OPEN AUDITIONS!

Our next round of open auditions will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 1:00pm until 6:00pm at the Meshanticut Park Church, 180 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. Please call Nicki at Kaleidoscope Theatre, (401) 942-3637, to set up an appointment.

There are multiple roles in several shows that are open, so performers of all types, ages, and ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition. Please come prepared to sing a song of your choice (a cappella or with taped/CD accompaniment) and to read from a script. If you are a young adult or adult male, you are especially encouraged to audition! Kaleidoscope Theatre is a professional, non-profit theatre company, and all roles are paid.

A New Home for Cinderella

Thanks to funding from RISCA (the RI State Council on the Arts), Cinderella will be getting a new home this summer! This past week, Kaleidoscope partnered with Providence scenic artist Laura McPherson to produce a brand-new kitchen drop for the show! This new piece of art will replace an older decaying scrim that has been used as Cinderella's cottage home since the 1990s.
Members of Kaleidoscope Theatre assisted McPherson in creating the backdrop, which gave them a phenomenal opportunity to learn how a backdrop is designed and painted.

Come see the debut of this new drop at this summer's first performance of Cinderella at Rhode Island College on Tuesday, July 22 at 11:00am!

(Photo: A section of the new drop (in progress). For more photos, check out Kaleidoscope Theatre's Myspace page at www.myspace.com/kaleidoscopetheatre!)

April Newsletter!

Kaleidoscope's April newsletter is now available online at www.kaleidoscopetheatre.com!

In this issue you can read about:
1. Our Upcoming Performances
2. Update on 'The Party of the Year!'
3. Thank You, Jerry Ventre!

4. A New Home for Cinderella
A brand new kitchen drop for Cinderella's home will be painted this coming week and will debut this summer! If you'd like to see the progress on the new drop, check out the pictures (as they're added this week) to our myspace profile at www.myspace.com/kaleidoscopetheatre.

5. New Local Theatre School Opens in Bristol
6. Supporting Our Members

(photo: The older kitchen drop that is being replaced!)

I'm Special, You're Special

I'm Special, You're Special is one of Kaleidoscope's most acclaimed presentations. Touring for over 20 years, the show follows the story of David Brown, a boy with Down Syndrome, as he is included into a public school. Bobby Macaux, a local actor from East Greenwich, currently plays the role of David. Here's what he has to say about the experience.

Through the Eyes of
David Brown
By: Bob Macaux

David Brown is a totally unique character with many similarities and differences through my life. Just like David, I was born with Down Syndrome and I was included in many schools. But there are differences. For example, David Brown is good with his hands, but personally I use my brain in a lot of ways including writing poetry and short stories, reading and going through college. I love the show because it carries a lesson on tolerance and acceptance. We all learn at different various speeds. Working with Kaleidoscope fulfills my quest for musical theater.

If you're interested in bringing I'm Special, You're Special to your school, please give our office a call at (401) 942-3637. We're currently accepting bookings for this April, May, and June and for the 2008-2009 school year. We also have some partial funding available, courtesy of the John Moran Fund, that can help bring this production to a school that could otherwise not afford it. If you have any questions about the show or about the availability of the funding, you can call the office or e-mail us at kaleidoscope@kaleidoscopetheatre.com!

(Photo: Bob Macaux as David Brown in I'm Special, You're Special.)

A weekend of performances!

If you are a fan of Kaleidoscope Theatre's performers, then check out all of the exciting shows featuring Kaleidoscopians this weekend!

• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Bishop Hendricken High School will feature Graham Duff (BULLY, Prince Charming in Cinderella, the Big Bad Wolf in Little Red Ridinghood, the White Rabbit/March Hare in Alice in Wonderland) as Joseph and Jessica Sepe (BULLY, Bad Company, Clara in Heidi).
• 42nd Street at Johnston High School will feature Joe Catanzaro (BULLY, the King in Rumpelstiltskin, and Peter in Heidi) as Bert Barry, Kathrine Barnes (BULLY, Hope in Sleeping Beauty) as Dorothy Brock, Cassandra Pacheco (BULLY, Putricia in Cinderella, Mom/Granny in Little Red Ridinghood, Faith in Sleeping Beauty), and Ariana Pacheco (BULLY, Heidi in Heidi, and Goldilocks in Goldilocks).
• High School Musical at Encore Repertory Company will feature Brendan Macera (BULLY, and the Big Bad Wolf in The Three Pigs) as Troy, Alyssa Surrette (BULLY) as Sharpay, and Tommy Iafrate (Artistic Director) as the Keyboard/Saxophone player in the pit!
• Chicago at the Community Players will feature Greg Bonin (the Emperor in The Emperor's New Clothes, the Giant in Jack & the Beanstalk, the Beast in Beauty & the Beast) as Billy Flynn, Brian Lamothe (the Miller in Rumpelstiltskin, Papa Bear in Goldilocks), and Janet Barton (Uglicia in Sleeping Beauty).
• You Can't Take It With You at Barker Playhouse in Providence will feature Ryan Hanley (Hunstman in Snow White and Pasquale/Carlos in Dial M for Matrimony) as Tony.

March Newsletter now available!

In this issue you can read about:

1. Upcoming Performances
2. Update on ‘The Party of the Year!’
3. Kaleidoscope’s Official Blog
4. Kaleidoscope is now on Facebook!
5. Live Recording of BULLY

6. Supporting Our Members – Other venues to feature the many talents of our performers

To subscribe to our newsletter or to view back issues online, please log on to our website!

Also, if you are a subscriber but have not received this month's newsletter, please adjust your spam blocker! Many of the work e-mails listed in our address archives are bouncing back.
Thank you and sorry for any inconvenience!

~The Kaleido-Staff

Birthday Parties!

We at Kaleidoscope Theatre love to entertain our audiences! We appear on stage at professional theatres, in your children's schools, and now we're even making house calls! Kaleidoscope offers several Birthday Party packages, all of which include a fairytale character visiting your child's birthday party! Check out our website for more details.

Jillian (who's played 'Mama Piggy' in The Three Pigs, 'Charlotte' in Sleeping Beauty, and the title character in Cinderella) is one of the actresses that appears at the parties. Here's what she had to say about her most recent party:

"I love doing character appearances, especially at birthday parties! A few weeks ago, I (as Sleeping Beauty) visited Janie's 5th Birthday party, and everyone had a fantastic time. When I arrived, all of the children were dressed in their princess finest! Once everyone got to know one another, saying our names and our favorite foods (mac & cheese was a popular choice), the kids all crowded around to hear the story of Sleeping Beauty. Afterwards, Janie was declared Princess for the day, and was quite excited when I presented her with a brand new tiara! As a surprise for the parents, the children and I prepared a Princess Parade! They were all quick to learn how to wave and curtsy, just like a real princess, and they all looked quite lovely as they took their turns showing their moms and dads. The most exciting part was, of course, the cake! We all sang "Happy Birthday" together, and Janie made her wish. It was then time for me to say goodbye, but it seemed like everyone had a great time. It is always fun to get to interact with our youngest Kaleidoscope fans in such an intimate setting!"

If you're interested in booking a Kaleidoscope birthday party, please call our office at (401) 942-3637!

(Photo: Jillian as 'Sleeping Beauty' with the party guests on February 2nd!)

Kaleidoscope on the air!

Back in December, Kaleidoscope's Executive Director, David Payton, and our 30th Anniversay Committee Chair, Holly Shadoian, went on the radio to promote our upcoming Spring Fundraiser. If you missed the live broadcast, you can now hear the interview on our website here! Happy listening!

Welcome Home Abby!

As we reported several months ago, Abby Spare ('Iggy Piggy' in The Three Pigs) is out on the road with the National Tour of Annie! Well this month that tour will be returning to our local area! From March 25th through March 30th, Abby will be performing the orphan role of 'Tessie' at the Wang Center in Boston, MA! If you're interested in learning more about the show (or in purchasing tickets), click here! For more about Abby Spare, check out her very own website! This tour continues through May of 2008.

(Photo: Abby as 'Iggy Piggy' in Kaleidoscope's summer 2007 production of The Three Pigs!)

Joining the Kaleido-Family!

Over the course of the year, many new talented individuals join the Kaleidoscope Theatre Family. Recently, a brand new cast of teens learned our award-winning production of B.U.L.L.Y. (Better Understanding by Listening or Learning about You). This school-touring show has been tremendously successful in teaching children how to deal with the bullying situations they encounter at school.

This is what one new cast member had to say about the experience of becoming a part of Kaleidoscope Theatre. Her name is Aurora and she played the roles of 'Lori' and 'Glinda the Good Witch' in her first show of B.U.L.L.Y. on Friday, February 15, 2008!

"Kaleidoscope Theatre was a really fun experience. I met some pretty awesome people. As soon as we met, we clicked. I always looked forward to rehearsals because I knew we'd have fun. The songs were my favorite part because they were upbeat. When we performed at the schools, I'll admit I was super nervous. But when we started, it seemed to flow. We all helped each other if we messed up a line or forgot a lyric. I'll always remember how much fun it was and I hope to work with Kaleidoscope again in the future!"

If you're interested in bringing B.U.L.L.Y. to your child's school, check out our online school-touring brochure.

If you're interested in joining the Kaleidoscope Theatre family, stay tuned! Audition information for our summer series will be coming shortly!

(Photo: The cast of B.U.L.L.Y. from 2/15/08. Clockwise from left: Aurora as Lori/Glinda, Dan as Gary/Tin Man, Mike as Hank/Scarecrow, Chris as Jake/Cowardly Lion, Chantel as Winnie/Dorothy, and Nicolina as Jen/Wicked Witch.)

The Party of the Year!

Mark your calendars for Kaleidoscope's 30th Anniversary Fundraiser!

The Party of the Year will be held at the Roger Williams Park Casino on Thursday, June 12, 2008 from 6pm to 10pm! This is a black tie optional gala and tickets are $100 per person. Invitations will be mailed out in May.

Our evening begins with an hour of hors d'oeuvres, followed by a wonderful buffet dinner provided by Carrabba's Italian Grill, followed by Kaleidoscope entertainment, and an auction of some great items! All proceeds from the evening benefit Kaleidoscope Theatre, including development of new shows and providing support to bring "B.U.L.L.Y." to schools that cannot afford to fund it. Make sure to save the date so you don't miss out on a night of wonderful entertainment! For more information about the event and the giving opportunities, check out our website at: www.kaleidoscopechildrenstheatre.com30thanniversary.htm

Let us know if you have names and addresses to add to our invitation list or if you have any leads for businesses or organizations who might be potential donors!

Kaleidoscope Theatre is a non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and donors will be recognized in the event program book and on our website.

Stay tuned for more information!!

(Photo of Roger Williams Park Casino, Providence, RI.)

February Newsletter!

Kaleidoscope's February Newsletter is now available! If you didn't receive your copy via e-mail, check out our website to sign up for our mailing list.

Here are the highlights from our February edition:
1. Our Upcoming Performances
2. Kaleidoscope's School-Touring Program
3. An Update on 'The Party of the Year!'
4. Kaleidoscope's Flower Fundraiser
5. Cameron's Project - A Live Recording of BULLY
6. How to Book a Birthday Party
7. Supporting Our Members – Other venues to feature the many
talents of our performers

Summer 2008 - TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Tickets are now onsale for our summer series at the Cape Cod Melody Tent (Hyannis, MA) and at the South Shore Music Circus (Cohasett, MA)! Both venues have just launched brand new websites - check them out to purchase tickets!

Stay tuned for more information about our 2008 Summer Series!
Show titles include...
Snow White
Pinocchio
Cinderella
Jack & the Beanstalk
Cinderella, Too!
Rapunzel
Hansel & Gretel
Rumpelstiltskin

(Photo: Steven DiNobile as Jack in Jack & the Beanstalk, summer 2006.)

Congratulations, Cameron!

Cameron Marcotte, Kaleidoscope's Artistic Intern, was selected by the MET to receive funding for his entrepreneurial ventures! The four finalists were recently announced in the Projo (click here to read the article). Cameron was awared $600 to start up a non-profit theatre group called the High Frequency Theater Company! Look out for High Frequency's first production in June of 2008! For more information about Cameron's company, check out their website!

January Newsletter!

Hello out there in Kaleidoworld!

Our January newsletter has been sent out! For those of you who do not subscribe, you can check it out on our website.

This month's issue features:

1. Our Upcoming Performances

2. An Update on our Spring Celebration!
3. Online Shopping - get your Kaleidogear today!
4. How to Book a Fairytale Birthday Party!
5. Congratulations, Jonathan!
6. Congratulations, Andy and Beckley!
7. Supporting Our Members – other venues to feature our talented performers

Pictured: Jonathan Goff as Ralph Piggy in Kaleidoscope Theatre's The Three Pigs! Jonathan will be featured as a newsboy in the production of Gypsy touring throughout the Western US!