A Love Letter to the Paranormal: “To Listen Past The Quiet” Opens January 25 at The Z

January 01, 1970

The Zeiders American Dream Theater debuts a new play that discusses the topics of feminism, mental health and society as a whole in a thrilling and touching new drama that will delight horror and mystery lovers alike. 

“To Listen Past The Quiet” follows two sisters who start a house renovation, but soon begin to uncover its secrets, and the mysterious history of the Sally sisters from the 1860s. As both sisters’ stories converge in a visit from the afterlife, it becomes clear that the real horror is breaking the tight bonds of sisterhood.

“This show is a reminder of the strength or women through adversity and the bond of sisterhood from a unique perspective,” said Moriah Joy, who plays Kate Sally in the production.

A departure from classic winter entertainment, the new play is a “love letter to the paranormal”, and leans heavily on the horror theme. It’s sure to appeal to lovers of ghost stories, history and theater alike.

“A horror play is a fun way to start the new year because it scares us out of our comfort zone and challenges us to try new things,” said Joy on the play.

The new play features a local cast, and is directed by Jason Kypros:

Tiff Siddiky* as Violet
Indya Ann Jackson* as Corrine
Moriah Joy as Kate Sally
Annabelle Dragas Xanthos as Florence Sally
James Manno as John Cornice/Bryan
Samuel Flint as Jaxyn
Taylor Durham as Florence/Corrine US
Maya Pagtakhan as Violet /Kate US
*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association (AEA)

“To Listen Past the Quiet” opens January 25-February 3 at the Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach Town Center. Tickets are on sale now at thez.org or by calling the box office at 757-499-0317. 

Roūge Theater Audition Call: Diverse Cast for Two Unique Productions

January 01, 1970

Date: Sunday, January 7, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Zeiders American Dream Theater

Please join us for auditions! We are casting for two exciting productions – a vibrant music revue and a
heartwarming family show. The music revue is a multi-genre music production, and the family show will
be a devised piece (created by the ensemble) consisting of unique stories from the artists. We welcome
performers of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds to bring these productions to life.

Production: All Roads Lead to Home – A Roūge Original Production Series
Production Dates: Multiple dates TBA between January 30 – June 30, 2024
Director: Leila Stephanie
Compensation: Paid

What We’re Looking For & Audition Details:
• Actors with a passion for storytelling. We are especially interested in the inclusivity of
artists who have cultural experiences rooted in BIPOC communities and are interested in
sharing their stories.
•Acting Only: Prepare a 1 to 2-minute monologue
• Singers with captivating voices and stage presence
•Singing: Prepare a 1 to 2-minute vocal performance
•Singing and Acting: Prepare a 1-minute vocal performance & 1-minute
monologue

Bring any necessary prerecorded accompaniment for vocal auditions. Headshots and resumes are
appreciated but not required. Our goal is to create a cast that reflects the rich tapestry of cultures within
our community, so we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to audition.

Location:
Zeiders American Dream Theater
4509 Commerce Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
RSVP and Inquiries:
[email protected]
404-944-7863

Roūge VA is an equal-opportunity employer. We value and respect the diversity each artist brings to the
stage. We look forward to seeing the incredible talent that our community has to offer!

“Black Girl Magic” Auditions to be held by UPAC

January 01, 1970

Black Girl Magic 

Written by: Sharon Cook

Music and Lyrics by: Roberta Lea

Directed and Choreographed by: Jennifer Kelly-Cooper

SYNOPISIS

A young Black woman filled with self-doubt, takes a journey through time guided by her African ancestors and finds self-love and acceptance.

AUDITIONS

Seeking performers from school age to 60+

Vocal Auditions –  Saturday, January 6th 11AM – 4:30PM 

*Bring a vocal track (karaoke track) to sing with.

Dance Auditions – Sunday, January 7th 26PM

Callbacks – Monday, January 8th (By request only)

If you wish to audition please complete the Audition Form so that we can best accommodate all seeking to audition.

LOCATION

The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

740 Hampton Blvd.

Norfolk Virginia 23505

REHEARSAL

Rehearsals are slated for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting Monday, January 15th.

PERFORMANCES

Friday, March 1st – Kelsey Theater

Saturday, March 2nd – Kelsey Theater

Sunday, March 3rd – Kelsey Theater

*Please note that this production of Black Girl Magic will travel to New Jersey. Travel and lodging will be provided.

Watch the Black Girl Magic Trailer here!

UPAC welcomes those of all artistic journeys and abilities. Although this story is told through the lens of a Black woman, all women are encouraged to audition

Murder Takes Center Stage at Virginia Stage Company’s production of Frederick Knott’s Dial M for Murder+—-

January 01, 1970

Norfolk, VA – Virginia Stage Company is proud to announce the opening of its much-anticipated production, Dial M for Murder, a classic thriller that promises to captivate audiences with its suspenseful plot, riveting performances, and masterful storytelling.  This production is presented by The Edwin S. Webster Foundation.

Patrons of Virginia Stage Company will be transported to the elegant and mysterious world of Frederick Knott’s renowned play. Set against the backdrop of London in the 1950s, Dial M for Murder follows the story of Tony Wendice, a retired professional tennis player who devises a cunning plan to murder his wealthy wife, Margot. What unfolds is a web of deceit, betrayal, and unexpected twists that will keep theatergoers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

American Theatre magazine notes that Dial ‘M’ for Murder is one of the Top 10 most-produced shows of the 2023-2024 season, but Virginia Stage Company is the only theatre using the original Frederick Knott script.  Learn more here.

The cast of Dial M for Murder features a stellar lineup of seasoned actors, including Michelle Liu Coughlin as Margot Wendice, Joe Delafield as Max Halliday,  Daniel Domingues, Jr. as Tony Wendice, Steve Pacek as Captain Lesgate, and Jan Neuberger as Inspector Hubbard. Under the direction of Mark Shanahan (The 39 StepsThe Hound of the Baskervilles), this talented ensemble brings the characters to life with depth and nuance, ensuring an immersive and engaging theatrical experience.

Virginia Stage Company’s Producing Artistic Director, Tom Quaintance, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming production, stating, “I’m thrilled that Mark Shanahan is at the helm of Dial ‘M’ for Murder. His belief that mystery and comedy are close cousins grants him a deft touch building tension in scenes. He knows what’s important in a story and how to establish a relationship between actor and audience.”

Call for Submissions: The Z Fringe Festival is Announced for April 2024

January 01, 1970

Art that pushes the envelope is taking over The Z this April. The Z Fringe Festival is returning to Virginia Beach Town Center, and submissions of unique creative works are now open!
Artists of all kinds are invited to take part in this new festival, and are encouraged to submit pieces that may span multiple genres. Submissions are open from December 15-January 15.

“Monologues and new plays are just the tip of the iceberg,” said The Z’s Marketing Director, Jessi DiPette. “We are really looking forward to seeing new pieces of physical theatre, music, any piece of art that tells a story in a compelling way.”

The Z’s Fringe Festival is a celebration of self-produced performance art that pushes the envelope and makes a statement. Performances at The Z Fringe are theatrically-based, meaning they have a viewpoint, tell a story, or connect multiple pieces with a theme. Like the origin story of Fringe Festivals, The Z Fringe was created to give performing artists access to performance space and the opportunity to explore new concepts and performance formats that don’t fit a ‘traditional’ production model.

The 2024 Festival builds on the success of last year’s inaugural weekend with 2 new categories of submissions: “Visual Arts” and “Works in Progress”

Visual Art: Gallery-style showcases of visual art of all mediums. A separate submission window will be held for visual arts.

Works in Progress: Artists may present a new work still in the creative process for audience feedback on performance day.

Artists may submit pieces for 15-90 minute time slots, and will receive 50% of the ticket fees for their performance.

Want to Submit? Learn more about The Z Fringe Festival and submit your work at www.thez.org/zfringe. There is no fee to submit your work. The Festival will debut at The Zeiders American Dream Theater April 5-6, 2024

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach Presents Lorraine Hansberry’s Classic A Raisin in the Sun Next On Stage

January 01, 1970

[Virginia Beach, VA] — Little Theatre of Virginia Beach proudly announces its upcoming production of the American classic A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. This timeless play, a cornerstone of American theater, will captivate audiences with its exploration of dreams, family, and the pursuit of a better life.

Directed by Sharon Cook (recently directed LTVB’s 2023 production of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville), Little Theatre of Virginia Beach’s rendition of A Raisin in the Sun promises to breathe new life into the beloved narrative. With a commitment to honoring the play’s historical significance while infusing it with contemporary relevance, the production aims to resonate with both seasoned theatergoers and those experiencing this iconic piece for the first time.

The cast, composed of talented local actors, brings the Younger family to life, navigating the challenges of 1950s South Side Chicago with authenticity and emotional depth. Led by Carla Turner (and Karen Maynor, understudy) as the matriarch Lena Younger, the ensemble cast skillfully portrays the complex dynamics of a family striving for a better future amidst social and economic adversity.

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach’s production boasts an immersive set design that transports the audience to the cramped apartment where the Younger family’s dreams unfold. The attention to detail, from period-accurate costumes to dynamic lighting, ensures a visually stunning and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.

The community is invited to join Little Theatre of Virginia Beach for an unforgettable evening of powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes. A Raisin in the Sun promises to be a must-see production that sparks meaningful conversations about the pursuit of dreams, family bonds, and the enduring struggle for a better life.

A Raisin in the Sun  will be performed at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach located at 550 Barberton Drive, Virginia Beach, VA.  Showtimes are as follows: Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00PM, and Sunday matinees at 2:30PM.  Tickets are currently available for purchase and can be obtained through the theater’s website at www.ltvb.com or by calling the box office at (757) 428-9233.  Tickets start at $20 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under.  There is a discount for seniors, ages 60 and up, active duty military, and full-time students at $17 tickets.  Group discounts available for groups of 20 and more.

Please note: there is a special Thursday evening performance on February 8th at 8pm as part of LTVB’s Pride Night at the Theatre series.  This performance includes a pre-show reception with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and raffle and auction item prizes. This evening’s tickets are $30 each and serve as a mini-fundraiser for Little Theatre of Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads Pride, LGBT Life Center, and Stonewall Sports.

For media inquiries or to request press passes, please contact: Maris Smith at [email protected].

About Little Theatre of Virginia Beach

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that has been bringing live theatre to the community since 1948. Our mission is to enrich our community with quality live theater, develop and showcase diverse local talent, and celebrate the power of art to inspire and bring people together. Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is located just six blocks from the oceanfront at 550 Barberton Drive and easily accessible to Interstate 264. For more information, call 757-428-9233 or visit ltvb.com.

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