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TAGLines T h e N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e T h e a t r e A r t s G u i l d , I n c . – A p r i l 2 0 0 5

M a r y C a r r i c k , P r e s i d e n t D a e n a S c h w e i g e r , C h a i r / E d i t o r w w w . t h e a t r e a r t s g u i l d . c o m

Notes from the President… and a V-8 by Mary Carrick There’s no business like show business, and from the looks of what our Awards ballot is shaping up to be, business has been booming…on stage, that is. Much talk has been made lately about the competition for the entertainment dollar. And, frankly, that’s another column entirely. Let’s just say that our commitment to encouraging those to Get Real and Experience Live Theatre has never been more important – at least in this town. How wonderful that the Holland Center is nearing its opening. I can’t wait to see Barbara Cook and Renee Fleming this year. I’m psyched about U2 as well. However, compared to what a theatre ticket will run me, even four of them, these are high-end purchases. And, that’s a message in itself. More on this next month. You'll notice we've again included a listing of the season's shows in this issue. It's our way of going the extra mile to ensure that the information is correct before the nominations ballots are printed. Help us by bringing to our attention any omissions, errors, or shows mistakenly included in the listing. If you're interested in becoming more involved with TAG, consider running for the Board of Directors this year. We need fresh faces as well as veterans to help us propel our organization forward as we continue to implement new ideas that benefit our theatre community. The election process is quite simple -express your interest to me or another Board member and we will forward a questionnaire for you to complete so we may include you on the ballot. Board election ballots as well as candidate bios will be included with your Awards invitation. And, please be sure to cast your vote! What are we looking for in terms of Board members? Well, enthusiasm for one -a positive attitude for another - and, the ability to develop ideas and the gumption to help implement them. A sincere interest in theatre is sure important, too. In addition to the Board, we welcome anyone interested in serving on a committee or lending a hand (or a head!). Our door is open - you just need to turn the doorknob. Please contact me to learn more about what areas could use some extra attention. We'll keep you only as busy as you want to be! I’ll close now, as it seems there’s much reading to be done of this thick issue. Speaking of, I’d like to thank Daena Schweiger for all of her work as our newsletter editor. She puts up with my tardy columns and does so with a smile, albeit a sharp wink. She also deals with late submissions, filling space, editing lengthy press releases, and gathering important newsworthy info, all while remaining fair and balanced. Thank you, Daena! All the best…

T A G N I G H T O U T

The Robber Bridegroom Thursday, May 26

8:00 PM Bellevue Little Theatre

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T H I S I S S U E

On Stage News

The Green Room / Auditions

Dear Denny

Other Good Stuff

Theatre Planning Calendar

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N E W M E M B E R S

Doran Schmidt Aaron Wong Caitlin Ray

Alexandra Breedlove

Department of Performing Arts Creighton University

Bill Hutson (rep) Michael McCandless (rep)

Tom Holler (OTOC)

Mark Hoeger (OTOC)

John Payton Robin Payton Arthur Payton Jesse Payton Natalie Tiehen

Tyler Tomaszkiewicz Renee Montemayor

Mariel Mandelko Cathy Buresh

Stacey Badura-Koterba Daniel Baye

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On Stage News * The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents The Nerd May 4 – May 8, 2005 The Omaha Community Playhouse presents the comedy "The Nerd" May 4 - May 8 on the Mainstage. The action centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he's never met, but who saved his life in Vietnam. The architect's delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that he is dealing with a hopeless "nerd". Directed by guest artist Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek, the cast includes Kevin Bensley, Erin Joekel, Gordon Krentz, Amanda Link, Tom Neumann, Stuart Stenger and Taylor Willoughby. Set design by Bill Van Deest, sound design by John Gibilisco and stage managed by Wesley Houston. "The Nerd" runs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00 and 6:30. For reservations, please contact the Box Office at 553-0800 or visit our website at www.omahaplayhouse.com. Group discounts available. * The Witching Hour (Blue Barn) Presents WYZK: Radio/Trauma May 5 – May 6, 2005 The Blue Barn’s Witching Hour presents WYZK; Radio/Trauma, a tale of murderous jealousy and eerie dehumanization. WYZK re-imagines Georg Buchners 19th century classic, Woyzeck, and mixes in your favorite sing-along radio hits. Tune in to the latest from Omaha’s only late-night theatre series. WYZK features Kevin Bensley, Vincent Carlson, Sarah Brown, Susann Suprenant, Brandon Rohe and Barry Carman. Broadcast live after Love Letters at the Blue Barn. WYZK: Radio/Trauma will be presented Thursday and Friday, May 5th and 6th. Live pre-shows begins at 11pm; Shows begins at 11:30pm. Tickets: $5 at the door * The Blue Barn Theatre Presents Love Letters May 5 – May 7, 2005 Originally scheduled to present "Three Tall Women," the Blue Barn Theatre has announced a change in their production schedule. In a tribute to Pam Carter, who was to star in "Three Tall Women," the Blue Barn presents "Love Letters" by A. R. Gurney, May 5 – May 7, 2005. Thursday, May 5th, 7:30pm: Matt Kamprath & Kim Jubenville; Friday, May 6th, 7:30pm: Terry Berner & Kathy Wheeldon; Saturday, May 7th, 7:30pm: John Lee & M. Michele Phillips. There will be a reception following the Saturday, May 7th performance. Tickets are $19 for Adults and $15 for TAG Members, Students, Seniors, Military and Groups of 10 or more. A portion of the proceeds from each performance will be donated to the scholarship fund set up for Pam Carter’s son, John Michael Hartig. Call 345-1576 for reservations. This play lovingly chronicles the lives of two vastly different people and is told entirely through their exchange of letters. "Love Letters" is a wry and poignant tale. From their first scrawled valentines of childhood to the last guilty goodbyes, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III’s letters create a unique nostalgia.

* The Shelterbelt Theatre Presents Temporary Help May 5 – May 8, 2005 The Shelterbelt Theatre proudly presents Temporary Help, by award winning playwright and Nebraska native David Wiltse. This story of love, lust, greed, abuse and repression in a murderous Nebraska farmhouse fires on all cylinders to bring you an evening of suspense, thrills, and humor. In this suspenseful play noir directed by Daena Schweiger, a Nebraska farm couple (Jerry Evert and Diane Watson) are entwined in a chilling dance of desire, psychological dominance and interdependence that culminates in killing temporary farm workers for profit. The wife is struggling to get away from this murderous relationship. The sheriff (Michael Taylor-Stewart) and a sympathetic, possibly homicidal, young lover (Shane Staiger) - the new temporary worker - could save her. Or they could be the next victims. Liz Heim will stage manage, with lighting design by Tom Reardon, sound design by Dave Podendorf, set design by Loyal Fairman, and props by Elizabeth Kendall. The production runs from May 5 through May 8, 2005. Show times are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and TAG members. Call the box office at 341-2757 or reserve tickets on line at www.shelterbelt.org. The Shelterbelt Theatre is located at 3225 California Street. * The Circle Theater Presents The Busy Body May 5 – May 14, 2005 The Circle Theater will be presenting The Busy Body by Jack Popplewell to welcome in spring. The lively British comedy The Busy Body will be directed by Stephanie Anderson and will be staged at 726 South 55th Street, continues through May 14th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Doors open at 6:30pm with dinner served at 7:00pm and the show starting at 8:00pm. Tickets for dinner and show are $22 and show only tickets are $12. Students and seniors get a $2 discount. The menu entrees for this production include Ham Steak with scalloped potatoes, New Orleans Chicken with a wine sauce and Veggie Lasagna. Cheesecakes, cakes and beverages will also be available. The Circle Theatre, Omaha’s premiere small theatre presents its shows in the lower level of Central Presbyterian Church at 55th & Leavenworth. The Busy Body features Laura Marr, Rosanne Glock, Erika Hall, Haley Piper, Cullen Chollett, Geoffrey Stienblock & Cameron Van Cleave. For reservations and further information call Doug Marr at 553-4715 or dlmarr@cox.net. * The Chanticleer Theater Presents Big River May 6 – May 22, 2005 Mark Twain's timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel-the Widow Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem;

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On Stage News Huck's partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pals; Huck's drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn; the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled by an award winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana. “Big River” has received 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Score and Book and 7 Drama Desk Awards including Best Music, Lyrics and Orchestrations. Chanticleer performances for “Big River” are May 6-22, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Tickets are $16 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and $8 for Students. Tickets are available through the Chanticleer Box Office by calling 712-323-9955. Brandon Higdem is Director and Musical Direction by Kay Johnson, Set Design by Travis Henk, and Lighting & Sound Designs by Ernie Gubbels. The cast includes Derrick Crawford, Ricky Hernandez, Jonathan Wilhoft, Tony Wojtalewicz, Suzy Andersen, Ed Baye, Allison Botkin, Andrea Brooks, Alex Cass, Echelle Childers, Alexia Childers, Sam Clemens, Sally Cvetas, Steve Gillespie, Dutch Haling, Chastity James, Tom Jensen, Emily Neve, Don Nguyen, and Katie Porter. * Brigit St. Brigit Presents The Taming of the Shrew May 6 – May 29, 2005 Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company, an independent, professional theatre company specializing in the classics presents The Taming of the Shrew in the Gross Auditorium on the College of Saint Mary campus, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through May 15. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is $15 general, $13 seniors, $5 students (College of Saint Mary students admitted free with ID). Directed by Cathy M. W. Kurz and featuring Scott Kurz and Amy Kunz as Petruchio and Kate, along with company members Steve Miller, Keith Homan, David Dechant, David Sindelar, Curt Siemers, Jeremy Earl, Jerry Onik, Daniel Dorner, Mark Ledbetter, Chris Elston, and Alisha Rodasky. A spring celebration of the psychology of relationships between men and women, and the duplicities of courtship. In this wonderful comedy, Shakespeare once again explodes the social conventions--the characters who conform are the most duplicitous, and those who persevere in their own individuality woo us and win us. As large as real life are Kate--a woman who rejects any course of action that doesn¹t proceed from honesty--and Petruchio--a man whose experience in the world has taught him, as well, that the expected behavior of social convention is arbitrary. Call 399-6287 for reservations. * The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents Dirty Blonde May 5 – May 29, 2005 The Omaha Community Playhouse presents the Omaha premiere of the "best new American play of the year" (New York Times), "Dirty Blonde"- in the Howard Drew Theatre May 5 - May 29. "Dirty Blonde" tells the story of two lonely New Yorkers who meet at Mae West's tomb, where they have come to pay homage. Their obsession forms the basis of an odd but ultimately romantic friendship. Directed by

Carl Beck, the cast includes Theresa Sindelar, Andrew McGreevy and Rob Baker. Set design by Keith Hart, costume design by Georgiann Regan, sound design by John Gibilisco and stage managed by Mary Dew. For reservations: 553-0800 or www.omahaplayhouse.com. Group discounts available. * The Mills Masquers Presents The Mouse that Roared May 7 – May 15, 2005 The Mills Masquers will open "The Mouse That Roared" on Saturday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Barton Theater north of Glenwood, Iowa, on U.S. Highway 275. Additional show dates are Sunday, May 8, at 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 15, at 2 p.m. Reservations may be made by calling 527-3600 or online at www.millsmasquers.org. * The Bellevue Little Theatre Presents The Robber Bridegroom May 27 – June 12, 2005 Bellevue Little Theatre will close the 2004--2005 season with the adult bluegrass musical "The Robber Bridegroom" opening on May 27 and running for three week-ends. Showtimes are 8 pm Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 pm on Sundays. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the theatre at 291-1554 between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm Monday thru Saturday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $7.50 for students. TAG members will receive a $1 discount on tickets. The production staff will be: Bridget Robbins as both stage director and choreographer, with Tim Marsden serving as musical director. Bette Swanson will be producer, Maggie Opal, stage manager; Ann Shee, lighting designer; Jack Hogston, set designer; Jeff Lively, sound designer; Mary McHale, costume designer; and Ted Roche, biographer. The cast includes: Sam Reimer, Laura Beeghly, Sara Planck, Terry Schmidt, Tom Fleckten, Dan Beard, Amanda Rounds, Ben Klingemann, Audrey Rupnow, Marion Priesman, John Payton, Terra Marsden, Anna Peace, David Beacradt, Kyle Avery, Cindy Vanek, Terrence Brannen, Rick Tritz, Ryan Dinning, Roger Bennett, and Drew Horstman. The Robber Bridegroom is based on a story penned by Eudora Welty, and Alfred Uhry’s book and lyrics accompany Robert Waldman’s music. The musical focuses focuses on the attractive rogue, Jamie Lockhart. To all the world Lockhart is an upstanding gentleman but in reality, he is ruthless bandit who makes his home in the woods. Throw in rival gangs, a headless thief and a desirable farmer’s daughter and the result is a plotline that will entertain. * The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents Annie May 27 – June 26, 2005 The Omaha Community Playhouse presents the family musical "Annie" on the Mainstage May 27-June 26. Directed by Susan Baer Collins, the cast features Caroline Iliff as Annie, Kenny Glenn as Oliver Warbucks, Seth Fox as Rooster, Erika Hall as Lily St. Regis, Sarah Brown as Grace and Judy Radcliff as Miss Hannigan. The supporting cast includes: Ben Beck, Drew Billings, Dennis Collins, Zach Elbert, Charlotte Hedican, Dawn Jacobsen, Jentry Merriman,

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On Stage News / The Greenroom Corinne Nelson, Bailey Newman, Karlie Newman, Josh Peyton, Jenny Priesman, Alison Quirk, Madeline Radcliff, K.C. Ramsell, Jeffrey Taxman, Joyce Torchia and Mary Waltman. Music director Jim Boggess, choreographer Roxanne Nielsen, scenic and lighting designer Jim Othuse, costume designer Lynne Ridge, sound designer Tim Burkhart, assistant director Spencer Williams and stage managed by Steve Priesman. "Annie" runs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00 and 6:30. For reservations, please contact the Box Office at 553-0800 or www.omahaplayhouse.com. Group discounts available! Teens N’ Theater and OTCYP Presents Young Playwrights’ Festival May 1, 2005 A celebration of the work by some of the Omaha-area's most gifted, young playwrights. Since September, these playwrights have been devising, writing, revising and fine-tuning their humorous, dramatic and mind bending ideas. Come see talented young actors perform the words of talented young playwrights. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Young Playwrights Festival, we held a 10-minute play competition… all plays are 10 minutes or less! This is the concluding production of the 2004-2005 Teens N Theater Season, which is dedicated to producing theater for teens and by teens. The performance will be held in the Hitchcock Theater at The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, 2001 Farnam Street, Downtown Omaha. The time for the Sunday, May 1 performance will be at 4:30pm. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at The Rose Box Office, (402) 345-4849. Opera Omaha Presents La Traviata May 4 – May 8, 2005 The thrilling 2004-2005 Opera Omaha season concludes with Verdi’s La Traviata. Performances are Wednesday May 4 and Friday May 6 at 7:30pm and Sunday May 8 (Mother’s Day) at 2pm. All performances are at the historic Orpheum Theater. The touching tale of La Traviata follows the tragic journey of Violetta from the happiness and hedonism of the Paris salon to despair, sacrifice and death. It is one of the most beloved and popular operas throughout the world. It will be sung in Italian, with English translations of every word projected above the stage. These performances mark the end of Maestro Hal France’s 10 years as Opera Omaha’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. TAG members may purchase discounted tickets by completing our order form. You may access the form by visiting the Opera Omaha website. Questions? Call Steve Grupe at 346-4398 x109 or email sgrupe@operaomaha.org www.operaomaha.org/downloads/traviata/TheatreArtsGuild.pdf

OTCYP Presents Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business May 6 – May 27, 2005 No one can out show-and-tell Junie B. Jones! Not when she's got a brand new "monkey brother" at home! Junie B.'s spunky personality gets her tangled in a mess of tall tales. With the help of her teacher, family and friends, Junie learns to love the newest addition to her family, minus the name-calling. America's favorite Kindergartener brings her classroom capers to The Rose in this new musical by Joan Cushing, based on the book by Barbara Park. Suggested for ages 6 & up. Performances are held in the Mainstage at The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, 2001 Farnam Street, Downtown Omaha. Times are Fridays at 7:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at The Rose Box Office, (402) 345-4849 or online at www.rosetheater.org. $12 discount vouchers are available at Omaha/Council Bluffs Hy-Vee stores.

Auditions & More Auditions __________________________________________________

* Little Apple Productions Nine Little Apple Productions announces auditions for the musical Nine, winner of the 1982 and 2003 Tony Award! Directed by Randall Stevens, with music direction by D. Laureen Pickle, and produced by Mary Carrick, Nine will be presented July 8 – 24, 2005 at the Bellevue Little Theatre. Auditions will be held Sunday, May 1st and Monday, May 2nd at 7 p.m. at North Side Christian Church, located at 5555 Larimore Ave. in Omaha. A cast of women is needed to fill over 20 exceptional roles, ranging in ages from 20's to 70's+. All types are needed! A number of women will have the opportunity to play multiple character roles. A young boy is also needed between the ages of 8 and 12. Please note, the role of Guido has been pre-cast. Those auditioning should prepare 16 – 32 bars of a musical theatre song selection and be prepared to read from the script. An accompanist will be provided. Nine is the story of Guido, a famous film director and his attempts to develop a plot for his next project, all while being pursued by hordes of women, clamoring to be loved by him and him alone. Through a series of emotional adventures and flashbacks, Guido finds his way - and the audience journeys with him, guided by an incredibly rich and rhythmic musical score. For more information, contact Randall Stevens at 402.208.0150 or D. Laureen Pickle at 402.681.9785.

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Auditions & More Auditions __________________________________________________ * The Shelterbelt Theatre john & jen The Shelterbelt Theatre, located at 3225 California Street, announces auditions for their summer musical john & jen, which will be presented July 15 – August 6, 2005. Directed by Daena Schweiger, with music direction by Todd Brooks. john & jen is a musical about connections, commitments and the healing of the human heart. This is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, her son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. With a cast of only two people, john & jen is a tour-de-force for two actors who take Jen and John (both of them) from childhood, through adolescence and beyond. Auditions will be held Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 15th at 1 p.m. at North Side Christian Church, located at 5555 Larimore Ave. in Omaha. For more information, contact Daena at 677-4076. * Mills Masquers Copacabana Auditions for the Mills Masquers production of "Copacabana" will be held Sunday, May 22, and Monday, May 23, at 7 p.m. at the Barton Theater north of Glenwood on U.S. Highway 275. For more information, email the Masquers at www.millsmasquers.org. The Pinewood Bowl Grease Pinewood Bowl, Inc. announces auditions for it annual summer musical at the Pinewood Bowl Amphitheatre in Lincoln’s Pioneers Park. This years’ production is Grease and will be running July 8-10, and July 13-17, with a possible rain date of July 18. It will be directed by Paul Pearson, with choreography by Courtney Piccoli and produced by Jeff Bargar and Dwayne Dvorak. Auditions will be held on May 20th from 6:30-9:00 p.m. and on May 21st from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 5200 Francis St. in Lincoln, NE. Bring a non-returnable photo and prepare 20 bars from any musical theatre song. Bring sheet music for provided accompanist and dress comfortably and be prepared to do some dance movement. We are also looking for 20 great dancers to complement the cast. If you have questions, please contact the producer Dwayne Dvorak at (402)326-8024. Come experience the magic under the stars at Pinewood Bowl. For more information on Pinewood Bowl, visit www.pinewoodbowl.org. Submissions for TAGLines must be turned in by the 14th of every month: taglines@theatreartsguild.com

The Cider House Community Theater Cheaper by the Dozen The Cider House Community Theater will be holding auditions for Cheaper by the Dozen on May 2nd and 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Cider House Theater, 1422 1st Corso in Nebraska City. Roles needed: 3 women, 2 men, 6 boys and 5 girls (various ages). Technical staff needs include stage management, and other various stage needs. The show dates are June 10, 11, 12, 17, 18,19, 23, 24, 25, 26 For more information or to arrange alternate audition time: Call Jim @ 402-873-3229 and leave a message. and coming in June… * The Grande Olde Players Presents George, Cole and the Duke June 8 and 9 auditions for Summer Showcase "George, Cole, and the Duke" directed and choreographed by Gary Wallace. Singers, Dancers and comics to audition at 7 p.m. at 2339 North 90th Street. Bring a prepared song if available but not necessary. For more information call 397-5262.

Dear Denny, W o r d s o f a d v i c e a n d i n s i g h t f r o m o n e f r o m o n e o f O m a h a ’ s m o s t r e s p e c t e d t h e s p i a n s Dear Denny, Several local productions are starting to include nudity. What is your policy about appearing in your birthday suit on stage? Signed, Irish Man from O'Calcutta Dear Monty My philosophy is simple...If your body continues to move long after your blocking stops, keep it covered.

Check out our NEW Theatre Hotline!

(402) 334-4567

Call for current show information, including show dates and times!

(note: this is an announcement only service)

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& Other Good Stuff __________________________________________________

Annual Meeting – May 14th! The annual General Membership Meeting of the Theatre Arts Guild will be held Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 11 a.m. in the Board Room of the Omaha Community Playhouse, located at 6915 Cass Street. All members are invited to attend. __________________________________________________

Tony Award Winning Producer to Appear in Omaha! The Uta Halee Lecture series, now in it’s 23rd season, will host Adam Epstein, the 2003 Tony Award winning producer of the smash hit musical Hairspray on May 9, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street. An optional luncheon (available at an additional cost) will follow each lecture. To order tickets online go to www.utahalee-cooper.org. For more information, contact Lecture Series Chairman Sara Young at 397-7987. Reservations are required. __________________________________________________

This Could Be You! As you’re driving to you rehearsal or trying to catch a show in the next few weeks, don’t be surprised to see some familiar faces staring back at you along the way. After scraping together some funds (thanks, donors!) and working out a deal with Lamar advertising, TAG is beginning the next phase of its “Get Real: Experience Live Theatre!” campaign with a series of billboards. Once again Roxanne Wach put the artwork together, and it turned out to be a monumental task (pun intended). TAG wanted to add some pizzazz with photos of local actors, but found only a limited number of shots with the proper resolution and appropriate expression for the text. We’re starting with what we have and will be adding more throughout the year. “But wait!” you say. “I’ve always wanted to stop traffic!” Well, there’s still time if you want to get in on the action. Cash bribes are always welcome, but the best way to have a say in whose face is next is to volunteer your time and talents to the TAG Publicity Committee. We’re full of great ideas to promote live theatre in the metro area, but short on the human resources it takes to implement them. It you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Mary Carrick or Jennifer Gilg at the numbers listed on the back of your newsletter. The rewards could be HUGE! __________________________________________________

Every second Saturday Trish Place and the Urban Prairie Puppet Company put on a show for children at 10:30 a.m. at The Grande Olde Players Theater. The hour-long show is an adapted version of a fairly tale or revolves around a holiday with plenty of wit and quips to reflect society today. Cost is $5 per person. Also at The Grande Olde Players Theater - free Jazz concerts are held the third Sunday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. with an open Jam session in the lobby from 5-6. The May host is Susie Thorne,

performing May 15. This Free concert is sponsored in part by the Grande Olde Players, the Musicians Performance Fund as arranged by Local 70-558 and Dr. Mark and Bonnie Gill Manhart. __________________________________________________

Is your theatre production company looking for a venue in 2005? The Millennium Theatre offers a uniquely intimate and enjoyable black-box space, and elegantly decorated lobby with rehearsal (or performance) stage for your use. Use of the space includes all lighting, musical, sound and special effects equipment, as well as any props, costumes and set pieces in stock. Visit http://www.stagesofomaha.com/ for further details on the technical specifications of the space, or call 402-345-8166 for more information. Whether it is for one night or a 4-week run, The Millennium Theatre is in a wonderful location in downtown Omaha, and a favorite venue for many local theatre patrons. __________________________________________________

BLT FIREWORKS OPEN AGAIN As one of our major fundraisers Bellevue Little Theatre will again operate a fireworks stand the 10 days before July 4th. Since the stand is staffed by BLT volunteers, we need all of you to help---both by buying fireworks and by volunteering to help sell. If you can help out in the stand, please send an email to Cyberma609@aol.com or call Clara Sue Arnsdorff at 291-3809. We appreciate your help. More details will be available in June. __________________________________________________

News of Our People __________________________________________________

Joe Basque, Executive Director of the Shelterbelt Theatre, will have his full-length play Ping Pong Diplomacy performed at a public reading on Sunday, May 8 in New York City. It is one of five full length scripts selected by Reverie Productions for their New Generation Playwriting contest. All five scripts will have readings in May, and the theater will select one to be produced next season. Ping Pong Diplomacy took home the 2003 TAG Award for Outstanding New Script. Congratulations Joe, and break a leg! TAG Scholarship Winners Announced! Auditions for the 2005 TAG Scholarship were held at the Omaha Community Playhouse on April 3, 2005. From a group of 16 talented applicants, the selection committee awarded $1000 scholarships to Raydell Cordell (Omaha North), Doran Schmidt (Millard North), Hilary Williams (Westside), and Jason Witty (Omaha Central). Each of these students will be featured at the 2005 TAG Awards Ceremony in August. Special thanks go to Jennifer Gilg, Tom Neumann, Ron Osborn and Dave Podendorf for serving as judges for this year’s scholarship auditions; to Amanda Link for organizing the project; and to everyone who donated to the TAG Scholarship Fund. TAG couldn’t do this without you!

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How TAG Awards Nomination and Final Ballots are Tabulated

Soon our annual TAG Awards process will begin. You will receive your TAG Awards Nomination Ballot in early June and the Nomination Ballots will be counted on Saturday, June, 25. The Nominations will be announced at Rick’s Boatyard Café on Tuesday, July 5 at 7:00 PM. The final ballot will be mailed on July 6 and awards will be presented on Sunday, August 7.

ANNUAL TAG AWARDS-HOW DOES YOUR VOTE COUNT?

Every year during the TAG Nominations and Awards process we are asked how the voting process is calculated. Our vote calculation process supports the Theatre Arts Guild purpose which is to advance and promote the Live Theatre art form in the metropolitan Omaha, NE area.

The first major rule for both nominations and final awards ballot is that you can only nominate or vote for shows which you have seen. It is critical that you check off the shows that you have seen at the front of each ballot.

Here is how the vote weighting system works. TAG members only are allowed to nominate and vote for shows they have attended. To award and encourage attendance at all area theaters, we rate your nominations vote on the number of theater/production company venues you have attended. This does not mean how many plays you attended at one theater. Your vote is awarded points for how many theaters/production companies you attended. For example, if you attended plays at Omaha Community Playhouse, SNAP! Productions, Chanticleer, Little Apple Productions, Shelterbelt and Bellevue Little Theatre, then your vote is worth 6 points for every person/production in every category in which you nominate. So, if you nominate Jane Doe as Best Supporting Actress in Play X then Jane gets 6 points towards her nomination score. If the next ballot comes in and that member has attended 10 different theaters and they also nominate Jane, then she gets 10 more points giving her a total of sixteen points. After everyone nominates, the points are added up for each individual or production in each category and the top 5 nominees who have the most points are the official nominees for the final awards ballot. If there is a tie we allow six to go to the final ballot.

The TAG Board feels that this is the best process that assigns a higher vote weight to a member who makes the effort to get around and attend as many productions as possible. Their vote is important to the process as they have acquired a good basis for comparison between the different productions and have a more "educated" vote.

The TAG Awards Committee counts the Nominations ballots on June 25 at one location. All counters keep confidential all ballot information. An individual or group of individuals is assigned a ballot nomination category and they count that category on each submitted ballot. Once all ballots have had every category counted, the Awards Committee rechecks and reconfirms. There are 31 nomination categories so a large group of volunteers counts and confirms the top nominations. A fully completed ballot has 31 categories with the possibility of 6 nominations in each category which could potentially mean 186 entries on one ballot! Sometimes this process can take12-15 hours. However, many of our volunteers return each year and due to their familiarity with the process, we get better at it each year. The final Awards Ballot is tabulated by an outside accountant. The

system here is that if there are five plays nominated for Best Musical and you saw all five, then your vote in that category is a five point vote. If you only saw two, then your vote is worth 2 points in this category and you can only vote for shows that you have seen. All final ballots are mailed directly to the outside, neutral accountant and he sends final results directly to the awards/trophy company where awards are engraved. Once final awards are engraved, the Awards Committee Chairman receives a copy of the winning award list and proofreads the spelling, etc. on the plaques at the trophy company. The Accountant, the Awards Chairperson and the trophy company are the only ones who know who wins before the banquet.

Should you have any questions or comments regarding this process please contact Liz Heim, Awards Chairperson at 552-9326.

Chanticleer proudly presents its 2005-2006 season

STAGE and SCREEN

Everyone has their favorite movies. Everyone has their favorite stage productions. Chanticleer has taken the best of both worlds and wrapped them up into an incredible season; each selection for the upcoming season has been a smash hit both on stage and on the silver screen.

Cinderella. (Sept. 9-25) Deathtrap (Nov. 4-20)

Home for the Holidays (Coming in December) OLIVER! (Jan.13-29)

Midsummer Night’s Dream (March 10-26) The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (May 5-21)

Become a part of Chanticleer’s 2005-2006 season!

We are currently seeking to staff the following positions: Director Musical Director Choreographer Lighting Designer Set Designer Sound Designer Stage Manager Properties Designer Costumer

Resumes or Letters of Interest can be sent to: Tom Bertino, VP-Production C/O Chanticleer Theater 830 Franklin Ave Council bluffs, IA 51503 tbertino@att.net

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Theatre Arts Guild 2004 – 2005 Awards Info

Nominations Ballots Mailed Week of June 6

June 24 – Nomination Ballots Due

Tuesday, July 5th – Nominations Night, 7PM @ Rick’s Boatyard Café

Sunday, August 7th – Awards Banquet, Holiday Inn Central, 72nd & Grover

This is not a ballot! In an effort to streamline the nomination’s process, we’re asking for your help to make sure that all eligible shows are listed and categorized correctly. The following is a list of shows, by production company, for the 2004-2005 theater season. Please review this list and notify us immediately of any corrections. Note: Comedy and Drama are separated on here.

To report any corrections, please call Liz Heim at 552-9326 or e-mail lizheim@aol.com. Make sure you include all information, including the name of the show, production company, show category, and reason for the change. All corrections are subject to verification, so please include your contact information with phone number.

LIST OF PRODUCTIONS

• Richard III Shakespeare on the Green Drama • The Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare on the Green Comedy

• Annie DDT Musical

• The Lisbon Traviata SNAP! Drama • Kiss of the Spider Woman SNAP! Musical • Christmas With the Crawfords SNAP!/Shelterbelt Comedy • Take Me Out SNAP! Drama

• Beauty & The Beast B & D Musical

• Bradyfest 2004 The Circle Theatre Comedy • I’ll Be Home for Christmas The Circle Theatre Drama • Twelve Angry Men The Circle Theatre Drama • The Busy Body The Circle Theatre Comedy • The Return of the Killer Bridesmaids from Outer Space The Circle Theatre Comedy

• Into the Woods Ralston Community Theatre Musical

• Toxic Avenger: The Musical! Blue Barn Theatre Musical • 5000 Nights & The Lion Blue Barn Theatre Drama • Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical!!! Blue Barn Theatre Musical • Edward the Second Blue Barn Theatre Drama • Juliepsychosis Witching Hour at the Blue Barn Comedy (new script) • Dark River: The Diary of a Nobody Blue Barn Theatre Drama (new script) • Diving Into the Wreck A Witching Hour Production ‘round Midnight Series Comedy (new script) • Love Letters Blue Barn Theatre Drama

• • Hair, the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical OCP Musical • Not About Nightingales OCP Drama • Over the Tavern OCP Comedy • Wonder of the World OCP Comedy • A Christmas Carol OCP Musical

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Theatre Arts Guild 2004 – 2005 Awards Info • A Man of No Importance OCP Musical • Rave On! OCP Special Event • The Spitfire Grill OCP Musical • The Trip to Bountiful OCP Drama • The Nerd OCP Comedy • Dirty Blonde OCP Comedy • Annie OCP Musical

• 1776 Stages of Omaha Musical • The Odd Couple Stages of Omaha Comedy • A Man of No Importance Stages of Omaha Musical • Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol Stages of Omaha Drama • The Fix Stages of Omaha Musical

• Kismet BLT Musical • The Robber Bridegroom BLT Musical • Steel Magnolias BLT Drama • Driving Miss Daisy BLT Drama • Mr. Roberts BLT Comedy

• The Queen of Bingo The Lofte Community Theatre Comedy • Laughter on the 23rd Floor The Lofte Community Theatre Comedy • Good Housekeeping The Lofte Community Theatre Comedy

• Pippin Mills Masquers Community Theatre Musical • Dracula Mills Masquers Community Theatre Drama • A Christmas Carol Mills Masquers Community Theatre Drama • Anything Goes Mills Masquers Community Theatre Musical

• The Wizard of Oz Cbluffs Children Theatre at the Chanticleer Musical • The Crucible The Chanticleer Drama • A Chorus Line The Chanticleer Musical • Private Lives The Chanticleer Comedy • Big River The Chanticleer Musical • Home for the Holidays The Chanticleer Musical (new script)

• Brownville Village Theatre

• The Best of Pride Players Pride Players Comedy

• Bunnicula Omaha Theatre Company for Young People Comedy • Pinocchio OTCFYP Comedy • Miss Nelson Is Missing OTCFYP Comedy • Broken Mirror OTCFYP Drama • Dracula OTCFYP Drama • Brave Irene OTCFYP Comedy • Seussical-The Musical OTCFYP Musical • The Nutcracker OTCFYP Musical • Holiday Time Around the World OTCFYP Musical • Brave Little Tailor OTCFYP Comedy • Romeo & Juliet OTCFYP Musical • Confetti OTCFYP Musical • The Berenstain Bears On Stage OTCFYP Musical (new script) • The Bully Show OTCFYP Drama (new script) • Odysseus: Ancient Greek Myths OTCFYP Comedy (new script) • Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business OTCFYP Musical • Dr. Doolittle OTCFYP Comedy

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Theatre Arts Guild 2004 – 2005 Awards Info • Mother Hicks OTCFYP Comedy • The Afghan Women TC Players at The Rose Drama • Clueless and Clark ? Comedy (new script) • Young Playwrights’ Festival Teens N’ Theater New scripts

• Sala Cinderella The Young, Gifted and Black Troupe Drama • The Last Five Years The Shelterbelt Theatre Musical • Un becoming The Shelter belt Theatre Special Event (new script) • Shelterskelter 9 The Shelterbelt Theatre One Acts (new scripts) • From Shelterbelt With Love IV The Shelterbelt Theatre One Acts (new scripts) • Temporary Help The Shelterbelt Theatre Drama

• Pride and Prejudice Brigit Saint Brigit Drama • The Lion in Winter Brigit Saint Brigit Drama • Dracula Brigit Saint Brigit Drama • The Compleat Works of WLLM SKSPR(abridged) Brigit Saint Brigit Comedy • Da Brigit Saint Brigit Drama • The Taming of the Shrew Brigit Saint Brigit Drama

• Metamorphoses UNO Drama • Playboy of the Western World UNO Comedy • The Pitchfork Disney UNO ? • Rosmersholm UNO Drama • Much Ado About Nothing UNO Comedy • The Rimers of Eldritch UNO ?

• The Real Inspector Hound Creighton Performing Arts Comedy • Dead Man Walking Creighton Performing Arts Drama • One Act Plays Creighton Performing Arts One Acts

• Alone Together Grande Olde Players Comedy • GOPT Showcase: Ed Solomon Presents Grande Olde Players Musical • Christmas in Vermont Grande Olde Players Musical • Rumors Grande Olde Players Comedy • Lost In Younkers Grande Olde Players Comedy • Never Too Late Grande Olde Players Comedy

• A Cabaret Christmas Cabaret Theatre Special Event • Young At Heart Cabaret Theatre Special Event

• Little Red Riding Hood The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • Rumplestiltskin The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • A Chris Mouse Story The Urban Prairie Puppet Company • Chris and the Leprechaun The Urban Prairie Puppet Company

• Cabaret Iowa Western Community College Musical • Lend Me A Tenor Iowa Western Community College Comedy • The Partirdge Always Rings Twice Iowa Western Community College (one act/improv) Comedy

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Elkhorn Community Theatre Musical

• Plattsmouth Community Playhouse

• Seussical: The Musical Dana College Musical • Christmas in a Time of War Dana College Drama

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Theatre Arts Guild 2004 – 2005 Awards Info • Smokey Joe’s Café Dana College Musical

• A Raisin in the Sun John Beasley Theatre & Workshop Drama • Four Queens-No Trump John Beasley Theatre & Workshop Comedy • The Piano Lesson John Beasley Theatre & Workshop Drama • Glengarry Glen Ross John Beasley Theatre & Workshop Drama • Death of a Salesman John Beasley Theatre & Workshop Drama

• Sylvia Living Picture Project Comedy

• Talk Radio Baby D Productions Comedy • Killer Joe Baby D Productions Drama • Baby D Gets a Woody Baby D Productions Comedy • Proof Baby D Productions Drama • The Interrogation of Miriam of Nazareth Baby D Productions Drama(new script)

• Broadway to Ballet Central Dance Theater Special Event

• Community Based Dance Initiative Omaha Dance Project Special Event

• The Hard Working Hardy Girl Kuntz Memorial Theatre Comedy • Dangerous Curves Ahead Kuntz Memorial Theatre Comedy • Fright in the Night Kuntz Memorial Theatre Comedy • An Implausible Claus Kuntz Memorial Theatre Comedy • The Christmas Angel Kuntz Memorial Theatre Comedy • Remember Me? Kuntz Memorial Theatre Comedy • Whose Wives Are They Anyway? Kuntz Memorial Theatre Comedy

• Scarlet & Creamed: Big Red Blues & Other Sordid Tales Omaha Press Club Show Special Event

• Walking Behind to Freedom Omaha Together One Community Musical

• 6 Women with Brain Death or Expiring Minds Want to Know Little Apple Productions Musical • The Vagina Monologues Little Apple Productions Drama

• The Florentine Players

• The Mineola Twins Sixteen Casters Productions Comedy

• From Generation to Generation JMR Productions Musical

• Fascinating and Inspiring Ladies Ruby & Iris Prods/The Max Cabaret Special Event

• Naughty or Nice: A Musical Christmas Romp Max Cabaret Series Special Event

• Vinyl Revival Kristi Pederson/Lisa Lind Special Event

• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Art & Soul Center for the Arts Musical

• Greenwillow St. Paul United Methodist Church Musical

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Theatre Arts Guild 2004 – 2005 Awards Info

The 38th annual Theatre Arts Guild Awards (Omaha’s own Tony Awards) will be held August 7, 2005, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. The event draws 200-300 people annually. We are currently seeking sponsors and advertisers. As you may know, TAG is a nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. Please consider this unique and targeted advertising opportunity! If you can’t advertise or sponsor TAG, please pass the information on to your employer, company, or anyone who might be interested in this opportunity. Please let me know of your advertising interest as soon as possible, so that your space can be reserved in the program. Because I will be unavailable for most of June, the deadlines are a little earlier. I would like to have as much of the advertising together as possible prior to June. I can help you create your ad when information is received by May 20 and a very limited number July 1-8. (Please note: Ads created by Roxanne for the TAG Awards Program, are for use only in the TAG Awards Program. If you would like to use your ad created by Rox for use in other places, the rate is $25 per hour. Thank you.) Black and white camera-ready ads can be mailed or delivered with payment (payable to TAG) directly to Roxanne by July 10. You can also email a jpg of your ad and send payment separately. Ads that are not paid for by July 10, will not appear in the program.

Roxanne Wach 4835 California St. Omaha, NE 68132 email: roxwach@aol.com Awards Night program advertising is also available and includes: Full page inside back cover: 6.5” x 7” = $300 Full page: 6.5” x 7” = $200 Half page: 6.5” x 3.5” horizontal or 3.25” x 7” vertical = $100 Quarter page: 3.25” x 3.5” vertical = $50 Business card ad: 2.5” x 3” vertical = $25 Advertising suggestions: your business, congratulate the nominees, salute to theatre, your theatre, your theatre's season. To place your ad in the program, or for advertising questions, contact Roxanne Wach (402) 457-6160 or via email: roxwach@aol.com Rox will not be available June 6-23 and will likely NOT have email access during that time.

Media Sponsorship levels include: •Multi-Platinum Patrons: for advertising and coverage totaling $10,000 - + Acknowledged in program, full page ad in event program, announced at Awards Night, logo in advertising and publicity, logo on invitation, other details worked per individual sponsor.

•Platinum Patrons: for advertising and coverage totaling $1000 - + Acknowledged in program, full page ad in event program, announced at Awards Night, logo in advertising and publicity

•Gold Patrons: for advertising and coverage totaling $500 - $999 Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night, mentioned in advertising and publicity.

•Silver Patrons: for advertising and coverage totaling $100 - $499 Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night. To become a media sponsor, or for media sponsorship questions, contact Roxanne Wach (402) 457-6160 or via email: roxwach@aol.com Rox will not be available June 6-23 and will likely NOT have email access during that time.

Sponsorship levels include: •Platinum Patrons: $1000 - + Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night, mentioned in advertising and publicity, allowed 3-4 minute presentation slot during Awards Night Program.

•Gold Patrons: $500 - $999 Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night, mentioned in advertising and publicity.

•Silver Patrons: $100 - $499 Acknowledged in program, announced at Awards Night.

To become a sponsor or if you have questions regarding sponsorship, contact Awards Chair, Liz Heim: (402) 552-9326.

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B l a c k B o x e s d e n o t e c l o s i n g d a t e s . T N O d e n o t e s a T A G N i g h t O u t . * d e n o t e s a M e m b e r T h e a t r e

Theatre Planning Calendar

May 2005 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU M T * Omaha Community Playhouse – The Nerd * The Witching Hour – WYZK: Radio/Trauma * The Blue Barn Theatre – Love Letters * The Shelterbelt Theatre – Temporary Help * The Circle Theater – The Busy Body * The Chanticleer Theater – Big River * Omaha Community Playhouse – Dirty Blonde * Brigit St. Brigit – The Taming of the Shrew * Mills Masquers – The Mouse that Roared * BLT – The Robber Bridegroom tno * Omaha Community Playhouse – Annie Teens N’ Theater – Young Playwright’s Festival Opera Omaha – La Traviata OTCYP – Junie B. Jones AUDITIONS * Little Apple Productions – Nine * Shelterbelt Theatre – john & jen * Mills Masquers – Copacabana The Pinewood Bowl - Grease Cider House Theater – Cheaper by the Dozen

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Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. P.O. Box 24008

Omaha, NE 68124-0008

www.theatreartsguild.com

T A G B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s & G e n e r a l I n f o r m a t i o n

Deb Beck (2007) 558-7985 Amanda Link (2005), Scholarship Chair 492-8252 Tom Bertino, Webmaster, Ex-officio 572-7971 James Tobey (2005), TAG Night Out Chair 310-0265 Mary Carrick (2004), President 344-3257 Eduardo Millan (2007) 345-7223 Gary Emenitove, TAG E-Broadcast, Ex-officio D. Laureen Pickle (2006) 391-2414 Jo Gaver (2005), Corresponding Secretary 397-6052 Ted Roche (2006), Treasurer 292-3781 Pegi Georgeson (2007) 330-7762 Barb Ross (2006), Membership Chair 571-8311 Jennifer Gilg (2004), Past President, Ex-officio 551-6284 Amanda Rounds (2004-2005) Teen Rep. Fred Goodhew (2007) 391-2270 Daena Schweiger (2006), Newsletter Chair / Ed. 677-4076 Liz Heim, Awards Chair (2006) 552-9326 Diane Watson (2007) 346-0949 Melissa Jarecke (2005), Public Relations Chair 592-3124 Rachel Lien (2004-2005), Teen Rep.

• The next Board of Directors Meeting will be held Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the Omaha Community Playhouse. • Board meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. All TAG Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please call Mary Carrick

at (402) 344-3257 if you plan to attend. • The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for the May Newsletter is Saturday, May 14, 2005. • To submit newsletter information/articles, send via email to taglines@theatreartsguild.com or mail to Daena Schweiger, 15123 Patterson Drive,

Omaha, NE 68137-5119. • To advertise in TAGLines contact us. Our rates cover both inserted flyers (which you supply) and printed advertisements. Check out our advertising

rates at www.theatreartsguild.com. Non-members may only advertise theatre-related business. • To sign up for members-only access at www.theatreartsguild.com, send an email to webmaster@theatreartsguild.com. • An e-broadcast service is available for newsworthy information that is not included in the TAGLines or urgent information pertaining to date changes,

cancellations and/or auditions. For questions regarding TAG E-broadcasts, contact Daena Schweiger.

Your newsletter is sent bulk mail and not forwarded. Keep your address current!

Send changes to:

TAG c/o Barb Ross 9035 Raven Oaks Drive Omaha, NE 68152 barb@ross.vg May 2005

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

OMAHA, NE

PERMIT NO 1024