Auditions for The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin will be held at the Garfield Center for the Arts on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30PM, Thursday, November 14th at 6:30PM and Saturday, November 16th at 12PM. Directed by Lyle Pinder, the play opens our 2020 season and runs three weekends from February 7th – February 23rd.

It’s 1929. Two ambitious visionaries race against each other to invent a device called “television.” Separated by two thousand miles, each knows that if he stops working, even for a moment, the other will gain the edge. Who will unlock the key to the greatest innovation of the 20th century: the ruthless media mogul, or the self-taught Idaho farm boy?

Casting needs include: 15 males and 3 females – some roles may be doubled up

Actor 40s-50s: DAVID SARNOFF The first media mogul. Smart, relentless, savvy. Appears confident and determined.

Actor 30s-40s: PHILO T FARNSWORTH The last lone inventor. Even smarter, equally relentless but not as savvy. Appears distracted.

Actress 30s-40s: LIZETTE (Sarnoff’s elegant French wife), MARY PICKFORD (the movie star, a potential investor)

Actress, 20s-30s: PEM FARNSWORTH (Philo’s wife, loving and down-to-earth)

Actor 40s-60s: WILLIAM CROCKER (Farnsworth’s main investor, a father figure)

Actor 20s-30s: CLIFF GARDNER (Pem’s brother)

Actor 30s-50s: ATKINS (Crocker’s assistant), WALTER GIFFORD (a crass radio station owner), DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS (the movie star, a potential investor)

Actor 30s-40s: WILKINS (Crocker’s assistant)

Actor 40s-60s: GEORGE EVERSON (a Farnsworth investor, more trusting than his partner Gorrell)

Actor 40s-60s: VLADIMIR ZWORYKIN (the RCA scientist)

Actor 30s-50s: LESLIE GORRELL (a Farnsworth investor, more cynical and doubting than his partner Everson)

Actor 20s-30s: STAN WILLIS (a Farnsworth assistant)

Actor 50s-60s: JUSTIN TOLMAN (Farnsworth’s high school teacher)

Actor 40s-50s: JIM HARBORD (a top RCA executive)

Actor 40s-50s: SIMMS (an RCA executive) Lippincott (Philo’s attorney)

Actress 20s-30s: BETTY (Sarnoff’s secretary)

Actor 20s-30s: HARLAN HONN (a Farnsworth assistant)

Actress 2os- 30s AGNES (Philo’s sister)

Actress 30s-50s MINA EDISON (Thomas Edison’s widow)

Actor 40s-50s: WACHTEL (an RCA executive)

Actor 10-14: YOUNG DAVID SARNOFF

Actor 14-17 YOUNG PHILO FARNSWORTH

Anyone interested in assisting backstage and with costumes or props is also encouraged to come to auditions. Come and take a part in the magic!

If you have any questions about the production, please contact the Garfield (410-810-2060) or the Director by email lyleapinder@gmail.com.

The Garfield Center for the Arts (GCA) in Chestertown, MD, is seeking a skilled non-profit executive to provide leadership and guidance that results in the institution reaching its potential as the cultural and artistic leader of the region.  Its auditorium, the Prince Theater, has been beautifully renovated and flexibly seats an audience of up to 250.  The GCA offers a wide variety of productions — theatre, music, education, community and rental events — and participates actively in local festivals and community life.  The GCA has over 100 production days per year and hosts an annual audience of 10,000 diverse members – theatre goers, music lovers, students, and families.

The Executive Director is responsible for the management of all GCA operations, including finances and human resources, development and external affairs, marketing and patron services, community relations and engagement, long- and short-term planning, and event planning and programming.  The position reports to the Board of Directors and manages the GCA staff.

The challenge for the new Executive Director is to direct and manage the growth and improvement of programming, fundraising, and other operations to bring the GCA to the next level.  The person selected will benefit from a community that supports the arts, takes pride in the Garfield, and eagerly provides volunteer support for its operations.

The successful candidate must have the following credentials:
● Demonstrated success as an organizational leader, manager, or executive, including significant experience managing human and financial resources.
● Demonstrated success nurturing a community of artists and volunteers.
● Deep knowledge of and keen interest in the performing arts.
● Strong organizational skills and the ability to leverage limited resources through effective delegation in order to manage multiple, competing priorities.
● A creative, innovative, and strategic thinker with extraordinary interpersonal skills who enjoys building relationships across stakeholder groups.
● Ability to create and lead a vibrant team environment with staff, Board and other stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills.
● Knowledge and comfort with the use of standard office software, such as Microsoft Office and Google Docs.
● Desire to actively participate in GCA’s lively schedule of activities and events on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Other desirable credentials:
● Significant experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in the areas of financial management and institutional development.
● Experience with theatrical producing and/or management, including activities such as contracting, licensing, budgeting, and scheduling.
● Knowledge of technical theatre practices, including lighting and sound equipment.
● Knowledge of graphic design, production, and management software.
● Strong community relationships in Chestertown and across the Eastern Shore.

Send resumes and cover letters to jobs@garfieldcenter.org

For over 15 years, the (Garfield Center for the Arts at the) Prince Theater, has turned itself into Playmakers, a theater camp for young people. What began with the then theater director Lucia Foster has continued with enthusiasm and commitment under succeeding managers and directors, and continues under the leadership of the theater’s Executive Director, Tess Hogans. Each summer during four intense and active weeks, young people between the ages of 8-15 are given the opportunity to taste the entire spectrum of theater, not only by acting, but also in set painting, choreography, and supportive cooperation with each other.

This season’s staff includes veteran directors Tess Hogans, seven-year veteran Catherine Bushby, and newcomer Shannon Whittaker, who is a now-familiar face on our stage. They are supported by counselors Paul Cambardella, who is also a member of the theater staff and a frequent actor on our stage, and Krystal Zornak, as well as script editor Tia Glomb, who is also a familiar box office volunteer. Tech work is performed by local actor-singer Brad Chaires, with set construction by theater staffers Butch Clark and Nic Carter.

To say that this program has a positive and enduring effect on its campers is an understatement: Alex Raimond, junior counselor, and volunteer Sarah Herron are graduates of the Playmakers. They are joined this year by volunteer Charlie Shifrin. In this group of 31 registered participants, 21 are returning for another year. Every one of the campers who has been involved in previous shows will gladly share recollections of their favorite play and the solid theatrical reasons to support their choice with anyone who takes the time to ask and listen to their well-considered responses.

There are some things that readily stand out in speaking with the repeat campers. They have developed friendships with previous strangers, they have learned to help each other with lines, with tasks, with housekeeping, and even with lunch. While they have fond memories of the plays they have participated in, the play itself is less important than the other skills they have learned, and that seems to be what is primary in bringing them back year after year – even into the realm of leadership.

During the weekend of August 9-11, the production will be a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, Fantastic Mr. Fox, a crafty ‘Robin Hood’ who takes from the abundance of the local farmers to feed his own less fortunate family and neighbors. Originally published in 1970, the book has become one of the most popular of children’s novels.  I am reminded of the paintings by Horace Pippin and Winslow Homer, each of which has celebrated the ingenuity and daring of a lone fox who has gone night ‘shopping’ for a meal. 

The play also lends itself to some serious discussions with children about rural life and the place of indigenous animals in a world that has been remade by humans. This is not a new concept, of course. Children will recognize the theme they first heard about in The Tale of Peter Rabbit, but it is no less pertinent now than it was when Beatrix Potter wrote her story in 1893. Local farmers continue to have land and resource disputes with wildlife: deer, rabbits, and coyotes to name but a few of our native species. 

It is my hope that the community at large will continue to support the work of Playmakers in every possible way. If you have children or grandchildren of the appropriate ages, bring them to the theater this weekend. If they show any interest in the art and craft of the stage, sign them up for next year. If you have a desire to be in on the creative reach of youngsters, come see for yourself, leave a donation to further the program, and enjoy the experience with us.

On August 23rd director Bonnie Hill will be opening a new show at the Garfield Center for the Arts; Annie Baker’s, Circle Mirror Transformation. The play takes place in Shirley, Vermont, where Marty, an acting teacher, holds an “Adult Creative Drama” class at the local community center. The people who sign up for the class are Schultz, a recently divorced carpenter; Lauren, a reserved high school junior; Teresa, a former actress; and Marty’s husband James. Marty takes the “students” through various acting and dramatic exercises; they act like trees, beds and baseball gloves. In one exercise, they act as one another and tell their life stories.

The New York Times reviewer called the play “absorbing, unblinking and sharply funny”.

The cast is as follows:

Marty………….……………….………………………..Christine Kinlock

James……………………….……..……………………..…Bob Chauncy

Schultz………………………………….……………….Bryan Zajchowski

Theresa………………….…………………………………...Sharon Herz

Lauren……………….……………………Brianna Johnson/Phebe Wood

The show runs for three weekends, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm, August 23 – September 8. Circle Mirror Transformation is sponsored in part by Eastman Chemical Company. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors 65+ and members of the US Military, and $10 for students. They are available online at www.garfieldcenter.org or by calling the Garfield Center box office at 410-810-2060.

The Garfield Center for the Arts will be pulling out the popcorn on Friday, July 19 for a 7pm screening of the 1963 film, McLintock. This will be the third in a series of films to be shown at the theatre in 2019. Since the September 2017 installation of the Garfield’s new projector screen, the theatre has been showing classic films whenever their programming schedule permits. The concession stand will be selling popcorn for the evening, as well as the usual theatre bar fare. The next film in the series, The Little Princess (1939), stars Shirley Temple and will be shown at the Garfield on September 20th.

About the film: Aging rancher George Washington McLintock (John Wayne), a wealthy self-made man, is forced to deal with numerous personal and professional problems. Seemingly everyone wants a piece of his enormous farmstead, including high-ranking government men, McLintock’s own sons and nearby Native Americans. As McLintock tries to juggle his various adversaries, his wife (Maureen O’Hara), who left him two years previously, suddenly returns. But she isn’t interested in her husband — she wants custody of their daughter.

Suggested $5 donation for admission. For more information about this screening of McLintock, the Movie Night at the Garfield series, or any other upcoming theatre events, please visit garfieldcenter.org, or call the box office at 410-810-2060. The Garfield Center for the Arts is located at 210 High Street in Chestertown.

Auditions for the upcoming production of Annie begin on Sunday, July 28th at the Garfield Center for the Arts. The auditions will be divided into two groups, with children’s auditions July 28th @2pm, and 29th & 30th @5pm. Adult auditions will be held August 4th @2pm, and 6th & 8th@7pm. Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations… and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

1. Come prepared to sing 16 bars of a song from a musical other than ANNIE. Please bring sheet music for the accompanist. You may refer to your sheet music or a lyric sheet, if necessary – but it would be preferred if you could avoid doing so.
2. A dance audition will be included, please wear shoes that will enable you to move. No sandals or flip flops. Bare feet will not be permitted.
3. Script sides will be provided.
4. Auditions will be held Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday – 8/4 @ 2pm, 8/6 & 8/8 @ 7pm. If other arrangements are necessary, please email the director prior to 8/4: Jennifer Kafka Smith at kafkasmith@gmail.com
5. Callbacks (scheduled for 8/8 at 8:30pm) will be asked to sing a selection from the ANNIE score based on the audition character (Warbucks: “Something Was Missing”; Men: “NYC”, Lily, Women: “Easy Street”; Hannigan: “Little Girls”). An electronic copy of the sheet music can provided via email upon request. Please contact the director, per #4 above.

Adult Male Only (Specified ages are a guideline, not a requirement)

1. Oliver Warbucks:
• Must be able to appear age 40-65.
• A powerful billionaire, who always has his mind on business, but has a kind heart looking for someone to love. Sings “NYC”, “Something Was Missing”, and “I Don’t Need Anything But You”.
• Vocal Range: Baritone to a high F.
• The role involves a very small amount of dance.
• May be required to SHAVE head.
2. Rooster:
• Must be able to appear age 35-50.
• Miss Hannigan’s greedy and dishonest brother.
• Sings “Easy Street”
• Vocal Range: Tenor to high G.
3. Roosevelt:
• Age 40-65.
• The President of the United States of America, who takes an immediate liking to Annie and her optimism. Must be able to imitate Roosevelt.
4. Bert Healy**:
• Must be able to appear age 30-55.
• A popular radio announcer.
• Sings “You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile”.
• Vocal Range: Tenor to F#.

5. Bundles McCloskey**:
• Age 25-60.
• The laundry man who flirts with Ms. Hannigan and aids Annie’s attempt to escape.
• Spoken (no singing).
6. Jimmy Johnson**:
• Must be able to appear age 25-55.
• Silly radio personality on Bert Healy’s radio show.
7. Fred McCracken**:
• Must be able to appear age 25-55.
• Puppet wrangler, uses a dummy on Bert Healy’s radio show.
• Baritone.
8. Harold Ickes**:
• Age 25-60.
• An associate of President Roosevelt.
• Must be able to sing harmony (optional)
9. Louis Howe**:
• Age 25-60.
• An associate of President Roosevelt.
• Must be able to sing harmony (optional)
Additional speaking characters requiring audition:
10. Drake**: Male.
• Head butler in the Warbucks’ home.
11. Lt. Ward**: Male.
• NYPD officer who is suspicious of Annie.

Adult Female Only (Specified ages are a guideline, not a requirement)

1. Grace Farrell:
• Must pass as age 25-35
• Loyal and intelligent private secretary to Oliver Warbucks. She brings Annie and Warbucks together.
• Vocal Range: Soprano to high G
2. Miss Hannigan:
• Must pass as age 35-60.
• Desperate and unhappy with her lot in life, she is the alcoholic orphanage matron who is Annie’s nemesis. Sings, “Little Girls” and “Easy Street”
• Vocal Range: Alto A to D
• The role involves a very small amount of dance.
3. Lily St. Regis:
• Must be able to appear age 25-35.
• Shady, floozy girlfriend of Rooster.
• Sings “Easy Street”
• Vocal Range: Soprano up to a high G
4. The Lovely Boylan Sisters**: (Connie, Ronnie, Bonnie)
• Ages 20-40+.
• Singing group that sing back up to Bert Healy. MUST be able to sing well and harmonize.
5. Star to Be**:
• Age 18-25.
• Aspiring Broadway actress who sings during NYC.
• Mezzo.
6. Cecille and Annette**:
• Maids at Warbucks’ home.
Additional speaking characters requiring audition –
7. Mrs. Greer**:
• Oliver Warbuck’s head housekeeper.
8. Mrs. Pugh**:
• Oliver Warbuck’s cook.

Adult Male or Female (Specified ages are a guideline, not a requirement)

1. Perkins:
• Age 25-60.
• An associate of President Roosevelt.
• (Vocal Range: Baritone or Soprano)
• This role is possibly doubled with chorus.
2. Hull:
• Age 25-60
• An associate of President Roosevelt.
• (Must be able to sing harmony.)
• This role is possibly doubled with chorus.
3. Morganthau:
• Age 25-60
• An associate of President Roosevelt.
• (Must be able to sing harmony.)
• This role is possibly doubled with chorus.
4. Adult Chorus:
• Age 15 and up.
• Male and Female.
• Townspeople who appear in “Hooverville”, “NYC”,
• May appear as servants at Warbuck’s Mansion.

There are also a number of characters with single lines that will be chosen from those who audition for chorus only. Please visit www.garfieldcenter.org for more information. This production of Annie is sponsored in part by Chesapeake Bank & Trust. The Garfield Center for the Arts is located at 210 High Street in Chestertown.

Each year a portion of the Playmakers Summer Theatre Camp experience at the Garfield Center for the Arts at the Prince Theatre includes three interactive performances in addition to putting on their own production.  These shows, sponsored by The Hedgelawn Foundation, feature multicultural artists who introduce Playmakers to a variety of theatrical arts. Past performers have included dancers, musicians, storytellers, and puppeteers.

This year the Playmakers are putting together a production of Roald Dahl’s,  Fantastic Mr. Fox and the Hedgelawn series compliments the themes of playful innovation and prejudice present in the story. On Wednesday, July 17th at 2 pm, the Garfield Center will be hosting a presentation by Chicago Improv Productions. This professional ensemble of actors from the birthplace of modern improvisational theatre leads hilarious, highly interactive improv games that teach as they entertain. The actors emphasize the “who/what/where” of improv, giving a fresh understanding of how to create characters, settings, and stories while offering lots of opportunities to join the fun.

Wednesday, July 24th at 2 pm, the Garfield is hosting “Curtis Blues: Upcycling: Turning Junk into Musical Instruments from Africa to America”. Curtis Blues is a talented multi-instrumentalist, roots musician, and educator. His performances keep the tradition of acoustic American roots music alive and demonstrate the origins of modern Rock and Hip Hop for students. Curtis has three critically-acclaimed CDs and is passionate about passing this musical heritage down to the next generation.

An instructive assembly on fair play with Box Out Bullying concludes the series on Wednesday, July 31st at 2 pm. Box Out Bullying is a national touring organization that specializes in combining research-based bullying prevention with dynamic live theatre. Audience members walk away with important tools and insight to empower them to be stand-up citizens and key players in ending bullying.

These shows are family-friendly and open to everyone.  Tickets are $5 and group rates are available (no charge to current Playmakers). Please call the Box Office at 410-810-2060 or email Tess Hogans (thogans@garfieldcenter.org) for more information. In addition, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the “Fantastic Mr. Fox” shows, scheduled for Friday, August 9th at 7 pm, Saturday, August 10th at 7 pm and Sunday, August 11th at 2 pm.

The Garfield Center for the Arts at the Prince Theatre is located at 210 High Street, Chestertown, MD, 21620.  For more information please visit the website.

All are invited to the special kid-friendly Hedgelawn performances on three Wednesdays at 2:00 pm, July 17, 24, and 31.  Tickets $5 – no charge to current campers in the Playmaker program.