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There's No Place Like Home for Innovation Theatre Works

It has been two years since Chris Rennolds and Brad Hills, two lifelong theatre veterans, had this crazy idea for a professional theatre in Bend. The pair, with more than 60 years of professional experience between them, was excited about what a year round professional theatre, like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, could do for Central Oregon. So, in February 2008, they took the leap and gave birth to Innovation Theatre Works, not knowing the labor would be more difficult than they ever imagined.

“It would have been helpful if Wall Street had given us the heads up.,” said Rennolds, “Starting a nonprofit arts organization in this economy has been, well, challenging, to say the least.” “We knew it would be hard,” continued Hills,” but both of us have started theatres before and we were confident we could do it. But, well, timing is everything!” Not that they let any of the challenges dissuade them.

“I don’t know how they have kept going,” said Lawnae Hunter, the board vice president and one of ITW’s very first supporters, “They are so creative and have such a clear vision for what they want to do. They are the real deal! I know how hard things are for everyone right now. I’m in the real estate business (Hunter Properties), but don’t tell Chris and Brad it can’t be done!” “We love Central Oregon and believe that our citizens deserve their own regional professional theatre as much as Seattle or Portland or San Francisco. So many people have relocated here for the quality of life in Bend and we think they should be able to get the beautiful outdoors and great theatre here in their own backyard,” added Rennolds.

Two years have brought accomplishments—productions of Driving Miss Daisy and My Way, both performed at the Tower, were very successful, as were concerts by Broadway star Cindy Benson. And the enthusiastic response from the community has been gratifying. But it was evident that ITW could not grow without a place to call home. “Though we loved working at the Tower, they just don’t have the time for us more than once or twice a year. We need at least a month or six weeks to cast, rehearse and perform a play at this level. Equity actors rehearse seven hours a day , six days a week for 2 1/2 weeks. Then the technical elements need to be added, which takes about a week,” Hills said.

So, the search for a home began in earnest in October 2008. Broker John McGregor of Fratzke Commercial, a “true believer” searched tirelessly for more than a year. “We have looked at warehouse spaces, retail spaces, and churches…even an old mill building, said Rennolds.” But all of these spaces would have required a complete overhaul and that just wasn’t in the budget. Just before Christmas, McGregor found this available space and approached the Nase family, longtime Bend property owners, with the idea of putting it to good use.

They were excited by the idea and worked out a rental structure the group could manage. The former church has so many of the elements needed for the theatre: a 2400 square foot sanctuary space with 28 foot ceilings, movable seating, ADA compliant access and restrooms and a sprinkler system and emergency exits to accommodate a crowd. The convenient location and ample parking made it too good to resist.

“Though this home for ITW is what we dreamed of,” said Hills, “we knew we couldn’t use it 24/7, and thought the right thing to do was to open it up to the community and the Bend Performing Arts Center (BendPAC) was born. In addition to ITW’s professional productions, readings, classes and educational programs we hope to keep the building humming with all kinds of opportunities for local artists. We see music, visual arts, dance, poetry, comedy, storytelling, a performing arts library—anything you can imagine—to have a place to flourish. So, BendPAC will be open to all kinds of organizations with ideas of what they might like to do in the space.”

With the shell ready to go the task now becomes transforming it into a functional theatre. The group hopes to get grants to supplement the individual donors who are contributing to the lighting and sound systems needed. In addition to financial support, the group is reaching out to community business owners to donate their services in-kind. “Local businesses have supported us from the beginning,” said Rennolds. “And we are so grateful to have these wonderful partners: Denfeld Paint, Cascade Publications Inc., Miller Lumber, tbd advertising, Jamison Self Storage, Bend Tel, Mailboxes Etc. on Third, PC Friendly Computer Services, Combined Communications and Taffy Gleason at Bend’s Community Center.

So now, we are reaching out to other businesses for the things we need for this transformation. “Our most urgent need is heating and cooling for the theatre space. Right now it only contains industrial warehouse heaters that create quite a racket when they are on and no AC at all. And the existing heaters are very inefficient making the monthly utility bills out of reach. So, any of the heating and air conditioning companies who want to contribute to the community by using their particular expertise, call us! A nice, efficient, environmentally friendly system would be great. And it’s tax deductible.”

Beyond that, ITW is in great need of a number of things necessary to turn the building and the business into a thriving enterprise.ITW will be publishing a complete list of needs on their website (www.innovationtw.org) and through their e-newsletter and encourage anyone who can to help to get in touch.

Culver Celebrates by Performing
Is There A Doctor in the House?

The City of Culver is celebrating “100 Years of Culver” by holding a special event each month. On March 26th and 27th, local performers will present the hilarious comedy Is There a Doctor in the House? by Tim Kelly. Is There a Doctor in the House? is a comedy farce set in 1910 in Grease Gulch, Nevada. Mayor Canary is plotting to marry his 17-year-old daughter to the oldest, richest man in town who happens to be in bad health; only she has her eyes on a poor cowboy by the name of Lester Goodbe. Suddenly at the wedding, poor Lucy Canary loses her voice just as she is to say, “I do.”

With a team of wild and wacky doctors right out of the Three Stooges, they do all they can to help Lucy regain her voice. Meanwhile, a lazy cowpoke is thrust into the hilarious role of becoming the World’s Greatest Doctor. Director Garreth Davis has extensive experience performing in various productions in both Oregon and Washington with two years aboard the Portland Spirit.

The cast and crew are very dedicated local volunteers who are committed to continuing the volunteer spirit that is evident in Culver’s history. The play is the third centennial event to take place in Culver with additional events scheduled for each month. April is history month; there will be a “Road Rally” on June 19; a Sunrise Parade on the Fourth of July and an “Old Time Fair” scheduled for August 14 and 15. Additional events include a Fiesta in September, an agricultural event in October and a quilt show with a tribute to Veterans in November.

There will be two performances of this laugh out loud, family friendly production. The multi-aged cast of local performers would like to invite you to join us in celebrating “100 Years of Culver” on March 26 and 27 at 7pm in the Culver High School Multipurpose Room. There is no charge to attend and there will be pie and ice cream available. Culver City Hall at 541-546-6494.

Sisters Screening of the International Documentary Challenge

The International Documentary Challenge along with The Sisters Movie House and the Sisters Chamber of Commerce will host a screening in Sisters for Central Oregon participants. This year’s challenge takes place March 4-8 with registration opening on January 8. Sisters screening date is April 22. The Doc Challenge is a timed filmmaking competition where filmmakers have five days to make a short non-fiction film (4-7 minutes.) All of the registered participants make their films during the same time period (March 4-8) and are required to ship the movie by the deadline.

In addition to being restricted on time, the filmmakers must choose between two assigned documentary genres (such as character study, music, first person) and are assigned a specific theme that will influence the content and direction of their film. The top twelve films (determined by a panel of judges) premiere at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival in Toronto, where the winners are announced. Three major awards (with cash prizes) will be presented: The American Documentary/P.O.V. Award, The Documentary Educational Resources (DER) Award Tickets for the screening will be $10 and will be available at the Sisters Movie House after April 1.

Check out www.docchallenge.org, where you can learn more about the event, view films and hear directly from past participants about their exhilarating experiences. 541-549-0251, www.sistersmoviehouse.com IMPORTANT DATES: Final Registration Deadline: March 3 DocChallenge: March 4-8

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Opens at CTC

Cascades Theatrical Company presents One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman, adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey. The show runs for three weeks from February 12-28. The show is directed by Jill Stinson-Littlejohn, assisted by Jane Williamson. The cast includes: Hilda Beltran-Wagner, Jim Bull, Will Futterman, Jermaine Golden, Keely Hansen, Todd Hanson, Rob Jacobs, Justin Matthew Mason, Gary Matlick, Kurin Matter, Liam Mykael O’Sruitheain, David Roepke, Dave Sheldon, Evan Smith, Don Tompos and Rachel Van Meter.

Opening night for this show will include complimentary appetizers prior to the show as well as the usual post-show dessert & champagne reception. A charming rogue contrives to serve a short sentence in an airy mental institution rather than in a prison. This, he learns, was a mistake. He clashes with the head nurse, an uncompromising disciplinarian. He takes over the yard, accomplishes what the medical profession has been unable to do for twelve years, leads others out of introversion, stages a revolt so that they can see the world series on television, and arranges a rollicking midnight party with liquor and chippies. For one offense, the head nurse has him submitted to shock treatment. For the second, the correction is more extreme.

Local Playwright's Production Coming to 2nd Street Theater

2nd Street Theater will host a production of a new play written by local playwright Cricket Daniel this April. Couple Dating is being produced by Daniel and her husband. Daniel is a local stay-at-home mom who originally set out to become a television sitcom writer, but instead found success writing plays. “She’s very funny and talented. She’s found her niche,” said Maralyn Thoma of 2nd Street Theater, which has transitioned from producing plays to renting out its facility for shows.

Daniel got the idea for Couple Dating after seeing a Today Show segment about a husband and wife who went out on “dates” with other couples in an effort to find people they had something in common with and make new friends. Daniel decided to turn the idea into a comedy play, and it has already been produced once at a theatre in Klamath Falls to rave reviews. “It was a huge hit down there,” Thoma said. “I thought it was adorable.” Originally 2nd Street Theater had to turn down Daniel’s play because its schedule was packed, but now is able to host the play, which will be directed by Susan Benson. “Susan Benson is a wonderful director,” Thoma said.

Couple Dating tells the story of a young wife and mother who has grown tired of spending time watching sports with her husband’s drinking buddies. She arranges dinner dates for herself and her husband with three other couples in the hopes that they will hit it off and become friends. “There are definite surprises in the couples,” Thoma said. The play is for mature audiences only.

Tower Theatre Foundation Meets the Challenge

The board of directors of the Tower Theatre Foundation announced it successfully surpassed its goal to raise $150,000 in response to a $50,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor.  The total raised, including the $50,000 challenge, was $210,000. To earn the $50,000 the Foundation matched it 3 for 1 with gifts from current and new donors.

The Tower Theatre Foundation’s Challenge Campaign Steering Committee, led by co-chairs Win Francis and Steve Magidson, launched the special campaign in late October. Contributions, from pocket change to multi-year pledges, came from more than 350 donors, and as far away as Chicago. Lead gifts of $10,000 or more included the Tower’s board of directors, the Greystone Foundation, the Bend Foundation, Tykeson Family Charitable Trust and Deschutes Brewery.

Campaign steering committee members included Francis, Magidson, Clella Thomas, Patsy Melville and Matthew Bowler, with Eli Ashley as Chair and Bruce Hinchliffe as campaign advisor. Ray Solley, executive director of the Foundation, staffed the committee. Co-chair Francis said, “The recession caused significant reductions in the operating budget of the theatre and necessitated using most of the Foundation’s operating reserve to maintain essential theatre functions and programming. Among the needs these new funds will meet are urgent theatre maintenance, replenishing operating reserves, and enabling the Foundation to continue offering incentives to nonprofits for theatre rental.”

“The campaign’s success ensures the Tower can continue to provide a first-class venue at reduced rental rates to local nonprofits for their own educational or fundraising events,” said co-chair Magidson. “Nearly 50 nonprofits use the Tower every year, ranging from Red Cross to Ronald McDonald House; from Big Brothers, Big Sisters to Boys and Girls Clubs. Each year since re-opening in 2004, 80% of all events at the Tower have been presented by Central Oregon nonprofits,” he added.

Ashley, also chair of the Foundation’s Development Committee, pointed out, “This special campaign was critical to maintaining a strong and financially viable performing arts center that provides so many important functions in the community and serves so many citizens. This funding allows us to now focus on the other core areas of finances through our membership and sponsorship campaigns this spring.  We owe the entire Central Oregon community a big thanks.”

The Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic venue in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to provide performing arts, civic, educational and social events that enliven and enrich the lives of all Central Oregonians. www.towertheatre.org

Murder on the Menu to Benefit NeighborImpact

There is Murder on the Menu the evening of February 11 at 6 pm at The Design Center of Redmond. The Celebrated Chef Geoff is preparing to launch another hit TV show, Celebrity Chef. The public is invited to join a cast of crazy chefs for the final round of competition. Presented by The Pampered Chef, The Design Center and Buckboard Murder Mysteries, Murder on the Menu is an interactive murder mystery with proceeds going to benefit the NeighborImpact Food Bank.

If you purchase your ticket in advance the cost is $25 for the first ticket and as an added incentive to buy early, the second ticket is $12.50 or $30 at the door. The Judges (aka the public) can enjoy an extravaganza of food provided by Chef James Laszlo Hanzely and no-host wine and beer provided by WineStyles of Redmond. Everyone who attends is asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the NeighborImpact Food Bank. The Design Center is located at 2127 South Highway 97, Suite 110, Redmond. For more information or to purchase a ticket please contact Angie Standley, The Pampered Chef at 541-633-0297, Buckboard Productions at 541-598-4440 or The Design Center at 541-548-6900.

Harvey at 2nd Street

Just in time for the holidays, 2nd Street Theater presents Harvey by Mary Chase.  Brian Johnson directs this well-loved American classic featuring Jim Lee as Elwood P. Dowd with Susan Benson, Savannah Gardner, Shara Lerman, Annette Mastroleo, Ed Mierjeski, Michael Naylor, Connie Norman, Timothy Pflum and Ed Victor rounding out the cast. 

When Elwood P. Dowd starts to introduce his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit, to guests at a society party, his sister, Veta, decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her daughter and their family from future embarrassment. When Veta is mistakenly assumed to be on the verge of lunacy, the doctors commit Veta instead of Elwood.  When the truth comes out, the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion. Bring the entire family for this wholesome tale about love, family and the power of faith. 

Bend Theatre for Young People Christmas Play

Bend Theatre for Young People (BTYP), in partnership with Bend Area Habitat for Humanity, will be presenting a Children’s Holiday Musical entitled Makin’ Room created by Dennis and Nan Allen. The subject of this musical is a very timely one for the present economy. With so many losing their houses, it is important for us to be given a chance to walk in someone else’s shoes as the lyrics in one of the songs in the musical addresses. Habitat for Humanity’s program is based on the premise that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.

The children in this musical perform as advocates in Habitat for Humanity’s efforts. Fourteen children, ages ranging from 8 to 12, sing and dance their hearts out as they discover that while filming a video for a fund raiser, they lose track of the true reasons for their actions, and then are brought back to reality when one of their cast members, loses their apartment and is left homeless. Director Thiel Larson is a veteran music teacher. Over the years, Larson has produced scores of plays for various elementary schools and churches throughout Central Oregon. All proceeds will be donated to Bend Area Habitat for Humanity.

Christmas Belles at CTC

Cascades Theatrical Company presents the holiday comedy Christmas Belles” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten December 4-20. The show is directed by Dee Torrey. The cast includes: Michael Coffman, Kymberli Colbourne, Maddie Dunkelberg, Will Futterman, Jermaine Golden, Justin Matthew Mason, Jolie Miller, Gwen Regina, Janis Sharpe, Audrey Colton Smith, and Monica Torrey. The opening night performance is followed by a complimentary dessert and champagne reception. Y’all come down to the Greenwood Playhouse!

A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. In the small town of Fayro, Texas, the Futrelle Sisters—Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye—are not exactly in a festive mood, when Frankie lets slip a family secret that has been carefully guarded for decades. All hope for a successful Christmas program seems lost, but the sisters manage to present a show Fayro and the audience will never forget.

2nd Street to Open Evil Dead,
the Musical

Based on Sam Raimi’s ‘80’s cult classic films, Evil Dead, the musical (books and lyrics by by George Reinblatt and music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris, George Reinblatt, additional Lyrics by Christopher Bond/additional Music by Rob Daleman) tells the tale of five college kids who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. Although it may sound like a horror, its not! The songs are hilariously campy and the show is bursting with more farce than a Monty Python skit. Evil Dead, The Musical unearths the old familiar story: boy and friends take a weekend getaway at abandoned cabin, boy expects to get lucky, boy unleashes ancient evil spirit, friends turn into Candarian Demons, boy fights until dawn to survive. As musical mayhem descends upon this sleepover in the woods, camp takes on a whole new meaning with uproarious numbers like All the Men in my Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons Look Who’s Evil Now and “Do the Necronomicon. Contains Adult language and graphic scenes, not suitable for children. 

Mafioso Murders to Benefit the Center Foundation

The Center Foundation Board of Directors have set its annual themed costume party for October 24 at the 7th Mountain Resort beginning at 6pm. This important event is the major fundraiser for The Center Foundation which provides sports medicine and ImPACT Concussion Services to area high school athletes, brain and spinal cord injury prevention curricula and free helmets to 1-3rd grade students and a significant scholarship program for outstanding high school students. Titled Toast to Mystery….murder in little Italy, this year’s event will feature Buckboard Productions and a murder mystery dinner theater set in the 1920s and prohibition is still in effect. The ruling mob family, the Calzones, is run by its aging leader, the infamous Giuseppe Calzone, better known as the Godfather. The family deals in just about everything profitable including bootlegging, prostitution, gambling, fur, jewels and recently opened a pizza delivery racket. Although everyone respects the orders of the Godfather (they don’t have much choice), most of them wish he would pass the torch or be replaced by someone younger who would allow them to expand. Everyone has been invited to help celebrate the Godfather’s 75th birthday. The event has been organized by his simple minded and over protected daughter, Tootsie. There are sure to be lots of friends (and enemies) along with bodyguards and family. In fact, everyone wants to give the Godfather what he deserved, a big birthday bash that he will never forget. With such a perfect party planned for the Godfather, how could anything possibly go wrong? You’ll have to be one of the guests to find out. The interactive mystery play will be interwoven throughout the evening events that include a social hour, three course Italian dinner, and limited live auction. Information: The Center Foundation at 541/322-2399

Mousetrap Opens 31st Season at CTC

Cascades Theatrical Company presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap from October 23-November 8. The show is directed by Lana Shane, assisted by Jordan Parsons. The cast includes Gordon Asti, Giancarlo Caccamo, Julie Coburn, Jim Mortenson, Caleb Neet, Brandy Philip, Henry Steelhammer and Monica Torrey. The opening night performance is followed by a complimentary dessert and champagne reception. A group of strangers are stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm. One is a murderer, another, a victim. The suspects include the newlyweds who run the house, a spinster with a curious background, an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef, a retired Army major, a strange little man who claims his car has overturned in a snowdrift, and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. Into their midst comes a policeman. To get the rationale of the murderer’s pattern, the policeman probes the background of everyone present, and rattles a lot of skeletons.

CTC Launches Nightvisions Series with Tintar Isle

Cascades Theatrical Company launched its NightVisions Series late last month with Tintar Isle. This one-of-a-kind theatrical experience created such a buzz that it has been extended for two additional performances in October. Tintar Isle, a one-man, not-for-kids, all-original storytelling show, written and performed by Guy J. Jackson, is lucid, loopy, and life-affirming. His stories brim with charming characters, wicked humor, and great hopes for humanity. Jackson has returned to Bend fresh from three years of performing in Britain, where he was featured on BBC Radio One, had four consecutive shows on Resonance Radio, performed with the London Sinfonietta as part of the Orange/Myspace Unlit Tour, and was part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Camden Fringe Festival, the Hay Literary Festival, and the Latitude Festival. Prior to London, he lived in San Francisco, where he did a year-long stint as the host of The Purple Friday Show at the legendary Purple Onion.

BendFilm Opening Night/Film Oregon Alliance Presents Industry Showcase

Film Oregon Alliance (FOA) is teaming up with the 2009 BendFilm Festival to showcase the region’s filmmaking resources and infrastructure on the festival’s opening night. The FOA Industry Showcase is on Thursday, October 8, 6-8pm at the Tower Theatre in Bend. Following the Industry Showcase, BendFilm will kick off the film festival with the opening night film. Film Oregon Alliance: FOA is an all volunteer, non-profit trade and economic development organization based in Bend. Its mission is to promote the region’s vast resources to draw more film, television and media production to the region and to provide decision makers with the information and infrastructure they need to bring their productions here thus putting more people to work and growing the economy.

“FOA is exited to present this special event where all of the region’s top media production companies will be in action with a live production set at The Tower Theatre,” states Stan Roach, FOA president. “BendFilm is very enthusiastic about the 2009 film festival and the innovative, exciting opening night event planned by FOA. The atmosphere of opening night should be electric!” said Jim Bailey, president of BendFilm. “The event will be captured via live camera feeds and edited in post-production to produce a powerful marketing/promotional video that can be used by FOA, BendFilm, contributors and sponsors,” states Monterey Morrissey VP of FOA.

The action and excitement will be captured in front of The Tower by Fluid Images Technocrane. Rage Productions will have their RED Camera in operation with live feed cams, regional location videos and intimate interviews with filmmakers and VIP’s will help capture reactions and comments from both filmmakers and guests. “We’ll roll out the Red Carpet for attendees and frame the filmmaker’s arrival complete with paparazzi leading to this special event,” Roach continues. “It’s all about filmmaking and creating a great environment for the visiting film- makers and attendees, while promoting the region’s media resources from camera cranes to craft services. This is an opportunity to make a great impression.”

A partial list of sponsors for this event are: Governors Office of Film and Television, Fluid Images, Rage Productions, Blue Screen Video Productions, Leonardi Media Arts and Studio Seven Productions. Vince Porter, executive director for the Governors Office of Film and Television as well as Academy Award winning cinematographer, Thomas Del Ruth ASC, will also be on hand to welcome filmmakers and attendees. Information: FOA President, Stan Roach at 541/771-5440. Tickets: 541/388.3378 or www.bendfilm.org.

Camp Westward Ho! features Arts-at-the-Heart-History & Barn Theatre

Heritage Theatre Company, in partnership with Bend Metro Parks and Recreation, is offering a unique theatre camp in August at Hollinshead Barn. Campers will explore the ever-movin’ frontier through rotating activities in music, dance, acting, rehearsals, visual arts, crafts and living history experiences. The camp culminates in the favored performance medium of the 19th century, the variety show, as the campers move from coast to coast through an American song, drama and dance extravaganza.

The staff of artist/teachers is led by the company’s artistic director, Janet Kingsley. Heritage Theatre Company recently co-produced the musical “Quilters” with Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show as part of its 2009 season of theatre devoted to American history. The camp is for children entering 1st through 5th grades and is offered in two one-week sessions from Mon. through Fri. from 10am till 3pm. Session one: August 17-21; Session two: August 24 – 28. Register with Bend Metro Parks and Recreation: 389-7275. Information: Heritage Theatre Company: 541/306-6751 / 541/788-1220/ htc@bendbroadband.com/ heritagetheatrecompany.org

Steel Magnolias at 2nd Street

This award-winning comedy by Robert Harling is directed by Juliah Rae, assisted by Jenny MacKenzie and features the talented cast of Susan Benson as Clairee, Jenn Copsey as Shelby, Deborah Feffer as M’Lynn, Rickey Minder as Annelle, Lynn Talbot as Ouiser and Ellen Valway as Truvy.  Steel Magnolias follows the ladies of Chinquapin, Louisiana over the course of two and a half years. 

Set in Truvy’s beauty salon, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done.  Truvy is helped by her eager assistant and newcomer, Annelle.  The outspoken and wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s ladies; the rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

BendFilm Expands Its Series to Sisters

For the first time ever, Bend will present indie films not only in Bend, but in Sisters as well. In addition to screening over 80 films in three venues and five screens throughout Bend on October 8-11, BendFilm and the Sisters Movie House will be working together and present “BendFilm in Sisters” on October 9-11. The film lineup for BendFilm in Sisters will begin screening on Friday, October 9 with an encore presentation of the BendFilm opening night movie.

Saturday, October 10 will be a day of BendFilm movies specifically chosen with the Sisters crowd in mind. BendFilm in Sisters will conclude on Sunday, October 11 with a Best of the Best program consisting of films which were awarded prizes at the BendFilm Award Ceremony being held in Bend on Saturday, October 10. Community events and parties surrounding the Festival are in the works. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or sponsor of the BendFilm in Sisters, or if you have questions, contact Terri Mintz, director of operations of BendFilm 541/ 388-3378, info@bendfilm.org.

Film Oregon Alliance Logo/Image Contest Set

Film Oregon Alliance (FOA) needs a great new logo/image design to enhance the new feature rich www.filmoregon.org website and to improve all other aspects of marketing Central Oregon as a production ready destination. You or anyone you feel is qualified to design a new logo/image qualifies. Feel free to be creative and think of how you’d brand FOA.  Minimum design elements should include: Organization Name: Film Oregon Alliance Website URL: www.filmoregon.org File types: Hi-rez jpg and print quality file types.

Feel free to suggest a tag line or any other branding elements. Mission Statement for your reference:FOA’s purpose is to support and serve the Oregon film, broadcast and media production communities and facilitate more work in the Central Oregon region. FOA strives to promote the region’s filmmaking and support services as well as develop Central Oregon as a destination to serve the greater industry.

The FOA mantra is Unite, Promote, Educate, Grow. Unite. Facilitate lasting alliances with individuals and organizations and bring the industry’s talent and resources together as an organized and accessible infrastructure. Promote. Market the region’s talent and resources on a national basis through web-based marketing and virtual showcasing to all those who make decisions on where to locate a production. Educate. Inspire educational outreach opportunities including lectures, seminars and hands-on workshops presented by working professionals and industry experts. Grow. Develop a stronger industry infrastructure, attract investment from outside the region, create more commercially viable projects, and generate more economic activity for the region.

To participate submit your concept to contact@filmoregon.org no later than July 15, 2009. Designs will be reviewed by creative industry professionals and the FOA board of directors will chose the top three designs and a winner will be selected. The winning design and the two runner-ups will be announced at the FOA mixer on July 22 and via media release/announcement and social networking sites.  

The winner will receive:
• $50 Gift Card to the restaurant of your choice.
• The FOA Creative Design Excellence Award presented by the FOA board.
• One-year premium subscription to www.filmoregon.org ($100 Value)
• Free entry to all FOA events for one year including workshops ($$$)
• Credits on the www.filmoregon.org home page for one year. (great exposure)
• A free premium website ad for you and/or your company. ($250)
• The winner will be announced to all subscribers, media and industry contacts. (invaluable)
• The winning design will submitted to the AdFed of Central Oregon Drake Awards. (Prestige)

All prizes will be awarded to one person only. What a great way to get your name and design work in front of thousands of people upon the launch of the new website as well as all of the marketing materials and announcements. By submitting your designs you agree that all designs submitted will be the property of Film Oregon Alliance. Information: Monterey Morrissey Monterey@filmoregon.org or Stan Roach Stan@filmoregon.org.

BendFilm Offers 72 House Shoot Out

BendFilm announced its new community event: The 72 Hour Shoot Out. Open to all members of the community and featuring categories for both students and adults, this event will occur over the course of three weeks in July. On July 9 BendFilm will host a panel discussion featuring local filmmakers, who will lecture and answer questions regarding various filmmaking aspects.

On July 17 this knowledge will be put to the test when participants will receive a topic and be given 72 hours to film, edit and submit a completed short film to BendFilm. On July 30 BendFilm will host a mini- film festival at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, featuring the top submitted films. The cost of participating in the 72 Hour Shoot Out, including admission to the lecture and one ticket to the festival, is $10. Tickets to the screening will be available to the public at the door for $3.

This event is open to everyone and films will be judged on originality, use of topic, cinematography, editing, story and a number of other film related categories. Whether you shoot your short film on your cell phone camera or with sophisticated equipment, if you can burn your film onto a DVD, your film will be eligible and you are encouraged to participate. Terri Mintz, Director of Operations, BendFilm, 541/ 388-3378, info@bendfilm.org.

Red Herring Returns to CTC

Red Herring Returns to CTC Michael Hollinger’s comedy Red Herring is BACK by popular demand. If you missed this hilarious and smart show during CTC’s dinner theatre presentations at Five Pine Lodge & Conference Center in Sisters and Bend Golf & Country Club earlier this year, you have the perfect opportunity to see the show (without dinner) this summer. The show is directed by Lilli Ann Linford-Foreman.

The cast of six who play a total of 18 characters includes: Tina Borders, Joshua Budish, Don Delach, Jim Mortenson, Kit Foreman, and Lana Shane. Three love stories, a murder mystery and a nuclear espionage plot converge in this fable about marriage and other explosive devices. It is 1952: America is on the verge of the H-bomb, Dwight Eisenhower is on the campaign trail, and I Love Lucy is on Monday nights. Meanwhile, Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a Soviet spy, and detective Maggie Pelletier has to find out who dumped the dead guy in Boston Harbor – or else lose out on a honeymoon in Havana. A blunt-nosed, sharp-eyed and entertaining look at love and tying (untying and re-tying) the knot.

Steel Magnolias at 2nd Street

2nd Street opens Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling in August. Directed by Juliah Rae, this comedy follows the ladies of Chinquapin, Louisiana over the course of two and a half years.  Set in Truvy’s beauty salon, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done.  Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s ladies: the rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire; Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

Triage Performs at 2nd Street Theatre

Local improv group performs three shows; July 10, 24 and August 7 at 7:30pm at 2nd Street Theater. Get your laugh injection with Triage, a local theatrical group specializing in the art of  improvisational comedy and beyond.  Characters and scenes are created from audience suggestions and participation, in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyway?”  Triage has appeared at several venues throughout Central Oregon, spreading the joy of improvisational comedy to the high desert.  It’s never the same show twice.

photo by Byron Roe

Ray Solley Speaks Out
on Tower Theatre

The new director of the Tower Theatre in Bend, Ray Solley, shares his insight with Cascade A&E on the status of the Tower as it enters its sixth year of opening since being refurbished under a major community-based fundraising effort.

Q. How long have you been on the job now and what are the main challenges and opportunities at the Tower?
I’ve been working with the Tower staff and board since the beginning of the year. In mid-April, I finished the transition from running the nonprofit Cultural Arts Center Foundation in Torrance, California to heading the Tower Theatre Foundation. The civic leaders, businesses, sponsors and patrons in Bend have made me feel so welcome I feel like I’ve been here forever! In early May, we had a day-long staff retreat to tackle head-on the challenges and opportunities facing the Tower. So your question is a timely one. The number of programs at the theatre has doubled since it was renovated and re-opened in 2004. That also means it is now time to upgrade or replace a variety of items – from sound equipment to box office computers – ensuring the Tower retains its well-deserved reputation as the premier venue for the performing arts in Central Oregon. With 465 seats, ticket sales alone cannot cover the ever-increasing costs of presenting a show. It is not possible to expand the theatre. So we must continue to solicit memberships, sponsors and in-kind underwriting to cover the gap, keep ticket prices low and our educational outreach strong. The biggest opportunities facing the Tower all involve programming. If we increase and improve our financial “cushion,” we can then expand the types of shows we present, and broaden our appeal to Oregonians of every age, taste, and income level. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have kids, families and adults all across the county say, “Oh yeah, I went to a show at the Tower this year.”

Q. Give a brief report/update on the Tower’s financial picture.
Put simply, 20 percent of the Tower’s operating budget comes from individual, personal memberships; 20 percent comes from sponsorships, corporate donations, and business memberships; 60 percent comes from ticket sales, rental fees and grants. Our annual spring membership campaign is in full swing. It began April 1 with a direct mailing to 1,800 supporters. During May we reached out to every patron whose membership had lapsed or was ready to be renewed. Plus, we held a special reception to honor and recruit Tower Circle members (those who donate $1,000 or more). In June, we go after new members. You know, 50,000 people a year use the Tower Theatre. Yet we have about 400 members. We’re contacting the rest by phone and email to say, “If you use it, help pay for it.” It’s like getting cultural arts on the honor system. A $250 membership costs only $4.80 a week. That’s less than two lattes at Starbucks!

Q. Who is using the Tower?
What I love about running the Tower is seeing the wide variety of people who attend its wide range of programs. Our full houses recently ran the gamut – from fly fishing movie enthusiasts to guitar virtuoso devotees, from fans of iconic Leon Redbone to followers of the ironic Capitol Steps. We are actively booking the Tower for forums, seminars and lectures. It’s the perfect place to see a business PowerPoint presentation on the big screen, or hear Bill Gates, Sr. in an intimate, public setting.

Q. Are there any particular volunteers / contributors you would like to acknowledge or recognize that are big supporters of the Tower?
So many people play a part in the success of the Tower that it’s very difficult to single anyone out. It is through the support of many, not one individual or organization that we are able to succeed. That fact is echoed in our current membership campaign: “We can’t start the show without you.” Also, we receive a tremendous amount of support from businesses throughout Central Oregon. So, we just launched a new Corporate Circle membership with customized benefits just for businesses. The Tower, combined with our website, is a great platform for someone looking to connect their company with the best performing artists – and audiences – in the region.

Q. Just a couple of months ago downtown Bend seemed to be dying, now, it’s seeing a resurgence. What role is the Tower playing in that?
The Tower Theatre has been THE local habit for three generations, making entertainment memories since 1940. It’s hard – even painful – to imagine downtown Bend without that 67-foot tower. We’re increasing our involvement with downtown businesses, visitors and locals. June 18, celebrate Downtown Bend’s “Girls Night Out” by attending a preview of My Way: The Music of Frank Sinatra. In August, watch the JELD-WEN Tradition on our really big screen while you enjoy special golf exhibits, food and drinks. And, of course, our 2009-10 season brings some of the best names in music, dance, drama and Broadway to downtown Bend. Plus, I’m working on a “show your ticket stub, get a discount” offer with some of our downtown retail neighbors. All in all, our aim is for the towering symbol of Bend to be an even more active center of social life for all ages and interests. To become of member of the Tower: 541/317-0700, www.towertheatre.org/membership, info@towertheatre.org

CTC Executive Director Retires

CTC Ex. Director Retires Dee Torrey, executive and artistic director for the Cascades Theatrical Company (CTC), announced he will be retiring after the end of this season.  Torrey has been with CTC for eight years, and has been involved in theatre for over fifty years. 

“Dee has been such a huge part of our success here at CTC over the last eight seasons, he will be very sorely missed,” said Jim Palmer, board chair. Torrey’s final production as executive and artistic director will be La Cage aux Folles that will run June 5-28. CTC has also announced that it will not be mounting a full play schedule for the 2009-10 Theatre Season.  According to Palmer, CTC like many other nonprofit organizations has fallen victim of the economic downturn. 

“We are finding that our revenue from ticket sales and donations from sponsors for the new season are both down this year,” Palmer said.  “We can typically cover about 70 percent of our production and operating costs with ticket sales, and the balance has come through gifts from the community.”  Both have seen a decline as a result of the poor economy. Torrey, along with the company’s board of governors, is working on a strategy for weathering this current economic climate in order to return with a full slate of plays once the situation improves. 

For 30 years, CTC has brought Community Theatre to Central Oregon utilizing only volunteer actors, directors, and production personnel.  For many, the CTC stage was their very first experience in the performing arts.  “What is most important,” said Torrey, “is that we maintain this wonderful venue and find a way to keep our Community Theatre going for our acting community, our members, and Central Oregon.”   In addition to mounting a limited number of productions, CTC plans to make its Greenwood Playhouse available to others in the community.  Information: 541/383-2879.

Camp Westward Ho!

Camp Westward Ho! Features Arts-at-the-Heart-History & Barn Theatre Heritage Theatre Company, in partnership with Bend Metro Parks and Recreation, is offering a unique theatre camp in August at Hollinshead Barn. Campers will explore America in the 1800s through rotating activities in music, dance, acting, visual arts, crafts and living history experiences.

The camp culminates in the favored performance medium of the 19th century, the variety show, as the campers move from coast to coast through an American song, drama and dance extravaganza. The staff of artist/teachers is led by the company’s artistic director, Janet Kingsley. The camp is for children entering 1st through 5th grades and is offered in two one-week sessions from Mon. through Fri. from 10am till 3pm. Session one: August 17-21; Session two: August 24 – 28. Register with Bend Metro Parks and Recreation: 541/389-7275. Information: Heritage Theatre Company 541/306-6751 / 541-788-1220/ htc@bendbroadband.com/ heritagetheatrecompany.org