“Every day, American young people spend more than 4 hours watching television, DVDs, or videos; 1 hour using a computer; and 49 minutes playing video games. In many cases, youths are engaged in two or more of these activities at the same time. Little wonder this era has become known as the “digital age,” and Americans born after 1980 have become known as ‘digital natives’.”
It has taken three long years, but in six weeks a new theatre in Mansfield, OH will be born -Theatre 166, The Black Box Theatre of the Renaissance Performing Arts Association.
I recently read a blog post (for inspiration) which was titled “How to NOT become famous”. This did indeed give me inspiration on the chances of becoming famous, and in particular in the performing arts. This is where the perspiration comes in….
Think back to your favorite teachers. Were they teachers who sat at their desk and had you read while they nodded their head and hoped you were understanding? Were they teachers who stood in front of a chalkboard and just read from a book while you looked dazed and confused? Or were they one’s who gave you information and then began to story-tell in different ways such as having you create a play based on a topic, or took you to a museum to explain great art? Most likely it is the latter. I am positive not all teachers want to be just a talking head, they want to be memorable so you learn! However, teachers often need to learn themselves in order to not just be a talking head, and that is why programs like the Kennedy Center Partners in Education Arts Integration Institute are so important.
By Nik Demers
I have loved Theatre as far back as I can remember. Whether it’s acting, designing, building sets, stage managing, etc., I love getting to see a show come together from the ground up. Seeing live theatre was what sparked that love for me when I was a little kid, and the first shows I ever saw were right here at The Renaissance Theatre. Despite coming to see many shows over the years, Newsies is the first production I have gotten involved with and I’m so glad that I finally did. It is home to a wonderful and incredibly talented group of people that we are so lucky to have in our community.
The Newsies set
“Clothes Make a Statement, Costumes Tell a Story”
At the Renaissance Theatre, we take great pride in the beautiful costuming being presented onstage each show. But where do these costumes come from and who’s behind the magic of creation?
Many costumes at the Renaissance Theatre are made by our very own staff! For example, the fabulous Ursula costume featured in last year’s production of “The Little Mermaid” was made by our Teaching Artist and Education Assistant at the Renaissance, Dauphne Maloney.
I love dogs. No – let me rephrase: I LOVE DOGS!! To me, they are the best companions. They are loyal, they have wicked senses of humor, they are great listeners…and they offer a protection that is very comforting.
However, few things in life are worse than a dog gone bad. In To Kill a Mockingbird, there is a very poignant scene in which Atticus kills a rabid dog that has come into town. Every time I read or see that scene I want to cry because I bet that dog was a good dog at one time. Maybe even had a human companion that loved it very much.
Cujo on the other hand…well, this dog is just downright terrifying in the way that only the great master, Stephen King, can create. It is not my favorite story or even movie of King’s, but with it coming to the Renaissance on July 19th, I wanted to see if there were any facts about it that might draw me in. I certainly did find some! Keep reading to learn some very interesting things about everyone’s most frightening beast.
With auditions for Annie coming up in September, and then Mamma Mia in January, now is the time to make a serious beginning to preparations in order to win the audition! If you are a follower of this blog, three weeks ago in a blog titled “Mistakes and the Art of Perfection” I mentioned a mantra that has always helped me get to the best of my abilities: “It is a question of time, patience and intelligent work”. For auditions, all three do apply, but I truly believe, based on personal experience, that intelligent work will help you win that audition.
This week at the Renaissance, we will be holding a special hometown screening of the documentary film A Murder in Mansfield, which focuses on the 1990 locally infamous murder of Noreen Boyle by her husband, Dr. John Boyle. We have sold over 1500 tickets to this event so far, which shows the tremendous impression this tragedy left on our community.
In honor of our Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Festival that is coming up on June 23rd, I thought I would share my vast knowledge about cars. Now before you get too excited, let me be the first to say that I have never changed a tire, nor even my own oil, but, hey!, I have been driving for a long time and with a really clean record. Not convinced? Well, keep reading and then you can be the judge.
Web design by DRM Productions, Inc. 
May 31, 2019 for Annual Members
June 18, 2019 for Non-Members
June 25, 2019 for Annual Members
July 9, 2019 for Non-Members
