endstation theatre company BLOG

An Endstation Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T09:02:00.000-08:00

Well, it was a wonderful year for Endstation. To begin, I want to thank all of the wonderful artists we worked with in 2011. From all the wonderful performers at Sonnets and Chocolates and Broadway in the Blue Ridge, to all of the wonderful artists we worked with all summer during the Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival. It was our most ambitious summer to date, touring schools, hosting a visiting company, producing our first musical, and once again, heading into the great outdoors with Shakespeare.

Sean MacLaughlin from Broadway's Phantom of the Opera works with EC Glass High School students before the Broadway in the Blue Ridge concert.

Aaron and Melissa perform Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island at Madison Heights Elementary School

Audiences gather for Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island at Sweet Briar College

George, Walter, Sergio and Michael did an incredible job with their "Sponsor an Artist" campaign, led by Angie Gallagher

Endstation is truly about community. Our incredible artists, interns, production staff, volunteers and board members make what we do possible. I feel truly blessed to create work with all of these individuals every year. This year was very moving for me, because so much excellent work was put into every part of the season. I felt 2011 was our highest caliber of work artistically. I am immensely proud of what we produced and I think this bodes well for what we can accomplish in 2012.

This year we hosted Whole Theatre's Cry of the Mountain

Endstation knows how to have a good time. Above is an example of the dynamic energy Endstation brings to Central Virginia every summer. Here is Endstation Actor Walter Kmiec Karaoking it up with his fiance Jean at The Briar Patch, our Twelfth Night sponsor.

Production interns and staff hanging lights for Dan Gallagher's lighting design and building Krista Franco's set design for Assassins.

The incredible Assassins cast rehearsing under the music direction of Randall Speer and the direction of Chad Larabee

Lighting designer Dan Gallagher focusing lights

Assassins cast

So much goes into producing each season, that the audience doesn't see. Hours of rehearsals, hours of building sets, constructing costumes, focusing lights, and building props. Also, hours go into marketing, planning, and raising money. It is exhausting but rewarding. I love spending my life creating theatre. I get to meet so many selfless people who are also dedicating their time to share something special with this community.

This summer our artists had the pleasure working Sweet Briar's high school program, Blur

Actors rehearsing Twelfth Night at dusk

Production building the Twelfth Night set

Jessica, Melora, and Rachel performing Twelfth Night

Lights at Twelfth Night come on

Our audiences are why we work so hard. We love you all. I am also thankful for all of our ticket buyers, subscribers, and donors. Because of you, we can continue to bring theatre to hills of Central Virginia. There is something really special happening on the campus of Sweet Briar College every summer and it is because of your participation that we continue to grow.

Audiences at the opening night of Twelfth Night

Walter enjoys a glass of wine at a local vineyard

I am excited about what 2012 holds. This summer we continue to create the kind work that has forged out identity. We are producing TWO outdoor shows (Comedy of Errors and Macbeth) and continue to collaborate with area vineyards to bring you great local wine. We are also excited to produce our second musical, Big River. Along with our season, we continue to host the Playwright's Initiative as Associate Artistic Director Michael Stablein leads a new campaign to create more original work about and for Central Virginia that we can produce as a part of future summer seasons. In the pipeline are an original play about the African American history of Sweet Briar College and an original bluegrass inspired musical.

A reading at the 2011 Playwright's Initiative

So, goodbye 2011. You were a great year. Hello 2012. Excited to produce some great work in the coming months!

See you very soon in the beautiful hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Artistic Director
Geoffrey Kershner

Update

2011-11-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Blogosphere! Its your resident lighting designer checking in. I hope everyone is having a great Fall! I am missing all my Endstation peeps, but its been great to hear what everyone is up to. I recently worked on a new production called Costa Rehab about three Iraq vets recovering in an Army hospital and the nurses who help them adjust to new realities. If you are in New York, please check it out! It runs November 3-19. http://www.mtworks.org/costa-rehab.html

I have also been working on launching a website showcasing some of my lighting work. As any freelance designer will tell you, finding work is a full time job. Please check out the site:

http://www.dangallagherld.com/

Thanks to Joshua Mikel who helped with the layout of the site. He is here in Lock Haven, PA for the premier of his play Shelter at Lock Haven University.

Here is an image for an opera I designed: Ipigenia at Aulis that is up on the new website.

In addition, we have started work on the 2012 BRSTF season. Chad, Krista and I are starting converstations about Big River and we are hard at work on lighting solutions for our outdoor productions. I know its a ways off, but I can't wait to get back and see these shows come together. Here is a research image for Big River that I was drawn to.

And of course an update on what most folks are asking about..... Parker Clementine. While she is still tiny, she is growing like a weed and is now walking. We are gearing up for our first birthday party! She desperately misses her adoring Endstation Family.

Stay tuned and stay in touch!

The Resident Playwright in the Offseason

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hey dudes,

Endstation's resident playwright Joshua Mikel here to fill you in on a little of what I do in the offseason.

While most of the company members' plates are full with preparations for next season, my job as resident playwright when I'm not in residence is basically what it is when I am: to write (just in less beautiful locales). But even more so, my job when I leave Amherst is to seek productions for the plays I've written. So I've been writing, rewriting, seeking out folks to produce my stuff, and luckily have had some good fortune thanks to it.

(The first read through of "Aesop, Come Back!" at Mount Paran with directors Meagan Morgan and Adam Slocum and the 27 actor cast!)

While up in Amherst this summer, I was in early talks about writing a commissioned piece with an old friend of mine and FSU alum, Meagan Morgan, who is the theatre director at Mount Paran Academy in Kennesaw, Georgia. I did a great deal of research for the piece up in Amherst which would eventually become "Aesop, Come Back," a modern adaptation of (my favorite) Aesop's fables. It went into rehearsals soon after my return from Virginia, and eventually opened with seven performances in one undoubtedly tiring weekend for the actors and crew. I got a chance to make it up for a number of the rehearsals and finally the last performance, and was so proud of the work Meagan, Adam (codirector), her crew, and wildly talented group of 27 (yes, Twenty. Seven!) middle school actors had done. After the performance, I made some small changes to the piece cutting the proverbial fat and shipped it off for the folks at Playscripts to consider for publication, as I think it would be an excellent piece for middle schools looking to cater to a huge group of actors. I'll be sure to brag about that if I get some good news back from the Playscripts folks.

("Shelter" Poster I created for the production at LHU)

This year at our festival Ad Hoc reading series I workshopped a piece I wrote called "Shelter." It's a play about three siblings trapped in their parent's bomb shelter post apocalypse, and it's maybe a bit more cheery than that might lead you to believe. After the reading, Endstation's education director, Angie Gallagher, got in touch with me about producing the piece up at Lock Haven University where she's on faculty. I, of course, agreed. It's rarely that easy to find productions for one's plays, but then again, I've never gotten a premiere production that didn't at first begin with a friend championing my work.

(Shelter at Lock Haven University. L to R Corey Wilson, Cody Goldberg, and Kathleen Good)

The best part of the deal is that the LHU student association and Players Club (their theatre troupe) found the funds to have me up for the beginning of the process and have me back for the production. So just a couple weeks ago I went up for the beginning of rehearsals, and was able to work with Angie and the actors. During my stay I had some invaluable time to make changes on the script alongside the team, and left having penned three new drafts of the play, worked out some huge logistical issues, and got it to a spot where I think I can't do much more with it until I see it produced. I even got an early look at the set for the piece from Lock Haven's technical director and set designer David Tidwell.

(Undressed set rendering for "Shelter" at LHU by David Tidwell)

You can see more about the production by following the Facebook page the Lock Haven team created here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lock-Haven-University-Presents-the-First-Production-of-Shelter/225602160836641

While I was up at Lock Haven I also received the good news that my play "The Red Pants Blue Pants Marionette Spectacular," (a one act comedic farce) which had a closed reading up at this year's festival was a finalist for the Thornton Wilder Playwriting award, and would be published by Playscripts Inc. I think it will be a good fit for high school competitions. You'll soon be able to read and order books of the play here: http://www.playscripts.com/play.php3?playid=2378

And the good news kept on coming when I received word from Playscripts that my 2010 Endstation Post Haste piece "PIRATES! Theodore Thud and the Quest for Weird Beard," which was published by Playscripts earlier in 2011 would be receiving its first production from none other than Ashley Byrne, a Lynchburg native, and director at Holy Cross Regional Catholic High School. They're planning to do a production November 3rd for the community at 6 PM. Please check it out!!! It's a ton of fun for kids, and in the vein of my other TYA play performed at this year's festival "Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island."

(Holy Cross' production of "PIRATES!" in rehearsal)

My next project I'm writing is a ten minute piece for our good friend, playwriting initiative alum, and artistic director of Tympanic Theatre Company in Chicago Dan Caffrey for a night of ten minute plays they're calling "Deliver Us" based on the album "Nebraska" by Bruce Springsteen. It promises to be a good time, and they've assembled one hell of a group of playwrights to write the pieces that will be performed.

Well, I guess that's enough braggin' and BSin' for now. I absolutely can't wait to be back up to Amherst next summer. Until then, take care and thanks for reading!

+joshua mikel

Another year of Stinkin' fun! (2011 Garlic Festival Re-Cap)

2011-10-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

Fall is definitely here in Virginia, the air is beginning to get cooler, the trees are beginning to slowly transform and put on their autumn colors, everywhere you look you see harvest decor, and many traditions that come with this season are taking place. Pumpkin patches, hiking, festivals, and so much more. Soon enough you will see little ones and not so little ones, out and about for annual costume parties and trick- or- treating.

For Endstation, the month of October means one big thing, the annual Wine and Garlic Festival hosted by Rebec Vineyards. Every year for the past five years we have graciously be allowed to set up a booth at the festival to spread the word about the company and promote our upcoming summer season. It always proves to be a great time, and we have had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and visit with some with familiar faces over the two day event each year.

This past Saturday I got an early start, jumped in the car and headed out to Sweet Briar to pick up Krista Franco (Co-Founder & Resident Scenic Designer) and her husband Drew who were in town to help work the event. We were glad they could make it, however Geoff (Co-Founder, Artistic Director) and Ashley (Communications Director, Box Office Manager) Kershner were missed by all of us this year. We packed up the final items in the car and headed out to the vineyard. The weather was cool and crisp, the drive was lovely, and we were all looking forward to a great day.

We pulled right up to our tent, unloaded and set about the task of getting the booth ready to receive patrons who be making their way in shortly. One of the great things about this time of year is that although cool in the morning it usually warms up by mid morning and when the sun is out the weather is just gorgeous. This year did not disappoint and there was not a cloud in the sky, which we knew was going to be great for the number of people coming out to the festival. We usually have our endstation wares available for purchase (tees, bumper stickers, etc..) and normally raffle off a wine basket throughout the weekend. This year the fine folks at Ankida Ridge Vineyard donated some of the items in the basket and we were happy to promote them through the weekend.

One of the new things that we did this year was offer a "photo booth" where people could dress up in hats and masks, hold a sign and pose for a picture. Krista decided to test out some of the props and had a little fun early on Saturday.

We were on the opposite side from where we usually are set up and it proved to be an awesome spot as folks would stop by the booth soon after they picked up their wine glassess and wanted to check us out. We were able to jump right in and start promoting the 2012 Season . Some had heard of us before, however several individuals had not but were excited to learn more. The mailing list was growing, flyers were being handed out, some raffle tickets were being sold, and before we knew it more troops showed up in the form of board member Jeffery Price and his lovely wife Laura. I am convinced that Mr. Price could sell ice to an eskimo! He is huge endstation fan and wants to make sure everyone else is too. He even got in on the photo booth fun!

(sneak attack on endstation friend Wiley)

The rest of the day went well as we continued to talk to new people, visit with friends as they stopped by, promote the season, and sell raffle tickets....a man on huge stilts even stopped by!

We wrapped up in the late afternoon, and stored things away for the next day of the festival. Sunday dawned and brought more beautiful weather to the vineyard. Historically Sundays at the festival tend to be a little bit more low key, and even though there may be less people out, the atmosphere is still the same and folks have a great time. We got to meet more new people, other familiar faces stopped by, additional names added to our mailing list, and more raffle tickets were sold.

Overall, it was another great year and time well spent. Thank you to all of our volunteers that came out to lend a hand and thanks to all the fans of endstation old and new that stopped by to say hello. We were able to talk to a lot of new folks, and make some wonderful connections. There are many exciting things that will be happening between now and the next summer season, so make sure to stay tuned and in the meantime, have a wonderful fall season and cheers!

Till next time ~
MAH
Company Manager

Endstation's new additions and new roles

2011-10-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

New Endstation Managing Director Laren Baum (left) with Endstation founders Krista Franco and Geoffrey Kershner

With the arrival of fall weather, some changes are in the air. After a successful 2011 summer season, Endstation welcomed some new faces to the team and expanded the roles of some familiar faces. As some may have read in our last blog post, we are very excited to welcome Michael Stablein Jr. as our new Associate Artistic Director. Along with this new position, we are adding a Managing Director to the team. Current board member, Laren Baum, is stepping into this role and we are very thankful for her time and skill. Laren has been an active volunteer for EC Glass Theatre and will bring her insight and organizational skills to our staff, only strengthening our ability to bring great theatre to Central Virginia.

With the fall also comes our annual board officer elections. We are very excited to usher in our new board president, Peggy McFadden. Peggy has served on the Endstation board for the last year with her husband John. Peggy brings a dedication to the Central Virginia community, Sweet Briar College (her alma mater and her daughter currently attends the college), and to the arts. We are so pleased to have Peggy's leadership this year. Here is a link to Peggy and John talking about Endstation. Also joining the officers is our new vice president Rob Vaughn, our new treasurer Kay Wright, and serving as our board secretary is Laren Baum.

Endstation is proud to add some new board members to the fray as well. We are pleased to welcome Beverly Jones and Niki White. Beverly is a retired Amherst County Public School educator and an active member of the community. Niki is a former child wrangler for the Broadway production of the Lion King and wife of Jefferson Forest High School's Director of Drama, Spence White.

As we head into this new era, I want to take the time to thank Steve Martin, our former board president. His service and leadership was invaluable. Luckily, we retain Steve as a board member. Exiting his position as the vice president and his role on the board is my father Bill Kershner (Chair of the SBC Theatre Dept.). Bill was an incredible board member, who directed Romeo and Juliet in our first season and was an invaluable ambassador for both the company and the college. We also want to thank Brian Ratliff (Amherst County Public Schools Superintendent) for his service to the board for two years. With Brian's help, Endstation's work was able to reach many area students. We are grateful to all of them for their time, commitment, and dedication to the arts and this community. Thank you.

Geoffrey Kershner
Artistic Director

An introduction to an old friend...

2011-09-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

To many in the Endstation family whom I know well and to those I have yet to meet mano a mano, my name is Michael Stablein, Jr. I came to Sweet Briar four years ago at the behest of our Artistic Director, Geoffrey Kershner to play Romeo in Romeo & Juliet for the inaugural season of the Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival. Since that time, I've had the good fortune to play many of the great roles of Shakespeare's canon (Demetrius, Midsummer Night's Dream; Laertes, Hamlet; Duke Orsino, Twelfth Night) alongside contemporary roles in The Bluest Water: A Hurricane Camille Story and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged. In my second year, the company allowed me to build the Playwrights Initiative Residency Program. Going into its fourth summer, the Initiative provides artistic residency and a staged Public Reading Series for emerging, professional playwrights in the month of July. And this past summer, I joined the faculty of BLUR: Summer Institute for Young Artists teaching Voice For The Actor to an immensely talented group of Virginia high-schoolers.

I am honored to introduce myself this time around as the Associate Artistic Director of Endstation Theatre Company.

Now before you all up and mutiny and... burn the Hamlet barn to the ground, I am NOT (I repeat, NOT) taking over the Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival. (Although it would befit one of our Shakespearean selections next season.) Geoffrey, our fearless leader, has me on a tight leash. In addition to acting in at least one of our outdoor Shakespeare's and heading the Playwrights Initiative, I will be assisting in season selection, co-chairing the drama division of the BLUR Institute, taking charge of marketing design, and dressing as Geoffrey when he would like to take the day off. AND THAT'S ALL.

Internally, we call my role 'Departmental Alleviation'. I'm taking a little bit off of everyone's plate so that no one of us... eats too much. I'm happy to do it, my mother always said I was a good eater.

As I mentioned above, I am just so honored to have this opportunity to continue building this company alongside the rest of the artistic and administrative staff. I promise to work hard for this company, I promise to serve the community that supports us, I promise to refrain from grand-standing and wearing t-shirts with my new title printed in bold.

To the Brutus(es) and Cassius(es) out there, I assure you I want no crown. I'm still the wide-eyed actor who arrived on campus four years ago; the boy who saw Virginia as a place to discover, Endstation as an opportunity in which to grow, and the Blue Ridge... as a home.

All that's different now is it'll be that much more difficult to get rid of me.

Michael Stablein, Jr.

Associate Artistic Director

Endstation Theatre Company

The 2012 season!!

2011-09-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled and excited to announce our 2012 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival season! This year's season will include TWO OUTDOOR productions and we will produce our SECOND MUSICAL, with a fresh take on an American musical classic.

Here it is folks! The wait is over!

Comedyof Errors (June 1st - July 20th)

In2012 Endstation will expand its outdoor offerings with this madcapShakespearean comedy which will take place on the grounds of SweetBriar House (the original Sweet Briar plantation home and now home tothe SBC president). This particular production will run in repertorythrough the entire season, allowing visitors from outside the area tosee two different productions in one weekend. Endstation will alsotackle this high energy comedy by performing the show with only sixactors portraying all of the roles, intensifying its madcap energy.This production will be sure to have you rolling in the grass withlaughter as you enjoy a picnic and wine.

BigRiver (June 21 - July 1)

Endstationis excited to produce this classic musical based on Mark Twain'snovel, Adventures of HuckleberryFinn.We meet Huck Finn, who has been recently adopted by the WidowDouglas. Unfortunately, Huck findstrouble when his estranged and ill intentioned father returns totown. Huck is forced to fake his own death to escape and joins upwith another on the run - Jim, a slave in the search of freedom. Huckand Jim's journey takes them down the Mississippi River. Theirpassage down the river is one filled with adventure, laughter, andvaluable lessons. This folk and bluegrass inspired musical score andEndstation'sexciting new and fresh approach will be sure to wow audiences.

Macbeth (July 6 - July 22nd)

Theconclusion of Endstation's 2012 summer season will be one ofShakespeare's most popular tragedies. The story of Macbeth is amorality tale about greed, ambition, and the lust for power. The taleof the Macbeths, their rise to power and ultimate self destructionremains a timeless story and a tale well suited for Endstation'sbrand of adaptation. Endstation will once again be collaborating withthe bluegrassinspired rockbandVirgineola (Hamlet 2010)to create a powerful, exciting, and thrilling night of live outdoortheatre.

There's more?!

We also have some other season events on the docket. In May, we will be bringing back our "Broadway in the Blue Ridge" kick off concert. Our new Associate Artistic Director, Michael Stablein Jr., is in search of a "theatre for young audiences" production that we hope to send into area elementary schools in May. In July, we will hold a concert reading of a new bluegrass musical we have in development, which we are very excited to share with the public. Then, as usual, we will welcome some incredible playwrights to the Sweet Briar College campus to participate in our annual Playwright's Initiative in July.

So stay tuned, get excited, and join us in May 2012!!!

Geoffrey Kershner

Artistic Director

Goodbye BRSTF 2011

2011-07-25T01:49:00.000-07:00

I am awake. It is 4am.

This is always the hardest time for me. We work all year to produce this festival. There is a huge build up. Then when we reach the summer there is a tremendous amount of work and investment that is exhausting but rewarding. The entire experience is emotional, because it is such a labor of love. When ever I reach the end of a season it feels like something died because this particular, special experience, has come to a close. The beauty of theatre, like life, is that it is ephemeral. It ends and here we are, at the end.

Last night was very emotional for me. As Twelfth Night came to a close and George disappeared through the butterfly bushes singing "... our play is done and we aim to please you everyday." I began to cry. This moment was the conclusion of a year of anxiety over an increased budget (producing our first musical) and the need to yet again increase our audience base, ticket revenue, and fundraising. It was also emotional because Twelfth Night was dedicated to my friend Dave Aviv who passed away this winter. To top it off, we got through a stressful week of outdoor theatre with extreme heat and thunder storms hitting all around us and yet somehow... we made it through every show for the third season in a row.

As we closed up for the night, I wandered down to the soccer field below the performance space for a moment alone. As I looked up at the sky and thought of what we had accomplished and thought of Dave, a shooting star shot across the sky. I like to think that Dave was winking at me.

I want to thank everyone who was involved in this season. Everyone stepped up. Staff, volunteers, board, donors, actors, and interns all made this season a success. I love you all and Dave would have loved what we did.

Geoffrey Kershner

Artistic Director

Endstation Means Family

2011-07-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

This blog was incredibly difficult to write. I wasted two days just staring at my computer screen NOT typing anything. I am also notorious for not documenting anything so I had to snatch pictures from friends (Thank You everyone!). It's not that I don't have anything to say; I have a lot to say and I say it all the time. I can pinpoint moments this summer when I just wouldn't shut up. I didn't want to write a mushy, sentimental blog (Maria, that was for you) and we are about to go into strike week for Twelfth Night so I didn't think anyone wanted to hear about screw sorting or paint bucket cleaning.

I would have taken photos last night while we were preparing for rain right before Twelfth Night go time, but I didn't have an extra hand for a camera... no one did. I do have a cut on my knee from taking a dive in the mud, intentionally of course. (You all know that fall wasn't an accident, I am far too graceful) So instead, I am going to state some facts, tell it like it is and shut up again.

Twelfth Night Rehearsal

I love it here. The folks I get to work with are by far the most imaginative, down to earth and brave people I know. Sometimes we are full of energy and sometimes we can't breath because the campus is being groomed. We know what we want. We have purpose. We work well together, we converse, we enjoy each others company. We have a community here who strive to make things happen. We are supported and cared for. We eat. We laugh. We play. We argue and resolve. We take care of each other. We listen. We are a family.

Parker, Dan & Angie

Some of the gang...

Throughout the festival, a number of events and gatherings take place. Some are social company wide festivities, some are fundraising related and some are just small groups of folks getting together to break bread and enjoy a summer evening.

Box Office at Endstation's Station Transformation BBQ

One of our interns, Molly Harper, hosted a bonfire on campus which was such a blast and Friends of Endstation come together to host intern lunches every Friday. Other times we'd just come into work to a fridge full of surprise goodies.

Me, Ashley & Sarah on the Piney

Ben, Rebekah, Molly & Freezie Pops
(old friends keep each other cool)

David

Rebekah, Molly, Me & Sarah

So, yeah... we're nearing the end of the 2011 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre season. 10 weeks, 4 shows, an amazing staff and oodles of talent. We spend so much time intensely working towards a successful summer and then, well, it's over. Usually around this time everyone gets pretty emotional. Folks will all be returning to their respective lives whether that is back at school or the daily grind near and far from our summer home in Sweet Briar, VA. I realized yesterday that I get to come back every year and knowing that, there is no reason for me to feel sad. I have the memories and friendships that cultivated these past weeks to bring with me back to Connecticut and a strong body of work to propel me into my post season responsibilities.

I might also take a class... on blogging.

If you haven't seen Twelfth Night, tonight is your last chance. Come laugh, play, eat and drink with us. Be a part of the Endstation Family.

Last chance!!

2011-07-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Only a few more chances to see Twelfth Night the final production of the 2011 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival. Make sure you get your tickets to see it this weekend!!

See you there!

Behind the Seams.

2011-07-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

"These clothes are good enough to drink in."
Sir Toby Belch

The whirlygig of time! The 2011 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival is nearly over. A season that included works by Shakespeare and Sondheim. That was good enough recommendation for me! I can remember first seeing our costume designer Sarah's sketches for these shows. As costume intern, I've assisted in making them a reality. Some characters are based on historical figures like Assassins, while others are from the Illyria of Twelfth Night.

Dressed to kill.. a president.

Each night I get to see the actors through costume, hair and make up, become the characters that will inhabit these clothes. I put on my dresser's apron and slip into the role of wardrobe mistress. So what else does a wardrobe mistress do besides that cast laundry? My overall job is to maintain the "look" of the costumes before, during and after the show. This could mean anything from performing an emergency repair, adjusting a bow tie, to assisting an actor with a quick change. In live theatre, each night has its own challenges and rewards. Its been wonderful working with people all committed to doing good work. I've learned a great deal here at Endstation and will have a lot to build on when I return to Atlanta next week! The whirlygig of time!
Paige McRae
costume intern

Why Endstation?

2011-07-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

We have less than a week left of the 2011 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival. The final shows will be performed, end of the summer business will be handled, strike and clean up will happen, hugs will be had, maybe a few tears shed, plans to keep in touch will be made.....and then just as fast as it all began...cars will be packed up, flights and trains caught, and everyone will scatter to various part of the country for the year.

The end of the festival is always the time when I begin to get particularly nostalgic for many reasons, and before you think this is going to be a completely depressing post, let me assure you that I am simply going to open up for a minute and speak from the heart.

(Geoff and Krista in 2007 after the final DC Fringe Festival performance of Tell Tale Heart)

Since we are constantly moving forward and planning for times ahead, Endstation is not just a summer thing, but a year- round commitment for all of the core staff. I have gotten the question before from my friends and family of why.....why endstation, why the involvement in this particular company?

I first met Geoffrey Kershner in the summer of 2006 when I was stage managing a show for his dad (Dr. Bill Kershner). Geoff had come in to do the fight choreography and we met and chatted briefly. He told me about his and Krista's plan for a professional theatre company here in the local area, and I immediately got excited at the prospect. I remember thinking how neat it was that he wanted to return to where he grew up and got the feeling of just how special this area was to him.

(shot taken during dress rehearsal for The Bluest Water in 2008)

Fast forward a few months to the winter of 2007 and I was reminded of Geoff's plan when I saw he was in the audience for a show I was acting in. Through a series of e-mails I signed on to stage manage the 2007 summer production, the first official Endstation production occurring in the area. I had a feeling something special was brewing with this company, and I was excited to be a part of it.

I soon met the cast and design team and off we went. That summer the show toured in Lynchburg, VA; Sweet Briar, VA; Charlottesville, VA; and Washington, DC. We were met with different challenges throughout, but we rose up and worked through it all as a team. I was really impressed with the professionalism and artistry that this group brought to the table and I did not not have to think to hard when Geoff asked if I would be interested in coming on as a company/staff member.

(Romeo and Juliet 2008)

Little did I know the journey that being part of this company would take me on. As we have continued to grow over the years there of course are things that have changed, but there are many things that have not. Geoff and Krista remain true to the mission statement they first created back in 2006, and all of us put our heart and sole into every production that rolls out from Endstation. Everything has a reason and purpose for why it is done. Everyone that has joined us no matter for how short the time, can feel the energy that the company collectively produces and it excites them to be a part of something incredibly special.

(shots from Midsummer Nights Dream and My Brothers Knife, 2009)

Like any company we have our growing pains and different challenges that we are faced with, but we figure it out and move forward. We come up with new and innovative ways to handle things. We have been loved and supported by the community around us and it's a huge motivating factor for us. We continue to be amazed and thankful at how every summer turns out, and it's such a joy to sit back on opening night and watch these incredible productions unfold.

(shots from Complete Wrks Abridged, Alice in Wonderland, and Hamlet, 2010)

So when people ask me why endstation......I say it's because I love it....I love the people, and I love the chance to be a part of something unique. A chance to watch creativity, artistry, and a true craft unfold every year. Yes, there are many other theatre companies, and many other summer theatre festivals around the world out there. But there is only one of our company, this special group of people that I get the privilege of not only working with, but being able to part of each other's lives and calling them friends. It's nice to reflect.....to be reminded and thankful for the time spent with Endstation throughout the year and during the festival. I could think of other places and things that I could be pursuing, but I choose here, and I choose Endstation for this time in my life and I am proud to be part of this company. And with the fear of sounding too sappy......(may be too late), it's all because of these two people who had and pursued a vision, saw it through and continue to do so.

So thank you Geoff and Krista for what you have created..........I am honored to be a part of it.

Till next time~

Maria Hayden

Company Manager

The Last Days of Twelfth Night

2011-07-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

It seems like just yesterday that I arrived at Sweet Briar and I now have to say goodbye. By this time next week I'll be sitting at my desk at work in Chicago convincing myself it was not all just a dream. Here are some pics I've taken of us hanging out backstage. Some of the best people I've ever taken a stage with.

George (our "Feste") tuning his guitar. Which he did constantly when not on stage seducing the audience with his finger picking.

Walter playing online Risk. His obsession courtesy of me. It's been the game of the summer, his handle is Soul Crusher, Michael's is Defender of the Vale.

This baby has been on the set of every Endstation show.

Jessica (our "Viola") getting ready for places. She's pretty.

Krista, our Designer Extraordinaire! She is a genius.

Michael (our "Count Orsino") has a preshow cig. He's always fun to watch and brought humor, sadness, and neurosis to his role. I always feel lucky to share a stage with him.

Walter (our "Malvolio") has the audience fall in love with him every night. He's SUPPOSED to be the show's antagonist... I like living with this guy. He's a beagle, a mensch, and one heck of a good singer. I'll miss our late night attempts at world domination the most.

George, up to his old shenanigans again!

The famed yellow stockings!

George's preshow trance...

Rachael's "Olivia" is grace and femininity defined.

Jessica always makes me smile no matter what she's doing!

Sarah did our costumes and she was WONDERFUL! She dealt with all our silliness with humor and warmth. And she made us all look like rockstars!

Ben our dashing rogue of an intern!

George wanted a prom like photo for the blog for reasons known only to him...

John our easily excitable intern goes over his cues in his head before each show... what a pro!

Catherine (our "Antonia") is a force of nature. Every time I'm around her I want to provoke a laughing attack from her!

To know Rebecca is to love her! Simply put: she is one of the best people on the planet. If you haven't met her: you are missing out!

This is Skyler. I think he might be related to me...

Could NOT stop checking herself out!

Jessica is french for smiley.

This mustache was deemed to much "man" for the show.

Under federal law Jessica can not remove this from her head until the two Bald Eagle eggs in it hatch...

Ties, ties, ties...

Alex (our "Sir Andrew") is awesome. He's a nice guy with some genuine acting talent. Big things are in store for him...

Michael becomes.

Melora (our "Maria") brings such professionalism and love to every performance. How she deals with me every night I have no idea. She's wonderful.

Paige has been so good to us! Here she makes Olivia look gorgeous. Thanks to her I'm not smelled from the stage...

This undated photo was found in a prop box during rehearsal. How curious...

This has been without a doubt one of the best summers of my life. The folks at Endstation are great people doing great things. I'm happy and honored to have been a part of this. I'll return to Chicago a different man. And will always think fondly of this tiny piece of heaven in Virginia.

Send my love to everyone and tell them I'm doing fine. I'm at Endstation.

Your loving son,

Sergio Soltero, Actor, Twelfth Night.

Final Week to Humiliate...I mean Sponsor an Artist

2011-07-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Our season is wrapping up, as is the opportunity to Humiliate...I mean Sponsor an Artist.

Our actors have been working hard all season long, and have sought your love, affection, and cold hard cash through feats of bravery, stupidity, and pure hilarity!

Just check out Walter aka Chorizo's latest challenge...

Now that's a love of theatre! Would you get superkicked by a Dojo Master for the theatre?!?

I didn't think so...

...but you do seem like the type to send $25 to see someone else get superkicked.

Sponsor an Artist right NOW, by clicking here: I want to SPONSOR AN ARTIST today!

The evenings outdoors

2011-07-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

A picture taken by Christine from Ankida Ridge Vineyards, who were with us this Sunday

Well, we are half way through the Twelfth Night run. I really do love these outdoor shows. It is always a bit stressful on my end because we never know how the weather will turn out. We were very blessed to have just completed two beautiful weekends of the show and nature was a fantastic collaborator. Those who joined us were met with pleasant weather, a beautiful view and some great wine provided by Rebec, Lazy Days, and Ankida Ridge.

Gina Welker and Leigh Beasley joined us from D.C

One of the reasons we do outdoor theatre is because it is unique to the live experience. You can't have this kind of experience when watching a film. Nature is a participant. The landscape and the elements become an integral part of the show. Each night, nature has an impact on the experience for the audience. This is exciting and wonderful. We look at the outdoor show as an event and not just a show. Nature, food, wine, and performance. All of these things come together to forge the experience for the audience.

So, we have five more performances to go. Join us. This won't want to be missed.

Geoffrey Kershner

Artistic Director

2011-07-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

It’s been a great summer so far! I was very proud of the lighting for Assassins and our creative solutions for 12th Night. This was in great part due to excellent help from Skylar and John. Assassins was a monster lighting show that involved a lot of lights and a lot of special wiring projects. Our challenge at the station was pulling power for our lights. We had a lot less power available to us than we did for Hamlet. We started by using the station to power our H.I.D. wash lights, and using a borrowed generator (thanks Rodney) to power our conventional theatrical lighting sources. We put portable dimmers on the booms to control them. We had to use a homemade switch box to control our wash lights since they cannot be dimmed. We lost our final dress rehearsal due to rain and ended up re-running power after our first performance because we were pulling too much amperage from our generator. We are planning to aquire a large trailor mounted entertainment generator for next summer's site specific performances.

Here John works on a wash light that we temporarily attached to the station.

Skylar admires his handiwork.

John and Skylar work on one of our booms which is secured to the station and the caboose.

Our front of house boom withstood a nasty storm!
A high intensity discharge wash light typically used to light a building or parking lot is very efficient for the power it uses.

Here is Skylar's control station. We have an old two-scene preset light board, a 4 channel switch box, and a 2 channel dimmer box.

While I would love to take credit for all the lighting, the sunsets really steal the show.

What’s Life Without a Little Risk???

2011-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

This summer I have the great opportunity of playing the role of Olivia in Endstation’s production of Twelfth Night! I have to admit, before taking on this role I assumed Olivia was simply a one-dimensional character. Truth be told, no character is one-dimensional. Throughout this entire rehearsal process I have learned that Olivia is much more than meets the eye. Often times Olivia is stereotyped as a flippant girl silly enough to fall in love with a girl dressed as a boy but I have discovered an established young woman hidden beneath her often stereotyped exterior.

Let’s back up a bit….

Throughout my theatre experience in the past I have struggled, as many other actors do, with committing so intensely to a character that I became a part of her. This originally scared me because I would take that character off the stage with me whether I wanted to or not. This past year I have been working on my thesis for my M.A. in Communications entitled, “One Man in His Time Plays Many Parts: The Causes and Effects of Cognitive Dissonance Upon the Actor”. For those of you who don’t know what cognitive dissonance is I’ll give you a tiny bit of background. We all long for a state of equilibrium or balance but some things can cause dissonance in our minds, for instance playing a role that goes against one’s morals, or fighting between oneself and the character. The curiosity to find where a role begins and the actor ends and vice versa sparked into this study. I won’t bore you with the technical details of the study, but I must admit that I have come out loving and appreciating theatre more than ever. Some of the best things in life involve risks, but what is life without a little risk? For instance, falling in love…many of the characters in Twelfth Night put their feelings on the line risking embarrassment, rejection, and mockery. But honestly, where is the drama without the risk???

Twelfth Night is a representation that life is bigger than ourselves. Geoff Kershner has repeatedly let the cast know that the title of the show is interchangeable with “What You Will”. Many times characters in the show shout out to Fate, Time, or even Jove, someone or something bigger than themselves, for help or praise, but in the end they are all aware that all things will take their course. We must simply enjoy the ride, not just the destination.

I am enjoying every part of this show from the other actors, the outdoors, occasionally the weather, and of course the audience! Theatre is an experience and a valuable one at that. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing light-hearted comedy of Twelfth Night and I intend to not let a moment pass me by!

Rachel Blomquist
Actor - Twelfth Night

Lights, Sound and More in the Blue Ridge!

2011-07-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

What a summer it has been, and sadly it is almost over with only a few weeks left. I can honestly say that this has by far been one of the best summers that I can remember. In early Spring I was excited to come to Sweet Briar to start working in the theatre and help with the shows, but what I was not excepting was everything else.

The list is long, and I am sure I will not hit all of them: From intern lunches to barn parties, swimming at the boathouse, Panther Falls and the Piney River with fellow theatre company members to Dan Gallagher’s and Krista Franco’s amazing food. A baseball game on the 4th of July with fireworks including a cookout at the Kershner’s to Wednesday and Saturday night trips to karaoke. The list could go on forever. So much happened outside of theatre, but yet we were still together as the theatre company as one.

At the same time though so much happened inside. Four great shows were produced, and now as we are in the run on 12th Night and Assassins is mostly struck as of today, the end of the summer is close. I am sure that I speak for all of us here that we are not ready to leave and go back to what we refer to as “home” because right now Endstation is home to us. When we do leave, we still will have the memories of the great, wonderful summer that was this past summer. We all worked together to get here and now looking back we can see that all of the hard work has more than paid off.

As a final goodbye and an understanding of some of the experiences I had this summer, below is a slideshow of pictures of work from both Assassins and 12th Night. Also included are photos of all the great times we shared together experiencing the wonderful places the Blue Ridge has to offer.

John Kiselica

Lighting/Sound Intern

SPOTLIGHT: Jessica Mansfield

2011-07-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I met Jessica Mansfield....... it was a Tuesday evening and I had the privilege of welcoming her to Virginia for the summer. I headed down to the train station and was excited to meet this person who I had only seen briefly in a video audition a few months prior. I pulled up, walked down to the tracks and scanned the people who were getting off the train, trying to pick her out of the crowd. We finally found each other and I knew immediately that Jessica was a warm, sweet individual. It was all in how her face lit up when she smiled. We loaded up my car and headed off, we were going to pick up Sergio who was arriving that evening via flight before heading back up to Sweet Briar. We had some time before we needed to be at the airport so we stopped and Jessica got something to eat. Having just come from New York city she kept remarking how the clean the air smelled and how fresh the tomatoes were on her sandwich. We sat and got to know each other a bit before heading to pick up Sergio. The more we chatted, the more excited I got about the summer and the chance to work with this lady.

(Sergio and Jessica the first day they both arrived for the summer)

Jessica has been a joy to work with and she has been having a blast this summer in so many ways. She played Rosa in Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island and is currently playing Viola in our production of Twelfth Night. She took some time and answered some questions for me, so I will let her speak for herself as far as what her summer experience has been so far.

(Jessica during a rehearsal for Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island)

What was your expectation of coming to spend the summer with Endstation and how have those expectations been met or not?

"I was really looking forward to working with Geoff and meeting the Endstation family. I knew I was in for a special summer because the people that I knew from FSU that would be here. But it's really wonderful to have met so many new people that I've become good friends with. I knew Sergio, Walter, and Geoff at FSU, but I never had the opportunity with them in a show."

You and I talked about some goals you had at the beginning of the summer, do you feel like you are meeting them?

" I really wanted to rediscover myself as an actress. It's easy to get caught up and distracted in NYC with what you are not getting. Being here with Endstation has allowed me the comfort of exploring my craft in one of the most beautiful places in the world, with very talented people. I have been inspired by watching my cast mates as well as teaching the BLUR students. When you're around so many creative people it's difficult to not feed off of that energy and grow yourself. "

(Jessica during a rehearsal of Twelfth Night)

What has your favorite memory been so far?

"My favorite memory has been seeing the students faces when performing Good Good Trouble. It was heartwarming to see so many eyes of delight, wonder, and excitement. We were on the roller coaster ride together and making joint discoveries along the way. It's easy as a performer for me to get caught up in myself and what I'm doing/not doing. Good Good reminded me that it's important to open up and have an interactive experience. It's a give and take. The children's faces were a wonderful reminder of how rewarding that can be. "

(Jessica during a rehearsal of Twelfth Night)

Do you think your experience with Endstation will help you in the future and what do you plan to do after the summer ends?

"Working with Endstation has given me the creative fuel to go back to NEW York and get back to auditioning. Opening night for Twelfth Night was magical. I haven't experienced something that special in a long time. Life for an actor is not always an easy one, but when you get the opportunity to be part of something as special as Endstation, you are quickly reminded why you keep on.....keeping."

(Jessica and Melora Kordos during Twelfth Night Rehearsal)

Well I for one am glad that Jessica decided to keep on "keeping" and joined us for the summer. If you did not get a chance to catch her performance in Good Good then you definitely don't want to miss out seeing her fantastic performance in Twelfth Night. There are two more weekends of performances, and tickets are going fast so make sure to grab yours and join us, because I promise you don't want to miss seeing this talented young woman in action!

(Jessica and Michael Stablein Jr. during Twelfth Night rehearsal)

Jessica- thank you for everything you have brought to the table this summer, I think everyone would agree that we are all better for knowing and working with you and are excited to see where your future journey will take you. You are fabulous!

Till next time~

MAH

Company Manager

THE 2011 PUBLIC READING SERIES

2011-07-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Series begins! Expanded in size, caliber, and scope, the 2011 Series showcases the work of 6 emerging, professional playwrights from all over the country. 10 original works in 5 days.

For our third annual Initiative, our Resident Playwright Joshua Mikel and myself invited 3 Visiting Playwright Fellows for the month of July alongside 2 Special Guest Playwrights for a more limited duration.

These playwrights, housed on Sweet Briar's bucolic campus, are provided unstructured time, space, and artistic feedback, as they endeavor development on work both pre-written and born on campus.

This afternoon we opened the Series with the first two of our AD HOC Readings. A successful afternoon all around. Do not miss these readings. We have our strongest group of playwrights yet and I am incredibly proud to showcase this work to our company, our patrons, and our community.

THE PUBLIC READING SERIES

(FREE ADMISSION TO ALL READINGS!)

Ad Hoc Reading Series

July 12 & 13 @ 1pm (Babcock Fine Arts Center)

Our Resident Playwright, Joshua Mikel and our three Visiting Playwright Fellows present pre-written dramatic work still in development. Four playwrights. Four readings. Two days.

Special Guest Reading Series

July 14 @1pm (Babcock Fine Arts Center)

Our former Resident Playwright, Jason Chimonides returns alongside a former Visiting Playwright Fellow, Daniel Caffrey for a special readings series of two original works of dramatic literature by emerging professional playwrights.

Posthaste Reading Series

July 21 & 22 @12pm (Babcock Fine Arts Center)

Our Resident Playwright and three Visiting Playwright Fellows return for a reading of wholly original work born on Sweet Briar College's campus. A showcase of the fruits of artistic residency through Endstation Theatre Company and the Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival.

2011 VISITING PLAYWRIGHT FELLOWS

Lucy Gillespie (New York City)

Tearrance Chisholm (Washington, D.C.)

David Roby (Sewanee, TN)

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Michael Stablein, Jr.

Head of Playwrights Initiative

Endstation Theatre Company

Don't Just Applaud, Sponsor an Artist!

2011-07-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Don't let our phenomenally gorgeous production of Twelfth Night distract you!

Don't let all that delicious Virginia wine and that unspeakably beautiful sunset go to your head!

Don't forget that we have artists (tempermental types) who need your love (they take plastic!), and who demand (they beg, actually!) to be humiliated in public all in the name of theatre!

Won't you help? Won't you Sponsor an Artist? It takes only a few moments...a few moments to make an artist smile--to make them eat 5 cheesy westerns in a minute, to wash a water buffalo, or to shave their head!

Won't you make a donation today, and make our world just a little sillier?

Go now to the Sponsor an Artist Blog. Review each artist's profile, and click on the donate now link on their page to make a gift in their name. Or click here: Sponsor an Artist to make a general donation to the campaign.

Please, pretty please, we're down on one knee here...Sponsor an Artist today!

Sponsor them so that they don't have to end the season with the shame of knowing they didn't meet their goal!

Look at them, don't they look sad? Make them smile! Sponsor an Artist today!

www.endstationsponsoranartist.blogspot.com

For Dave

2011-07-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Last night we opened Twelfth Night to a record crowd. Rebec Vineyards was serving wine, Sweet Briar dining services was selling food, and our fantastic cast performed in front of an incredible natural vista on a wonderful set created by our production team. It was a very successful opening and I am so proud of everyone involved. We also met our "Station Transformation" goal yesterday and thank you to all who donated and who attended the barbecue yesterday.

For today's post I wanted to put my director's note on the blog. This production has meant a lot to me because I have personally dedicated it to my friend Dave Aviv who passed away this winter. I miss him very much and he brought a lot of laughter and inspiration to those he met. Below is my note.

Twelfth Night was written around 1601, at the height of Shakespeare's artistic prowess. Around this time he also wrote works like Hamlet, Henry V, and As You Like It. Shakespeare was writing work that was funny and profound. His tragedies during this time have moments of levity and his comedies are rife with profound revelation of the human condition. Twelfth Night follows this trend.

The Twelfth Night holiday in Christian tradition comes at the end of Epiphany. It is a day of merriment and its focus is on eating and drinking, an activity much loved by Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew of the play. It is also a celebration of the "world turning upside down." It is believed that the play was written as a Twelfth Night entertainment and it celebrates the themes and ideas of the holiday. Characters overcome sadness by embracing merriment and the world also turns upside down for many of the characters as they fight mistaken identity and search for love.

The message of the play for us this last month and a half has been about embracing life and living it to the fullest. This past winter I lost a close friend of mine, Nadav (Dave) Aviv. I have decided to dedicate our production of Twelfth Night to Dave's memory because Dave always lived his life to the fullest. I believe the spirit of the show was the spirit of Dave. He brought so much laughter and joy to my life. Dave met many obstacles in his life, but Dave was a fighter. He overcame a lot to become a physician. When I was around Dave the most, he was going through the difficult process of applying and working his way through medical school. He never wavered and he always managed to bring laughter and joy to those around him. Dave was an inspiration to me. Being around Dave always filled my life with merriment.

When we meet Olivia and Viola they are battling the loss of family. This is profound. Their battle is a battle with sadness, but through love and laughter they find happiness. They learn to embrace life, love, and enjoy the company of those around them. Feste sings at the end of the play, "For the rain it raineth every day." There will always be loss and sadness, but despite the sadness that we may sometimes find in life, it is important to find laughter and love along the way.

Geoffrey Kershner

Artistic Director

Ode to Outdoor Theatre

2011-07-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

I love Virgina, as do many of the people who live here. Each year, I look forward to the summers at Sweet Briar - to the long walks over the rolling hills, the magical sunsets, and the bright starry nights. The past few months here have been a delight, but I have yet to experience my favorite part of the festival: outdoor theatre.

Let's go ahead and get this out of the way: I am the marketing & communications director for Endstation. Technically, it is my job to promote what we do and make it look fun. Well friends, hear me when I say that this entire blog post, my ode to outdoor theatre, is straight from the heart (excuse the cliche). While it is true that my job entails promoting our events, with outdoor theatre, there is no spin necessary, no gimmick needed. It is one of the most unique and exciting theatrical experiences an audience can . In short: I don't need to try to make this look cool. It just is.

While musicals and small, intimate venues have their own charm for me, the experience of outdoor theatre is like nothing else. If you have ever looked out your window on a beautiful day and thought to yourself "how can I best take advantage of this?" - outdoor theatre is the right answer.

Now, I am a wine lover. I am not what some might call a "wine connoisseur" or even worse, a "wine snob," but simply, a wine lover. I love everything about it - to learn how it is grown, harvested, and fermented. To know that this wine drew its vanilla notes from the French oak it lived in for 2 years, to taste its residual sugar, to learn that it pairs best with spicy thai food or ripe red berries. I love the sound of a cork being popped, or the first pour into the glass. But above all, I love enjoying a crisp Virginia white wine with a picnic in a beautiful setting. With Endstation, I get to do all this with the added bonus of a fantastic live theatrical production, at this year's venue, an unbelievable sunset behind the mountain vista.

I might just explode.

We are so happy to be able to offer you local wine at each performance this year, so you can not only enjoy a glass while you experience Twelfth Night, but you can also learn what Amherst and Nelson Counties have to offer. There is so much great wine in Virginia, and we are happy to bring it to you.

So, here is the purpose of my post: YOU NEED TO DO THIS. It is the perfect way to spend the evening with a partner, your family, a group of friends, or even yourself. I have said it before but I will say it again: this year's venue is incredible, and whether you like wine or not, you will most certainly enjoy the magic and tranquility that your surroundings will provide.

So, if you are now even half as excited as I am, get your tickets today. Reserved section has been selling fast, and is limited.

Finally, bring someone who isn't a "theatre person," along for the ride. If there was ever a show/place/experience to win them over, this is the one.

With love,
Ashley Kershner
Communications Director

From Assassins to Twelfth Night

2011-07-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Twelfth Night opens this Saturday, and it is strange to think that we had just started building out at the Train Station last Friday, and finished all of the platforms on Sunday, using the pieces from Assassins that we struck after the final performance.

We built a 40ft long platform with three adjacent platforms jetting off of it, a porch unit with two rows of seating, and Malvolio's prison. It was interesting trying to paint all of the decking since all of the water that we would spray on for the glazes, would evaporate within seconds.

It is so wonderful being able to work outside and see the mountains in the background. Even with the copious amounts of bug spray, sunscreen, sunburns, and sweat that has been poured onto this set, I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

I feel so honored to be a part of Endstation this summer. Here is my final farewell to Assassins, I miss you all!

Rebekah Baumgartner, Scenic Intern

Focus Shift

2011-07-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

This summer really has flown by, as we have completed three different productions and have now turned complete focus to Twelfth Night, the final production in the 2011 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival lineup. It is it hard to believe that it is opening this coming Saturday evening soon after our Station Transformation BBQ that afternoon (get information on both events here.)

I got a chance to sit in on another of the Twelfth Night rehearsals last week and got some additional rehearsal shots. I love coming back to a show after not seeing it for a bit and seeing how far it has come. Characters are more developed, movement is more sure, the cast continues to gel and really start to play with each other. It was so much fun and the although it was hot that night, it was really beautiful.

I know I might be biased, but this is going to be a fantastic production, I know you hear us say that about all our productions, but honestly it's because they really are amazing. All of the hard work put in by director, cast, production team, and crew really pays off and the audiences have a great time. This year is especially exciting as patrons will have the added amenity of wine tasting from various vineyards before each performance. As always folks are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to have on hand either before the show or eat while watching the show. If you don't want to bring everything with you, why not pre-order one of the delicious box dinners that will be provided by Sweet Briar catering. Visit our website and get additional information, so you will be completely prepared to have the best experience possible.

Everyone is working hard this week as it has been a pretty quick turn around from one show to the next, however everything seems to be going pretty smoothly and as long as the weather cooperates (the one thing we can't control) it should be a pretty fantastic opening. I do hope that you are planning to join us, if not this weekend perhaps either of the following two weekends. I believe that making plans to see an endstation outdoor production is becoming staple on some people's summer must do list, and I hope that it will become one on yours soon too. There is nothing like sitting outdoors with good friends and or loved ones, enjoying good food and drink, watching a great production with a gorgeous natural backdrop, and taking it all in. Was that too over the top? I guarantee that if you talk to anyone that has been to one of our productions they would agree that it is an experience not to be missed.

So I hope that you have secured your tickets to one of the ten performance dates that we have available, because they are starting to sell pretty quickly. You can get tickets in advance online or by calling the box office to reserve, or you can grab them in Lynchburg at Doyle's Florist or Catalano's Delicatessen if that is more convenient for you. Tickets will also be available for purchase on site the day of the performance, although best to book in advance if you can. So what are you waiting for, grab some people, make some plans, and get tix online or give us a call, I promise you won't regret it!

See you soon!!

Till next time~
MAH
Company Manager

Those Who Teach, Learn!

2011-07-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

When I found out I would be teaching this summer for BLUR's summer arts program, I was very excited! For those of you that don't know about BLUR, it's a wonderful summer arts program, where students can come and experience visual arts, creative writing, and theatre, blurring the line between all of them, to open the creative channel to news ways of expressing their area of focus. And if that doesn't sound awesome enough, they get to grow artistically on one of the most beautiful campus's in the country!! Sweet Briar!

Endstation has been lucky enough to participate in BLUR's first year and help develop the program! Sergio Soltero, George Carruth, Michael Stablein Jr., Angie Gallagher, and myself are all teaching different areas within the theatre track. The class is small in number but mighty in spirit! This is a group of very talented, intuitive young adults. There is Josh, Alex, Alexis, Paige, Sienna, Charlotte, and Natalie and the fantastic go-to girl/assistant Tania.

I taught the Movement portion, an area within theatre I love. I've always found the study of an animal to be helpful in developing the physicality of a character. Animals react mainly on instinct and impulse, very exciting things for both an actor to play with and an audience to see! Sienna was wonderful enough to allow me to share with the process we worked on in class. The students first picked a character/person who had an interesting physicality and studied them closely. The character Sienna chose was Frank-N-Furter from Rocky Horror Picture Show. I then had the students pick an animal that resembled their character's physicality/movement. Sienna chose an Ostrich for Frank-N-Furter because of the delicate but powerful strut they have. The students then combined the two, adding in the animals physicality on top of character's movement, allowing the characters physicality to become enhanced and perhaps evolve into something new. In Sienna's case the ostrich's wings influenced the placement of her arms. She lead with her chest more in the final walk, and lifted her feet and knees in a more triumphant step. She had an air of confidence in her third walk that told a lot about her character. It was really exciting to see this walk grow into something specific. Great job Sienna!!!

That is the video showing all three walks! The first walk is her character walk. The second is her final walk, influenced by her animal study, and the final is her ostrich movement. (Sorry for the mix-up in order, I am not very computer savvy!!)

Movement and physicality is something I've been paying close attention to currently. I am playing Viola in Endstation's upcoming production of Twelfth Night (opening this weekend!) Viola decided to dress like a man named Cesario to serve a count (played by Michael "The Vixen" Stablein Jr., and while I am doing a plug, sponsor him!), whom she has fallen in love with. She must convince everyone around her that she is a man. Teaching this class has really helped me with the whole process of developing a character physically and figuring out how to move like a man. Not only have I re-discovered for myself the exercises and observation techniques, but I have learned so much from watching my students! The old (and in my opinion, incorrect) saying is: those who can't do: teach, but I say those who teach: learn.

Thanks you guys! Can't wait for you to see the show :)

Jessica Mansfield
Actor

Meet JoEllen Parker...President of Sweet Briar College and Endstation Supporter

2011-07-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

A Love Letter

2011-07-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Assassins Cast and Crew,

I can't even express my gratitude and admiration for the work you have done over the last month and a half. I know you all know how good you are and I am going to spend some time talking about that, but it almost feels trite because it doesn't really express how I feel. I love you all.

Assassins was a BIG risk for Endstation. It was selected because it was an exciting piece of theatre, thought provoking and powerful. I had no idea how audiences would respond both to the piece and in their willingness to buy tickets. Endstation did the piece because I wanted an audience that would come and enjoy a work like Assassins, not because I was sure they were out there. I lost a lot of sleep over my choice over the last few months... because I feared making some sort of mistake. If it was a mistake it would deal a big blow to the company. This was an important season for us and if we were unable to meet financial goals and continue to build an audience base, we could be strongly impacted for seasons to come.

I can't express how moved I am by the result. On a logistical end, the show did have some appealing circumstances. It wasn't a dance piece and that was one less gear in the machine for our first musical. It was also a small cast and I liked that it was an ensemble cast. Early going we got the Wolfbane guys involved (check out their Tempest in August!) and this was a huge boost. We knew we couldn't do this without the community that Dustin and Aaron have formed here in Lynchburg. I also knew that I wanted Chad Larabee to direct. His ability with musicals is incredible and I knew he could approach the tone and scale of the show with expertise and skill. Those two things, along with recruiting Randall Speer (who I had a wonderful experience working with at Randolph College) and already having our production team in place, is really all I can take credit for.

What happened next is magical. The cast that was assembled could not have been more perfect. Each individual in this production found their way to their roles with profound ability and skill. It was as if we had some giant New York casting pool and we hand picked people. This all from a pretty small but skilled community in the greater Lynchburg area (with the exception of Walter and Spencer... although I am sure they feel like a surrogate Virginians by this point). I feel so blessed by how each individual found their way to their roles with such skill. I could not have envisioned a better result than what occurred. I am just blown away.

You all made this a success beyond what I could have envisioned. This is one of the best productions I have ever seen in the area. Our bravery in doing it has paid off because you all brought such excellence to the stage. You took time out of your busy lives and put so much into this work by Sondheim. Endstation is forever grateful to you. You all have made our gamble pay off. As we end the run, we are meeting our ticket goal and audiences are loving the work. This will have a profound impact on our future.

Words can not express my gratitude and love.

Love,

Geoff

Virgin(ia) for the very first time

2011-07-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

As a Costume Designer, every show I encounter is filled with new experiences and challenges. It's one of the biggest reasons I do theatre, every show is fresh and exciting. Especially this summer. This is my first time working with Endstation Theatre Company and it has been an incredible experience from the very beginning! The people here are welcoming and kind-hearted. Working with the actors and their costumes has been a joy, starting with fittings for Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island...

...To consulting with the actors about hair and makeup backstage before a dress rehearsal for Assassins....

...To disguising Viola as a boy for Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

This is also my first time being in the beautiful commonwealth of Virginia! One of my favorite parts of Endstation Theatre is the way they tie their productions to this region and the land. Twelfth Night is based in turn of the century Appalachia and for my research, I looked at photographs from this region. I traveled to many antique stores throughout the area gathering photos of people who actually lived here in Virginia and other surrounding states.

This is a photograph of a woman from Scottsville, VA. This is one of the main inspirations for my design for Olivia played by Rachel Blomquist.

Below is a photograph of George Tipton Omohundro, Sr. a politician, farmer, and business owner in Albemarle County, Va. Our very own Walter Kmiec will be sporting a similar mustache as Malvolio.

Outdoor theatre is another first for me and I am up to the challenge! I honestly can't wait for opening night, enjoying a splendid production of Twelfth Night against the backdrop of the breathtaking mountains and a Virginian sunset.

That's all for now!

-Sarah Woodworth
Costume Designer

LAST CHANCE FOR ASSASSINS

2011-07-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

We are heading into closing weekend of our 2011 production of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. The show has met with record breaking audiences and very positive reactions from folks all around. If you have not have the chance to see this fantastic production you have a few more opportunities this weekend. You can check out the endstation website here for more information on tickets, or tickets can be bought at the door. They are going fast though, and we would encourage you to book in advance if you can.

Don't just take my word on how awesome this production is, check out some of the reviews:

Lynchburg Theatre.com review

News and Advance article on Assassins

And if you have not seen it yet, check out the trailer for the show, featuring a lot of familiar faces.

So what are you waiting for, grab some friends, get a ticket, and be sure you don't miss the last chance to see this incredible production this weekend.

See you there!

Looking Back

2011-06-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

Looking back through my process shots of the Assassins set I found a few pictures of the set when it was nothing but a deck and some framing. It’s hard to believe how far the set has come since then. Through the talents of my two partners in crime Molly and Rebekah and our fearless leaders Terry and Krista, the stage has transformed from an empty box to a dramatic fairground where assassins might be heroes

A theatrical production only exists in its entirety for a couple hours during a performance, though. When all of the actors take to the stage and the orchestra plays the music and the instruments light the set, a production becomes something more than the sum of its parts. The set that starts as a few pieces of a lumber in a black box takes on life.

So on opening night a familiar rush returned to me when the show’s first chords wafted up to my position on the flyrail. By the end of the show I could feel the adrenaline in me as the audience applauded and I knew I had been a part of something special. I can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity to work with such talented people and create such great theatre.

-- Benjamin Burke, Scenic Intern

Some Local Thoughts.....

2011-06-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

One of the unique and really great aspects of Endstation is that each summer we have a blend of talent from across the country and from the local area. We appreciate the support of the local community for so many different reasons and could not do what we do without the support. From the very beginning local community individuals have been involved with Endstation productions.

(Tell Tale and the Mind of Poe Cast/Crew 2007)

I'm a "local person" and it is a great perspective being the staff member on site year round and welcoming everyone back when they come at various times during the off season for planning and fund-raising events and of course back for the summer.

This year we have several local actors that are part of our productions of Assassins (Kathy Clay, Karl Lindevaldsen, Jared Anderson, Jeffrey Price, Shelbie Filson, Josh DeVries, Liz Butler, Scott Rankins, Albert Carter, Dustin Williams, Aaron Farr, and Joe Gilbar) and Twelfth Night (Rachel Blomquist, Melora Kordos, and Alex Miller). Some have participated in past festivals and others are joining us for the first time. The majority of them have day jobs and other responsibilities that they juggle and maintain while participating in the festival, and I was curious about their perspective on Endstation, so I asked them. Here is some of what they had to say:

(Melora Kordos and Rachel Blomquist rehearsing for Twelfth Night)

Have you had a positive experience with Endstation this summer?

Working with Endstation Theatre has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I have been overwhelmed with the professionalism of the production team. This production team enabled me to rise to new challenges and succeed in performing to a height I never thought possible (Scott Rankins)

To say this was a positive experience would be the understatement of the ages. Before I ever knew I had a "need" as an actor, answers and solutions were always met. That's what I'd call expert trouble-shooting....(no pun intended~~) (Kathy Clay)

I always have such a great experience with Endstation, that's why this is my third summer with the company, and hopefully there will be many more! (Melora Kordos)

I've most certainly had a positive experience this summer. Having attended the festival since 2008, I've always wanted to work with the company. When I heard that "Assassins" was going to be part of the season, I knew I had to audition. (Liz Butler)

(Kathy Clay and Liz Butler during a scene from Assassins)
Photo credit: Bryce Page

What is one of your favorite parts/memories of your production or endstation as a whole?

It's hard to pick out one particular memory. I'd have to say that the rehearsal process at the very point all of the cast is off book is the best part of the process. It's fun when the cast begins to experiement with language and the text. We bring the characters to life and just enjoy playing. (Rachel Blomquist)

I think my favorite memories so far this year have been getting together with some of the cast outside of rehearsals and just playing some music. We'd teach other new songs and swap instraments back and forth. So much fun. Getting to listen to an jam with the guys like George and Spencer really is a privilege. (Alex Miller)

I have always loved the rehearsal process; there is always room for discovery and growth, and (hopefully) always inspiration from the cast and crew of the show. What was remarkable about Endstation was the feeling of community among everyone outside of the rehearsal/performance process as well. Karaoke nights, barn parties, campouts, dinners, cookouts, jaunts into the big bad metropolis of Lynchburg, it all added to a memorable summer experience, even for us "older townies" (Kathy Clay)

(Alex Miller (left) rehearsing a scene from Twelfth Night with George Carruth and Sergio Soltero)

If this is your first time, what has your overall impression of endstation and the festival been? If you are returning how has this year been different than others?

I have enjoyed watching productions the last 2 seasons, and I am thrilled to be part of the company this year. I recognized from the start the excellence that this company has. It was great working with Chad and the wonderful direction he brought to Assassins. (Karl Lindevaldsen)

Assassins was my debut with Endstation, only because I never had time the last few summers, but I hope to be involved for future performances. The level of professionalism brought to Central Virginia is amazing to me. I have been involved in Lynchburg area community theatre for 12 years and I have incredible respect for the level of production and acting Endstation brings to us. (Scott Rankins)

Endstation has progressed so much through it's productions. I'm pleased to say that I have seen or been in many of the productions each year since Endstation started the Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival. Each year they keep getting better and better. The cast of Twelfth Night feels much more like a community than other larger productions in the past. By condensing the cast, a sense of family is created, I love that! (Rachel Blomquist)

(Dustin Williams in Assassins)

Have you enjoyed getting to work with other artists/interns from across the country?

Immensely! We only grow and enrich ourselves with diversity. Learning from others is absolutely key to anyone's growth. We cannot expand our horizons thinking, living and (in this case performing) in a box. The production team was from all over the country and a few of the actors in Assassins. Observing and listening to all these folks around me has enriched my acting and brought my singing to a level I never thought I would even have been able to achieve. (Scott Rankins)

Yes I have, I'm amazed by how much talent I'm surrounded by at each and every rehearsal. It inspires and challenges me to become a better actor, to really master the art. (Rachel Blomquist)

I don't thank God enough for putting me with Endstation. Most of my friends this summer are hundreds of miles away from their families working for next to nothing doing summer stock or an internship of some kind before heading back to school in the fall. Meanwhile I get to stay in my hometown, keep a good-paying job, plus work with a group of professional actors, directors, designers from all over the world. Seriously they are amazing. It's like joining the Dharma Initiative, but without all the time travel (Alex Miller)

(Twelfth Night rehearsal)

Has it been difficult to maintain your regular schedule and your rehearsal schedule?

I'm not gonna lie, some weeks are more difficult than others, but it is always worth it (Melora Kordos)

No, Endstation has been so flexible with my personal schedule that I have not been stressed going about my day to day activities and plans. (Rachel Blomquist)

Of course! It is always a balancing act for me. I own a business, have a wife and feel I neglect all of them somewhat when I am involved in theatre. But I have a wife who is very understanding and who also loves the arts. I am busy at work, but I would rather be busy than sitting around and watching everyone else have fun! (Scott Rankins)

(Assassins cast rehearsing with director Chad Larabee)

Do you think you will audition for future productions? If not on stage would come as a patron/audience member to future productions?

Yes, I would love to be part of Endstation again. I will be an audience member if I am not able to be a member of a cast. I am excited that Endstation will continue to grow and I hope it will become a theatre festival that many people will want to come to. (Karl Lindevaldsen)

Definitely, I'm sold! (Scott Rankins)

Absolutly, as long as I'm in Lynchburg I will continue to audition or be an audience member of the Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival. It's such an enriching experience and it sparks a great amount of excitement into my summer. (Rachel Blomquist)

YES! and YES!!! It seems Endstation is gathering more momentum every summer, which is so wonderful to witness. (Kathy Clay)

So there you have it, they seem to love us just as much as we love them! Like I said we could not do what we do without the local community, and we appreciate everyone probably much more than they will every realize. Thank you to all the local actors/volunteers/audience members who continue to support us in different ways.

If you have not already seen Assassins, make sure to get your tickets (you can do that here), or better yet since I am sure you are planning to see Twelfth Night why not get a two show package deal (more info here) so you are sure not to miss out!! We will see you soon!

Till next time~

MAH

Company Manager

An Ode to the Stage Manager

2011-06-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

(Photo credit to Sergio for the photos in this post - thanks for letting me use them.)

This goes out to my two girls

Who maintain the spin of a chaotic world.

You bear great burdens of thought and time,

To keep your cohorts in somewhat line.

You manage it all with a grace and smile,

Allowing the rest to dance all the while.

You are true darlings in every sense of the word,

You offer a perch for the tweeting bird.

Your work can be thankless,

Please do not grimace;

We realize, that without you, there is no us.

So...we cannot give you money.

We offer no jewels, no fancy air-brushed shirts and not a single door prize.

But you must be reminded...

We LOVE yous guys.

Kelly and Kara, thank you so much for all that you do for us. Yours are the shoulders on which we stand.

Sponsor an Artist Update

2011-06-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been just over a week and our Four Artists are still hoping to earn your love AND MONEY!

They've raised just over $1500 to date, but that still leaves $2500 worth of love (and by love I mean cold hard cash) to earn!

George "THE COOL GUY" Carruth remains in the lead...

(He had to wash his Charlie's Chicken Dinner out of his beard.)

Don't let your favorite Artist go unchallenged!!!!!!

GO TO

http://endstationsponsoranartist.blogspot.com/

and SPONSOR AN ARTIST!

"How will this fadge?" -Viola, Twelfth Night

2011-06-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

Viola in Twelfth Night discovers early in the play that she may have set off a chain reaction of events by disguising herself as a man. Olivia, who Viola is supposed to be courting for Orsino, has fallen in love with her, thinking she is in fact a man. She states, "How will this fadge?" In Elizabethan speak, this means, "how will this turn out?" This is my statement for the season. I have been joking that I want a t-shirt that says, Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival 2011 on the front and on the back it will say, "How will this fadge?"

Well, it has been a great first half of the season and we are off to a great start. By far, this is the highest quality season we have produced. I know we are making growth every year. Our artists are engaged in continuing to elevate the work we do. We won't be satisfied with the past and we are always moving forward. The work has always been good, but we are moving closer and closer to excellence. I am more and more hopeful that we will meet our ticket goals this season, but no matter what happens, I will know that we can proudly stand by the work we have produced and that feels really good.

Assassins finale

As I stated in my last post, Assassins was a season choice that was about quality and not about being a popular title. During this opening weekend I watched audiences become electrified by the work that our team has produced and I believe that this will ultimately bring us a longer lasting audience base. Much more than a mediocre production of Annie (nothing against the little red head) would have (nor would we have done a mediocre production of it ;) ). We are engaging audiences beyond the obvious or easy. This makes me profoundly proud.

Check out LynchburgTheatre.com's review here.

As we head into Twelfth Night there are some things I can't control. I can't control the weather and I can control the unseen variables like squirrels running through a scene or an Amherst County High School student testing out his car stereo system's bass in the parking lot, but I do have a lot of hopes for the success of this production in regards to quality. The cast is fantastic. One of the best through and through casts we have had to date on an outdoor Shakespeare, plus the show is just a blast. Shakespeare knew what he was doing.

In usual Endstation form we are bringing a space already filled with visual spectacle to theatrical life, fully utilizing it. Our actors are also doing incredible work bringing the language to life with vivid expertise and energy. I can't wait to share this with an audience.

So... "How will this fadge?" Not sure, but I know I am holding my head high as we move through this journey.

Geoffrey Kershner

Artistic Director

Sound Off

2011-06-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

The work of my department is often challenging to convey because the quality of sound engineering and design is measured in how well it blends with a piece. When Geoff announced this year’s season I knew my primary challenge of the summer would be Assassins. The language and texture of the songs is hugely important in Sondheim’s work and often -with Assassins in particular- the lyrics fly by so quickly that it’s a challenge to just understand what a character is saying; never mind the full orchestra and gunfire in the score!

Our production team planned the show around the huge demand for wireless microphones, managing to assemble sixteen mics and an incredible digital mixer. Now that probably sounds like some sound geek rattling off a list of fancy things, but the bottom line is that Endstation’s production team built a fully-functioning Broadway-level sound system in less than a week. I was floored.

But building a system that plays sound is really only half the challenge. Once performers are connected to microphones and the orchestra kicks in the real challenge is managing volume levels. If the microphones are turned up too loud they create feedback, too soft and we lose the language and lyrics. Part of how sound engineers overcome this challenge is by utilizing effects like compression. A compressor allows the engineer to flatten the changes in volume from an actor’s voice, so an actor’s whispers are as loud as their singing.

I write this post as I’m aboard a train slowly working it’s way back to New York and I find myself with ample time to muse about this past week. I feel I may be restating previous sentiments, but the work has been an amazing, challenging experience. I hope you get a chance to see and hear it. Assassins is some of the best work Endstation has ever made.

Bryce Page
Sound Designer

From the Music Director

2011-06-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

I often say a good sign in the preparation of music for a concert or a show is that I begin dreaming the music. The longer the period of having a soundtrack to my dreams before a performance, the better the show is going to be. For instance, before Endstation’s opening concert, “Broadway in the Blue Ridge,” my sleep was accompanied by “You’re the Top”, “All I Ask of You”, “Maria” and so forth for three or four nights in a row. And while it was great fun to accompany such a talented cast (including Broadway’s Sean McLaughlin), more importantly the house was packed, and the event was a wonderful success.

Sondheim’s ASSASSINS is an experience like none other I’ve had. Much more than simply catchy tunes, Sondheim’s music is written to reflect and amplify the characters – and what extraordinary characters! Like the action onstage, the music is powerful – sometimes funny, always moving.
Combine Sondheim’s music with an Endstation cast that since February we knew to be truly exceptional, Director (and fellow University of Iowa grad) Chad Larabee’s remarkable vision and guidance, a top-notch crew, and a fantastic orchestra, and the experience is beyond powerful. It’s overwhelming. Funny. Intense. Thought-provoking.

Not that ASSASSINS is simply a walk in the park. In almost any show, there are times in which serving as Music Director is akin to attempting singlehandedly to move mountains. I imagine the same is true for choreographers and directors, too. Sondheim’s music (perhaps because it is so intuitively connected to the characters) is never easy. No two ways about it, it’s hard work. Logistic hurdles abound in a show like this – all of which our cast and crew continue to overcome with grace, humor and artistry.

Don’t get me wrong – Endstation’s production of ASSASSINS is hard work, yes – but each rehearsal has been so artistically rewarding, it’s more like riding a great wave of creativity than trying to move mountains.In fact, the only mountains involved have been the inspiring backdrop I’ve enjoyed, travelling to and from Babcock Theatre. Every rehearsal I have been amazed to see onstage something startlingly new, and often profound. And I can’t wait for audiences to catch this wave!
As for my nightly soundtrack, well, I’ve been dreaming ASSASSINS now for two weeks…

Randy Speer
Assassins Music Director

The Standing O of Success!

2011-06-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the opening was the night of ASSASSINS and what a night it was! The show went off without a hitch and the crowd fell in love with the cast. The reception that followed the performance gave the audience a chance to meet and greet with the cast, as well as celebrate the evening with homemade goodies (from the fabulous Jeff Price) and champagne! It could not have been a more perfect evening. I am so grateful to be able to be involved with such a welcoming and talented company. This is my first time working in theater and I have never felt more at home. Thank you so much to everyone who has made the transition here so smooth. The community of people at Endstation is one of the best group of people I have ever worked with. Not to mention, working for my sister isn't too bad either. Endstation has been a wonderful experience thus far and I can't believe time is flying by so quickly!

Tonight was only the first night of Assassins and there is much more to come! Tickets are available here.

Now the entire company is going to boathouse to kee p the celebrations going! Cheers to Endstation!

Alicia Hester (Administrative Intern)

"Attention Has Been Paid"

2011-06-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

This evening we will head into the final dress rehearsal/preview night of our 2011 production of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. Some last touch ups to the set have been made, all props are in places, costumes are set, and any bugs that needed to be worked out have been taken care of. Just yesterday if you looked around at the audience seating you would see various "tech tables" spread through the theatre. (Tech tables are basically mock tables made for each of the production members to sit at during the technical process.) All of the tables, cords, plugs, etc... have been cleaned up and the seats now sit (ha ha...ahem) waiting for some guests that may be with us this evening, and of course will be ready for opening night tomorrow night (there are still some tix available, and you can get them here) plus the following days of opening weekend. I do hope that you plan to join us for at least one or more of the nine performances.

Everyone who is involved with this production from design team to cast, to orchestra, to crew have all worked tirelessly in order to make this one of the best shows endstation has produced to date (and that's sayin something as endstation has done some pretty incredible work).This is also our first musical and it has been pretty neat to watch everything unfold, from auditions, to final dress.

As the title implies, there are guns used in the show (let me clarify that these are all prop guns made specifically for use in a theater production). I have the privilege of serving as the "gun wrangler" for this show and I have enjoyed getting to work with the cast members that I didn't already know previously. I take care of all of the guns, cleaning them, making sure they are stored in a secure location every night, loading them up, and making sure I know where every single gun is at all times when being used. I also get the fun responsibility of firing all the off stage gun shots throughout the show. This also means I get to sit directly off stage so I have a pretty good vantage point to see most of the show, for the other parts, I just listen and enjoy.

I am looking forward to opening night tomorrow, there is always a special kind of energy and excitement that spreads throughout to everyone involved. You can feel the cast getting excited to perform in front of an audience, and everyone needs to be on their toes and bringing their best game to the table. It's a nervous energy....a good energy....full of adrenaline and anticipation. There is energy before and during every performance but there is really something special about opening night, and I am excited for everyone that will be joining us for it.

Check out this great trailer made by Walter Kmiec (who plays Sam Byck) where you will see all of our actors that are part of the production, you may even catch some familiar faces. This production is brimming with talent and I promise you will not be disappointed by what you see.

So make sure to get your tickets for this weekend or next, and we will see you soon!

Till next time~
Cheers,
MAH
(Company Manager)

A Postcard from Camp

2011-06-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Endstation Theatre sure has been fun this year! And busy. Which is why I haven’t called that much… SO I thought I send you some pics and show you what I’ve been up to!

<- This is me as "Larry". He's sort of the narrator and host of Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island. This play was the children's play we did and it was lots of fun!

When I first got here I got to stay at the Brown’s house.

They have a nice house and really cool dogs.

This is James Brown.

And this is Corn Dog. (Cuz he‘s so fat he looks like a corn dog!)

After we stayed at the Browns we stayed at the “Guest House”. This is where boys who visit Sweet Briar College stay as “guests”. This house is also ‘home’ to over 22 species of spiders and 32 varieties of mosquito. We would sit around after rehearsal and come up with new names for them.

My favorite: Romeo. I found him in my bed!

After that I got to stay at Carson which is dorm here on campus. I just loved it there! There was ten or twelve of us in the same building and we would have dinner together and sing songs and get caught in the rain together!

....

Of course it hasn’t been just hanging out - we’ve also been doing a lot of work too!

This is my Director Geoff (left) and our Count Orsino discussing Twelfth Night's finer points.

And this is our performance space for Good Good. They painted the floor just for us!

This is Melissa and she was really good at taking down ALL her rehearsal notes.

Here George, one of our actors, is running lines with the Umber Goat. Those two are bound for fame!

Good Good toured local schools and Walter (in the helmet) had to drive us- which wasn't always the best idea...

This is Skyler, one of our interns. Many things surprise him...

This is Jessica, our Viola, nothing surprises her...

This is Parker. She's Endstation's first baby and unofficial mascot. She love's her binky!

Well that 's it for now. I miss you guys. Tell everyone I say hello and I'm having a great time!

I hope you liked my pics and I promise to call more often!

With all my love,

Sergio Soltero

SPONSOR AN ARTIST

2011-06-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

RESURRECTION'S GONNA HAPPEN TONIGHT!!!!!

The Sponsor An Artist campaign is officially underway! It took a little doing, but we're pumped and ready to serve your every whim. View the vid, find the link, donate the dough!

Visit our sponsor an artist blog for more info! click HERE

If you build it, they will come?

2011-06-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

This may be my most open and personal blog post ever. I usually like to share insights and information, but I don't usually share anything all that personally revealing. Today I will.

When I set out to create Endstation, I had a dream of building a theatre company that would connect with the community I grew up in and a company that would do the best possible work that my peers and I could create. I dreamed, and I still dream, that this company and this community will grow together. We will continue to raise the bar and the community around us will join us on our journey.

I won't lie to you. Being a theatre artist in 2011 isn't easy. I love theatre. I believe in its power, because it is immediate, but it is also localized. Any given show can only be experienced by an audience that is sharing a space with the show, so its reach is limited. In choosing a season it is always a difficult balance of artistry and drawing in an audience. As an artist you want to produce work worth producing but you also need to engage a limited audience base who are close enough or able to get close enough to view your work. Film artists can take more risks with their work because their medium can reach a wide range of people world wide. An audience does not need to share a space with the artist.

I chose to do Stephen Sondheim's Assassins in this year's season. I love this piece of theatre. It is profound, convention bending, and thoughtful. It is also an engaging piece of work for our artists to tackle. At the same time, it is not easily digested. It does not depict the world as we want it to be but rather depicts the world as it is. Messy. I love this kind of art. This is what I want to see. At the same time, happy go lucky sells tickets. Don't get me wrong, I like happy go lucky (we are doing Twelfth Night after all) but I think that challenging work is essential for us as a society. We must self examine and reflect. This is what Assassins does.

As we approach our opening night for Assassins I am anxious. I believe in this work and I want to share it with an audience. I want audiences to appreciate it. I want to believe that this is possible, but I am waiting to find out. I want people to attend, be challenged and walk away wanting more work like this. This kind of work doesn't happen in the area very often and I am not sure how this chapter in the Endstation story will end. I want to build an audience who thirsts for thought and artistry. Will this happen?

If you build it, will they come? I sure hope so. I sure hope so.

Geoffrey Kershner

Artistic Director

COLLABORATING ON "ASSASSINS"

2011-06-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

We’re in the middle of tech for “Assassins” and it my most favorite part of the process. Every element comes together and you begin to see if the sketches and ideas are going to actually work onstage. I try to spend three months on pre-production studying the script, researching, and finding images that help to reveal how I see the world of the play. This time becomes the foundation for how the show will evolve.

Every director has their own process, but I always begin with imagery. For “Assassins” I was immediately drawn to photographs of abandoned roller coasters. I’ve always loved riding coasters and it takes me back to family trips to Cedar Point and Disneyworld when I was kid. They represent a simpler time, embracing the symbol of Americana. They’re also thrilling and dangerous, and this seemed to reinforce the characters journey in the show.

Design meetings with Krista, Dan, Bryce and Sarah began by discussing the images I found and expanded as they began sharing images they discovered. The collaborative process is my favorite part of making theatre. Great designers challenge convention and push to find the most exciting and truthful choices for a production, and our designers embraced that mission. Everyone is contributing to the storytelling process by responding to other peoples work. There’s an exciting synergy that drives theatre when you’re work with talented collaborators who respect each other.

That carries over into the rehearsal studio when the actors begin developing their characters. I love smart actors, “Assassins” is blessed to have intuitive, talented, and highly creative actors bringing the show to life. Our actors are fearless in their work and I couldn’t be more proud to be working with every one of them. One of my favorite moments in the show is Josh DeVries (as Leon Czolgosz) explaining how a bottle is created. He has endowed the monologue with wisdom and passion far advanced of most actors his age. It’s magical theatre to witness.

Every actor in our company has shared their lives and made an indelible mark on the production. They’ve bravely breathed life into an assortment of characters who are hated and reviled for their actions- and they’ve done this without judgment or prejudice.

Each acting objective, brush stroke of paint, choice of lighting position, sound cue, and stitch has strengthened a very simple idea that began almost a year ago with an old roller coaster. Our company of artists have made my initial idea better and stronger. I am forever grateful to them and hope that our future collaborations are as enriching as this has been for me.

Chad Larabee,

Director, ASSASSINS

I respectfully disagree with The Washington Post

2011-06-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Last year Endstation Theatre Company had an excellent write up in the Washington Post which included a statement that has been featured in much of our marketing material. "At Endstation Theatre, the location's the thing".

I humbly and respectfully disagree.

I agree that the location is incredible. It really is. From Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Midsummer Night's Dream the locations our artistic director, Geoff Kershner and his team have picked and transformed has been incredible. Even our first musical "Assassins" transforms our audience into a new loacation within the confines of Babcock Auditorium. But, it really is more than just "the location". It's the experience.

I consider myself blessed to be a member of the board of directors (and past President) of this fine company. Our board of directors work year round to raise awareness and resources to produce our annual theatre festivals and the board is comprised of an excellent cross section of local professionals and "theatre folk" and it's a fantastic group of people to work with behind the scenes. The experience I have had on the board and the pride to see the season unfold is amazing.

This year I am fortunate enough to be a member of the cast of Assassins in the role of President James Garfield (and folks, its not all peaches and cream being a President in a show about Presidential assassinations. But the EXPERIENCE I have had on this side of the stage has been incredible. From our director, and stage manager, to one of the best musical theatre casts that I have had the pleasure to work with (and one of the best ensembles I think Central Virginia has ever seen), musical director, technical director, lighting and sound designers, the team that will be unveiling Soundheim's killer musical is amazing. And the experience that our audience will be part of, is second to none.

To piggyback on the theatrical experience, we are expanding on the wine and food offerings this year both for our musical and for Twelfth Night. Featuring different vineyards and wines, along with sit down and box dinner options, each performance will offer new experiences.

So, that's my two cents. I humbly disagree with the Post. I strongly and wholeheartedly believe that although the location is superb, the EXPERIENCE is the thing. Come see for yourself.

Everybody's Got the Right . . TO Some Theatre :)

2011-06-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

As a first time intern, I have to admit that the past few weeks have been pretty hectic, but also the most influential weeks I have ever had. In these past weeks, I have worked every saw in the shop, learned better ways to form platforms, how to use a hemp and sand bag system, and how to get splinters out in a jiffy. I apologize for the spontaneous blogging; we just started tech week.

I am so stoked for the opening of Assassins by Stephen Sondheim, because I studied for an entire semester the effect that Sondheim made on the development of musical theater by incorporating unorthodox ideas and styles in mainstream musicals. Sondheim’s Assassins was not the biggest hit in musical theater, but it definitely can be called one of the most misunderstood. Underneath the ‘violence,’ vulgarity and harsh subject matter, you can see the isolation of the outcasts of America everywhere and their struggle to become one with the popular majority. (P.S. I included pictures that are teasers to our AMAZING set!)

I normally am an actress, working every rehearsal in the evenings and only helping out in the technical shop in my spare time. I used this internship as a way to expand my knowledge in management of theater backstage. I never expected that in my first weeks I would learn some wonderful techniques in carpentry, painting, and in props management.

I have worked at the Sweet Briar Theater for two years and I have two more years to go, and yet I do not think I have ever seen such an undertaking as Endstation Theatre Company has done with the set and lights. The reason I am working on my backstage skills is because I intend to become a high school theater teacher, which means I will have to direct, design, build, and run every show my school does. I feel that Endstation is giving me a good experience that will influence my teaching skills and technical skills for the future and I am excited to see what they do next.

~ Molly Harper, Scenic Intern

Sitzprobe and Sunsets

2011-06-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Here we are midweek smack in the middle of June and we are rolling along nicely. It is amazing to see how everything begins to transform as the days go on. One day you can walk into the theatre and you see a deck, the next day you come in and see this amazing roller coaster of a platform, and the next day something else is added, and so on and so on. The production crew is doing an amazing job of getting the stage ready for Assassins which will open on June 23rd (get ticket information here), which is less than a week and a day away!! The "tech" process began today, which is where all of the elements that have been working separately will come together to fit all of the puzzle pieces in order to make this magical picture of a show. Lights, sound, live music, cues, costumes, props, etc.... will all be combined this week. It can be a slow process sometimes, but all of the painstaking, detail work will pay off when the show opens and the audience members are swept up in this journey with the characters on stage.

Last night was the "Sitzprobe" or in other words the first time that the cast and orchestra came together to rehearse. I stepped into the theatre after they had started and was blown away by the sound. You may think I am biased but believe me when I tell you that this cast and musicians have talent oozing off that stage, it was pretty incredible. Our fantastic music director would patiently stop and start both the singers and musicians, go back and re-work parts until things were just right. There is still more to be done, but it was a good start.

After I watched the rehearsal for a bit I snuck out and headed over to the Twelfth Night site, I had not gotten a chance to see any of the rehearsals yet and I was excited to watch for a bit. I pulled up to the train station and heard the cast before I saw them. I started to get really excited thinking about all the wonder of an outdoor production and just how fun it can be. Audiences will have a fantastic time when they come to see the production in July (ticket info here). I snuck around the corner of the train station and watched from a far for a little while before heading back around and taking a seat front and center.

The cast was great, I cracked up a bunch of times and really enjoyed watching them play. I can't wait to see more of the show especially when costumes, props, and other elements are added. The set is going to awesome, and you can help make it happen by donating to our Station Transformation campaign. In the meantime the cast is doing a great job putting this production together, and despite the annoying gnats, heat, and random animals that might run through the set when rehearsing they all are having a good time and are getting excited to share with the audiences in less than a month!

So make sure to spread the word about these two fantastic productions, and of course don't forget to reserve your tickets in advance (you can do that here).

Till next time~
MAH
Company Manager

SPONSOR-AN-ARTIST: A Sneak Peek

2011-06-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

This season, a new breed of competition breaks forth from the jaws of Endstation: SPONSOR-AN-ARTIST! Feats of bravery, stamina, and outright lunacy will amaze and astound! Four artists engaging in a brutal showdown to win the coveted title of Endstation's

LWOOTAM: Least Waste Of Our Time And Money.

MEET THE CONTENDERS:

(pictured above from left to right.)

Sergio Alberto Soltero (a.k.a. Meat Duck)

George West Carruth (a.k.a. The Cool Guy)

Michael Francis Dominic Stablein, Jr. (a.k.a. The Vixen)

Walter Bronislaw Kmiec, Jr. (a.k.a. Chorizo)

We have a ragtag group of contenders this year. All of which are, frankly, a perfect waste of time and money. But only one can win the coveted title of LEAST.

Ladies and Gentlemen, retrieve your checkbooks, credit cards, and cold hard cash. The more money you donate to Endstation (and to this campaign) the more ridiculous challenges these four artists have to undergo. All of which will be delivered to you in high-definition video, no matter your location.

Each artist is competing against the other to raise the most for the company and each artist has a different set of tailor-made challenges he must undergo should he reach that dollar amount.

We four, fearless artists will test the very limits of our artistic and athletic mettle. Who will emerge victorious and who will crumble?

I... am the Vixen. And I challenge YOU to donate.

Donate to me and, I assure you, I will not disappoint.

THE VIXEN'S CHALLENGES

(READY YOUR CHECKBOOKS.)

$25 The BOAT HOUSE CHALLENGE

$50 The DIAPER CHALLENGE

$75 The T-ROOM CHALLENGE

$100 The DRIVE-THRU CHALLENGE

$150 The SCENE SHOP CHALLENGE

$200 The ROMEO CHALLENGE

$300 The KARAOKE CHALLENGE

$500 The NAKED ATHLETE CHALLENGE

$750 The DAISY FLETCHER CHALLENGE

$1000 DONORS' CHOICE

The Sweet Briar Showdown will commence soon... Remain alert.

Donor/Volunteer Spotlight: The McFaddens

2011-06-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

John and Peggy McFadden are what my mother might call "good people." Generous beyond measure, they agreed to take some time before last week's performance of Cry of the Mountain in order to talk to us about their experience with Endstation. What they shared with us about why they keep coming to shows and why they given so generously, made the entire Endstation team feel like we'd just gotten a big hug.

Here is what they had to say...

Having friends like the McFaddens in our corner makes all the sweaty outdoor rehearsals, late nights, and long hours in the shop feel worth it.

Thank you!

--
Angela Sweigart-Gallagher, Development Coordinator
and Katie Jo Hamre, Administrative Intern

Tony Awards!

2011-06-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Neil Patrick Harris hosts the 65th annual Tony Awards

Last night the Endstation Theatre Company had a Tony watching party to celebrate the 65th annual Broadway awards and to root on Chad Larabee (Assassins Director) as he attended the Book of Mormon after party in New York with his partner and cast member of the show, Kevin Duda. The evening was filled with tons of food and drink and we were very thankful to Sweet Briar College for the use of their fitness center movie theatre.

Assassins Director with his partner Kevin Duda, who is in the Tony Award winning musical, Book of Mormon

Endstation watches Tony awards

Book of Mormon performs

The Tony Awards are always a good time for theatre people, but it can also be frustrating. The awards are big prime time advertisement for Broadway theatre and a lot of the awards that practitioners care the most about are not televised. One award I care a lot about is the regional theatre award. This is presented to a theatre company outside of New York and is honored for the quality and impact of their work. This year the award went to Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago. You also only see a short segment of the speeches for design awards and rarely see the designs highlighted. As practitioners we really care about seeing this. For television though, musical numbers are the highlight (which we enjoy too). Even a number from the Spiderman, that wasn't even nominated, got television time over Athol Fugard's lifetime achievement award.

All and all though we really enjoyed the evening and are really happy for Chad and Kevin. What an exciting experience to be apart of, even from afar. Now back to making theatre!

Geoffrey Kershner
Artistic Director

Another Great Beginning

2011-06-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

June 11th, really, already? The college I taught at let out just under a month ago, and already we have opened two wonderful shows. And in just a mere four days we begin our technical rehearsals for our musical, Assassins. I have worked in a variety of summer theatres, both big and small, and it always seems my summers with Endstation tend to go just a bit quicker than the others.

Though only my second season, we have pushed the envelope farther than I thought possible. It seems that everything this year is larger and more extravagant. And in the end, I believe the payoff will be exceptional. Assassins set fills the entire stage, with strong imagery and imagination. Krista Franco, the scene designer, has outdone herself coming up with a set that not only looks wonderful, but becomes almost a character itself. But, though the design is wonderful, and the show is exciting, it wouldn't happen without our three musketeers.

Ben, Rebecca, and Molly (in that order above) have proven to be wonderful interns who have made the season a success so far. Their hard work, and strong self motivation makes each day go smoothly. I have been doing theatre now for over 17 years now in one way or another, and it is their type of joy doing the art, and willingness to push harder than they have before, that makes me happy for choosing the career I have.

One of the best parts of what Endstation does during the summer is the intern program. We are able to hire students to come in and work on professional shows all summer. And I get to continue to impart just a little bit of knowledge to the next generation. If it wasn't for those that taught me before, then I may never have made it this far, and I just hope that our interns get the same positive experiences that I did.

As you can see, we keep them busy in the shop. Though with the icy pops hanging in front of them, they are easily motivated. It never is a dull day in the theatre for us, and I don't think I'd have it any other way.

Terry Dana Jachimiak II

Technical Director

Cry of the Mountain

2011-06-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful, majestic. Here in Central Virginia, we are lucky that those mountains remain safe and protected from harmful outside forces. Unfortunately, in Southeastern Virginia, and many surrounding states, mountains are being destroyed in the name of providing us with fossil fuels.

Endstation's second production this season, Cry of the Mountain created and performed by Adelind Horan, explores the issue of mountaintop removal in Appalachia. According to Appalachian Voices, "mountaintop removal is an extreme form of coal mining that destroys forests, blasts up to several hundred feet off a mountaintop, and pushes rubble into nearby valleys. To date, more than 500 mountains have been destroyed and over 2000 miles of streams buried."

Adelind grew up in central Virginia and didn't find out about mountaintop removal in Appalachia until 2006. After participating with the group Mountain Justice, she began interviewing those involved in and affected by the process.

In Cry of the Mountain, Adelind performs her interviews with these individuals verbatim. She embodies their message and their mannerisms, and brings their experiences to life onstage. It is a truly powerful production, and one you most certainly won't want to miss.

Here is a little preview of the show.

To learn more about Cry of the Mountain, visit the Whole Theater website.

To learn more about mountaintop removal, visit the Appalachian Voices website.

Stage Managing in the Blue Ridge Mountains

2011-06-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

What a great experience I have had so far this summer working with Endstation. It has been a blast and we have only been here for about four weeks. There is such a family vibe within this company that it makes it so comfortable to work here. Coming from Connecticut, it has been a great experience and I am afraid that it is going to go too quickly.

For this season, I have the honor of stage-managing two non-traditional shows. What I mean by this is that both of my shows are not performed in a theatre. Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island was performed in a dance studio that was converted into a tennis court performance space (there is seating on both sides).

Also with Good Good, we have traveled through elementary schools, which was a blast. Seeing the actors perform for elementary students was a great experience, seeing all the children’s faces light up when actors would perform and interact was amazing. There were many challenges for me during this run such as I had to have two props list. One prop list was configured to our tennis court style and the other prop list that was configured to the school settings where it was done in Proscenium. Also with my blocking (where the actors go) I had to make sure that their entrances and exits made sense when we were at the schools because a lot of the schools didn’t have a cross over space. It was an amazing experience working on Good Good.

Since Good Good is now over, I get to focus all my attention onto Twelfth Night, which is a lot of fun. Again this show is not being performed in a theatre but outside at the Train Station on Sweet Briar's Campus. I am really excited to be working on this show. Being outdoors while enjoying the beautiful view is going to make the experience of seeing a performance of Twelfth Night truly amazing. Again this is something new to me because it is not in a theatre. I have had to adapt paperwork and blocking to fit within the acting space. It has been difficult for me to focus on our rehearsals with the spectacular sunsets that have been happening each night.

Another exciting aspect for Twelfth Night performances would be that 9 out of our 10 performances will have a wine tasting which local vineyards are providing. It is wonderful to have the support of so many local businesses-it is truly a family community. Also you can purchase a box dinner from Sweet Briar to enjoy during the show. Great Wine, Great Food, Great Location, and Great theatre, who wouldn’t pass up a deal like this.

Besides all of that wonderful theatre that is happening here at Endstation, it has been an awesome summer just hanging out with everyone. As others have mentioned we are one big family. Some of the fun things that we have done are camping/fishing, hanging out at the boathouse, and exploring Virginia.

This experience has been amazing so far and I can’t wait to see what is to come.

--Kelly--Stage Manager Intern

Onwards and Upwards

2011-06-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Time flies when you're having fun! It is hard to believe that the first production of the 2011 Season has already wrapped and we have begun shifting gears to focus on the upcoming productions of Cry of the Mountain, Assassins, and Twelfth Night (get more information and tickets here). If you missed Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island, we do hope that you will be joining us for one if not all the rest of the productions of the 2011 season.

Whole Theatre from Charlottesville, VA arrived last night and surveyed the space that Cry of the Mountain will be performing in and they were able to get a feel for how things will go. They had a chance to check out our props and discussed various questions and items of interest that needing discussing. They will return this evening and have a chance to do a full dress rehearsal of the show to work out any kinks before we open our doors to the public tomorrow evening for opening night. We look forward to spending the latter part of this week and weekend with the group and getting to know them a little better. We are excited that they are here and presenting such a special piece. You can read more about the show here.

Meanwhile the Assassins cast and production team have been hard at work building the set and building the show itself. The Assassins cast have gone non-stop beginning with vocal rehearsals and started piecing things together day by day. They were in the choir room for a bit, then moved upstairs to the blackbox space to begin working out the blocking for the show. It was some warm days/evenings while they were up there, but the entire cast maintained good spirits and hung in there.

The production crews (scenic, lighting, sound) have all worked tirelessly everyday to make sure that that the cast was able to begin using the stage as soon as possible. This set is amazing already and it will only continue to get better as more elements are added to it. Krista Franco (Resident Scenic Designer) has done a fantastic job with the design on this set, and I do believe that audiences will be blown away when they come and view the final product.

The cast was grateful when they were able to begin working on the stage and get comfortable with the set and the various elements that come along performing a musical. Led by their visionary of a director they are continuing to take the show to new levels and it has been really neat to watch the transformation.

So as you can see things are continuing to roll along nicely and there is a lot of activity happening. I hope you can join us this week/weekend for Cry of the Mountain and you should definitely consider reserving your tickets for Assassins early.

We keep moving on and up........

Till next time~
Cheers,
MAH
Company Manager

Good Good Bye.

2011-06-07T13:38:00.001-07:00

Good Good Trouble closed its run this past weekend and I find myself a little sad. I always hate goodbyes; there's a sadness that arises from knowing that a moment is truly gone. It's one of the things that makes theatre feel so present.

I made this video as a promotional tool for the show and I wanted to share with you all today. Thanks to the Good Good cast and crew for a wonderful time. I had a blast working on this with you guys.

Donor/Volunteer Spotlight

2011-06-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Meet Kathy Chase...

Kathy is an Amherst resident, alumnae of Sweet Briar College, retired secondary school teacher and nurse, and an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church. She is also a long-time supporter of Endstation. In fact, she's been a part of the Endstation family longer than some of the staff. She and her husband Robert have given graciously to our cause--donating not only financial resources, but also their time. Last year, Kathy hosted one of our weekly "Intern Lunches," marking her forever as company favorite with the Endstation interns. Having already agreed to host a lunch this year, she is poised to woo yet another crowd of young, theatre professionals in the making.

As one of our long-term supporters, we asked Kathy about her involvement in the community, and in particular with Endstation. Below is a video in which she shares her insight into how the company has changed, why she continues to support Endstation, and what she sees as the role Endstation plays in the Central Virginia community.

Endstation is so fortunate to have a roster of volunteers and donors who have given their time, money, and energy. It takes a lot of all three to make high quality theatre at a reasonable ticket prices. This new weekly feature of our blog shines a spotlight on some of those folks who make what we do possible. Thank you to all of you who have contributed to our work!

--Angela Sweigart-Gallagher, Development Director

Artistic Director Vlog #1

2011-06-05T23:42:00.000-07:00

Costume Designing at Endstation

2011-06-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Designing the costumes for Endstation Theatre Company's children show was an awesome experience! From the moment I read the script for Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island, I knew that there was something fantastic there in the stylization of the language and the vivid imagery it brought to mind. After speaking with the director, Geoffrey Kershner, we decided to make this show look like a cartoon come to life. Geoff also sent me a link to playwright Josh Mikel's illustration work which truly inspired me! You can see more of the playwright's work here: Sharkguts Design

As a costume designer, one of the first steps in my process is to do image research. A lot of the time this can involve period costume research but in this case, I wasn't limited to a specific period of time. I could use anything and everything! For one of the main characters in this show, Rosa, I wanted to create an innocent and sweet look. I started by doing a google image search of 60's shift dresses and found some really fabulous things but none of them quite did the trick. I put together this research collage to show to the director and we decided that the dress for this particularly spunky little girl needed to be a composite of several of the dresses below.

The next thing I do is do several rough sketches for each costume. Then I do one final drawing called a rendering. Below is the final rendering for Rosa's dress:

Another aspect of the design for "Good Good..."was the idea of using modern clothing as a way of representing animal qualities. My design for Turtle incorporated basic turtle colors (green, yellow, and brown) and the distinct shapes that a turtle has. I decided to use a puffy vest to represent the padded underside of a turtle and a backpack to stand in for the turtle's shell! Here is the collage for Turtle and the final rendering:

If you scroll down, you'll see some of the finished costumes for Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island, or you can come see the show's final performance tomorrow at 2 pm. I was so thrilled to start off my first season with Endstation Theatre Company on a show that was not only fun, but allowed me to be truly creative!

Signing off,
Sarah Woodworth - Costume Designer

Moving On

2011-06-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here we are, in the middle of performances and I'm taking a moment to look to the past as well as the future. You are probably aware that we are currently running our production of Joshua Mikel's play Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island this week and if you're not, well now you are! (Tickets are still available people! GET EM! ) We've had an absolute blast from start to finish.

How We Stretch

Endstation put together a remarkable group of people to make this production happen and the process has been truly delightful. We've all meshed so well and the creativity ran rapid through the small studio everyday. We had the honor of performing in found spaces as well in front of young audiences in surrounding schools and to share what we've worked on with so many children was a blessing to us all. The best part is that we all know the playwright well and I think he will be beyond excited to see the finished product this weekend! (I hope...)

Sexy Larry

Typical George

Performances are coming to a close but there's little time to focus on the memories because Assassins is already underway. Time to switch focus and throw everything I've got at Assassins! Luckily, some of the work has already been done. We got an early start for some of us as we prepared for the Broadway in the Blue Ridge benefit concert. Talk about a dream for so many of us, to get to sing with Broadway Star Sean MacLaughlin, pretty awesome. Again, something I wouldn't have experienced without Endstation.

Kathryn Williams, Me and Mr. Randall Speer Rehearsing

In that show, the audience was given a taste of what's to come in our production of Assassins. I cannot WAIT to get this show going. I have to share with you that, once again, the assembled cast is so good, it's down right ridiculous. Everyone is so well suited for their roles.... it's slightly frightening at times(Seriously, the girl playing Sara Jane Moore = scary good). You'll also be happy to know that almost the entire cast is made up of local and community actors. Rehearsals have been intense and incredible to watch. We finally get onstage tomorrow thanks to our sensational crew composed of staff and interns (they have worked their butts off ) and I can't wait to see it all take shape and for you to see the finished product.

ASSASSINS!

Look, Dustin sang well enough for Chad to stop texting!

Soon I go back to my day job while just rehearsing in the evenings but the experience has been splendid so far and I'm sure it will only get better. I've enjoyed my time with Endstation immensely, I can't really put it into words but I hope that I'll be able to return for years to come. As the Production Coordinator for a different theatre company, Wolfbane Productions, I must also thank Endstation for their constant support in our endeavors as well. It's pretty phenomenal to have theatre companies like this in Central Virginia. Thanks guys and here's to many seasons to come!

Aaron "Patches" Farr

(Actor)

The Endstation Family

2011-06-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

I vividly remember my first day as an intern here at Endstation Theatre Company. After Maria Hayden, our company manger, greeted me and gave me a tour of Carson Hall, where almost all of the Endstation members are staying for the Summer, she suggested I stop by the theater and meet Dan Gallagher, our wonderful lighting design for 2011 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival who I have the pleasure for working for this summer. After sitting around and talking with the other interns for about an hour, I decided to head over. As soon as I arrived at the theater, everyone there was quick to introduce themselves as well as ask me about where I am from, how was my drive to Sweet Briar and the like. Eventually I found myself in conversation with scenic designer Krista Franco, who asked me what I had planned that night. I answered that most of the interns including myself were heading to The Briar Patch, a local restaurant, for dinner and karaoke. After hearing this, Krista commented "Wow, it took no time for all of you interns to hit it off." Without missing a beat Kara Gowler, stage management intern for Assassins, walked by and said "Eh, I'm not sure how I feel about Skyler yet" with a smile. I teased that I wasn't sure if Kara should be invited to karaoke with an attitude like that when it hit me - I had been here less than two hours and it already felt like home. From that moment on the idea built upon itself: that all of us here at Endstation may be technically considered co-workers, but we're all part of a family as well.

A big part of being in a family is that you're always there to look out for each other. Earlier this week our acting intern, Spencer Meeks, had a callback in New York City for the Green Day musical American Idiot. All throughout the day before he left everyone made sure to find him and wish him a break a leg in New York and on the day of his audition nearly every person at Endstation had changed their Facebook status sending good thoughts and well wishes towards Spencer as he had his callback. While most of us have only known Spencer for a few weeks, we all made sure to let him know we're here for him.

Despite the hard work and dedication from everyone working here, we all need help from each other every once in a while and again, everyone is always ready to lend a hand. Most days Chad Larabee, director of Assassins, can be found sitting at his makeshift desk in the audience of the theater, listening to the musical's soundtrack on repeat and making notes for that evening's rehearsal. On several instances though, Chad has been more than willing to come up on stage and give a hand carrying lumber in from the delivery truck or helping with carpentry. It's really a cool moment when the director of the musical you're working on takes the time to come up on stage with you and help out. That’s not the only instance though, throughout the day anyone working in the theater has had no problem taking time out of their day to give another department some help, whether it be the lighting intern asked to take publicity photos, a stage manager giving an opinion about lighting placement or a carpenter putting down their power drill and picking up a paint brush:

While all of us here at Endstation work hard to make each production a success, whether it be working hard to get the set built, the lights hung, lines memorized or tickets sold, we all find ourselves with at least some free time at night. For the past two weeks since I've moved in, hardly a day goes by that many of us do not do something after work. Whether it is dinner out at a restaurant or all sitting around watching a movie in the lounge of our dorm or our trip out for karaoke on Wednesday nights.

As I’ve said, we are only two weeks into the summer and everyone already feels so close to the point where we can really depend on each other for anything. As the festival season, and the summer, moves on I look forward to strengthening connections with the incredible people I have met here. I know I can speak for all of the interns when I say we are all looking forward to tomorrow’s first intern lunch of the Summer not only for the food (which I’m sure will be delicious!) but getting to spend time with each other as well.

Skyler Broughman
Lighting Intern

"Release the Umbergoat!!!"

2011-06-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that we have arrived.....we are here....the first official opening night of the 2011 Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival. We have rehearsed, tech has been set, tickets are continuing to sell (did you get yours yet?), we know what we are supposed to do and where we are supposed to go. Now we have the pleasure of opening our doors to the public, welcoming them in, and getting to share this hilarious and fun journey of Rosa and the zany inhabitants of Bad Bad Island.

From day one the cast has gelled and gotten along so well. When we sat down for the first read through we knew right away that this production was going to be a lot of fun, and one that we would not soon forget. As you saw in Melissa's post from yesterday children are pretty special and providing a way for them to imagine and play through the theatre is a pretty incredible responsibility. Although I daresay these kind of shows also give adults a chance to let go and play a bit as well. It's good all around!

The box office staff have done an incredible job of transforming the lobby into a magical jungle atmosphere and they will soon be in place to welcome and greet all of the patrons attending the show tonight and through the run this weekend. There are a lot of things for everyone to do including face painting, joining the endstation mailing list, checking out pics of past shows, getting tickets for the rest of the season, perhaps meeting a character or two......one thing is for sure no one will be bored while waiting for the show to start!

So the final dress rehearsal was last night, and in just a short while all the actors will be making their way to the dressing rooms to prep for this evening's performance. Costumes, makeup, wigs and accessories will be put on and adjusted to make sure everything is just right. Before you know it the stage manager will be gathering the troops and leading them over to the performance area to warm up and wait with anticipation. Backstage is always an interesting place, and each individual actor has their own way of "warming up" and getting ready for a performance. Sometimes you will hear them making all sorts of strange noises to get their vocal cords warm. Stretching is also a very important component, especially with a high energy, high movement show such as this one. Sometimes actors will get together and warm up together, start feeding off on one another's energy and getting pumped for what is to come.

After a while everyone will need to settle down as we will hear the first of the audience making their way down to their seats. It's always fun to listen to conversations of folks entering, especially the little voices that I am sure are to be heard. Are they be excited? Will they think we are funny? Will they play with us? Do we have all of our props? What's my first line??!!! These are some of the questions that can run through our minds as we wait with anticipation and excitement. Soon the adrenaline starts pumping, and you shake off all the thoughts of anxiety and use that energy to propel you forward onto the stage and just go with it!

I really hope that you will be able to join us for a performance or two of this production and all of the productions that are part of this year's festival. Each one is unique and special in it's own way and we love to share them with you. Here is to a wonderful opening, and here is to a wonderful season!!!

Until next time~
Cheers!
MAH
(Company Manager)

"If your not having fun teaching, they aren't having fun learning!"

2011-05-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

(thank you Angie Sweigart-Gallagher for all the great pictures used in this post)

When I tell people that I want to pursue a career in theatre education, most of them don’t fully understand why that would be appealing unless they too are lovers of the arts. To me, theatre education isn’t just about putting fancy costumes on a child and teaching them how to do a cute routine on stage for their parents to video tape. Instead, it’s about being able to harvest children’s imagination and creativity in order for them to realize the amazing things each of them are capable of. As I spent my last four years of college completing a double major in theatre and elementary education, I began to realize how much my experience in theatre positively impacted my teaching ability. Instead of fearing the inventiveness a child’s mind, I was able to use it to my advantage and create lessons that allowed my students to have fun as well as learn. For example, instead of teaching third graders how to add and subtract money with worksheets and fake money (which can be boring to both teacher and students), I used theatrical elements to bring those students into the world of a restaurant and have them truly put their skills to the test. How exactly do I go about doing that? Well let's just say I’m not afraid to throw on a silly costume and frantically enter the class begging for help with my restaurant now that all of my penguin waiters have decided to go on a swim break.

(one of my silliest costumes in Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island)

In that moment, I’m instantly able to see a shift of atmosphere in my class, and not only are the students excited to be there, but it serves as a constant reminder for myself of how much I love my job. It’s truly amazing how something as simple as teaching in role can encourage students to learn and participate far more than they would have in a regular classroom setting.

That is one of the many reasons why I believe children should have the opportunity to be involved in some sort of arts program. Even if they don’t want to be on stage for the rest of their lives, being involved with theatre as a child, teaches them more then just how to perform. It teaches them self confidence, community building, problem solving, creative thinking, how to embrace curiosity and discovery, meet new friends, and most importantly, to have fun. With every theatre camp I have taught, I have never experience a child or parent who was not grateful to have been a part of the program. While being involved with these programs, I learned that it was through first hand experience that the parent and child were truly able to understand the importance of the arts. Therefore, I don't think that what I write in this blog should be the only reason that you should agree with me about why theatre education is so important. Instead, I invite you to be a part of this experience with a child. Even if you’re not a parent, take a niece, nephew, brother, sister, or even just a friend whose parents may not have the opportunity to take them, to go see Endstation Theatre’s production of Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island by Joshua Mikel. When you take them to this performance, don’t just sit back and watch the show (although we do want you to enjoy yourself!) but pay close attention to your young person.

Watch them react to what they are experiencing, see them engaged in the world of the play, participate because they want to, get excited when the character Rosa accomplishes a difficult task, laugh as the silly antics of Chomps and Hal, or show respect in the presence of the Idol. Just by watching how much fun your child can have within that hour of this play could be more reason then I could ever give you as to how influential theatre can be for young people.

Although my time with Endstation must come to a close after the final performance of Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island this weekend, any opportunity I get to work with young people is one that I shall treasure. Not only will I remember it for the fun I have had with all the company members and supporters, but it was during this experience that I got offered my next big adventure in Colorado where I will begin work as a Teaching Artist at Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids starting June 9th!

I hope you are all able to see this wonderful production as well as all the others at Endstation this summer and most importantly, have fun doing it :)

-Melissa Porcaro
(Actor and Teaching Artist)

SPOTLIGHT: Mays- Tucker Insurance

2011-05-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of wonderful things that could be said about the local Central Virginia community and specifically the folks that have supported Endstation over the years. The company is continuing to grow and with that growth comes the need for additional funds each year. We are and continue to be incredibly grateful for everyone who has donated time, money, supplies, and otherwise to us. This summer is no different and we are fortunate enough to welcome several companies as sponsors for our various productions.

Mays- Tucker Insurance company is located less than a mile from the Sweet Briar Campus and is this year's corporate sponsor for our production of Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island. As you may have seen from previous posts, the production toured several local schools last week and will be opening to the public this coming Wednesday June 1st. We are looking forward to greeting everyone who will be joining us for each performance June 1-5 (get tickets here).

Mays- Tucker Insurance, originally Tucker Insurance, was founded back in 1967 by Thomas Tucker. Several years later, Will Mays entered the scene and joined the business in 1994 establishing the full time company in Amherst, VA as well as Lovingston, VA. In 1997, after purchasing Will Mays renamed the company Mays-Tucker Insurance. In addition to the renaming, Mr. Mays added several national insurance companies as well as adding additional personnel to assist policy holders. The insurance company focuses on several different types of coverage including, automobile, homeowners, personal umbrellas, boats, motorcycles, and other personal coverage. Mays-Tucker Insurance works with business owners and individuals to find the right plan and coverage that works for them.

One can see by all the client testimonials that Will Mays and his team and committed to making the insurance experience an enjoyable one, here is just some of what folks have to say:

"Would not go anywhere else for insurance needs. Will, you are the man!"

"Thanks, Will, for the great service during my recent home purchase. You went above and beyond the expected, and made sure that everything went smoothly for the closing office and for me."

"Will Mays has been our insurance agent for many years. He is a great agent as well as a terrific person. He looks out for our best interests and is always quick to respond to our questions and needs. We value his knowledge and count on him to keep us up to date on our coverages."

"Dear Will,
Thank your for all your help with our insurance. Your patience and understanding is amazing."

So if you are looking for a solid company that will meet your insurance needs, Mays- Tucker Insurance may be the right business for you. Check them out when you have a chance, or drop them a note and tell them them a big thank-you for helping make our production possible this year.

Of course, don't delay in getting your tickets for this week/weekend's production run of Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island. They are going fast and you won't want to miss getting a seat. We will see you there!!

Theatre and Wine go WAY back

2011-05-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

So, the origins of theatre are linked very closely to the cultivation of grapes and the making of wine. The earliest forms of theatre, as we know it today, were performed in ancient Greece. The Greeks held a festival, Dionysia, that honored Dionysus the god of the grape harvest and wine. At this festival the Greeks performed both tragedies and comedies. We can only imagine that the Greeks watched this early form of theatre (outdoors by the way) with wine in hand.

At Endstation we love our wine. I personally love wine. For my honeymoon, my wife Ashley and I spent a week in Napa Valley. One of the great things about producing summer theatre in Central Virginia is that we are surrounded by a burgeoning wine industry. In our home county of Amherst there are four vineyards (Rebec, Lazy Days, Chateau Z, and Ankida Ridge) and there is an explosion of vineyards in our neighboring county of Nelson. Here is a link to virginiawine.org which has a complete listing. It is pretty impressive how many vineyards are in driving distance of Sweet Briar College.
So, every year Endstation takes trips into the beautiful hills of Central Virginia to taste the wines that Virginia has to offer. These trips happen on off days and are a great way to enjoy the beautiful country side and also we get to know some incredible people in our community who are making wine. Plus... we get to drink wine. That's nice too.

Rebec Vineyards in Amherst

Actor Walter Kmiec enjoys some Virginia wine

Endstation members at a tasting in Nelson County

Rebec Vineyards wine maker Svet at a performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream

The other great thing about having so many vineyards nearby is that we are starting to host a vineyard at everyone one of our outdoor performances of Twelfth Night. This is really exciting because we really are harkening back to the origins of western theatre. We are celebrating the festival of Dionysia. We are adding more vineyards this week and just learned that Democracy Vineyards will be joining us for our Assassins opening. For info on our wine tastings visit:

http://endstationtheatre.org/foodandwine.html

Geoffrey Kershner
Artistic Director

ENDSTATION INTERNS SHINE

2011-05-28T10:03:00.001-07:00

Endstation Company members have taken over the Babcock Theatre. Conference rooms, lobbies, green rooms, hallways and dressing rooms have become impromptu office space to hold various departments charged with making the Blue Ridge Theatre Festival a success. I decided to set up shop in the audience of the theatre, not just because the air conditioning is strongest there (though truth be told it’s the best) but because I get to watch the set for ASSASSINS get built.

The creation of theatre is a collaborative process that requires hundreds of people working tirelessly to create a production. As a director, I draw great pride in watching our interns bringing to life ideas, that moments ago were mere sketches and drawings, by our creative team.

Actors, directors, and designers often reap much of the praise from audiences, but I wish everyone could have my vantage point sitting in the theatre watching our interns in action. At this moment Ben, Rebekah, and Molly are building our show deck onstage, John and Skylar are hanging lights over my head, Paige is altering a very detailed dress in the basement, Katie Jo, Alicia, Cortney and Megan are executing postcard drops to local businesses, Spencer is learning his music upstairs, and stage management interns Kara and Kelly are preparing studios for tonights rehearsals.

I was speaking with a gentleman recently who marveled at the thousands of hours of work that go into producing shows for a limited run. I explained that like a good road trip, the journey of creating theatre is more rewarding than the destination. To collaborate with a company of talented artisans is a unique gift, and the performances are the icing on the cake (hint to Jeff Price).

The muscle of Endstation Theatre Company is our talented interns, who help us realize our ideas and challenge us to do better. When you enjoy one of the four shows playing in the Blue Ridge Theatre Festival this summer, take a moment and think of the dedicated group of interns who made the performance possible. And remember their names, because they are tomorrow’s leaders of the American theatre.

Chad Larabee

Director, ASSASSINS

Endstation Theatre Company's Educational Outreach Program

2011-05-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Endstation Theatre Company is at it again...turning young children into future artists and art lovers through our Educational Outreach Program!

This year we've prepared a tourable version of Joshua Mikel's Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island aimed at K-5th grade, and workshops on Improvisation, Building a Character through Movement, Shakespeare's Clowns for middle and high school students.

Our actors have had an enormous amount of fun performing for young audiences. Young audiences are different than adult audiences...not better, not worse, just different. Here is a look at just how different they are.

Suffice to say, our performers learned a lot after the first school performance, and they made adjustments to help better manage the audience's excitement during the show's points of participation.
Our workshops for middle school and high school students were also a big hit. Here are some photos from our session today at New Vistas School in Lynchburg. We are looking forward to heading to Amherst High School on Tuesday!

If you want to have Endstation Theatre Company visit your school next year, contact me! We have programs for all age groups and that cover all areas of theatrical interest.

--Posted by Angie Sweigart-Gallagher,
Endstation Education Director, education@endstationtheatre.org

"Assassins" and Excitement

2011-05-26T07:10:00.003-07:00

The last month has been unlike anything I've ever experienced before. Not only had I never been to Virginia, but I had never really been to the eastern US. In the last few weeks I've been to eight new states, Washington DC, walked in the Atlantic ocean, and seen the Blue Ridge Mountains for the first time. I'm learning how to survive the pollen and humidity here. All of these new experiences culminated with my arrival at Sweet Briar College last week. Since then, I've met some really amazing people. I can't help but appreciate the environment of family that this place breeds.

No doubt Endstation has a great group of actors this summer. The talent I've seen in the short time I've been here has been impressive. But what I find fascinating are the personalities I see behind the characters they portray. As a stage manager, I get moments between note-taking and email-writing to sit in the background and observe those around me. It is a very unique perspective. The discussions that happen during rehearsal are always fascinating to me. Assassins is especially interesting. These historical figures had big personalities of their own and I get to watch them come to life every day.

Rehearsals for Assassins have only just begun. We had our first read thru of the script on Tuesday. It was great to hear the characters start to come to life. Last night we began blocking the show. Everyone has been such a pleasure to work with. This is certainly going to be a powerful show.

I enjoy the job I came to do, don't get me wrong, but my favorite times so far have been spending time with my fellow company members. Movie nights in Carson, karaoke nights in town, and conversations during breaks at work have been great. I've only been here for a week and a half, but I almost feel like I've been here for months. My fellow interns are wonderful. As soon as someone new moves in we swoop in (hopefully not too enthusiastically) and have them join the fun. After Sunday night's Broadway in the Blue Ridge, a group of us got caught in a rainstorm and had to walk to shelter on a road that might as well have been a river. Last night we celebrated John's (Lighting/Sound Intern) birthday at Pizza, Wings, and Things. Most of the company who lives on Sweet Briar's campus, as well as some people who live nearby, came by for food, karaoke, and dancing. What a way to bond! I look forward to continuing to build these relationships as the summer goes on. I'm proud to be a part of the great work going on here!

Kara Gowler

Stage Management Intern