Enroll Now! Rising Star ~ Summer Theatre Program Year 2

Shoreline Arts Alliance is excited to be bringing back the newest component to its renowned Shakespeare on the Shoreline program - Rising Star Summer Theatre Experience.  For the two weeks prior to the main stage production of King Lear, Shoreline Arts Alliance will offer a theater performing arts program to children in the community.  Session 1, Cinderella Shakesperience is July 21- July 25 and Session 2, King Lear Shakesperience is July 28 – August 1, from 9am-3pm on the Guilford Town Green.  Tents and rain location will be provided.  Rising Star is an outreach program for ages 7 – 17.  Tuition is $250.00 per week.  Some need based scholarships will be available.  These one-week energy-filled, fun, entertaining theater experiences will encourage creativity, reading and interpretation, and engagement in an artistic endeavor.  Rising Star embraces the theater arts and will speak to the child’s desire and need to be recognized, to have their own voice and yet be nurtured as a successful individual as well as a contributing member of a team.  The theater workshops will illustrate and educate participants on the issues and values that shed light on the human condition and are relevant to today’s world.  Alongside the goals of promoting creativity, critical thinking, cooperation, literacy enrichment, and self-confidence, this week-long program is designed to offer an educational experience for participants.  All participants will receive training from professional instructors in script analysis, interpretation and performance, and will briefly touch on set design, sound and lighting, costume design, and stage management.  Older participants will also benefit from training in work/life skills (i.e. proper dress, inter-personal development, work ethic, public speaking, communication, etc.) to develop and strengthen crucial skills aiding in admission to college or entrance into the work force.  Shoreline Arts Alliance is again working with Shakesperience Productions, Inc. for the operation of Rising Star summer theater experience. 


A nonprofit, professional, educational theater for youth founded in 1996 and headquartered in Waterbury, Shakesperience Productions, Inc. serves Connecticut school systems and those of neighboring states, reaching over seventy communities per year.  A recipient of “Arts Organization of the Year” by Waterbury Neighborhood Council, Shakesperience’s programming has proven successful among client schools, with 93% of these schools rescheduling events with the company year after year.  Currently, few theatre programs for this age level are offered where there is direct involvement with the team of a major production.  These students will be mentored and nurtured by cast and crew of King Lear.  Session 1 will explore Cinderella Stories from around the world – their similarities and differences as well as the cultural interpretations from other countries.  Session 2 explores King Lear and the choices we make for children and family as well as the overall welfare of children: physically, emotionally, and educationally. Students will explore the essence of blindness, both literally and figuratively, to their own actions, consequences and blessings.  Participants will take the stage to present their own productions on Friday, July 25 and Friday, August 1.  All participants are expected to be a part of the final production team at levels appropriate for their age.  Some of the group may also be invited to join the chorus the following week for the main stage production of King Lear.

Because of the location of the Shakespeare on the Shoreline program and the Rising Star theater program on the historic Guilford Town Green, participants will also learn about the significance of one of the oldest town greens in the country, its role as the heart of the community, its evolution through history from a grazing spot for cattle and horses, a market place, a burial ground, to its current recreational and leisure uses.  Surrounding the Green are historic homes and buildings that will also be part of the educational component of the camp. The use of the Town Green for this summer’s theater intensive, as well as the summer production of King Lear will be discussed as it relates to the venues that Shakespeare chose for his public performances.

As one parent summed up her daughter’s experience last summer, “She started off Monday feeling intimidated and overwhelmed at the thought of learning lines that didn't even make sense to her and left today exhausted but with a smile beaming from ear to ear that she accomplished her goal. What a confidence builder.  I'm sure she will remember this summer camp for many years to come.  Thank you to all of your staff for their hard work and nurturing support.”


Tuition for the week-long Rising Star theatre experience is $250.00 per week.  Need based scholarships may be available.  For information or to register for the Shakespeare on the Shoreline Rising Star program visit www.shorelinearts.org or call 203-453-3890.

National Children's Book Week

Children’s Book Week is the annual celebration of children’s books and reading. Established in 1919, it is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. The program is administered by Every Child a Reader (ECAR) and the Children’s Book Council (CBC) is the anchor sponsor.

What is even more exciting is that Shoreline Arts Alliance has just announced the 2014 winners and finalists in the 14th annual New Voices in Children’s Literature: Tassy Walden Awards.  This competition encourages and nurtures the creation of exceptional books for children by unpublished Connecticut writers and illustrators. Awards may be presented in five categories: Picture Book (text only), Illustrated Picture Book, Children’s Book Illustrator’s Portfolio, Middle Grade Novel and Young Adult Novel.  All submissions must adhere to the entry requirements and are evaluated according the chiildren’s book publishing industry standards in a two-tier process.  First, nationally recognized literary agents select submission finalists in each award category.  Second, acclaimed editors and art directors determine, at their discretion, awardees and honorable mention recognition.

The 2014 award winners are:

Picture Book Text:
Winner: Nancy Tandon, Glastonbury ~ The Worst Witch
Honorable Mention: Jacquelin C. Devlin, Norwalk ~ Grandpa’s Way

Finalists:
Kara Imre, Fairfield ~ X-Ray for Stingray Rex
Heather Jessen, New Haven ~ Sophia Wants a Best Friend
Cherish Ann Lisee, South Windsor ~ The Royal Pie Contest

Illustrated Picture Book:
Winner: Brenna Burns Yu, New Haven ~ Sophie’s Dol: A Birthday Tale

Finalists:
Douglas Armistead, Branford ~ Pots by Ming
Anneliese Juergensen, Cheshire ~ Calliope and Ona
Gabriella Svenningsen, New Haven ~ The Collector

Portfolio:
Winner: Brenna Burns Yu, New Haven

Finalists:
Anneliese Juergensen, Cheshire
Gabriella Svenningsen, New Haven

Middle Grade Novel:
Winner: Andrew Hendryx, Madison ~ Jared Jones and the Island of Eckamore
Honorable Mention: Pamela Farley, Darien ~ Outlier

Finalists:
Judith M Cooke, Higganum ~ Jamison Vaughn Boy Detective
David DiPalo, Ridgefield ~ The Stromling
Holly Howley, Glastonbury ~ Alien Virus
Juliana Spink Mills, Avon ~ Dream Catcher

Young Adult Novel:
No Winner or Honorable Mention in this Category

Finalists:
Heather Sherlock DiLorenzo, West Hartford ~ First Served
Maria Mazzaro, Fairfield ~ Through the Rearview
Valerie Stauffer, Greenwich ~ Shanghaied
A. Rudy Vener, North Haven ~ Causeway
Lorraine Vollhardt, Greenwich ~ Lavender Tea: A Zorber’s Tale

Shoreline Arts Alliance has also just received word that a former finalist in this competition is now under contract for publication.  Martha Seif Simpson’s book The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin: A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah will be released in October 2014, published by Wisdom Tales Press.  Congratulations!

Please consider supporting local Connecticut children’s book authors and illustrators during this week.  For a list of published Tassy Walden Award winners visit www.shorelinearts.org/tassywalden.cfm.

The awards ceremony and reception for the 2014 awardees will be Tuesday, May 27 at 7pm at the James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford.  All are invited to come and hear or see the manuscripts and artwork from our winners and to celebrate!  Shoreline Arts Alliance wishes to thank the many Tassy Walden Awards founders and committee for making this another successful year for this program : Doe Boyle, Leslie Bulion, Mary-Kelly Busch, Leslie Connor, Frank Dormer, Deborah Freedman, Thea Guidone, Faith & Mark Hough, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Lorraine Jay, Marcella Staudenmaier, Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.

We also wish to thank our sponsors: Jack & Helen Davis, Susan & John Wieland, Rex, Wendy, Shane, Erica, & Walden, Sennheiser Electronic Corp., NewAlliance Foundation, CT Office of the Arts.

And donors:
Doe & Tom Boyle, Leslie Bulion & Rubin Hirsch, Mary-Kelly Busch & Daniel Picchioni, Leslie Cahill, Leslie Connor, Pamela Farley, Pamela Foarde, Barbara Gold, Traci Grigg, Thea & John Guidone, Lorraine Jay, Meira Rosenberg, A. Harris Stone.

Today is "G" Day

Be part of an historic event! On May 6 we are reigniting the spirit of philanthropy in America.

Hundreds of local organizations that provide vital services to the Greater New Haven region are asking for your support during national Give Day, May 6-7, sponsored by Give Local America, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation.

Give Local America commemorates the great work accomplished over the past 100 years by community foundations that connect people to causes they care about.  This 36-hour online fundraising day (from 8am on May 6 to 8pm on May 7) is an opportunity to recognize and support local nonprofits while helping them to attract new donors and build online fundraising capabilities for long-term success.  This event is a wonderful chance for everyone in our community to be a philanthropist.  Every donation can make a big difference.  In the past these giving days nationwide have generated more than $100 million for charity, attracted thousands of new donors, and increased nonprofits’ ability to interact and fundraise online.

All Great Give Day donations must be made online by debit or credit card during the 36-hour marathon give.  To make a donation to Shoreline Arts Alliance now please follow this link.  To check for other nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Haven & Naugatuck Valley communities who are participating in this campaign click here.  Each gift will be matched by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven or the Valley Community Foundation.

Think about what your town or community would be like without the hundreds of nonprofits working tirelessly to provide services, support, and quality of life.  Thank them by making a donation today!

Neil Simon's "I Ought To be in Pictures"

Steffy (Jeanie Rapp) & Herb (Mike Boland)

What's a daughter to do when she wants to get in touch with her father who she hasn't seen in 16 years and who lives 3,000 miles away? Well, if you’re Libby Tucker you hitch hike and bus your way across the country with nothing but a backpack full of dreams and spare socks. Libby travels from Brooklyn to Los Angeles ostensibly to break into movies but mostly because she needs to find out why her dad and left, and does he still love her.

I Ought To Be in Pictures opened in New York in April 1980, and in 1982 was turned into a movie starring Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret. This is Neil Simon at his best – poignant and funny. For dads and daughters everywhere, this will be a memory to treasure.

I Ought To Be In Pictures at the Ivoryton Playhouse runs through May 11th. Directed by Ivoryton favorite, R. Bruce Connelly, the cast includes Mike Boland* as Herb, whose Broadway credits include An Enemy of the People at Manhattan Theater Club and the national tours of Twelve Angry Men and West Side Story; Siobhan Fitzgerald*, making her Ivoryton debut as Libby and Jeanie Rapp*, founder and artistic director of Margreta Stage who was last seen in Ivoryton in Love, Loss & What I Wore, as Steffy.  The set design is by William Stark, lighting design by Marcus Abbott and costumes by Kari Crowther.

Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are $42 for adults, $37 for seniors, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org  (Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

Beatitude Mass for the Homeless

Collaborating with Saint Vincent de Paul to bring awareness to the Walk Against Hunger in Hartford, CT on Sunday, May 4th, which is vital to the ongoing efforts of area food pantries and soup kitchens for the homeless, GMChorale will be presenting the Connecticut premiere of Henry Mollicone’s acclaimed masterpiece, Beatitude Mass (for the Homeless).

The 80 voice strong GMChorale will present Beatitude Mass and other works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Vaughan Williams under the direction of Joseph D’Eugenio, with the GMChamber Singers, and featuring soloists Sheri Hammerstrom and Frank Matto.

Making the event still more compelling, composer Henry Mollicone will fly in from California to give a pre-concert lecture, and renowned artist Abby Carter will offer a gallery showing of portraits depicting guests of Saint Vincent de Paul Middletown.  These portraits capture the very essence of each person, remarkable in their composure and humanity.

GMChorale is acclaimed for its innovative symphonic choral presentations.  Under the inspired leadership of Joseph D’Eugenio, Artistic Director, GMChorale performs beloved masterworks and newly commissioned masterpieces on a global scale.
Established in 1977 as a community chorus in Middletown, CT, the Chorale has evolved to become one of New England’s most engaging choirs.  Our 80 voice strong chorale features professional and volunteer singers from Pawcatuck to Bridgeport and Windsor to New Haven.  Our singers have passed a rigorous audition to become members of GMChorale, or the GMChamber Singers.
GMChorale boasts a long-standing tradition of collaborating with area orchestras including Hartford Symphony and more recently, New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

GMC’s Artistic Director, Joseph D’Eugenio is a concert pianist graduating from Hartt School of Music, and further completing his graduate studies in conducting from the University of Connecticut.  He has conducted hundreds of choral and orchestral performances around the world.  GMChorale tours and performs in other countries bringing international recognition to Middletown, Connecticut, and New England.

A major emphasis of the organization is the power of music to positively impact social justice.  Throughout history music has made pronounced and lasting change for the betterment of the human condition.  GMChorale is committed to continuing this partnership between those in need, composers, musicians, audience and community.

"Uke" Can't Be Serious

Jim Beloff, Ukulele

On Sunday, May 4th, The George Flynn Classical Concerts series is proud to present the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra (WSO) under the baton of Maestro Philip T. Ventre. Based on the Choate Rosemary Hall campus in Wallingford, Connecticut, the WSO is celebrating its 39th season of presenting professional musicians performing a wide variety of orchestral music.

With a theme of “In Springtime,” the May 4th concert will include seasonal works by Rossini, Mozart, Delius and Respighi. It will also include a performance of “Uke Can’t Be Serious,” a piece for solo ukulele and symphony orchestra composed and performed by Jim Beloff, a Clinton-based musician. Attendees who play the ukulele are invited to bring their ukuleles to the concert for a strum and sing-along following the concert.
The Sunday, May 4th concert will be held at the Morgan School, 27 Killingworth Turnpike in Clinton. Free tickets can be obtained by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to George Flynn Classical Concerts, PO Box 473, Clinton, CT 06413 or calling 860-669-1208.

For further information visit: www.georgeflynnclassicalconcerts.com.

The George S. Flynn Concerts are made possible by a trust fund Mr. Flynn established in his will. It was his great desire to provide "classical music concerts for the benefit, education and pleasure of the inhabitants of the town of Clinton (Connecticut)." It is in his honor and to his memory that we dedicate these concerts.

Mr. Flynn and his late wife Eirene Smyth, who found each other in the 8th decade of their lives, enjoyed much together, including classical music which they now can share with the people of Clinton, in perpetuity.

Cultural Travel Opportunities at the Florence Griswold MuseumLondon

London Eye

The Florence Griswold Museum is a museum on the move. Along with day trips to museums throughout the region and great Broadway shows, the Museum offers exceptional international trips. Currently, the Museum is taking reservations for two international trips scheduled for this year, one to northern Spain from September 3 through 11, and the other to England from December 20 through 27.

Journey Through Unknown Spain: Exploring the Ancient and Modern Heart of Northern Spain is an unforgettable trip to the dramatic mountains, ancient hamlets, and sophisticated cities of Spain's northern coast. Travel with Museum Director Jeff Andersen to this relatively unknown part of Spain - its "green" jewel where high peaks descend rapidly to the sea creating enchanting agricultural valleys, towns with rich histories, and coastal villages that have been witness to centuries of cultural invaders. There will be an illustrated presentation on Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30pm, to learn more about this exciting excursion. The event is for those who want to know more about the trip as well as those who would like to learn more about this part of our world. Enjoy Spanish cheeses and wines while exploring the beauty and culture of Northern Spain with travel expert Herzen Cortes. Cortes will talk about this immersive, experiential-based journey that he custom-designed for the Museum. Rob Hernandez, who will co-lead the trip, was born in the U.S. but raised partially in Madrid. Hernandez has traveled widely throughout Spain. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the people, history, culture and cuisine are contagious. Please RSVP for the presentation at (860) 434-5542, ext. 111 or frontdesk@flogris.org.


The Museum's second custom-designed international trip will be led by Director of Education and Outreach David D.J. Rau. A Dickens of a Christmas: An English Town & Country Holiday Excursion features wonderful museum tours and evenings of theatre in London as well as a stay at an exclusive country house in the Cotswolds.  In London the group will enjoy private guided tours of great collections including the Impressionist work at The Courthauld Gallery and the British Galleries in the Victoria & Albert Museum, as well as seek out some smaller gems such as the Leighton House Museum and The Serpentine Gallery in Kensington. As the holiday approaches, the group will travel to a country house set in 40 acres of Warwickshire countryside. This elaborate and beautiful house has played host to traditional Christmas celebrations for centuries. The festivities include carolers, candlelit dinners, costume parties, and more. The group will tour the picturesque Cotswold villages as well as take in a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company in the bard's hometown.

For complete itineraries and more information about these and other excursions, please visit the Museum's website, FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.