[Squishy] NCTC August E-News

Thu Aug 5 00:33:25 PDT 2004

The New Conservatory Theatre Center
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NCTC E-News
August 2004

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World Premiere Comedy "Breakfast with Scot" Kicks Off Pride Season Ten

What happens when two perfectly content gay men become the unsuspecting parents of a fabulously flamboyant 12-year old boy who loves wearing make-up and Pink Gardenia lotion?  Find out in the New Conservatory Theatre Center's world premiere production of Michael Downing's heartwarming new comedy, Breakfast with Scot, based on his acclaimed novel of the same name.  Previews begin Friday, August 6th, at 8 PM.

Commissioned by NCTC, in association with Theater Communications Group and Pew Charitable Trusts, Breakfast with Scot explores what it means to be a family, and what author Michael Downing calls "the most important project of adult life-the project of community".  Scot unexpectedly enters the complacent lives of Sam and Ed, and much to their surprise, challenges their very idea of what is acceptable and normal.  Downing describes Scot as "a genuine, worthwhile interruption in the lives of people who weren't seeking interruption.I wanted a character who invoked the intolerance of reasonable adults."

In the long road that led to this month's premiere, Downing had the opportunity to develop his play with NCTC Playwright-In-Resident, Terrence McNally.  In Downing's own words, "You bring Terrence McNally into the room, and you kind of raise the temperature."  Under the watchful eye of NCTC Founding Artistic Director, Ed Decker, Breakfast with Scot has evolved into a thoughtful comedy about gender, sexuality and what it means to be a family.  

You can learn more about Michael Downing this Sunday, August 8th, at a special discussion with the author, the cast of Breakfast with Scot, and director Ed Decker, immediately following the 2 PM preview performance of the show.  And don't miss NCTC family day at Breakfast with Scot on Sunday, September 12th, which includes the matinee performance followed by a reception with the cast.  Parents and children alike are encouraged to attend!

Breakfast with Scot, by Michael Downing (based on his novel),
directed by Ed Decker, with Javier Galito-Cava, Scott Cox, Elias Escobedo, Stephanie Temple, and introducing NCTC Youth Theatre Conservatory student Sam Garber as Scot.
August 14 - September 12, 2004
Wednesdays - Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM
Previews, August 6 - August 13, 2004
Tickets: All Previews & Wed. $20; Thurs. & Sun. $26; Fri. $28; Sat. $32

Get Your Tickets Now!
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Catch a Rising Star: Spencer Day Returns to the San Francisco Stage

After spending the better part of his summer on tour, celebrated cabaret artist Spencer Day returns to San Francisco for three weeks only in An Evening with Spencer Day, playing at the New Conservatory Theatre Center beginning Friday, August 13th as part of our In Concert 2004 series.  This dazzling new show features Spencer's delightful take on some classic American standards alongside several of his memorable original works.

A vibrant blend of old and new, Spencer's unique style delivers jazz for a new generation, with a delightful pop-rock sensibility.   Spencer says it best:  "I like embracing a fusion of different sounds and styles.sharing classics with young audiences and new music with older listeners."  And that is why at just 26 years old he has already recorded a critically acclaimed CD, Introducing Spencer Day, and has performed at some the Country's most renowned music venues.  

Spencer's eclectic musical mix reflects the diversity of the many musicians who have inspired him to go into music.  "I don't think in genre.  I just like honest performers.  I really love Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Fiona Apple, Judy Garland, Jeff Buckley, and Chet Baker."  And his hard work and love for what he does has also caught the eye of a number of show business icons he has encountered along the way, including Carol Channing, the late Ann Miller, Blossom Dearie and Debbie Reynolds, who was so taken with Spencer that she let him use her rehearsal space when he was first starting out.

You can see Spencer Day live at NCTC from Friday, August 13th through Sunday, August 29th, in Evening with Spencer Day, the final presentation of our In Concert 2004 summer series.

An Evening with Spencer Day
August 13 - August 29, 2004
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 3:00 PM
Tickets: Fridays & Saturdays $25; Sundays $20; August 13 Preview $15

Visit Spencer's Website
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News Seats, New Season:  The Decker Theatre Is Transformed

After months of careful planning, construction has officially begun on the renovation of the Decker Theatre here at NCTC.  In less than a week's time, the old seats were pulled, the carpet removed and the risers reinforced-all in preparation for the arrival of your comfortable, new seats, which make their professional debut on Friday, September 10th, at the first preview of Pageant. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our beloved patrons, with a special thanks going out to James L. Coran and Walter A. Nelson-Rees, for their tremendous matching grant. 

This exciting work-in-progress is scheduled to be completed in early September, just in time for the opening of the second show in our Pride Season Ten, Pageant, the hilarious musical send-up of beauty contests and the clamor to be crowned Queen, with book and lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelley, and music by Albert Evans.  Join six beautiful women, played by six talented men, as they compete for the title of "Miss Glamoresse".  Directed and choreographed by the incomparable Dyan McBride, with musical direction by Michael O'Dell, this clever farce is never the same show twice, as three audience judges choose a different winner at each performance-and five unlucky losers.  Single tickets for Pageant are on sale now for just $20-$40.  For more information on this wacky comedy, visit our website, or look for next month's E-News.    

Be one of the first to grace the plush new seats of NCTC's fabulously restored Decker Theatre.  Or better yet, celebrate this momentous occasion by having your name engraved on a commemorative brass plate on the back on one of our new seats.  You can sponsor a seat with any donation of $500 or more.

Sponsor a New Seat!
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At a Glance, with Lance Lookout

When the New Conservatory Theatre Center was presented with a $10,000 check from the Allstate Foundation at a workshop performance of our newest project, OutSpoken, the Teen Summerstock students (who wrote the piece along with award-winning writer/director Norman Allen) let out a collective gasp.  Lest you think the check is going towards their collective iPod funds, it is actually earmarked for NCTC's YouthAware Educational Theatre programs.  We are honored to continue our partnership with the Allstate Foundation.  A special thanks to Allstate Market Business Consultant, Kathy Clark, for bringing the big check.  And who was that budding actress who tried to walk off with it?   Word to the wise, Lance was watching.

In other funding news, NCTC recently received $10,000 from the Sprint Foundation and a $50,000 grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.  This is our 1st grant from the Hewlett Foundation.  At a recent event about town, a source from the foundation suggested to me that this just might be the start of a beautiful friendship. 

Even though subscriptions for Pride Season Ten are rolling in at a record pace, we're going to make an offer you can't refuse: $25 off all new subscriptions purchased before August 31st.  That oughta keep Patron Services & House Manager extraordinaire, Rob Foster, on his toes,.  And yes, good seats are still available, but we'll make no promises about the handsome devil seated on your left...

Here's a challenge for you:  Which royal diva was accompanied by NCTC's own Billy Philadelphia (performing through August 8th with his lovely wife, Meg Mackay (of course), in the fabulous So in Love: the Songs of Cole Porter) on her last swing through town?  Watch out for the answer, and an exciting announcement, in next month's E-News!  

Speaking of Meg & Billy.The Chronicle has dubbed Meg and Billy the "First Couple of San Francisco Cabaret."   You can find out why when you see them in action for just one more week at NCTC.  That's right, the popular So In Love MUST close on Sunday, August 8th, as Billy Philadelphia is readying to jet down to Miami, FLA, to star in Hoagie: the Hoagie Carmichael Musical at the legendary Coconut Grove, coming this fall.  And don't feel bad for Meg, either, 'cause she's busy, too-getting her pipes ready to appear in 42nd Street Moon's production of Hooray for What!  Lance is so proud of our dear Meg & Billy.

And keep an eye out for Youth Conservatory Director, frequent NCTC actor, and famed San Francisco newlywed, Andrew Nance's return to NCTC in the Fall.  Andrew has been on sabbatical in Italy for the Summer studying directing with the famed La MaMa Theatre Company.  Ah yes, he might be performing Hamlet among the olive groves of Umbria now, but don't forget that Andrew started his career with us some nine years ago as our Box Office Associate.  Registration for year-long Youth Conservatory classes for youth ages six to seventeen begins in September.  And you knew him when.

And finally, you heard it here first, boys and girls: we are proud to announce MAC as the Official Cosmetic Company of the New Conservatory Theatre Center.  Those fabulous kids at MAC are keeping us in false eyelashes and rouge throughout the run of our upcoming musical extravaganza, Pageant.  It ain't easy keeping us beautiful, so go out and buy a lipstick from 'em!

Until next time, stick a fork in me, I'm done.over and out.Lance Lookout.

Get your special subscription discount today.
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Behind the Scenes:  Scott Cox, Volunteer Program Director

Before I get to introducing myself, I want to share a piece of our mission:

The New Conservatory Theatre Center produces theatre that gives voice to, entertains, and promotes exploration and open dialogue among underserved audiences and developing playwrights in order to celebrate diversity and foster community.

I love this statement because it so succinctly states my very reason for working with this company in the first place:  celebrating diversity and fostering community.  The first time I stepped into this theatre was to watch Tim Miller performing Shirts and Skins. I was enthralled to be in my newly adopted city watching one of the famous NEA Four, all of whom had so clearly captured my attention during college.  After the performance, I looked around the lobby of three NCTC theatres merging and was intrigued by the diversity of the audiences.  I realized that young and elderly, straight and gay, male and female alike were all here to enjoy theatre and at that moment, I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization.  A few short months later, I'd auditioned, received my first role and entered into a passionate dedication to the New Conservatory Theatre Center.  Fast forward five years, 11 Pride Season productions, 2 YouthAware plays, and suddenly I find myself Volunteer Programs Director.  

For years I've been developing a separate career path-managing retail stores and most recently working for one of the largest volunteer organizations in the Country, The American Red Cross.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be able to meld these two disparate worlds into one fulfilling career.  Well, here I am.
 Now here's where you come in!  NCTC is quickly growing into a leader in the Bay Area theatre community with the innovative programming we provide, but the staff can't do it all alone.  From ushers to technicians, we would love you to join our volunteer family.  Even if you don't have any experience, we'll be happy to train you.  

To volunteer or intern with us, just give me a call at 415-861-4914 x101 or email me at scott at nctcsf.org.

Learn More About Volunteering
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August Calendar

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Buy Tickets Online

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Last Chance to See "So In Love"

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Subscribe by 9/1/04 & Get an Extra $25 Off!

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Coming Soon

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For more information on any of the articles in this months E-News, you can contact NCTC at (415) 861-4914, or visit our website: www.nctcsf.org

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