Immediately upon entering the Hanaway Theater, I knew “Just So” was going to be a performance to remember. My eyes met elusive lighting projections and elaborately painted backdrops adorned with bright shades of green and fuchsia. The attractive set enthralled my senses, creating palpable anticipation for the show that was about to begin. When the show began, I had no idea what was happening. All I gathered was a bedtime story about animals coming to life. But I didn’t care. The enchanting set captivated my attention far more than the storyline itself. The bright colors and detailed background blended beautifully with the tiered set. I found myself lost in a whimsical jungle, serenaded by angelic voices emerging from the ornate stage. This experience is a gift from producer Matt Kizer, who is also the decorated resident lighting and scenic designer of Plymouth State’s theatre program. Enchanted by his work in “Just So, ” I decided to explore his creative process and inspirations on his website, scenicandlighting.com. If you enjoyed the visual atmosphere of the show, I highly recommend checking out this resource! Matt shares his blueprints for both stage design and projection templates. He reveals that the physical set and Read More
Postings
Fall 2025 Audition sign-ups are live (under sign-up sheets)
Auditions for Fall 2025 Theatre Shows (Noises Off & Clue the Musical) Posted on April 11, 2025 by Jessie Chapman Please sign for a 3-minute audition appointment (under sign-up sheets on the callboard) on:Tuesday, April 22 • 3:30pm to 5:30pm (for both shows)note also that dance call & callbacks will be:Wednesday, April 23 • 4pm to 5:30pm (DANCE CALL for Clue 4-4:30pm, no signups – just show up) Instructions: Noises Off Written by Michael FraynDirected by Jessie ChapmanPerformed in The Hanaway Theatre Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. Clue: The Musical Book by Peter DePietroMusic by Galen Blum, Wayne Barker and Vinnie MartucciLyrics by Tom ChiodoDirected by Rachael EndrizziPeformed in the The Elizabeth Cheney Studio Theatre A fun-filled family musical that brings the internationally popular game to life, Clue: The Musical invites the audience to help solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon. Tuesday April 22 : Auditions for both shows 3:30pm-5:45pm.Dance Call & Callbacks, April 23: 4:00-5:30pm. *If you have questions or concerns Read More
THEATRE SEASON 2025-2026
October 16, 17, 18 Noises Off Written by Michael FraynDirected by Jessie ChapmanPerformed in The Hanaway Theatre Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. November Clue: The Musical Book by Peter DePietroMusic by Galen Blum, Wayne Barker and Vinnie MartucciLyrics by Tom ChiodoDirected by Rachael EndrizziPeformed in the The Elizabeth Cheney Studio Theatre A fun-filled family musical that brings the internationally popular game to life, Clue: The Musical invites the audience to help solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon. Late February or Early March Passages Directed by Timothy L’Ecuyer. This production will be devised and written by the ensemble. It will be performed environmentally throughout public spaces within the Silver Center for the Arts Late February or Early March Wearable Art Co-Directed by Danee Gosselin and Matt Kizer.Choreography by Rebecca Gregoirre. An avant-garde catwalk show featuring fantastic characters composed from salvage, scrap, and recycled materials. This will be the culmination of a half-semester special-topics course with the Read More
Guest Playwright Reading at Frost Commons April 10
This information was just sent by Plymouth State’s Dr. Katharine Harrington, who many of you know well). Franco-American playwright Abby Paige will present a reading on campus next Thursday, April 10th at 4pm in Frost Commons. The reading/performance will be mostly in English with some French. ABBY PAIGE is a Vermont writer and theater artist whose work often explores the boundaries between people, languages, nations, and generations. Her new book, PIECEWORK / TRAVAIL À LA PIÈCE, gathers for the first time in a single, bilingual edition her two original solo shows, Piecework: When We Were French and Les filles du QUOI?, which explore Franco American identity and the long but little-known history of the borderland between northern New England and francophone Canada.
Theatre Under the Stars Summer 2025
Theatre Under the Stars has produces outdoor theatre through the summer in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. This year, they are looking for performers and staff from July 9 through Aug 11th. With Hannah, they have arranged for auditions and interviews to happen in Silver on Wednesday, April 2 from 4:30pm-6:30pm in the Theory Room, Silver 131. I am including the information sent to Hannah below. PSU is not affiliated with Theatre Under the Stars, but we are happy to promote all performing arts in our region. Online, find this company at https://www.shakespeareinthevalley.com The following was written by Theatre Under the Stars: We invite you to have the chance to join the cast and staff of NH’s only FREE professional regional/summerstock theatre–offering high quality productions at low/no cost to underserved parts of New Hampshire! Located in stunning Waterville Valley, NH, the NY Times and Boston Globe featured, Governor’s Commendation Award-winning THEATRE UNDER THE STARS and our SHAKESPEARE IN THE VALLEY SUMMER FESTIVAL has launched the careers of many early-mid career actors and staff. YOU could be next! WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: (All must be over age 18)1. Stage Manager–must drive and have own car.2) Musical Director (who will also serve as Read More
Celebrity Acting Masterclass March 27
Steve Blackwood is returning to the Silver Center the week after spring break. He will be working with actors in our program from noon to 1:30 in the dance studio, room 121. Students of Acting II and Directing will convene with him. All Theatre majors are welcome to join if you wish. I You can visit Steve’s IMDB page here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0085995
Summer Work Opportunity #3
Cast and Crew Positions for project being shot in Lincoln, NH. Shoots between June 13-July 6 in Lincoln, NH. Note: Except for Claire, Noah, and Aidan, all cast/crew must be able to self-transport to set. Looking for local hires who can reasonably commute to Lincoln for multiple days. Housing and transportation can be provided if necessary for Claire, Noah, and Aidan. https://www.backstage.com/casting/only-you-2913392/?utm_source=social_share&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=casting_call
Summer Work Opportunity #2
This is an email I received from Rien Schlecht at Weathervane Theatre. They are looking for employees this summer and into the fall no matter what availability. Please read on. Hi Matthew, My name is Rien (sounds like Ryan) and I believe we have maybe spoken in the past, not sure. I am the Operations Manager and Resident Designer for The Weathervane Theatre over in Whitefield and I am reaching about a few job openings we are hoping to fill this summer/fall. If you wouldn’t mind passing the info to your students or anyone who might be interested I would be grateful. We are looking for a Props Designer, a Scenic Painter, and somebody who knows their way around projectors and would maybe like a tech floating position. I’m happy to jump on a call if it’s easier to talk about, but I can also start with the posts that I’ve put below, and a link to our website. Let me know if you think anyone might be interested and may have questions. I’m happy to answer anything I can. Here is the website And if anyone does want to apply please have them send materials to weathervanejobs@gmail.com PROJECTIONS OPERATOR/TECH FLOATER Be a part of Read More
Summer Work Opportunity #1
Received from a friend. Ohio Light Opera Residencies. May 25th to August 3.
Twelfth Night Dance Party pre-show sign up
Please use this form to sign-up to be a part of the Twelfth Night Dance Party pre-show. You are also encouraged to share this link with others who may be interested. This is a low-commitment volunteer opportunity and the company of Twelfth Night would be very grateful if you are willing to participate. *please note that you are encouraged to sign up for the pre-show on a night/(s) you are NOT attending the show. *we are looking for 10-15 people each rehearsal/performance. The full sign-up sheet is here.