Setting Theatre Free! - TheEmptySpace's Blog - Bakotopia

ROCK FU is back at The Empty Space!

ROCK FU
Music That Kicks Ass!

August 1st and 2nd at The Empty Space
All Ages Show!
$5 Admission/Day
$1 Beers

TENTATIVE LINEUPS:

Friday, August 1st: Doors at 6:30PM, Show starts at 7PM
Chris DeBondt
Low Flying Jet
Trading Company
Jimmy Holliday
Vince Gallindo
Near Miss Mallet
Vecar
The Silence Club

Saturday, August 2nd: Doors at 12:30PM, Show starts at 1PM
Matthew Anspach
The Death of Me
In Line With You
MTD
The Dewskies
The Councilmen
Mobius Dick
Hayesfield
Legs On Sale
Norfolk
Codiene Cowboy
Back Off War Child
Get Up Get Down
The Indians
(lineups are subject to change)

This rockin' two-day music festival has been such a success in the past that The Empty Space has decided to bring it back! We've got great lineups both days, with awesome bands representing a variety of genres. Show some support to your local musicians! Stop by to listen to some great music, check out the new gallery exhibit, and get your fill of pizza, $1 beers, and more. The Empty Space is located at 706 Oak Street (behind Pizzaville). Call 327-PLAY for more info.

Why should Bakersfield care about The Empty Space?

What makes The Empty Space unique?

With seven different community theatres in the Bakersfield area alone - not to mention all of the school and professional productions that come to town - it can be tough to keep up with our local theatre scene. And despite the various marketing tactics employed by Bakersfield theatres, audience attendance and degree of media attention can be highly unpredictable. Upon entering The Empty Space for the first time, many people have remarked, “I didn’t even know this place existed!” Ultimately, we hope to reach as many people as possible, because The Empty Space Board of Directors passionately believes in the theatre’s vision and our offering to the artistic community.

The Empty Space works hard to create a true theatre community, providing a venue for actors to come together and read plays, exchange ideas and challenge and help each other grow as artists. Our yearly seasons are determined by the suggestions made by members of the community at open “Pitch Days,” held twice a year. The theatre supports all other live theatres in Bakersfield, offering free advertising space in every program for all shows in town - professional, community, and educational alike. We also have a fantastic art gallery, with new exhibits monthly. The ultimate vision of the Empty Space is to help rejuvenate theatre as an art form and to help stimulate the artistic appreciation for all art forms and all venues in Bakersfield.

When The Empty Space opened five years ago, it was immediately pegged as “the edgy theatre in town.” TES certainly continues to produce thought-provoking, challenging, and sometimes controversial material, but the theatre does not exist purely for shock value, and we want to be sure that the community is aware of all that we offer! The intention and mission of The Empty Space is simply to provide professional quality live theatre to the community of Bakersfield and to create an opportunity for local actors, directors and technicians to work in a creative environment that allows them to express themselves and their artistic ideas while encouraging them to continue to study and improve their craft. We invite all members of the community to get involved at the theatre; we love to see new faces at auditions, events and fundraisers!

We do pride ourselves on the wide range of options provided to local audiences: past seasons have included Shakespeare classics, professional puppet shows, late-night sketch comedy (both tame and mature), light-hearted comedies, family-friendly classics, dark comedies, wrenching dramas, experimental new plays, traditional musicals, unconventional musicals, music festivals, poetry, film and documentary screenings, gallery exhibits, stand-up comedy, karaoke nights, improvisational theatre, fairs, fundraisers, and more. We offer a venue and a home to artists who want to produce shows they feel passionate about, regardless of how commercial or “safe” they may (or may not) be. The arrangement of the theatre is unlike any other in town, and our patrons often comment that they enjoy the extreme intimacy of the space. While many productions allow for intricate sets and technical effects, others are set against a bare black stage with minimal set pieces and props, emphasizing instead the story and the characters.

The Empty Space has had a noticeable effect on the local artistic community, inspiring other theatres to begin offering more thought-provoking and avant-garde material (note the development of the new “Spotlight Series” at The Spotlight Theatre) and themed galleries (Bakersfield Community Theatre is now on board with a gallery of their own). TES is committed to the community. We have had benefits supporting such causes as the Kaiser Permanente Latino Association, funding mentoring and scholarship programs; The Kern Lifeline Project - an AIDS program; The Bakersfield AIDS Project; and the Bakersfield College Jazz Ensemble. We also worked with the Save-A-Teacher campaign to present The Miracle Worker at The Empty Space, and for the past five years we have taken part in the Worldwide V-Day Campaign to do our part to end violence against women and girls. So far, we have raised more than $15,000.00 for The Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. We continue to look for opportunities to help the community!

“Setting Theatre Free”

Running a theatre is expensive, and very few theatres are able to survive on ticket prices alone. We hope to survive by the generosity of our patrons. We ask minimum donation of 5$ for students and $10 for adults, which is comparable to most other theatres in town, and a lot less expensive than theatres outside of our area. As far as we know, we are the only live theatre in North America that charges no admission, relying instead on donations, with no government assistance. It is important to us that everyone is able experience live theatre, regardless of his or her financial situation. The concept of “Setting Theatre Free” has everything to do with you. Without an audience, there is no live theatre, and so we invite members of the community to come for free. We ask you to pay at the end of the performance, and we encourage you to give only what you can.

We also offer many rewards and benefits to our members and sponsors, because it is due to their help and generosity that we are able to continue Setting Theatre Free all year long. The Empty Space is a 501c3 Non-Profit Community Theatre and donations are tax-deductible (for more information on becoming a member or sponsor, feel free to call 327-PLAY). Additionally, The Empty Space is available to rent to outside groups for a very low flat or hourly rate, whether it’s an outside performance, sales presentation, awards ceremony, or something else… we welcome all mediums of visual and performing arts, as well as non-arts related events! If you have other ways you might be able to aid or become involved with the theatre, either through donations of money, time or energy, partnerships, or ideas on how to generate revenue, please let us know by phone or email at executive@esonline.org - we are always looking for new ideas!

AUDITIONS: Reefer Madness!

Auditions for The Empty Space’s June production of Reefer Madness: The Musical are coming up! Please come prepared with a song to sing a cappella. Sides from the script will be provided for cold readings. The production runs June 6 - 28 and rehearsals will begin mid-April. Please email any questions you might have to the director, Jeremiah Heitman, at preacherlad@yahoo.com, or leave a comment on this blog.

Audition Times:

Saturday, April 12th from 3:30PM to 6:30PM, and

Sunday, April 13th from Noon to 3:00 PM

Synopsis:

Inspired by the original 1936 film of the same name, this raucous musical comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when clean-cut kids fall prey to marijuana, leading them on a hysterical downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex and violence. Both the original 1936 film and the 2005 movie adaptation of the hit musical are available in full on YouTube.com, and you can sample the soundtrack on iTunes and MySpace Music.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Jimmy Harper - A wholesome, innocent, high school teenager who runs into trouble after he is lured into the dangerous world of reefer

Lecturer - a severe authority figure who warns the audience of the perils of Reefer Madness. (Doubles as Goat-Man, Mr. Poppy, Irish Priest, Old Man, Radio Announcer, Ticket-Taker, Policeman, FDR)

Mary Lane - Jimmy's sweetheart, a naïve, virginal teenage girl.

Jack Stone - The handsome and ruthless proprietor of the Reefer Den, a 30's gangster movie-type. (Doubles as Jesus, George Washington)

Mae - An attractive, yet slightly haggard dame in her mid-30s, the hostess of the Reefer Den.

Ralph Wiley - a denizen of the Reefer Den, formally a fraternity man, his college days ended long ago due to his reefer habit. (Doubles as Sally's Baby, Switch-Puller, Uncle Sam)

Sally - a sexy and seductive resident of the Reefer Den, she possesses the libidinous soul of Mae West combined with the rat-a-tat moxie of vintage Barbara Stanwyck. (Doubles as Lady Liberty)

Placard Girl - throughout the play she reinforces the warnings of the Lecturer by holding large signs that clearly state the moral of what we've just seen. (Doubles as Five-and-Dime Kid, Police Officer)

Ensemble - Mixed gender group to represent Reefer Zombies, Kids at the Five-and-Dime, Jungle Orgy dancers, Angels, and patriotic background chorus in the Star-Spangled finale.

The Empty Space is located at 706 Oak St., Bakersfield, CA 93304. (661) 327-PLAY

Rock Fu: Music That Kicks Ass!

ROCK FU

"Music That Kicks Ass!"

April 4th and 5th at The Empty Space

All Ages Show!

$5 Admission/Day

$1 Beers

TENTATIVE LINEUPS:

Friday, April 4th: Doors at 7PM, Show starts at 8PM
Handsome Dog
Echo Hawk
Velorio
Codeine Cowboy

...and special guests!

Saturday, April 5th: Doors at 1PM, Show starts at 2PM
Krotch
The Dewskies
The Sunken Eumedies
Nekrocosm
Three Chord Whore
Norfolk
Vecar
Drag the Lake
Get Up Get Down
The Binges

(lineups are subject to change)

This rockin' music festival has been such a hit in the past that The Empty Space has decided to bring it back! We've got great lineups both days, with awesome bands representing a variety of genres. Show some support to your local musicians! Stop by to listen to some great music, check out the new gallery exhibit, and get your fill of $1 beers and delicious snacks. Be sure to check back for updates to the blog, more details coming soon! The Empty Space is located at 706 Oak Street (behind Pizzaville). Call 327-PLAY for more info.

As Reviewed in the CALIFORNIAN: Poignant and Eclectic Story

Show review
By: Alecia Thornton
Theater: The Empty Space
Show: Eleemosynary

"This play is a poignant and eclectic view of three generations of women and their comedic and touching relations. All three women are exceptional and intelligent and the story races along like a rollercoaster with DVD multi-angle views.

The actors are invested in their roles and bring the story off in a wonderful and witty manner. They accomplish this with only lights and a few set items. This show is really cosmetic effect free, special or otherwise. The dialog was complex and intricate and the actors still appeared very polished. Everyone in the production was excellent and yet there are a few that stood even from this rarified group.

Jennifer Sampson (Artie) played the role of the conservative, middle generation and she (Jennifer) had the most evocative, expressive and empathetic representation of the character while still carrying the subtle undertones. Her portrayal of the stubborn and restrained character fills the viewer with sadness for the character. This can only be a reflection of the skill of the performer. The shots of comedy are timed perfectly and not over-the-top. Her excellent acting brings the emotional content forward (both cheer and challenges) while still allowing the complex story to evolve.

Samantha Gonzales (Echo) did a fantastic job with considerable and complex dialog. While all the women portrayed strong and highly intelligent (genius) roles, Samantha actually showed her own genius. She giggled exactly like a three-month old. She portrayed a young girl. She did a teen. She did a young woman. All this was accomplished without intermission, make-up or costumes. Especially enthralling was the excellent diction and accuracy with her long dialogues.

The venue, The Empty Space, is a civic theater focused on donations for its existence and the entrance is around in back (in the alley). This was my first experience with this production and this venue and the layout was a little confusing but efficient and the show was fantastic!

There are two more performances of Eleemosynary this Friday and Saturday, March 7-8, at 8:00 pm. The show is free, but has a suggested donation of $10.00 for adults. The information line is 327-PLAY."

Alecia Thornton is a first grade teacher in Bakersfield.

Did you know? Recycling in Bakersfield

Like batteries, it's prohibited to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs in your home trash can. In fact, it's against the law. Instead, you should be taking them to the Kern County Special Waste Facility at 4951 Standard St. in Bakersfield.

The facility is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (The county operates a second facility on the first Saturday of the month at the Mojave Airport.)

One small light bulb may seem insignificant, but throw hundreds in a landfill and you've got enough mercury to constitute a hazardous waste pile.

You might sigh at the thought of making a special trip, but it's likely you have other items to take to the Special Waste Facility: It's also prohibited to throw out any of the following in the regular trash: paints, household pesticides, weed killers, pool chemicals, cleaning products (like Windex and bleach), mercury thermometers and electronic waste (which includes television, computers, laptops, printers, radios, microwave ovens, VCRs, mobile and cordless phones and answering machines).

*** The Empty Space is hosting a RECYCLING DRIVE and YARD SALE this Saturday, March 8th from 8AM to 3PM (Click HERE for event details).

Is the Special Waste Facility too far away from your home? Let us make the trip for you! Bring all of your recyclables to the theatre this Saturday and we'll make sure to dispose of them properly.

VDAY & VFAIR to benefit The Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault

We're looking for all sorts of things for our VFAIR on Sunday, March 2nd at The Holiday Inn Select!

Do you want to be a part of our annual Man Auction? Donate two hours of your time and raise money for charity... plus a lovely lady or gentleman might just be the one to purchase you! :)

We're also scrounging up some raffle prizes, so if you work with a business that is able to donate to charity (or if YOU personally want to donate something), let us know. All types of items are welcome!

Vendor booths are also up for grabs! Want to sell your art, crafts, Avon, or other products? Do you volunteer for an orginization and want to spread the word about it? Do you read tarot cards or palms, draw characatures, or write personalized poems? For only $30 you can have a booth at the VFAIR and raise money and awareness for both you and charity!

If you can't help out with any of these items, we'd still love for you to attend the event and celebrate with us! We have live music, food, fashion shows, raffles, freebies, and lots more!

Any questions or comments about helping out, just leave a comment or shoot an e-mail to emptyspace@peoplepc.com. Thanks!

This event is part of VDAY Community Campaign Bakersfield 2008 presented by The Empty Space raising money and awareness for Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. This is our fifth year doing VDAY and so far we have raised $14,000.00 to help end violence against women and girls right here in our own community! This year we hope to raise $5,000. Help us make that a reality! V is for Victory and a better Vision for the world. Any donation helps!

ATTENTION: MUSICIANS NEEDED!!

The Empty Space is looking for bands to perform at Rock Fu, a two day rock festival that will take place April 4th & 5th.

We're looking for bands of all rock genres!

If you're interested in performing or you know of a band you'd like to see play, please leave a comment and you will be contacted with further details.

Thank you!

AUDITIONS: The Bourgeois Gentleman

Auditions for Molière's The Bourgeois Gentleman
Directed by Ron Warren & Ryan Watts

Auditions will be held at the Spotlight Theatre on February 16th from 12pm to 4pm.

Monsieur Jourdain is a very wealthy man. He can afford the finest clothing, the most precious jewels, and the most clever tutors Paris has to offer. Unfortunately for Monsieur Jourdain, he is also preposterously out of touch with reality. The son of a middle class cloth merchant, Jourdain will never be a true gentleman, but nothing will stop him from trying. While he spends extravagantly in an attempt to appear cultured and genteel, his long suffering wife tries vainly to beat some sense into him- and protect her family from the greedy Count Dorante while finding her daughter Lucile a good, middle-class husband. Themes of class and wealth are hilariously examined in this uproarious comedy by one of the greatest comic playwrights the world has ever known.

All roles are open for consideration. We are looking for anywhere from 9 to 15 actors to fill the roles:

MONSIEUR JOURDAIN, the bourgeois gentleman. Male, middle aged.
MADAME JOURDAIN, his wife. Female, middle aged.
LUCILE, daughter to the Jourdains. Female, young.
NICOLE, maid to the Jourdain household. Female, young.
CLÉONTE, middle class man in love with Lucile. Male, young
COVIELLE, servant to Cléonte. Male, young.
DORANTE, pennyless Count taking advantage of M. Jourdain. Male, young to middle age.
DORIMÈNE, a marquise. Female, any age.
VARIOUS TUTORS AND SERVANTS, any sex or age.

Auditionees should come prepared to perform cold readings from the script. Rehearsals begin February 25th. Performance dates are April 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and May 2, & 3.

VDAY Auditions!

VDAY

By Eve Ensler

Directed by Julie Jordan Scott

Sunday, February 3rd

11 AM - 2:30 PM

V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Special performances of the Vagina Monologues are used to help raise money to benefit female victims of violence and sexual abuse. In just ten years V-Day has raised over $50 million, educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama movement in the Middle East, reopened shelters, and funded over 5000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses in Kenya, South Dakota, Haiti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and Iraq.

The Empty Space has participated since 2004, raising $10,000.00 for Kern County's own local Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. This non-profit organization is committed to stopping domestic violence and sexual assault in Kern County and to assist those who have suffered from these crimes reclaim their lives. By being part of VDAY you are helping those in your community while learning about the brave women from around the world that are helping put an end to violence.

You can become involved in the movement by auditioning for The Empty Space's special VDAY production.

Auditions are on February 3rd from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM at the Empty Space and will consist of cold readings from Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monolgues.

VDAY is not just for women. While only women are allowed to perform on stage, we need help! We have positions for Stage Manager, Sound Board Operator, Light Board Operator, Ushers, and people interesting in helping fundraise for the cause and promote the events. Simply reply to this email or contact event organizer, Guinevere PH Dethlefson at marketing@esonline.org.

Performances are on February 29 and March 1st.

Interested in becoming a sponsor, artist, vendor, or audience member for VDAY? Contact us as soon as possible to ensure your involvement.

The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina.