Art meets community college

Head to SCC Wednesday for a film documenting the voyage of German Jews aboard a ship that no one wanted

Looking for low-cost or no-cost dance, music and theater productions? Fond of supporting the creativity of local students and those who teach them? Eager to experience art or film you won’t see elsewhere?

Then check out these offerings coming soon to Valley community colleges.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College presents…

“Get a Life” — an original CGCC production that “explores all the little things in life that drive us crazy from the cradle through the golden years.” March 24-27.

“14” — a play by Jose Casas that’s “based on interviews with Arizonans and their various different attitudes towards the contemporary issues of undocumented immigration.” Performed by Teatro Bravo April 1 & 2.

Mesa Community College presents…

“Student Art Show” — featuring diverse works of visual art. April 11-21.

“Almost Maine” — a play by John Cariani about residents of a “remote, mythical town” in which “residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.” April 22-30.

Paradise Valley Community College presents…

“Rumors” — a play by Neil Simon that recounts the adventures of four upper class couples embarrased by unexpected circumstances. April 9-17.

“Spring Dance Collection 2011” — a “compilation of dance works” choreographed by dance and adjunct faculty. Includes modern dance, jazz, ballet, hip hop, ballroom and other forms of dance. April 29 & 30.

Scottsdale Community College presents…

“Voyage of the St. Louis” — a documentary film that’s part of the SCC and Anti-Defamation League “The Many Faces of Hate” film series. It recounts the journey of 937 German Jews denied haven in 1939 by “every country in the Americas.” March 23.

Unique plays coming soon to Valley community colleges include SCC performances of works by Eugene Ionesco (Photo: Laura Durant)

“The Bald Chairs” — two one-act plays by Eugene Ionesco, both “from the school of drama known as the Theatre of the Absurd, a genre that often includes irony, slapstick humor and word play.”  March 31-April 9.

Each of these community colleges — as well as other community colleges in the greater Phoenix metro area — list art, dance, film, music and theater events online.

With just a little legwork, you can uncover a multitude of low-cost and no-cost events to enjoy with family and friends while supporting the budding artists in our midst.

— Lynn

Note: Our state universities — ASU, NAU and UA — also offer a wealth of visual and performance art open to the public. So stay tuned to their online calendars as well.

Coming up: More free and discounted arts events

Three things are necessary…

Three things are necessary for a theater career, according to Randy Messersmith, director of the theater arts program at Scottsdale Community College.

Talent. Training. Discipline.

The stuff that talent is made of remains a mystery to most, but discipline can be developed in all sorts of ways. Ballet. Daily blogging. Regular music practice. Consistent fitness routines.

Good training takes a bit of sleuthing to find that best fit between what you want or need to learn and the folks who are ready and able to provide it.

Don't delay -- auditions for this acting intensive take place in early April

One Valley option for serious acting students at all levels is the Scottsdale Conservatory Theatre at Scottsdale Community College, for which Messersmith serves as producing artistic director.

James Vallejo, who has taken several SCC theater classes, describes Messersmith and other SCC theater faculty as “amazing.” He’s working to become the first member of his family to graduate from college.

“Their program enriches you in so many ways and on so many levels,” reflects Vallejo. “Especially,” he adds, “for the price you pay for it.”

Scottsdale Conservatory Theatre is a five-week program that works on Shakespeare, classics and new plays with students from diverse theater backgrounds.

Students enjoy classes, rehearsals, labs and live performance — and college credit is available. Vallejo says it’s “like getting years and years of training.”

Scottsdale Conservatory Theatre runs Mondays through Thursdays May 31-June 30 this year, which is a lovely fit for folks who want to leave time for other summertime adventures — acting and otherwise.

I first experienced Messersmith’s work after my daughter Lizabeth auditioned and interviewed for the 2010 Scottsdale Theatre Conservatory program.

She was one of the youngest students ever accepted (between her junior and senior years in high school), but always felt both respected and challenged.

Scottsdale Conservatory Theatre, which describes its program as “aggressive and nurturing,” recently issued the call for applicants.

Three things are necessary to apply. An application, an audition and an interview.

Auditions (by appointment only) take place Sat, April 2, from noon to 4pm.

You can click here to learn more.

— Lynn

Note: The Scottsdale Community College theatre arts department presents two works by playwright Eugene Ionesco — “The Bald Soprano” and “The Chairs” — March 31-April 9 at SCC.

Coming up: Zen as art, Shakespeare: Made in Japan?