DREAM is a Wrap Shakespeare under the stars was magical. The audiences were enthralled, and the overall experience for everyone involved was a very positive one! And we did it all with MINIMAL set and MAXIMAL talent! It was perfect. A hearty thanks to all who were involved, especially Dan Dobrovitch in his St. Dunstan’s directing debut. Dan was also the scenic designer of the material that was hung above the stage and the audience, and he put up the lights that shone on the flats and the statue of Persephone.

Due to a HUGE oversight, some very fine, fine worker bees were unlisted in our program, and the Guild offers its most

sincere apologies. Justine Dearth stage managed everything to perfection, with her fine crew of Bill Graham, Roberta Campion and Michael Campion. We appreciate each of you!

Mo Edson did another PHENOMENAL job collecting gift items for baskets and arranging them in most attractive packages. SO attractive that we earned a little more than $1,800 revenue from the sale of tickets that patrons then dropped into the bin of the prize(s) they wished to win. The selling allowed a bit of banter with the patrons, and everyone had fun. We

even had inquiries about joining the group!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Cast

Lawrence: Chris Steinmayer Freddy: Dan Hartley Andre: Gary Jones Christine: Deb Dworkin Jolene: Carson Delaney Muriel: Janie Minchella Chorus: Sylvester Nader Jake Zinke Amel Berg Alison Boggs Laurie Dooley Molly Dorset Erica Poster Pat Rogers

Marcus Laban, Director; Stephanie Peltier, Asst. Director and Co-choreographer; Sara Kwas, co-choreographer; Musical

Members who've paid their dues this season are entitled to one free admission to each of our 4 shows. Make your reservation on the website under the Reservations link. For best seating choices, do it early!

SEPTEMBER 2016

\\

Director, Deb Tedrick; Mairo Towle, Producer

See Ruth Bennett’s note about tickets just above this article, and reserve your seats TODAY for this great show that opens Oct. 14. If you can bring a dish to pass for the afterglow on opening night, contact Mairo Towle at pandamonia@comcast.net

CHANGE OF TRADITIONAL DATE FOR OPEN HOUSE We are getting it together. Promise. Watch the St. Dunstan’s Member website, your email for a Constant Contact update, and the St. Dunstan’s Theatre website for the new Open House date. As of this writing, the Board is considering a delay of one, or possibly two weeks, which would make it either Sept. 18 or the 25

th

.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Wendell Smith, beloved member of St. Dunstan's since 1981. Wendall was born Nov. 17, 1929, and departed this earth Aug. 22, 2016. Around the theatre, he loved building sets, greeting new or prospective members at the Open Houses and telling countless stories about bricklaying in the Green Room. We say adieu to one of St. Dunstan’s best ambassadors, the silver-haired gentleman with the

ever-present twinkle in his eye.

His long- time neighbor, Amy Smith, wrote it best: "His time to rest had come, but, I'm still heartbroken at the passing of my wonderful neighbor, Wendell Smith. Over the years, he was a treasured collaborator, a dear friend, and a kitty-sitter extraordinaire, not to mention a Korean War veteran and a police officer who proudly served. He will be sorely missed!"

Wendell is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ann Louise Smith, three children, six grandchildren and a brother. Memorials appreciated to St. Dunstan’s Theatre, P.O. Box 59, Birmingham, MI 48012. Cards may be sent to the family c/o Steve Smith, 35300 Woodward #507, Birmingham, Mi 48009

YOU CAN GIVE US A JINGLE SOON! St. Dunstan's will have a new phone number by early September for reservations and information. It's toll-free and easy to remember: 1-844-DUNSTAN (1-844-386-7826). Watch for an announcement when it's in operation. Meanwhile,

reserve your ticket for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" under the Reservations link on the website: www.StDunstansTheatre.com.

THE BEST OF PRESIDENTS’ PARTIES!

The attendance was sparse, but those who were there partied heartily! There were some babies who really loved the swimming pool, and some adults who acted like kids on the diving board. It was all good! The bill of fare strayed from hamburgers and hot dogs to gourmet pork tenderloin, and there were NO complaints! Our hosts, Mo and Tom Edson, were most gracious to open their home, complete with tropical coconut decorations--AND Tom even cooked our food. Thanks to all who came and brought dishes to pass. When our thespians finally got over their shyness and stage fright, Chris Steinmayer sang a killer rendition of “Superstitious,” Nasser treated us to his sexy silliness with “Sweet Caroline” and Jeff Foust crooned “Wonderful Tonight.” Music was provided by “Island Rock

ONE LESS

SAINT AMONG

US…. Bye

Wendall

and Soul,” with Phillip May on keyboards and computer and Joseph Curtis on percussion.

ROAD RALLY—PUZZLING, BUT FUN The close of Midsummer Night’s Dream seemed like a good time for some fun for the members. Puzzle creator extraordinaire, Jake Zinke, put together 10 clues that made the participants scratch their heads. The June 25 event was publicized in the MND program, so some of our patrons participated, too, and got to know some of us a little better. In all, there were 9 cars, and the winners, a talent-packed minivan with

the Kezelians, the Kwas, the Peltiers and Jeff Foust were the winners, and they split two season tickets to St. D’s! The very best part, is that they agreed to put on the next event in the Spring, so the noodling is passed on to a new bunch of very capable noodlers! Keys, Glorious Keys We’re anxious to have them. Please check your key rings for the institutional keys to the Pavilion, and return any that you find, if you are not currently involved in a show, or chairing a committee so that you need to access the theatre at times other than rehearsal. So many keys have gone OUT, but few have been returned. Help us rectify that situation? If you have one to return, please put it in an envelope addressed to Bob Yazejian and leave it on the ticket counter.

August: Osage County Auditions Oct. 17,18

When the Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Penned by Tracy Letts, the original run of the show won

both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.

Auditions: Monday, Oct. 17 & Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. (registration at 6:30) please bring a complete list of conflicts between October 24 and February 4.

Performances: Jan. 20-Feb. 4, 2017

Director: Jeff Davison Asst. Director: Susan Holmes Producer: Mairo Towle Audition cuts are available by emailing augustosage2017@gmail.com

Character Descriptions: Beverly Weston: Father of the Weston family, 60's-70's. Alcoholic, an avid reader and a washed-up poet. Great monologue. Onstage for one scene.

Violet Weston: Mother of the Weston family, 60's. Undergoing treatment for oral cancer. Addicted to several prescription drugs, she is sharp-tongued and shrewd. Aware of the family's secrets and not above revealing them for her own benefit. The audience must like her enough to care about what happens to her.

Barbara Fordham: Eldest daughter-- 40's. Mother of Jean and wife of Bill, though they are currently separated. She wants to save her marriage and has the intense need to control everything around her.

Ivy Weston: Middle daughter-- 40's. Librarian at the local college. Her calm, patient exterior hides a passionate woman growing cynical. She is having an affair with her "cousin," Little Charles, and plans to move with him to New York.

ISLAND THEME

ROCKED PREZ

PARTY WITH

SUNSHINE AND

GREAT MUSIC

Karen Weston: Youngest daughter--, 40. Newly engaged and living in with Steve, whom she considers the "perfect man."

Bill Fordham: Barbara's estranged husband and Jean's father-- 40's. A college professor, he has left his wife for a younger woman, but wants to be there for his family.

Jean Fordham: Bill and Barbara's smart-tongued 14-year-old daughter. She smokes pot and cigarettes, is a vegetarian, loves old movies, and is bitter about her parents' split.

Steve Heidebrecht: Karen's fiancé, 40's-50. A businessman from Florida—and far from perfect. He flirts with Jean throughout the play, supplies her with marijuana, and attempts to molest her.

Mattie Fae Aiken: Violet's sister, Charlie's wife and Little Charles' mother--50's-60's. The occasional comic relief, she's as jaded as her sister. She belittles her son and antagonizes her husband.

Charlie Aiken: Husband of Mattie Fae and presumed father of Little Charles--50's-60's.A gentle man and lifelong friend of Beverly.

"Little Charles” Aiken: Son of Mattie Fae and Beverly--30's. Unemployed, clumsy but sweet.

Johnna Monevata: A Native American woman, 20-40. Live-in housekeeper, caretaker and observer.

Sheriff Deon Gilbeau: 40’s, Sheriff and long-time Weston family friend.

ARRRGH, MATIES! CHILDREN’S SHOW AUDITIONS SEPT. 12

Auditions will be held for “The Misfit Elves’ Epic Pirate Aventure” at 7 p.m. on Sep. 12! Roles are open to adults and children! Watch for info at: https://www.facebook.com/events/285434741827091/

HONEYMOON OVER! HORN AND MEYERS MARRY Marc Meyers and Matt Horn were married on June 4, after 30 years together. The exchange of vows took place at The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit and the reception afterwards was held at The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD).. They'll be flying off to Italy next summer for a honeymoon (if the marriage lasts!) [NOTE: They wrote their own article!]

LOOK LEFT AT THOSE DIMPLES! Welcome Nora Johanna MacDonald, born Mar. 28, 2016, to member Scott and his wife, Sarah. Already Nora is turning on the charisma she inherited from both parents!

Fran Loud Knew St. Dunstan’s When… Fall 1955 was the beginning of Fran Loud’s love affair with St. Dunstan’s. His first show was “The Tender Trap,” and Fran worked lights. Worked was the operative word here, for, at that time, the lights were connected to four dimmers and had to be operated manually by turning circular handles. It was manual lighting! The first show Fran participated in was “Ladies in Retirement,” where he was voted the best male actor in the cast. He was also the ONLY male actor in the cast. In Fran’s span with St. D’s, he has been in more than 40 shows, 17 of those were June shows in the Greek. Watch for Fran’s cavalcade of stars in the November Guilder! SMILE FOR AMAZON CASH As you prepare for back to school, the shopping you do can benefit St. Dunstan’s through Amazon Smile! Support St. Dunstan’s by using. #StartWithaSmile at http://smile.amazon.com/ch/38- 6091108 and Amazon donates to the Guild. SO easy---so, please, shop with a “smile.”

A Note from the Morehouse Family Joyce and Dutton Morehouse were very active members at St. Dunstan’s for many years. W When Joyce spotted her picture in one of the Guilders with Sally Garrison and Dick Hartle, she wrote to give us an update on her whereabouts. She and Dutton moved to the “land of red clay and kudzu,” namely Madison, Georgia, when they decided to retire from retirement, put the brakes on and live a “much slower-paced life.” Joyce had been he managing director of Island Players in Wisconsin for 15 years. At her church, the choir sang to her, and a friend loudly proclaimed, “She’s not dying, just moving!” Their new digs are about an hour’s drive from Athens, GA., and if you wish to contact Joyce and Dutton, their address is 358 Johnson Street, Madison, GA 30650. Joyce’s phone is 920-535-0136 and her email is joyce@washingtonisle.com. Dutton can be reached at 920-535-0139 and his email is Dutton@washingtonisle.com

President’s Notes Well, folks, the place it is a’hoppin. Tom Edson, Bill Myers, Nat Towle and Michael Campion have been pushing/shoving columns around the stage to form a second story for some dirty old scoundrels; the scoundrels and their lady friends have been practicing scoundrelling; Kathy Shapero and Linda Watson have been taking measurements and your Board has launched the new fiscal year with its first meeting. What’s in store for the upcoming year, you ask? Besides a new light board, some new faces in casts and directorships, your Board welcomes some new leaders as well: Alan Binkow, Rachel Biber and Patrick Wehner. And we are very fortunate to have serving us as a volunteer, Michael Butler, who will be gradually taking on financial responsibilities from Kathy Brooks over the next few months. (And a big thank you to Kathy for so many years of bill-paying, hand-holding and keeping us solvent!)

This year, the Board’s focus will be on THE 3-M’s: MEMBERSHIP, MONEY & MARKETING. 3-M Corporation, known for its innovations and creativity in consumer goods production like sticky notes could not match some of the innovative thinking brought out in our August meeting. The spritely discussion centered on addressing the issues that significantly impact St. D’s survival and growth into the future. A rousing and enthusiastic discussion uncovered these 3-M’s as essential to the Guild’s vitality and vibrancy in the coming years. We decided to form the Board members around three small task forces that will define our needs, develop time-action steps for addressing them in 2016-2017 and implement 3-M improvements. Here are some of the ideas that we considered that led to the 3-M’s: MEMBERSHIP – Over the past years, about 10 to 15% of the membership has been actively engaged in the life of the Guild, while we have over-worked the few. As our membership aged, we have not replaced them with younger people. Ideas to address these needs included developing partnerships with local high schools and colleges, encouraging seniors to participate in less rigorous activities that support

productions and request audition participants to sign up for stagecraft work. MONEY – In recent years, we have successfully purchased new seating, a sound board, a lighting board and risers as investments in our future as a Guild that produces excellent shows in comfort. Board discussion raised the bar in deriving income to support productions with increasing budgets through better engagement of business sponsors, program advertising sales and a return to dinner & ticket specials with participating restaurants. Recognizing the need for long- term growth, we also discussed the need for more formal fundraising, including events, campaigns and donor development. MARKETING – Conversation revolved around such topics as our competition for audiences, actors, directors and stage-crafters. As we looked around the room we discovered that the above-35 age group was still depending on posters, signs and post cards while the GEN X, Y and Millennials were picking up information primarily through social media. We realized that to attract new members, we needed to use media and channels familiar to them. We still are an unknown entity in the community, some felt. As a result, we want to focus on a broad, year-long marketing campaign that includes

publicity and public relations bursts for each production and enhanced branding through our web site integrated with other social media. Look or listen for invitations from our Board members to join in on the planning and implementing of actions in these 3-M areas. We need your ideas, your creativity and your commitment to participate in any of these three task forces to strengthen St. Dunstan’s as a viable theatre guild in the next years.

--Jon Huegli, President

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!

The four pictures at the right frame some of St. Dunstan’s finest. From the top: Ruth Bennett and her hubby Al. Ruth is our face to the public as she sells tickets and takes care of SO many computer and phone issues for St. D’s.

Second and third pix are Kathy Shapero and Linda Watson. For the past several years, they do seem to come as a team, costuming every show, and doing such a FABULOUS job that we earn money renting the costumes after our shows close!

Nat and Mairo Towle are the organizers of just about everything that the first three don’t handle. Nat helps with finance, builds sets, acts and directs. Mairo produces nearly every show and is always busy finding just the right person to get little jobs done around the theatre. She gives great parties, too!