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:

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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

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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