PRESS RELEASE: Broadway Melodies Auditions!!!

CHECK OUT ANOTHER ARTICLE IN THE DAILY TARHEEL AND GET EXCITED ABOUT BWM 2011!!! Auditions are immediately after the winter break, and shows will be performed February 4th-8th in the Student Union Cabaret! BE THERE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The University of North Carolina Pauper Players is announcing auditions for our winter revue, Broadway Melodies 2011. Auditions will be held immediately after winter break, on Monday January 10th and Tuesday January 11th in the Student Union, Room 2518, from 6-10PM. Please sign up for an audition slot in the Union Hub, and prepare a one-minute song selection to sing a capella. Sets include the following:

"A Very Tarantino Musical" written and directed by Alex Koceja

"Glee!: The Musical" written and directed by Nick Culp, and music-directed by Ben Boecker

"Mean Girls: The Musical" written and directed by Wendy Hua, and assisted by Olivia Myrick

Break legs!

Please contact Executive Directors--Elissa Rumer, Olivia Myrick, or Ben Boecker--at pauperinfo@gmail.com for further comments or questions; or please feel free to peruse the Pauper Players' website for additional details (www.unc.edu/pauper).

Pauper Players makes the DTH "Year in Review"!

In an article highlighting the growing strengths of UNC's undergraduate student-run theatre, Pauper Players and the recent production of Sweet Charity were featured as being particularly adept at displaying "consistent innovation... and one-a-kind performances [that] have flourished" this year!

Click HERE to read the whole article which features quotes from Director-Choreographer Michael McWaters and Executive Director of Publicity Olivia Myrick.

SWEET CHARITY -- A Smashing Success!!

Pauper Players' fall production of "Sweet Charity," directed and choreographed by sophomore Michael McWaters, was a fantastic blend of musical climaxes, expert choreography, sweet sentimentality, and hilarious bouts of sass. Pauper Players performed to several sold-out crowds and with the support of a spectacular orchestra and phenomenal team of directors and designers. UNC's The Daily Tarheel boasts: "In what may not be expected from an entirely student-run production, “Sweet Charity” is a thoroughly professional performance that brings a smile and tap of the foot of every audience member. " CLICK HERE to read the full review, and CLICK HERE to see a brief blurb in the DTH Canvas!!

Check out some sneak peaks from our in-house photographer, Braxton Kinsey! And stay tuned for what's up next with Pauper Players!

Rehearsal Wrap-ups and DTH Blurbs!!

Tech week is drawing to a close!! With the stage and tech crew in 17 hours of load-in on Monday alone, we set the tone for the hard work that would go into this week! The cast and crew have been working tirelessly to create what is sure to be one of the greatest shows EVER in the Student Union Cabaret! And now... the programs are printed, the lines are memorized, the lights are hung, the set pieces are painted, the costumes are hemmed, the sound board is cued, the orchestra is tuned, the shift plot is printed, the chairs are ready and waiting, and the tickets are SELLING FAST!!! Sweet Charity is THIS weekend, November 12th-16th at 8PM every night, and an additional matinee at 2PM on Sunday. Tickets are only $5 for students and $10 general admission.

And hey check this out! The Daily Tarheel's blurb about SWEET CHARITY is sure to catch your eye!!

"The UNC Pauper Players brings its first musical of the school year with the beloved story of “Sweet Charity.” Call girls, missed connections and romance gone amok in 1960s New York City, the show promises to be a rollicking good time. And you know you’ve always wanted to hear someone sing “Hey Big Spender” in a place called the Cabaret."

Don't miss it.

PRESS RELEASE: Broadway Melodies 2010!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The University of North Carolina Pauper Players is proud to announce the selection of our 2011 Broadway Melodies Revue Set! This winter, Pauper Players' Broadway Melodies will feature such performances as "A Very Tarantino Musical" by Alex Koceja, "Glee!: The Musical" by Nick Culp, and "Mean Girls: The Musical" by Wendy Hua. Thank you to all who submitted a proposal! Check the blog or website later on for up-to-the-minute details on production staffs and audition times. Broadway Melodies will be performed in the beginning of February, and is clearly bound to be a hysterical production--stacked with Pauper talent and entirely original scripts! Please contact Executive Directors--Elissa Rumer, Olivia Myrick, or Ben Boecker--at pauperinfo@gmail.com for further comments or questions.

And don't forget! Tickets are now on sale for the University of North Carolina Pauper Players' fall production, SWEET CHARITY! Performances are in the Frank Porter Graham Cabaret, on the bottom floor of the Student Union, THIS WEEKEND November 12-16th, 2010 (Friday through Tuesday). All shows will take place at 8PM, with an additional 2PM matinee on Sunday November 14th. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Union box office for a (newly reduced!) price of $5 for UNC students, faculty and staff; and $10 general admission.

PRESS RELEASE: Spring Show Selection!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The University of North Carolina Pauper Players is proud to announce the selection of our spring production, "All Shook Up," directed by Nick Culp, UNC Class of 2010. With high energy dance numbers, an engaging plot, and incredible music by Elvis Presley himself, "All Shook Up" promises to be a spectacular production--with the special spark and talent that Pauper has to offer. Pauper Players will hold open auditions for "All Shook Up" in January, begin rehearsals in February, and go into production in April. We encourage you to be involved in any capacity! Thank you to all who submitted a proposal! Check the blog or website later on for up-to-the-minute details on production staffs and audition times. Please contact Executive Directors--Elissa Rumer, Olivia Myrick, or Ben Boecker--at pauperinfo@gmail.com for further comments or questions.

And don't forget! Tickets are now on sale for the University of North Carolina Pauper Players' fall production, SWEET CHARITY! Performances are in the Frank Porter Graham Cabaret, on the bottom floor of the Student Union, THIS WEEKEND November 12-16th, 2010 (Friday through Tuesday). All shows will take place at 8PM, with an additional 2PM matinee on Sunday November 14th. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Union box office for a (newly reduced!) price of $5 for UNC students, faculty and staff; and $10 general admission.

SPOTLIGHT! Featuring SWEET CHARITY herself, Freshman Margaret Burrus

PAUPER talks with Margaret, the delightful freshman who has the lead role in next weekend's performance. Read a little bit about her in this week's SPOTLIGHT!

Hello! My name is Margaret Burrus and I am playing the role of Charity in the upcoming performance of Sweet Charity. Getting involved in Pauper Players the first semester of my freshman year has been the second best decision I’ve made this year- the first being my decision to attend UNC. I came to UNC from Nashville, Tennessee and was initially thrown by how many people knew each other from home! I wanted to get involved on campus so I could create my own family of friends (aww).

I have been singing and acting my whole life. I have endless home videos of me putting on “shows” for my parents where I would tap dance on the hearth or would sing songs I made up off the top of my head. My mom, bless her little soul, saw that she needed to get me on a stage for my own sanity. I remember, when I was younger, my mom would pour over the newspaper trying to find ads for community theater auditions. Thus, my performing career began: I went to camps, sang in children’s choirs, yaddayadda… I missed out on some of my soccer games or going to some movies with friends, but being in that community really made me who I am today. I have gone to private schools my whole life, so my love for performing allowed me to meet people who were different.

Anyways, the moral of my little saga is that I am drawn to this community. It is not just my love for musical theater that causes me to audition for shows it’s the people who go along with it. Pauper Players is a community of talented, free-spirited students who have lovingly welcomed me into their community. I no longer feel like an “out-of-stater” when I walk across campus and get bear-hugged by someone in the cast. Yes, it has been challenging being the lead my first semester of college. However, it has helped me stay focused on what is important. I find myself doing work ahead of time or leaving parties early so I can be ready to rehearse. I am obsessed with everyone in the cast, especially those who are making it happen. I am in awe of how professional my directors are and their patience with the entire process. I am looking forward to opening night so we can show everyone all of our hard work! Now, I need to wrap this up because…. I have some lines to memorize!

Arts Networking Night!

Co-sponsored by University Career Services, the Office of the Executive Director for the Arts and Playmakers Repertory Company

Tuesday, November 2
5:00 - 7:00pm
Arts Gallery, Student Union

Interested in connecting with arts professionals? Join local arts professionals at a networking event this Tuesday, November 2nd in the Student Union Gallery.

Meet with local arts professionals in an informal environment to make contacts and to learn about a diverse range of careers in the arts.

Refreshments will be served. Business casual attire recommended.

RSVP is preferred but not required. To RSVP please visit the University Career Services event page.

This event will be organized in a “speed networking” format. Connect with working artists and professionals in arts administration, production and management, art education, and community based arts.

This event is co-sponsored by University Career Services, the Office of the Executive Director for the Arts and Playmakers Repertory Company.

Countdown to SWEET CHARITY!!!

Rehearsals are stepping up! We go into tech on Monday, November 8th, and we open on Friday November 12th with a Gala afterward!!! If you hear the echoes of musical brilliance streaming from the Union Annex, room 2518, that's us!! SPREAD THE WORD!!! "Sweet Charity" is going to blow you away!!!

Tickets for SWEET CHARITY on sale MONDAY!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tickets will soon be on sale for the University of North Carolina Pauper Players' fall production, SWEET CHARITY! With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Field, and the vision of Bob Fosse, "Sweet Charity" is the classic tale of a girl in search of true love--set in New York City in 1966. Under the direction of sophomore Michael McWaters and the musical supervision of junior Grace Lloyd, "Sweet Charity" promises to be a spectacular opening to the third decade of Pauper Players musical productions. Performances of "Sweet Charity," will be in the Frank Porter Graham Cabaret, on the bottom floor of the Student Union, November 12-16th, 2010 (Friday through Tuesday). All shows will take place at 8PM, with an additional 2PM matinee on Sunday November 14th. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Union box office for a (newly reduced!) price of $5 for UNC students, faculty and staff; and $10 general admission.

Please contact Executive Directors--Elissa Rumer, Olivia Myrick, or Ben Boecker--at pauperinfo@gmail.com for further comments or questions; or please feel free to peruse the Pauper Players' website for additional details (www.unc.edu/pauper).

PRESS RELEASE: Show proposals!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The University of North Carolina Pauper Players is proud to announce the release of the show proposal forms for Broadway Melodies 2011, the Winter 2011, and the Spring 2011 productions. Anyone may submit a proposal--as an audience member or as a potential member of the production staff. Proposals are due November 1st at 5:00pm; instructions are enclosed. Please contact Executive Directors--Elissa Rumer, Olivia Myrick, or Ben Boecker--at pauperinfo@gmail.com for further comments or questions.

Paupers' first GIG!

Pauper Players offered a sneak peak of Sweet Charity last week at the Young Democrat's fall function, the Date-A-Dem cocktail! The venue was R&R grill, and the feedback was excellent! The lovely Fandago Girls performed "Hey Big Spender" and freshman Margaret Burrus wowed the crowd with "If They Could See Me Now" as Charity herself.


Want Pauper Players to sing at your event?? Contact pauperinfo@gmail.com to

Storage unit clean-out!

Once upon a time, Pauper Players had a storage unit filled to the brim with props, costumes, and set pieces generated from the past twenty years. And, due to the coordinated efforts of our resource managers, Kelsey Reinhard and Jeffrey Sullivan, (as well as several brave E-board members) the once terribly-disorganized storage unit now looks like THIS!!


Look at these excellent photos (care of Stephanie Linas) of Paupers hard at work to clear out two decades-worth of theatrical accessories!

Publicity for Pauper

Pauper has received some excellent publicity over the past few weeks! Check it out!

First, Pauper was featured in a massive article in UNC's "Blue and White" magazine -- the September 2010 edition. CLICK HERE to download the issue and read about "Singing on a Shoestring" by Olivia Barrow. Even the editor, Amy Leonard, wrote a quick blurb just inside the cover of the magazine, directing the readers' attention to the article:

"For a look into the lives of Tar Heels with actual theatrical talent, check out our story about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Pauper Players musical theater group (p. 22). This artful group has been providing Broadway performances to the Chapel Hill community for 21 years."

Then, the Pauper crew was interviewed about the renovation and reopening of Historic Playmakers Theater! Looking forward to continuing the rich tradition with HPT, Pauper is excited to potentially perform in the space once again. Executive Director Olivia Myrick is quoted to have said: “I think it’ll give an extra dose of professionalism to the organization and excitement to the cast, crew, and audience.” CLICK HERE for the full article in the Daily Tarheel!

WEBSITE GOES LIVE!!!

Pauper's graphic designer, Lauren Josey, with the help of the Publicity Team, is happy to announce the big reveal of Pauper Players' brand new WEBSITE (CLICK HERE)!! The site highlights the abilities of our past and present photographers, our musical productions and revues over time, our illustrious Executive Board, our current show and contact information, and all the ways to get involved. It is our hope that this site will be able to provide some excellent information, insight, and venues for support and publicity. Let us know what you think!!

SPOTLIGHT! Featuring: "Sweet Charity" Director/Choreographer Michael McWaters

Last week PAUPER PLAYERS sat down with Michael McWaters, the sophomore Political Science and Spanish double-major from Wilmington, North Carolina. Michael proposed "Sweet Charity" as the fall production to open our 21st Season, and he is currently both directing and choreographing the show. Though it's only his second year, Michael has already established a rich history with Pauper. Last year he debuted as "Jackie" in the 2009 fall production, Andrew Lippa's "Wild Party." He also choreographed the winter show "I Love You Because," and was brought on as assistant director for spring's "Into the Woods." Michael has already shown himself to be a leader with a powerful vision and incredible talent. His training is hugely based in dance, and he is also involved in Blank Canvas on UNC's campus as a dancer/choreographer. He is known backstage as "Silent Killer" for his ability to slice through dance moves like its nobody's business, knocking any competitor into the nosebleed seats with his magnificent form and impeccable timing. :-) Here's what he had to say about the progress of "Sweet Charity" as rehearsals just started picking up speed....

"Sweet Charity" is off to an AMAZING start! The cast is so much more incredible and talented than I could have imagined. We have already tackled 3 musical numbers and a few scenes! "Big Spender" looks amazing!! And only after 2 days of work! Obviously, we have tons left to do, but at this rate we will have lots and lots of time to perfect every little detail. From a technical aspect, lights/sound/and sets are moving along quite fast as well... All in all this will be a show NOT to be missed! Also, most of the cast is composed of first-year students, which is awesome and I have been thoroughly impressed by their talent and professionalism. Of course, the veterans in the cast are STELLAR as well! More updates to come!


Check in next time on our SPOTLIGHT featuring some Pauper newbies who will rock your eardrums and melt your heart!

Something new and exciting from PAUPER!

Every so often, PAUPER PLAYERS will feature comments and interviews from current members who are active in production or administration. This SPOTLIGHT will exist in an effort to make the rehearsal process more visible to the Pauper fans! :) Let us know who you would like to hear from and what you think of Pauper Players! If you're not already, follow us on FACEBOOK! And be on the lookout for the new website being launched later this week, thanks to the phenomenal efforts of graphic designer Lauren Josey!

And, as always, keep eyes peeled for lovely Paupers around campus, at work and play!! :-) !

Sweet Charity CAST LIST!

The cast list is up!!! Check it out! And don't miss Pauper Players' fall musical production of Sweet Charity THIS November! We'll keep you posted with the details :-) !

Charity – Margaret Burrus

Oscar – Ben Boecker

Nickie – Olivia Myrick

Helene – Taylore Woods

Vittorio Vidal – Quinn Matney

Ursula – Jessica Cruz

Herman – Cameron Nadler

Daddy Brubeck – Nick Culp

Fandango Girls:

- Cydney Swofford

- Emily Ellis

- Julia Adelman

- Kayla Lively

- Emily Bohbrink

- Caroline Bowden

- Rosalee Lewis

- Stephanie Linas

Ensemble:

- Alexii Lardis

- Ashley Fagert

- Elise Hartley

- Hayley Wright

- Nick Culp

- Elizabeth Adams

- Hunter Gray

- Turner Popalis

- Nick Sanford

- Travis Wright

Frug Dancers:

- Meleah Faucette (Frug Girl)

- Hunter Gray

- Turner Popalis

- Nick Sanford

- Travis Wright

- Julia Adelman

- Emily Ellis

- Cydney Swofford

- Emily Bohbrink

- Caroline Bowden

- Rosalee Lewis

- Hayley Wright

Sweet Charity Callback List!

Hello Auditioners!

Thank you all so much for auditioning for the UNC-CH Pauper Players fall production of Sweet Charity. We were absolutely blown away by the amount of talent we saw over the past two days, and were thrilled to see so many new faces!

All callbacks will take place today (THURSDAY) in the Student Union Room 2518 (where the auditions were held). Please be sure to arrive for your callback at least 10 minutes prior to your call time.

Below is a list of callbacks divided up by character. Please read over this list carefully as some people have been called back for multiple parts.

OSCAR:

• Ben Boecker
• Quinn Matney
• Nick Sanford

HERMAN:

• Seth Barkley
• Cameron Nadler
• Alex Thompson

VITTORIO:

• Ben Boecker
• Brainard Burrus
• Quinn Matney

CHARITY:

• Margaret Burrus
• Kayla Lively
• Olivia Myrick
• Nicola Vann

NICKIE and HELENE:

• Jessica Cruz
• Emily Ellis
• Olivia Myrick
• Nicola Vann
• Taylore Woods

URSULA:

• Julia Adelman
• Jessica Cruz
• Rosalee Lewis
• Stephanie Linas
• Cydney Swofford

The schedule for callbacks is as follows:

• 6:00-6:20 Vittorio Song
• 6:20-6:50 Vittorio and Ursula Scene
• 6:50-7:15 Herman Song
• 7:15-7:45 Charity Song
• 7:45-8:30 Nickie and Helene Song
• 8:30-9:15 Nickie, Helene, and Charity Scene
• 9:15-9:30 Oscar Song
• 9:30-10:00 Oscar and Charity Scene

Attached are your sides and songs for tomorrow. Please print your sides and songs out and bring them with you to your callbacks tomorrow. I will only have one spare copy of each side/song.

REMEMBER, not getting a callback does not equate to not being cast in the show. We did not callback some parts, nor did we callback the ensemble or frug dancers.

Again, thank you all so much for auditioning for Pauper Players Fall production of Sweet Charity. Please do not hesitate to contact producer Matt Jacques (mjacques@email.unc.edu) with any questions regarding callbacks, casting, etc.

Be on the lookout for a cast list via e-mail late tonight.

Sweet Charity Auditions!

To open our 21st season, Pauper Players will present "Sweet Charity" as our fall musical production! "Sweet Charity" will be directed and choreographed by Michael McWaters and produced by Matt Jacques, with Grace Lloyd as the music director. All three are undergraduate students at UNC Chapel Hill. Auditions are open to the general public and will be held on Tuesday, August 31st, and Wednesday, September 1st, with callbacks on that Thursday, September 2nd. All auditions and callbacks will be held from 6PM-10PM in the Student Union room 2518. Sign-up sheets will be available in the Union Hub beginning... the first week of school. More details and reminders will follow. CLICK HERE to join the Facebook event for more details!

A quick note from the director...
"Please note that for this specific audition, everyone should bring a 1-2 min selection of a musical theatre standard that shows off your vocal range and quality. An accompanist will be provided, and a resume is optional. There will be no scales done prior to your audition, so please plan accordingly. In addition, please be prepared to dance, preferably on the night that you sing. The dance auditions will be held that Monday and Tuesday from 9PM-10PM. Everyone will be required to come to one of the dance auditions."

Break legs!

EBOARD 2010-2011

The new executive board members have been selected for the 2010-2011 school year! Please contact pauperinfo@gmail.com or these Paupers directly with any specific questions that may arise. Looking forward to the new school year!

Executive Directors:

- Executive Publicity Director: Olivia Myrick

- Executive Business Director: Elissa Rumer

- Executive Production Director: Ben Boecker

Publicity Team (To be headed by Olivia Myrick, Executive Publicity Director):

- Graphic Designer/Production Artist

o Lauren Josey

- Publicity Staff

o Michael McWaters (1st Semester)

o Josh Peterson (2nd Semester)

o Stephanie Linas

o Emily Ellis

Business Team (To be headed by Elissa Rumer, Executive Business Director):

- Treasurer

o Matt Jacques

- Co-Properties Managers

o Jeffrey Sullivan

o Kelsey Reinhard

- Secretary

o Cierra Hinton

Production Team (To be headed by Ben Boecker, Executive Production Director):

- In-House Photographer

o Braxton Kinsey

- Front of House Manager

o AJ Kiehner

- Co-Social Coordinators

o Erin Farley (1st Semester)

o Turner Popalis

- Co-Orchestral Coordinators

o Laura Hartley(2nd Semester)

o Grace Lloyd

Our 20th Anniversary Season!

The 2009-2010 school year marked our 20th anniversary as UNC's premier musical theater group! We had an excellent season, beginning with Andrew Lippa's "The Wild Party"--directed by senior Nick Culp.




Our winter show was "I Love You Because", a modern interpretation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" directed by Matt Jacques--a junior at UNC Chapel Hill. "I Love You Because" was performed in the Bingham blackbox theater on campus and was a wonderful success.



The "Broadway Melodies" musical revue, performed in late January, featured artistic parodies of Robin Hood, Dr. House, Jacob (Black) and Sons, and hilarious Disney characters. Respective directors--Travis Wright (freshman), Kevin Shaffer (sophomore), Ben Phillis (junior), and Cameron Simmons (senior)--did a spectacular job putting together a hysterical show with only a few short weeks of rehearsal!






Finally, we closed the season with Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" as the spring musical production. "Into the Woods" was directed by Leah Thomas and was a beautiful way to end a memorable year.

Stay tuned for this upcoming year, when PAUPER PLAYERS TURNS TWENTY-ONE!

(Photo Credit: Braxton Kinsey)