Grosse Pointe Theatre Seeks Play Directors For Purdon Studio Theatre

Grosse Pointe Theatre is pleased to announce a new offering for the community. Thanks to a bequest from the estate of Jac and Carol Purdon (long-time members of GPT), the community theatre will launch the Purdon Studio Theatre (PST) in February 2010. Shows will be staged in the Activities Center at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate in Grosse Pointe Shores.

Directors are being sought for productions of new and contemporary plays that will offer audiences non-traditional theatre, that is, shows that would not normally be included in Grosse Pointe Theatre's main stage season. The shows will be produced in a "black box" setting, which means that shows are performed in a large room with seating on three sides of the performing area.

"This is an exciting new venue for Grosse Pointe Theatre," says Purdon Studio Theatre Committee Chair, Dale Pegg, "We are looking for a production that will challenge our audiences with new ideas."

Directors interested in this venue are asked to submit their proposals by September 1st, 2009, to the PST Committee. Please note that directors are unpaid, and membership in Grosse Pointe Theatre is required. Dues are $30 per year. Grosse Pointe Theatre will pay production costs (including costumes, sets, lighting, etc., plus royalties) within the limits set by the PST Committee.

The Purdon Studio Theatre Committee asks that directors submit:
· a copy of the proposed play
· a concise paragraph conveying the director's concept of the show;
· a resume of the director's theatre experience, and
· a tentative budget, broadly outlining anticipated expenses

For more information contact Grosse Pointe Theatre:
· Phone the Ticket/Information line: 313-881-4004
· Email: grossepointetheatre@comcast.net
· In person: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-1:00 pm, 315 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230.

Information For Prospective Directors

· The Grosse Pointe Theatre Purdon Studio Theatre mission is to provide non-traditional theatre in an intimate setting.

· "The play's the thing." Technical requirements should be kept to a bare minimum.

· The show budget will be limited to $1,000, excluding royalties, room rental, tickets, & program.

· The venue will be the Activities Building at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate on Lakeshore
· Road in Grosse Pointe Shores. The stage will consist of platforms no larger than 16' x 20', to be configured to suit the show. Seating will be limited to approximately 50 -75 people,

· The director will be responsible for creating and handling the budget.

· No pre-casting is allowed. Open auditions for roles will be held.

· February, 2010 is the target production month for the first show. Specific dates are as yet to be determined. The intention is to present the show on Friday and Saturday nights with a Sunday matinee on two consecutive weekends.

· To avoid pulling technical staff from GPT's main stage productions the committee suggests that the director, when chosen, appoint a technical director to coordinate technical needs. The PST committee will support the director and consult with the show's technical director for suggestions with scene shop, costumes, furniture, lights, makeup, props and sound. In the event that a director is chosen who is new to Grosse Pointe Theatre, the PST committee will assist the director in securing a technical director.

· PST productions will be will not be eligible for Grosse Pointe Theatre Clarence awards. (These are the traditional awards given at the end of GPT's main season.)

Prospective directors must be prepared to discuss their shows with the PST Committee which will be responsible for selecting the director/play as a package.

Proposals will be presented on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.

Questions the committee will ask prospective directors include:

· Why did you choose this show?
· Why do you want to direct it?
· What is nontraditional about your show?
· What is your concept of the mood and era of show?
· How will you convey this concept through characterization, movement and minimal production?
· What are your expectations if this show is produced?

Prospective directors who have been members of Grosse Pointe Theatre may bring in the names of possible technical people and a stage manager with an eye on consolidating technical responsibilities.

For more information about Grosse Pointe Theatre, see the web site at www.gpt.org.

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