Our twenty-first official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Priyanka Shetty, the playwright and star of MMT’s 2021 production of The Elephant In The Room. Join Payton Moledor, the Assistant Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre, as she talks to Priyanka about her journey from India to Virginia and beyond as well as her multi-facited career as a playwright, performer and director.
Priyanka Shetty is an actor, director and playwright. She graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Virginia and served as a Faculty member at the University of Virginia, Department of Drama. Priyanka is the author of two original plays – her one-woman show The Elephant in the Room, and #Charlottesville constructed verbatim from interviews with residents of Charlottesville, VA who speak about the city in light of the white supremacist rallies and events of August 11-12, 2017. Priyanka is currently working on her third play The Wall which deals with the immigrant experience in America. www.priyankashetty.com
The Elephant in the Room, part of Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2021 season, premiered at CATCO/Evolution Theatre in Columbus OH in March 2019 and kickstarted The Elephant on the Road Tour at Yale University in April 2019. Since then Priyanka has performed at several venues across the country and her most recent performance was on the Millennium Stage at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington DC. TEITR won the 2020 Broadway World Awards for Best Actor of the Decade (Professional) and Best Play of the Decade (Professional) as well as the 2019 Broadway World Awards for Best Lead Actor in a Play (Professional), Best Play (Professional), and Best Director of a Play (Professional.) Priyanka is excited to continue touring with this performance and taking it to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2022.
Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate, and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast explores all of the buzz words in Mill Mountain Theatre’s mission statement.
Our twentieth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Broadway performer Donald Jones Jr.! Join host Ginger Poole, the Producing Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre, as she talks to Donald about his journey to Broadway and experience as the Director and Choreographer of MMT’s 2020 production of “Dreamgirls,” canceled due to COVID-19.
Donald Jones, Jr. is a Director/Choreographer and Actor originally from New Orleans. He is a graduate of Northwestern State University of Louisiana where he received a B.S. in Theatre and Dance. He has trained with the New Orleans Ballet Academy, New Orleans Ballet Theatre, the American Dance Festival, and Spectrum Dance Theater of Seattle, where he was a company member from 2011-2013. Donald has taught dance both nationally and internationally at Broadway Dance Center of New York, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Classroom, Studio West Dance Center of Colorado, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts and was a Cultural ambassador with DanceMotion USA where he performed and taught contemporary American dance in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. He lived in NYC for 7 years where he performed on Broadway in productions of Frozen (OBC), Aladdin (OBC), and CHICAGO. His Off-Broadway credits include: Sweet Charity with The New Group and West Side Story with Carnegie Hall. He has also done a National Tour with The Color Purple Musical. Donald has Directed/Choreographed productions of Dreamgirls at Mill Mountain Theatre, Children’s Letters to God with NORD. He is also a guest choreographer for several episodes and advertisements for Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues and You. Follow him on IG @doniejunior.
Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate, and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast explores all of the buzz words in Mill Mountain Theatre’s mission statement.
Video submissions for Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2021 production of Legally Blonde The Musical will be accepted until June 14, 2021 at 5 PM EST.
Seeking both Equity and Non-Equity actors.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mill Mountain Theatre is still in the process of approving an AEA contract for this show. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact us at auditions@nullmillmountain.org.
Housing will be provided for all artists and COVID-19 precautions, including testing, will be followed if necessary.
If you are interested in auditioning, please email a headshot, resume, and requested video audition to auditions@nullmillmountain.org with LEGALLY BLONDE, role you’re submitting for, and full name in the subject line.
Video auditions will be reviewed by Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Payton Moledor (Assistant Artistic Director), and Kristen Brooks Sandler (Director/Choreographer).
PLEASE PREPARE:
A one-minute song, one-minute monologue, and attachedvirtualdance call or dance reel. You may use accompaniment/sheet music provided here or provide a one-minute selection of your own using your own accompaniment.
Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition for all roles.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin; Book by Heather Hach
Directed and Choreographed by Kristen Brooks Sandler
Music Directed by Seth Davis
Rehearsals August 31-September 21
Preview & Performances September 22-October 17
PROFESSOR CALLAHAN: Callahan is a law professor at Harvard. Callahan is both charismatic and conniving. He is nearly devoid of morals and aims to rid his students of their scruples. Will also play various parts in the ensemble.
PILAR: One of Elle’s Delta Nu sisters. Will also play various parts in the ensemble.
CARLOS/SUNDEEP/NIKOS: Will play various parts in the ensemble.
Seeking both Equity and Non-Equity actors.
At Mill Mountain Theatre it is our priority to keep our artists, employees, students, and patrons healthy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, we will abide by governmental and CDC guidelines as we continue producing high-quality professional theatre in the Roanoke Valley.
For the 2021 season, the following safety protocols will be put into place:
All performers and production staff will be quarantined and tested for COVID-19 prior to beginning in-personal rehearsals.
Masks will be worn during rehearsal and offstage; audience members will be required to wear a mask at all times.
Rehearsals will take place outdoors or in large indoor spaces. Patrons will be seated 6 feet apart from other parties.
Spaces will be cleaned with EPA-approved disinfectants between rehearsals and performances.
Cast and patrons will be required to complete a health questionnaire and take their temperature daily.
Hand sanitation stations will be placed throughout the theatre, lobby, and rehearsal spaces.
OHMIGOD YOU GUYS! The wait is over. Mill Mountain Theatre is excited to announce the second MainStage musical of 2021: Legally Blonde!
Legally Blonde The Musical follows the world’s most iconic blonde on a journey of self-discovery from California to Harvard and beyond. Perky, poignant, and most importantly pink, this award-winning musical will have you singing down the aisles. Don’t miss this electrifying and inspiring musical based on the movie of the same title, running September 22-October 17 on the Trinkle MainStage.
To celebrate the special announcement, MMT is doing a special 12-HOUR TICKET FLASH. On April 3, the 14th anniversary of Legally Blonde’s first Broadway performance, patrons can purchase an adult ticket for $25 for the first week of performances (September 22-26). This flash deal is only available from 8 AM – 8 PM on April 3. Up to 4 tickets may be purchased with this deal. Time is limited- purchase your tickets now at millmountain.org or call 540-342-5740.
“Legally Blonde is the perfect addition to complete our 2021 Season,” says Ginger Poole, MMT’s Producing Artistic Director. “We know this inspiring musical will be worth the wait!”
MMT’s production of Legally Blonde will be Directed and Choreographed by international choreographer Kristen Brooks Sandler (MMT’s productions of A Chorus Line and Mamma Mia!) with Music Direction by Seth Davis, Scenic Design by Jimmy Ray Ward, Lighting Design by Addie Pawlick, and Props Design by Matt Shields.
Legally Blonde The Musical begins performances on September 22 and runs through October 17 on the Trinkle MainStage. Tickets can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling the box office at 540-342-5740.
Sponsors for Legally Blonde include: The Roanoke Star.com; The Glebe; Howell’s Motor Freight; Avis Construction Co; Roanoke Valley Orthodontics; Sun Tan City; Pinnacle Financial Partners; Skyline National Bank; and 5Points Creative.
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin; Book by Heather Hach; Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture.
From Left To Right: Victoria Buck, Taylor Cobb, Larry Kufel, Alexia Buckner, Ginger Poole, Savannah Woodruff, Matt Shields, Drew Callahan, John Levin, Ian Ridgway, and Payton Moledor.
Roanoke, VA– March 29th, 2021
On March 27, 2020, a mere week from the opening night of Dreamgirls, a global pandemic hit Roanoke and Mill Mountain Theatre was forced to furlough many of its staff members. One year and two days later, the team is back together and better than ever.
With its exciting 2021 Season rapidly approaching and its full in-house staff vaccinated, there is hope on the horizon for Mill Mountain Theatre.
Producing Artistic Director Ginger Poole has spent the year away from large-scale producing to streamline the way Mill Mountain Theatre operates. From completing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training for all staff members to installing new hearing assistance devices, the year was not wasted.
“The past year has presented us with an unprecedented set of challenges, but we’ve emerged stronger than ever,” said Poole. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to strengthen our company and return an even brighter version of MMT.”
The team at MMT looks significantly different from the team 12 months ago. Internally, former Education Associate Victoria Buck has taken over the role of Director of Education, and Former Props and Costume Shop Manager Matt Shields is now acting as Production Manager.
A new addition to the team is Assistant Artistic Director Payton Moledor. Moledor is an award-winning performer and recent graduate of the University of Virginia, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. As an administrator, Payton has served as the Co-Chair of the UVA Drama Arts Board, Co-President of the Virginia Players, and Assistant Producer at 59E59 Theatres and Theater Alliance.
Also brought on during the unprecedented year is Community Engagement Coordinator and Teaching Artist Alexia Buckner, previously seen on MMT’s (virtual) stage as Lily Polkadot. Alexia Buckner is so happy to be joining the Mill Mountain family! As a Memphis native, she understands the power of good food, good music, and live entertainment. Buckner is a recent graduate of the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University. During her time in school, she was given many opportunities to star in shows as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act, Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, and the ferocious Dragon in Shrek the Musical.
Joining the team for the first time this month is Creative Director of Public Relations Ian Ridgway (headshot by Lily Farabaugh). While he is new to the full-time staff of MMT, Ian is no stranger to their stages. Ridgway, a former member of Mill Mountain Theatre’s conservatory, performed in MMT’s 2016 production of Into the Woods Jr. as the Steward. Ridgway is a recent graduate of West Virginia University where he studied advertising and theatre. During his time at WVU, he worked with the Martin Hall Agency, where he served as their Creative Director and Manager of Market Research.
Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), John Levin (Director of Development), Larry Kufel (Business Manager), and Seth Davis (Resident Music Director) remained with the company during the pandemic.
The biggest piece in completing the MMT ‘puzzle’ is the return of full shop staff. Returners to the production team include Savannah Woodruff (Sound Technician/Carpenter), Drew Callahan (Carpenter), and Taylor Cobb (Resident Stage Manager/Carpenter). Production staff will begin work this week on MMT’s 2021 Season, which consists of three MainStage productions on the Trinkle MainStage, three productions for Young Audiences, one Fringe production, and one musical concert.
“We’re so excited to get to work on the 2021 Season,” said Production Manager Matt Shields. “Without this core team, MMT’s 2021 season would not be possible.”
“We’re doing everything in our power to make your return to MMT a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Poole. “The vaccination of staff and incoming creatives is a crucial part of that.”
MMT’s 2021 season will consist of three MainStage productions on the Trinkle MainStage, three productions for Young Audiences, one Fringe production, and one musical concert. You can purchase tickets to the 2021 season by visiting millmountain.org or calling 540-342-5740.
Our nineteenth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Scenic Designer Jimmy Ray Ward. Host Ginger Poole, the Producing Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre, talks to Jimmy about his rich career at Mill Mountain Theatre and beyond.
With an MFA in Design from UNC-Greensboro and a BS in Theatre from Radford University, Jimmy Ward has been designing scenery, lighting, and costumes professionally for over 20 years. His design and production credits include work at numerous theatre companies along the East coast including Spoleto Festival USA, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Seaside Music Theatre, Flatrock Playhouse, and the Gainesville Theatre Alliance. Within Southwest Virginia, Jimmy frequently designs for Opera Roanoke, Virginia Children’s Theatre, and Mill Mountain Theatre, where he worked as Resident Designer for nine seasons. Jimmy’s work has also been featured in installation projects for the Taubman Museum of Art, Virginia Museum of Transportation, the History Museum of Western Virginia, and most recently in Virginia Tech’s Newman Library where the “Performing History: Women and the Vote” exhibit, co-produced by faculty from Radford and Virginia Tech, can be viewed.
Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate, and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast explores all of the buzz words in Mill Mountain Theatre’s mission statement.
Mill Mountain Theatre stands in solidarity with the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in violence against these communities. According to a United Nations Report, more than 1,800 racist incidents against Asian Americans were reported between March and May of 2020. Last week’s Anti-Asian attack in Georgia lead to the murder of 8 people. Mill Mountain Theatre condemns these attacks along with the racist rhetoric that fueled them.
While mourning these tragic losses of life, MMT stands by our commitment to stand against racism and act as a beacon of peace in the Roanoke Valley. While performing arts communities across our nation are currently forced to take an intermission in our operations and programming, it gives us the gift of time to focus on our responsibility for change and to come back better and stronger. We must do this for each other, for everyone. We will continue with our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on the Board Level, Staff Level, Educational Level, in our programming, and with all of our Artists.
Our eighteenth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features MMT’s own Community Engagement Coordinator and Teaching Artist Alexia Buckner. Host Ginger Poole, the Producing Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre, talks to Alexia about her work with Theatrical Intimacy Education.
Alexia Buckner is a Memphis native and recent graduate of the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University. During her time in school, she was given many opportunities to star in shows as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act, Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, and the ferocious Dragon in Shrek the Musical. She was last seen on the Mill Mountain stage as Lily Polkadots in Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical! When she is not onstage, she loves to spend her time in aerial gyms, traveling, hosting workshops with Theatrical Intimacy Education, and watching baking competition shows. Follow her @thealexiabuckner to see what else she’s working on!
Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate, and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast explores all of the buzz words in Mill Mountain Theatre’s mission statement.
Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory is offering eleven classes for students in Kindergarten through Adult. Courses include Musical Theatre Dance, Middle & High School Acting & Improv, Foundations of Design, Tap Dance, Elementary Music Theatre & more! Select classes will be held in-person while others will be completely virtual.
We are so excited to welcome three incredible teaching artists to our Spring Class roster this upcoming semester.
Alexia Buckner | Community Engagement Coordinator & Teaching Artist
Alexia Buckner is so happy to be joining the Mill Mountain family! As a Memphis native, she understands the power of good food, good music, and live entertainment. She is a recent graduate of the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University. During her time in school, she was given many opportunities to star in shows as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act, Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, and the ferocious Dragon in Shrek the Musical. She was last seen on the Mill Mountain stage as Lily Polkadots in Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical! When she is not on stage, she loves to spend her time in aerial gyms, traveling, hosting workshops with Theatrical Intimacy Education, and watching baking competition shows. Follow her @thealexiabuckner to see what else she’s working on!
Join Alexia In:
Elementary Music Theatre (In-person) | Register here
Middle & High School Music Theatre (In-person) | Register here
Middle & High School Acting & Improv (In-person) | Register here
Claire Wittman | Teaching Artist
Claire Wittman is a playwright presently employed by the Jug Broke Theatre Company at Colonial Williamsburg, where she spends her days writing and performing plays based on 18th-century history and literature. She attended the Hollins University MFA Playwright’s Lab, where she was delighted to work with young performers from Mill Mountain and all over the country on her latest play, a TYA adaptation of Charlotte Lennox’s highly underrated 1752 novel The Female Quixote! Claire loves her cat Juliet, her fiancé Ryan, and Jane Austen. To learn more about her work, please visit clairewittman.com.
Josie Wiegandt is a Roanoke native who grew up in the Mill Mountain Theater family. She is currently finishing her theater degree at The New School, where she has concentrated on directing and education. Josie has also taught for the I Have a Dream Foundation in New York, bringing theater education to under-resourced communities. She is thrilled to be on board at Mill Mountain and to collaborate with the Science Museum of Southwestern Virginia.
Join Josie in:
K-5th Grade Acting & Creative Movement (Virtual) | Register here
Register for Spring Classes at Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory here: millmountain.org/class
Our seventeenth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features MMT’s own resident music director Seth Davis. Host Ginger Poole, the Producing Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre, talks to Seth about his artistic background and passion for musical collaboration.
Seth Davis has been Mill Mountain Theatre’s resident music director for 8 years after first serving as Associate Music Director for Mill Mountain’s 2013 production of The Sound of Music. Seth is a music director and musician in both the musical theater and classical music realms, in addition to being a teacher, clinician, and coach for performers and musicians of all ages. Regional credits include Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Spring Awakening, See What I Wanna See (Actor’s Express), Illyria: A Twelfth Night Musical (Georgia Shakespeare), Time Between Us, A Diva’s Christmas, Hair (Serenbe Playhouse) and The Andrews Brothers (Stage Door Players). Seth has also served as musical director for Georgia Tech and Oglethorpe University in addition to teaching at The Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre and judging many regional music and theater festival competitions.
Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate, and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast explores all of the buzz words in Mill Mountain Theatre’s mission statement.
The Education Associate (EA) exists to assist the Director of Education (DoE) in the implementation of Mill Mountain Theatre’s education initiatives and outreach programming. As the only equity professional theatre in the Roanoke Valley, Mill Mountain Theatre feels a special responsibility for training the next generation of theatre artists and building an appreciation of the art form in the next generation of audiences. The EA will serve on the front lines of this effort as one of the primary teaching artists for classes in our in-house Conservatory classes and Outreach programs, as well as assist the DoE with administrative duties as needed.
Duties/Responsibilities
Teaching a full course load for Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory (MMTC)during fall classes, spring classes, and summer camps; the teaching course load includes classes in music theatre, dance, acting, and creative movement for children Pre-K through adult
Devising and executing lesson plans as well as preparing students for end of term class showcases
Teaching classes and master classes in their areas of specialty
Collaborating with the Director of Education to set and plan curriculum for MMTC classes and educational outreach programming
Assisting with Mill Mountain Theatre Education productions, as determined by the Director of Education; involvement may include directing, choreographing, designing, or other areas of specialty
Assisting with the administrative duties of Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory, including class scheduling, class and curriculum planning, correspondence, record-keeping, special event planning, social media management, and projects in collaboration with the Director of Development
Working in conjunction with the DoE to vision new programming and initiatives, and to strategize their implementation
Attending weekly staff meetings held by the Producing Artistic Director
Serving on the Artistic Planning Committee to assist the Producer in planning future seasons for MMT, including but not limited to Conservatory programming
Qualifications
Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree (preferred: Theatre, Musical Theatre, Theatre Education, or related field)
Professional theatre performance experience
Thorough understanding of theatre as an art form and professional discipline, with an emphasis in training and experience in music theatre and dance
Excellent time management and communication skills
A passion for connecting and engaging with communities
The ability to teach a wide variety of theatre classes (acting of all levels, foundational dance, musical theatre)
Comfort working on their feet for significant stretches of time
A willing capacity to remain flexible and shift course as necessary
An active and energetic mind and demeanor
A positive attitude
A strong attention to detail
A compelling sense of collaboration
A strong work ethic
Ability to derive deep satisfaction from community building and enrichment
Ability to work independently and be a self-starter within a small Education team
Housing within driving distance of Roanoke (if relocating, MMT will provide housing for the first three weeks of contract)
Working Conditions
Mill Mountain Theatre operates on a flex work schedule. This job will require regular work on nights and weekends.
All overtime will be compensated and must be approved by the Producing Artistic Director.
Physical Requirements
This job requires physical engagement with students in a classroom and/or rehearsal setting. The applicant should be comfortable working on their feet for significant stretches of time.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The purpose of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy is to ensure equal opportunity in the conduct of all Mill Mountain Theatre business activities.
In addition, MMT business decisions shall be made without regard to the following: race, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, age, disability, U.S. veteran status, or sexual orientation.
It is the policy of MMT to provide an atmosphere free of:
Religious bias.
Harassment on the basis of a person’s national origin.
Discrimination against any employee or applicant because he/she is a disabled veteran.
Discrimination against any employee or applicant as a result of their physical disability in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
Americans With Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) is intended to protect qualified individuals with disabilities against discrimination in employment and in the provision of services to the public. MMT is committed to compliance with the ADA and will engage in the interactive process with the candidate or employee to determine whether a reasonable accommodation can be found as soon as it is put on notice of the potential need for an accommodation. All employees are strictly prohibited from discriminating against qualified applicants or employees with actual or perceived disabilities, or patrons with actual or perceived disabilities. All requests for accommodation should be made in writing and directed to the Producing Artistic Director.
In-person auditions will be held March 19 from 4-7pm and March 20 from 12-5pm, and video submissions will be accepted until March 19, 2021. Callbacks for A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be held outdoors from 2-4pm on March 21, 2021.
Auditions will be reviewed by Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Payton Moledor (Assistant Artistic Director), and Victoria Buck (Education Associate and Midsummer Director).
If you are interested in auditioning, please email a headshot and resume to conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.org with your full name in the subject line. To submit via video, include your audition tape in this email.
Only performers aged 18 and under may audition.
PLEASE PREPARE: A one-minute monologue for A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare preferred but not required) or a one-minute monologue for Write Stuff!
If auditioning for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, please let us know what (if any) instruments you play.
Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition for all roles.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Directed & Adapted by Victoria Buck
Assistant Directed by Payton Moledor
Rehearses April 19-May 7 (Monday-Friday 6-9pm)
Performs May 8-16
Performs and rehearses outdoors and socially distant
THESEUS/OBERON: Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Oberon, King of the Fairies.
HIPPOLYTA/TITANIA: Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons (fiancée of Theseus), and Titania, Queen of the Fairies.
HERMIA: Young female lover and daughter to Egeus.
HELENA: Young female lover.
DEMETRIUS: Young male lover.
LYSANDER: Young male lover.
PUCK/PHILOSTRATE: Robin Goodfellow or “Puck,” fairy servant to Oberon, and Philostrate, Master of the Revels to Theseus.
NICK BOTTOM/EGEUS: Nick Bottom, weaver (one of the Rude Mechanicals – plays Pyramus), and Egeus, father to Hermia.
PETER QUINCE/MOTE: Peter Quince, carpenter (one of the Rude Mechanicals – plays Prologue), and Mote, a fairy serving Titania.
FRANCIS FLUTE/PEASEBLOSSOM: Francis Flute, bellows-maker (one of the Rude Mechanicals – plays Thisbe), and Peaseblossom, a fairy serving Titania.
SNUG/COBWEB: Snug, joiner (one of the Rude Mechanicals – plays Lion), and Cobweb, a fairy serving Titania and “Fairy” in Puck scene.
ROBIN STARVELING/MUSTARDSEED: Robin Starveling, tailor (one of the Rude Mechanicals – plays Moonshine & Wall), and Mustardseed, a fairy serving Titania.
WRITE STUFF! New Play Festival
Rehearses April 5 – 16, Performs April 17
Performs Virtually
Seeking a company of Middle & High School students eager to perform and share stories.
*There will not be callbacks for this production*
REHEARSALS: Monday April 5-Friday April 9 from 5pm-8pm, Saturday April 10 from 12pm-5pm; Monday April 12-Friday April 16 from 5pm-8pm
TECH/DRESS REHEARSAL: Saturday April 17 from 12-5pm
PERFORMANCE: Saturday April 17 at 7pm
If you are interested in auditioning, please email a headshot and resume to conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.org with your full name in the subject line. To submit via video, include your audition tape in this email.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET REPLACEMENTS VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
Video submissions for Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash in Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2021 production of Million Dollar Quartet will be accepted until May 1, 2021 at 5 PM EST.
Seeking both Equity and Non-Equity actors.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mill Mountain Theatre is still in the process of approving an AEA contract for this show. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact us at auditions@nullmillmountain.org.
Housing will be provided for all artists and COVID-19 precautions, including testing and self-quarantining for the duration of the project, will be followed.
If you are interested in auditioning, please email a headshot, resume, and requested video audition to auditions@nullmillmountain.org with MDQ ELVIS and full name in the subject line.
Video auditions will be reviewed by Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Payton Moledor (Assistant Artistic Director), Jim Moye (Director), and Seth Davis (Resident Music Director).
PLEASE PREPARE:
A one-minute song self-accompanied on guitar or performance reel.
Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition for all roles.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
Directed by Jim Moye
Music Directed by Seth Davis
Rehearsals July 13-27
Preview & Performances July 28-August 22
JOHNNY CASH: Male, Singer/Guitarist. Must be able to accompany themselves extremely well on guitar and be familiar with Johnny Cash’s music. Should look and sound like Johnny Cash in his 20s. Vocal Range: D3 – G#5
ELVIS PRESLEY: Male, Singer/Musician. Must be able to play basic guitar and look/sound like Elvis in his 20s. Vocal Range: A3 – C6
Seeking both Equity and Non-Equity actors.
At Mill Mountain Theatre it is our priority to keep our artists, employees, students, and patrons healthy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, we will abide by governmental and CDC guidelines as we continue producing high-quality professional theatre in the Roanoke Valley.
For the 2021 season, the following safety protocols will be put into place:
All performers and production staff will be quarantined and tested for COVID-19 prior to beginning in-personal rehearsals.
Masks will be worn during rehearsal and offstage; audience members will be required to wear a mask at all times.
Rehearsals will take place outdoors or in large indoor spaces. Patrons will be seated 6 feet apart from other parties.
Spaces will be cleaned with EPA-approved disinfectants between rehearsals and performances.
Cast and patrons will be required to complete a health questionnaire and take their temperature daily.
Hand sanitation stations will be placed throughout the theatre, lobby, and rehearsal spaces.
A: We have returned to entirely in-person classes as of Fall of 2022. However, in the event that the state or federal government implements further restrictions on public gatherings which necessitate that in-person classes are no longer possible, MMT will proceed with all classes taught virtually and will not provide refunds.
Q: Are masks required?
A: Yes, Mill Mountain Theatre is requiring all students, staff, crew and volunteers to wear a mask while inside Center in the Square, regardless of vaccination status. For more information on Mill Mountain Theatre’s mask policy, click here.
Q: What are you doing to make sure in-person classes are safe?
A: We are following the CDC and VDH guidelines as well as the guidance we have received from local healthcare professionals to keep our students and staff safe during in-person classes. Some of the safety measures we are taking include:
Requiring students & staff to wear masks/face coverings AT ALL TIMES regardless of vaccination status.
Practicing safe social distancing (6 ft. or more) between students/staff members whenever possible
Having hand sanitizer available for frequent use before, during, and after classes
Cleaning each space thoroughly between classes
Taking temperatures with a touchless thermometer at the door before students are allowed to enter each class
Q: Should my child come to class if they are feeling under the weather?
A: No! For their safety, and for the safety of the other students and instructors in the class, if a student is feeling under the weather, that student should stay home. If your child is going to miss a class, please email the instructor ahead of class time to let them know. We have adjusted our attendance requirements so that students can miss class if they are not feeling well.
Q: Can my student virtually join an in-person class if they are unable to be there physically?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to have students virtually join an in-person class. If the student is enrolled in the in-person class and has to miss, instructors will do their best to catch the student up with anything they missed.
Q: What happens if someone contracts COVID-19?
A: In the unfortunate event that one of our students or staff members contracts COVID-19, MMT reserves the right to switch all classes to a virtual format to ensure everyone’s safety. All in-person classes are being planned so that they can be easily translated into an online format, if needed. Please note, refunds will not be provided if MMT switches to a virtual format.
Last weekend, Mill Mountain Theatre announced their 2021 Season with a joyous digital celebration during their Virtual Homecoming Concert. The theatre’s 2021 season will consist of three MainStage productions on the Trinkle MainStage, three productions for Young Audiences, one Fringe production, and one musical concert.
MMT Producing Artistic Director Ginger Poole shared her hopes for the upcoming season: “We have been hard at work developing safety protocols while selecting these special upcoming shows in order to welcome our patrons back to their seats in 2021,” she said. “Many people have reached out to me throughout the year wondering how they can help, and my response is to spread the word about our upcoming season, any donation is greatly appreciated, and to take advantage of our current free digital programming. Live theatre needs an audience. Mill Mountain Theatre needs you.”
Current subscribers can renew and or adjust their ticket packages now until December 18, 2020. Single tickets and new ticket subscribers can secure their seats starting December 18, 2020. Visit millmountain.org or call 540-342-5740 for more information.
TRINKLE MAINSTAGE SERIES
Three shows filled with comedy, music, and family fun, all with impressive production quality.
Million Dollar Quartet
July 28 – August 22
Trinkle MainStage
Kicking off the Trinkle MainStage Series is Million Dollar Quartet, the smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins together for one unforgettable night. Million Dollar Quartet features a glorious score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” and more. Don’t miss this irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, and celebrations that is both heartwarming and hilarious.
TITLE TBA
September 22 – October 17
Trinkle MainStage
Like so much of this unexpected year, the second Trinkle MainStage show in our 2021 season comes as a little bit of a surprise… And we aren’t quite ready to reveal that surprise yet! We’re still hard at work finding the perfect title for you for next fall. The second show in the Trinkle MainStage series will be announced in early 2021. Stay tuned for a special announcement about a show we know Roanoke will love.
A Christmas Story
December 1 – 19
Trinkle MainStage
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! A Christmas Story returns to the Trinkle MainStage for the 2021 holiday season. This play is a witty adaptation of the classic movie we all know and love. All 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas is one thing: a genuine Red Ryder BB gun. But mother, teacher, and even the Santa Claus at Higbee’s Department Store tell him the same thing: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.” Follow Ralphie’s quest for the gift of his dreams, all while enjoying some favorite elements from the movie: Scut Farkas, the school bully, the Bumpus hounds and the turkey, Flick’s tongue on the lamppost, and the Old Man’s leg lamp. Don’t miss this sensational holiday hit!
YOUNG AUDIENCES SERIES
Three delightful productions all encouraging children to read and express themselves through the arts.
Tomás and the Library Lady
June 2 – July 2, 2021
Touring the Roanoke Valley
Adapted from the beloved book by the same name, this charming bilingual play with music follows the story of Tomás Rivera, the son of an immigrant farmworker, as he discovers a surprising world of possibility inside his local library, thanks to a special librarian. This inspirational, theatrical biography proves that reading and respect can make anything possible. MMT will perform this free production across the valley to delight families and will distribute free books to student audience members as part of our initiative connecting theatre to literacy.
Write Stuff!
April 17, 2021
MMT’s young playwrights festival returns for its fifth anniversary! Write Stuff! encourages local middle & high school playwrights to share their work and culminates in readings of selected scripts. The winning scripts will be performed by Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory students in this Pay What You Can performance. The deadline for play submissions will be February 1st, 2021.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
May 8-16, 2021: Outdoor Production
“Lord what fools these mortals be!” Audience members of all ages will escape to the enchanted forest in Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where a feuding fairy king and queen cross paths with four runaway lovers and a troupe of actors trying to rehearse a play. What could possibly go wrong? All performances will be set outdoors in this innovative production, bringing the Bard’s classic comedy to life. This Pay What You Can performance will include the distribution of free books to students as part of our initiative connecting theatre to reading and literacy.
THE FRINGE SHOW
Featuring a touring one-woman show.
The Elephant in the Room
June 11 – June 12
Trinkle MainStage
Unapologetically Indian, The Elephant in the Room is a tumultuous ride through seemingly immiscible cultures, love and loss, issues of race, and the desperation of not belonging anywhere. This one-woman play navigates playwright and performer Priyanka Shetty’s transition from her deeply-embedded roots in India to finding context and common ground in America. Priyanka’s award-winning production has played at The Kennedy Center, in Los Angeles, and more, and is on track for an international tour in 2021.
MMT CONCERT
One musical concert, with two fun-filled nights of classic tunes.
Music of the Crooners
October 29 – 30
Trinkle MainStage
Remember some of the most celebrated entertainers of our time at our Music of the Crooners concert. Sit back and enjoy tunes originated by the velvety voices of singers like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and more. Pop standards from the Great American Songbook will leave you humming all the way home. Featuring a live band and singers, this concert is produced by MMT in just one week, and plays for two nights only!
ALL AUDITIONEES: Please fill out and submit this Google Formno later than 6:00PM ET on Thursday, December 10th, 2020.
Middle & High School students wishing to audition for Music Theatre Conservatory and Acting Conservatory for Spring 2021 may do so in either of the following ways:
Audition in-person
Submit a video audition
1.) In-person auditions will be held on MMT’s Trinkle MainStage (1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011) on December 12th, 2020 from 1-3pm.
All students who are auditioning must fill out and submit this Google Form. If singing, middle & high school students will have to submit their sheet music digitally ahead of time to the conservatory email below. Email conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.org to schedule an in-person audition time slot and get more information on safety precautions.
2.) Video submissions are due by 6:00PM on Thursday, December 10th, 2020. Email the links to your audition videos to conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.org. Helpful tips on video submissions may be foundHERE.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Acting Conservatory:
Memorized, one-minute monologue
Music Theatre Conservatory:
Memorized, one-minute monologue
Memorized, one-minute song
To minimize contact with our Music Director during in-person auditions, you MUST submit a PDF of your sheet music (clearly marked & cut- see example here) to conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.org by 6:00PM on Thursday, December 10th (before the audition day). If we do not receive this ahead of time, students will not be able to audition.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ALL MATERIALS: 6:00PM on Thursday, December 10th.
Throughout 2020, Mill Mountain Theatre has found ways to continue giving back to its community and bolster hope during this unprecedented time. The professional theatre has just announced a special Holiday Card campaign to lift everyone’s spirits and send tidings of goodwill. Give any amount to Mill Mountain Theatre and they will send a seasonal message letting your friends know they have been remembered and honored.
At a time when shopping seems risky and online ordering can be overwhelming, MMT has a good alternative for everyone on your list. Make a donation to the Theatre you love in honor of someone you love and we will let them know about your generosity with your choice of specially designed cards and messages. The honor will continue for months with a listing in 2021 MMT Playbills.
Patrons can choose from a variety of special designs and messages that will bring warmth to everyone’s heart. This offer is for donations of any amount and will only be available from now until December 23rd. Visit millmountain.org/donate and select ‘Holiday Card Donation.’ Questions can be directed to John Levin, Director of Development at development@nullmillmountain.org.
Our sixteenth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Broadway performer and choreographer Nick Kepley. Host Ginger Poole, the Producing Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre, chats with Nick about his robust career from the professional ballet world to Broadway and beyond.
Born in Asheville, NC, Nick Kepley trained with Sandra Miller and spent summers at School of American Ballet and The Juilliard School. Concert dance: Ballet Austin, Kansas City Ballet. Broadway/NY stage: Mary Poppins (Broadway), Camelot (Lincoln Center), American Dance Machine for the 21st Century (Joyce Theatre). TV/Film: SMASH (NBC), Great Performances (PBS). Kepley served as Ballet Master of Ballet Austin II from 2013-2015, teaching technique, pointe, and men’s variations for the second company and upper levels of the Ballet Austin Academy. He represented Ballet Austin nationally on their summer intensive audition tour. In 2010, Kepley founded MOTION Dance Theatre, a summer choreographic residency program in Asheville, NC, and served as artistic director until 2015. In addition to his extensive choreographic career, he teaches company class regularly for Broadway Dance Lab.
Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate, and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast explores all of the buzz words in Mill Mountain Theatre’s mission statement.
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