Aloha Theatre seeks scripts for annual Original Play Festival
Aloha Theatre has announced its request for new stage plays which have not been published or produced, for its 25th annual Original Play Festival, which will be presented August 15-18 at the historic, 1932 vintage theatre in Kainaliu. Scripts of any length and on any subject will be accepted, and must be received by May 1. Due to the limited preparation time for the festival, musical entries will not be accepted. Also ineligible are scripts which have won contests or which have already received staged readings.
Entries are limited to one per playwright, and must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or PDF format to opf@alohatheatre.com. The script file must contain a list of characters and a brief description of the play, but should not contain the playwright’s name. A separate file must also be submitted and must include the title of the play and the playwright’s name, mailing address, phone numbers and email address. This helps to insure anonymity in evaluation and selection. Authors retain rights; Aloha Theatre performance rights are limited to the dates of the festival. Scripts will be posted on a special, secure section of the theatre’s website during the selection process to facilitate access by the OPF XXV Selection Committee.
Plays selected will be mounted as staged readings, with minimal rehearsal, actors holding scripts and simple technical presentation. The committee’s official selections will be made by early June; notifications will be made in mid-June. Auditions for actor and readers will be held in early July. Rehearsals will be conducted once a week for each play from mid-July to mid-August, and the festival will be presented at the Aloha Theatre August 15-18. A wrap up discussion and celebration will be held August 19, at which time the “Opie” award will be presented. This is a people’s choice honor bestowed on the best script of the festival, as determined by popular vote of audience members. The Opie Award-winning script will be presented to Aloha Theatre’s season planning Kokua Committee for consideration as a possible future mainstage production.
Info: Go to AlohaTheatre.com or call 322-9924
Tommy Emmanuel to play one concert
on the Big Island
Tommy Emmanuel is coming to the Big Island to perform one concert on Aug. 26 at the Honokaa People’s Theatre.
Tickets are $45/$75. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.
A master technician, Emmanuel started playing professionally at age 6, rising through the ranks as a studio player and member of several Australian rock bands before he set off on a solo career. One of only five musicians handpicked by his mentor, Chet Atkins, as a Certified Guitar Player, he’s piled up numerous accolades, including two Grammy nominations, two ARIA Awards from the Australian Recording Industry Association and repeated honors in the Guitar Player magazine reader’s poll.
A noted fingerstyle guitarist, Emmanuel frequently threads three different parts simultaneously into his material, operating as a one-man band who handles the melody, the supporting chords and the bass all at once. Emmanuel never plays the same show twice, and he improvises big chunks of every date.
“It’s all about the feeling of the music,” Emmanuel said in a press release. “And it has to make me feel something. I’m still playing for myself, you know, because I figure if I please me, then I’m pretty sure I’m gonna please you. And that’s not an arrogant statement, it’s just quality control.”
Info: Call 896-4845 or go to bluesbearhawaii.com
Keiki stained glass classes returns to Volcano Art Center
Students can learn basic stained glass construction tasks by completing a simple, egg design at the Keiki stained glass workshop at the Volcano Art Center.
The glass will be precut and will then be completed using the copper foil solder method of stained glass construction, which includes foiling, soldering, finishing, and decorating. Glass cutting and grinding will be demonstrated.
Glass artist Lois Pollock will share her expertise and knowledge, teaching students the skills involved in working safely with stained glass, and creating a beautiful, sturdy piece of art.
Keiki stained glass will be held at Volcano Art Center from 9 a.m. to noon March 24 and 25. The class fee is $55/$50 for VAC members plus a $10 supply fee. Attendees are asked to wear long pants, snug fitting gloves, covered shoes and safety glasses. This class is designed for children ages 11 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required and this workshop will be limited to six children accompanied by their parent.
Info: To register call Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org
Whisky &Poetry Salon coming to Kailua-Kona
The Whisky &Poetry Salon, an immersive evening of spirits and words, will make its Hawaii debut from 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 16 at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar with local storyteller/pidgin poet Bradajo (a.k.a. Jozuf Handley) as the feature poet.
“We trade you whisky for your words” is the concept of The Whisky &Poetry Salon, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in November 2017. All guests are asked to bring a poem, original or not, to read in a candlelit circle of fellow poetry lovers. Over the course of the evening, a whisky ambassador presents distinctive whiskies paired with tasting education. A feature poet of note ends each evening with a 10-15 minute set.
In its five years of existence in Los Angeles, the Whisky &Poetry Salon has built a devoted following by inspiring a renewed appreciation for poetry via the encouragement to read aloud in a supportive environment and beautiful, atmospheric settings while sipping fine whisky. Past featured poets include: Luis J. Rodriguez: official Poet Laureate of Los Angeles (2014-2016); Beau Sia (Def Poetry slam poetry T.V. series), Raul Herrera (who performed at the White House with the Get Lit Players) and Suzanne Lummis and Annelyse Gelman: each has had poems featured in The New Yorker.
Info: Contact Kim Ohanneson at whiskyforwords@gmail.com
Akami Art Supply hosting Demo Days
The classroom at Akamai Art Supply is hosting Demo Days on March 23-24. Demo Days is a chance to come and play with new products, ask questions to the pros and there will also be representatives from many vendors on hand.
In conjunction with this event, Akamai Art Supply is also hosting a plein aire paint out with Maui artists William Houston and Katya Minkina at 9:30 a.m. on March 23.
Big Island artists Brad “Tiki shark” Parker, Jacob Medina, Rockwood and Alex Gupton will also be attending on March 24 to paint the container at Hale KuI Plaza.
These events are free and open to the public.
Info: Call 334-0292 or send an email to classes@akamaiart.com
