Summer Events Need Your Help: A Call for Volunteers - Shakespeare on the Shoreline

Shakespeare on the Shoreline
August and Shoreline Arts Alliance brings the 13th annual Shakespeare on the Shoreline production and ‘theatre under the stars’ to the Guilford Green.  Today, like boating, baseball and barbecues, Shakespeare on the Shoreline is the most popular and well recognized cultural mainstay of the community, drawing crowds from all over the area with its engaging, entertaining, and educational performances (according to the Wall Street Journal).


The 2014 season features the renowned Shakesperience Productions, Inc. of Waterbury, CT presenting this summer’s main stage performance of King Lear.  Shakesperience leads a highly trained theatrical troupe which employs the Shakesperience Approach.  This Approach blends artistry, positive behavior, interactivity, and business sense into a singular voice of leadership, thought and action, onstage and off.  Their productions are always family-friendly and provide opportunity for conversation about topics and subject matter that enhance family dynamics.  Performances are August 6 – 10.

Read below for the many volunteer opportunities in and around the Shakespeare performances.  Call the Shoreline Arts Alliance office at 203-453-3890 or email donita@shorelinearts.org to sign up or for more information.

Set Construction: The volunteer will work directly with the Managing Director and technical crew to build and paint the stage, sets and lighting towers.  Work days will be July 30, August 1, August 4, 5, & 6. No prior experience necessary.  Tech crew will provide instruction and supervision.

Housing:  Host families are needed to provide accomodations for members of the cast and crew from Monday, August 4 until Monday, August 11.  Cast and crew are responsible for their meals and transportation.  A great opportunity to show Guilford’s hospitality and to get to know the actors and technical crew.

Ushers: Volunteers are needed to assist in escorting audience to seating areas (especially those with special needs) for the pre and post show discussions and for the main production; to distribute playbills; collect surveys; take donations at intermission; assist in escorting those with special needs to their vehicles at the end of the show. In-service nightly at 5:45pm.  Volunteers may offer services for pre-show events, post-show events, intermission or all of the above.

Information Booth Assistant: One volunteer per evening is needed to assist in the Shoreline Arts Alliance information booth from 6pm until 10pm. In-service nightly at 5:45pm

Set Breakdown: Volunteers will work with the Sound and Lighting crew and the managing director to breakdown the set.  Help is needed Sunday night, August 10 at the close of the show and during the day on Monday, August 11. No prior experience required.  Tech crew will provide instruction and supervision.

Stage Hands: Jobs will vary based on the theatre company's needs. Volunteer needed nightly from Tuesday, August 5 through the close of the show August 10.  This is a great opportunity for a high school theatre student to learn 'behind the scenes' work.

Summer Events Need Your Help: A Call for Volunteers - EXPO

                             EXPO
In celebration of its 57th year, the GUILFORD ART CENTER’s annual Craft Expo will return once again to the scenic and historic Guilford Green, celebrating the arts with its extensive array of handmade crafts by American artists. Craft Expo 2014 will be held for three days*: Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20. *Note the day changes this year!

Craft Expo 2014 will bring more than 180 nationally-recognized craft artists to Guilford, whose exquisite-quality works help rank this event as one of the top craft shows in New England and the country. As a celebration of the arts and a signature happening for the town of Guilford and the Connecticut shoreline, Craft Expo is a must-see summer event.

Have some extra time? Want to contribute to the arts? Volunteering at GAC is a great way to meet new people, experience art up close and learn new skills. We can use your talents in our shop, gallery, and at our summer Craft Expo on the Guilford Green. Because we value our volunteers, we say “thank you” with a discount in our shop and on our classes.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Set up Help, Thursday, July 17, starting 6pm
Set up Help, Friday, July 18, 9-11am

Assist artists as necessary transporting goods from vehicles to tent sites. Can be arduous, but is very helpful for the very appreciative artists.

Gate/Ticket sellers  This  job will keep you busy and is one of the most fun and important tasks at the fair. You will greet each customer as they come through the gate, take their money, make change, collect $1.00 coupons and postcards, give them a program and answer any questions that they might have. You also will send people to the HQ table for membership sales and renewals, show visitors how to orient themselves with the map of the grounds, or direct them to the Rest Rooms or Food Court. You will also need to verify members against a current membership list, and stamp the hands of guests who whish to re-enter the show.  There will be a notebook with complete instructions at the gate.

Silent Auction Helper   You will be helping to run the Silent Auction table. Tasks may include gathering donations from exhibitors, filling out bidding forms, setting up the table for the day, and showing fair patrons how to sign up for a bidding number. You will be working inside a tent; further instructions will be provided.

Friday (7/18): 11am-2pm   2-5pm   5-8pm
Saturday (7/19): 10am-1pm   1-4pm   4-6pm
Sunday (7/20): 12-4pm

Artist Ally  This is a great shift for someone who loves to interact with people. Artist Allies provide booth relief to any exhibitor who may need it so that they can take a 15 minute bathroom break, lunch break, etc. You are not allowed to make sales in their absence, just watch their booth and safeguard their merchandise. You will also walk through the fair and report any problems to staff, let people know where restrooms are and answer basic customer questions.

Kids Crafts Table
Friday (7/18), Saturday (7/19), Sunday (7/20), 1-4pm

Summer Events Need Your Help A Call for Volunteers-Projects 2K

Projects 2K

With Summer Solstice just a few weeks away Projects 2K is gearing up for another spectacular multi-media presentation in the Stony Creek Quarry.  Projects for a New Millennium was established in 1993 by Joy Wulke, environmental artist, as a non-profit corporation to create collaborative events that foster the fusing of art, science, and ecological concerns as a means of discovery, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world. Joy passed away on February 25 but Projects for a New Millennium and its collaborators continue to aspire to extend presentations and educational programming illustrating a useful and wondrous philosophy of life, a worldview that celebrates our differences while recognizing the importance of our timeless common goals of peace and freedom in an environmentally sound world.  Terra Tractus: The Earth Moves celebrates the 20th Anniversary of P2K by providing spectacular, thought provoking and educational programming June 19, 20, 22 and June 25-29, 2014! This dynamic multi-media marvel tells the story of the quarry’s geological and human history through the past, present and future, through laser light, original music, kinetic sculpture, LED’s, dancers, projections, rock climbers, fireworks, shadow puppetry, pyrotechnics and much much more.

Many volunteers are needed for this spectacular event. Please contact
p2kvolunteer@gmail.com and consider giving some time in one or more of these positions:

Bus Shaman -  Like a bus monitor, this position requires the volunteer to interact with the public. The Bus Shaman will ride with each shuttle bus providing guests with a scripted, yet entertaining explanation of the history of Projects for a New Millennium, the overall performance schedule/endeavor, and provide only brief hints about the Terra Tractus experience.

Trail Guides - The Trail Guide volunteer will greet passengers as they offload from the buses at the Quarry, and corral them into groups of 10 to 16 to guide them up a designated secondary trail, culminating at the Box Office tent for ticket taking and last minute admission changes.

Production Assistants - The volunteer will work directly with the production crew. Knowledge of theater production is a plus, as well as experience with stage crew, lighting and/or audio equipment. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Must be comfortable on rough terrain.

Pre-Show Tai Chi (experience preferred but not absolutely necessary)
Assist in enhancing the pre-show quarry atmosphere 6pm-to show time. Each Tai Chi participant will be assigned a block at a strategic location to practice Tai Chi routines and poses.

Parking and Security - Volunteers will be scheduled up to 2 hours before show time (6p).  A limited amount of VIP tickets will be available for purchase which include parking on-site at the Quarry.  Volunteers will guide cars into provided parking areas and direct audience members to Trail Guides

VIP Area - Need 1 Bartender and 1 Artist Docent each night

Merchandise and Exhibit area

Clapping on Two and Four

Clapping on Two and Four

After a year hiatus while Music Director Angela Clemmons was on tour with The Rascals, Shoreline Soul Gospel Choir returns this Sunday as part of the Music at the Meetinghouse series in the First Congregational Church, Madison.  The free concert begins at 3pm though early arrival for seating is strongly recommended.  Twice yearly Anglea puts a call out to singers far and wide to participate in a five-week Gospel singing workshop.  Whether it was a result of the year off or perhaps a sign of the times and the need for something uplifting registration topped out at 125 singers this season.  Sopranos, altos, tenors and basses came together and in five weeks mastered the pieces scheduled for this Sunday's performance.  Several members of the chorus as well as special guests will perform the solos with chorus back-up.  Shoreline Sould will be accompanied by a three-piece band.

Part of every Shoreline Soul concert includes an audience participation segment where Angela teaches a song (or two).  By the end of intermission all are on their feet and clapping in time to the music. (Clapping on two and four in Gospel).

Don't miss this uplifting, spiritual and fun Sunday afternoon event.  You are guaranteed that you will walk out feeling better than when you walked in.  Hallelujah!

Music has always held an important role in the church’s history. Our Music at the Meetinghouse concert series is dedicated to bringing others closer to Christ by hosting music events for everyone to enjoy in our sanctuary.  If you would like more information on these events, please contact Nathan Bayreuther, at: (203) 245-2739, ext. 21, or e-mail him at: nbayreuther@fccmadison.org.

Knights in Shining Armor+ Damsels in Distress = Fun-Filled Weekend

All the Faire is a stage with jousting knights, armored combat, belly dancers, fire eaters, acrobats, musicians, and many other shows as the CT Renaissance Faire returns to the Guilford Fairgrounds-Saturdays and Sundays through June 8. Forget thy cares and share a day of laughter & merriment with us. Enjoy continuous entertainment throughout the day both on-and-off stages all included with your admission. Cheer for your favorite knights as they joust and battle on the field of honor; cringe as fire eaters and sword swallowers ply their ancient art; laugh at the antics of silly jesters; be amazed with our magicians; and prepare thyself to share a day of interactive fun that will brighten your spirits and make thy day.

Some stories begin with “Once upon a time” and some others begin with “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” However your favorite story goes, feel free to dress the part and come visit us for the day. This weekend will be a favorite for kids, as they have a chance to interact with 

characters Snow White, Sleepy Beauty, Rose Red and Cinderella as they explore the festival.

• Fairy Story Time: Something magical is happening in Sherwood Forest when the Fairy Queen stops in for a visit. Sit down for a spell and hear fairy stories told by the Queen of the Fairies (Spring Thyme or Summer Fairy if inclement weather). Treat included while they last. Meet at the front gate for 12:00 to walk with the Fairy Queen to her throne for 12:30 Story Time.
• Kids Costume Contest: Enter this fun costume contest to win cool prizes! Prize for best Youth costume with an emphasis on knights, fairies, wizards, trolls, princesses, unicorns, the perfect man, and other things of fantasy. Please arrive 10 – 15 minutes early. No advance registration required.
• BOGO Youth Admission: Join our email list before May 29 and receive a special Youth Admission BOGO coupon through our newsletter.

Sunday (June 1)

• Dragon Egg Hunt: (Ages 0-6 only) Time: 3:00. Your wee ones are invited to join us for a dragon egg hunt at the Faire. Don’t miss this timeless photo opportunity for your child.
• Fairy Story Time: Something magical is happening in Sherwood Forest when the Fairy Queen stops in for a visit. Sit down for a spell and hear fairy stories told by the Queen of the Fairies (Spring Thyme or Summer Fairy if inclement weather). Treat included while they last. Meet at the front gate for 12:00 to walk with the Fairy Queen to her throne for 12:30 Story Time.
• BOGO Youth Admission: Join our email list before May 29 and receive a special Youth Admission BOGO coupon through our newsletter.
• Men in Tights: Gentlemen put your best leg forward and show off those strong legs. Compete in a variety of short tights-required competitions to win the ultimate prize: Manliest Legs. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. No advance registration required.

Guilford and the Civil War: A Day of Tribute

History comes alive when Guilford and the Civil War:  A Day of Tribute takes place on the Guilford Green on Saturday, May 31st, from 11 am to 7 pm.  The Guilford 375th Anniversary Signature Event commemorates the Civil War, in which more Guilford townspeople fought than in any other war.

The names of 56 of these soldiers are inscribed on the pink and gray granite soldiers’ monument that stands in the middle of the Guilford Green.  There is nothing unique about the monument itself, for it is similar to other Civil War monuments–some with infantrymen, some with obelisks–that pepper all the New England states. However, what is important about the monument is that it focuses attention on the soldiers who fought and gave their lives in the deadliest war in American history.  For the celebration, a kiosk will be erected on the Green, where visitors will find a wealth of information about some of the soldiers whose names are listed on the monument, as well as on others whose names are not.

Throughout history, virtually no family has escaped the pain of war, and Guilford is no different. As sons, fathers, brothers, friends and neighbors marched off to Civil War battles, the entire Guilford community rallied behind them, offering care and support.  The women of the Soldier’s Aid Society made socks, quilts, jellies, barrels of vegetables and other items, which were sent to soldiers or brought to them by the Reverend William S. Smith and other Guilford men.  Today, Guilford continues to recognize the contributions of its servicemen and servicewomen. The Guilford 375th Anniversary Committee will provide a complimentary copy of its keepsake commemorative book, 375 Years of Guilford, Connecticut 1639 – 2014, to each one and to their families.  Through their “Cookies for Heroes” program, Girl Scouts from Guilford collect money for cookies to send to those in military service.  They also encourage residents to write letters to them.

Education and Fun for the Entire Family

Although Guilford and the Civil War:  A Day of Tribute commemorates a serious time in history, the event is packed with education and fun for you and your entire family.  Here are some things you can do:

    Visit an encampment on the Green, where 20 – 40 re-enactors from Company F, Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, headed by Irving Moy, will provide a look into the life of a Civil War soldier.

    Stop in at the First Church of Christ Scientist, originally built as an abolitionist church, and listen to short plays depicting stories told by Guilford residents of the time.

    Meet Toby Armour, the playwright who wrote the works being performed at the First Church of Christ Scientist.

    Take in a program of musical and dance performances developed by Guilford resident William Boughton, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

    Travel up Park Street in an 1850’s-style, two-to-four person horse-drawn carriage, supplied by Allegra Farms.

    Climb up onto a 16-person hay wagon pulled by two horses and make yourself comfortable as you journey along Boston Street from the Bethel Assembly of God Church to the Thomas Griswold House and the Hyland House Museum.

    Ride the Guilford Preservation Alliance bus, available at a minimal charge, along a route that highlights historic buildings and homes once occupied by Civil War soldiers.

    Stop at the Dudley Farm open-air market on the Green, which will offer baked goods and handmade items for sale.

    Relax with the kids.  There’ll be games on the Green, as well as picnic tables where they can color and enjoy a snack.

    Take a look at a large, seven- by two-foot map of Guilford displayed on the Green that identifies the homes of over 100 soldiers.  Do you know if a soldier ever lived in your home?

Guilford and the Civil War:  A Day of Tribute is possible only because of the generous donations of the Guilford 375th Anniversary and Guilford and the Civil War sponsors, as well as the hundreds of volunteer hours of the Guilford and the Civil War Committee members.