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.
Throughout 2020, Mill Mountain Theatre has been paving the way for regional theatres across the country by creating free digital content viewed by thousands across the globe. Now the theatre is gearing up for its free Virtual Homecoming Concert that will air December 5th at 7:30PM ET on their YouTube channel. This concert will not only serve as a celebration of MMT’s past, but will also feature the exciting announcement of MMT’s upcoming 2021 season.
Enjoy some quality entertainment from the comfort of your own living room with Mill Mountain Theatre’s Virtual Homecoming Concert! Favorite MMT performers from Mamma Mia!, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, Next To Normal, and more reprise their beloved roles in this digital concert event on December 5th. In addition to celebrating former MMT productions, the theatre staff will also announce its upcoming 2021 season. This exciting evening will be full of songs from Mill Mountain’s most popular past productions as well as music from the upcoming 2021 season, all presented by an all-star cast of everyone from Broadway veterans to local youth. The concert kicks off at 7:30PM ET on December 5 and will be streamed for free on Mill Mountain’s YouTube channel.
The concert will feature former MMT performers: Alexia Buckner (Polkadots), Billie Aken-Tyers (Mamma Mia!), Devin Altizer (Spring Awakening), Emma Leigh Gwin (The Sound of Music), Gabriella Gomez (Andrew Lloyd Webber Concert), Jorie Janeway (A Christmas Story), José Alipzar (West Side Story), Josh Walker (Spelling Bee), Kennedy Salters (60’s Concert), Kenneth Quinney Francoeur (West Side Story), Lizz Picini (A Chorus Line), Madeline Mae Walker (Shrek), Mikayla Cohen (Next to Normal), Olivia Bloch (Shrek), Pytron Parker (West Side Story), Mo Riego de Dios (Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr), and more!
The MMT Virtual Homecoming Concert will be streamed for free December 5th at 7:30PM ET on YouTube. To learn more about the MMT Virtual Homecoming Concert and the upcoming free streaming production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow visit millmountain.org.
MMT’s 2020 Season Sponsors include: Avis Construction Company, Inc.; BB&T Wealth, Blue Ridge Beverage Co., Inc.; Boxley Materials Co.; Brandon Oaks Retirement Community; Business Solutions Inc.; chocolatepaper; Claytor / Wirt Associate; The Convergence Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Davenport & Co.; Davis H. Elliot Co.; Dixon Hubard Feinour & Brown; Dominion Risk Advisors; The Dunkenberger Waskey Group at Morgan Stanley; Elk Hill Advisors, Inc.; Entre Computer Center; First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.; 5Points Creative; Freedom First Credit Union; Friendship Foundation; Frith Anderson + Peake; Gentry Locke Attorneys; The Glebe; Harry “Skip” W. Hamilton, III at Davenport & Company; John H. and Michelle S. Higginbotham Family Foundation; Howell’s Motor Freight Inc.; Innovative Insurance Group; Interactive Design Group; Jewell Machinery, Inc.; Lunsford, A Trustpoint Company; Member One Federal Credit Union; Miller, Long & Associates & Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Long; Oakey’s Funeral Service and Crematory; P1 Technologies, Inc.; Pinnacle Financial Partners; B. J. Preas; Roanoke Animal Hospital; The Roanoke Star.com; Roanoke Valley Orthodontics; Rutherfoord, a Marsh and McLennan Agency; Skyline Capital Strategies LLC; Skyline National Bank; Sun Tan City; Woods Rogers. Grantors include City of Roanoke Arts Commission; City of Salem; Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia; Sam and Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation; The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke; The Louise R. Lester Foundation; Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Southeastern Theatre Conference; Virginia Commission for the Arts; Actors’ Equity Association; Blue Star Theatres; Center in the Square; Theatre Communications Group; WVTF/Radio IQ.
Mill Mountain Theatre is paving the way for regional theatres across the country with their digital content, including the virtual release of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical this past September, the ongoing Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast, and continued education programming. Now, the theatre is gearing up for its upcoming digital release of the 2017 Young Audiences production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, adapted from the story by Washington Irving. This free, streamed production will be available to the public from October 26 – November 1 via MMT’s YouTube Channel.
It’s Halloween night and Will invites his friends up to the attic to tell spooky stories. When the children find a copy of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in an old trunk, they decide to act it out using things they find in the attic. Originally published in 1820, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow tells the story of Ichabod Crane and his attempt to win the heart of the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. This comical and ghostly tale follows Crane through the town of Sleepy Hollow, NY, where he is visited by a mysterious ghost, the Headless Horseman. This inventive and theatrical retelling of Irving’s classic story is perfect Halloween fun for the whole family.
The streamed production will include the theatre’s archival footage of the show followed by an exclusive actor talkback, hearing from the actors three years later about their favorite memories from working on the production. This unique adaptation puts a new spin on the classic story, while retaining the integrity of the famous tale. “I wanted to tell the original story with Ichabod and the Headless Horseman, but also have new characters created by these actors,” says Playwright Christopher Castanho. “Having the opportunity to originate a role is such a unique experience, and it was a gift watching our actors rise to the occasion.” This script was written exclusively for MMT’s 2017 season as part of their initiative to sponsor new work within an educational environment.
“In this production, we used flashlights, shadow-play, and puppetry to tell Ichabod Crane’s story in a whole new way,” says Travis Kendrick, Director. “The cast was so collaborative and brought so many creative ideas to the table – this was a very memorable production for MMT. You won’t want to miss it!”
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow streams FREE from October 26 – November 1 on Mill Mountain Theatre’s YouTube channel. Visit millmountain.org to learn more.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow features Colby Ervin (Ichabod/Will), Caitlin Carter (Katrina/Rachel), Charles Meidlinger (Brom Bones/Casper), James Moledor (Hans Van Ecke/Richard), Haley Chey Lynch (Mrs. Van Ripper/Dawn), Mo Riego De Dios (Iris/Sarah), Sawyer Mullins (Mr. Van Tassel/Michael), and Caroline Moledor (Mrs. Van Tassel/Katie). The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was directed by Travis Kendrick, adapted by Christopher Castanho, and stage managed by Henry Stevens, with costume design by Layla Izabella, scenic & sound design by Travis Kendrick, lighting design by Adam Neely, videography by Rick Riego de Dios, and video editing by Payton Moledor.
Sponsors of the 2017 Young Audiences Series included American National Bank, Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital, chocolatepaper, Claytor/Wirt Associates, Davis H. Elliot Co., Friendship Foundation, The Kroger Co., Lanford Brothers Co., LeClairRyan, Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, and Woods Rogers PLC.
MMT’s 2020 Season Sponsors include: Avis Construction Company, Inc.; BB&T Wealth, Blue Ridge Beverage Co., Inc.; Boxley Materials Co.; Brandon Oaks Retirement Community; Business Solutions Inc.; chocolatepaper; Claytor / Wirt Associate; The Convergence Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Davenport & Co.; Davis H. Elliot Co.; Dixon Hubard Feinour & Brown; Dominion Risk Advisors; The Dunkenberger Waskey Group at Morgan Stanley; Elk Hill Advisors, Inc.; Entre Computer Center; First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.; 5Points Creative; Freedom First Credit Union; Friendship Foundation; Frith Anderson + Peake; Gentry Locke Attorneys; The Glebe; Harry “Skip” W. Hamilton, III at Davenport & Company; John H. and Michelle S. Higginbotham Family Foundation; Howell’s Motor Freight Inc.; Innovative Insurance Group; Interactive Design Group; Jewell Machinery, Inc.; Lunsford, A Trustpoint Company; Member One Federal Credit Union; Miller, Long & Associates & Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Long; Oakey’s Funeral Service and Crematory; P1 Technologies, Inc.; Pinnacle Financial Partners; B. J. Preas; Roanoke Animal Hospital; The Roanoke Star.com; Roanoke Valley Orthodontics; Rutherfoord, a Marsh and McLennan Agency; Skyline Capital Strategies LLC; Skyline National Bank; Sun Tan City; Woods Rogers. Grantors include City of Roanoke Arts Commission; City of Salem; Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia; Sam and Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation; The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke; The Louise R. Lester Foundation; Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Southeastern Theatre Conference; Virginia Commission for the Arts; Actors’ Equity Association; Blue Star Theatres; Center in the Square; Theatre Communications Group; WVTF/Radio IQ.
Missed the Polkadots Talkback? This special episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast brings back the cast and creative of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical for a rerun of the exclusive talkback, originally livestreamed via Facebook on October 1, 2020.
Director Christopher Castanho chats with the cast about the process of rehearsing and filming Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical exclusively for Broadway on Demand. You can see the show by visiting millmountain.org/polkadots and clicking the red “TICKETS” button until October 9.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical features the talents of MMT’s 2020 Apprentice Company: Alexia Buckner, Achilles Mulkey, Nisa Isabella Mercado, Madeline Walker, Roberto Méndez, and AnnElese Galleo. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for the world, reminding us that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts.
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 is paving the way for regional theatres across the country with their free digital release of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, exclusively on Broadway on Demand.
Earlier this year, Mill Mountain Theatre was granted permission by the writers of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons) and Broadway Licensing to produce a digital version of the production, streamed to MMT’s patrons and community partners through Broadway on Demand. This innovative production takes the place of Mill Mountain’s usual summer tour by providing free entertainment and education to the Roanoke community and beyond. “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is exactly what the world needs right now,” said director Christopher Castanho. “Major thanks to the writers, Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons, who have granted us this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to produce their beautiful show. I could not be more excited to share this story of inclusion and love.”
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical tells the story of 8-year-old Lily Polkadot, who has just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway and is the first Polkadot at an all Square school. Experiencing everything from daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily feels hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected friendship. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson, reminding us that our differences make us special, not outcasts.
“This was not only a unique process for us – rehearsing virtually for the first two weeks, filming over several days, and extensive video editing – but is the most important production we will present in 2020. Polkadots is the connection to our audiences, sponsors, and community partners during these challenging times,” said Ginger Poole, MMT Producing Artistic Director. After consultation with leading health officials in the Roanoke Valley and in conjunction with CDC and VDH recommendations, the theatre developed safety protocols that helped keep staff and performers safe throughout the process.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is out NOW in honor of National Online Learning Day, and runs until October 9th. The production is completely FREE and exclusively available through Broadway On Demand. Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is presented with special permission through Broadway Licensing. Join MMT’s mailing list to get the FREE link to watch the show as many times as they’d like until October 9th.; Visit millmountain.org/polkadots and click the red ‘tickets’ button to watch now.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical has a Book by Melvin Tunstall III, Music by Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons, and Lyrics by Douglas Lyons. Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical features Alexia Buckner (Lily), Achilles Mulkey (Sky), Nisa Isabella Mercado (Penelope), Madeline Walker (Ms. Square), Roberto Méndez (Papa Square), and AnnElese Galleo (Swing). Directed & Choreographed by Christopher Castanho, Music Directed by Seth Davis, Producing Artistic Direction by Ginger Poole, Production Stage Managed by Taylor Cobb with Scenic & Properties Design by Matt Shields, Costume Design by Cole Spivia, Lighting Design by Travis Kendrick, Projections Design by Victoria Buck & Travis Kendrick, Videography by Richard Maddox, and Video Editing by Christopher Castanho.
Support for Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical comes from all of MMT’s 2020 Season Sponsors: Avis Construction Company, Inc.; BB&T Wealth, Blue Ridge Beverage Co., Inc.; Boxley Materials Co.; Brandon Oaks Retirement Community; Business Solutions Inc.; chocolatepaper; Claytor / Wirt Associate; The Convergence Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Davenport & Co.; Davis H. Elliot Co.; Dixon Hubard Feinour & Brown; Dominion Risk Advisors; The Dunkenberger Waskey Group at Morgan Stanley; Elk Hill Advisors, Inc.; Entre Computer Center; First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.; 5Points Creative; Freedom First Credit Union; Friendship Foundation; Frith Anderson + Peake; Gentry Locke Attorneys; The Glebe; Harry “Skip” W. Hamilton, III at Davenport & Company; John H. and Michelle S. Higginbotham Family Foundation; Howell’s Motor Freight Inc.; Innovative Insurance Group; Interactive Design Group; Jewell Machinery, Inc.; Lunsford, A Trustpoint Company; Member One Federal Credit Union; Miller, Long & Associates & Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Long; Oakey’s Funeral Service and Crematory; P1 Technologies, Inc.; Pinnacle Financial Partners; B. J. Preas; Roanoke Animal Hospital; The Roanoke Star.com; Roanoke Valley Orthodontics; Rutherfoord, a Marsh and McLennan Agency; Skyline Capital Strategies LLC; Skyline National Bank; Sun Tan City; Woods Rogers. Grantors include City of Roanoke Arts Commission; City of Salem; Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia; Sam and Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation; The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke; The Louise R. Lester Foundation; Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Southeastern Theatre Conference; Virginia Commission for the Arts; Actors’ Equity Association; Blue Star Theatres; Center in the Square; Theatre Communications Group; WVTF/Radio IQ.
Our fourteenth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features the 2020 MMT Apprentice Company and cast of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical. Host Ginger Poole (MMT Producing Artistic Director) chats with the cast about performing during a global pandemic.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical will be streamed from September 15 to October 9 on Broadway on Demand and features the talents of MMT’s 2020 Apprentice Company: Alexia Buckner, Achilles Mulkey, Nisa Isabella Mercado, Madeline Walker, Roberto Méndez, and AnnElese Galleo. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for the world, reminding us that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts.
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 thirteenth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Michelle LoRicco, Theatre Director at Patrick Henry High School. Host Ginger Poole (MMT Producing Artistic Director) hears about being a well-rounded Theatre artist.
Michelle LoRicco is a passionate educator, director, and playwright who loves to create and tell stories on stage and in the classroom with people of all ages. Ms. LoRicco is Director of the Theatre program at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, VA. Michelle graduated from the University of Central Florida with her MFA, specializing in Theatre for Young Audiences, and she received her Bachelor’s in Theatre, specializing in Musical Theatre, at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She has developed curriculum and worked in the education departments at the American Repertory Theatre, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Christ Fellowship, and Children’s Impact Network. MichelleLoRicco.com
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 twelfth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Todd Ristau, Assistant Professor- Director, M.F.A. in Playwriting at Hollins University. Host Ginger Poole (MMT Producing Artistic Director) hears about the Playwright’s Lab at Hollins and Todd’s career centering around new works.
Todd Ristau designed and launched the Playwright’s Lab at Hollins University and has served as program director since its launch in 2007. He is a distinguished graduate of the Iowa Playwright’s Workshop. His work has been performed in theatres across the U.S. and England, including London’s West End. He founded No Shame Theatre in 1986 and oversaw its evolution into a national network of venues for new works in dozens of cities. He has an extensive theatre background, with expertise in acting, directing, and design. He worked with Mill Mountain Theatre for six years as coordinator of their second stage and as literary associate overseeing new works programming. Ristau served as the first artistic director of Studio Roanoke, a storefront theatre space dedicated to new works development in downtown Roanoke. Ristau is a member of the Dramatists Guild and Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas. He has served as chair of playwriting for the South Eastern Theatre Conference, Getchell New Play Award Committee, and KCACTF Region IV’s Chair of the National Playwriting Program.
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 is among the many regional theatres across the country that have had to make difficult programming decisions due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In adapting to the recommended safety precautions, the theatre’s education department has successfully delivered theatre instruction to over 600 students around the globe through virtual masterclasses and online summer camps since March.
Mill Mountain has been granted permission by the writers of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons) and Broadway Licensing to produce a digital version of the production that will be streamed to MMT’s patrons and to community partners through Broadway on Demand. This production will fill the place of Mill Mountain’s usual summer tour by providing free entertainment and education to the Roanoke community. Director Christopher Castanho shares his gratitude for the ability to produce this show digitally: “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is exactly what the world needs right now. Major thanks to the writers, Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons, who have granted us this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to produce their beautiful show. I could not be more excited to share this story of inclusion and love.”
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is about 8-year-old Lily Polkadot, who has just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway, and is the first Polkadot in an all Square school. Experiencing everything from daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily feels hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected friendship. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson, reminding us that our differences make us special, not outcasts.
The Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical cast is made up of six non-equity actors, who also comprise Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2020 Apprentice Company. The Apprenticeship at Mill Mountain Theatre is an immersive experience designed to propel young artists into their professional careers. The 2020 Company will spend their time at MMT rehearsing and performing Polkadots, as well as taking masterclasses with MMT and guest instructors.
Alexia Buckner (Lily) is so happy to be working with Mill Mountain Theatre this summer! 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. When she is not onstage, she loves to spend her time in aerial gyms, traveling, and watching Food Network. Follow her @thealexiabuckner to see what else she’s working on!
Achilles Mulkey (Sky) is overjoyed to be working with Mill Mountain Theatre for the first time! He is a theatre artist, instrumentalist, and writer originally from NW Arkansas. Favorite credits include: Mr. Mistoffelees (CATS), Giuliano (BIG LOVE), and Peter Pan (THE LOST GIRL). In his spare time, he enjoys photography, exploring nature, and a good cup of tea. Training: Viterbo University (BFA Music Theatre), RAD Ballet. Special thanks to his family, Kai, and the cats. IG: achillesmulkey / achillesmulkey.com
Nisa Isabella Mercado(Penelope) is so excited to be joining Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2020 apprentice company! Although she was born and raised in California, she decided to further pursue her dreams of being a professional performer at Shenandoah Conservatory and just finished up her senior year as a BFA Musical Theatre major! Her favorite credits include, Diana Morales in A CHORUS LINE at Heritage Theatre Festival, Belinda Blair in NOISES OFF at Shenandoah Conservatory and U/S Glinda and ensemble in THE WIZ at Virginia Repertory Theatre.
Roberto Méndez (Papa Square) is originally from Puerto Rico, but moved to Atlanta, Georgia when he was nearly nine years old. He now lives in Columbus, Georgia where he is pursuing a BFA in Theatre Performance at Columbus State University. He is thrilled to be back at Mill Mountain Theatre where you may have seen him last as Ernst in ‘Spring Awakening’, or as Snail in ‘A Year with Frog and Toad’. He also hopes you enjoy the show as well as its pertinent message.
Madeline Walker (Ms. Square) recently graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BFA in Musical Theatre and minor in dance. She was a member of MMT’s 2018 Apprentice Company and returned last summer to perform in their Let’s Go to the Movies concert. Madeline enjoys performing at Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. Theatre UCF credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Miss Single), Hot Mikado (Yum Yum), and Oklahoma! (U/S Ado Annie). MsMadelineMae.com
AnnElese Galleo (Swing) is a Salem-grown performer, creative artist, educator, and writer. A former Mill Mountain Conservatory student and summer intern, AnnElese is currently pursuing her BFA in Music Theatre at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Some of her favorite credits include Shrek (Fiona), Spring Awakening (Anna), and Newsies (Ensemble/Dance Captain). She is delighted to be back at Mill Mountain during this time to create art with such friendly faces.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical will be released on September 15th in honor of National Online Learning Day, and runs until October 9th. The production will be completely FREE and available through Broadway On Demand. Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is presented with special permission through Broadway Licensing. Join MMT’s mailing list to get more updates on how to get your FREE access code to watch the show and join the fun; Visit millmountain.org/polkadots to learn more.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical has a Book by Melvin Tunstall III, Music by Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons, & Lyrics by Douglas Lyons.MMT’s production is Directed & Choreographed for the Stage & Screen by Christopher Castanho, and Music Directed by Seth Davis, with Producing Artistic Direction by Ginger Poole, Production Stage Management by Taylor Cobb, Scenic & Properties Design by Matt Shields, Costume Design by Cole Spivia, Lighting Design by Travis Kendrick, Projections Design by Victoria Buck, Costume Support by AnnElese Galleo and Jennie Ruhland, Sound Support by Dylan Francis with Stage Sound, & Video Editing by Christopher Castanho.
Support for Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical comes from all of MMT’s 2020 Season Sponsors: Avis Construction Company, Inc.; BB&T Wealth, Blue Ridge Beverage Co., Inc.; Boxley Materials Co.; Brandon Oaks Retirement Community; Business Solutions Inc.; chocolatepaper; Claytor / Wirt Associate; The Convergence Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Davenport & Co.; Davis H. Elliot Co.; Dixon Hubard Feinour & Brown; Dominion Risk Advisors; The Dunkenberger Waskey Group at Morgan Stanley; Elk Hill Advisors, Inc.; Entre Computer Center; First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.; 5Points Creative; Freedom First Credit Union; Friendship Foundation; Frith Anderson + Peake; Gentry Locke Attorneys; The Glebe; Harry “Skip” W. Hamilton, III at Davenport & Company; John H. and Michelle S. Higginbotham Family Foundation; Howell’s Motor Freight Inc.; Innovative Insurance Group; Interactive Design Group; Jewell Machinery, Inc.; Lunsford, A Trustpoint Company; Member One Federal Credit Union; Miller, Long & Associates & Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Long; Oakey’s Funeral Service and Crematory; P1 Technologies, Inc.; Pinnacle Financial Partners; B. J. Preas; Roanoke Animal Hospital; The Roanoke Star.com; Roanoke Valley Orthodontics; Rutherfoord, a Marsh and McLennan Agency; Skyline Capital Strategies LLC; Skyline National Bank; Sun Tan City; Woods Rogers. Grantors include City of Roanoke Arts Commission; City of Salem; Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia; Sam and Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation; The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke; The Louise R. Lester Foundation; Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Southeastern Theatre Conference; Virginia Commission for the Arts; Actors’ Equity Association; Blue Star Theatres; Center in the Square; Theatre Communications Group; WVTF/Radio IQ.
Our eleventh official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Shannon Robert, Associate Professor of Theatre at Clemson University. Host Ginger Poole (MMT Producing Artistic Director) learns how Shannon approaches the arts from a technical theatre perspective.
Shannon Robert serves on the design faculty and is a proud member of USA 829 in Scene Design. She received the M.F.A. in scene design from Florida State University and studied at the Moscow Art Theatre Conservatory in 1991. She is an instructor for the Dramatists Guild of America Institute in New York. Shannon was director of theatre and design at William Carey University and serves as a member of the Hollins University M.F.A. Faculty.
She managed the paint/craft departments of The Spoon Group Productions in NJ/NY, and fabricated props/painted for the Broadway productions of “The Grinch,” “Grease,” “Xanadu,” “Legally Blonde,” “Inherit the Wind,” “The Pirate Queen,” “Coram Boy,” “The Color Purple,” “Jersey Boys,” “Spamalot,” and “Hairspray.” With Technical Theatre Solutions, she painted for the national tours of “Cinderella,” “In the Heights,” “Mamma Mia” (Vegas) and “Something Rotten.”
Most recently, Shannon’s work was selected for the PQ 2019 Exhibition in Prague as part of the United States Transformations Exhibit sponsored by USITT. With her colleagues, Shannon was recently awarded a $47,750 Innovation Grant from USITT to develop new technology for application in the theatre industry. Shannon’s research is in the area of sustainable sourcing for the entertainment industry which includes eco-friendly products, recycling, and upcycling materials.
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 tenth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Amanda Nelson, Associate Professor of Theatre and Arts Leadership at Virginia Tech. Host Ginger Poole (MMT Producing Artistic Director) learns how Amanda Nelson is raising the bar in the arts.
Amanda Nelson directs the M.F.A. program area in Arts Leadership. Before coming to Virginia Tech, Amanda worked 11 years for the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in NYC, where she oversaw membership programs, government relations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation support.
Prior to joining Ailey, she worked in marketing and educational outreach. At IBM, she was part of a web marketing team; at the non-profit Girls Incorporated, she designed and implemented arts programs for inner-city youth; and at Young Audiences of the Bay Area, she worked in outreach and marketing.
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.
A: The Spring 2022 semester classes will take place in person.
Q: Are masks required?
A: Yes! All students and instructors are required to wear masks at all times, which includes while entering and exiting the building as well as during the full class time.
Q: How will social distancing work in classes?
A: Instructors will keep students socially distanced (6 feet apart) during classes. We will use markings on the floor to show 6 feet of distance and indicate where students should stand.
Q: Where will classes meet this year?
A: All classes will meet at MMT’s Waldron Stage at 20 Church Ave SE, Roanoke VA 24011.
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
Practicing safe social distancing (6 ft. or more) between students/staff members
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
Limiting the amount of any paper exchange and sending digitally when we can
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. If a student isn’t able to regularly attend an in-person class, we would recommend that the student registers for one of our virtual options.
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 can be easily translated into an online format, if needed. Please note, refunds will not be provided if MMT switches to a virtual format.
Mill Mountain Theatre is proud to have signed Virginia’s Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge. 🎭✨
The pledge follows recommended guidelines from the CDC and public health officials, and helps us create an environment of safety while we enjoy the businesses and experiences that make Virginia’s Blue Ridge a special place.
Our ninth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features SETC Executive Director, Susie Prueter. Host Ginger Poole (MMT Producing Artistic Director) hears about her career and involvement as President of the Alliance for Full Acceptance, an LGBT social justice organization in Charleston.
Prior to SETC, Susie worked for Work Light Productions as an Associate Production Manager, supporting such tours as Rent, Motown, and Something Rotten. Prior to Work Light, Susie was with the prestigious Spoleto Festival USA, an international performing arts festival in Charleston, SC, where she supported more than 20 festivals as its Production Office Manager. On behalf of Spoleto, Susie also managed the renovation and first years of operation of historic Memminger Auditorium, a performing arts and special events venue in downtown Charleston.
Susie earned a BA in Speech/Theatre from Louisiana Tech University and an MFA in Arts Administration from the University of Alabama/Alabama Shakespeare Festival. She is a member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM) and IATSE Local #333.
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 proud to announce its 2020 Fall Classes, running September 8 – November 2. MMT Conservatory classes provide burgeoning artists of all ages the opportunity to hone their creative skills in acting, singing, technical theatre, dancing, music theatre, and related disciplines at the region’s only Professional Equity Theatre.
This fall, MMTC is offering 14 classes for students Pre-K through Adult. Some courses will be held in-person while others will be taught virtually in order to best support each student’s level of comfort. Additionally, students in Pre-K through 5th grade can opt for a “virtual package” option, through which they will receive a weekly, pre-recorded video containing theatrical instruction and supplemental materials, all of which can be completed on the student’s own time.
“We are so excited to be offering something for everyone this fall at Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory,” says Travis Kendrick, Director of Education. “We found such success with virtual instruction during our summer camps, and we wanted that to continue being an option for our students. We’ll be holding most of our in-person classes in our largest space, the Trinkle MainStage, to allow for appropriate social distancing, and we are requiring all students and instructors to wear masks at all times. For better air circulation while singing, all of our music theatre classes will take place on the 6th floor of Center In The Square. When weather permits, music theatre students will rehearse outdoors on the CITS rooftop, and will move to the open-air, covered space inside the 6th floor Penthouse in case of inclement weather. When inside, the Penthouse walls will be opened up to allow fresh air into the rehearsal space. We hope to see you at the theatre this fall, virtually or physically!”
After consultation with leading health officials in the Roanoke Valley, and in conjunction with CDC and VDH recommendations, the theatre has developed safety protocols that will help keep staff & students safe throughout the semester, and more information will be provided to students and parents on a class-by-class basis.
AUDITIONS for Music Theatre Conservatory & Acting Conservatory Classes will be held through virtual video submissions or in-person at MMT’s Waldron Stage (20 Church Ave SE, Roanoke, Virginia 24011) on August 22nd from 4:00PM – 6:00PM.
ALL AUDITIONEES: Please fill out and submit this Google Formno later than 6:00PM ET on Friday, August 21st.
Middle & High School students wishing to audition for Music Theatre Conservatory and Acting Conservatory for Fall 2020 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 Waldron Stage (20 Church Ave SE) on Saturday, August 22nd, from 4:00PM-6:00PM. If singing, middle & high school students will have to submit their sheet music digitally ahead of time and fill out this Google Form. Email conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.org to schedule an audition time slot and get more information on safety precautions.
2.) Video submissions are due by 6:00PM on Friday, August 21st. 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 Friday, August 21st 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: Materials deadline is 6:00PM on Friday, August 21st. Be sure to submit this Google Form and any necessary materials (i.e. sheet music and optional headshot/resume) on time to conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.org. Email with any questions.
Mill Mountain Theatre is among the many regional theatres across the country that have had to make difficult programming decisions due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In adapting to the recommended safety precautions, the theatre’s education department has successfully delivered theatre instruction to over 600 students around the globe through virtual masterclasses and online summer camps since March
In addition to summer camps, MMT delights families every year by performing a free touring show at libraries, schools, parks, and neighborhood venues across the region, reaching over 4,500 patrons for this production annually. Former touring shows include A Peter Rabbit Tale: A Children’s Musical, A Year with Frog and Toad TYA, The Jungle Book, and more. This year, due to COVID-19, the theatre was concerned that it could not produce this touring production in-person while ensuring the safety of its staff, actors, and patrons.
Fortunately, Mill Mountain has been granted permission by the writers of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons) and Broadway Licensing to produce a digital version of the production that will be streamed to MMT’s patrons and to community partners through Broadway on Demand. “We are grateful to the writers and Broadway Licensing for this permission. This will be not only a unique process for us but also the most important production we present in 2020. Polkadots will be our connection to our audiences, sponsors, and community partners during these challenging times,” says Ginger Poole, Producing Artistic Director.
After consultation with leading health officials in the Roanoke Valley, and in conjunction with CDC and VDH recommendations, the theatre has developed safety protocols that will help keep staff & performers safe throughout the process. These protocols include but are not limited to the following: MMT will be bringing in six Non-Equity actors to rehearse and perform the show, which will be recorded on the Trinkle MainStage without an audience. The actors and production creatives will be tested for COVID-19 and quarantined for two weeks upon arrival, will participate in virtual rehearsals during this time, and be tested for COVID-19 again before in-person rehearsals. In order to begin in-person rehearsals, the tests must all provide negative results. If these conditions are met, they will begin working in-person using this small cast & creative team, and all physical rehearsals will be done in masks with all participants also practicing safe social distancing and handwashing.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is about 8-year-old Lily Polkadot, who has just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway, and is the first Polkadot in an all Square school. Experiencing everything from daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily feels hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected friendship. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson, reminding us that our differences make us special, not outcasts.
“Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is exactly what the world needs right now,” says director Christopher Castanho. “I could not be more excited to share this story of inclusion and love with our patrons. Through this digital distribution, we hope to still reach all of the families and communities who would’ve seen the show in person. Major thanks to the writers, Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons, who have granted us this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to produce their beautiful show when the world needs it most.”
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical has a Book by Melvin Tunstall III, Music by Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons, and Lyrics by Douglas Lyons. Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical features Alexia Buckner (Lily), Achilles Mulkey (Sky), Nisa Isabella Mercado (Penelope), Madeline Walker (Ms. Square), Roberto Méndez (Papa Square), and AnnElese Galleo (Swing). Directed & Choreographed by Christopher Castanho, Music Directed by Seth Davis, Producing Artistic Direction by Ginger Poole, Production Stage Managed by Taylor Cobb with Scenic & Properties Design by Matt Shields, Costume Design by Cole Spivia, Lighting Design by Travis Kendrick, Costume Support by Jennie Ruhland, and Video Editing by Christopher Castanho.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical will be released on September 15th in honor of National Online Learning Day, and runs until October 9th. The production will be completely FREE and available through Broadway On Demand. Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is presented with special permission through Broadway Licensing. Join MMT’s mailing list to get more updates on how to get your FREE access code to watch the show and join the fun; Visit millmountain.org/polkadots to learn more.
Support for Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical comes from all of MMT’s 2020 Season Sponsors: Avis Construction Company, Inc.; BB&T Wealth, Blue Ridge Beverage Co., Inc.; Boxley Materials Co.; Brandon Oaks Retirement Community; Business Solutions Inc.; chocolatepaper; Claytor / Wirt Associate; The Convergence Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Davenport & Co.; Davis H. Elliot Co.; Dixon Hubard Feinour & Brown; Dominion Risk Advisors; The Dunkenberger Waskey Group at Morgan Stanley; Elk Hill Advisors, Inc.; Entre Computer Center; First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.; 5Points Creative; Freedom First Credit Union; Friendship Foundation; Frith Anderson + Peake; Gentry Locke Attorneys; The Glebe; Harry “Skip” W. Hamilton, III at Davenport & Company; John H. and Michelle S. Higginbotham Family Foundation; Howell’s Motor Freight Inc.; Innovative Insurance Group; Interactive Design Group; Jewell Machinery, Inc.; Lunsford, A Trustpoint Company; Member One Federal Credit Union; Miller, Long & Associates & Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Long; Oakey’s Funeral Service and Crematory; P1 Technologies, Inc.; Pinnacle Financial Partners; B. J. Preas; Roanoke Animal Hospital; The Roanoke Star.com; Roanoke Valley Orthodontics; Rutherfoord, a Marsh and McLennan Agency; Skyline Capital Strategies LLC; Skyline National Bank; Sun Tan City; Woods Rogers. Grantors include City of Roanoke Arts Commission; City of Salem; Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia; Sam and Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation; The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke; The Louise R. Lester Foundation; Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Southeastern Theatre Conference; Virginia Commission for the Arts; Actors’ Equity Association; Blue Star Theatres; Center in the Square; Theatre Communications Group; WVTF/Radio IQ.
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