons last summer was watching a freewheeling, hilarious Midsummer Night's Dream in New Westminster's glorious Queen's Park, with PT pals Frank Nickel, Kerri Norris, Steven Elcheshen and Mark Vandenberg.  This year, Laura Van Dyke joins the craziness - a TWU Theatre grad  who played Benjamin in REMNANTS and Gay Wellington in YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, and - now as a PT apprentice - will be seen in PT's season opener, MOURNING DOVE, this October.  

Shadows and Dreams Theatre Company Presents

As You Like It

by

William Shakespeare

Shadows and Dreams Theatre Company is back after last years successful productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet with another of the Shakespeare's timeless comedies. Duchess Senior has been usurped of her throne by her sister, Duchess Frederica, and has fled to the Forest of Ardenne, where she lives like Robin Hood with a band of loyal followers. Her daughter Rosalind remains at court because of her close relationship with her cousin Celia. Rosalind falls in love with Orlando. But before the two can begin a relationship Rosalind is banished and ends up disguised as a man in a nearby forest. There she tests the faith of her beloved (and also banished) Orlando who can't recognize her in her shepherd's disguise. Shepherds, fools and clowns romp through the forest sparring about love, melancholy in this family friendly production. Directed by Kerri Norris.

FREE!!! No tickets required.
Queen's Park Bandshell, New Westminster

Sun July 20th - 2pm 
Sat July 26th - 2pm 
Sun July 27th - 11am 
Sat Aug 2nd - 2pm 
Sun Aug 3rd - 11am 
Sat Aug 9th - 2pm 
Sun Aug 10th - 11am 

** Performances are rain or shine – 

if there's an audience there's a show **

For more information call 604-515-0704 or visit www.shadowsanddreams.org.

"A Jesuit Off-Broadway": THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT

Pacific Theatre has been talking with Pound Of Flesh theatre for a couple years now about a production of Stephen Adly Guirgis' play THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT. It's an extraordinary script, perfect for PT in every way but one: a cast of a dozen, and no Emerging Artist roles. We almost pulled it off for this fall, but not quite. We'll talk some more: maybe in 2009-2010?

At any rate, this week's IMAGE Update brings word of a behind-the-scenes memoir about the show...

A Jesuit Off-Broadway by James Martin, SJ

Priests and actors don't typically run in the same crowd, but in 2004 when actor Sam Rockwell made a phone call to the Jesuit priest James Martin, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Rockwell had recently been cast as Judas in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, an off-Broadway play written by Stephen Adly Guirgis. A self-described "confused, often irate and disconsolate lapsed Catholic," Guirgis had been troubled by Judas since his Sunday school days. His play, set in modern times, follows the trial of Judas--a controversial and enigmatic (and therefore artistically compelling) figure. Guirgis and Rockwell asked the priest to serve as their theological consultant, and over the course of six months Father Martin became a collaborator with them, the rest of the cast, and director Phillip Seymour Hoffman in the making of the play.

These unlikely friendships became the subject of Martin's new book, A Jesuit Off-Broadway, which is largely devoted to recounting the many conversations they had about theology and "life's big questions." And if that sounds wearying or self-absorbed, it somehow manages not to be. Martin writes in a way that is honest, accessible, and thorough, and his book is a loving tribute to the relationships formed over those six months. He also bears witness to the cast's fascinating artistic process, watching them as they attempt to understand their characters, and the Gospel itself, through art. At one point the cast even takes a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to view paintings of Jesus, Judas, and the events of the Gospels.

This process of encountering theology through a creative endeavor is what's really at stake in the book: Martin realizes that after nearly 20 years as a Jesuit he has become overly familiar with the theology he's explaining to his new friends. "Seeing the Gospel stories through the eyes of people like Sam reminded me of the inherent shock of the story," he says. The experience, in short, became a way to rediscover the richness of his faith. And the feeling was mutual. In his foreword to the book, playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis writes, "I drown in doubt, and to the degree that that's true, Father Jim, from our first meeting and right up to today, is slowly teaching me to swim."

Jul 19: Tom Pickett, Cellar Jazz Club

Tom Pickett (DRIVING MISS DAISY, MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS, PLAYLAND, etc.) is the featured guest of the Bradley/McGillivray Blues Band this Saturday night. Here's what the band says about Tom and the gig;

Hi Everybody,

Don't forget we've got a very special concert coming up at the Cellar Jazz Club this Saturday, July 19th, at 8:30 pm.

Acclaimed Vancouver actor and vocalist Tom Pickett is our featured guest. Tom joined us at the "Livin' This Way" CD Release Party at the Yale last November and the crowd went wild. Many of you asked to see Ruth and Tom perform together again...so here's your chance :-) 

We've got another treat lined up for the night...sax player Cory Weeds is sitting in for a few numbers. This is going to be one fantastic night of groove, improv and spontaneous musical magic!

Cellar Jazz is at: 3611 West Broadway (at Alma), Vancouver, B.C.
$10 cover (1/2 price with coupon below)
$15 minimum food/beverage charge
Reservations strongly recommended: 604-738-1959 or www.cellarjazz.com

And if you looked real close, you noticed that the graphic above is actually a coupon. Print that baby and you're into the gig for five bucks! There's a printable copy at the band's website.

Jul 20: DIRT, Christopher Domig, Seattle

I met Chris Domig at Schloss Mittersill when I was there in 2003. Last summer he presented DIRT in the NYC Fringe Festival, and received Best Actor honours.  He's taking the show to the Edinburgh Fringe, and en route, one performance in Seattle.

DIRT

July 20, 7pm

Fremont Abbey, Seattle

"A play about racism and the havoc it wreaks on the human spirit. For seventy-five minutes, the stage belongs to Austrian-American actor Christopher Domig, who brings depth, turmoil, and even a touch of well-pruned humor to the lonely role of Sad, a 30-year-old Iraqi man living illegally in the United States. He sells roses on the street: his name is Sad but he is not sad.

"Sad is an Arab living in New York City in 2008. He loves the English language, and America too. He is thankful for the life he is “allowed” to live in this country, and is sensitively aware of his rights – and lack thereof. He is careful about what he says and does, to the point that he remarks repeatedly he has never once sat on a park bench in this city. To Sad, the benches are reserved for the people he at once admires and abhors, including the 40-year-old men that buy his roses but refuse to look him in the eye. He resents their behavior yet feels obligated to respect them, and the exploration of this conflict drives the play."

by Audrey Dimola, LIC magazine, Issue 10

“See this show....Christopher John Domig is captivating, highly skilled, and utterly heartbreaking“ 

-NY Theatre

“riveting Christopher John Domig“

-Time Out 

“Stunningly realized in Christopher John Domig's performance.”

- Backstage Critic's Pick 

“An exciting new actor who stands out from all the rest. Go see Dirt and discover Mr. Christopher Domig. It’s a dazzling performance.“ 

-Talk Entertainment

“A brilliant performance from Domig“

- Downtown Express

“Christopher Domig gives a stellar performance“

- Off-Off-Online

“extremely capable, charming performance of Christopher Domig“ 

- Newbienyc.blogspot.com

“A startling young actor whose name is Christopher Domig, will not remain unknown for long. Watching Domig in DIRT brings to mind a young Dustin Hoffman or Al Pacino when they were just starting off Broadway.”

-Theater Life

“Christopher Domig is one of the finest actors we’ve seen lately. Watch for big things from him in the future.”

- Off-Off-Online

“…aptly played by Christopher Domig, who captures the subtle nuances of his dejected character”

-Show Business

“A powerful, mesmerizing and thoroughly enthralling performance by Christopher Domig“

-Talk Entertainment

“The fire and vigor in this young actor’s eyes keeps us peeled to his thoughts.“

-Theater Life

Jul 31 - Aug 16: METAMORPHOSES in PT space

Not a PT production, but our resident Stage Manager Lois Dawson is in the booth, and you've seen the director, Christine Willes, at Pacific Theatre - she played the mother in PRODIGAL SON. For my money, one of the strongest performances I've ever seen on our stage.

The show itself has some real interest. Apart from being staged in a swimming pool (!), it's also noteworthy that two of Pacific Theatre's sister companies have staged the piece, Lamb's Players in San Diego and Theatre & Company in Kitchener. I'll definitely be checking it out.

Jul 29: Scott Cairns at Regent College

Poet Scott Cairns will give a reading (with Marilyn McEntyre) in Vancouver, B.C. as part of Regent College's Summer School 2008. The reading will be held Tuesday, July 29, from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. in the Regent College Chapel. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Regent College is located at 5800 University Blvd., Vancouver, B.C. V6T 2E4. For further details, call 604 221-3378.

All evening special events are free and held from 8:00-9:30 pm in the Regent Chapel. These events can draw large crowds, so plan to arrive early for a good seat. Private taping is not permitted. Audio recordings may be ordered following each lecture.

Jul 1: Damien Canonized

They need a relic? Something that's been touched by Father Damien? Can I volunteer?

VATICAN VOTES TO ELEVATE FATHER DAMIEN TO SAINTHOOD
Celebrations Expected For Belgium, Hawaii
July 1, 2008

HONOLULU -- The Congregation of the Causes of Saints at the Vatican has voted to canonize Father Damien of Molokai to sainthood.

After the verification of two medical miracles, after decades of investigation into the life and works of Damien De Veuster, the Consisterie at the Vatican has at long last voted to elevate the Martyr of Molokai to its Pantheon of Saints. The measure now awaits the signature of Pope Benedict XVI.

"People are very excited because they know he was a great person and role model, and that is the most important thing of the sanctification, he finally can be the role model we need," Damien historian Hilde Eynikel told KITV from Belgium.

The search is now on for a relic of Father Damien, which will be presented to the pope at the sanctification. A relic can be something touched by the saint, worn by the saint, or an actual body part of the saint. The diocese in Brussels is now looking into the retrieval of such a relic from Damien's tomb in Leuven, Belgium. Damien's grave in Kalaupapa contains only his right hand, which was re-interred following his beatification in 1995.

The canonization will take place in Rome, possibly at the end of next year, with celebrations in Belgium and Hawaii. The pope will probably not travel to Hawaii. Cardinal Daneels of Belgium may be in attendance.

Supporters of the sainthood effort are overjoyed that now the world will know what Hawaii has known for 100 years -- that Father Damien of Molokai is a saint.

He was born Joseph De Veuster in Tremeloo, Belgium, in 1840. De Veuster's older brother, Pamphile, was set to travel to the "Sandwich Islands," but was too sick to go. Instead, De Veuster traveled to Hawaii in his brother's place. The Roman Catholic priest arrived in Hawaii in 1864 and took the name Damien. He served the leprosy patients at the Molokai colony at Kalaupapa for 12 years before he succumbed to Hansen's disease at age 49.

His body was exhumed from his Molokai grave in 1936 when his remains were sent to Belgium, for reburial. In 1995, a relic of his right hand was given back to the Hawaii Diocese and returned to his Molokai grave.

Jul 14-18: Kids and Youth Summer Acting Class at PT!

June 25-28: PROOF, PT Apprentice Project

Becky Branscom was Alice in YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, and she's the lead in this smart, widely performed four-hander. In the role of the dad you'll remember James Wilson, who was the dad in HALO, and Hamlet's stepdad in HAMLET. Julius Chapple was Norfolk in A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, this is his full length directing debut, and he gets lovely work out of his cast, which also includes Jackie Faulkner and Michael Edwards.

8pm, Wed through Sat
$10 in advance, or pay what you can at the door
at Pacific Theatre

Jun 29: Balke/Krause/Reed Photo Show at View Gallery

Curator Barb Bowen writes...

Come on by Fraserview Church's View Gallery and check out a new showing of photographers Ron Reed (who many of you know through Pacific Theater) Tom Balke and Rudi Klause. The opening reception is Sunday June 29th at 11:30 am. The church is located at 11295 Mellis Drive Richmond BC. ( 604-270-4211) The show runs until Sept 7th. The church is open from 9am to 4pm- sometimes closed at lunch. It is also open at special times through appointment.

CITA Conference in L.A. Times

I spent quite a few years closely involved with CITA. Love it, love the folks, but at a certain point couldn't figure out the money to keep attending the conferences. Planning on Florida in 2009, though. 

I was involved for most of my CITA years in the new play end of things, working with and then taking over from Lloyd Arnett, and eventually handing that over to Bryan Coley. CITA recently published an anthology of plays associated with our annual playwriting competition, for which I wrote the Introduction.

Wayne Harrel was one of the playwrights we invited to the Rosedale Writers Week in Feb 2007, and SECOND BLOOM was the play he brought to workshop, then titled DYING'S EASY. Another of Wayne's plays, SONG OF THE BOW, is slated to follow REFUGE OF LIES for production in New York by Firebone Theatre.

Christianity's role in theater takes center stage
A conference of Christians in Theatre Arts at Azusa Pacific University addresses issues in bringing together faith and entertainment

By Larry Gordon, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
June 14, 2008

Wayne Harrel's new play "Second Bloom" deals with big issues of faith, mortality and forgiveness. In it, a dying woman and her long-estranged daughter reach out to each other while "there is still time for God to work in their lives," the writer said.

Harrel, from Portland, Ore., infused the play with his own Christian sensibility from his membership in a Covenant church but he said he hopes to engage secular audiences too.

"I try to write for a broad public," Harrel said. "I hope they feel the way I do, but it's their call. I don't want to dictate."

That pull between the world of Christian churches and colleges and wider arenas of entertainment was a running theme at a conference this week on the campus of Azusa Pacific University. Harrel was among about 100 people from around the country who attended the annual convention of Christians in Theatre Arts, a 20-year-old organization with headquarters in Greenville, S.C.

The four-day meeting, which ended Friday, offered training in many standard aspects of stagecraft, such as writing, scenery, royalties, mime and singing, along with the usual business-card swapping and casting buzz. The gathering's special focus, however, was evident in the prayers that opened most sessions and in classes about "Staging Christian Classics" and "Theater in Worship."

Christians in Theatre Arts is a nondenominational organization, said Executive Director Dale Savidge, who teaches theater at North Greenville University, a Baptist-affiliated school in South Carolina.

The majority of members are from evangelical Protestant churches but some are Roman Catholics and from other denominations. The group describes itself as "furthering the kingdom of God by equipping Christians in theater arts" and connecting "spiritual life and artistic vocation."

The organization was founded to support Christians who felt uncomfortable bridging the two sides of their lives and who may have faced suspicion from fellow churchgoers and secular theater professionals. Now, much of that suspicion has evaporated, Savidge said.

Live theater is incorporated in many church services and activities, even though video and movies increasingly challenge that presence. And the secular theater world, Savidge added, "is very tolerant and that extends to Christians too. We feel accepted on the same terms that everyone is accepted."

But isn't there a stereotype of theater life as too liberal or even repellent to some conservative Christians? Most theater socializing is no wilder "than an office party at an investment firm," Savidge said. All jobs present some conflicts, he noted, and people should know "when to say no and when to say excuse me."

The conference explored practical and spiritual issues in the classrooms and dance studios of Azusa Pacific, an evangelical Christian school in Azusa. At a session of "Staging Christian Classics," directors and designers shared tips on elaborate versions of C.S. Lewis' Christian-themed "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and bare-bones productions of the musical "Godspell." In other classes, people spoke of the difficulty of sustaining the iPod-Facebook generation's attention for religious theater or sermons.

Christians in Theater Arts seeks to encourage new plays and movie scripts that have Christian or moral content. Harrel's "Second Bloom" won this year's top prize in the group's writing contest, beating out 30 or so other submissions, and received a staged reading.

Some of the plays had overt biblical or Christian themes, but many tackled contemporary issues without proselytizing, said Joseph Frost, a theater professor who oversaw the contest.

"We are stepping beyond something that is strictly an evangelical piece," said Frost, who teaches at Belhaven College, a Presbyterian school in Jackson, Miss. "We are trying to nurture good plays but written by people who have a particular view of life that happens to be consistent with the Christian outlook of the world. But the idea is that it is still a good play and not a good play because it espouses this. It is a good play and it does this."

Some of Frost's students come from conservative, home-schooled backgrounds and have had little prior contact with modern drama. Nevertheless, he has them study works by playwrights such as David Mamet, Sam Shepard and Tony Kushner.

"You can't be a theater person and be ignorant of those things," Frost said.

Those plays, along with Broadway shows he recently saw in New York -- "Spring Awakening" and "August: Osage County" -- may have rough language and themes, but, Frost said, all "raise questions Christians should be wrestling with: What is my position in the world? What is my position to others? How do I deal with struggle and strife?"

Conference participants acknowledged some self-censorship because they work at schools or churches that would not tolerate plays with strong sexual or anti-authority themes. But that doesn't limit them to Christmas and Easter pageants.

Julia Reimer, who teaches at the Mennonite Brethren-affiliated Fresno Pacific University, recently wrote a modern-dress drama based on New Testament parables that was performed on campus and at area churches. She also produced a stage version of "Nickel and Dimed," Barbara Ehrenreich's book about trying to live on low wages. Reimer toned down some of that script's language without changing its message of sympathy for the working poor.

"I think carefully about selections when I'm thinking about a secular play, and there is always a question of how far I can push things," she said. "I want an audience to not turn off. I want them to remain open to whatever message the play is trying to communicate."

Jun 28: Stephen Toon release party

Soul Food pal and frequent PT drummer Kenton Wiens sends us this. Both Kenton and Kathleen Nisbet are playing!

Jun 18-21: PT Apprentice Project, THREE RINGS FOR MICHELLE

THREE RINGS FOR MICHELLE
by Patricia Joudry
June 18 - 21
Showtimes:
Wednesday - Saturday, 8pm
$10 in Advance, or PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN at the door!

All performances at Pacific Theatre 1420 W 12th Ave (at Hemlock St), Vancouver
Buy Tickets Online
For more information call our box Office today at 604.731.5518.

Two strained mother-son relationships with an immense gulf and emptiness between the family members. Suddenly, an orphan from another country comes into the midst and brings back memories of a father. She seeks only to live with a family where she belongs, but will she ever belong to this family?

Featuring Alison Chisholm, Patricia Braun, Josh Hallem, Lynne Karey-McKenna, Troy Young. Directed by Joyce Chung.

SAVED runs Off-Broadway

Variety:

"The general trend for screen-to-stage adaptations is to make everything larger than life -- broadening the comedy, heightening the romance and rendering the characters sufficiently loud and cartoonish to play to the back row. But the creative team behind the tuner adaptation of the 2004 indie pic, which satirizes life in an evangelical Christian high school, has gone the opposite route. "Saved" the musical has reined in the spoofing and is softening the edges of the characters, playing them more empathetically. It even excises the exclamation mark from the film's title. ...

Librettist-lyricist John Dempsey:"Every time we took an honest, sympathetic approach, the show seemed to work," he explains. "Any time we went toward harsher satire or commentary, it stopped working." That's why Hilary Faye, the righteous leader of a teen-pop gospel group played by Mandy Moore in the movie, gets a sympathetic number in act two. She makes more sense as a real person, not as a caricature." ...

Composer-lyricist Michael Friedman: "Our audience isn't necessarily from a world where people speak in tongues or practice that really charismatic Christianity. It's more complicated and more satisfying to take them to an emotional place, where those beliefs suddenly seem very approachable." ...

Here's a link to the Playbill article. And NY Times has a slideshow interview with composer Michael Friedman. Runs at Playwrights Horizons, closes June 22.

June 5: Carmen Tome opening

Once a year, in June, there is a Portuguese Heritage Month in Vancouver where we get to celebrate all things Portuguese. A few artists, including myself, are exhibiting our artworks at Chapel Arts Gallery on Dunlevy (corner of Cordova and Dunlevy). I know its late notice for tonight's opening reception but it is on all month long. The doors will be locked (due to the neighborhood) but just knock loudly and you will be let in. Hope to see you there.

:) Carmen

It is with great pleasure that our organization invites you to attend the
official opening to "Portuguese Heritage Month" 2008 celebrations in the
city of Vancouver-Canada.

THURSDAY, JUNE 5
7:30pm @ Chapel Arts
304 Dunlevy Avenue (Vancouver)

"My ART, My HERITAGE" exhibits works of art by Canadians connected to the
Portuguese heritage including international award-winning artist Mandy
Boursicot (Macau), Kara Lawrence (Azores), Sara Marreiros (Portugal), Joao
de Matos (Azores), multiple award-winner including a COPA award Maria
Miranda Lawrence (Azores), Virginia Quental (Brazil), Olga de Sousa
(Azores) and international award winning photographer Carmen Tome
(Portugal).

Also performances by Amigos do Pico Choral Group and Folklore Cruz de
Cristo among others will entertain all until approximately 10pm.

This event is made possible with the support of Canadian Heritage, City of
Vancouver and the Government of Azores (Direccao Regional das Comunidades)
and the hundreds of hours of volunteer work.

We hope you are able to join us in the celebrations. For other events
please visit http://www.portuguesemonth.com (updated daily).

Sincerely,

Terry Costa
Portuguese Community Centre of British Columbia
http://www.portuguesecentre.com

OFFICE CONTACTS:
tel 604.684.5876
825 Granville Street, suite #401

Aug 26-30: SADDEST GIRL Comes To Vancouver! (Tina Teeninga)

In 2006/2007, Tina Teeninga was an apprentice at Pacific Theatre. She wrote and directed several Stones Throw / Apprentice Showcase shows, presented her full length play LUDDITES! at the Rosedale Writers Week, and played Max in REMNANTS on the PT mainstage.

Still a presence around Pacific Theatre, Tina also continues to write and produce independently. Her latest is set to tour to Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Vancouver this summer. I won't be missing it!

THE SADDEST GIRL IN THE WORLD
A new play by Tina Teeninga

July 16th- July 27th - Winnipeg Fringe Festival
July 31st - August 9th - Saskatoon Fringe Festival
August 26th - August 30th - Carousel Theatre, Vancouver
To reserve tickets please contact tickets@saddestgirl.com

Separated from everyone she knows. Haunted by a bloody past. Natya believes Canada is the beginning of a new life. Canada harbours dirty secrets of its own, however, and Natya must face personal demons in a fight to survive. Natya’s one possible ally is Ava: an innocent woman she has never met, whose dreams of jewels glimmer with hope.

For more, visit the SADDEST GIRL website

Tom Pickett opens Acting Studio!

Pacific Theatre fans tend also to be Tom Pickett fans - MASTER HAROLD & THE BOYS, TENT MEETING, DRIVING MISS DAISY, etc, etc, as well as many roles at Bard On The Beach, The Vancouver Playhouse, and other Vancouver theatres. Even if you don't know Tom offstage, you won't be surprised to learn that he's one of the most big-hearted, generous, kind and nurturing people you'll ever meet. So it seems to me a very exciting development that Tom and his wife Jackie are opening an acting studio! I can't help but think that his soulful, welcoming, encouraging presence will create an environment where people really can be free and confident to create, and to grow in the craft of acting. As Tom wrote in an email to me, his heart is to "create a safe place for kids and adults to come and be bold, fearless and inspirational."

SOUTH SURREY ACTING STUDIOS WILL HAVE A NEW OWNER THIS SUMMER!

Kids Only Acting Classes (est. 2003) and Chameleon Studio (est. 2007), founded by Film Industry Professional Michele Sands Partridge, will have a new owner August 1, 2008.

Its time for me to take a break, says founder and current owner of the acting studios, Sands Partridge. It was not an easy decision for me as its been such a pleasure for me and for our wonderful instructors to have guided such talented actors of all ages with their quest in learning the craft of acting. We have such a growing acting community here in South Surrey, so I couldnt be more pleased that the studios will remain open for the students and the community. explains Sands Partridge.
New owners, Professional Film and Theatre actor TOM PICKETT and his wife JACKIE PICKETT will continue Kids Only Acting Classes (KOAC) and Chameleon Studios tradition of offering fun and professional acting programs for actors of all ages taught by some of the best professional performing arts instructors in the lower mainland.

KOAC (ages 3 17) and Chameleon Studios (ages 18 and up) regular schedule of professional beginner to advanced acting programs and diverse monthly workshops will remain, with the addition of some new and exciting workshops for kids and adults such more casting director workshops and singing workshops focusing on Jazz, Blues, R&B and Gospel vocal instruction with an emphasis on stage performance.

Professional film and theatre actor TOM PICKETT will manage the creative side of the studios as Creative Director and JACKIE, will manage the business side as Business Operations and Registration.

Film and Stage actor, Tom Pickett brings over 50 years of diverse performance experience to the students of KOAC and Chameleon Studio. Tom grew up in Berkeley, California listening to the sounds of his fathers group The Four Aces whose tutelage may be sampled on the 1999 Flyright Fly CD 62: The Four Aces 1946-1955. Toms professional acting career began in Vancouver over 17 years ago quickly gaining film and television credits on Neon Rider, The Commish, X-Files. Most recently he can be seen inMasters of Horror, The Supernatural, Personal Effects, The Gym Teacher and Traveling. Tom extended his acting skills to the stage with the National and International tours of Hal Princes Show Boat, debuting at The Prince Edward Theatre in Londons West End. Tom has been seen in Athol Fugards Master Harold and the Boys (for which he received a Jessie Richardson Award), The Pacific Theatre, James Fagan Taits adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment (for which he received a Jessie Richardson Award nomination), NeWorld Theatre and Alfred Uhry's Driving Miss Daisy, Chemainus Theatre 2002 and The Pacific Theatre 2007. Tom loves Shakespeare and has enjoyed five seasons at Bard on the Beach.

Tom and Jackie would like to invite the community to their OPEN HOUSE to meet the new management team and see some new workshop demonstrations, Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the studio located at #20 15531 24thAve., South Surrey, BC from Noon until 4pm.Tom and Jackie look forward to meeting the local acting community at the Open House and cant wait to show everyone whats in store for the Fall Schedule at KOAC (www.kidsonlyacting.com) and Chameleon Studio (www.chameleonactingstudio.com).

KOAC is currently registering for their June programs and workshops and Julys Summer Acting Camps for all ages. To register call Lorraine at 604.817.3602.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Michele Sands Partridge, owner KOAC/Chameleon Studio
Tel: 604.831.5324 Email: kidsonlyacting@shaw.ca
Michele Sands Partridge

AND
Tom Pickett, new owner of KOAC/Chameleon Studio as of August 1, 2008.
Phone: 604-943-9103, Cell Phone: 604-836-9103 Fax Number: 604-648-9088 E: tompickett@telus.net

June 6/6: Sara Ciantar

Sara was ubiquitous this past CHRISTMAS PRESENCE: she performed her own tune and others with a subset of Wicker Robot, then played the pipe organ for our special performance in the Holy Trinity sanctuary. Rick Colhoun produced her cd...

Hey ya'll,
After a couple of months of doing other people's lovely music I'll be celebrating mine in full force. I cordially invite you to one of two gigs (or both if the fancy should strike you).
Come hear some of the new tunes I've been working on and some other beautiful musicians to boot!

Friday nite, June the 6th
I'm opening for all you "early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise"-ers
So that should be around 8:30
Following is local legend Peter Lagrand and then
Justin Grounds of Australian fame (but I knew him before...) starting the northern leg of his world tour
Cafe Deux Soleils (I didn't know that the same people also own Cafe Du Soleil-go figure!) Commercial and 5th


Saturday nite, June the 7th
The nomadic spirit (and actual presence) of Michael Peters of Winnipeg will be opening up for me at 8:30
It's a small world you know. We found each other's music on myspace and it turns out that it's a miracle we haven't met before we know so many of the same people (I was set up with his brother once or twice before....)
This event will be at the Wired Monk. I was crossing my fingers on this one folks. This is my favorite place to play my music in this city. (Trafalgar and 4th)

I think both events are $5 covers but really for such quality music how could you go wrong.
Can't wait to see some of your smiling happy faces.
Cheers

Sara