Author: tqualmann

Fond du Lac Community Theatre invites students in 3rd-12th grade to audition for “Newsies Jr.” Auditions will be held at the Firehouse, 250 W 9th St, Fond du Lac.

Auditionees can come at any time on Friday, May 12 from 5-7:30 p.m. or Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Students must prepare a brief song for their audition and will be asked to do a cold read.

Performances: July 27–30, 2023, Goodrich Little Theatre

Tickets will be available on hometowntickets.com and at the door ($3 more at the door.) Typically, tickets will go on sale about six weeks prior to opening night.

Synopsis: Inspired by true events, Newsies Jr. tells the story of the newsboys who rallied across New York City to strike against unfair working conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. This abridged version of the classic is perfect for families and kids of all ages.

If you haven’t found a gift for that special someone yet, look no further! FDLCT is offering tickets to its upcoming shows for a limited time. This offer ends December 25, 2022!

Interested in giving tickets to more than one show? Great news—season tickets are still available! Season ticket holders will receive priority seating choice and reduced-price admission to Disenchanted!, A Crooked French Affair, and The SpongeBob Musical. They will also have the ability to purchase tickets for our Encore show Newsies Jr. for 20% off the premium ticket price.

Buy season tickets on the FDLCT site or visit the Hometown Tickets website to buy tickets for an individual show.

Auditions for A Crooked French Affair will be on Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m., and Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m. Auditions will be held at the FDLCT Firehouse building, 250 W. 9th St., Fond du Lac. Please note the information below to prepare.

1. A Crooked French Affair is a comedy with mature themes. The cast consists of six
   females and four males. Ethnic and age diversity is encouraged.
2. Notify Kim Ruyle, the director, kim.ruyle@inventivetalent.com, of your intent to audition.
   He will provide an advance copy of the audition script, character descriptions, and
   suggestions for preparation.
3. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early before the start time of the audition to turn in or
   complete paperwork and to be oriented for the audition.

Questions? Contact the director, Kim Ruyle at: kim.ruyle@inventivetalent.com

Synopsis: Perry, a wannabe playwright/director, has written his first play, A Crooked French Affair, ostensibly a dramatic romance set in the royal court of Louis the 15th. When he pitches his play to the dysfunctional Board of Directors of the Pity Falls Community Playhouse, it throws them into a conniption fit. Against all odds, Perry’s play is selected, and now the real work begins with the cast of amateur, inept actors, who work on a set and in costumes designed by recruits from the local junior high school. Complicating everything is an undercurrent due to the affair between Perry’s wife and the husband of Avis, a board member who is recruited to play a part in Perry’s play. On opening night, the production loses its way yet creates a stunning audience reaction and a fortuitous discovery for Perry.

Kim E. Ruyle is a playwright based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and a member of The Dramatists Guild of America and The Playwrights’ Center. His stories come from a unique perspective. A US Army veteran with blue-collar roots, Kim went on to earn three master’s degrees and a PhD. He had a 30-year career as a leadership and talent management consultant. Writing for the stage is a second career for Kim beginning a few short years ago. His first four plays have won awards and productions.

Learn more about Kim: https://www.kimruyle.com/

Roles

PERRY (PERICLES): Male. An aspiring playwright and director. He lacks confidence but is enthusiastic about his writing. Perry directs his own play in which he also plays the role of François de la Peyronie.

AVIS: Female. Board member. Self-righteous, heavy-handed, and obsessed with the thought of getting revenge on her cheating husband. Agrees to play the part of Madame de Pompadour in the play-within-the-play.

FAWN: Female. Chair of the Board. Overly sensitive, sentimental. JAZMIN Female. Board member. Daring, outrageously so.

RUBY: Female. Board member. Practical, conservative, and competent.

SERGIO: Male. Board member. A player.

WILLY: Male. Board member. Highly insecure.

CHLOE: Female. Stage manager. Theatre expert, competent, confident.

CHEYENNE: Female. A serious but struggling method actor. Plays Queen Marie. Narcissistic and entitled.

LOUIE: Male. Ironically, plays King Louis XV. Initially, void of emotion on the stage. Can’t remember his lines to save his life.

Good day FDLCT patrons,

Recently, we were notified by the Fond du Lac School District that they would be replacing the air conditioning units in the Fondy High School Performing Arts Center. At the time of notice, we were not given a specific timeline and had hoped the project would be completed prior to the curtain rising on Thursday night for Mamma Mia! We were notified today the project will not be completed in time for our performance.

This is incredibly unfortunate, and we are deeply apologetic about this situation. Although it is completely out of our hands and our control, we still carry a deep level of compassion for our patrons. The bottom line is the theatre will be warm with the anticipated temperatures.

Although we cannot expedite the completion process, we will be offering every guest a bottle of cold water at each performance. We understand this does not negate the fact it may be uncomfortable (trust us when we say, if we could install the new units, we would certainly give it our best!). Also, if you want to move your seat after the performance begins to allow for more space between you and other theatre goers, feel free.

Much of our board will be at each performance (including a couple of them in the performance). You are welcome to talk to any of us. I do ask you are kind; we did not make this decision.

We appreciate you all so much; you have no idea. We have all waited two plus years to see this extraordinary performance. As you sit in the theater, daydream about being on the beautiful Grecian coast, soaking in the warm summer air.

Sincerely,
Tracy Qualmann
FDLCT Board of Directors, President

UPDATE: Several shows and dates have changed. The information below is not up to date. See current information on our 22-23 season here!

Original announcement below.

We are so excited to announce five shows for our 65th season in 2022 and 2023!

Our last season saw record-breaking FDLCT audiences who came in droves to see what we were up to after the pandemic. Now, we’re continuing that momentum with a new slate of exciting theatrical productions.

You can buy season tickets online or request an order form by contacting FDLCT at fdlctboard@gmail.com or (920) 923-2206.

Footloose

Sept. 22–25, 2022
Goodrich Little Theatre
Directed by Nancy Irizarry

Toe-tapping pop hits underscore this adaptation of the hit film from 1984. When big-city kid Ren McCormack has to move to the tiny farming town of Bomont, he is appalled to learn about a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher. Determined to rock the boat, Ren and his new friends team up to change their town forever.

Our Town

Nov. 17–20, 2022
Goodrich Little Theatre
Directed by Tom Augustine

A true classic of American drama, Our Town presents the lives (and deaths) of families in the simple town of Grover’s Corners. The play has become famous as a pioneering work of “meta-theatre,” being narrated by a stage manager and performed without sets. This production celebrates the 125th anniversary of playwright Thornton Wilder’s birth in Madison, Wisconsin.

Disenchanted!

Feb. 16-19, 2023
Goodrich Little Theatre
Directed by Cody Lindau

Forget what you know about princesses! Snow White, Cinderella, and the rest of your favorite storybook royalty are not too keen on the way they’ve been portrayed in modern media. They’re here to set the record straight and belt out the truth in this hilarious comedy musical. Some language and adult themes.

The SpongeBob Musical

June 22–25, 2023
Fond du Lac High School Performing Arts Center
Directed by Trevor Clementi

The stakes are higher than ever as SpongeBob and his undersea friends have to save Bikini Bottom from total annihilation! Based on the beloved animated series, this off-the-wall musical comedy features music from Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, Panic! At the Disco, David Bowie, and many more musical stars.

Newsies Jr.

July 27–30, 2023
Goodrich Little Theatre
Directed by Becky Dietsch

Inspired by true events, Newsies Jr. tells the story of the newsboys who rallied across New York City to strike against unfair working conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. This abridged version of the classic is perfect for families and kids of all ages.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the last season at the beginning of 2020, we’ve been hard at work making plans for a safe return. And now, we’re excited to announce the five shows in our 63rd season!

Details will be available soon regarding tickets, auditions, and all other inquiries. As soon as we’re able to share more, we’ll update you via our website, Facebook page, and email list (send a message to fdlctboard@gmail.com if you’d like to be added!)

9 to 5

SEPT 30–OCT. 3, 2021 | GOODRICH LITTLE THEATRE

9 to 5 info

With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. When the boss is finally out of the picture, the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

12 Angry Jurors

NOV. 18–21, 2021 | GOODRICH LITTLE THEATRE

12 Angry Jurors info

On a hot summer day after a long trial, a jury must decide whether a 19-year-old man is guilty of murdering his father. Needing a unanimous vote to pass judgment, tempers flare as eleven of the jurors try their best to convince the 1 dissenter to come around to their side. As the evidence is re-examined, however, new uncertainties come to light, forcing everyone to truly question if there is in fact some measure of “reasonable doubt”. Originally written for twelve men, this updated version proves that the conversation about what it means to live in a democracy is far from over.

Matilda

MARCH 3–6, 2022 | GOODRICH LITTLE THEATRE

Matilda the Musical info

With a cast heavily featuring both adults and children, Matilda the Musical revels in the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination. Unloved by her cruel parents and terrorized by her school’s mean headmistress, the brilliant Matilda must inspire her classmates and her teachers to stand up against injustice and change their own destiny.

Mamma Mia!

JUNE 23–26, 2022 | FHS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Mamma Mia! info

In Mamma Mia!, the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs tells the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings back three men from her mother’s past. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!

Frozen Jr.

JULY 28–31, 2022 | GOODRICH LITTLE THEATRE

Frozen Jr. info

This enchanting modern classic from Disney brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life on stage. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. tells the tale of Princesses Anna and Elsa as they discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Loaded with adventure, magic and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Happy New Year!

As we close the calendar year 2020, we at Fond du Lac Community Theatre have so much to be thankful for, as well as a bright future to look forward to. 

2020 was unprecedented, to say the least. Due to the pandemic, we essentially lowered the curtain. However, our members and community at-large showed support like we could have never expected. From financial support through our annual appeal to engaging in our virtual events, to supporting our caroling telegrams to simply keeping the faith. Driven by a steadfast and incredibly optimistic board of directors, and supported by hundreds, Fond du Lac Community Theatre will raise the curtain again and provide the exceptional live theatre we all love. 

While we continue to think in innovative ways, we undoubtedly cannot wait until we can get back to some sense of normalcy. In the meantime, there are ways you can enjoy theatre and support our organization:

Encore Children’s Programming – Virtual classes for children in 4th-8th grade. Registration is limited to 10 households per class.

• January 9: Stage Makeup – Katherine Gilliland-Ahrens
• January 23: Comedy Improv – Sarah Calvert 
• February 13: Full Body Acting and Stage Presence – Rebecca Deitsch 
• March 13: Creating a Character – Trevor Clementi and Ellie Thelen 
• March 27: Stage Props – Katherine Gilliland-Ahrens 
• April 10: Preparing for an Audition – Nancy Irizarry-Beachy 

Improv – Our Improv team, neatly coined “What were you thinking?”, continues to offer virtual events. They are also available for hire. 

FDLCT Memorial Scholarship – this annual event provides funding to students who have participated in Fond du Lac Community Theatre productions and who plan to pursue higher education. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2021. 

Online Auction – Soon, we will be hosting an online auction where people can bid on baskets. We normally do an auction as part of our participation in the annual event, Brewfest. With the event looking different this year, we’re taking our baskets online. Watch our Facebook page for more details. Also, you can still enjoy a version of Brewfest this year. Learn more here.

Donation – The pandemic is not over. Our primary revenue stream is through ticket sales. Until we’re able to safely offer live productions, donations to the organization are paramount to our continued success. 

In closing, I say BRAVO to our members, volunteers, board of directors, community partners, and theatre-lovers. Together, we will get through this and we will see the lights go up and that curtain rise again. Until then, keep calm and remember, this is only intermission. 

Waiting in the wings,

Tracy Qualmann

Board of Directors, President 

This year has been challenging in so many ways. With the health and safety of our volunteers, members, and guests at the forefront, we have made the decision to cancel the remainder of events as scheduled for calendar year 2020. This is a decision with profound and potentially negative ramifications on our organization; however, no price tag can be put on the people who make us who we are.

We take great pride in providing an array of theater-based entertainment. We’re committed to returning to the stage when it is safe for our actors, directors, and guests to do so. We encourage everyone to continue to take precautions. At FDLCT, we will continue to watch as the world navigates through this widespread pandemic. When the time is right, we’ll be back, together, to share in the joy live theater provides. In the meantime, please continue to visit our Facebook page for updates on alternative offerings and happenings.

On behalf of the board of directors, we sincerely appreciate your continued support and understanding. We can’t wait to see you again!

Tracy Qualmann
President
Fond du Lac Community Theatre Board of Directors