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Oakland Center for the Arts 220 W. Boardman St, Youngstown, OHIO

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HOW THE DRAG QUEEN STOLE XMAS DEC. 4-12!!

Oakland Center


Last Updated: 12/2/2009

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Gender: Female
Status: Single
Age: 23
Sign: Leo

City: Downtown Youngstown
State: Ohio
Country: US
Signup Date: 7/26/2006

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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 
Check out the WORLD PREMIERE of David Anthony's original drama, CLOSE 2 U, featuring local actors and singers. The Oakland will host the show July 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 8:00 pm nightly. Tickets are $10 in advance (order at http://spanishevangelical.org/index.cfm?i=1147&mid=21) or $15 at the door.

We'll be at the Summer Festival of the Arts July 11-12, so stop by and grab a preview of the upcoming Season. Also, Magic Carpet Theater will be performing Dr. Dolittle at the Kilcawley Little Stage (outside of Peaberry's in Kilcawley) at NOON on Saturday, July 11.

Stop by our booth at Pig Iron Press Festival Saturday, July 18, all day on Phelps St. in downtown Ytown! There will be lots of downtown businesses and performers all day! FREE!!!

CLEAN UP WEEK: July 19-26. Leave a comment if you'd like to hear more about our clean up week. We'll be here from 9 am - ?? on Sunday, July 19, so come by any time to clean out our scene shop! We'll also be painting the bathrooms, stripping and waxing the bathroom floors, and cleaning windows!

TBA: Great American Car Warsh and Rummag Sale! Bring your unwanted household items down for the Oakland sale of the century! Also accepting donations of car warshin supplies (soap, scrubbies, sponges, rags, shamwows, buckets) and baked good for our bake sale! The trashier, the better!

GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL premieres as the Season Opening show on August 7, with a FREE preview on AUgust 5. Shows are August 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 8:00 pm; August 9 at 2:00 pm, and August 15 at MIDNITE -- bring your marquee award or ticket stub for a $5 oof discount! Also, ALL tickets for the Sunday, August 9 matinee are $5 off! Directed by Robert Dennick Joki with musical direction by Anthony Ruggiero, the show features Gerri DeWitt, Jennifer Kuzeck, Molly Makselan, Melissa Cook, Shawn Lockaton, and David Munnell. Call 330-746-0404 for reservations!

We'll be at the MARQUEE AWARDS August 15 at the Saxon Club! Nominations announced July 9 downtown at Cafe Cimmento - stop by at 5 to find out who's up for what!

FREE OPEN HOUSE: we'll be hosting our 3rd annual free open house to welcome back audience members, meet new friends, hock flexpasses, and preview our season! Free food, wine, and entertainment at the O!

SANDY VAN SUCH ONE WOMAN SHOW: That's right, one of the Oakland's founders and undeniably the face of the place, Sandy Van Such returns to the stage for her original one-woman show, LOVE, LUDMILLA this September. Stay tuned to find out who will be guest starring and what tricks Sandy has up her sleeve! An Oakland reunion to remember!!

Don't forget, if you want constant updates:
get on our EMAIL LIST: oaklandopenmic@gmail.com, subject line: email list
follow us on TWITTER: www.twitter.com/oaklandcenter
search "OAKLAND ARTS" on FACEBOOK to find us and our fan page!
read out regular blog at WWW.OAKLANDCENTER.COM

See ya soon!

xox,
-- b





9:29 PM 
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009 
Did you ever wonder if there might be a finite amount of words in the world so its best to not repeat what others can express more concisely? Yeah, me neither. So just read what Rob already said:
A few months ago I wrote a blog .  It was called When I Knew...and How It Saved Me.  It was a big deal to me at the time because it was a very personal piece for me to post in a public forum. I was worried about what my friends and family would think. I hoped that if I shared my story, my testimony about how I came to terms with who I am, it would help others to do the same. It turned out to be a major turning point in my life. I have never regretted publishing it.

I am very proud to let you know that the little piece of writing that started out as a blog on a local website is now being produced on stage at The Oakland Center for the Arts. My story will be featured along side the stories of nine other brave individuals. The evening will also feature original and popular music, singing, spoken word, and dance.  The performance will take place on Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18th, both nights at 8pm, and will serve as a fund raising event to benefit Youngstown's first gay pride festival. 

In a recent interview about the event, a reporter asked me "Do you really think that coming out of the closet saved your life."  This show is not just about coming out of the closet.  And although all of the stories are LGBT related, only about half of the performers are gay. It's hard to explain...but this production isn't about being homosexual. It's about a moment.  A realization. It's about knowledge. And finding peace. The moment I am talking about saves from people from living in fear.  From being the kind of person they don't want to be. From living hateful lives.  From being misled. And yes, in some cases, from death. The piece I am going to read is about the first instance I found myself attracted to another man...and how the timing of that event profoundly affected me.  In my personal case, it did save my life.

That being said...this is probably the most important show I've ever done. By sharing our testimonies, we are trying to raise awareness, and put a face on the gay community and its allies in the Youngstown area. At the same time, we are raising money for a good cause. 

I am not gonna lie.  I am scared out of my mind.  My hands are shaking as I draft this letter and my eyes are welling up. In one week's time, I am going to get up in front of a room full of people and speak words I have never been able to say out loud. I'm terrified. But I believe in this cause. And I believe in these people.These individuals are everyday people, reading their own words...telling the stories that changed their lives.  Some are hilarious. Some are sad.  Some will make you wanna punch a wall. But they are all very true and very real. When they knew...and how it saved them.

Once again, all proceeds from this performance will benefit Youngstown's first gay pride celebration, which is scheduled for this summer.  It is a festival that will take place in the downtown area, and it has been a long time coming. If you would like to see this show and support the Youngstown area LGBT community, you can make reservations by calling The Oakland Center for the Arts at 330 746 0404.  The theater is located at 220 West Boardman Street in downtown Youngstown, Ohio. Tickets are $15. There will be a reception at 7pm each night before the show. Seating is limited, so make your call as soon as possible. 

Performers include Nicole Zayas, Joyce Jones, Beth Farrow, Maxine Factor, Niki Jones, Ric Panning, Rick Morrow, Kelly Bancroft, Carlos Rivera, Brandon Smith, Molly Makselan, Natalia Hagan, Kerri Rickard, Kage Jonas, and more.

If you cannot make the show, but would like to make a donation to Pride Youngstown, the nonprofit group organizing the pride festival...drop me a message and I will let you know how to do so. Also, if there is anything you can do to help us get the word out about this show, we would greatly appreciate it. 

I hope to see you next weekend.
Thank you for helping us change the world.
Currently listening:
Be OK
By Ingrid Michaelson
Release date: 2008-10-14
3:12 AM 
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Tuesday, April 07, 2009 

Auditions will be held Monday, April 13th, at 7pm for Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire at the Oakland Center for the Arts. Casting: 2 females, ages 25-40, 1 female age 55+, 1 male age 30-40, and 1 teenage boy, age 15-19.  The play runs June 12-20 and is directed by Christopher Fidram. All roles open. For more information, call 330-717-0699.


The Pulitzer Prize-winning play is about a successful suburban couple who must pick up the pieces after tragedy devastates their lives and tests their marriage. Soon to be made into a movie starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart. The Oakland is located in downtown Youngstown at 220 W. Boardman St.

11:05 PM 
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009 

The Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St. in downtown Youngstown, will hold auditions for Reefer Madness (the Musical) on March 16 and 17 from 7-9 pm each night. Actors of all shapes, sizes, and voice types are sought. A large cast is required.

 

Actors should come prepared to sing with a vocal selection and sheet music. Accompanist will be provided. Actors should also be ready to do some light movement and/or read from the script.

 

Choreographers, designer/costumers, floor crew, set construction workers, painters, prop handlers, and volunteers are needed to put the show together from the ground up. We'll be doing lots of fun, innovative promotions as well -- wanna join a protest, or a protest of a protest? Join us! Wanna have a 420 Party? Join us!

 

Reefer Madness will run weekends May 1-16. Robert Dennick Joki will direct. For more information, call Brooke at 33-718-5515.....

10:38 PM 
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Tuesday, March 03, 2009 
Hey Guys:

I'd absolutely hate to see anyone miss our smash hit production of Bug at the Oakland during the last 3 days of its run, so I'm offering a SPECIAL DISCOUNT to anyone who reads this blog. When you get to the Box Office at the O, simply tell the person at the window the name of a bug. It can be your favorite bug, the bug you hate most, or the first name of a bug that pops into your head. As long as its an insect, and you name it, we'll give you a $3 discount. Not too shabby, eh?

Also, don't forget that all military personnel and veterans with proof of ID get a $5 discount. Did you catch that Pavlik fight at the Chevy Centre 2 weeks ago? Show your ticket stub at the window and get a $5 discount. WYSU card-carrying members get $1 off all ticket purchases and $5 off a flexpass. Just remember: you can only use one discount at a time. We gotta make some money!

Please please pleeeease make sure you see this show. I would be so sad if you missed it. It's a real show stopping, spine-tingling, itch-inducing kind show that gives you the creepy crawlies in the best possible way. This cast really turns in a gut-wrenchingly good performance, particularly Terri Labedz who kinda leaves you feeling exhausted after you ride her emotional roller coaster. But in a really good way.

Ron Aulet, who steps onto the Oakland stage (and the world of community theater) for the first time in this production is also amazing. It's kinda cool to watch him bring a possibly delusional, definitely maldjusted Gulf War loner/vet to life when you know that he is currently elisted in the army as a Private, readying to ship off to Iraq to defend our country this summer.

Also spectacular are Oakland regular Ric Panning, who just makes you want to smack him as the abusive jerk of an ex-husband; Lisa Skerkavich, who turns in a thoughtful, honest performance as R.C. (you may remember her from Night of the Living Dead last October); and Jim Canacci, who is new to the Oakland stage but absolutely no stranger to theater after years of experience at every venue in the region.

Jim is also a huge part of the reason we have such an amazing set this time around. Along with stage manager Danielle Jackson and a crew of a dozen marvelous community volunteers, they tore down and reassembled the set in one day flat. Ugly green paint, outdated furniture, and wood paneling make you really feel like you're in a seedy motel room.

The special FX makeup is also not to be missed. Miss Kerri Rickard really helps the characters look like they're peeling off skin and bleeding from bug bites. It's gory and icky and wonderful!

Of course, all this is possible only because of Robert Dennick Joki's vision and direction. Yet again, he's taken an odd, contemporary show and turned it into a riveting experience that leaves people breathless and chatty around the watercooler at work on Monday morning.

Ah, and who could forget the fab pics I yanked for our photo albums? You can thank the multi-talented Rob Joki for some of them, and the amazing, gorgeous, and generous Tony Nicholas for the rest. Rob took the poster photo, which features Ron's gory back (thanks to Miss Kerri!) and Terri's devious stare. I hear the posters are quite popular...want one? You can pick up a limited release at the O for only 10 bucks!

Last but not least, the reviews:
Valley24
Vindy Review
Vindy Preview
Trib Preview

So, don't forget to call 330-746-0404 for reservations today!!!!!
10:30 PM 
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Tuesday, December 02, 2008 
Youngstown, OH -- The Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman Street, will host their 3rd Annual Holiday Fundraiser, How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas, on December 5, 6, and 13. All performances begin at 8 pm with a wine and cheese reception preceding each show at 7 pm.

A twisted retelling of a mixture of many beloved holiday stories, How The Drag Queen Stole Christmas follows Starrlet O'Hara as she discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Robert Dennick Joki writes, directs, and stars in the production. Cast includes Christopher Barzak, Kage Coven, Heidi Davis, Maxine Factor, Beth Farrow, Joyce Jones, Nikita Jones, Jennifer Kuczek, Rick Morrow, Ric Panning, Kerri Rickard, Murad G. Shorrab, Suzanne Shorrab, Brooke Slanina and BJ Wilkes.

The traditional Fabulous Chinese Auction will return with tickets available for purchase every night up to December 13, when the final drawing will be held after the show. Persons interested in making a donation to the Chinese Auction should contact Brooke Slanina at 330.718.5515
Patrons may also drop off gently used coats, which will be cleaned courtesy of LaFrance Cleaners and distributed to families in need throughout the Valley courtesy of Help Hotline's Button Up Program. This is the second year How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas and the Oakland will be participating in the event.

Patrick Hyland will be the featured Star Gallery artist. A Youngstown-based photographer, Hyland is renowned for his Giclee prints of local nature scenes, which will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $15.00 with all proceeds benefiting the Oakland Center for the Arts. No discounts or complimentary tickets will be honored for this event as it is a fundraiser. Reservations are strongly encouraged and may be placed by leaving a message at the Oakland Reservation line, 330.746.0404. Any reserved tickets not claimed by 8:00 showtime will be released to the public. For more information, go to www.oaklandcenter.com or myspace.com/oaklandcenter.
2:12 PM 
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008 
The last Stage was a great time. I mentioned on a myspace bulletin that my heart was just not in this year's Stage Fright because we lost a very important and wonderful part of the past 2 years of Stages. Rick Pirko, whom Oaklanders will remember from Dr. Ray's Sideshow of Science, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Rick was a huge part of this community, and he will be greatly missed by people who didn't even know him. His contributions were great and wide-reaching.

I met Rick through Dr. Ray. Here was this guy who would just show up at the Stage and help. I'd turn around and he'd have rigged up a screen for the projector. He's find a pile of junk and turn it into a makeshift prop. He worked feverishly to get the projector he let us borrow from YSU to work at the last minute. He was forever offering use of items he had altered or improved, like fog machines or lighting equipment. He dug out some new-ish computers from the dirges of YSU so the Oakland could run wireless internet on them. He patiently went through them with me, telling stories of math and physics equations and hurting my little girl brain. He told silly jokes and math riddles at the Stage and made everyone laughingly moan. He was such a nerd, through and through, that you just had to love him. He could never hide his intelligence, creativity, or compassion.

Read the Rest at: http://theoaklandstage.blogspot.com/2008/10/gratitude.html

And please join us at the Stage on November 20 for a special tribute to our friend. Details to follow shortly.
10:36 PM 
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008 
I think the Stage, handsdown, in terms of trainwrecks and starlettes flashing their bits and pieces alone. But you decide. Come check out our 3rd anniversary of the Stage this Thursday, September 18, from 8-11 pm. TiVo It's Alway's Sunny In Philadelphia and get your pasty butt out into the streets to check out what kinda talent the Yo is offering these days! Past acts have ranged from an all-kids singing group to live painting to a fashion show to amazing bands to tap dancing to drag runway competition to people pouding nails in their noses. Local faves like Bullskit productions, The Zou, ESO Bellydancers, Laurie Lyden, and many more have crossed the Stage and lived to tell. Find out what draws people to GET UP THERE! 5 bucks gets you in the door (free snacks!). Performers get in FREE this time around! We've got poets Miss Kerri and Jim Jordyn plus perpetual Stage fave Don Connors and MUCH MORE in store...so sign up today! BLOGGERS and PROCRASTINATING STUDENTS: come to The Stage and take advantage of the FREE WIFI! Laptops welcome to teh Stage...write whatever scandalous lies you like, publish them within moments, and sully our reputation! Spam your ex, finish you lit essay, cheat on your math homework...you can do it all thanks to our wireless connection from the YBI and Perkins Comm (and Matt Celio). THE STAGE only at THE OAKLAND 220 W. Boardman St. - Beeeeautiful Downtown Ytown! 330.718.5515 oaklandopenmic@gmail.com theoaklandstage.blogpsot.com xox, -- b
4:43 AM 
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Wednesday, September 03, 2008 

Category: Art and Photography


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmdIgGqEJjg

Check out the oakland Center for the Arts' LIVE production of Doubt, a Parable, by John Patrick Shanley. See for yourself Sept. 5-13. Call 330.746.0404 for reservations!

7:54 PM 
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Tuesday, June 10, 2008 
330.746.0404. and hey it's for a good cause.
8:43 AM 
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