Algonquin Arts Theatre: Behind the Curtain

A Fresh, New Box Office: Come Visit!

2011-02-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, we redid our Box Office, and made some new Box Office hours to better serve our patrons. We moved everything around, repainted, and got new posters.

The new hours are Monday-Friday 12-6 pm and Saturday 12-4 pm. Stop in and visit us soon!

Irish Heritage Contest Open to the Public

2011-02-21T07:13:00.000-08:00

Tell us why you love the Irish heritage in 150 words or less, and you could be the winner of a free pair of tickets to see The Prodigals, the famous, Irish rock band, at the Algonquin on March 5th. The deadline to enter is March 1st and the winner will be selected on March 3rd and contacted via email.

All entries must be emailed to mary@algonquinarts.org by midnight on March 1st. This contest is open to the public; anyone who enjoys the Irish heritage is encouraged to enter.

Algonquin Offers Free Acting Outlet for Students

2011-02-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

The first gathering of teen night at the Algonquin was a success...

Performing Arts Academy instructor, Mr. Ruben Nagy, and I (Ms. Julie) had the pleasure of meeting students on Friday, February 4^th between ten and thirteen years of age. We opened the evening with fun warm up games, while also asking the students their purpose for taking the class. Some of the students said it was because a friend invited them, others said it was because it was a free class. All of the students were just looking for some fun and the chance to learn improv, even if it meant giving up a ski trip (which one student had done). Talk about dedication to the craft!

As an instructor, it was a pleasure to work with students who were not afraid to make choices in the classroom. This group really worked well with one another while also exploring their own ideas and thoughts of approaching the acting space. Mr. Ruben and I customized an improv class based on a specific social issue, peer pressure. We were able to demonstrate the negative and positive influence of peer pressure through the fun acting exercises. The scenes were playful and silly, leaving everyone feeling welcome, comfortable and safe.

As promised, Mr. Ruben and I did not fail to provide tasty snacks; in fact the snacks became part of our motives in our improv activities, making it even more fun. Those two hours were worth every minute and I was so proud of all the students who came out and took a chance with TEEN NIGHT. Some of them knew one another but whether they did or didn’t, everyone walked out of that classroom having had made a friend. I have no doubt our friends will be back to join us for more improv on Friday, March 4th.

About FREE Teen Night & How to Join us for the Next Meeting
Join us for a fun night of Improv. The teaching artists will customize an improv class based on social issues that are appropriate to class. Students can explore any one of the following areas: character development, bullying, emotional violence, peer pressure, pros & cons of labels and making choices. We’ll provide improv fun that creates a positive influence while enjoying good company and tasty snacks. Students can bring friends to join them, and you do not have to call to register; just show up. We will take attendance when students arrive.

Where: Algonquin Arts Theater (Dance Studio)

When: First Friday of each month within Spring 2011 semester

(February 4th, March 4th, April 1st and May 6th)

Ages: 9 and up

Time: 7:00-9:00pm

Cost: FREE!

Instructors: Ruben Nagy and Julie Nagy

Info contributed by: Julie Nagy, Director of Education

AYE Auditions for Two Male Leads for Pride & Prejudice

2011-02-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

Our Performing Arts Academy is producing the play, Pride and Prejudice. We had auditions two weeks ago and they went really well. Our biggest challenge, as it always is, is not having enough male actors to audition. At this time we have cast every character except Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet. Both are really great roles. We are now holding auditions for these roles by appointment. We are seeking two male actors to play either Mr. Bennet or Mr. Darcy (Ages 16 to 25).

For more information, please have the actors who are interested in these parts call Julie Nagy, the Director of Education, at 732-528-9224 or they can e-mail Julie@algonquinarts.org.

MR. BENNET
He is a man of culture and taste, whose sense of humor has helped to carry him through some twenty-five years of marriage with his frivolous and irresponsible wife. He is handsome, with graying hair and a courteous and pleasing manner. His manner of speaking varies from dry humor to elaborate sarcasm, yet he is devoted to the real interests of his family, although he is slow to take action. This role calls for an actor with excellent comic timing and the ability to “tune out” and focus on a book.

MR. FITZWILLIAM
DARCY He is a little older than Mr. Bingley, and a great deal richer. He is tall, handsome and aristocratic in appearance, but his manner is cold and stiff. He is secretly just as much attracted by Elizabeth as Mr. Bingley is by Jane, but he is too intelligent not to recognize her mother’s lack of refinement, and so resists her as long as he can. This role requires the typical “leading man”—tall, good-looking with regal bearing and the air of aristocracy about him.

Info contributed by: Julie Nagy, Director of Education

NJYT's RENT in collaboration with Algonquin Arts Theatre & NJPAC’s Summer Musical Program

2010-07-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hello again everybody! This summer has been going just as planned here at Algonquin Arts Theatre: packed full of fun events that bring this place to life over and over again! Speaking of, New Jersey Youth Theatre’s Production of RENT in association with Algonquin Arts Theatre & NJPAC’s Summer Musical Program will open here on Friday, July 30 for seven amazing performances. Tickets cost $29 for adults and seniors and $18 for people 18 years old and younger. Here are all of the show times:

Friday, July 30 at 8:00 PM*
Saturday, July 31 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 1 at 3:00 PM
Thursday, August 5 at 8:00 PM**
Friday, August 6 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 7 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 8 at 3:00 PM

*The opening performance on Friday, July 30th will feature a Pre-Show Season Sneak Peak at 7:30 pm, where the audience will have the opportunity to learn about all the exciting upcoming events for the season.

**Also, prior to the show on Thursday, August 5 we will be hosting a Multi-Chamber Networking event. This event is called “Network and Nosh!” and is a reception sponsored by UBS and coordinated by the Manasquan and Brielle Chambers of Commerce. During this time, business owners can network and sample food and cocktails starting at 6:00 PM followed by the show at 8:00 PM. If business owners want to attend the reception only, it costs $20 and the reception and show on this night costs $40. These business owners can attend the show after to see what NJYT and NJPAC have to offer in their production of RENT, but don't worry: it is still open to everybody for the regular prices as listed earlier!

We are so excited to have RENT here at the Algonquin. Make sure you reserve your tickets by calling 732-528-9211 or online at www.algonquinarts.org. This is sure to be an amazing performance!

Check out this video!

Summer Time

2010-06-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! So we have been going on and on about how exciting our Summer Series is going to be, and now that we have everything finalized we can finally share it with all of you. Saturday, July 10, kicks off our Summer Series with a free preview of our Saturday Cabaret Series. With the legendary Mel Hood as our host, each week we will feature a different cabaret artist. We are extremely excited to host such great talent, and cannot wait for the kickoff!

This summer is going to be full of firsts here at Algonquin Arts Theatre. Besides featuring great performances of Rent and HMS Pinafore, we will also be hosting a brand new, evening Surf Series. This event includes a free surf movie, live music, and delicious grub for sale by some of our local businesses. The first of our four Surf Series Events takes place on July 23 at 8pm, so be sure to come out and support a new summer tradition!

Another first for the theatre, comedy! Standup has been a long time coming to Algonquin, and what better way to start than with the hilarious former host of "The Biggest Loser," Caroline Rhea. Caroline is an accomplished comedian, and an absolute riot. If you don't believe us, check her out for yourselves:

This summer is not to be missed!
Visit www.algonquinarts.org for more info!

Our Take on the Seaside Music Fest

2010-06-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

What can we say about the Seaside Music Fest? Well for starters, there were lots of great people-watching opportunities and we met some superb individuals. The boardwalk had a hefty variety of visitors, ranging from high school students to senior groups, and it was nice that so many people were interested in the Algonquin Arts Theatre table. By the way, Millennium Radio donated vendor tables to nonprofits, so thank you Millennium Radio!

Julie and Mary (who represented the Theatre that day) were very tempted by a boardwalk food place that sold fried oreos. Luckily, they made it out with their willpower and wallets still in check.

Where will Algonquin Arts Theatre go next? You'll just have to wait to find out.

Morning Music with James Alexander

2010-05-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. We just returned from seeing one of our favorite performers, James Alexander, singing Songs from the American Stage. James sang as part of our Morning Music Series, and a great crowd was in attendance including some students from Brick Memorial School who sat front row center, and even took a few pictures for James. The performance was great, and to top it all off OceanFirst Bank presented Algonquin Arts Theatre with a check for $15,000! Needless to say, it was a very exciting morning here at the Theatre. Also, rumor has it that James Alexander will be returning for a Main Stage show in the upcoming season. We just can’t get enough of his great sense of humor and wonderful voice! We would also like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors Simon Kaufman, Esq. and Maria Zito-Kaufman.

Manasquan Craft Fair

2010-04-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Even though we have been extremely busy these past few weeks here at Algonquin Arts, we still managed to attend the Manasquan Craft Fair in Squan Plaza last Saturday and have some fun. Mary and Michelle enjoyed the sun while meeting with browsing locals, handing out brochures, and even selling a few raffle tickets! They managed to escape without making any major purchases, but just barely—the fair had some really great stuff. Manasquan was out in full force, with four legged friends in tow, enjoying the crafts and Jimmy Buffet tunes provided by Ed Austin. A special thanks to Pat and Laura for helping us be a part of this wonderful day!

Month of the Young Child

2010-04-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! So we know this is a little delayed, but on April 16, we took part in the Asbury Park School District, Month of the Young Child Parade, and it was a blast! Although the weather wasn’t the greatest, kids, parents, and community members were out in full force. In attendance were the Asbury Park Fire Department, Asbury Park High School Band, Curiosity Cat, Acelero Learning Head Start, A Little Class Preschool, Alphabets Preschool, Barack H. Obama Kindergarten, Bradley Preschool and Kindergarten, Care on the Square, Little Tots Preschool, Thurgood Marshall Kindergarten, Mercy Center, Childcare Resources, Foster Care Program, Hispanic Affairs, Prevention First, Mounted Police, Asbury Park Police Department and our very own Education Coordinator, Julie, and Intern, Michelle, representing Algonquin Arts. The girls braved the weather in cool costumes; Julie dressed as a playful puppy, and Michelle doing her best as the Rainbow Fish. The kids were all super excited to see familiar characters in their midst, though we had to keep Julie away from Curiosity Cat (old rivalries die hard).

Overall, the day was a great opportunity to get out into the community and talk to some of the people involved in the organizations that Algonquin Arts teams up with for our Page and Stage Program. If you don’t know, our Page and Stage program goes into schools like those present at the parade and creates activities to go along with the reading of a book such as The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. The kids then get to come to Algonquin Arts to see the play performed on our stage. It is awesome to see how excited they get by theatre when they have that deeper connection to the book! Overall, the day was tons of fun although we did freeze our tails off literally! Hopefully we will have some more great events like this one in the future that we can share with all of you. Have a great day!

New Season!

2010-04-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody! We haven’t gotten into the swing of the whole blog thing yet, but we are working on it. Just wanted to drop in with a quick post about what has been keeping us so busy at Algonquin Arts. We are currently in the process of coordinating our 2010-2011 Season. It’s crazy how 2009 just flew by, and already we are at the part of the year that is just tons of chaotic fun. We can’t say too much, but the summer is shaping up to be one of our best ever. We are branching out and trying new things while bringing back everyone’s old favorites. Jersey Shore summers at Algonquin Arts are not to be missed!

Finally... A Blog!

2010-04-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are pleased to announce that we now have a blog. You know what this means, right? No? Well, neither do we! We are just excited to have an opportunity to let people know who we really are and hopefully share some humorous stories and insight on what it is like to run a nonprofit theatre. Be prepared to share our struggles and successes, and most of all, get ready to be entertained!

Stay tuned....