Call for Entries - Winter Members’ Show
(Marion, MA) – The Marion Art Center announces a call for entries for its annual Winter Members’ Show. All MAC members are invited to enter up to two pieces each. All works must be original, must have been executed by the artist within the last five years, and must not have been previously shown at the Marion Art Center. The MAC will not exhibit works that are in poor condition (including frame) or are not properly prepared for installation.

To exhibit, members should drop off artwork to the MAC at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion, MA on Saturday, January 6 between 10am-2pm or Tuesday, January 9 between 10am-4pm. Artists can download and print the consignment agreement ahead of time, found online at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit. Anyone wishing to participate who is not yet a member can join the MAC online at marionartcenter.org/join. To request an email copy of the contract or submit questions email [email protected]. Show Dates are January 13 – February 23, 2024, with an opening reception scheduled on Saturday, January 13 from 3-5pm.

MAC Theater Auditions - Arsenic & Old Lace
(Marion, MA) – The Marion Art Center announces open auditions for the classic Arsenic & Old Lace on Saturday, January 6, 10:00am-12:00pm and Sunday, January 7, 12:00-2:00pm. The play, written by Joseph Kesserling, will be directed by Donn Tyler. There are nine performance dates scheduled March 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 2024. Evening shows begin at 7:30pm, while Sunday matinees begin at 2:00pm.

Synopsis: Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police — not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage — it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.

View all character details and more information, and download sides (script samples), online at marionartcenter.org/auditions. Questions can be addressed to [email protected].

Intro to Acting & Theatre Workshops at the MAC

(Marion, MA) – The Marion Art Center with Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company, and Instructors Garrett Olson and Jess Wilson, present a series of theater workshops including a free informational session on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Cost for each session is $40 for MAC members and $50 for nonmembers, and those enrolling in all three paid sessions receive 10% off registration. The fourth and final session is free and open to all. A foul weather date is February 10, 2024. See all details and register online at marionartcenter.org/events. Attend any or all of the following workshops:

Session One, 10am-12pm, Theatre Tips and Tricks: You Want to be in the Theatre but Not On Stage: Do you love theatre, but hate the spotlight? There are lots of ways to be involved besides appearing on stage. In this 2 hour informative workshop you will have a relaxed and casual conversation with experienced theatre professionals. From box office and front of house staff to backstage crew, from designers to marketers to scenic artists to hair & makeup… it takes a lot of people to create the shows you love to applaud! Join us for an introductory look at what goes on “behind the scenes!” Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions regarding all aspects of theatre.

Session Two, 1pm-3pm, Theatre Tips and Tricks: You Think You Want to Try Acting: Have you dreamed of being in front of the camera, up on stage or standing in the spotlight? Not sure where to begin? In this 2 hour informative workshop you will get a very basic overview of the first steps, from theatre terms and the difference between stage and film acting to how to get started with headshots, monologues, best audition practices, stage etiquette and self-care. This workshop will be an informative and casual conversation with professional working actors. Join us for an introductory look at “What’s next?” so you can turn your dream of acting into reality! Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions regarding acting.

Session Three, 3:30pm-5:30pm, The Actor As Advocate: This fast paced, 2-hour master class in self-advocacy and consent-based practices, including intimacy and fight safety is designed to motivate the participants and encourage them to make themselves priority one. Actors need to be safe and confident to do their best work, whether on stage, film set or recording studio and having the tools to be their own best advocate is important! The focus of this workshop is to empower each person to advocate for themselves with confidence, flair and ease. Participants will be brought into an immediate discussion regarding the most common reasons why they may fear speaking up for themselves or others and how to address it head on. The instructors who will be leading the workshop are professional actors, directors, and teaching artists who have many years of experience as advocates for individuals, organizations, and social causes. This class is a fully inclusive experience for students of all levels of experience and abilities. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions.

Session Four: 6pm-7pm, Taste Of what’s To Come (FREE and open to all! Advanced registration recommended): During this hour, Garrett and Jess will give a brief demonstration and synopsis of upcoming theater classes and workshops at the MAC.