Show Notes: November 2023
The Newsletter of All-of-us Express Children's Theatre
In this issue:
New AECT logo unveiled
Now on stage: The Witch’s Princess
Next on stage: A Christmas Carol
Upcoming auditions
Work with AECT
Alumni feature: Craig Darnell
Season 35 productions
We begin our 35th season with lots to look forward to. Read on for news from the All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre (AECT) nonprofit Board!
New AECT logo unveiled
A fresh look for Season 35
For AECT’s first 34 years, the logo featured several pairs of feet sticking out from under a large, floppy hat. The clown feet, ballet slippers, tennis shoes, and webbed duck feet represented the fun and varied roles taken on in AECT productions. When the registered trademark on the original logo was due to expire, AECT leadership decided it was time for an update.
At the beginning of AECT’s 35th season this fall, a logo contest was held, and youth participants and recent alumni were encouraged to submit drawings or digital art for a new logo and a fresh look. The winning design, submitted by current AECT participant Emily C., instantly evokes theatre and the many emotions the arts can inspire. Congratulations to Emily for designing the winning logo and the new face of our company!
Now on stage: The Witch’s Princess
Don’t miss this topsy-turvy fairy tale—three shows left!
The queen is dead. The kingdom is cursed. And the only way to lift the curse is to slay the witch. The Witch’s Princess is a fairy tale on its head—a romp through fen and forest with a sword-wielding princess, her faithful if sometimes distracted sidekick, and a bunch of monsters who are perhaps not quite what they seem.
Our fall production of The Witch’s Princess enchanted audiences on opening weekend. This show truly has something for everyone... from juice to a Jabberwock, mushrooms to Medusa (or not—you'll see!), Beowulf to bonfires, swordplay to sorcery. We can't wait to welcome you to Artemisia for one of our remaining three performances!
Remaining show times
Friday, November 10: 7:00pm
Saturday, November 11: 3:00pm
Sunday, November 12: 3:00pm
Ticket information
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for anyone under 18 and are available at the front desk of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, by phone at (517) 333-2580 ext. 0, or online. Tickets are date-specific, but are still for general seating. Season ticket holders can trade in tickets at the front desk for a specific performance. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the show.
Next on stage: A Christmas Carol
A holiday classic comes to the AECT stage
It’s Christmas Eve. As the cold, bleak night draws in, the penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by the spirit of his former business partner, Jacob Marley.
On stage for two performances only, this holiday classic brings the audience along as Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who try to help him change his miserly ways. Bring the whole family to enjoy this beloved tale of Christmas miracles.
Show times
Friday, December 15: 7:00pm
Saturday, December 16: 3:00pm
Ticket information
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for anyone under 18. Tickets are available at the front desk of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, by phone at (517) 333-2580 ext. 0, or online. Tickets are date-specific, but are still for general seating. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the show.
Upcoming auditions
Studio class opportunity for older participants
Audition spots for The Addams Family are full, but youth ages 9 and up can email Artistic Director Nina Crumpton at ncrumpt@cityofeastlansing.com to be added to a wait list. A few crew spots may still be available.
Auditions for the spring Studio Class, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, will be held December 8 and 9. Studio Classes are aimed at older participants (age 14 and up for this production) and allow the actors to do some analysis and character development. The Studio Class typically rehearses on Saturday mornings from January to May, so it does not conflict with main stage shows.
Work with AECT
Seeking adults for positions in the coming months!
Have you always wanted to get involved with theatre? Sat in the audience and wished you could do more? Do you love working with kids? We have a number of volunteer and paid positions we will be looking to fill this season and next! Please contact Artistic Director Nina Crumpton at ncrumpt@cityofeastlansing.com for more details about any of the following:
Videographer to shoot footage for The Addams Family and The SpongeBob Musical that will be used in commercials (no video editing necessary, but you need to have your own equipment)
Costumes Crew Head for The SpongeBob Musical (Summer 2024)
Directors, Stage Managers, and Crew Heads for Season 36 with shows from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025
Alumni feature: Craig Darnell
From Hamelin to The Hobbit
Craig Darnell (Class of 2022) joined AECT in the summer of 2015 as Frederick in The Pied Piper of Hamelin and continued through the summer of 2022, when he participated in his final AECT show as Sets Crew Head on Matilda Jr. In the interim he split his time on and off stage, appearing in numerous shows, memorably as Gandalf in The Hobbit and Juror #9 in Twelve Angry Jurors for his last AECT role. His favorite AECT experience was working on the War of the Worlds broadcast—a pandemic twist on the annual studio class that found the cast working on (and recording) a radio show. He enjoyed collaboratively writing the script and then getting to voice-act various parts the group created. Craig is currently studying English at the University of Michigan, where he is also involved with various theatre organizations. AECT gave him lots of experience with theatre and acting, which has led to his continued investment in theater—so much that his main group of friends in Ann Arbor is comprised of people from his theatre groups.
Season 35 productions
Save these dates!
More information about auditions and audition workshops, performance dates and times, and plot details can be found in the Season 35 brochure.
Fall 2023: The Witch’s Princess *On stage November 3-12*
A comedy, a fairy tale, and a princess who gets to do a lot of sword fighting
Directed by Jen Shaw
Holiday Show 2023: A Christmas Carol *On stage December 15-16*
A classic! This Saturday rehearsal experience is akin to the studio class but with a holiday twist.
Directed by Elena Forman
Winter 2024: The Addams Family *Auditions November 16-17*
A kooky musical based on the endearingly creepy TV characters
Directed by Jocelyn France
Spring 2024: The Wind in the Willows *Auditions February 22-23*
A beloved tale of two best friends and their adventures
Directed by Blake Weil
Studio Class 2024: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time *Auditions December 8 and 9*
In which a brilliant but misunderstood teenager attempts to solve a mystery
Directed by Ayden Soupal
Summer 2024: The SpongeBob Musical *Auditions May 16-17*
Can our favorite yellow sponge save Bikini Bottom from certain destruction?
Directed by Jocelyn France
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