NSP Newsletter

Check in here for the latest North Shore Players' News &

Theater News from around the World !

AUDITIONS for "Prairie Lights" are now open!

A pre-audition character list is NOW POSTED on the AUDITIONS page!

See the AUDITIONS page for specific audition dates - NOW!

Click the tab up top!

Various photos from North Shore Players productions over the years!

Arts for All: The Vital Role of Performing Arts and the Inclusion of People with Disabilities

The performing arts, encompassing disciplines such as theater, dance, music, and more, play a pivotal role in cultural expression and social cohesion. They serve as a mirror reflecting societal values, challenges, and triumphs, providing a platform for storytelling and creative exploration that transcends language barriers. Participation in the performing arts fosters empathy, creativity, and critical thinking, while also offering therapeutic benefits, enhancing mental health and emotional well-being. Through engagement in these artistic endeavors, individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their communities, contributing to a more vibrant, inclusive society.

Inclusion of people with disabilities in the performing arts is crucial for ensuring that this vibrant cultural dialogue reflects the true diversity of human experiences. By integrating performers with disabilities, the arts become a powerful vehicle for challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding. These performers bring unique perspectives and talents that enrich artistic productions, making them more authentic and resonant. Moreover, accessible and inclusive performances can inspire and educate audiences, fostering a greater appreciation for the abilities and potential of all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive differences.

Active participation of people with disabilities in the performing arts also empowers these individuals, providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Engaging in artistic activities can enhance self-esteem, improve social skills, and provide a sense of accomplishment and belonging. For many, the arts offer a pathway to professional careers, challenging the underrepresentation of disabled individuals in the cultural sector. By championing inclusivity in the performing arts, we not only enrich our cultural landscape but also take significant steps towards a more equitable society where everyone’s talents and voices are recognized and valued.

The 2024 NSP Memorial Scholarship has been Awarded!

We are thrilled to announce this year's recipient of the NSP Scholarship, high school senior Lila Pasquarello from Beverly, Massachusetts. Lila has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence at Beverly High School and has an outstanding record of community service.

Since 2016, Lila has been actively involved in more than 15 student productions, taking on both participatory and leadership roles. She has also served as a student officer of the Advanced Vocal Ensemble at Beverly High School, showcasing her dedication and talent in the performing arts.

In recognition of her achievements and to support her continued education in the performing arts, Lila will be awarded a $1500 scholarship from the North Shore Players. She will be pursuing her passion at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

Congratulations, Lila! We at the North Shore Players are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you will accomplish.

Beverly High School graduating Senior Lila Pasquarello is awarded the North Shore Players Memorial Scholarship by NSP Scholarship Committe Chair & Treasurer Hal Morse at the BHS graduation commencement (May 29, 2024).

And That's A Wrap!

The North Shore Players Community Theater is happy, and I mean HAPPY, to anounce that their latest show offering, "Father of the Bride" by Caroline Francke, has wrapped production at the Hogan Regional Center Auditorium in Danvers, Massachusetts.

NSP's own James Desantis, who recently played in the North Shore Players' production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", was the productions's director. James came to the Director's role with decades of experience in theater, both on and off stage! The show was a great success. The NSP wishes to thank the Audience, as well as the Cast and Crew that supported this production.

Lucy Keller, President of the North Shore Players organization, was the Producer of the show. Lucy has produced many of the NSP productions and has a vast amount of knowledge and experience to bring to the production! Go get 'em Lucy!

NSP Treasurer & Set Designer Hal Morse (right rear) listens in to the cast of Act 1 of the upcoming production of "Father of the Bride."

NSP President & Producer Lucy Keller gives the "Father of the Bride" cast of Act 1 an overview of the production.

The Unsung Heroes of the Stage: Why Volunteering with Community Theater Matters

by G.W. Ames, Freelance Writer, NSP Member (c. 2024)

Community theater thrives on the passion and dedication of its volunteers. While the actors and directors bask in the spotlight, a vibrant network of volunteers works tirelessly behind the scenes. From building sets and designing costumes to ushering and managing finances, every contribution is a vital piece of the puzzle.

Imagine the stage lights failing to dim, the sound system malfunctioning, or the actors wandering through a half-built set. Volunteers prevent these mishaps, ensuring a smooth and professional show. Their efforts create a welcoming atmosphere for audiences and a supportive environment for performers. Ultimately, a volunteer's dedication translates to a successful production – a testament to the power of community.

The ideal volunteer approaches the role with a spirit of collaboration and a willingness to learn. While specific skills are always appreciated, the desire to contribute and be part of something bigger is paramount. Community theater offers a unique opportunity to develop new talents, meet like-minded individuals, and experience the magic of theater firsthand. So, step off the bleachers and onto the stage (or backstage!). Your contribution, no matter how big or small, is the lifeblood of your local community theater.

Mr. & Mrs. Buckley Dunstan, "Father of the Bride" 2024.

Delilah, Buckley, Kay & Ellie, "Father of the Bride" 2024.

Mr. Banks & Peggy, "Father of the Bride" 2024.

The Cast of "Father of the Bride" 2024.

Brand New North Shore Players Website!

The North Shore Players is also pleased to announce a facelift to it's website. The former website has been around for a very long time and a fresh new look was needed. We hope you'll find this website easy to navigate and filled with great information regarding the NSP organization, it's Board of Directors and so many other interesting things!

On each page you'll find a little peek at the performances that the NSP has performed in their nearly 70 year history of serving the North Shore region of Massachusetts! Drop us an email at northshoreplayersma@gmail.com and tell us how we did with our brand new website!

And don't forget to check out the "Fun Stuff" page! We think you'll really like it! Just click on the "Fun Stuff" tab at the top of the page!

And Now for Some More Great Reading!

Community Theater: Fostering Creativity and Social Connections

Community theater holds a significant place in the cultural fabric of many towns and cities, offering more than just entertainment. It provides a platform for local talent to shine and gives residents a sense of pride and ownership over their community’s artistic output. These productions often tackle a diverse range of topics, reflecting the local culture, concerns, and aspirations. By attending or participating in community theater, individuals become part of a shared experience that celebrates creativity, fosters local traditions, and brings the community closer together.

Beyond its cultural impact, community theater plays a crucial role in forging meaningful social connections. It brings together individuals from various backgrounds and age groups, united by a common passion for the performing arts. Whether they are actors, directors, stagehands, or audience members, people involved in community theater often form strong bonds as they collaborate towards a shared goal. This collaborative environment encourages teamwork, empathy, and mutual respect, laying the foundation for lasting friendships and a supportive community network.

Moreover, community theater provides a welcoming space for individuals to express themselves and build confidence. It offers opportunities for personal growth and development, as participants learn new skills and gain valuable experience in public speaking, leadership, and creative problem-solving. For many, it becomes a vital social outlet, offering a sense of belonging and purpose. By bringing people together in pursuit of artistic endeavors, community theater not only enriches the cultural landscape but also strengthens the social fabric, making communities more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant.

Rehearsal of "Happy Birthday Charlie Brown" by the NSP Youth Theater over 11 years ago!

Creative Ways Community Theaters Can Partner with Schools

from https://onthestage.com/blog/creative-ways-community-theatres-can-partner-with-schools/

Community theatres – it’s all in the name! And you, as your program’s leader, should be making the effort to connect with people and businesses in your area. From potential sponsorship opportunities to business partnerships and a wider pool of cast and crew, getting your community theatre’s name into the community is key to your success and growth. One market you may have left untapped is the education sector. On The Stage presents several avenues for you to connect with schools in your community.

Joint Productions

If it feels like there are never enough hands on deck to help out during productions, a great way to rectify that issue – and widen your community recognition – is through the recruitment of students via joint productions. Students around the region will likely jump at the chance to be a part of a more professional show, whether there’s room for them in costuming, props, crew, or even the cast/ensemble. Who knows – maybe you’ll be the one to discover Broadway’s next big thing! You’ll be casting a wider net by creating joint productions, allowing for more help and further opportunities for sponsorships and partnerships. Additionally, you’ll get an entirely new audience demographic – which means more tickets sold – from students’ friends, parents, teachers, and other supporters.

Community Workshops

If you want to help train the actors and crew members of tomorrow, create workshops targeting students. Whether you want to focus on audition etiquette or best practices, improvisation techniques, a deep dive into lighting and sound, costuming, stage presence, vocals, or dancing, there will be a student niche for you. Find out what students at schools around you want to work on or improve, and offer them those tools to succeed. You’ll see benefits in various ways, from extra revenue to a stronger community connection and an elevated reputation.

Camps and Other Programming

Although we’re waving goodbye to the summer, you still have the opportunity to host a variety of programming efforts to bring in students. Camps, while large and sometimes intimidating undertakings, are a prime way to get students involved with your theatre. Whether you want to go big with weeks-long intensives or just host a single- or multi-day event, you will no doubt garner the interest of students (and their parents) with camp offerings. If you don’t have the budget for a camp, other programming ideas that could bring in students include: 1) Kid-friendly fundraisers, like bake sales or car washes; 2) Talent shows marketed toward area students; 3) Food-centric social events, dependent on the weather, of course, from ice cream to hot chocolate, cider, pie … you name it!

Read the rest of the article here: https://onthestage.com/blog/creative-ways-community-theatres-can-partner-with-schools/

NOTE: To download the article below, roll the mouse to the top right corner of the form. When a box and arrow appear, click on it and the form will appear in another window so you can download or print it out.

Senior_Theatre.pdf

NOTE: The article above is from the AACT website, used with permission of the American Association of Community Theater (www.aact.org); November-December, 2007. It can be found online here: https://aact.org/sites/default/files/uploads/kb/7/file/Senior_Theatre.pdf

The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) grants permission to the North Shore Players Community Theater to use all or part of "Community and Senior Theatre: A Perfect Match," taken from the AACT website (www.aact.org).

NSP actor Maxwell Medwid spills the tea on how he got involved

with "Father of the Bride" (2024).

Need a Practice Monologue? Check out the Copyright Free, Royalty Free Monologue Below !

(Monologue from: https://www.instantmonologues.com/preview/Cat)

"CAT"

INT: A PATCH OF SUN ON THE ARMREST OF A COMFY COUCH

MILO THE CAT is lounging in the sunshine, taking a very contented nap. His owner walks in and he raises his head sleepily.

MILO

Don't look at me like that. I can always tell when you humans are having a bad day. Like it's my fault for sleeping. Do I give you a hard time for only sleeping eight hours? Or for sleeping when you should be feeding me? No. So leave me alone.

(The owner walks over and pets Milo)

Well, I guess if you're going to pet me…

(Nuzzles the hand of the owner, who then pets him near the tail. His whole backside automatically lifts)

Noooooo—not the butt! Curse you, human, I was in such a comfortable pos—ooh, that does feel nice, though. All right, that's good. Getting bored now. Okay. Okay. Okay, that's enough.

(Bites the hand and then slinks off)

Man, it's like you don't know what you're doing. Petting is not about you, sir, you hairless pink popsicle. Now bring me food! Hey! Food, I tell you! Not that dry garbage, bring me something wet that makes the whole house smell like tuna!

(Follows his master toward the kitchen, baffled when he doesn't get his way)

I cannot fathom the inane stupidity of humanity. It's like they don't understand basic commands. Did I say to go get ice cream to stuff in your fat face? No. It's like when I meow and you meow back at me—I'm trying to speak to you in a language you understand, not get you to try and repeat it! I've seen your kind do the same nonsense babbling repetition with babies. Maybe you don't understand how communication works. If you did, maybe you'd get that I want to be petted on the head but not picked up or touched on the belly. It's not like it's that hard to remember.

Morons. I'm surrounded by morons. Sometimes it's almost like you think you're in charge or something.

See more copyright free, royalty free monologues here: https://www.instantmonologues.com/

To find out more about NSP Membership, just click the "Join Us" tab at the top of the page!

To participate in an NSP production, click the "Auditions" tab at the top of the page!

Questions? Contact the NSP at northshoreplayersma@gmail.com

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