Holiday Season is here! Three shows at ZACH!

Hey there ZACH Friends!
Just a message to let you know that there are three shows running at ZACH to get your holiday seasons on...

Rockin' Christmas Party
The Rock-n-Soul Musical
(pictured right - Judy Arnold center)
Created and Directed by Dave Steakley
November 29 - December 30, 2007

ZACH's Kleberg Stage
(Corner of Riverside & S. Lamar)

Starring BEEHIVE'S Rebecca Schoolar,
Judy Arnold and Andra Mitrovich!

Rockin' Christmas Party turns fourteen this year becoming one of the longest running Austin traditions of all time. It's the party of the year and our award-winning cast sure knows how to put the Christmas spirit in your heart - and your booty! - as they shake, rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane. It's great fun for the whole family.

OR

PLAID TIDINGS
By Stuart Ross
Directed and Choreographed by Robin Lewis

November 29 - December 30, 2007
ZACH's Groten Stage
1426 Toomey Road
(Adjacent to ZACH's Whisenhunt Stage)

Starring:
William Akey, Kevin Farr, Jon-Michael Hamman &
Zach Thompson

The heavenly harmony quartet FOREVER PLAID is back with more swingin’ holiday favorites, a hilarious Ed Sullivan tribute and a spectacular White Christmas finale! Don't miss Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge in this energy packed production that is tremendous fun for the entire family!

OR

David Sedaris' Santaland Diaries
Directed by Dave Steakley
Starring ZACH's Original Elf... Martin Burke!
November 23, 2007 - January 6, 2008

ZACH's Arena Stage
1510 Toomey Road

Our little Macy's elf knows a thing or two about faking the Yuletide spirit. But you won't be faking a good time when your sides split during David Sedaris' wickedly funny The Santaland Diaries. Now in its 9th hit year, the comedy tells the real-life story of Sedaris' tour of duty as the elf Crumpet, and what it takes to juggle tots and tottering Santas during a painfully festive time of the year. A laugh 'til you cry evening of merrily subversive entertainment to delight adult audiences. Get your Santaland tickets early performances sell out quickly.

"Sardonic tonic for the holidays!" -Austin American- Statesman

Come on out and join the fun. To buy tickets call 476-0594 xt. 1
Or buy online at www.zachscott.com

ZACH WINS 11 B. IDEN PAYNES!

Here’s the scoop everyone! ZACH was recognized with 11 B. Iden Payne awards last night! They also honored Karen Kuykendall for her contribution to Austin Theatre. Congratulations to the award winners, and to ZACH for producing such great work!

Austin Circle of Theaters' 2007 Special Honoree
Austin Circle of Theaters Special Recognition Award for Outstanding
Contribution to Austin Theatre
Karen Kuykendall

Plays for Youth
Outstanding Performer in a Play for Youth
Amy Downing (Ms. Darbus, Ms. Tenny, High School Musical)

Music Theatre
Outstanding Production of Music Theatre
The Rocky Horror Show (Zachary Scott Theatre Center)

Outstanding Lead Actor in Music Theatre
Joe York (Dr. Frank N. Furter, The Rocky Horror Show)

Outstanding Lead Actress in Music Theatre
Leslie K. Hollingsworth (Janet, The Rocky Horror Show)

Comedies
Outstanding Production of a Comedy
Present Laughter (Zachary Scott Theatre Center)

Outstanding Lead Actor in of a Comedy
Jamie Goodwin (Garry Essendine, Present Laughter)

Outstanding Featured Actress in of a Comedy
Helen Merino (Monica Reed, Present Laughter)

Dramas
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Drama
Martin Burke (Mason Marzac, Take Me Out)

Special
Outstanding Youth Performance
Sean Maddox (Ryan Evans, High School Musical)

Technical Achievement Awards
Outstanding Set Design
Cliff Simon (Present Laughter)

Outstanding Sound Design:
Craig Brock (Take Me Out)

For a full listing of all the Austin winners, please go to: http://www.acotonline.org/Pages/PayneWins07.html

More Honors for ZACH Theatre!

Today's issue of The Austin Chronicle has revealed this year's Best Of Austin for readers and critics. Dave Steakley and ZACH won recognition!

READERS: Best Theatre Director: TIE: Jason Neulander, Dave Steakley

Zach Scott's Dave Steakley has an especially deft hand with musicals,
but this year he showed his boldness by daring to stage the all-
conquering behemoth that is Disney's High School Musical and by
presenting two big non-musicals: Take Me Out and Noel Coward's Present
Laughter. Meanwhile, Salvage Vanguard Theater's Jason Neulander
started the year by promising it would be the biggest ever for his
nurturing home for up-and-coming playwrights and did it in big style
with an ongoing national tour of The Intergalactic Nemesis and by
finally finding a home for his own itinerant troupe- a permanent
place on Manor Road. Both prove bigger doesn't mean blander.
Jason Neulander: Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd., 474-7886;
Dave Steakley: Zachary Scott Theatre Center, 1510 Toomey, 476-0541
www.salvagevanguard.org; www.zachscott.com
More...

READERS: Best Theatre Performance Space: Zachary Scott Theatre Center

Zach Scott is well-deserving of an award for its performance spaces.
With the original Kleberg stage; the smaller, newer Whisenhunt stage;
and the soon-to-be-built 500-seat Kuykendall stage, Zach will have no
trouble retaining the honor. With extraordinary set designer Michael
Raiford usually at the helm, the simple spaces are transformed into a
myriad of locales from churches to nightclubs, from city parks to
lake fronts, from Jerusalem to New York – all right here in Austin.
1510 Toomey, 476-0541; 1421 W. Riverside, 476-0594 www.zachscott.com
More...

Congrats to ZACH for B. Iden Payne Nominations!

The ACOT B. Iden Payne Award nominations were released on September 19 and we want to congratulate all of our ZACH family nominees, casts, design teams, production crews, and musicians who made it such a memorable year. ZACH nominations are below. For a full list of all the Payne Award nominees go to: http://www.acotonline.org/Pages/PayneNom07.html

2006-2007 B. IDEN PAYNE AWARD NOMINEES -- ZACH

PLAYS FOR YOUTH

Outstanding Production of a Play for Youth
Dear Edwina Junior (Zachary Scott Theatre Center Performing Arts School)
High School Musical (Zachary Scott Theatre Center Performing Arts School)

Outstanding Director of a Play for Youth
Jaclyn Loewenstein (Dear Edwina Junior)
Dave Steakley (High School Musical)

Outstanding Performer in a Play for Youth
Amy Downing (Ms. Darbus, Ms. Tenny, High School Musical)

MUSIC THEATER

Outstanding Production of Music Theater
The Rocky Horror Show (Zachary Scott Theatre Center)

Outstanding Lead Actor in Music Theater
John Pointer (Judas Iscariot, Jesus Christ Superstar)
Joe York (Dr. Frank N. Furter, The Rocky Horror Show)

Outstanding Lead Actress in Music Theater
Leslie K. Hollingsworth (Janet, The Rocky Horror Show)

Outstanding Featured Actress in Music Theater
Janis Stinson (Simon, temple ensemble, Jesus Christ Superstar)
Larissa Wolcott (Columbia, usherette, The Rocky Horror Show)

COMEDIES

Outstanding Production of a Comedy
Present Laughter (Zachary Scott Theatre Center)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy
Jamie Goodwin (Garry Essendine, Present Laughter)

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Comedy
Elizabeth Doss (Daphne Stillington, Present Laughter)
Helen Merino (Monica Reed, Present Laughter)

DRAMAS

Outstanding Production of a Drama
Take Me Out (Zachary Scott Theatre Center)

Outstanding Director of a Drama
Robert Faires (An Almost Holy Picture)
Dave Steakley (Take Me Out)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama
Jody Reynard (Darren Lemming, Take Me Out)

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Drama
Martin Burke (Mason Marzac, Take Me Out)
Zach Thompson (Shane Mungitt, Take Me Out)

TECHNICAL

Outstanding Set Design
Michael Raiford (Jesus Christ Superstar)
Cliff Simon (Present Laughter)

Outstanding Lighting Design
Jason Amato (Take Me Out)

Outstanding Sound Design
Craig Brock (Take Me Out)

Outstanding Costume Design
Susan Branch (Present Laughter)

Outstanding Music Director
Austin Haller (Present Laughter)
Allen Robertson (Jesus Christ Superstar)

Outstanding Choreographer
Tina Gramann (Take Me Out)
Robin Lewis (The Rocky Horror Show)

SPECIAL
Outstanding Youth Performance
Taylor Flanagan (Liza Minnelli, Tiny Tim, An Xmas Carol)
Sean Maddox (Ryan Evans, High School Musical)
Kelli Schultz (Sharpay Evans, High School Musical)

ZACH's 75th Anniversary Season, and much more!

Preparations for ZACH’s 75th Anniversary 2007-08 Season are underway and we want you to know about some exciting changes happening at ZACH.

Currently ZACH is getting a much-needed MAKEOVER! Soon you will enjoy remodeled lobbies in both the Kleberg Stage and the Whisenhunt Stage. Stylish new furnishings donated by IKEA will complement the remodel created by award-winning interior designer Laurie Smith Design.

The Kleberg renovations include doubling the size of the women’s restrooms, providing new men’s facilities, new lighting, paint and carpet, an improved concession and box office area, and other needed physical improvements. Generous grant awards from the Lola Wright Foundation and ZACH patron Carolyn Bartlett have made it possible to install a new lighting grid above ZACH’s Kleberg stage and technical equipment that will enhance ZACH’s production capabilities. The renovations will also update spaces to comply fully with ADA standards.

Demolition of some interiors began on Monday, August 13, and due to the extensive remodeling, the Kleberg facility and the administrative offices have been vacated. ZACH staff are operating from temporary offices through mid-October. During the renovation, ZACH’s Box Office, Finance, Facilities, and Telemarketing Departments are all sharing ZACH’s studio space, located on the East side of ZACH’s Whisenhunt Stage/Administration building. ZACH’s Education, Marketing, and Production Department are being housed in the Grace and Andrew Groten Stage building, adjacent to the Whisenhunt at 1426 Toomey Rd., behind Schlotzsky’s. The Development and Capital Campaign offices are temporarily operating downtown at 6th and Congress, where ZACH Board President Mike Kennedy has generously provided space within Commercial Texas.

ZACH extends special thanks to the Benz Resource Group for donating their services as renovation project manager, and to Minor Moving LLC, Rollin Breed/Central Transportation Systems, and The Moving Experience for facilitating and executing our move out of the facilities.

Originally we planned to begin the new season this Fall, but in order to allow sufficient time for the completion of these extensive renovations, the first mainstage show will begin in January 2008. Renovations on the Whisenhunt facility will be completed in October for The Santaland Diaries and the Kleberg renovations will be finished in time for Rockin’ Christmas Party, which opens Thanksgiving weekend.

Our 75th Anniversary begins with the highly anticipated Porgy and Bess playing January 25 – February 3, 2008 at the brand new Austin Music Hall. ZACH’s reworking of Gershwin’s classic has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius. Our production will be drawing inspiration from the jazz, soul and R&B musical legacy of New Orleans in an all new interpretation created specifically for you by the team that created the highly acclaimed Jesus Christ Superstar.

In the meantime, enjoy ZACH’s hit production of Disney’s High School Musical, back by popular demand, at The Texas School for the Deaf’s R.L. Davis Auditorium September 28 – October 28, 2007. Call ZACH’s box office at 476-0541, x1 for tickets and additional information.

We appreciate your support and look forward to celebrating our 75th Diamond Anniversary with you!

Joe York Memorial Service Announced

Saturday, September 8 at 8:00 p.m.
All of Joe York's family, friends, fans, acquaintances, admirers, and loved ones are invited to attend a memorial in his honor at the Zilker Hillside Theatre in Austin, Texas.

The site of so many unforgettable performances by this singular man seems a fitting place to pay our collected respects to this peerless man. Please notify people who would want to join us at this memorial; we look forward gathering to honor and remember the singular Joe York.

Sign Joe York's Memorial Guest Book
hosted by The Austin American-Statesman

120 Kids Awarded Scholarships to ZACH Camps

With the help of a generous grant from the AT&T Foundation, 120 kids will be given the opportunity to broaden their imaginations and hit the stage at ZACH's Performing Arts School after-school and summer camps. Read the full article from the Austin American-Statesman below:

---

Grants help 120 youths attend acting camps
Scholarships help low-income children take classes at Zachary Scott Theatre Center.
By Huong Le
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Acting helps boost Bria Robinson's confidence. Studying comedy helps George Nash overcome his shyness. Isabella Bastidas doesn't really know why she loves acting.

"That's still a mystery to me, but I love playing around and seeing if people would like it on stage," said Isabella, 11.

The three are among 120 students who have been awarded scholarships to attend after-school programs and summer camps at Zachary Scott Theatre Center's performing arts school in Austin. The scholarships target children from low-income households and are supported by a $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation, which announced the awards Monday.

"I believe that the basic right for all children is the need to express themselves, whether through writing or acting," said Tina Gramann, the theater's director of education.

Students can use the scholarships to attend theatrical classes, workshops and camps at Zachary Scott, where they can learn about comedy improvisation and film acting and perform in Shakespearean plays.

Zachary Scott has been in Austin since 1933 and serves about 60,000 students a year. A semesterlong class costs $275 to $300; a weeklong camp costs about $250.

Bria, 12, who is attending a Shakespeare camp, said she likes acting because it allows her to be another person. George's mother, Joann Cain, said the 11-year-old has attended the theater's programs since age 5.

"It really keeps him occupied. He's definitely not shy now, and that carries over in school," Cain said.

hle@statesman.com; 445-3601

---

At Right: Tina Gramann, Director of ZACH's Performing Arts School. Let her know what you think! If you are interested in registering for ZACH's Performing Arts School or for more information, please visit the Performing Arts School Website.

High School Musical Is A Hit With Audiences

Kids love it and parents do too! If you haven't taken your family to see High School Musical yet, this is what you are missing:








Buy Tickets Now

Ann's Going Away Party Pics

We just got in the pictures from Ann Ciccolella's going away party. Ann was the Managing Director of ZACH before leaving to pursue the next leg of her life's journey. It was a lovely party, full of warm wishes, hugs, memories and laughs. We wish her luck in all her future endeavours, from all her friends at ZACH! Some pictures below:

An Almost Holy Picture OPENS!

Reserve your seats now for An Almost Holy Picture. Presented by ZACH on the Whisenhunt Arena Stage, An Almost Holy Picture is a breathtaking drama in which Samuel, a former Episcopal priest collides with the ultimate test of his faith when his wife gives birth to a beautiful baby girl -- born covered with downy white fur. As his daughter grows into a child of transcendent inner beauty, Samuel struggles to regain his faith.
Starring Jamie Goodwin – star of TV's Guiding Light, Another World, Sex and the City and ZACH's Urinetown, The Musical !

An Almost Holy Picture
By Heather McDonald
Directed by Robert Faires
July 19 - August 26, 2007
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 pm,
Sunday at 2:30
Purchase Tickets Now

Zachary Scott Theatre - Keeping The Faith

High School Musical Opens TONIGHT!

That's right! After weeks of rehearsal (pictured at right), the hit Disney Channel movie High School Musical is finally being produced by ZACH at the R.L. Davis Auditorium at the Texas School for the Deaf. Follow the antics of East High’s most popular students as they fall in love and secretly try to audition for the school musical. Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad and Taylor are all ready to sing and dance in this fun-tastic, family-friendly show!

(ZACH Executive Passes are redeemable for this show.)
July 20 - August 12, 2007,
Check our calendar for dates and showtimes!
A ZACH Performing Arts School production staged at
R.L. Davis Auditorium at The Texas School for the Deaf*
1102 S. Congress
Buy Tickets

* Production not affiliated with Texas School for the Deaf.

There is wonderful coverage of the rehearsal process at Austin360.com. Check out the Austin360 Photo Gallery and the HSM Site.
Also, check out our Rehearsal Photo Gallery
Meet the Cast

SUPERSTAR HELD THRU AUGUST 12!

Critics around Austin are praising Jesus! Christ Superstar, that is. Now being HELD OVER thru August 12, there is still time for you to get tickets to this summer musical event!

Performance Times:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm
Sunday at 2:30 pm

The Austin Chronicle says:
"The gospel vocals of ZACH regular Janis Stinson redefine soul music praising Jesus. Schrödinger's Cat singer John Pointer was born to play Judas; with the smile of a pícaro, he booms his a cappella bass vocals. Dressed like Frida Kahlo, Theresa Medina's Mary Magdalene woos Jesus with operatic undertones .... But then you can't avoid making Jesus Christ Superstar a bit sexy when you have Latino actors and passionate movements. Though dressed here as a migrant worker in head-to-toe denim, Jesucristo, as played by actor Joseph Melendez, has a forceful voice touched with just the right amount of humility. And he's not bad to look at either!" Read more...

Hear ZACH's cast sing on "Aielli Unleashed" on KUT!
http://kut.org/items/show/8823

Zachary Scott Theatre: Re-Inventing Faith

ZACH Announces '07/'08 Season!

Mainstage
Porgy and Bess
Music by George Gershwin, Libretto by DuBose Heyward, and Lyrics by Ira Gershwin and Heyward. Based on Heyward’s novel Porgy and the play of the same name co-written
with Dorothy Heyward.

Directed by Dave Steakley
(Right: Photo from Trevor Nunn's production)

With support from the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces Musical Theatre program, George Gershwin’s majestic musical Porgy and Bess springs to life at ZACH next season! Director Dave Steakley and ZACH’s artistic team are creating a dynamic, re-envisioned staging of this classic in the style of the jazz and R&B recordings of legends Ray Charles, Cleo Lane, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Central Texas’ wealth of African-American singers will star, including Austin artists who have graced ZACH’s stages for the past two decades from Dreamgirls to Crowns.

This project has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius

---

Doubt
By John Patrick Shanley (author of the film "Moonstruck")
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 4 Tony Awards!
(Right: Photo from original Broadway production)

A fast-paced game of cat and mouse is ignited when evidence of a priest’s wrongdoing comes to light. At a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, Sister Aloysius, a strict school principal, faces the decision of a lifetime: Does she openly accuse a priest and give voice to her fear of his actions, or does she bury her suspicions and leave room for doubt? This intense and personal power struggle between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn ultimately calls into question both faith and justice in the shadow of doubt. “A superb new drama ... an inspired study in moral uncertainty with the compelling structure of an old-fashioned detective drama.” –The New York Times.

---

Revival of a Popular Broadway Musical
Directed by Dave Steakley
Choreography by Robin Lewis
ZACH is currently in negotiations for a hit Broadway musical soon to be announced for this slot. Rest assured that ZACH will certainly bring what the Austin Chronicle calls "the Best Razzle Dazzle in Town".

---

The Clean House
By Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Dave Steakley
(Right: Photo by Joan Marcus)

Written by one of the most original new voices in American theatre, this 2005 Pulitzer Prize winner is a quirky and moving comedy about love, loss and the power of a good joke. Matilde, a latina housekeeper, is keen to stretch her funny bone, but can’t muster any elbow grease for her domestic duties. Her employers’ house isn’t in order and neither are their personal lives. In pursuit of the perfect joke, Matilde ignores the household dirt, only to be swept away by family affairs of the heart. Delicious language, seriously funny, and twists you won’t see coming make this a play that will hit you where you live. “Intelligent and thoughtful . . . a sharply funny, moving work!” – Washington Theater.

---

Speeding Motorcycle
Conceived by Jason Nodler
Songs and concepts by Daniel Johnston

Directed by Jason Nodler
(Right: Photo by George Hixon)

This out-of-this-world rock opera takes its inspiration from cult figure Daniel Johnston, a singer, songwriter and artist who first gained recognition in Austin during the 1980s. Anyone who’s ever enjoyed Johnston’s music or drawings will want to catch this exuberant celebration of his unique creativity. The quirky love story coupled with Beatles-inspired music was a hit at Houston’s Infernal Bridegroom Productions. The New York Times said “At a recent performance of “Speeding Motorcycle,” scores of people were turned away at the door. Many moped around outside, hoping someone just might leave at intermission!”

---

Holiday Extras
The Santaland Diaries
Written by David Sedaris, Adapted for the Stage by Joe Mantello

Directed by Dave Steakley
November 23, 2007 - January 6, 2008

Our little Macy’s elf knows a thing or two about faking the Yuletide spirit. But you won’t be faking a good time when your sides split during David Sedaris’ wickedly funny The Santaland Diaries. Now in its 10th hit year, the comedy tells the real-life story of Sedaris’ tour of duty as the elf Crumpet, and what it takes to juggle tots and tottering Santas during a painfully festive time of the year. A laugh ‘til you cry evening of merrily subversive entertainment to delight adult audiences.

---

Rockin' Christmas Party
The Rock-n-Soul Musical
Created and Directed by Dave Steakley
November 23 - December 30, 2007

Rockin’ Christmas Party turns fourteen this year reigning as one of the longest-running Austin traditions of all time. Bigger, brighter and merrier than ever our award-winning cast sure knows how to put the Christmas spirit in your heart – and your booty! – as they shake, rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane. It’s great fun for the whole family, but get your tickets early because seats go fast for this wildly popular holiday shindig. For all ages!

Now Booking Holiday Parties for
Plaid Tidings, Rockin' Christmas Party and
The Santland Diaries for 2007!
Call Amanda at 476-0541, x221 for
Group Rates & Priority Seating.

Free party facilities at the theatre with your group ticket purchase!

---

Plaid Tidings
By Stuart Ross

Directed by Dave Steakley
November 30 - December 30, 2007

The four-part harmony, guy group holiday musical returns! Thanks to a heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney, Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie are returning to earth in the delightful Forever Plaid sequel, Plaid Tidings. This time the quartet tunes their heavenly harmonies on holiday songs and carols, along with a hilarious tribute to The Ed Sullivan Christmas Spectaculars featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir. And, the boys whip up a Plaid Caribbean Christmas which puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis! Great fun for the whole family!

365 Days/365 Plays

ZACH is serving as the Austin hub for a marvelous new national theatre festival!

In November 2002, Pulitzer prize-winner Suzan-Lori Parks (pictured at right) sat down and committed to writing a play a day for the next 365 days. The world premiere of this play cycle, 365 Days/365 Plays, will be performed as a yearlong national festival simultaneously in major cities and communities around the country. From November 13, 2006 to November 12, 2007, over 600 theaters in Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago, Minneapolis, the Carolinas, Mississippi River towns, and university campuses will create the largest theater collaboration in U.S. History.

As the Austin hub, ZACH is responsible for coordinating the production of the 52 "weeks" in the show. Theatre companies from around the Austin area will each be responsible for producing the seven short plays making up one week in the series. Already there have been some memorable productions, including the launch of the festival that took place on the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge overlooking the river.

Please attend the next production:
Week #37 of 365 DAYS/PLAY
Renaissance Theatre Company
Directed by Paula Gilbert
Thurs.-Sat., July 26-28, 7:30 pm. The Dougherty Arts Center Gallery/Lobby (1110 Barton Springs Road)

Check our website often for information on the remaining productions left in the cycle.

ZACH's Spring/Summer 2007 Newsletter

ZACH has just released its "The Next Stage Newsletter" for Spring/Summer 2007. Click on either of the images below to see a full size image.

ZACH is Community-Acclaimed

ZACH is fortunate to have so many talented people grace its doorstep. In the recent 2006-2007 Austin Critics Table Awards, the following ZACH staff members were honored.

• ACT Award for Direction - Dave Steakley for I Am My Own Wife
  
• ACT Award for Lighting Design - Jason Amato for I Am My Own Wife
  
• ACT Award for Direction - Dave Steakley for Present Laughter
  
• ACT Award for Scenic Design - Cliff Simon for Present Laughter
  
• ACT Award for Costume Design - Susan Branch for Present Laughter
  
• ACT Award for Direction - Dave Steakley for Take Me Out
  
• ACT Award for Lighting Design - Jason Amato for Take Me Out

Other Recent Awards:
Zachary Scott Theatre Center's Homeschoolers recently took Third Place at the Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) State Competition!

ZACH's Performing Arts School just received the 2007 Austin Family Reader's Poll Favorite Award for Best Place to Study Acting!

Thanks for the love!

Raves for Superstar...

Dave Steakley, the director of Jesus Christ Superstar/Jesucristo Superestrella received the following notes from Patrons who have seen and enjoyed this exciting production:

"JC superstar was amazing - it was one of the best and most original musicals I've ever seen - and I used to work in musical theater. I loved it! I'd almost like to go again now that I know the music a bit better."

"Bravo!!! This is the best, most engaging musical Zach has ever done. My guests and I were riveted. I can't wait to see it again."

Don't miss out on seeing this moving and electric performance!

Performances - Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00pm, and Sunday at 2:30pm.

For Tickets, call 512-476-0594 xt. 1, or click the link below to purchase online.
Buy Tickets Now!

Join ZACH's Performing Arts School... Summer Camp already in Session

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP FOR ZACH'S P.A.S. SUMMER CAMP!!

ZACH's Performing Arts School offers professional theater classes to adults as well as children. These classes expose students to the powerful creative processes involved in theater--processes that enter into all aspects of our lives.

The Performing Arts School is proud to be a leader in theatre arts education. Since 1970, we have enjoyed watching our students nourish their imagination and creativity while developing confidence and valuable interpersonal skills like communication, team-work and an appreciation for diversity.

We offer high-quality, innovative drama programs to help every student realize their full potential, both as an artist and as a person.
All of our instructors are professional theatre artists and experienced drama teachers.

If you're new to our school, we'd be happy to discuss where you might want to start. Just give Tina Gramann a call at 476-0594, ext. 236.

Class Registration:
You may sign up over the phone at (512)476-0594 ext. 236, or e-mail us at pas@zachscott.com. Upon enrollment for classes a $50 deposit is required. This deposit may be taken over the phone on credit card, mailed by check to the theatre, or dropped at the box office between noon and 7pm Monday thru Saturday. Full payment of the balance is due by the first day of class.

Camp Registration:
For Camps, both a Registration Form and Medical Release form must be completed. Tuition for camps is due in full at time of registration.

Confirmation:
For regular classes you can consider your registration complete once we have received your deposit. You will receive a reminder call before the class begins. For Camps, you will receive a detailed letter with curriculum information, directions and schedule.

Cancellations:
Cancellations must be submitted in writing and must be received 14 days prior to the start of the class your child is registered for. Cancellations received 14 days prior to the start of the class your child is registered for will be refunded amount paid less a $50 processing/registration fee. NO REFUNDS AFTER START OF CLASS YOUR CHILD IS REGISTERED FOR. Should a class be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, any tuition paid will be fully refunded.

Class size:
Maximum class size for ages 5-6 years is 12 students. For ages 7-15 years, maximum class size is 20 students. Class sizes for adults range from 5-20 students.

Act like an adult

Act like a kid

Registration Form

ZACH Hires New Managing Director

Zachary Scott Theatre Center has hired a new managing director, Elisbeth Challener, who will serve as the organization’s chief operating officer, lead the development of a new theatre, and oversee production, education, fundraising, marketing and financial management.

As executive director of Montalvo Center for the Arts, Challener helped transform a California estate into a major concert producer and artists residency program with international stature. She moved to Austin in 2005 and has served as a nonprofit arts consultant and part-time executive director of One World Theatre. A search committee comprised of ZACH board members hired her last week following a national search.

“We could not have designed anyone better than Elisbeth to grow ZACH into its next stage,” says Eric Groten, president of the theatre’s board of directors. “She has the skills, the experience, the vision and passion to lead ZACH’s staff and board as we grow to meet Austin’s needs for excellent, home-grown performing arts productions and education programs.”

ZACH is in the first stages of a capital campaign to raise $25 million to support a new, 500-seat theatre and education facility and to double the size of its audience. Last November, Austin voters approved Proposition Four, allocating $10 million in bond money for a new theatre. Coupled with private capital campaign contributions to date, ZACH is about halfway toward its goal of $25 million for funding the theater, an educational and creative center, and an endowment.

Challener succeeds Ann Ciccolella, ZACH’s longtime managing director whose resignation was announced in January. Ciccolella will continue consulting with ZACH through the transition. Challener’s first day on the job will be July 9.

ZACH’s Artistic Director Dave Steakley is “excited to welcome Elisbeth as my collaborating colleague, and into the great family of ZACH staff, artists and supporters.

“Elisbeth brings extraordinary talents and a very successful arts management record to ZACH at a critical juncture of our growth,” Steakley says. “These transitions in the life of an arts organization can be tricky, and I couldn’t be happier than to have found such a capable colleague. Her expertise and management style align perfectly with ZACH’s needs. I know we’ll make a dynamic team, and I look forward to introducing her to our patrons,” Steakley says.

Challener led Montalvo Arts Center’s growth from a small, community-based organization with an operating budget of $600,000 into a major presenting venue and home to an internationally acclaimed artists residency program with a budget of $9 million. She was responsible for the vision and oversight of a range of programs encompassing performing, literary and visual arts and an extensive arts education program. Other accomplishments during her tenure included growing ticket sales from less than $500,000 to more than $4 million, expanding the patron base from 6,000 to 80,000; and raising more than $20 million for capital projects.

Former colleagues praise Challener’s management style, citing her fundraising, leadership, listening and consensus-building skills.

Challener began as Montalvo’s development director in 1986 and became executive director two years later, spending nearly 20 years with the organization. Earlier in her career, Challener served as administrative director for the San Francisco Boys Chorus, education/outreach director of the Fairmount Theatre of the Deaf, and as department chair and faculty member of the performing arts department of the Purnell School, a private boarding high school for women.

Challener graduated from the Boston Conservatory of Music with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in drama and musical theatre. She attended the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program for non-profits and the Center for Excellence in Nonprofit Management inSan Jose, California.

Challener says she has always had a passion for the theater and did many years of summer stock, dinner theater, and semi-professional theater on the east coast and in California. She has called her own performing background in musical theatre “extraordinarily valuable.

“I may have decided to go into the business management side of the arts, but I think I understand the psyche of a performer and I think it makes me better able to do my job,” Challener says.

She looks forward to building on ZACH’s strong foundation, Challener says. Having met nearly 30 staff members, actors and board members during the interview process, Challener says: “I can tell that this is a group of people who are committed for the right reasons—passion, artistic vision, and care.”

Technorati tags: Elisbeth Challener, Elisbeth, Challener,

Disney's High School Musical Tickets NOW ON SALE!!

Tickets are now on sale for ZACH's P.A.S. production of...

Disney's High School Musical
Written by Peter Barsocchini
Directed by Dave Steakley
July 20 - August 5, 2007

A ZACH Performing Arts School production staged at
R.L. Davis Auditorium at The Texas School for the Deaf*
1102 S. Congress

Show times: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:00 pm,
Sunday at 2:30 pm

The smash hit movie musical comes to life on ZACH’s stage! Already one of the biggest musical phenomenons, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL has topped the Billboard music charts and broken records. Follow the antics of East High’s most popular students as they fall in love and secretly try to audition for the school musical. Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad and Taylor are all ready to sing and dance in this fun-tastic, family-friendly show coming to ZACH in the new year! ZACH Executive Passes are redeemable for this show. This show is a sure sell-out.

* Production not affiliated with Texas School for the Deaf.

Buy Tickets

Technorati tags: Disney's High School Musical, teens, musical, family

Jesus Christ Superstar -- Re-Inventing Faith

From The Passion of the Christ to a high-tech Broadway revival of JC Superstar, and from The DaVinci Code to The Book of Judas, the story of Jesus’ final days has been dominating recent conversations and writings about contemporary culture. Now ZACH enters the dialogue with a fresh re-invention of this popular rock opera inspired by a photography book of rural home altars throughout Mexico. These private shrines have profound personal and familial meaning, linking ancient traditions with modern customs. Likewise, ZACH’s production will synthesize ancient and modern images with traditional and current Mexican musical styles to illuminate new personal truths and discoveries for everyone who call Central Texas home.

By Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
May 24 - July 15, 2007
ZACH's Kleberg Stage

View Photo Gallery!

Audience Comments

Buy Tickets

Technorati tags: Austin, Texas, theater, theatre, performance, Steakley, Superstar, Jesucristo Superestrella, Jesucristo, Superestrella, ZACH, Zachary Scott Theatre