It's Official: News from Serendipity Players

We knew about this possibility a month ago. It is, in a way, very sad, but they endeavor to go on (and that's good). Here is the announce-ment from Serendipity Playhouse:

We're taking this show on the road!

After nearly two years in our space at 500 Washington Street, we've decided that a return to our roots, so to speak, is in order.

During the next year, we're going to be performing in various locations in the greater Vancouver area. We'll do our best to match the location to the play that we're performing.

Our decision to become more nomadic comes as the result of much discussion, and both expert and patron advice. We want to stay true to our mission and produce excellent plays. We are better able to accomplish this goal while immersed in our community.

This is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the story of Serendipity Players. In addition to our new play offerings, we have more directors, cast and crew joining us in the upcoming year. Beginning with Dinner Theater at El Presidente Cantina this November, Joni Moore and Brian Reed will be taking the director reins for “Coffee With God” by Kal Wagenheim and “Check Please” by Jonathan Rand, respectively.

For our planned 2014 Season, Jaime Montgomery will be making his directorial debut with Serendipity Players in February, with the Lynn Nottage play “Crumbs from the Table of Joy”. In June, Daniel Hobbs will return to direct “Fiction” by Steven Dietz. 

And Maury Evans will direct our summer collaboration with Cark College, the musical “I Do, I Do” by Tom Jones with music by Harvey Schmidt. [Good news!] We’re currently selecting our final play for next Season.

Please watch for us; you never know where we might turn up next!

P.S. Our permitted and engineer planned seating risers are available.

Great Opportunity to Read Scripts for the Columbia Gorge International Film Festival

CALL FOR ACTORS

The film festival starts next week and they're going to be doing events at the Serendipity Playhouse. One of the things they'll be doing is screenplay workshops and the writers really liked having them read by actors last year. They're looking for actors again this year. 

The schedule: Thursday 10:00 and 12:30, Friday 10:00 and 12:30 and Saturday 10:00 If you'd like to attend, please let Artist Director Tony Broom know.

Murdered for Being Gay is Subject of Serendipity's "The Laramie Project"

"THE LARAMIE PROJECT" written by Moises Kaufman and directed by Tony Broom opens next month at Serendipity Playhouse.  It will run July 26 - August 18 and our review by Dennis Sparks will run here July 27.

THE STORY: In October 1998 a twenty-one-year-old student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence in the middle of the prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming. His bloody, bruised and battered body was not discovered until the next day, and he died several days later in an area hospital. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay.

Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie over the course of a year and a half in the aftermath of the beating and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing Shepard. They conducted more than 200 interviews with the people of the town. Some people interviewed were directly connected to the case, and others were citizens of Laramie, and the breadth of their reactions to the crime is fascinating. 

Kaufman and Tectonic Theater members have constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience from these interviews and their own experiences. "THE LARAMIE PROJECT" is a breathtaking theatrical collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable.

We imagine that due to subject matter viewer discretion is advised.

"One of the ten best plays of the year. A pioneering work of theatrical reportage and a powerful stage event."—Time Magazine. "Astonishing. Not since Angels in America has a play attempted so much: nothing less than an examination of the American psyche at the end of the millennium." —Associated Press. "…nothing short of stunning…you will be held in rapt attention." —New York Magazine

Serendipity's "Fuddy Meers" Funhouse of Life

The dark comedy is written by David Lindsay-Abaire, and directed by Tony Broom and Joni Moore plays through June 8 at Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash.

Depending on the individual, life can be seen from many different angles or perspectives. It’s like, in this case, looking through a prism or kaleidoscope, where everything appears distorted or jumbled. And dysfunctional families can appear to be pretty normal, considering the basis for comparison. In other words, if normal is crazy, in this world, then what is crazy. An interesting premise and the core of this story.

As we look through these distorted, funny mirrors (“fuddy meers”) of a funhouse we meet Claire (Alicia Marie Turvin), a patient in her own home, with a type of amnesia that allows you the skills of  function but, by the next day, your memories of who you are, will have disappeared. Her husband, Richard (Tory Mitchell), attempts to help her by creating a memory album or log of her past, conveniently eliminating certain aspects of it for her own good.

Gary Romans as Millet with (puppet) Binky.
All photos by Christopher Paradee.

Her son, Kenny (Mac Alexander), is a doper and is of no help. Enter her “brother, Zack” (Brian Reed), a disfigured, limping man, and a cohort, Millet (Gary Romans), who has his own little friend, a foul-mouthed puppet named, Binky. They abduct Claire, and take her to her real home, with her stroke-recovering mother, Gertie (Jan Rosenthal), whose speech is garbled by her recent illness.

But, not to be outdone, Richard and Kenny do not take kindly to this kidnapping and charge to the rescue, only to be intercepted by a nosy cop, Heidi (Cecelia Harper). Suspecting dope, she attempts to detain them, but is taken prisoner instead. The chase ends with all the suspects at Gertie’s house where, little by little, the true story is revealed.

 I can’t tell much more of the story without giving away plot twists. But it’s safe to say that not everybody is who they appear to be. For instance, what are manacles doing on two of the characters’ wrists? How did her brother really get his scars? And who is “Philip” that Claire keeps calling for?

The set/lights, also by Turvin, reflect nicely the crazy-quilt atmosphere of the show. And the transitions between the many scenes are reasonably smooth. The direction by Broom and Moore do well in reflecting the chaotic pacing of the story, with a couple of nicely done fight scenes. But they need to stress to the cast, the need for picking up cues, as that is crucial, especially in a comedy.

Alicia Marie Turvan and Brian Reed in "Fuddy Meers"

Turvin, as Claire, is the heart of the show and it beats a steady rhythm with her in the lead. It’s not an easy character to portray, as she must ride that thin line between madness and sanity, as well as become a sympathetic person for the audience to identify with. She does this with ease. Another difficult character is played by Rosenthal, as Gertie, as many of her lines are deliberately garbled and yet must be communicated by the actor, as though she knows what she’s talking about. This, also, is a well performed.

Reed, as the not-too-bright, scarred man is wonderful in the way he slurs his speech, has uncontrollable fits of rage, and lumbers about the sets like a bull in a china shop. Again, well done. Romans, as his partner, Millet (and like-wise, his partner, Binky) are a joy to watch. Again, a difficult character, well executed. And Mitchell, as her kinetic care-giver, Richard, is a live-wire on stage. His energy alone makes up for some of the lost timing of the others.

Jan Rosenthal in Serendipity's "Fuddy Meers"

Harper, as the “cop,” Heidi, comes on like a loose cannon. She barrels through the scenes like a dynamo, giving good contrast to the other eccentric characters. But Alexander, as the son, is a little too subdued and needs more direction/force to compete with the madness of the surroundings.

I would recommend this show but, keep in mind, the adult language and situations are not everybody’s cup of tea. If you do go, please tell them Dennis sent you.

WARNING: This play is not for everyone as it contains raw language and humorous references to substance use.

Mac Alexander, Tory Mitchell and Cecelia Harper.

Opening night is May 31 at 8:00 PM. The production run includes performances at 8 PM on June 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, with Sunday matinee performances at 2:00 PM on June 9, 16, and 23. Thursday, June 6th at 8 PM is a "Pay What You Will" performance. All performances take place at The Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St, Vancouver,Wash. For further information, check out their website at www.serendipityplayers.org

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

By Dennis Sparks, Guest Reviewer
www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com

"Fuddy Meers" to Open at Serendipity Playhouse

FUDDY MEERS, by David Lindsey-Abaire, opens May 31 at Serendipity Playhouse (Vancouver) and runs through June 23. 

Our review, by Dennis Sparks will appear here by noon on June 1.

Directed by Tony Broom and Joni Moore. Tickets, available in advance or at the door, are $15.

STORY: A woman with a rare form of amnesia wakes up every morning a blank slate. Her husband explains the situation, gives her breakfast and a book of essential information before taking his morning shower. 

Alicia Marie Turvin and Brian Reed in "Fuddy Meers"
Photo by Christopher Paradee, provided.

As soon as he’s gone, a man claiming to be her brother arrives, telling her he’s there to rescue her. Like Alice through the looking glass, it’s there that her adventure truly begins.

AUDITIONS: For "The Laramie Project" at Serendipity Playhouse

In October 1998 Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. 

Five weeks later, Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie, and over the course of the next year, conducted more than 200 interviews with people of the town. From these interviews they wrote the play which chronicles the life of the town of Laramie in the year after the murder.

Serendipity Players is holding open auditions for men and women of all ages and ethnicities for The Laramie Project. Auditions will be held 1 p.m. May 18 and 19 at the Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash. 

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, no prepared pieces are required. Headshots and resumes will be accepted but are not required. Upon being cast, actors should be prepared to perform 8-10 roles. Rehearsals will begin 7 p.m. June 3. Performance dates are weekends July 26 - August 18.

If you have any questions, please contact the director, Tony Broom at 971-563-3661 or at serendipityplayers@yahoo.com

May Commotion Fundraiser Celebration at Serendipity Playhouse

Join Serendipity Players May 17, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. for their first annual May Commotion, a celebration dinner for their volunteers and donors who made their first season so successful!

Serendipity Players will provide a casual dinner and entertainment for FREE. Though they hope that you will be inspired to contribute financial and people-power to make their 2013 Season as great as the last one.

IMPROV by PANTS at Serendipity Playhouse

Improv by PANTS! will play 8 p.m. at the Serendipity Playhouse, Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4. The troop features improv students from Portland State University.

If you love improv, this is the thing to see. Admission is $10. For more information contact Serendipity Playhouse.

VA VA VOOM playing right here in downtown Vancouver on the Serendipity Playhouse stage!

This cast of zany seniors brings 90 minutes of old time radio programs, song parodies, skits and standup comedy. Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club, Fibber McGee and Molly and Duffy’s Tavern. Guest Artist Cousin Minnie Pearl and The Greathouse Musicians.

To be a part of the audience for this two day run call 360-546-5855 to reserve your seat. Serendipity Playhouse is wheelchair and walker accessible. Tickets are $15.00 each and seating is limited so don’t wait!

TWO DATES ONLY!
Saturday, April 27, 2013 - 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 28, 2013 - 2:00 PM

Serendipity Playhouse
500 Washington Street
Vancouver, WA 98660.

VA VA VOOM is sponsored by the Barberton Grange and CDM (long term care for seniors).

Two Classes Announced by Serendipity Playhouse

TWO NEW CLASSES are being offered at Serendipity Playhouse. They are:

STAGE COMBAT Instructor: Brian Reed.
For actors, swordsman, class clowns. Come learn some basics of how to perform hand to hand combat and dueling techniques for the stage. Have you ever wanted to drag someone across the room by their hair? Or look like a Musketeer? Come learn how to do that safely and make it look good for an audience.

This class will teach short choreography for both style and safety, and teach how to read written choreography. The class instructor is an actor, stage combatant, and fight choreographer with thirty years of experience. Wear clothes for movement. Class recommended for ages thirteen and up. $35.00 for the class.

April 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington Street, Vancouver, Wash.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

BEGINNING ACTING CLASS Instructor: Tony Broom, Artistic Director for Serendipity Players.

8 Weeks, plus Student Performance, begins April 20 – $150

Step into the spotlight! Have friends told you that you should be on stage or TV? If you’ve always been a ham and wanted to take it to the stage, here’s your chance. Have fun and get comfortable performing in front of an audience, and more confident with public speaking. Acting basics, including physical choices and constructing characters will be taught in an active learning approach. Final class will be a performance for family and friends.

More info and register at: www.serendipityplayers.org/auditions-classes/

Pulitzer Prize Play "Proof" to be Performed at Serendipity Playhouse

Vancouver, WA Serendipity Players is proud to present the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play, “Proof,” by David Auburn.

A family drama about the nature of genius, questions of legacy, and the willingness to trust. Catherine’s father was a mathematical genius who revolutionized the field. He also suffered from mental illness. Catherine may have inherited her father’s genius, but did she also inherit his burdens?

“This is one of the best scripts I’ve ever read,” Tony Broom, artistic director, said. “I knew before I was done reading it that we had to do it. Our director, Alicia Marie Turvin and I fought a little over who was going to get to direct it.”

About the Play 

and Cast

 Actors Valerie Martinka Davis (Catherine) and David Hudkins (Robert).
Photo courtesy of Christopher Paradee.

“Proof” is a contemporary drama in two acts, and features Valerie Martinka Davis, David Hudkins, Michael Lissman, and Sarah DeGrave. “Proof” is directed by Alicia Marie Turvin.

Performances

Opening night is March 8 with curtain at 8 p.m. The production run includes performances at 8 p.m. on March 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, with Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. on March 10, 17, 24, 31. Thursday, March 14 at 8 p.m. is a "Pay What You Will" performance. All performances take place at The Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St, Vancouver Wash. Reservations are strongly recommended for all performances, and unclaimed seats will be sold five minutes before start of each show.

Tickets

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

Serendipity Players is a non-equity, semi-professional theater company.

Our Review by Dennis Sparks will be posted March 9.

ONE NIGHT ONLY: "The Legend of Jimmy Blue Eyes" at Seredipity

Smoky jazz, the girl, the guy, the devil who wants his soul..all join up in this unique presentation of Lumiere Players’ 2013 Oregon State AACT Competition winner for Best Play.

Serendipity Playhouse hosts this fundraiser to help Jimmy Blue Eyes get to the Regional competition.

Where: 500 Washington Street, Vancouver, Wash.

When: ONE NIGHT ONLY! 8 p.m., Friday, March 1.

Suggested Donation for tickets: $10. All proceeds go to Lumiere Players.

REVIEW: Attention Must Be Paid to Serendipity's "In White America" Though Acting Uneven

Editor's Note: The following is more of a commentary than a review, but note that the art we make comes from where our soul resides. As artists (playwrights, directors, actors, etc.) what we feel causes us to express who we are and what we want to share.

Attention Must Be Paid to "In White America" at Serendipity Playhouse. 

This play is proudly presented by Serendipity Playhouse as part of the celebration of African-American History Month. It is a documentary play and all the words spoken are from actual transcripts from the people involved. It covers from pre-Civil War up to the mid-50’s in a story that lasts a little more than an hour. At the end of this presentation, local Black presenters share their stories of growing up in White America.

The play, although powerful, barely scratches the surface of the approximately 100 years that it covers. But the marks that are made are deep and demand from the viewer/listener more investigation to get the complete story. Many familiar names appear including Lincoln, Fredrick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Jefferson, Nat Turner, John Brown, Booker T. Washington, E. B. Dubois, and President Wilson, to name a few. But there are so many unnamed and unheralded, too, that laid the foundation for Freedom.

Through the stories, one will learn and, in learning, change can follow. You many think you know the whole story, but you don’t. Did you know that Africans aboard a slave ship who refused to eat the wormy mush they were fed, sometimes had molten lead poured down their throats? And that many threw themselves overboard preferring to take their chances with the sharks than the bleak future that awaited them in the New World.

And did you know that the Quakers, much to their credit, had instituted a school for black and white students in Connecticut before the Civil War? They discovered that the students got along just fine in this mixed class, it was the parents who objected. Eventually this noble experiment ended when the educators’ homes and school were ransacked. Echoes of the old song from the musical, South Pacific, in which a character sings about a child’s upbringing, “You have to be carefully taught, to hate and to fear….” In other words, there may not be anything inherently prejudiced in our young, so that must be taught by adults.

The stories told are about women’s right, too. President Andrew Johnson finally gave the right to vote to black men, but not women. Of course, the evil KKK was born out of this so even that small step forward was hampered. And, keep in mind, these repressions were done simply because a person’s skin was not white in color. “What fools these mortals be.” 

John Robertson and Ron Munsey in "In White America."
Photo courtesy of Christopher Paradee

About the Production

The acting in this production, as the lighting, is uneven, but the theme of this story is not in the enacting of it, but in the words. And, in that, it is a powerhouse! This play might be best delivered in a Readers Theater format, or possibly in a Church setting, where you would get a type of audience participation, as the opening night crowd seemed to want to interact with the stories being presented.

One audience member asked me after the play, that he sensed he should be feeling guilt as a white person and asked if that made sense. There is no easy answer. Guilt can be a personal and/or a collective journey. What is important is to make changes in your own lives to reflect a better outcome. Maybe then our children will not grow up being taught hatred or anger, but learn tolerance and understanding. Communication is the key which will unlock the door to a better tomorrow. An important document reads, “All men (humans) are created equal….” Any questions?!

This story is important to be heard and digested. If you choose to see it, tell them Dennis sent you. 

This production was written by Martin B. Duberman and directed by Bridgett Fahnbullah. The theater is located at 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash. This show plays through the month February as follows: February 16, 17, 22, 23, 24; 2 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. – Fridays and Saturdays. Special: 2 p.m. Sunday, February 17 is “Pay What You Will” (tickets available at the door only). 

Tickets: $15 – also available at the door 30 minutes before the performance. Reservations recommended, leave info at 360-834-3588. Reservations recommended. For further information, contact them at www.serendipityplayers.org or call 360-834-3588.

WARNING: These are raw issues and told in truth from actual events and documents. The 'n' word is used.

Review by Dennis Sparks, Guest Reviewer
www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com

Play "In White America" Draws Media Attention

How did Serendipity Playhouse manage to get The Columbian out to cover local theater? Scott Hewitt doesn't cover the arts!  Honey, they done sent out a photographer an' averathang!

So what gives?

It's all about spin, my friends. You put the right spin on things; push the right buttons at the right time and you get some column inches, baby. (Hewett does cover social issues.)

This is bigger than mere entertainment! 

You see, February is Black History Month and this Drama Desk Award-winning play is about black history in America.

The play covers slavery, the Civil Rights movement, the Civil War, the abolitionist movements, the era of Reconstruction, and early twentieth century racism and segregation. The performance is also slated to include storytelling by the following members of the local community: Belva Jean Griffin, Huarleen Bane, Kenneth Smith, Charles L. Simmons, Deena Pierott, Dolly England, and Reverend Marva J. Edwards.

John Robertson and Ron Munsey -
Photo courtesy of Christopher Paradee

AND the play, of course, features people of color which is something you just don't see much of in Vancouver's homogeneous artsy crowd. But Serendipity wants to change that; they wish to embrace people of all creeds and colors, the young and the old, the disabled and of all sexual persuasions.

And that, my friends, is newsworthy. (Of course, I happen to believe the Arts are culturally relevant and newsworthy at all times.) None-the-less, kudos to Serendipity!

See The Columbian's story here.

"In White America" opens at the Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash. 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 15 and plays through the 24th . Showtimes are 2 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays; February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Special showing 2 p.m. Sunday, February 17 is “Pay What You Will.” A “Meet the Players” Q&A event will take place after the February 24 matinee.
Tickets, $15, available at the door only, but reservations are recommended; leave info at 360-834-3588.

See our review by Dennis Sparks at noon, Saturday, February 16.

By Gregory E. Zschomler

Serendipity Celebrates Black History Month with Drama Desk Award-Winner "In White America"

"This is powerful theater for the simple reason that it taps into a powerful and moving history."                  ~chicagoreader.com

Serendipity Players is proud to bring a special production of “In White America” by Martin Duberman to their stage in celebration of Black History Month. 

The play is divided into two periods – the century prior to the American Civil War and the century that followed the war’s end. In epic style, it depicts the struggles of pre-Civil War abolitionist movements, the era of Reconstruction, early twentieth century racism and segregation, and the Civil Rights movement. 

Drawn from historical records by a professor at Princeton, this absorbing history of Blacks in America won the Off Broadway Drama Desk Award. From a letter revealing the heart and soul of a runaway slave to portraits of Sojourner Truth and Father Divine, each scene has enduring emotional power. 

Tickets: $15 – also available at the door 30 minutes before the performance. Reservations recommended. Leave information at 360.834.3588. For more information see Serendipity's website.

Dates: February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

Times: 2 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; the 2 p.m., the theater is small and reservations recommended. The Sunday, February 24 show is “Pay What You Will” and tickets will only be available at the door. A “Meet the Players” Q&A event will take place after the February 24 matinee.

The performance is slated to include storytelling by members of Clark County’s founding African American families. Do you know any Black actors or people with roots in this community who might want to develop a story to tell at the end of this show? 

Oops, Audition date is in the past, BUT...

Serendipity Playhouse says: "We DO still need an African American male actor for one of the key parts for 'In White America'."

Know anyone who would like to audition? Please spread he word.

Interested parties should contact the director, Bridgette Fahnbulleh directly at (360) 993-9556 or bfahnbulleh@vhausa.com or through her Assistant Director, Maima Fahnbulleh at maima_acting@hotmail.com and (360) 694-7936.

Christmas Belles" Opens November 30 at Vancouver's Serendipity Playhouse

Vancouver, Wash. Serendipity Players is proud to present their final production of the 2012 season, “Christmas Belles” by Hope, Jones, and Wooten from November 30 through December 23rd at Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington Street, Vancouver.

Plot:

A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.

“I’ve been wanting to do this play for a couple of years,” Tony Broom, artistic director, said. “It’s funny and it has some sweet moments. It’s a good show for this time of year. I’m also happy to have turned the directing reins over to Alicia Marie Turvin. We’re lucky to have her.”

Performances: 

Opening night is November 30 at 8 p.m. The production run includes performances at 8 p.m. on December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, with Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. on December 2, 9, 16, and 23. Thursday, December 6 at 8 p.m. is a "Pay What You Will" performance. All performances take place at The Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St, Vancouver WA

Tickets: 

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

About the Play and Cast:

“Christmas Belles” is a contemporary comedy in two acts. “Christmas Belles” features Cindy Swager, Joni Moore, Stephanie Carlson, Patrick Roth, Debra Hudkins, Brian Reed, Courtney Maxwell-Shey, Lyn Mullen, Adam Kunze, David Hudkins, and Rebecca Rowland Hines. Directed by Alicia Marie Turvin.

Serendipity Players is a non-equity, semi-professional theater company.

See our review here December 1.

CHRISTMAS BELLES Coming to Serendipity Playhouse

Serendipity Playhouse Wants You to See This

Please take a moment to read this open letter from Serendipity Players and view the link below. 

Dear Friends of Serendipity Players,

We are writing to ask for your help in this time of Thanksgiving.

Whenever you’re facing unforeseen stumbling blocks, the first thing to do is to gather all the information you can about the trouble. Here’s what has surprised our playhouse: in qualifying for a grant to complete the final cosmetic restoration on the exterior of our historical downtown space, a building inspection determined we must fine-tune some of the modifications we had already made to the interior of our theater.

To comply with these requests – regardless of continued eligibility for the grant – we must tweak changes to stage lighting, re-configure some of the seating, and meet other code alterations that seem minor, but are necessary to do.

Resilience will get us through this, but we’re going to need help. We are wondering if you would pledge or donate any small amount you feel is appropriate to help the theater meet the improvement deadlines and continue with our important mission. This money will translate into ensuring that barrier-free theater in the arts and culture of our town becomes part of the fabric to a vibrant and flourishing Vancouver.

You may submit your donation via several avenues. 1) Send a check to Serendipity Players 500 Washington ST, Vancouver, WA 98660

2) Donate using PayPal here, or 3) Join our IndieGoGo fundraising campaign and receive fun perks at: www.indiegogo.com/serendipityplayhouse 

If you want to help in other ways besides financially, the are opportunities galore! Your construction or drafting skills are welcome. And we need people to spread the word. If you are on any social media sites, your sharing of this campaign would help us tremendously.

We are deeply appreciative for your past participation and support in helping launch our unique addition to quality performing arts in the region. Putting this unexpected hurdle behind us will mark an important turning point for the continued excellence that is Serendipity Players.

Here’s to a strong and exciting future for theater,

Sandra Geary
President

Tony Broom
Artistic Director

And the Board of Trustees of Serendipity Players: Cecelia Harper, David Crain, and Bob Pitman


http://serendipityplayers.org/

AUDITIONS: Historic play "In White America" about U.S. Black Struggles

Mixed race cast needed for upcoming Serendipity production.

"In White America" is divided by intermission into two acts. The first act deals with the century prior to the American Civil War. The second act covers the century that followed the war’s end.

In epic style, it depicts the struggles of pre-Civil War abolitionist movements, the era of Reconstruction, early twentieth century racism and segregation, and the Civil Rights movement. There will be additional local stories about Vancouver's African American community beginnings; Serendipity will be adding a local history piece about the Vancouver's African American community.

Please note that one of the auditions is at the Vancouver Housing Authority. The company is getting started early with auditions as they are anticipating some challenges recruiting Black actors in Vancouver, but with your help they hope to spread the word quickly!

NEEDED: 2 African American men and 1 African American woman, 2 Caucasian men and 1 Caucasian woman. 

There is a possibility for a second troupe to tour local schools with this historic play. Please don't be concerned about this if you are unavailable during school hours; they still want you to audition! Please forward this information to anyone you think would be interested.

Auditions will be held: Friday, November 9, 6-8 p.m. at the Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash.; Saturday, November 10, 11-1 p.m. at the Vancouver Housing Authority, 2500 Main St., Vancouver, Wash.; and Sunday, November 11, 1-3 p.m. again at  Serendipity Playhouse.

ALL ARE WELCOME, NO PREPARATION NECESSARY! JUST COME AND READ FROM THE SCRIPT!

Bridgette Fahnbulleh

Bridgette Fahnbulleh will direct this two-act play. Bridgette has over 25 years of experience directing plays that feature diverse cast and plays with inspiring and historical messages.

CONTACT: aapn29@yahoo.com or maima_acting@hotmail.com for more information.