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BROTHER WOLF opens January 29th DOUBT: A PARABLE opens March 19th ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS Winter Education Programs and Updates EXECUTIVE RAMBLINGS Good Neighbors At Dorothy Lane Market |
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BROTHER WOLF Opens January 29th |
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 THE HUMAN RACE & RHYTHM IN SHOES — TOGETHER Take one of most the famed legends of all time, move it to 19th century Appalachia, bring in traditional folk and old time gospel music and a fiery preacher, then put two of Dayton's foremost arts groups together for a gala stage presentation – and you've got the essence of Brother Wolf, coming to The Loft Theatre January 29 to February 15. The Beowulf legend that has befuddled schoolchildren for a few centuries takes on a whole new life with Preston Lane's book and Laurelyn Dossett's music, and the stage of The Loft takes on a whole new life as The Human Race Theatre Company and Rhythm in Shoes combine their talents. This will be just the second production ever of Brother Wolf, and the fifi rst collaboration of the two performing groups since they combined with CityFolk for And That's My Story in 1996 –and it will be the fnal such dual effort, since Rhythm in Shoes has announced it will dance into the sunset in 2010. Not only are performers from the two groups joining in the presentation, but the direction as well. Human Race Artistic Director Marsha Hanna is producing director, with Rick Good and Sharon Leahy of Rhythm in Shoes and Scott Stoney of The Human Race also directing. That's a lot of directors, which has led to extensive pre-rehearsal brainstorming, “It's the kind of challenge that keeps you artistically vibrant,” says Leahy, who says the team spent an hour going over a single page of script. Leahy also suggests multiple cooks can improve the broth, “It's creating the roux….stirring, stirring, stirring to get it just right. Then everything else can be added.” “Emphasis has been on a true collaboration of ideas, not just two companies working together,” says Hanna. “We're working on the treatment as a team – directors, scenic designers (Scott J. Kimmins of The Human Race and Tess Little of Sinclair), and costume design (Lowell A. Mathwich of Dayton Ballet, back at The Loft after an hiatus of more than a decade). In addition to their music and dance talents, Rick and Sharon bring an authenticity of culture, and we're delighted at the faithfulness of the movement and music.” Brother Wolf is very intricate work. “We're dealing with stories within stories within stories,” says Stoney. While performers have individual roles – for example, Joshua Fossitt as the title character and Bruce Cromer the monstrous Grin Dell – all also serve as company members and story tellers. That presents the challenge of making sure the audience is aware of who is what when. The creators have given this second production more than the usual leeway in striving to achieve what Hanna calls “storytelling truth.” Leahy says the play shows that stories don't have to be created in classical form, that “many traditional forms can tell a story. We're using Appalachian talk, music and dance to tell a story of good and evil.” Good and Leahy are among nine Rhythm in Shoes members in the ensemble. Human Race participants include Resident Artists Stoney (many productions, most recently Shenandoah) and Cromer (many shows, most recently I Am My Own Wife), Morgan Grahame (Shenandoah), Kelly Mengelkoch (Shenandoah), and Aaron Vega (Five Course Love). Mixing two groups with long histories means not just adapting to each other's artistic concepts, but to routines and procedures as well. The directors are making sure that doesn't become a problem. “I'm approaching it openly enough that we can be adaptable,” says Hanna. Brother Wolf will run January 29 - February 15. Production sponsors are Berry Family Foundation, Emerson Climate Technologies, McGohan Brabender, The Muse Machine, The Producers' Circle, Roberts Foundation and Tim & Char Scroggins. |
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DOUBT: A PARABLE Opens March 19th |
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WANT TO SEE GREAT DRAMA THIS SPRING? DOUBT IT One doubt you shouldn't have about DOUBT: A Parable, which The Human Race is bringing to The Loft in March, is whether it's the same play that won the best play Tony, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and many other awards when it ran on Broadway as just plain Doubt. The only thing different is the title, which playwright John Patrick Shanley changed when the play was published. The Doubt is that of Sister Aloysius, principal of a parochial school in the Bronx in 1964. Her doubts are about Father Flynn, the young parish priest, and his possible behavior with one of the students, The conflict between nun and priest is an intense, brilliantly written battle of words and wits filled, of course, with Doubt. “It's a glorious story,” says Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Drama Chairman Richard Hess, who will direct the Human Race production. “I live my life fi lled with doubt. So much of where I live is fi lled with shades of gray I get scared of people who think in only black and white. That's what the play's about to me – the mutability of truth.” “The script is tightly wound, almost like a good thriller at heart, adds Hess. Don't look for him to toy with the production, because “if you spin Doubt, you're going to kill it.” The stage play is more spare than the movie version that just came out. There are four characters – the antagonists, an idealistic young nun, and the mother of the boy involved. New York-based Wendy Barrie-Wilson, a veteran of more than 90 stage productions around the world, is Sister Aloysius. Barrie-Wilson has played the role twice before, including Doubt's European premiere in Vienna. Timothy Fannon, also from New York, will be Father Flynn. Fannon hasn't played the priest before, but he looks remarkably like a younger version of Brian F. O'Byrne, who won a best actor Tony for the his performance as Flynn on Broadway. CCM Drama alumna Sarah Ellen Stephens is the boy's mother, Mrs. Mullins. Stephens has recently appeared as Puck in the Cincinnati Shakespeare production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Young Sister James will be played by Jennifer Joplin, a Human Race Theatre Resident Artist who recently moved back to Ohio from New York. Loft patrons will remember Joplin for performances such as Crimes of the Heart and Proof. The Set Design is by Mark Halpin, whose most recent Human Race set was I Am My Own Wife. Laine June Marr is designing the costumes, Resident Artist John Rensel the lighting. DOUBT: A Parable will run March 19 – April 5. Production sponsors are Victoria Theatre Association, Mousaian Oriental Rugs, Larry S. Glickler – Bradford- Connelly and Glickler Funeral Home, Leesa & Rob Comparin and Jon & Diana Sebaly. Scroll down for more about DOUBT: A Parable and other news from our Artistic Director. Tickets for all of our productions are available |
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ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS from the desk of Marsha |
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DOUBT hits the big screen! Recently, an editorial appeared in our local paper headlined “Today’s Catholic Church is unrelenting in quest to keep children safe.” www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/oh/story/opinions/editorial/2008/12/23/ddn122308voicemm.html It refers to the subject matter of the newly released film Doubt with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. In this editorial, Michael Merz, a U.S. Magistrate and chairman of the National Review Board, talks about the Catholic Church’s aggressive commitment to rectify the terrible mistakes of the past. The story of Doubt makes you wonder -- if there had been more whistle-blowers, would fewer children have suffered? As the story unfolds, however, we are not convinced that anything has really happened. There is no proof, only doubt . . . Mr. Merz queries, “Can absolute certainty blind us to new information, or even compassion for those we have already judged?” Suddenly, our subject is not only the Catholic Church, but ourselves and our assumptions of others. Is that man likely to be a robber, is that woman trustworthy with access to those files, is that politician lining their pocket? It doesn’t matter if you see the movie or not, there is more than enough intrigue in this John Patrick Shanley script to keep you on the edge of your seat and more than enough character to keep your judgment doubtful.
Someone's In The Kitchen!
You see, we really are grateful for your donation above the price of your ticket. We wouldn’t be here without you and this is how we’ve chosen to say “thank you for believing in us, for supporting us, for being our family.” Brother Wolf is the perfect time to bring the collective creativity of The Human Race staff to you through our creation of soups. Each year we look forward to finding new recipes, cooking things we’ve always wanted to try, or sharing our families histories and traditions. And as with Brother Wolf, we love sharing those stories with you. We just don’t get enough opportunities to sit and talk with you. I’ve found a recipe for “Country Chicken-and-Buttermilk” Soup with Cornbread Dumplings, lots of basic country vegetables in a broth base, thickened with a bit of buttermilk and at the last you drop in the little cornbread dumplings. Marilyn already has her eye on a vegetarian “Tuscan White Bean” Soup. I’m hearing terms bantered about the office like “chowder” or “sausage and cheese” or “chestnut soup”. Lord knows what we’ll come up with, but there will be at least 8 homemade soups to try (yes, we have little taster cups to just whet your palate). There will be some relishes and breads and a few light sweets to finish. We’ll start serving at 11:30 am and we’ll stop at 1 pm, if there’s anything left by then. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 11, invitations will go out early January. So, how do you get an invitation to our annual Marsha’s Soup Kitchen? Well, If you’ve donated more than $250 in the last year, you’ll be getting an invitation in the mail. If you’re not sure, give Kristen a call at 461-3823, ext 3118 and she’ll look you up. I look forward to seeing you there. —Marsha |
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Donor Spotlight |
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Helen and Chuck Abramovitz
Both are retired now after many successful years in the workforce…Helen as a Family Therapist with Good Samaritan's Youth Resources, and Chuck a professional Engineer and Managing Partner with Woolpert Consultants. But even in retirement they've remained active as volunteers and advocates for the organizations they care deeply about. The Juvenile Court's citizens' review board, Oak Tree Corner, Dayton Foundation, United Way and Jewish Federation of Dayton are just a few among the many groups that benefit from their time, expertise and generosity. In addition they are the heads of a devoted family that includes 3 daughters and sonsin- law, and numerous grand and great grandchildren. With such an active life, we at The Human Race consider ourselves very fortunate indeed that the Abramovitz's have always managed to fit not just our plays, but our company's management and well being into their busy schedule. And in their own words, they're happy to tell you why. “We regard The Human Race as the professional theatre company, always maintaining high standards while bringing thoughtful drama to our community. Dayton is very fortunate to have such an organization. But we as a community have to support it with both time and money. Becoming a member of The Encore Society, their legacy program, also allows us to continue that support into the future. It's so easy…you don't have to do anything right now, just consider including them in your plans. And if you choose to work with The Dayton Foundation to help you do that, you can depend on them to manage the funds wisely.” Now that the Chuck and Helen live virtually across the street from The Loft Theatre at The Schuster Center's high-rise apartments, they're also among our favorite neighbors in addition to outstanding patrons, members and benefactors, and we are honored to count them as part of our Human Race Family.
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Winter/Spring Education Programs 2009 |
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Welcome to the world of theatre education at The Human Race Theatre! Performing arts can be a lifelong passion, so The Human Race has developed a curriculum to cultivate that enthusiasm from childhood through adulthood. Classes are taught by theatre professionals- people who make their living doing what they love and who seek to share their knowledge and experience with others.
Class Location: All classes are held in the Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center of The Human Race, located at 116 N. Jefferson Street in downtown Dayton, between First and Second Streets. Scholarships: Thanks to the generous support of National City, a limited number of scholarships are available for children in need of financial assistance. Download the scholarship application (PDF format). Contact Information: Education Director Marilyn Klaben at (937) 461- 3823, extension 3132. |
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ADVENTURES IN THEATRE |
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Saturday Morning KIDS CLASSES AGES 5—8 |
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THEME: “How do you get to Wonderland?” Fee: $60 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Take a ride to imaginative places on methods of transportation that you invent together. Create the scene in these new settings and add colorful characters whose stories are yet to be discovered. Through role - playing, movement and vocal exercises, and story drama, share your finished product on the last day of the session. Download the Registration Form (in PDF format)
THEME: “Treasure Seekers” Fee: $60 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw In this class, students will have the opportunity to use props that they find in a huge treasure chest. Add a YO HO, a parrot, and some pirates and soon you will have the makings of a story to act out. The Pirate Adventure short play will be shared with family and friends on the last day of the session. Download the Registration Form (in PDF format)
THEME: “SO FUNNY I Forgot to Laugh” Fee: $60 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Explore jokes and riddles and see what makes your classmates laugh. Practice telling jokes in front of the group and end with a great punch line. Share humorous family stories and learn to express yourself in a very dramatic way. Share jokes and riddles with your friends and family on the last day of the session. Download the Registration Form (in PDF format) |
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Saturday Morning KIDS CLASSES AGES 9—12 |
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THEME: “Famous Characters from Ohio” Fee: $65 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Wear a frying pan on your head like Johnny Appleseed or write beautiful poetry like Paul Laurence Dunbar. Be a sharpshooter like Annie Oakley or orbit the earth like John Glenn all with the help of your vivid imaginations and a few basic acting techniques. On the last day of the session, there will be a sharing session for family and friends to attend. Download the Registration Form (in PDF format)
THEME: “Magical Myths” Fee: $65 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw In this class, students will have the opportunity to use props that they find in a huge treasure chest. Add a YO HO, a parrot, and some pirates and soon you will have the makings of a story to act out. The Pirate Adventure short play will be shared with family and friends on the last day of the session. Download the Registration Form (in PDF format)
THEME: “Shakespeare - Rhyme and Reason” Fee: $65 Instructor: Jene Rebbin Shaw Find pleasure in the sound of Shakespeare’s language. Study some of the most famous character monologues and rehearse and perform dramatic scenes with the members of the class. Share your polished scenes with your family and friends on the final day of the session. Download the Registration Form (in PDF format) |
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ADULT CLASSES AGES 16 and Up |
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LOL - Laugh Out Loud Comedy Shop Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Fee: $150 (will be pro-rated due to weather cancellation of Jan 14th class) Instructor: Jake Lockwood REGISTRATIONS STILL AVAILABLE – Call Mon – Fri What makes a joke funny? Why are some situations likely to get a laugh while others leave an audience painfully silent? If you ever pondered these questions, join Jake Lockwood in the fun of seeking the answers. Jake will draw on his years of professional action and improvisation experience to delve into the daunting world of comedic choices. Discover how to trust the flow of ideas, as you create comedy sketches with other members of the class. The last class of the session will feature a performance for family and friends to enjoy! Download the Registration Form (in PDF format) SECRETS of Acting Shakespeare Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Fee: $150 Instructor: Bruce Cromer Actors Wanted to Play Shakespeare! Download the Registration Form (in PDF format) Actor's Training III: Scenework, cont. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Fee: $150 Instructor: Marsha Hanna Welcome all intermediate acting students! Scott Stoney will be in rehearsal for Wait Until Dark but encourages continuing students to grab this opportunity to work with The Human Race's Artistic Director. Basic acting techniques, vocal exercises and character building will be explored based on the individual strengths of each acting student. Commitment to attending each class is essential since this work will be accomplished with partners in class. Download the Registration Form (in PDF format) Acting, Singing, and Audition Preparation Private Coaching Appointments are available for students 16 – Adult. Schedule your one-on-one coaching session with The Human Race Resident Artist who can best meet your needs by calling Marilyn at (937) 461-3823, extension 3132. |
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Education Updates |
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ACTOR'S TRAINING PROGRAMS for TEENS CONTINUES Conservatory - Director Katie Pees New Actors' Training Studio (NATS) – Director Scott Stoney Residencies with Marilyn Klaben |
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DESIGNERS - Our Unsung Heroes |
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SCOTT KIMMINS, The set for Brother Wolf is about creating an atmosphere, says HRTC Technical Director Scott Kimmins, who is both designer and builder for the upcoming collaboration between The Human Race and Rhythm in Shoes, “I wanted an organic feel…the play's set in Appalachia and I wanted that atmosphere.”
“Since it has a storyteller approach, there are people all over the stage all the time, so we needed nooks and crannies, seating places to put people,” says Scott. “Hopefully, the atmosphere will extend into the house and audience and involve the entire theatre, not just the stage.” There are several locations for Brother Wolf scenes, but they are also atmospheric, rather than literal. Scott worked a serpent design into the stage floor to enhance the impact of religious snake-handling that is core to the story, “but we don't want to hit the audience over the head with it.” Scott, who has been Human Race Technical Director for 12 seasons and had a previous stint here as carpenter, has designed numerous HRTC productions, beginning with Gift of The Magi in 1995. Among his designs were Children of Eden, The Wonder Bread Years and Copenhagen. His favorite was Copenhagen, “because of what it accomplished.” That, too, was an atmospheric design, with a circular feel. Since Scott also had to build the set, he presented a big challenge to himself, “Marsha (Hanna) wanted to use reflections so we created a plexiglass fl oor, with lights underneath.” That's a very expensive proposition, and Scott says it was a very proud moment when he was able to accomplish that and stay within a Human Race budget.
Being both Set Designer and Technical Director can lead to a little internal contradiction, with one side of you possibly forcing the other side of you to do a bunch of difficult and expensive stuff. “I don't go easy on myself,” says Scott, “and as the Technical Director I'm willing to go the extra mile to make it work. It's tempting to toss myself a softball, but I like the challenges.” Having two roles in the set-making process also means adjusting from small model to real set, “It's easy when it's four inches tall and made of cardboard. When four inches becomes 11 feet, that changes.” Playing the combo does have its advantages, though – “When I have to cut corners or change things on the fly, I don't have to make a call to the designer” |
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MARK HALPIN, When it comes to designing a set for The Human Race production of DOUBT, A Parable, Mark Halpin is looking for an edge. And a lack of edge. There are two locales that need sets for scenes in Doubt – the office of parochial school principal Sister Aloysius and the Bronx parish's courtyard garden. “In her office, Sister Aloysius has absolute authority,” Mark says. “Outside, things are more nebulous, there's more ambiguity. I'm trying to instill that sense of difference.”
“Since it has a storyteller approach, there are people all over the stage all the time, so we needed nooks and crannies, seating places to put people,” says Scott. “Hopefully, the atmosphere will extend into the house and audience and involve the entire theatre, not just the stage.” Compositional elements will help show the difference in control in the office and garden, Mark says. “Regularity and precision in her space, straight edges. In the rest of the world, it's more organic, freeform, fewer straight edges.” Other important points for Doubt are to create the institutional look common to the period, which is 1964. “There are certain givens in the architecture,” Mark says. He has seen another production of the play, in Cincinnati, but says that had little impact on what he's trying to create at The Loft, because the spaces are so different. Mark is based in Northern Kentucky and has designed for dozens of productions in this region, including nine others for The Human Race. Among the nine were Proof and, most recently, I Am My Own Wife (both pictured).
“For Wife, my design took a different direction (from other productions),” Mark explained. “The show is inherently less realistic because one actor is playing many characters, so there's a lot more room to be expressionistic…the character talks a lot about her antiquities, maintaining gentility. I set her space within a large, sleek modern museum setting, creating a bubble of antiquity within it, so she herself becomes part of the display.” The Proof set was quite straightforward, but represented a case of adapting to a theatre's space. The play takes place on a back porch, which works well for a proscenium stage, but Mark says for The Loft, the porch created a sightline problem, so he extended the action into a back yard, which could be seen from all angles. Mark says he generally starts with an overall vision of what a play brings to his mind, thinking of the world in which it takes place. Then “what you focus on, what you eliminate, changes the impact.” Adjustments then come for things like vision lines, actor movements, and budget realities. Mark says the whole process involves a lot of close work with the director, to make sure all share a vision, because “Design is a way to illuminate the story. The environment is critical to the characters.” |
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EXECUTIVE RAMBLINGS from the desk of Kevin |
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STEPHEN SCHWARTZ The Human Race Theatre Company is pleased to continue the musical theatre scholarship program named in honor of theatre legend Stephen Schwartz - composer of Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, The Baker's Wife, Children of Eden, Working, and The Human Race's recent premiere of Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook. The scholarship is designed to support singer/actors in the greater Dayton area who are training for a career in musical theatre.
A $1,500 scholarship will be made to a high school senior who has been accepted into a college program and plans to train in musical theatre. A $3,500 scholarship will be awarded to a college student who is currently training for a career in musical theatre. “The musical theatre survives and flourishes only with the infusion of new talent,” said award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz. “I've always tried to support and encourage emerging talent, and so I am proud and excited to have this new scholarship named for me.” Last year's winners: Alexandra Finke is currently finishing her first quarter at the University of Michigan; and Jerome Doerger just appeared in Wright State's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Though Stephen Schwartz's busy schedule kept him from attending the fi nal audition last year, he plans to be here this year on April 25th in The Loft Theatre. But before that, all 25 must go through a preliminary audition, where the judges will select the finalists to perform in April. Tickets for the April 25th event will be available at a later date. |
Generous Human Race Through the years, The Human Race has chosen to support a number of area non-profit organizations by donating tickets and services. First and foremost have been its long-term relationships with The Food Bank, AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “In the 1993-94 season, we started our Pay What You CAN program,” said Human Race Executive Director, Kevin Moore. “By making our final dress rehearsal available to the community, we have raised tons of food items and thousands of dollars through the years, while offering quality theatre.” In 2008, the Pay What You CAN audience donated over 3600 pounds of food items and $1,100. The cast of A Christmas Carol made a personal plea each performance to its audience to help them support AIDS education and people living with AIDS by donating to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and ARC Ohio. Their efforts raised over $3,800. And finally, The Human Race's New Year's Eve fundraiser featuring The Rubi Girls will donate $10 from each ticket sold to ARC Ohio. “I am incredibly proud of our audience and our artists,” added Moore. “Their combined efforts will donate over $20,000 in cash, food and free tickets. That's a great way to end the year!”
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New Faces At The Race! |
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KRISTEN HURLEY If you're a Human Race member, chances are you've already had communication with Kristen, who is our new Donor Manager. Kristen comes from Cincinnati's Playhouse in the Park, where she handled Grants and Stewardship. Kristen is a Louisville native with an MA in Arts Administration from College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. She sings with the Westminster Choir and was in the chorus of the Dayton Opera's production of Turandot. Kristen and husband Kevin, an Air Force psychologist at Wright-Patt, live in Middletown with their dog, Oscar. SHANNON SCHLAIRET All those doo-dads you see actors toying with, staring at, throwing about, or eating from are handy thanks to Shannon, our Props Apprentice for the 2008-2009 season. Shannon is a Mt. Vernon native who decided in sixth grade she wanted to go to Bowling Green, and did, graduating from BGSU in 2007. She'd been stage manager in some high school plays (to stay out of trouble, she says) and spent two college summers with the Huron Playhouse. Shannon lives in Dayton and has a good background for a season with two Catholic-oriented shows — three of her aunts are nuns. |
LAINE JUNE MARR If you've attended a Human Race production this season, you've seen our new Costume Shop Manager's designs on stage. She did the designs, as well as the actual creation, for Over the Tavern, Ears on a Beatle and A Christmas Carol. Laine is an Andover, Ohio, native who graduated from Wright State, left the area, then returned, her most recent job before the Human Race being with the Dayton Ballet. Laine lives in Dayton with her dog, Sophia, and likes to cook (don't miss a chance at her molasses cookies), read, and do artsy-craftsy things. SYLVIA STEIN Sylvia began as The Human Race's Finance Manager in July. We're just one of many places Sylvia toils – she's been a self-employed accountant for 16 years and has clients from West Chester to Jamestown. Sylvia wandered into The Human Race and show biz by accident, but says she's glad she did. She and her husband of 19 years, Tim, and teenagers Christine, Andrew and Matthew live in Kettering. They like to hike and bowl, though not necessarily at the same time. |
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Good Neighbors at Dorothy Lane Market |
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GOOD NEIGHBORS It's time once again to enroll in Dorothy Lane Market's Good Neighbor Program, and we've made it as easy as possible by providing an online form. Just print it, fill in the details indicating that you wish The Human Race to be the recipient of your gift in their rebate program, and drop it off at any one of the Dorothy Lane Market locations. Then all you have to do is present your DLM Club Card each time you shop, and spend a minimum of $250.00 during the calendar year. A percentage of the total funds available will be donated to The Human Race determined by the number of our patrons enrolled and the total amount spent during the year. And that adds up to good food and great theatre! Download the Good Neighbors registration form in PDF format. |
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Big Apple Bite |
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Tasty Treat for Contest Winner “I never believed people won these things,” says Margaret Baird. As a result, when she and friend Barbara Hildebrant renewed their subscriptions to The Eichelberger Loft Season last spring, they didn't have the Big Apple Bite contest in mind. Still, the two retired teachers got their renewals in by the Early Bird deadline for contest eligibility, and they ended up spending a fall weekend enjoying theatre and the sights in New York City, and being very glad they sent in their subscriptions in time. “The trip was fantastic,” says Baird, a Harrison Township resident who taught English in the Dayton school system for 32 years. All subscriptions entered by the Early Bird date (which is announced in renewal letters and other materials about the upcoming season) are automatically entered in the Big Apple Bite. One name is drawn, and The Human Race pays for airfare, hotel for a weekend, and tickets to two shows for the lucky winner and a companion. Baird and Hildebrant are avid theatergoers who have subscribed to The Loft seasons since the early '90s – such avid theatergoers they even worked in a third performance on their own. They used their Human Race tickets to see Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning August: Osage County (“a touch of Long Day's Journey Into Night and Lear…I was in nerd heaven).” and the mega-hit British import Billy Eliot; The Musical (“the duet of young Billy with the old Billy had my jaws dropped and tears streaming down my cheeks”). Then they managed to squeeze in the all-star-cast production of All My Sons. Baird had always thought, “There's so much talent here in Dayton, why do you have to go to New York?” But while she still raves about talent here, she now sees it's sometimes just not possible to match all the elements of staging that go into a Broadway show. Baird and Hildebrant also managed to check out Times Square at night and tour the American Museum of Natural History. They didn't get too adventurous on the New York dining front, though, because “we've reached an age when things don't always sit well.” The Summation? “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” says Baird, “I'm so grateful to The Human Race.” |
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Human Race Calendar |
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Mark these Human Race dates in your calendar!! Wed. Jan 28
Thu. Jan 29
Fri. Jan 30
Sun. Feb 8
Wed. Feb 11 Wed. Mar 18 Thu. Mar 19 Fri. Mar 20 Sun. Mar 29 Sat. Apr 18 |
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I’m so thrilled that this year’s soup
kitchen falls during production dates for
Brother Wolf. I’m so looking forward to
bringing this musical to our stage and
sharing the creative experience with
Sharon Leahy and Rick Good and, of
course, my longest friend and cohort,
Scott Stoney. (I was going to say oldest
friend, but we’re of an age where that
starts having other meanings.) This show, filled with beautiful
traditional music, reflects a culture that adores food and uses
it to bring community together, to offer comfort in hard times,
to say I love you or, as we intend, to say Thank You.
If The Human Race Theatre Company awarded
a prize for its most loyal patrons, Helen and Chuck
Abramovitz, would be right at the top of the list. They
were there in the front row when we presented Count
Dracula, the first production of our inaugural season in
1986, and they've continued to attend virtually every
play since. But they've done a lot more than just occupy
seats. Over the years they've served in many capacities
from enthusiastic patron to committee and Board
Member to gracious hosts of a special Human Race
event. They've made ongoing gifts to our membership
campaigns, and were among the first to join our Encore
Society by notifying us that they've included The Human
Race in their estate plans. Beyond all that, they've
remained two of our biggest cheerleaders, encouraging
others to attend, join, serve and give as they have.
Registration Information: Full payment by check or credit card is required to secure a space in any class. Enroll for two classes or enroll with a friend and receive a 10% discount. Minimum enrollment must be met for all classes, and classes may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment three business days before
the first day of class. 
Designed to cultivate natural creativity and develop responsibility, respect and collaboration.
Students are encouraged to express themselves through voice and movement as they participate in fun, interactive theatre exercises which focus on imaginative play and teamwork. Each session's themes provide new inspiration for creating stories,
role-playing and learning about themselves and others.
Designed to further foster a child’s creativity and channel energy toward a group goal. Students are introduced to basic theatre skills and will enjoy the artistic challenge of developing a character. Working together to create original scene work based on the themes of each session provides students with an enriching experience.
“This year 25 students from the Dayton area have
applied for the scholarships” stated Human Race Executive
Director Kevin Moore. “Thanks to the initial support
from two very good friends, Tim and Char Scroggins, and
those who have continued to support the program with
their donations, we are able to again offer scholarships
to two very deserving students this year.” 