Northfield Arts Guild

Auditions: A Christmas Story
2018-10-01 18:30 (America/Chicago) | MN
The Northfield Arts Guild is committed to building a creative and dynamic theater that celebrates individual differences and treats everyone with fairness and respect. The Guild encourages all – beginners or established artists – to audition for roles and to volunteer for technical positions.

A Christmas Story by Philip Grecian.
A play based on the movie A Christmas Story: written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark

Audition Dates and times: Monday, Oct 1st and Tuesday, Oct 2nd beginning at 6:30 PM.
Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, Oct 3rd for those called.
Sign up for a 30 minute slot. You’ll be assigned a 5 minute audition time within that slot.

Audition Location: Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street W, Northfield, MN

Audition Requirements: Please prepare one minute comedic monologue. Also, bring along to the auditions a calendar of any rehearsal conflict dates/times.

Rehearsal information: Rehearsals will begin Monday, Oct. 8th. Rehearsals are generally held 6:30-9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. Some rehearsals may start at 6. Mandatory tech week dates: December 2 – 6, 2018. Performance dates: Fri-Sun, December 7 – 9 and Thurs-Sun, December 13 – 16, 2018
Directed by Justin Cervantes

Summary of the Show: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in 1940’s Indiana, follows Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case to his mother, his teacher and Santa Claus himself at Goldblatt’s Department Store. All the elements from the beloved movie are here – the family’s temperamental furnace, the school bully Scut Farkas, the boys’ bet concerning a wet tongue on an icy lamppost, the Little Orphan Annie decoder ring; and Ralphie’s father winning “a major award” – the lady’s leg lamp in a fishnet stocking! A Christmas Story has become a theatrical holiday classic!

Character descriptions:
ADULT ROLES include:
MOTHER – Ralphie’s Mom; age range: 35- 50
THE OLD MAN – Ralphie’s Dad, also plays SANTA CLAUS; age range: 35- 50
MISS SHIELDS – Ralphie’s teacher, also plays ELF and WICKED WITCH; age range: 20 – 40
RALPH– Adult, narrator, also plays COWBOY, TREE LOT SALESMAN, DELIVERY MAN, VOICE OF NEIGHBOR; age range: 25- 40
CHILDREN’S ROLES include:
RALPHIE PARKER – BB gun enthusiast (10 to 13 years of age)
FLICK – Ralphie’s friend and classmate, also plays DESPERADO ONE (10 to 13 years of age)
SCHWARTZ – Ralphie’s friend and classmate, also play DESPERADO TWO (10 to 13 years of age)
ESTER JANE – Ralphie’s female classmate, friend (10 to 13 years of age)
HELEN – Ralphie’s female classmate, friend (10 to 13 years of age)
RANDY – Ralphie’s little brother; (8 to 10 years old).
SCUT FARKAS – School bully, also plays BLACK BART; (11 to 14 years old).
Cast members do not have to be the actual ages of the characters – but must be able to look age appropriate and act accordingly.

Annual Members Meeting & Party
2018-10-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Center for the Arts, 304 Division Street, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Join the Northfield Arts Guild for our Annual Members Meeting on Wednesday, October 10 from 6-7:30 pm. Refreshments will be served.
The agenda for the Annual Member Meeting includes:

Welcome! And approval of last year’s minutes

Review FY2018 Financials

Board of Director Updates:

Recognition of outgoing Board Members
Introduce New Board Members
Governance Update

2017-18 Program Highlights

Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Education

Volunteer of the Year Awards

Closing Remarks

A Christmas Story
2018-12-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
by Philip Grecian
December 7-9 and December 13-16, 2018
Set in the 1940s this comedy follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response?? “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking and everything needed to make your holidays hilarious. (This is the play, not the musical version.)
We are excited to announce that Unum Vox will welcome our audience with caroling from 6:30-7:00pm on opening night! Many thanks to the singers and their director Jonah Heinen.

Directed by Justin Cervantes
Many thanks to our 2018-19 Theater Season Sponsors:

Thank you to our Production Co-Sponsors!

A Christmas Story
2018-12-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
by Philip Grecian
December 7-9 and December 13-16, 2018
Set in the 1940s this comedy follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response?? “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking and everything needed to make your holidays hilarious. (This is the play, not the musical version.)

Directed by Justin Cervantes
Many thanks to our 2018-19 Theater Season Sponsors:

Thank you to our Production Co-Sponsors!

Audition: Wizard of Oz
2018-12-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
The Wizard of Oz is our 2018-19 Journey Home theater season’s Purple Door Youth Theater production.

Student auditions and technician interviews will be held on the evenings of December 10 and 12, 2018. Sign up for a 30 minute audition time.

Audition Location: Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street W., Northfield
Audition/Interview Preparation: Those auditioning for acting roles should prepare one very short monologue from those listed at the bottom of the registration form. Each mini-monologue is less than 30 seconds long. Those being interviewed for Dedicated Technician roles need not prepare anything in advance. Tips for both actors and techies can be found on our Purple Door Youth Theater page.

Rehearsals begin January 7, 2019. The Wizard of Oz opens on The Guild stage on February 22, 2019 and plays for two weekends through March 3, 2019.
Students in grades 2 – 12 are involved with every aspect of producing a show from Performing, to Designing and Building, to Marketing and Ushering in a safe and supportive environment. Our Actors will be part of telling the story onstage, and will be also involved in backstage training and work. Our Dedicated Technicians are those who are interested in working with the essential “backstage” elements such as scenery, lights, costumes and sound. Actors audition for roles. Dedicated Technicians interview for positions.
PDYT is a tuition and audition/interview based educational theater program. Scholarships may be available.

QUESTIONS? We are very happy to help!
Please contact Rachel at rachel.purpledooryouththeater@gmail.com

The Wizard of Oz
2019-02-22 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-02-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
February 22 – March 3, 2019
a Purple Door Youth Theater production
by Rochelle Norbert
Journey over the rainbow to a magical kingdom where four unlikely friends discover wisdom, compassion, courage, and the way home.
When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and en route they meet a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tinman who is missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. The wizard asks the group to extinguish the Wicked Witch of the West to earn his help. This is a non-musical version of the Frank Baum story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Performances:

The Wizard of Oz, Friday February 22 7:30 PM This performance is sold out.
The Wizard of Oz, Saturday MATINEE February 23 2:00 PM This performance is sold out.
The Wizard of Oz, Sunday February 24 2:00 PM This performance is sold out.
The Wizard of Oz, Fri March 1 7:30 PM
The Wizard of Oz, 2nd Sat Matinee March 2, 2:00PM We’ve added this performance!
The Wizard of Oz, Sat Night March 2 7:30 PM
The Wizard of Oz, Sun March 3 2:00 PM This is an ASL Interpreted performance.

Venue: Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West, Northfield.

Tickets: $10.00

Directed by Rachel Haider (2018 Best of Southern MN Scene Winner: Best Director)
Technical Direction by Deb Clark
Costumes by Kate Stuart

2018-19 Purple Door Youth Theater programming is sponsored by:

2018-19 Education programs sponsored by:

CAST (Order of Appearance)
Uncle Henry/Bardo (Flying Monkey): Nathan Wolff
Aunt Em/Riskett (Flying Monkey): Grace Ryden
Dorothy: Claire Casson
Breezy (Tornado dancer)/Yellow (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Izabel Sutlief
Gusty (Tornado dancer)/Brick (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Quinn Fintel
Drafty (Tornado dancer)/Road (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Kyra Reverman
Brisk (Tornado dancer)/Puck (Poppy)/Minty (Emerald Cityzen): Abby Kauffeld
Stormy (Tornado dancer)/Miranda (Poppy)/Seafoam (Emerald Cityzen): Molly Roethler
Locasta, the Good Witch of the North: Beka Mihalik
Aladar (Munchkin)/Quinlan (Quadling): Zach Perkins
Rowann (Munchkin)/Queeny (Quadling): Kaitlin Bailey
Sir Dashemoff (Munchkin)/Quimby (Quadling): Kosmo Esplan
Clara (Munchkin)/Wit (Winkie): Autumn Mastin
Bernice (Munchkin)/Ozaka (Guardian of the Gate): Hazel Shuffelton
Mona (Munchkin)/Glinda, the Good Witch of the South: Josie Hauck
Martha (Munchkin)/Drudge (Winkie): Ruthie Lippert
Stanley (Munchkin)/Quentin (Quadling): Sam Stier
Audrey (Munchkin)/Ozaine (Guardian of the Gate): Mae Bowers
Raymond (Munchkin/Ozborne (Guardian of the Gate): Alex Oehmke
Billy (Munchkin)/Ozman (Guardian of the Gate): Locke Perkins
Clifford (Munchkin)/Doubles as Wazzup: Silas Leer
Renae (Munchkin)/Ozette (Guardian of the Gate): Violet Froehle
Fredrick (Munchkin)/Ozcar (Guardian of the Gate): Theo Rustad
Bruno (Munchkin)/Quail (Quadling): Ezra Warren
Wicked Witch of the West: Harper Bechtel
Russell Crow/Shamrock (Emerald Cityzen): Zach Hosterman
Crow Diddley/Chartreuse (Emerald Cityzen): Jillian Ros
Scarecrow: Carson Bechtel
Tinman: Mackenzie Perkins
Lion: Joran Peterson
Gyle (Flying Monkey)/Announcer: Madeline Bussmann
Tryxster(Flying Monkey)/Quazi (Quadling): Connor Percy
The Wizard of Oz: Josh Johnson
Juliet (Poppy)/Wilder (Winkie): Haley Moore
Hamlet (Poppy)/Whim (Winkie): Carsten Walter
Titania (Poppy)/Winx (Winkie): Ava Neumann
Romeo (Poppy)/Wonky (Winkie): Joey Benson
Theseus (Poppy)/Olive (Emerald Cityzen): Fletcher Aylin
Prospero (Poppy)/Pistachio (Emerald Cityzen): Braiden Dietz

DEDICATED TECHNICIANS
Andy Amundson
Evie Bauer
Sam Froehle
Willow Jo
Josie Kelly
Merri Kmoch
Cricket Mohring
Maggie Muth
Eva Stier
Sydney Swedin
Alyssa Schwartz
Cully Trotman
Serena Walker
Bea Watts
Rachel Wolff

The Wizard of Oz
2019-02-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
THE WIZARD OF OZ US CANCELLED FOR SUNDAY 2-24-19.
Sunday’s, February 24, Matinee for The Wizard of Oz has been cancelled. Anyone who purchased a ticket and would like to reschedule for a performance next weekend should contact theater@northfieldartsguild.org to see if we can find a ticket for you- only on a first come, first serve basis- as we don’t have very many left. If we’ve not heard from you by Monday at 6pm, we will refund your ticket purchase. It breaks our hearts to cancel, but safety for our cast, crew, staff and patrons is a priority. Thank you for understanding.

February 22 – March 3, 2019
a Purple Door Youth Theater production
by Rochelle Norbert
Journey over the rainbow to a magical kingdom where four unlikely friends discover wisdom, compassion, courage, and the way home.
When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and en route they meet a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tinman who is missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. The wizard asks the group to extinguish the Wicked Witch of the West to earn his help. This is a non-musical version of the Frank Baum story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Performances:

The Wizard of Oz, Friday February 22 7:30 PM This performance is sold out.
The Wizard of Oz, Saturday MATINEE February 23 2:00 PM This performance is sold out.
The Wizard of Oz, Sunday February 24 2:00 PM This performance is sold out.
The Wizard of Oz, Fri March 1 7:30 PM
The Wizard of Oz, 2nd Sat Matinee March 2, 2:00PM We’ve added this performance!
The Wizard of Oz, Sat Night March 2 7:30 PM
The Wizard of Oz, Sun March 3 2:00 PM This is an ASL Interpreted performance.

Venue: Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West, Northfield.

Tickets: $10.00

Directed by Rachel Haider (2018 Best of Southern MN Scene Winner: Best Director)
Technical Direction by Deb Clark
Costumes by Kate Stuart

2018-19 Purple Door Youth Theater programming is sponsored by:

2018-19 Education programs sponsored by:

CAST (Order of Appearance)
Uncle Henry/Bardo (Flying Monkey): Nathan Wolff
Aunt Em/Riskett (Flying Monkey): Grace Ryden
Dorothy: Claire Casson
Breezy (Tornado dancer)/Yellow (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Izabel Sutlief
Gusty (Tornado dancer)/Brick (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Quinn Fintel
Drafty (Tornado dancer)/Road (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Kyra Reverman
Brisk (Tornado dancer)/Puck (Poppy)/Minty (Emerald Cityzen): Abby Kauffeld
Stormy (Tornado dancer)/Miranda (Poppy)/Seafoam (Emerald Cityzen): Molly Roethler
Locasta, the Good Witch of the North: Beka Mihalik
Aladar (Munchkin)/Quinlan (Quadling): Zach Perkins
Rowann (Munchkin)/Queeny (Quadling): Kaitlin Bailey
Sir Dashemoff (Munchkin)/Quimby (Quadling): Kosmo Esplan
Clara (Munchkin)/Wit (Winkie): Autumn Mastin
Bernice (Munchkin)/Ozaka (Guardian of the Gate): Hazel Shuffelton
Mona (Munchkin)/Glinda, the Good Witch of the South: Josie Hauck
Martha (Munchkin)/Drudge (Winkie): Ruthie Lippert
Stanley (Munchkin)/Quentin (Quadling): Sam Stier
Audrey (Munchkin)/Ozaine (Guardian of the Gate): Mae Bowers
Raymond (Munchkin/Ozborne (Guardian of the Gate): Alex Oehmke
Billy (Munchkin)/Ozman (Guardian of the Gate): Locke Perkins
Clifford (Munchkin)/Doubles as Wazzup: Silas Leer
Renae (Munchkin)/Ozette (Guardian of the Gate): Violet Froehle
Fredrick (Munchkin)/Ozcar (Guardian of the Gate): Theo Rustad
Bruno (Munchkin)/Quail (Quadling): Ezra Warren
Wicked Witch of the West: Harper Bechtel
Russell Crow/Shamrock (Emerald Cityzen): Zach Hosterman
Crow Diddley/Chartreuse (Emerald Cityzen): Jillian Ros
Scarecrow: Carson Bechtel
Tinman: Mackenzie Perkins
Lion: Joran Peterson
Gyle (Flying Monkey)/Announcer: Madeline Bussmann
Tryxster(Flying Monkey)/Quazi (Quadling): Connor Percy
The Wizard of Oz: Josh Johnson
Juliet (Poppy)/Wilder (Winkie): Haley Moore
Hamlet (Poppy)/Whim (Winkie): Carsten Walter
Titania (Poppy)/Winx (Winkie): Ava Neumann
Romeo (Poppy)/Wonky (Winkie): Joey Benson
Theseus (Poppy)/Olive (Emerald Cityzen): Fletcher Aylin
Prospero (Poppy)/Pistachio (Emerald Cityzen): Braiden Dietz

DEDICATED TECHNICIANS
Andy Amundson
Evie Bauer
Sam Froehle
Willow Jo
Josie Kelly
Merri Kmoch
Cricket Mohring
Maggie Muth
Eva Stier
Sydney Swedin
Alyssa Schwartz
Cully Trotman
Serena Walker
Bea Watts
Rachel Wolff

Theater Season Announcement Party
2019-02-24 18:30 - 21:30 | The Contented Cow, 302 Division Street B, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
It’s almost here! The biggest announcement of the new year… no, not Best Picture, the 2019-2020 Theater Season!
Join us as we roll out the red carpet for “Decadent Decades: the 60th Anniversary Theater Season Announcement Party” on Feb. 24 at 6:30 pm at the Contented Cow to find out what is coming up next year at our theater. As a hint toward what’s been selected, we encourage you to select your favorite decade from the last 60 years and get dressed up to walk the red carpet! In conjunction with a viewing of the Academy Awards, we will reveal one show each commercial break until the whole season is announced. Once the season is announced, you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the Oscars. There will also be interactive activities, a photo booth (to show off those costumes!), drinks and food for purchase, and a celebratory cake.
Whether you’re looking for your next chance on stage, interested in designing a set or simply curious what’s coming up, you won’t want to miss “Decadent Decades: the 60th Anniversary Theater Season Announcement Party!”

Auditions: Mansfield Park/Odyssey
2019-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
https://northfieldartsguild.org/theater/auditions/

Calling All Creatives Workshops
2019-02-26 08:00 - 17:00 | MN
Calling All Northfield Creatives!
Seeking local talent to develop creative ideas:
*Represent ALL cultures
*Showcase our riverfront
* Build community
Bring your vision and voice to Downtown Northfield – all cultures, ages, and styles of creativity are welcome!
~10-15 Artists will be chosen & project support funds to use for their project. By attending the meeting, this is the first step to receive funding to support your project this upcoming summer and fall.
LEARN MORE at a FREE WORKSHOP: (If you are interested in receiving project support ~ you MUST attend one of the FREE informational meetings)
ARTISTS WORKSHOPS:
March 8
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Northfield Arts Guild
light snacks & drinks provided
(bilingual Spanish interpreter available)
-OR-
March 9
9 a.m. – noon
Northfield Public Library Minnesota
light snacks & beverages provided
(bilingual Spanish interpreter available)
This activity is part of Artists on Main Street, a partnership between NDDC, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota and Springboard for the Arts, with support from the Bush Foundation.
Learn MORE:
Northfield Artists on Main Street
Connection/Conexión
Calling all Creatives to Build Connections/Conexiónes in Downtown Northfield
Artists, makers, and creatives of all types are invited to participate in one of two free upcoming Creative Placemaking workshops as part of the Artists on Main Street Initiative here in Northfield.
Attending the workshops is the first step for creatives to apply for and potentially receive funding to support projects this upcoming summer and fall.
The workshop will be facilitated by Michele Anderson, Northfield native and current Rural Program Director for Springboard for the Arts, and Sarina Otaibi, Rural Program Manager for the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. Attendees will learn more about creative placemaking in general, the Artists on Main Street Initiative, examples of projects funded in other MN communities, and the project parameters specific to Northfield.
The name of Northfield’s initiative is “Connection/Conexión.” Project funding will be available to any artist, creative, or maker living or working within the Northfield Public School district boundary. Projects will use art, creativity, events or performances to help to draw people from across Highway 3 to downtown and create connections between people and places within our downtown.
Projects should occur within the boundaries of 2nd street on the north, 5th street on the south, the railroad tracks on the west side of Highway 3 and the East Riverwalk/backs of Division St. buildings on the east. All cultures, ages, and styles of creativity are welcome! A full call for proposals will be distributed at the workshops. The project’s fund of $15,000 will support 10-15 projects that will be selected by a Public Art Review Committee, a process facilitated by the City of Northfield’s Arts and Culture Commission. Projects must be implemented between May-October 2019.
Funding applicants must have attended a creative placemaking workshop in order to be considered for funding. Light snacks and beverages will be provided, and a bilingual Spanish interpreter will be available as well.
The Creative Placemaking workshops will take place on Friday, March 8 from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Northfield Arts Guild, and Saturday, March 9 from 9 am-12 pm at the Northfield Public Library. Registration for the workshops is free, but attendees should RSVP at http://downtownnorthfield.org if they plan to attend.
About the Artists on Main Street Initiative and Partners
The Northfield Downtown Development Corporation was awarded a $30,000 grant through the Artists on Main Street community development initiative in Fall 2018. The
program is a partnership between the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM) and Springboard for the Arts, with support from the Bush Foundation. The program explores the intersection of arts and culture, downtown revitalization, and historic preservation in eleven Minnesota Main Street communities over a four year period.
Minnesota Main Street is an economic development program of PAM that uses a historic preservation based strategy to revitalize downtown districts in Greater Minnesota communities. The program works with communities long-term and provides training and resources, including a Main Street Project Fund; to help community members revitalize their downtown.
Springboard for the Arts is a national leader in creative community development. Their approach is rooted in the principles of community organizing and focuses on a “lots of little” strategy that surfaces unrecognized leaders in communities, builds public narratives from a multiplicity of perspectives and voices; and creates low-risk opportunities for collaboration. This equity-based model centers on the lives and experiences of the people in and of the place; values the relationships, partnerships, and creative capacity that artists and communities build together; and aims to build power and agency for individuals, neighborhoods and communities.
About the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation
The Northfield Downtown Development Corporation (NDDC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 to support, strengthen, and grow Northfield’s unique downtown district. It is made up of business owners, buildings owners, and engaged residents who value the role downtown plays in Northfield’s vibrancy.
Northfield, Minnesota, is a picturesque river town with a walkable downtown district along the scenic Cannon River. Northfield is home to St Olaf and Carleton Colleges, and so is one of the upper Midwest’s best college towns. It is home to historic buildings, a swirl of art and cultural activities, state-of-the-art businesses, a rich offering of hotels and restaurants, and a sophisticated retail environment.
The program will help the NDDC to sustain a vibrant downtown by providing art and creative placemaking experiences that draw people to shop, dine and connect in Downtown Northfield; enhancing the downtown’s aesthetics through the creativity of our local artists; and utilizing the arts as a springboard for improving diversity and inclusiveness in Downtown Northfield across all cultures. As the Designated MN Main Street organization, the NDDC will coordinate the Artists on Main Street program in collaboration with the City of Northfield’s Arts & Culture Commission and the Northfield Arts Guild.

The Wizard of Oz
2019-03-01 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-03-02 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-03-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
THE WIZARD OF OZ IS SOLD OUT. We welcome you to come an hour prior to performance time to try for jumpseats (backless stools on the end of the rows) or for turned in tickets.
February 22 – March 3, 2019
a Purple Door Youth Theater production
by Rochelle Norbert
Journey over the rainbow to a magical kingdom where four unlikely friends discover wisdom, compassion, courage, and the way home.
When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and en route they meet a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tinman who is missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. The wizard asks the group to extinguish the Wicked Witch of the West to earn his help. This is a non-musical version of the Frank Baum story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Performances:

The Wizard of Oz, Friday February 22 7:30 PM
The Wizard of Oz, Saturday MATINEE February 23 2:00 PM
The Wizard of Oz, Sunday February 24 2:00 PM
The Wizard of Oz, Fri March 1 7:30 PM
The Wizard of Oz, 2nd Sat Matinee March 2, 2:00PM We’ve added this performance!
The Wizard of Oz, Sat Night March 2 7:30 PM
The Wizard of Oz, Sun March 3 2:00 PM This is an ASL Interpreted performance.

Venue: Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West, Northfield.

Tickets: $10.00

Directed by Rachel Haider (2018 Best of Southern MN Scene Winner: Best Director)
Technical Direction by Deb Clark
Costumes by Kate Stuart

2018-19 Purple Door Youth Theater programming is sponsored by:

2018-19 Education programs sponsored by:

CAST (Order of Appearance)
Uncle Henry/Bardo (Flying Monkey): Nathan Wolff
Aunt Em/Riskett (Flying Monkey): Grace Ryden
Dorothy: Claire Casson
Breezy (Tornado dancer)/Yellow (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Izabel Sutlief
Gusty (Tornado dancer)/Brick (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Quinn Fintel
Drafty (Tornado dancer)/Road (Yellow Brick Road dancer): Kyra Reverman
Brisk (Tornado dancer)/Puck (Poppy)/Minty (Emerald Cityzen): Abby Kauffeld
Stormy (Tornado dancer)/Miranda (Poppy)/Seafoam (Emerald Cityzen): Molly Roethler
Locasta, the Good Witch of the North: Beka Mihalik
Aladar (Munchkin)/Quinlan (Quadling): Zach Perkins
Rowann (Munchkin)/Queeny (Quadling): Kaitlin Bailey
Sir Dashemoff (Munchkin)/Quimby (Quadling): Kosmo Esplan
Clara (Munchkin)/Wit (Winkie): Autumn Mastin
Bernice (Munchkin)/Ozaka (Guardian of the Gate): Hazel Shuffelton
Mona (Munchkin)/Glinda, the Good Witch of the South: Josie Hauck
Martha (Munchkin)/Drudge (Winkie): Ruthie Lippert
Stanley (Munchkin)/Quentin (Quadling): Sam Stier
Audrey (Munchkin)/Ozaine (Guardian of the Gate): Mae Bowers
Raymond (Munchkin/Ozborne (Guardian of the Gate): Alex Oehmke
Billy (Munchkin)/Ozman (Guardian of the Gate): Locke Perkins
Clifford (Munchkin)/Doubles as Wazzup: Silas Leer
Renae (Munchkin)/Ozette (Guardian of the Gate): Violet Froehle
Fredrick (Munchkin)/Ozcar (Guardian of the Gate): Theo Rustad
Bruno (Munchkin)/Quail (Quadling): Ezra Warren
Wicked Witch of the West: Harper Bechtel
Russell Crow/Shamrock (Emerald Cityzen): Zach Hosterman
Crow Diddley/Chartreuse (Emerald Cityzen): Jillian Ros
Scarecrow: Carson Bechtel
Tinman: Mackenzie Perkins
Lion: Joran Peterson
Gyle (Flying Monkey)/Announcer: Madeline Bussmann
Tryxster(Flying Monkey)/Quazi (Quadling): Connor Percy
The Wizard of Oz: Josh Johnson
Juliet (Poppy)/Wilder (Winkie): Haley Moore
Hamlet (Poppy)/Whim (Winkie): Carsten Walter
Titania (Poppy)/Winx (Winkie): Ava Neumann
Romeo (Poppy)/Wonky (Winkie): Joey Benson
Theseus (Poppy)/Olive (Emerald Cityzen): Fletcher Aylin
Prospero (Poppy)/Pistachio (Emerald Cityzen): Braiden Dietz

DEDICATED TECHNICIANS
Andy Amundson
Evie Bauer
Sam Froehle
Willow Jo
Josie Kelly
Merri Kmoch
Cricket Mohring
Maggie Muth
Eva Stier
Sydney Swedin
Alyssa Schwartz
Cully Trotman
Serena Walker
Bea Watts
Rachel Wolff

Auditions: The Odyssey
2019-04-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States

The Secret Garden
2019-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
https://northfieldartsguild.org/theater/2018-19-journey-home-theater-season/the-secret-garden/

April 12 – 28, 2019
book by Marsha Norman – composed by Lucy Simon.
This Tony Award-winning musical is the enchanting classic story originally written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, composed by Lucy Simon, and re-imagined in brilliant musical style by Marsha Norman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. Set in the early 1900s, orphaned 11 year-old Mary Lennox returns from India to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies dramatizing The Secret Garden‘s compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.

Many thanks to our 2018-19 Theater Season Sponsors:

Thank you to our Production Sponsor:

and to our Production Supporter:
Rob Martin Agency

LAB: The Pink Unicorn
2019-05-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
a LAB Theater Series production in conjunction with Down the Rabbit Hole Productions
Saturday, May 18, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 19, 2:00pm (followed by a post-show discussion)
What will a Mom do for her child?
The Pink Unicorn
a comedy about gender identity and big hair
written by Elise Forier Edie, “Best Storyteller” winner 2013 United Solo Theatre Festival
a Staged Reading featuring Mishia Edwards
The Pink Unicorn is an award-winning solo theater piece, which tells the story of a Christian widow, living in a conservative Texas town, whose life is thrown into turmoil when her teenaged daughter announces she is “gender queer” and starts a chapter of the Gay and Straight Alliance at the local high school. Produced originally in Washington by DogTown Theatre, the play was invited to perform at the United Solo Theatre Festival in New York City, where Elise won the Best Storyteller award. It has since performed elsewhere in the US and Canada.
Tickets are only $8.00 for this LAB Theater Series production.
“Extraordinary...The Pink Unicorn need(s) to be on Broadway, in the West End, touring the world with the powerful message of this brilliantly wise and inspiring work”
(NY Theater Now)
“…any outline of the story in a short review can’t possibly give you the richness and depth of Edie’s play…5 stars.” (The Edmonton Sun)
“…very funny…sharp and poetic. Edie’s knack for vivid description creates a fully realized world…” (Saskatoon Star Phoenix)
“…a wonderfully real, fleshed out story of mother’s journey from horror to bewilderment to empowerment…(a) smart and beautifully realized play.” (Talkin’ Broadway Regional Reviews/Minneapolis-St Paul)

Free Workshop! Fund Your Next Project, Grant Writing for Artists
2019-05-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N,, Faribault, MN, 55021, United States
Free Informational Workshop
Fund Your Next Project, Grant Writing for Artists
You asked for opportunities to grow as artists, and we listened!

Join fellow artists for a free workshop!
The Paradise Center for the Arts and the Northfield Arts Guild are proud to present this free workshop featuring a panel of performing and visual artists who have experience writing and receiving grants: Joy Davis Ripley (Photographer), Wendy Placko (Filmmaker, Musician, Actor & Dancer), Larry Tolle (Playwright & Performing Artist), & Judy Saye-Willis (Multimedia Visual Artist). This special workshop is free & open to the public!
This panel discussion will provide an overview of grant writing best practices including:
1) Understanding the grant writing process
2) The anatomy of a winning grant
3) The timeline of the grant writing process
4) Creating a strong budget
During this presentation attendees are welcomed to ask questions, and discuss their experiences, tips and ideas with the group.
Interested in attending? Please reserve your seat by emailing heather@northfieldartsguild.org or calling (507) 645-8877.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.

Join us for the Guild Artist Professional Development (APD) Series
You asked for opportunities to grow as artists, and we listened! The goal of our APD series is to build community amongst our regional visual artists working in all media, and grow through networking and learning opportunities.
Each quarter, the Guild provides a range of events
Artist Mixers Low-key artist get togethers at a local establishment
Artist Conversations Workshops focused on a specific visual arts related topic
Studio Visits See how other artists create to a topic shared over lunch
Lunch & Learns Demonstrations and presentations on a topic shared over lunch
These gatherings are free and open to the public, but as space is limited, please reserve your seat by emailing heather@northfieldartsguild.org or calling (507) 645-8877. To suggest a topic or workshop, please email heather@northfieldartsguild.org.

Mansfield Park
2019-06-21 19:00 - 21:30 | Northfield High School Auditorium, 1400 Division St S, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
https://northfieldartsguild.org/theater/2018-19-journey-home-theater-season/mansfield-park/

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Curious Incident Auditions
2019-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Center for the Arts, 304 Division Street, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States

Rachel's "New Stage" Party!
2019-07-19 17:00 - 19:00 | The Contented Cow, 302 Division Street B, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Please join us in thanking Rachel Haider for her tremendous contributions to the Guild and Northfield and wishing her well at a farewell reception at the The Contented Cow (302 Division Street) on Friday, July 19 from 5-7 pm.
We are so happy for Rachel as she embarks on her retirement, and we are deeply thankful for her visionary work as the Guild’s Performing Arts Manager!
We hope you can join us at the Cow (on the patio) on July 19!

Crazy Daze at the Guild!
2019-07-25 07:00 - 15:00 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
The Guild will join the fun once again this year during Northfield’s Crazy Daze on Thursday, July 25, with free Inspiration Station art making from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and Crazy Daze pricing on selected fine art, art supplies, costumes and theater season tickets throughout the day.

MATILDA Auditions
2019-07-30 17:30 - 20:00 | Center for the Arts, 304 Division Street, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
https://northfieldartsguild.org/theater/auditions/

Purple Door Youth Theater

YPTW Session II Performance
2019-07-31 17:30 - 19:30, 2019-08-01 17:30 - 19:30, 2019-08-02 17:30 - 19:30 | MN
Participants in the Young People’s Theater Workshop take part in writing, rehearsing, and performing an original script after three weeks of preparation in creative drama and dance classes led by a staff of theater artists. The program culminates in a live performance for the public on the last three days of their session. All performances will be held at Northfield High School.

Performances:
Wednesday, July 31, 5:30 pm
Thursday, Aug. 1, 5:30 pm
Friday, Aug. 2, 10 am

Tickets are now available!
Adults: $5
Youth: $3
4 & Under: Free

The Odyssey
2019-08-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
August 2-11, 2019
by Mary Zimmerman
These dramatic scenes from Homer’s myth begin with a modern young woman who is struggling to understand Robert Fitzgerald’s translation of The Odyssey. A classical muse appears, and the young woman becomes the goddess Athena–a tireless advocate for Odysseus in his struggle to get home. With her trademark irreverent and witty twist on classic works, Zimmerman brings to life the story of Odysseus’s ten-year journey, depicting his encounters with characters such as the Cyclops, Poseidon, Calypso, the Sirens, and others. The show is done in “bare bones grandeur” with imagined environments and epic landscapes with creative storytelling.
Directed by Marc Robinson
Marc Robinson is a professor of Russian at St. Olaf College who specializes in contemporary Russian theater. He has directed a number of shows at the Arts Guild over the years including Death of a Salesman, Dracula, The Importance of Being Earnest, his own play, The Singer Sisters, and Cabaret. Marc’s interest in Russian physical theater inspiring his work.
Many thanks to our 2018-19 Theater Season Sponsors:

Thank you to our Production Sponsor:

Post-show Discussion with Kari Halker-Saathoff
2019-08-04 16:30 - 17:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street W, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Join us for a post-show discussion with Kari Halker-Saathoff on Sunday, August 4 at the Guild Theater.

Special exhibition at the Guild Theater
Odysseus and Penelope: The Long Journey showcases the work of Kari Halker-Saathoff, who has always been fascinated with stories of adventure. In creating her interpretation, Kari fashioned images on ceramic vessels that represent Penelope’s remarkable story, while her illustrations tell the story of Odysseus. For many, even those who have not read Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus’ adventures are part of our cultural knowledge. Given this familiarity, Halker-Saathoff depicts his journey within the mythological time period while reimagining the timeless and transcendent story – a story that has stayed with her throughout the years.
While many of the illustration titles are inspired by the text of The Odyssey, in contrast, the titles accompanying each of Penelope’s vessels are inspired by the Women’s March of 2017, as well as current news stories. Halker-Saathoff has purposely chosen to align Penelope’s heroic journey within the present context of female struggle and empowerment. Her ambition for this show is to illuminate the many parallels between the present and 650 B.C.E.

CASTastrophe2 Auditions
2019-08-06 18:30 - 20:30 | 411 West 3rd Street, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Auditions for CASTastrophe2 are August 6th and 7th, 6:30 to 8:30pm, with director Pauline Jennings: 404 Plum Street , Northfield. Sign up for a 15 minute time slot by emailing the director at eniluap.jennings@gmail.com
Auditions Requirement: Pick a song to sing that has backing tracks on YouTube (karaoke) and shows emotional, dynamic and vocal range. Or, bring along your proposed scene/monologue to perform.

What is CASTastrophe2?

Northfield’s brightest stars perform songs and scenes from roles in which they would NEVER be cast. The results are a thrilling and hilarious musical revue! In fact, it’s so much fun, we’ve brought it back for a second year to honor and benefit the Guild.
Join the Guild and Rebound Enterprises as they present the 2nd year of a blow-the-doors-off-CASTastrophe! It’s SO big this year, we’re performing at Armory Square!
Performances:
Thursday, September 26, 2019 @ 7:30pm
Friday, September 27, 2019 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 28, 2019 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, September 29, 2019 @ 2:00 pm
Venue: Armory Square, 519 Division St S, Northfield
CASTastrophe 2 is sponsored and made possible by:

The Great Northfield Bank Robbery: A Love Story
2019-09-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
September 5, 6, and 7, 2019
a World Premier
during Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days

Performances:
Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 7:30pm
Friday, September 6, 2019 at 7:30pm
Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 7:30pm

In 1900, Jim and Cole Younger, brothers from Missouri, had spent nearly a quarter century in Stillwater penitentiary for the notorious raid on the First National Bank of Northfield. As a movement for their pardon grew, a young reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press took an interest in the Youngers’ cause. Alix J. Muller, already distinguished in her journalism career at the tender age of 22, followed her nose for news and went out to Stillwater to interview Jim Younger. Alix came back with more than just a good story. She and Jim Younger began a mutual appreciation. After the famous bank robbers and killers were released, the relationship between Alix and Jim turned into its own story — one that shocked the upper crust of St. Paul. The star-crossed romance between an ambitious young woman of high society and an ex-con more than twice her age is a story that seems like fiction — but it was once actual news.
How the play came about:
Bill McAuliffe was digging through files at the Minnesota HIstory Center, researching some now-forgotten news story, when he came across accounts of the tragic death of bank robber and killer Jim Younger. Younger had been in love with a St. Paul journalist less than half his age, but of course it couldn’t work. “That’s a play,” McAuliffe thought. “Maybe I’ll write it when I retire.” Twenty-five years later, on his way out the Star Tribune door on his final day, McAuliffe stopped by the desk of colleague Graydon Royce, the paper’s long-time drama and arts critic. Was there a play here, McAuliffe wondered? As the saying goes, you couldn’t make this stuff up. There was definitely a play there. And here it is.

The Playwrights:
In his 33 years as a reporter at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Bill McAuliffe covered politics, crime, weather and other obsessions of the day. He is also an award-winning travel writer and has written a wide range of children’s non fiction books. He is a bicyclist, bread-baker, undiscovered guitarist and grandfather of four. He lives in Minneapolis.
Graydon Royce is a retired theater critic and fine arts writer with the Star Tribune. He won the 2016 Ivey Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Twin Cities theater community. He has been a fellow at both the O’Neill Critic’s Institute in New London, Conn., and the NEA Classical Music Fellowship at Columbia University. He is also a playwright and actor. He most recently performed in “Holiday Inn” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. Royce currently serves as director of artistic ministry at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis. He has four children and eight grandchildren.
Directed by Rachel Haider
2018 Best of Southern MN Scene Winner for Best Director
Throughout most of her life, Rachel has studied, taught, and worked in theater arts and in arts promotion and management. Her extensive resume includes work with professional, community and educational theaters. She has taught in private and public schools and with numerous arts organizations. Her most recent directing credits with the Guild include Mansfield Park, Les Misérables (which won Best Production in 2018) and The King’s New Clothes. Other recent directing credits include The Miracle Worker, A Christmas Carol, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Rachel is the Performing Arts Manager at the Guild and directs/teaches/manages Purple Door Youth Theater. Rachel brings a broad range of arts expertise to her productions, creating quality and memorable theatrical experiences.
Featuring:
Jim Younger: Steve Lawler
Alix Muller: Alison Haider
Cole Younger: Jonathan Larson
Lenora/Prostitute/Editor: Innana Antley
Governor Samuel Van Sant: Brendon Etter
Edward Schurmeier/Male Guard at Stillwater Prison: Paul Seguin
Rutter/Reporter 1/Schoch: Rolf Kragseth
Schmitz/Reporter 2: Samuel Temple
Johnson/Con on a Crutch: Will McIntyre
Warren Bronaugh/Reporter 3: Andy Franklin
Adolph Grethen: Bryan Reed
Aid to Van Sant/Female Guard at Stillwater Prison/Panhandler/Ex-con/Landlady/Reporter in Boise: Esme’ Elzi
Barker/Heckler: Joran Peterson

Many thanks to our Production Co-sponsor:
