• Summer Internships Available at LPAC (March 24, 2008)
• Vocal Master Class Students Selected (March 18, 2008)
• Auditions for Vocal Master Class (February 25, 2008)
• Little Women Essay Contest sponsored by LPAC and the Antelope Valley Press (February 20, 2008)
• LPAC and Barnes & Noble Promote Literacy Through Book Drive (February 20, 2008)
• Time Warner So-Cal News 3 Anchor Lori Brown at LPAC Feb. 23 (February 19, 2008)
• LPAC and LPAC Foundation Team to Bring Arts to Troubled Youth (February 4, 2008)
• Lancaster Performing Arts Center Seeking Submissions for 2008-2009 Season (January 16, 2008)
• Preview The Night Before Christmas at Barnes & Noble (Oct. 30, 2007)
• LPAC Foundation Receives Donation from Lockheed Martin (August 3, 2007)
• LPAC Seeking Singers, Dancers for Holiday Musical (July 31, 2007)
• LPAC Foundation Announces 2007-2008 Community Grants Program (July 5, 2007)
• The New Season at LPAC has Arrived! (June 26, 2007)
• Businesses, Individuals Send Children to LPAC (June 26, 2007)
• LPAC Foundation Launches Sixth "Friends" Campaign (June 26, 2007)
 

Summer Insternships Available at LPAC

Theatre Intern - Job Description
Stage Intern - Job Description
City of Lancaster Job Application
 

Vocal Master Class Students Selected
Six Antelope Valley vocalists will participate in an advanced Master Class at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center March 30.

LANCASTER, CA – Six Antelope Valley vocalists were selected for the Vocal Master Class presented by Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Antelope Valley College Music Department and the Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale. The singers range in age from 19 to 26 and all focus on classical technique.

Marco Nicol, 19, has studied music throughout his school career and had been taking lessons for two years with Mr. Jin Young Jang at Antelope Valley College. His aspirations include becoming a professional classical singer and someday becoming the band and choir director at Desert Christian High School. Nicol says his goal is “to better enhance my singing abilities.” He will sing “Una Furtiva Lagrima” by Guiseppe Donizetti.

Hilary McCullough, 21, gained most of her musical experience singing in choirs at Palmdale High School and Antelope Valley College, but has studied with Judy Scott at California State University Northridge where she just graduated with a degree in History. Through the master class she hopes to gain a better understanding of vocal technique. She will sing “Voi Che Sapete” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Kim Youngblood, 21, has studied voice privately for three years with Daniel Cardwell and Mike McCullough. Currently an Antelope Valley College student, she plans to continue her education by transferring to the California State University system. Youngblood hopes to one day sing at the New York Metropolitan Opera House. She will sing “The Letter Song” from “The Ballad of Baby Doe” by Douglas Moore.

Jennifer Joyce, 23, has had over two years of vocal training with Andrea Lutchendorf and Gloria Kim. She is also an accomplished musician, playing the piano, flute and most recently, the violin. Joyce says she hopes to gain “valuable professional training, performance experience and constructive criticism” from her participation in the master class. She will sing “Der Hölle Rache” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Brett Ashton, 25, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance. He has studied with Donna-Faye Carr. Through the master class he is hoping to acquire “good advice on my vocal technique.” He will sing “Devotion” by Richard Strauss.

Antonio Castillo Ibarra, 26, is in his second semester at Antelope Valley College, studying under Dr. Gloria Kim. Ultimately, he would like to attain a PhD and become a performer and instructor. About the master class, he says, “I hope to learn as much as I can from the teacher and other students.” Ibarra will sing “Du Bist Die Ruh” by Franz Schubert.

One alternate student was selected – Natasha Thomas, 20.

The master class will take place Sunday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in the J.P. Eliopulos Family Theatre at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center. It will be conducted by Deanna Murray, Assistant Professor of Voice at California State University, Northridge. Observation is free and open to the public. A complimentary reception will follow the class. The master class is sponsored in part by the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation.
 

Auditions for Vocal Master Class
Antelope Valley vocalists can audition March 12 for their chance to participate in an advanced Master Class at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center.

LANCASTER, CA – The Antelope Valley College Music Department, Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale and Lancaster Performing Arts Center are seeking solo singers for a special master class led by Deanna Murray, Assistant Professor of Voice at California State University, Northridge.

Auditions for class entry are by appointment only, Wednesday, March 12 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the J.P. Eliopulos Family Theatre at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center. To set up an appointment to audition, call (661) 723-5851. Solo vocalists should come prepared with one solo vocal selection, memorized and performance-ready with accompanying piano sheet music. Adjudicators are Antelope Valley College voice faculty.

The master class will take place Sunday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in the J.P. Eliopulos Family Theatre at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center. Spectators will be admitted free on a first-come, first-served basis and a reception will follow the class. The master class is sponsored in part by the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation.
 

Little Women Essay Contest Sponsored by AV Press and LPAC

LANCASTER, CA – To highlight the upcoming national tour performance of Little Women: The Broadway Musical March 14 at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, LPAC and Antelope Valley Press are sponsoring an essay contest for students in fifth through twelfth grades. Both boys and girls are encouraged to participate.

Essays should be 250-500 words in length. They are due by Wednesday, March 5 at 5:00 p.m. and must include a cover letter with the student’s name, grade, teacher and school; the name of a parent or guardian and a contact phone number. Entries will be judged by a committee of Antelope Valley Press and Lancaster Performing Arts Center staff. Students may submit completed essays at Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Waldenbooks in Lancaster on Avenue K or Barnes & Noble in Palmdale.

Finalists in all categories will be invited to an exclusive “Little Women” party at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. The top writers in each category will be announced at the event and receive an illustrated edition of Little Women by Louis May Alcott courtesy of Waldenbooks and a family four-pack of tickets to Little Women: The Broadway Musical at LPAC on March 14. The winning essays will also be printed in the Antelope Valley Press.

Essay Topics
(Select one question in the appropriate category)

Grades 5 & 6: a) Many of the characters in the novel Little Women send and receive letters by mail. Do you think letter-writing is a lost art? How did email and texting affect the way we communicate? b) The mother in Little Women has a strong influence on her children. How does your mother influence or inspire you?

Grades 7 & 8: a) The sisters portrayed in Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women all have distinct personalities. With which sister do you identify? Which sister would you like to emulate? Why? b) At the end of the novel we see how each character’s choices have affected their lives. What would you like your future life to be like? What kinds of choices will you have to make to create that future?

Grades 9 – 12: a) Little Women takes place in the 1800s. Compare and contrast this world with our world today. What is better? Worse? Which time period would you prefer to live in? Why? b) Describe a woman in your life whom you admire and explain why.

Lancaster Performing Arts Center is part of the City of Lancaster’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Department and is located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in downtown Lancaster.
 

LPAC and Barnes & Noble Promote Literacy Through Book Drive
A book drive benefitting Endeavour Middle School in Lancaster highlights the importance of reading.

LANCASTER, CA – The Lancaster Performing Arts Center and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Palmdale are teaming up to promote literacy and reading among youth and provide much-needed books to the newly-built Endeavour Middle School campus in Lancaster. As previously reported in the Antelope Valley Press, more than 15,000 books are needed to complete the school library’s collection.

Early in 2007, the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles reported that the true root of illiteracy is often a lack of access to books and that well-equipped school libraries can lead to higher instances of literacy development in students. Those who purchase books for the book drive at Barnes & Noble in Palmdale through the end of March will receive a voucher for ticket discounts on select literature-based programming at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center. The school has provided a list of suggested reading to help those who would like guidance in selecting books to donate.

Diana C. Brown, Community Relations Manager at Barnes & Noble said, “Giving back to the communities we serve is a primary goal for Barnes & Noble. We view this book drive as a unique opportunity not only to promote reading and literacy, but also to contribute to the learning success of local students. Barnes & Noble provides many avenues for personal development including book and writing clubs and story time for toddlers; this book drive is a natural extension of our current efforts.”

Mary Tanner, LPAC Performing Arts Manager added, “We couldn’t be happier to participate in this book drive, providing ticket discounts as a special reward to those who generously donate. Literature is a vital part of any culture, and many LPAC performances are rooted in these written works of art. Partnering with Barnes & Noble was an easy decision to make.”

Discounted titles are Little Women: The Broadway Musical on March 14 and Oliver! a musical based on the novel Oliver Twist presented by Cedar Street Theatre May 9 through 11. Other book-based offerings include an imaginative musical “sequel” to Robinson Crusoe starring local children February 29 and March 1, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Ballet presented by Antelope Valley Ballet May 6 and 7 and The Diary of Anne Frank, a dramatization of the famous journal presented by It’s Only Tuesday Productions May 30 through June 1. For performance details and ticketing information, call the LPAC box office at (661) 723-5950 or visit www.lpac.org.

Lancaster Performing Arts Center is part of the City of Lancaster’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Department and is located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in downtown Lancaster.
 

Time Warner So-Cal News 3 Anchor Lori Brown at LPAC Feb. 23

LANCASTER, CA – Time Warner So-Cal News 3 Anchor Lori Brown will guest star as the lovely “Miss Marm” during a radio show-style melodrama as part of the Riders in the Sky performance at Lancaster Performing Arts Center Saturday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m.

The two-hour performance begins and ends with Riders in the Sky performing the best in Western music, from Woody's Roundup to Tumblin' Tumbleweeds, but also includes the stage presentation of Riders Radio Theater on the Road emceed by Texas Bix Bender and embellished by SFX Wizard Professor Zeno.

“I’m excited to be a part of this show because usually when I go to LPAC I’m covering an event, and now get to be in one! I can’t wait to see how it will feel to be on that big stage versus in our newsroom. Time Warner news viewers are all invited to come out on Saturday night for good music and a fun time,” said Brown.

For tickets to Riders Radio Theater on the Road, Saturday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m., call the LPAC box office at (661) 723-5950 or visit www.lpac.org.

Lancaster Performing Arts Center is part of the City of Lancaster’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Department and is located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in downtown Lancaster.
 

LPAC and LPAC Foundation Team to Bring Arts to Troubled Youth

LANCASTER, CA – The Lancaster Performing Arts Center, through the LPAC Foundation Arts for Youth program, is bringing two educational outreaches to the Challenger Memorial Youth Center in Lancaster on Tuesday, February 26. In conjunction with the upcoming performance of Robinson Crusoe (Feb. 29 and Mar. 1), professional actors with Missoula Children’s Theatre will work with students in grades 9 through 12 who are actively meeting their probationary program requirements and are on track for successful completion.

While the Arts for Youth program at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center has been presenting special performances and outreaches to area schools for the past nine years, this is the first time such a program has been brought to the Challenger Memorial Youth Center. According to LPAC Performing Arts Manager Mary Tanner, “Arts for Youth was created by our Foundation and Center staff in 1995 to serve the artistic and educational needs of youth in the Antelope Valley. The students we are talking about here are no less deserving than any other students, and perhaps more so considering the obstacles they will face in getting their lives back on track.”

The outreaches are educational, interactive explorations of the performing arts through hands-on improvisational activities. “We are so pleased to have Lancaster Performing Arts Center bring this enrichment opportunity to our students,” said Barbara Schultz, Assistant Principal of Challenger’s McAuliffe School, which is run by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. “The majority of children who come to us have had very limited exposure to arts education. These activities will enhance their learning experience and help put them on a positive path to school success.”

Under the purview of the Los Angeles County probation department, Challenger Memorial Youth Center provides rehabilitative intervention for offending minors through structured work experience, education, specialized tutoring, athletic activities and various social enrichment programs ultimately designed to assist them in reuniting with their families, reintegrating into the community and achieving positive and successful futures. Through the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s McAuliffe School, youth detained at Challenger are provided a fully accredited high school curriculum that may lead to a diploma.

The Lancaster Performing Arts Center is part of the City of Lancaster’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Department and is located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in downtown Lancaster.
 

Lancaster Performing Arts Center Seeking Submissions for 2008-2009 Season

LANCASTER, CA – The Lancaster Performing Arts Center is seeking production proposals for music, spoken word, dance, theatre and other events by Antelope Valley locals to be presented in the J.P. Eliopulos Family Theatre between October 2008 and May 2009 as part of the LPAC performance season.

Proposals may be submitted via post to the Lancaster Performing Arts Center until February 28. Clearly communicate the details of the performance, including proposed dates, a plot summary or event description, number of performers and resumes of production staff involved. If submitting a concert proposal, please include a demo CD or tape with at least three songs. If using original written material, please include a five-page sample. Proposed shows must be a minimum of 90 minutes in length and suited to the technical capabilities of the J.P. Eliopulos Family Theatre (specs available www.lpac.org/rental.html). The theatre seats a maximum of 110 people. Revenue will be split between LPAC and artist.

Send written submissions to 44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534, Attn: Mary Tanner. Please, no email submissions, though questions may be sent to tanner@lpac.org.

The Lancaster Performing Arts Center is part of the City of Lancaster’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Department and is located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in downtown Lancaster.
 

Preview The Night Before Christmas at Barnes & Noble
Preview scenes from the Lancaster Performing Arts Center’s holiday musical, The Night Before Christmas, at Barnes & Noble in Palmdale on Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m..

LANCASTER, CA - Preview scenes from the Lancaster Performing Arts Center’s holiday musical, The Night Before Christmas, at Barnes & Noble in Palmdale on Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. There is no charge to “sneak a peek” at the upcoming holiday show, part of the LPAC Holiday Series presented by Time Warner Cable. Created by a team of AV residents, The Night Before Christmas features an original story with music and lyrics. It will be a holiday to remember; complete with plumbing problems, uninvited guests, quibbling kids and a Parisian poodle!

Performances of The Night Before Christmas are November 30 and December 1 at 7:00 p.m.. Tickets start at $8 for youth 17 and younger. It is sponsored in part by Time Warner Cable, the LPAC Foundation and 103.9 BOB FM. For more information, or to order tickets, call the LPAC box office at (661)723-5950 or visit www.lpac.org.

Lancaster Performing Arts Center is part of the City of Lancaster ’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Department and is located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in downtown Lancaster.
 

LPAC Foundation Receives Donation from Lockheed Martin

LANCASTER, CA – Lockheed Martin has awarded a $3,000 cash donation to the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation in support of both children’s programming and master class programs coordinated with Antelope Valley College .

Ellen Bendell, Lockheed Martin Senior Community Relations Representative, said, “We are grateful for the programs [LPAC provides] to our communities and are looking forward to the excellent programs this year.”

Owned and operated by the City of Lancaster , the Lancaster Performing Arts Center relies on the combined support of the City, Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation and community partners to maximize service to the community. Effective partnerships between government, educational institutions and businesses ensure the availability of cultural opportunities to all children in the greater Antelope Valley region.

In addition to pursuing grants, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation also maintains other fundraising programs which support public performances, equipment purchases and upgrades and additional administrative support for Arts for Youth. The Foundation is in the process of creating an endowment which will ensure the vitality of all Foundation programs. For more information about how you can help, call (661) 723-6087.
 

LPAC Seeking Singers, Dancers for Holiday Musical
The Lancaster Performing Arts Center is seeking 13 actors and actresses to perform in the holiday musical The Night Before Christmas.

LANCASTER, CA - Auditions for The Night Before Christmas, this season’s holiday musical at the Lancaster Performing Art Center, are September 11 and 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Center.

No experience is required to fill any of the 13 available roles for adults and teens, including a pair of female tap dancers and a college aged foreign exchange student, gender open. There is one additional role for a young girl, 5-8 years old, who must sing well. Interested parties should come prepared with 16 bars of a musical theatre tune - sheet music in their key or instrumental CD - and if available, a theatre resume and head shot. A 17-pound poodle is part of the production. Some actors may be required to interact with the animal.

Lancaster Performing Arts Center is part of the City of Lancaster ’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Department and is located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in downtown Lancaster.

Character Descriptions:

• Shelly Smith, 30s-40s
  The show’s protagonist. Divorcee with a new husband/family who wants everything perfect. Must belt up to a B flat.
• Paul Smith, 60s
  Widower with a new wife and three stepchildren. Laid-back father figure accepts his new wife and family as they are.
• Chelsea Anderson, 5-10
  Shelly’s precocious daughter, anxious to make sure she is not forgotten by her father. Must sing well.
• Mother Barton, 50s-80s
  Paul’s former mother-in-law and Charlotte’s mother. This grandmother lives with Paul and Shelly – she is sweetly nonsensical with moments of lucidity.
• Doris (Plumber), 20s-70s and Carrie (Plumber), teens to 50s
  A pair of good-natured, tap-dancing, female plumbers. Must tap dance and sing.
• Hugh Carlyle (Shelly’s Father), 50s-80s
  Active Grandfather. Taking health problems, his wife and new family members in stride. Lyric high baritone.
• Jodi Carlyle (Shelly’s Mother), 50s-80s
  Controlling and critical of Shelly. Taking over is her way of handling (dominating) circumstances that surround her. Soprano.
• Kayla Anderson, late teens
  Popular high school girl – boy crazy, into makeup, etc. Has a crush on her new college-age step brother.
• Matt Anderson, teen
  Mischievous troublemaker. The middle child, book ended by sisters, interested in rock and roll, drumming and goofing off.
• Charlotte Chauvin, 20s-50s
  Image-conscious fashion designer living in Paris, avoiding marital troubles by “coming home.” Must handle a 15-pound poodle. Must belt up to a B flat.
• Chauffeur, 20s-70s
  This role has been cast.
• Jerrod Smith, late teens-20s
  Paul’s son. Very much like his father, but with a more youthful, fun-loving twist.
• Susan Prescott, late teens-20s
  Born and raised in Hollywood. Stereotypical California beach girl who is excited at the idea of a “family” Christmas. She sees the Smiths as the Brady Bunch.
• Ravi, late teens-20s
  Foreign exchange experiencing his first American Christmas. He is friendly, polite and open.

LPAC Foundation Announces 2007-2008 Community Arts Grant Program

LANCASTER, CA - The Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation has announced the schedule of the 2007-2008 program to provide grant funds to local performing arts organizations. "This program, which is in its eleventh year, is designed to promote LPAC use by local organizations. Last year, the Foundation assisted six (6) local performing arts organizations," states Lou Bozigian, Foundation Board President.

The Community Performing Arts Grant Program application packets are available through the City of Lancaster Department of Parks, Recreation and Arts, 723-6087. Performing arts organizations that have a 501(c)(3) non-profit status and are Lancaster based or serve Lancaster residents are eligible.

Organizations can apply for a maximum of $2,500 for the 2007-2008 funding cycle. The deadline for submittal of the applications is August 3, 2007. The recipients will be announced by August 31, 2007. The funded programs or projects must be implemented within twelve months of award date. It is the intention of the Foundation Board to award grants annually in August-September. The Foundation Board of Directors consists of Lou Bozigian, Ric Garrison, M.D., Ronald Hitchcock, Alis Clausen and Inpamani Arul, M.D.
 

Tickets for the 2007-2008 season at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center are now on sale and may be obtained by calling (661) 723-5950 or visiting www.lpac.org or the LPAC box office between noon and 6:00 p.m. weekdays. The Lancaster Performing Arts Center is part of the City of Lancaster Parks, Recreation and Arts Department, and is located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in downtown Lancaster.

Businesses, Individuals Help Children Experience Arts
LACANSTER, CA – The Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation Business, Education and Arts Partnership (BEAP) enters its fifth year with incredible momentum. This collaborative effort established by the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation, local businesses, private individuals and area schools uses 100% of all donations to bring students throughout the Antelope Valley to arts experiences at Lancaster Performing Arts Center through special daytime performances.

Businesses or individuals may support a classroom, grade level or school through donations to BEAP. The matching grant program provides free tickets for students, with schools providing for transportation and other fees. In addition to tickets, BEAP gives teachers study guides for classroom use, enriching the students’ experience outside LPAC and helping to build curriculum in a variety of academic subjects such as science, history and art.

Interested donors or schools should contact Bobbi Keay, Education Administrator at (661) 723-5876 to request the appropriate application.

LPAC Foundation Launches 7th “Friends” Campaign
LANCASTER, CA – The Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation launched its seventh annual membership drive for the Friends of the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation May 16. The Friends program allows business and individuals to help support the Arts for Youth Program at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center.

The Arts for Youth program reduces ticket prices for special daytime performances attended by students from area schools, allowing more than 24,000 students to attend the theatre annually. This program also provides supplementary instructional materials to teachers in the classroom and helps pay the performance fee for many Arts for Youth performers during the LPAC season.

Friends receive rewards ranging from LPAC-imprinted gifts and discounts to invitations to exclusive receptions at the Center and behind-the-scenes experiences, depending on membership level. For more information about the Friends of the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation or to receive a pamphlet by mail, please call (661) 723-6078.