What's new at VACT?
        Click for: VACT news archive -- 2005 and earlier

March 24, 2008 -- Rich Novotney (Mortimer Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace) will be performing with the Madison Youth Choir (no, he won't be singing!), in their spring production: Greek to Me: A Choral Extravaganza of Mythic Proportions, Sunday, April 24th at the Capitol Theater at Overture Center.  Rich will be one of two narrators leading the audience through a musical interpretation of classical Greek Mythology.  Tickets are $18 and available at the Overture Center Box Office beginning March 28.
March 24, 2008 -- Tickets are now on sale for this years' Children's Production of Annie Jr. and The Three Billy Goats Gruff.  Performances are on May 3rd at 1:00 and 4:00.  Both shows will be performed at each of the t imes with Billy Goats going first immediately followed by .

We have been selling tickets to the cast member's families for a couple of weeks now and have sold a total of 830 tickets between the two performances.  They are going fast.

To purchase advanced tickets, please send your request with a self addressed stamped envelope to the following:

You can also call Amy at 712-5153.
February 209, 2008 -- Auditions for the VACT summer production, BRIGADOON, will be Monday and Tuesday, April 14th & 15th at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, beginning with children at 6:30 p.m.  Please bring a song to sing for your audition.  It does NOT have to be from the show, but please bring music for the accompanist.  Be prepared to learn and perform a brief dance audition.  Auditions for children will begin at 6:30, and music/dance/reading auditions for adults will start when the children are done.  Callbacks for adult lead roles will be April 17th.  Show dates are June 20 - 28, 2008.  Julie Murphy will be the director.
February 29, 2008 -- The Board of Directors of VACT have chosen Nunsense II for the 2008 Fall project show.  Lead actresses will reprise their roles in the VACT 2005 projection.  Chorus roles will be filled by audition.  Watch the website for information.  Katie Monk will direct.
February 27, 2008 -- VAHS Theatre Arts will present Wuthering Heights adapted by Robert Johanson on March 14-16, 2008 in the VAHS Performing Arts Center.  Based on the wonderfully acclaimed novel by Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights was originally adapted for the stage and subsequently produced at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in 1998.  According to the author of the play, the adaptation of the novel into play form strives to remain true to the original text preserving the integrity of the novel.  The original story can best be described as a Gothic novel designed to both horrify and fascinate with scenes of passion and cruelty, supernatural elements, and a dark, foreboding atmosphere.  The action of the play centers on t he character of Heathcliff and his relationship with Catherine Earnshaw.  Heathcliff's great natural abilities, strength of character, and love for Catherine Earnshaw all enable him to raise himself from humble beginnings to the status of a wealthy gentleman, but his need to revenge himself for Hindley's abuse and Catherine's betrayal leads him into a twisted life of cruelty and hatred.  Catherine is torn between her love for Heathcliff and her desire to be a gentlewoman, and her decision to marry the genteel Edgar Linton drags almost all of the novel's characters into conflict with Heathcliff.  The characters are often rough and crude, the action cruel and unforgiving, the settings bleak and cold; yet despite the dark atmosphere, the combination of these elements makes for a memorable evening of theatre.

Another unique aspect of this production is that the play is a student directed production and the first student directed production to be presented as a main stage offering.  VAHS Theatre student Sierra Nibbe directs a cast of talented VAHS Theatre veterans and newcomers in partial completion of requirements for credit in Independent Theatre Arts Projects, a class for advanced theatre students who are interested in an in-depth study of some aspect of theatre production.

The production features a talented cast of veteran performers as well as faces new to the VAHS stage.  The cast includes Dan Kitson (Mr. Earnshaw), Alex Roller (Young Hindley), Peter Hairgrove (Hindley Earnshaw), Mikaela Jaggi (Young Catherine), Amy Maxon (Catherine Earnshaw), Ben Johnson (Heathcliff), Caleb Cain (Young Heathcliff), Hannah West (Nelly Dean), Jacob Turner (Joseph), Persephone Caulkins (Francis Earnshaw), Randy Kessenich (Young Hareton), Andrew Crane (Hareton Earnshaw), Trevor Bass (Linton Heathcliff), Zach Eskrich (Edger Linton), Mary Ann Raemisch (Isabella Linton), Lindsey Tindall (Cathy Linton), Zach Holder (Mr. Lockwood).  Maureen McShane will stage manage the production and Mackenzie Pitterle will be the rehearsal assistant.

Reserved tickets for the production are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and can be obtained by calling the VAHS Theatre box office at 845-4488.

Come out and Support Verona Theatre!!

January 14, 2008 -- Thank you to everyone that auditioned for Annie Jr.  Unfortunately, due to the large number of children that auditioned, we were unable to cast everyone.  For the very youngest children that auditioned, we are offering a wonderful alternative.  Our Assistant Director, Katie, will be directing a musical version of The Three Billy Goats Gruff.  If your child's name has this title next to it, you will be receiving an email with further information about this. If you were cast in Annie Jr. and would like to accept your part, please come to the VACT building between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Wed, Jan 16 to pick up your schedule and materials.  If you do not plan on accepting your part, please let me know.
Terry Dvorak
December 7, 2007 -- Auditions for the VACT Children's Theater production of Annie Jr. will be on Sunday, January 13th, 2008.  The age Guidelines are: Boys and Girls ages 1st Grade through 6th Grade.  Other ages may be considered - Please contact the Director for more information.
Auditions:
Sunday, Jan 13		12:15 - Registration 
 12:30 - Auditions
 3:15 - Registration
 3:30 - Auditions
 
All auditions will be at the VACT Rehearsal Building, 405 Bruce Street, Verona.

Please choose one audition time.

Please be prepared to sing a short song (less than 1 minute).  An accompanist will be provided. Each child will be taught a short dance.  Readings will be provided for those wishing to audition for a speaking role.  You may also be asked to sing part of the following show numbers: Tomorrow, Little Girls, I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here, Easy Street, NYC.

Please bring a photograph of yourself.

 

Rehearsals:
Every Sunday beginning
Jan. 27		 2:00-3:00 - Speaking roles
 3:00-5:00 - All cast members.
 
Dress Rehearsals:
Thursday, May 1		 6:00-8:00 - Verona High School Performing Arts Center
Friday, May 2 6:00-8:00 - Verona High School Performing Arts Center
Performances:
Saturday, May 3		 1:00 - Verona High School Performing Arts Center
 4:00 - Verona High School Performing Arts Center
For more information, please contact the Director, Terry Dvorak - Terry@TheDvoraks.com or 848-1488
November 30, 2007 -- The cast list for VACT's Winter production, The Foreigner, has been posted.  The production staff extends a grateful 'Thank You' to all the folks who came out to audition.  
November 8, 2007 -- Auditions for VACT's Winter production, The Foreigner by Larry Shue, will be Monday and Tuesday, November 26th and 27th, at 7:00 PM, with call-backs on Thursday, November 29th.  See the audition information and character descriptions below.  
October 1, 2007 -- Verona Area Community Theater is accepting applications to direct the 2008 Summer Musical, Brigadoon.  Applications can be submitted to the VACT Board, in care of the VACT President, Mark Holten.  The deadline for application is November 1, and the VACT Board will select a director at its November meeting.  For more information on director applications, please see the VACT Policies page.
September 24, 2007 -- Here is who is performing in the area:

Tom Hensen, (Marcus Lycus in Forum), Holly Goedjen (Tapping Showgirl in 42nd Street), Jim Listug (Mac in Annie Get Your Gun), and Emerald Jean (Mrs. Potter-Porter in Annie Get Your Gun), all are in Stoughton Village Players' production of 1776.  Shows will October 18 - 27 at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $15, ($12 on Thursdays) and are available at their website, www.stoughtonvillageplayers.org or at the door, general seating.

Sirra Nibbe (Tapping Showgirl in 42nd Street), Sarah Kroth (Molly in Annie), Alex Rosenbaum (Chorus in Oklahoma and Molly Brown), Trevor Bass (Chorus in Seussical), Persiphone Caulkins (Chorus in Annie Get Your Gun), Amy Maxon (Chorus in 42nd Street), Alyssa Dvorak (Chorus in Annie Get Your Gun), Lindsey Tindall (Chorus in Oklahoma) appear in Verona Area High School's Anything Goes.  Performances are September 27-29 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, September 30 at 2:00.  Tickets are $8.

September 5, 2007 -- Here are the results from the VACT Annual Meeting, September 4, 2007.  New board members elected are:
President Elect:Dick Vock
Vice President Elect:    Craig Heuer
Secretary Elect:Matt Pulda
Treasurer Elect:Dee Baldock

And the shows selected for 2009:

  • Winter Show: Guys and Dolls
  • Summer Show Wind in the Willows
    •
    September 4, 2007 -- VACT Children's Theater will present Annie Junior next spring.  Part of the "Broadway Junior" collection, this is an adapted version of the original musical for young performers.  Terry Dvorak will direct.  The show date is later this year, May 3rd, at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center.  Watch for audition announcements in January.
    August 24, 2007 -- Verona Area Community Theater is pleased to announce the cast for its Fall production, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.  The production staff wish to thank everyone who auditioned. Rehearsals begin Monday at 6:45 at the VACT Rehearsal Building.  Performance dates are October 19 - 27, and tickets can be ordered now for this production and the entire VACT season by visiting the VACT Tickets Page.
    August 24, 2007 -- The Verona Area Community Theater Annual Meeting will be Tuesday, September 4, at 7:00 PM at the VACT building.  All members are invited.  See the membership requirements below (if you were involved in any VACT show in the past year, you are half-way there.)  At the annual meeting we will vote in four new board members, and, most importantly, vote on the Winter and Summer shows for the 2009 production year.  Elections speeches and selection presentations are always a hoot, so don't miss this chance.  The nominees are:
    President:Dick Vock
    Vice President:    Craig Heuer
    Secretary:Matt Pulda
    Treasurer:Dee Baldock

    Here are the productions we will be voting on:

    We will also be voting on changes to the VACT Bylaws.  These changes are mostly to bring the bylaws into agreement with current practice.  See the details of the changes below:  
    August 3, 2007 -- Auditions for VACT's Fall production, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change will be August 20-21, with call-backs on August 23.  Dale Nickels will direct this show, which is Off-Broadway's longest running musical.  We are looking for a cast of 4 men and 4 women, one couple each in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s+.  Please prepare something to sing, and remember to bring music for our accompanist.  We will also announce some readings from the script at the time of auditions.  Registration will begin at 6:30 PM and we'll start auditions promptly at 7.  More information about the show can be found at the official website for the musical, www.loveperfectchange.com.
    August 3, 2007 -- Here is who is performing in the area:

    Alex Roller (Children's Chorus in Annie Get Your Gun) will be in Music Theatre of Madison's production of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins.  Performances are August 3-11 at the Mitby Theatre at MATC.

    Wendy Jones Hill (Laurie in Oklahoma) will perform in Madison Rep's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel.  Performances are at the Overture Center and run July 13 through July 29.

    Jim McNeill (Mr. Wilson in Annie Get Your Gun, Grinch in Seussical) will be playing the part of Mr. Kirby in Monroe Theatre Guild's production of You Can't Take it With You.  Jim played Paul Sycamore in VACT's production of the same show back in 2002.  Shows will be August 9-11 and 16-18 at 7:30 pm, and August 12 at 2:00 pm, at the Monroe Middle School, (Just straight south of the square one block).  Tickets ar $10 and are available at the door, general seating.

    July 11, 2007 -- The Verona Area Community Theater Annual Meeting will be Tuesday, September 4, at 7:00 PM at the VACT building.  All members are invited.  See the membership requirements below (if you were involved in any VACT show in the past year, you are half-way there.)  At the annual meeting we will vote in four new board members, and, most importantly, vote on the Winter and Summer shows for the 2009 production year.  Elections speeches and selection presentations are always a hoot, so don't miss this chance.
    June 20, 2007 -- The VACT Board is accepting proposals for the Spring, 2008 Children's Theater production.  The proposal deadline is August 1, and the Board will choose a production from all submissions at its August meeting.  Please see the VACT Policies Page for guidelines for submission.  The policy was recently revised by the VACT Board to set the August 1st deadline.  Send proposals to the board in care of VACT President: Julie Murphy.
    June 19, 2007 -- Verona Area Community Theater's production of Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun opens Friday, June 22 and runs through Saturday June 30.  Go to the VACT Tickets Page to find out how to order tickets.  Performances this weekend are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center.  A Sunday Matinee is at 2:00 PM.
    Click on the photos for a closer view.
    June 20, 2007 -- Ever wonder how a show like Annie Get Your Gun makes it onto the VACT schedule?  Do you know of a show you would really, really, really like to see performed?  Be a part of the selection process!  The VACT selection committee will meet during the summer to read and discuss shows for the VACT 2009 winter and summer schedule.  The first meeting will be July 9th at 7:00 at the VACT Building. 

    At the first meeting, we will choose about six shows to read for each production.  Traditionally, VACT selects a summer show that includes a large chorus of adults and kids.  The winter show is an adult cast and alternates between a musical in odd-numbered years and a straight play in even years, so for 2009, we will be looking at musicals.  At the August meeting, the selection choices will be narrowed down to two each and presented to the VACT board, and finally to the membership at the September Annual Meeting.

    This is a great opportunity to be exposed to a large number of new shows, and to be a vital part of the selection process.  For more information, contact: Marie Kyle.

    June 19, 2007 -- VACT Members on stage this month in other productions:
    Lauren Schell is playing the part of Liesl, and Tracey Wood is Sister Margaretta, in Music Theatre of Madison's production of The Sound of Music.  The show runs the same weeks as our show, so be sure to see both!
    May 30, 2007 -- Photos from the VACT Children's Theater production of The Emperor's New Clothes are now available.  Click Here to find them.
    May 30, 2007 -- The VACT Board of Directors has selected John Bass to direct the winter show, The Foreigner.  John will assisted by producer-in-training, Steve Nickels, and stage manager, Cari Bass.  Watch for more information about auditions in November.
    April 13, 2007 -- The VACT Board is accepting applications for director of the Winter, 2008 production, The Foreigner.  The application deadline is May 1, and the Board will choose a director from all applicants at its May meeting.  Please see the VACT Policies Page for guidlines for director applications.  Send applications to the board in care of VACT President, Julie Murphy.
    March 19, 2007 -- Tickets for the VACT Children's Theater production of The Emperor's New Clothes can be ordered by calling Amy at 712-5153.  They can also be purchased at the VACT Building on Sunday, March 25 and Sunday, April 1 at 2:45 and 4:45 PM.  Tickets will also be available at the door.  All tickets are $5.00 for reserved seats.  Performances are Saturday, April 14, at 2:00 and 4:00 PM.
    February 19, 2007 -- VACT's production of 42nd Street delighted audiences on its opening weekend.  The story of 42nd Street is one of hard work, being in the right place at the right time, talent and love.  This musical is a celebration of Broadway and the people involved in making the theater come to life.  It focuses on one aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer (Kate Ewings), and takes us along her journey of making it as a singing and dancing showgirl on Broadway.  Along the way she falls in love with the talented Billy Lawlor (Steve Nickels) and is guided by the strong-willed director, Julian Marsh (Roger Roethlisburger).

    Remaining performances are Thursday - Saturday, February 22 - 24.  Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for students (through H.S.) and seniors.  See the VACT Tickets Page for all the ways you can order your tickets. 

    February 19, 2007 -- The Verona Area Community Theater is proud to present two scholarships for students actively involved in the fine arts.  This includes the visual arts, music, drama, dance, tv/radio, or technical areas in the theater.  The Senior scholarship is designed to assist graduating seniors who intend to continue studying the fine arts at a college or university.  Students are not required to major in the fine arts, but are expected to continue active participation in the fine arts.  The camp scholarship is designed to assist a current freshman, sophomore or junior planning to further his or her studies in the fine arts by attending a summer camp. The application deadline for both scholarships is April 1st.
    February 16, 2007 -- Auditions for the VACT summer production, Annie Get Your Gun, will be Monday and Tuesday, April 16th & 17th at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, beginning with children at 6:30 p.m.  Please bring a song to sing for your audition.  It does NOT have to be from the show, but please bring music for the accompanist.  Be prepared to learn and perform a brief dance audition.  Auditions for children will begin at 6:30, and music/dance/reading auditions for adults will start when the children are done.
    February 12, 2007 -- The VACT board has chosen I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change for the 2007 Fall Project Show.  Dale Nickels will direct this show, which is off-broadway's longest running musical.  Look for auditions for a cast of 4 men and 4 women some time in August.  More information about the show can be found at the official website for the musical, www.loveperfectchange.com.
    January 29, 2007 -- VACT will be hosting the Wisconsin AACTFest 2007 Theatre Festival, February 9-11, 2007.  Most of the action will take place at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, with six guest theatre companies arriving Friday, February 9th for rehearsals, and then performing on Saturday, February 10th, in 3 three-hour performance sessions beginning at 10:00.  The winner of the competition will go onto the regional festival in Illinois in April.  The competition is presented through the Wisconsin Association of Community Theatre (WACT).

    The festival, which is open to the public, follows a specific format established by the American Association of Community Theatre, (AACT).  Theatre companies begin with a bare stage and have 10 minutes to put up a set, 60 minutes to perform and 10 minutes to strike to a bare stage.  Following the performance, three noted theatre critics from various parts of the United States present public comments on the production as performed.

    There are still opportunities to volunteer to help us make this a successful event.  Please contact Dale Nickels or Dee Baldock to volunteer.  More information on the theatre festival is available at the Wisconsin Association of Community Theatre Website.

    January 29, 2007 -- It's time to get your ticket orders in for VACT's production of 42nd Street.  The story of 42nd Street is one of hard work, being in the right place at the right time, talent and love.  This musical is a celebration of Broadway and the people involved in making the theater come to life.  It focuses on one aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer (Kate Ewings), and takes us along her journey of making it as a singing and dancing showgirl on Broadway.  Along the way she falls in love with the talented Billy Lawlor (Steve Nickels) and is guided by the strong-willed director, Julian Marsh (Roger Roethlisburger).

    Performances are February 16 - 24 with a Sunday Matinee on February 18.  Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for students (through H.S.) and seniors.  See the VACT Tickets Page for all the ways you can order your tickets. 

    January 20, 2007 -- The Cast List for VACT Children's Theater's spring production, The Emperor's New Clothes, is now posted.  If you plan on accepting your part, please stop by the VACT building on Wednesday, Jan 17 from 5:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m. to pick up your book/cd and rehearsal schedule and to place your t-shirt order.  If you do not plan on accepting your part, please contact Terry Dvorak - 848-1488.
    Rehearsals will be Sundays from 2:00 - 5:00 beginning January 28, and the performance date is April 14 at Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center.  
    October 17, 2006 -- VACT is pleased to announce the cast for its winter 2007 production of 42nd Street.  Congratulations to all the very talented people who made our casting job so difficult.  
    October 19, 2006 -- The greatest hits of the '50s and '60s are all on the menu at Smokey Joe's Cafe, a rockin' party of a show that will have your hands clappin' and toes tappin'!  Broadway's longest-running musical revue highlights the best songs by the legendary song-writing duo, Leiber and Stoller.  Included numbers are: Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Yakety Yak, Charlie Brown, Love Potion #9 and Stand By Me.  Smokey Joe's Cafe harnesses the power of this music that changed the world in a raucous night of musical theatre that will have you singing and dancing.
     

    Performances are October 20 - 28 with a Sunday Matinee on October 22.  Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for students (through H.S.) and seniors, and are available by phone, email, or in person at the Verona Public Library on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 PM.  See the VACT Tickets Page for all the ways you can order your tickets.  Tickets are selling fast, so order yours today!


    The women are ready!
    Why's everybody pickin' on me?
    Click on the photos for a closer view.
    October 16, 2006 -- Auditions for the VACT winter production, 42nd Street, will be Monday and Tuesday, November 13th & 14th at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Registration will begin at 6:45, so come early.  Please bring a song to sing for your audition.  It does NOT have to be from the show, but please bring music for the accompanist.  Be prepared to learn and perform a brief dance audition.  Following music and dance auditions, readings will be provided for those auditioning for lead roles.  Callbacks for lead roles will be Thursday, November 16th.

    Performances will be February 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 24; the 18th is a matinee.  Contact director, Dee Baldock, or producer, Dale Nickels for more information.

    VACT Children's Theater announces auditions for the spring production, The Emperor's New Clothes.  This is a musical version of the classic story.  Auditions will be Sunday, January 14, at 2:00 and 4:00 at the VACT Building, 405 Bruce St.  You only need to come to one of the two times.  Please be prepared to sing a short (1 minute or less) song.  We will provide an accompanist.  We will provide readings for those children interested in auditioning for a speaking part.  Age Guideline is First through Sixth Grade.  Others will be considered, please contact director, Terry Dvorak - or 848-1488.
    Rehearsals will be Sundays from 2:00 - 5:00 beginning January 28, and the performance date is April 14 at Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center.

    October 5, 2006 -- Here's the latest news on VACT members on stage or involved in productions around the Madison area.

    Into The Woods

    Alyssa Zurbuchen (Napkin in Beauty and the Beast, Bird Girl in Seussical), Kendra and Mary Ann Raemisch (Villagers in Beauty and the Beast), Sierra Nibbe (orphan in Annie and Alex Rosenbaum (chorus in Oklahoma!), will all appear in the Verona Area High School production of Into the Woods.

    An ambivalent Cinderella?  A blood-thirsty Little Red Ridinghood?  A Prince Charming with a roving eye?  A Witch...who raps?  They're all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale.  When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk).

    Performances are: September 28-30 at 7:30 PM and October 1 at 2:00 PM.  Tickets are $8.

    Beauty and the Beast

    Ryan Klug (Beauty and the Beast Director, and Pseudolus in Forum) will be performing December 1-9 as Beast in Beauty and the Beast in Sheboygan.

    September 12, 2006 -- The results of the VACT annual meeting on September 11th:  
    August 31, 2006 -- Some important deadlines are coming up for VACT 2007 productions.  If you are interested in directing, be sure to remember these dates: Check out the VACT Policies Page for more information on how to submit an application.
    August 18, 2006 -- VACT is happy to announce the cast for Smokey Joe's Cafe.  A great big Thank You to all who came out for auditions.   
    August 17, 2006 -- The Verona Area Community Theater Annual Meeting is Monday, September 11 at 7 PM at the VACT Building, 405 Bruce St.  Important business will include election of new board members and selection of the Winter and Summer shows for 2008.  Here are the shows we will be voting on:  
    July 20, 2006 -- Here's the latest news on VACT members on stage or involved in productions around the Madison area.

    The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

    Max Dvorak (Jojo in "Seussical"), Donavon (Johnny Brown in "Molly Brown"), Karin and Allan Armbruster, and Wendy Jones (Laurey in "Oklahoma!"), all appear in Oregon Straw Hat Players production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

    Mark Twain's classic story comes to exuberant musical life in this Broadway adaptation of America's favorite book.  The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer is the irresistible story of a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in the heartland of America.  Tom matches wits with his stern Aunt Polly, falls in love with the beautiful, feisty Becky Thatcher, and goes on the adventure of his life with Becky and that irresistible renegade, Huckleberry Finn.

    Performances are: August 19-26.  Tickets are $12 and $8 for seniors/students.

    The Wizard of Oz

    Marsha Pauly (Fairy May in The Curious Savage, Gymnasia in Forum) has choreographed and is a lead dancer in The Wizard of Oz, for the 2006 Heartland Arts Festival at UW-Platteville Center for the Arts.

    Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, like so many girls her age, dreams of what lies over the rainbow.  One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world.  Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy's imagination.  All your favorite songs from the movie are here - Over The Rainbow, We're Off To See The Wizard, If I Were King Of The Forest and many more.  See the magic come alive on the Brodbeck Concert Hall stage as Heartland brings to life one of the most beloved musicals of all time.  Put a smile on your whole families face and don't miss The Wizard of Oz!

    Performance Schedule: 7/7, 7/8, 7/13, 7/15, 7/16*, 7/19, 7/23*, 7/28, 7/30*
    Performances begin at 8pm, except for the performances with an *: those begin at 2pm

    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

    A whole bunch of VACT folks are on stage in this Four Seasons Theatre production at the Wisconsin Union Theater.  Rick Henslin (Gaston) plays the lead role, Seeeney Todd, Tom Hensen (Cogsworth) is Jonas Fogg.  Chorus members include: Amy Abbott, Marja Barger, Laura Wiederhoeft, Steve Nibbe, Dennis Reichhold, Sam Pascini and Laura Haskins.

    Revel in this musical thriller as the legendary barber, hell-bent on revenge, takes up with his enterprising neighbor in a delicious plot to slice their way through London's upper crust.  Justice is served - along with lush melody, audacious humor and bloody good thrills. 

    Performances: Friday, August 11 at 7:30 pm
    Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
    Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 pm

    Tickets are on sale now.  Call the Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office at (608) 262-2201 for prices and availability.

    June 26, 2006 -- Verona Area Community Theater completed its run of the summer production, Disney's Beauty and the Beast with nearly sold out performances.  VACT was among the first community theater groups to produce this award-winning Broadway show.  The production staff wish to thank the many people who contributed to the success of this production.
    Click on the photos for a closer view.
    June 20, 2006 -- Verona Area Community Theater announces auditions for the fall production, Smokey Joe's Cafe.  Auditions will be August 15th & 16th, with call-backs on August 17th.  Please bring music to sing, and be prepared to learn a dance.  For this show we will also be casting some singing-only and dancing-only parts.  The cast size will be about 20-25.  The majority of the choreography for this show will be ballroom dancing: swing, rumba, fox trot.  Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, beginning August 21st.  Performance dates are October, 20-28 at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center.  Be sure to bring your personal calendar to auditions so you can list any rehearsal conflicts.

    The greatest hits of the '50s and '60s are all on the menu at Smokey Joe's Cafe, a rockin' party of a show that will have your hands clappin' and toes tappin'!  Broadway's longest-running musical revue highlights the best songs by the legendary song-writing duo, Leiber and Stoller.  Included numbers are: Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Yakety Yak, Charlie Brown, Love Potion #9 and Stand By Me.  Smokey Joe's Cafe harnesses the power of this music that changed the world in a raucous night of musical theatre that will have you singing and dancing.

    June 20, 2006 -- Ever wonder how a show like Beauty and the Beast makes it onto the VACT schedule?  Do you know of a show you would really, really, really like to see performed?  Be a part of the selection process!  The VACT selection committee will meet during the summer to read and discuss shows for the VACT 2008 winter and summer schedule.  Meetings will be July 17th and August 20th at Julie Murphy's house. 

    At the first meeting, we will choose about six shows to read for each production.  Traditionally, VACT selects a summer show that includes a large chorus of adults and kids.  The winter show is an adult cast and alternates between a musical in odd-numbered years and a straight play in even years.  At the August meeting, the selection choices will be narrowed down to two each and presented to the VACT board, and finally to the membership at the September Annual Meeting.

    This is a great opportunity to be exposed to a large number of new shows, and to be a vital part of the selection process.  For more information, contact: Julie Murphy.

    May 17, 2006 -- It's time to get your ticket orders in for this Summer's VACT production, Disney's Beauty and the Beast.  VACT is among the first community theater groups to produce this award-winning Broadway show. 

    The cast and crew are busy preparing for opening night.  See the pictures below.

    Performances are June 16 - 24 with a Sunday Matinee on June 18.  Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students (through H.S.) and seniors.  See the VACT Tickets Page for all the ways you can order your tickets.  Be our guest, but order soon, because this show will sell quickly!


    Belle and Beast
    Be our Guest!
    Babette and Lumiere

    Belle is chased by wolves
    Gaston and friends
    Click on the photos for a closer view.
    May 12, 2006 -- The Wisconsin Association of Community Theatre (WACT) has chosen the Performing Arts Center at Verona Area High School, to be the site of the Wisconsin State Community Theater Festival, AACTFest 2007, which will be held February 9-11, 2007.  VACT will host the event which is the first step in the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) Biennial Theatre Festival Competition.

    Community Theaters from all parts of Wisconsin are invited to perform at the festival.  Winners of the competition will represent Wisconsin at the regional, and possibly national and international theatre festivals.  Past winners have represented our state throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

    AACTFest is a festival competition sponsored by the American Association of Community Theatre that culminates in a national theatre festival.  AACTFest presents a forum for community theaters from ten regions of the US and US Military bases in Europe to enter a production for adjudication and advancement from the state level, to the regional level to the national level and finally to international competition.

    The festival, which is open to the public, follows a specific format established by AACT.  Companies begin with a bare stage and have 10 minutes to put up a set, 60 minutes to perform and 10 minutes to strike to a bare stage.  Following the performance, three noted theatre critics from various parts of the United States present public comments on the production as performed.  The entire process is both entertaining and educational.  The festival further provides community theatre enthusiasts from all over Wisconsin an opportunity to share their work, network with other community theatre people, and build skills.

    VACT Festival Chair, Dale Nickels, is in the process of developing registration materials and making necessary arrangements with hotels, restaurants, caterers, and adjudicators.  Festival committees for registration, technical support, social events and volunteer coordination have been set up.  Anyone interested in helping with event planning can contact Dale at dale@stdnet.com.

    May 10, 2006 -- Dee Baldock will return to directing after a long absence to direct VACT's Winter 2007 production of 42nd Street.  Performance dates have already been set for February 16-24.  Watch for audition announcements some time this fall.

    This is the story of hard work, being in the right place at the right time, talent and love. 42nd Street is a celebration of Broadway and the people involved in shows.  It focuses on aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer, and takes us along her journey.  Musical hits include You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me, Dames, I Know Now, We're In the Money, Lullaby of Broadway, Shuffle Off to Buffalo and Forty-Second Street.  Every audience enjoys watching the underdog succeed!

    April 18, 2006 -- Here's the latest news on VACT members on stage or involved in productions around the Madison area.

    Fiddler on the Roof

    Julie Murphy (Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense) is directing Fiddler On The Roof, (Broadway Jr. Version), for Edgewood Middle School.  Katie Monk (Vibrata in Forum) is choreographer, and Mark Holten is technical director.  Tickets are available by calling 663-4100.  Performances are May 7 and 8 at the Edgewood High School Auditorium.

    April 1, 2006 -- The VACT Board is accepting applications for director of the Winter, 2007 production, 42nd Street.  The application deadline is May 1, and the Board will choose a director from all applicants at its May meeting.  Please see the VACT Policies Page for guidlines for director applications.  Send applications to the board in care of VACT President, Dee Baldock.
    April 6, 2006 -- VACT is happy to announce the cast list for the summer production, Disney's Beauty and the Beast. First reading will be April 17 at 6:30 PM at the VACT building, 405 Bruce St. in Verona.

    Performances will be June 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 24; the 18th is a matinee.  Contact director, Ryan Klug, or producer, Dee Baldock for more information.

    March 27, 2006 -- Here's the latest news on VACT members on stage or involved in productions around the Madison area.

    For the Love of Us

    Liz Nickels (Artful Dodger in Oliver) is performing in For the Love of Us, an original drama for the Easter season, persented by High Point Church.  Admission is free.  Performances are Thursday, April 13 and Saturday, April 15 at 7:00 PM at High Point Church.

    March 24, 2006 -- Auditions for the VACT summer production, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, will be Monday and Tuesday, April 3rd & 4th at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, beginning with children at 6:30 p.m.  Please bring a song to sing for your audition.  It does NOT have to be from the show, but please bring music for the accompanist.  Be prepared to learn and perform a brief dance audition.  Auditions for children will begin at 6:30, and music/dance auditions for adults will start when the children are done.  Children who wish to read for the "Chip" part will need to stay until the end when readings for lead roles will be done.  Callbacks for lead roles will be Wednesday, April 5th.

    Performances will be June 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 24; the 18th is a matinee.  Contact director, Ryan Klug, or producer, Dee Baldock for more information.

    March 27, 2006 -- Here's the latest news on VACT members on stage or involved in productions around the Madison area.

    Wolfgang Does Stoughton

    Ryan Klug (Pseudolus in Forum) will be performing in Stoughton Opera Company's Wolfgang Does Stoughton.  In honor of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 250th birthday, The Stoughton Opera Company will present musical gifts from Broadway to Salzburg.  The two part performance will feature familiar music from the stage that Mozart might have chosen, as well as an abridged version of The Magic Flute.  It's at the Stoughton Opera House, April 1, at 7:30, and tickets are $15.

    Fiddler on the Roof

    Laura Borgwardt (Gertie in Oklahoma!, Princess DeLong in Molly Brown) will be playing the part of Golde in Madison West High School's production of Fiddler on the Roof.  Performances are March 31, April 1, 7 & 8, at 7:30 PM at the West High Auditorium, 30 Ash Street, Madison.  Tickets are $5 and are available at the door .

    February 27, 2006 -- VACT's winter production of Arsenic and Old Lace completed its run at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center this weekend.  Special thanks for cameo appearances to our local celebrities. 

    Here are some pictures from the show:
    Click on the photos for a closer view.
    February 9, 2006 -- Julie Murphy has organized 6 weeks of dance classes this spring at the VACT building.  Classes start February 27 and run for 6 weeks every Monday night at 7-8pm through April 3.  The cost for the 6 weeks is $50.00.  The original reason for doing this was because the dancing for the VACT Fall Show, Smokey Joe's Cafe, could get quite elaborate and it would be nice to have the choreographer from the show get started with ballroom and swing dancing.  Now its really just for anyone who is interested.  If we get more than 10 interested people the cost may go down.  Please have interested parties email Julie Murphy.  No dance experience is necessary.  This will be fun!
    February 1, 2006 -- Tickets for VACT's winter production of Arsenic and Old Lace are available.  Shows are February 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25, 2006, at 7:30 PM, with a Sunday Matinee on February 19th at 2:00 PM.  Be sure to order your tickets by calling 845-2383 or by email: tickets@vact.org.  Or check out the Tickets Page for more ticket options.
    February 1, 2006 -- The Verona Area Community Theater is offering two scholarships for students actively involved in the fine arts.  This includes the visual arts, music, drama, dance, tv/radio, or technical areas in the theater.  A senior scholarship of up to $700 is available to assist graduating seniors who intend to continue studying the fine arts at a college or university, and a camp scholarship of up to $300 is for a current freshman, sophomore or junior planning to further his or her studies in the fine arts by attending a summer camp. The application deadline is April 1.
    February 2, 2006 -- Here's the latest news on VACT members on stage or involved in productions around the Madison area.

    Aspects of Love

    Rick Henslin ("Curly" in Oklahoma!), Amy Abbott ("Winifred" in Once Upon a Mattress), and Marja Barger-Carlsen ("Domina" in Forum) all appear in Four Seasons Theatre's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Aspects of Love.  This is a "concert version" with full cast and orchestra.  The show runs February 3 & 4 at the Middleton Performing Arts Center.

    Our Town

    Wendy Jones ("Laurie" in Oklahoma!) will be performing in the vocal chorus for Madison Repertory Theatre's production of Our Town.  You don't remember there being a chorus in this show?  This production is augmenting the professional cast with performers from the University and community to bring a distinctly "Madison" touch to the classic Pulitzer Prize winning play.

    January 23, 2006 -- Verona Area Community Theater is pleased to announce the cast for our VACT Children's Theater production of Tom Sawyer.  Please pick up your book/cd on Thursday, Jan 26 between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the VACT building.  If your child will not be accepting their part, please contact Terry Dvorak as soon as possible.

    Rehearsals will be every Sunday, beginning January 29th, from 3:00 to 5:30 at the VACT Building.  Dress rehearsals will be April 20 & 21 and performances will be on Saturday, April 22. 

    January 11, 2006 -- The VACT Board of Directors has chosen Smokey Joe's Cafe for the 2006 Fall Project show.  Dates for auditions and performances will be announced in late spring.  Julie Murphy will direct this musical revue inspired by the works of Lieber and Stoller (Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, etc.)

            Click for: VACT news archive -- 2005 and earlier