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Tibbits Young Audiences

Tibbits Young Audiences Presents “Comic Book Artist”

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COLDWATER – With inspiring capes, exciting masks and special powers, a cast of 14 Tibbits Young Audiences actors will bring a new set of superheroes to life when they present “Comic Book Artist” Oct 22-24 at Tibbits Opera House.

“Comic Book Artist” by Pat Lydersen is the story of Sandy Leonardo Sappovitz (Ivy Witmer) who wants nothing more than to become a comic book artist.  When she gets a job as a janitor at Wonder Comics, she anxiously awaits the day that her boss, D.C.  Wunderman (Lily Witmer), will notice her drawings and discover her artistic genius.  It seems like that day will never come until Wunderman invests in a shipment of magical pens, guaranteed to bring to life any character her artists create.  When the staff artists unwittingly unleash the dreaded Doctor Shock Clock (London Elkins), it is up to Sandy to create her own team of superheroes.  Will they have the superpowers to conquer this dastardly super-villain, who can stop time with the snap of her fingers?  Only time will tell!  Doctor Shock Clock is off to where else but Times Square to pull off the greatest heist of all time.

A cast of 14 students from Coldwater, Union City, and Angola will participate in Tibbits Young Audiences’ fall production “Comic Book Artist,” which will be presented Oct. 22 and 23 at 7pm with a 2pm matinee Oct. 24 at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, MI.

Watch as the egotistical Star Girl (Saylor Fraley) and her “Charisma Ray,” Triple Time (Lela Poe) with her super-fast speed, environmentally correct Blossom (Lydia Juarez) with her magical sleeping potion flowers, and the slightly grouchy but goodhearted Wombat Woman (Mackenzie Searing) combine their special powers to try to stop the dastardly deed! The cast is rounded out with Isabel Christopher as the narrator, Kennedy Austin and Molly Foster as artists, Maggie Bustos as Viola, Annabelle Foster as the Minuto, and Ashlyn Abrey and Keeley Love as the ensemble. 

“Comic Book Artist” is directed by Jayne Lillis and produced by Tirsha Odisher. Jeff Harvey serves as assistant stage manager. Laura Odom has designed costumes, with set design by Leon Kriser, with Matt Biolchini and Stephanie Burdick as set assistants, props by Stacy Guertler, sound design by Julia Littley, and makeup design by Abby Austin.

Tibbits Young Audiences offers programs both for and by area youth to develop their interest in the arts. This year’s cast features students from Coldwater, Union City and Angola. Two shows yearly, a non-musical in the fall and a musical in the spring, provide students an enjoyable introduction to the world of theatre. By putting on a show, they learn teamwork, discipline, theatre skills, self confidence and an appreciation for the arts.

The show is presented with the generous support of Coldwater Kiwanis Club which has sponsored the TYA shows since 2009. “Comic Book Artist” will run Oct. 22 and 23 at 7pm, with a 2pm matinee Oct. 24. All reserved seating tickets are $7 each.  Tickets will be available online at Tibbits.org, at the Tibbits Administration Office located at 93 W. Chicago Street, and at the door. All shows will be held at Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Mich. At this time Tibbits is strongly encouraging all audience members wear masks when entering and moving around the theatre. For more information and a complete listing of events go to Tibbits.org or call 517.278.6029.

Tibbits Young Audiences Announces Auditions for “Comic Book Artist”

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COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for its fall play “Comic Book Artist” on August 23 and 24 at 5pm at Tibbits Opera House.

Written by Pat Lydersen, “Comic Book Artist” follows the life of Stanley Leonardo Sappovitz, who wants nothing more than to become a comic book artist.  When he gets a job as a janitor at Wonder Comics, he anxiously awaits the day that his boss, D.C.  Wunderman, will notice his drawings and discover his artistic genius.  It seems like that day will never come until Wunderman invests in a shipment of magical pens, guaranteed to bring to life any character his artists create.  When the staff artists unwittingly unleash the dreaded Doctor Shock Clock, it is up to Stanley to create his own team of superheroes to help save the day. 

Auditions are open to any student in fourth through eighth grades. Students should bring a current, non-returnable photo, their completed audition form, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian; no additional guests will be allowed.  Students must project through their mask for the audition. They will be asked to introduce themselves from stage and read parts from the script.

Tibbits Young Audiences’ spring production of “The Nifty Fifties” forged ahead amidst COVID precautions. Auditions for the next show, “Comic Book Artist” will be August 23 and 24 at 5 pm at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, MI. Under current CDC recommendations, masks will be required for all who enter the theatre and while students are auditioning.

Audition forms and the part of the script the auditionees will be reading are available online at Tibbits.org. Rehearsals will begin September 7, 2021 and will be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:30; not all roles meet all days. Rehearsals will likely be in small groups to allow for some social distancing and per current CDC recommendations, masks will be required during rehearsals and potentially shows. The show will be presented Oct. 22 and 23 at 7 pm and Oct. 24 at 2 pm at Tibbits.  

“Comic Book Artist” will be directed by Jayne Lillis and produced by Tirsha Odisher. This productionis generously sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Coldwater. Students involved will learn characterization, blocking, costuming, makeup and all aspects of a stage production.

Tibbits Young Audiences offers programs both for and by area youth to develop their interest in the arts. Two shows yearly, a non-musical in the fall and a musical in the spring, provide students an enjoyable introduction to the world of theatre. By putting on a show, they learn teamwork, discipline, theatre skills, self confidence and an appreciation for the arts.

Auditions will be held at Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Mich. Students need only attend one time. For more information call 517.278.6029 or visit Tibbits.org.

Tibbits Young Audiences Announces Auditions for “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone”

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COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone”at 5 pm August 22 and 23 at Tibbits Opera House for the play to be presented October 11-13, 2019.

When Sally falls asleep while reading books about a certain juvenile wizard, she dreams that she is a student at Frogbull Academy of Sorcery. There she meets Headmaster Albatross Underdrawers, Gamekeeper Ruebenon Ryebread, and Professor Shiftia Shape. But danger is lurking, and it’s up to Sally and her new friends Dave and Harmonica to defeat the schemes of the evil Lord Murderdeath. Will she become the hero like the one in her favorite series? And who is the mysterious Censor who keeps rewriting the story as it goes along? This loving parody will thrill fans and newcomers alike.

Auditions are open to any student in fourth through eighth grades. Students should be accompanied by a parent or guardian and bring a current, non-returnable photo. Students will be asked to introduce themselves from stage and read parts from the script. Audition forms are available online at https://tibbits.org/about-tibbits/auditions/. Rehearsals will be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, but not all roles meet all days. The show will be presented October 11, and 12 at 7 pm and October 13 at 2 pm at Tibbits.

“Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone”will be directed by Jayne Lillis and produced by Tirsha Odisher. This production is generously sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Coldwater. Approximately 35-40 students will be cast. Students involved will learn characterization, blocking, costuming, makeup and all aspects of a stage production.

Tibbits Young Audiences offers programs both for and by area youth to develop their interest in the arts. Two shows yearly, a non-musical in the fall and a musical in the spring, provide students an enjoyable introduction to the world of theatre. By putting on a show, they learn teamwork, discipline, theatre skills, self confidence and an appreciation for the arts.

Auditions will be held at Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Mich. Students need only attend one time. For more information call 517.278.6029 or go to www.Tibbits.org.

Tibbits Young Audiences presented “The Snow White Variety Show” last fall with a cast of 38 area students. Auditions for the next show, “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone” will be August 22 and 23 at 5 pm at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, MI.

10 Day Film Contest Captures Coldwater Area

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Coldwater’s first 10-Day Film Contest offers a special opportunity for youth this June. Students age 11-19 will compete for prizes and fame in the program sponsored by Tibbits Theatre and Beyond (T-Tab).

The contest begins with a kick-off event at 5pm, June 16 (alternatively, teams can also register 9-11am, June 17) in the Art Gallery in the lower level of Tibbits where prospective teams will receive assignments which will drive their video projects. Contest participants have ten days to produce videos which meet randomly drawn criteria including film genre and a character, prop, and line of dialogue to be used in the video. This ensures that no team starts working on their video prior to June 16.

Individuals and teams of up to 5 people will write, direct, act in, and edit their videos which are required to be between 3 and 6 minutes in length. The final videos must be submitted to the box office at the theatre on Sunday, June 26 between 5pm and 7pm.

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The film contest concludes with the premiere of all qualified videos and selection of winners starting at 7pm, June 27 at Tibbits. A panel of judges will select first, second, and third place winners. There will also be an audience choice award determined by text voting that night.

In the age of YouTube, the program seeks to expand young people’s knowledge of practical skills that could help them in career and college. “Although most teens make videos on a regular basis, through this program we hope to help participants take their projects to the next level by understanding the artistic and technical elements allowing them to utilize video technology in more effective ways,” says project coordinator, Tamara Apmann.

Teams can use any type of camera. Workshops on basic storytelling, acting, videography, sound, and editing will be held at Tibbits during the ten-day production period. Arrangements can also be made to borrow equipment.

Further contest rules and registration forms can be found on the Tibbits website at Tibbits.org. Please call Tammy Apmann at 517-278-6029 or email boxoffice@tibbits.org for additional information.

T-Tab is a youth group composed of middle and high school students from throughout the county. They expand their knowledge of theatre by working behind the scenes for Tibbits Young Audiences productions, assisting with marketing, ushering, and through educational workshops.

The program is supported by funding from the Branch County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) through a grant from their Youth Project Fund. YAC is the Community Foundation’s youth philanthropy program and consists of individuals (ages 12-21) from Branch County and Colon, Michigan. The group is dedicated to effective grantmaking, endowment building, leadership, and improving the viability of our communities by involving youth in the visioning and decision-making process.

Auditions for Tibbits Young Audiences show Jan. 4 & 5

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COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for “Twinderella the Musical” starting at 5 pm January 4 and 5 at Tibbits Opera House for the show to be presented March 18-20, 2016.

TYA presented “Charleston” last spring with a cast of 50 area students
TYA presented “Charleston” last spring with a cast of 50 area students

“Twinderella the Musical” is a fun, musical twist and the classic story of Cinderella featuring her long lost twin brother, Bob. This version features an evil stepfather, two dorky stepbrothers and dreams of attending that all-important, all-kingdom baseball game. With other fun characters like the Marlon Brando-style fairy godfather and his associates the young actors who are cast will get to act, sing and dance into the hearts of their audiences. “Twinderella the Musical” is written by Charlie Lovett, music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur.

Auditions are open to any student in fourth through eighth grades. Students should be accompanied by a parent or guardian and bring a current, non-returnable photo. Students will be asked to introduce themselves from stage and read parts from the script. They will also be asked to sing a familiar children’s song and perform a few simple dance steps. Rehearsals will begin Jan
uary 7 and be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Not all roles meet all days. The show will be presented March 18, 19 at 7 pm and March 20 at 2 pm at Tibbits.

Tibbits Young Audiences offers programs both for and by area youth to develop their interest in the arts. Two shows yearly, a non-musical in the fall and a musical in the spring, provide students an enjoyable introduction to the world of theatre. By “putting on a show” they learn teamwork, discipline, theatre skills, self confidence and an appreciation for the arts.

“Twinderella the Musical” will be directed by Julia Littley. Approximately 50 students will be cast. Those involved will learn characterization, blocking, costuming, makeup and all aspects of a stage production.

Auditions are held at Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Mich. Students need only attend one time. The cast will be announced later in the week. For more information call 517.278.6029 or go to www.Tibbits.org and click on the “auditions” tab.

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Tibbits Young Audiences – Auditions for “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”

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Contact: Christine 517-278-6029

COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for “The Adventures of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” starting at 5 pm August 27 and 28 at Tibbits Opera House for the show to be presented October 16-18.

Based on the jungle book stories of Rudyard Kipling, “The Adventures of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Tim Kelly features a cast full of favorite characters and many opportunities for children to explore their creativity. In the play, a storyteller from India sparks the audience’s imagination to see the jungle and its creatures. He weaves a magical tale with cobras, monkeys, wolves, a crocodile, a camel, an elephant and the wily mongoose, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. A British family in India is in jeopardy from marauding cobras in league with Shere Khan the arrogant tiger. Only Rikki can save the day.

Auditions are open to any student in fourth through eighth grades. Students should be accompanied by a parent or guardian and bring a current, non-returnable photo. Students will be asked to introduce themselves from stage and read parts from the script. Rehearsals will begin September 8 and be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The show will be presented October 16, 17 at 7 pm and October 18 at 2 pm.

Tibbits Young Audiences offers programs both for and by area youth to develop their interest in the arts. Two shows yearly, a non-musical in the fall and a musical in the spring, provide students an enjoyable introduction to the world of theatre. By “putting on a show” they learn teamwork, discipline, theatre skills, self confidence and an appreciation for the arts.

“The Adventures of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” will be directed by Julia Littley. Approximately 50 students will be cast. Those involved will learn characterization, blocking, costuming, makeup and all to the aspects of a stage production.

Auditions are held at Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Mich. Students need only attend one time. The cast will be announced later in the week. For more information call 517.278.6029 or go to www.Tibbits.org and click on the “auditions” tab.

Tibbits Young Audiences cast announced for “Charleston”

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The Roaring 20s with its Ziegfeld Girls, raccoon coats, ukuleles, goldfish swallowers and gangsters come to life as students in Tibbits Young Audiences production of “Charleston” prepare song, dance and an array of memorable characters to be presented March 20, 21, 22 at Tibbits Opera House.

This lively children’s musical set in the vibrant 1920s, was written by Tim Kelly with music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur. A cast of 50 fourth through eighth graders from across the county busily memorize lines and learn blocking as they bring to life one of the most fun and highly romanticized eras in America.

In the show Alison Harvey plays Polly Pepper a young flapper about to turn 18 years old. She plans a wacky birthday party with all her friends. Stuart Sobeske plays Buck Wayne, Polly’s new boyfriend, who wouldn’t miss the birthday celebration for anything, even if he has to land his private plane on the lawn of the polo grounds.

Polly’s rich aunt Mrs. Granville played by Haley Robison, plans to give Polly a valuable family necklace. The aunt’s money and heirloom diamonds bring out a host of con artists and mobsters with clever plots to relieve her of her valuables. The shady cast of crooks includes the Duchess and Duke of Milford played by Veronica White and Martin White, mobsters Cheater Hayes and Muggs O’Toole played by Lucas Stewart and William Odisher, and Mona Schlumpgarden and Trixie of the Crazy Cat Nite Club played by Ella Budd and Anna Turner. As they plan to grab the necklace and crash Polly’s party, the plans are defeated in hilarious fashion.

The story is filled with terrific characters like Margaret the faithful housekeeper played Samantha Peiffer; radio personality Ted Loveland played by Hayden Shimizu and Monica Woodsquirrel of Radio Station WWWW atop Hotel Times Square played by Gabriela Rutz; crime

fighter Lieutenant Fluke played by Trentin Lyons; and ’flagpole sitter’ Lenny Knickerbocker played by Shaun Coleman.

The cast also includes Polly’s friends played by Anna-Marie Vorce, Rilee Cooper-Lewis, Parkyr (sic) Jones, Owen Wortz, Kaitlyn Noble, Alex Pickell, Owen Needham, Lexi Galliers, Miya Rose, and Kelly Warner. The Everly Sisters are played by Bridgette Meyers, Jillian Groves, Brynn Niedzwiecki , Mae Blansit, Shelby Taber and Emily Fagen. The Newsgirls are played by Rachel Rutz, Sydney Gallop, Alison Turner, Delaney Squires and Claire Wortz. The glitzy Zeigfield Girls, are played by Audrey Waltke, Kaylee Swift, Megan Barnes, Taylor Mendendorp, Makinzie Groves, Lydia Kaniewski, Alyssa Fisher and Nevaeh Earl. Other talented young actors in TYA’s production of “Charleston” include Nicholas Herendeen, Jaden Swartz, Blaine Haylett, Paige Kirkpatrick, Alexis Lock, Alex Stewart, and Julia Kirk.

“Charleston” is directed by Julia Littley and produced by Tirsha Odisher. According to Littley, the show is a little different from other recent shows presented by Tibbits Young Audiences. She says, “Learning about the historic era has been interesting and the kids have been working hard to prepare the incredibly challenging dancing for the show! The 1920s jazz music will have the audience tapping their feet the whole way through.” The show features fun and jazzy songs reminiscent of the era including “It has to be Jazz,” “’Flapper,” “Dijja Ever?” and, “Ev’rybody, Charleston.”

“Charleston” is generously sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Coldwater. Children of all ages will enjoy non-stop musical adventure. Performances are March 20 and 21 at 7 pm and March 22 at 2 pm. Tickets are $5 or $7 by credit card. They are available from cast members, online at www.Tibbits.org, by calling 517-278-6029 or at the administrative office at 93 West Chicago Street. Performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Michigan.

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Charleston cast - Tibbits Young Audiences
A cast of 50 students presents “Charleston” for Tibbits Young Audiences March 20, 21, 22 at Tibbits Opera House.

Charleston rehearsal
The TYA cast rehearses one of the dance numbers from the musical “Charleston”

“Charleston” web page

Tibbits PR: Tibbits Young Audiences presents “Dorothy in Wonderland”

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Contact: 517-278-6029, email: marketing@Tibbits.org

Coldwater, MI – Fifty area fourth through eighth graders busily memorize lines, learn blocking and create memorable characters to bring to life a unique adaptation of two literary classics as Tibbits Young Audiences prepares “Dorothy in Wonderland” for presentation October 23, 24 and 25 at Tibbits Opera House.

The worlds of Oz and Wonderland collide in this fantastically fun romp, cleverly and carefully adapted from the works of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll and by Brian D. Taylor.  Dorothy Gale played by Veronica White has made her way to the end of the Yellow Brick Road. The wonderful Wizard of Oz played by Stuart Sobeske is just about to help her get back home to Kansas. Before she can hop into the wizard’s balloon, another whirlwind appears over the Emerald City, sweeping Dorothy and her friends away to Wonderland. Toto played by Rachel Rutz,  Scarecrow played by Ella Budd, Tin Man played by Lucas Stewart and Lion played by Elena Barry, equipped with their new assets — brains, heart and courage —try to help Dorothy find her way home. They meet many other interesting characters along the way, including Alice played by Brynn Niedzwiecki, the White Rabbit played by Megan Barnes, Mad Hatter played by Taylor Medendorp, March Hare played by Nolan Nohr and many more.

The group must face a dangerous new foe — the Queen of Hearts played by Alison Harvey.  Dorothy and Alice team up to defeat the queen at croquet, but will that be enough to return Wonderland to normal?  They must also find a way to get back home to Kansas and to London.

Other talented young actors in TYA’s production of “Dorothy in Wonderland” include Haley Robison as Glinda and Kaylee Swift, Hayden Shimizu, Erika Parkinson, Alex Pickell, Kelly Warner, Linzy Monks and Samantha Peiffer as assorted other Wonderland characters; Lexi Galliers, Julia Kirk and Katie Bailey as Cheshire Cat; Rilee Cooper-Lewis, Shelby Taber, Katie Noble, Jillian Groves, Lydia Kaniewski, Alexis Lock, Delaney Squires and Avery Boyce as the flowers; Gabriela Rutz, Emily Fagen, William Odisher, Nicholas Herendeen, Noah Miller, Jonathan Niedzwiecki, Abigail Grace Needham, Alex Stewart and Anna Humphries as the chess pieces; and Owen Needham, Anna Turner, Kaitlyn Meyers, Aiden Koch, Audrey Waltke, Anna-Marie Vorce, Bridgette Meyers, Noelle Fazekas, Martin White, Mary Grace and Makenna Squires as the cards.

“Dorothy in Wonderland” is directed by Julia Littley and produced by Tirsha Odisher. According to Littley, “The kids are great and doing a fantastic job making their characters come to life.  They are so on top of things that some of the cast members came to the first rehearsal with many of their lines already memorized!  I am amazed at what they can do, and look forward to another fun show for our audiences.”

Also involved with the production and serving on crew are Tibbits Theatre and Beyond members Mae Blansit, Kaitlyn Colyer, Ben Fagen, Michayla Lock, Allie Marshall, Connor Michael, Sarah Odom and Mary Tate.

“Dorothy in Wonderland” is generously sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Coldwater. Kiwanis and Tibbits share in their mission to serve children. According to Christine Delaney, Tibbits Executive Director, “We greatly appreciate having Kiwanis’ support knowing we are reaching so many youth, not only those on stage and back stage, but all those who get to experience live theatre as part of the audience.”

Children of all ages will enjoy non-stop adventure with “Dorothy in Wonderland.” Performances are October 23 and 24 at 7 pm and October 25 at 2 pm. Tickets are $5 and available from cast members, on line at www.Tibbits.org, by calling 517-278-6029 or at the administrative office at 93 West Chicago Street. Performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Michigan.

Cast members get notes from the director during a rehearsal for “Dorothy in Wonderland.”
Cast members get notes from the director during a rehearsal for “Dorothy in Wonderland.”

A cast of 50 students presents “Dorothy in Wonderland” for Tibbits Young Audiences October 23-25.
A cast of 50 students presents “Dorothy in Wonderland” for Tibbits Young Audiences October 23-25.

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