Asolo Guild Announces Spring 2015 Events

    SARASOTA, FL, March 08, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- From traveling play readings to insider panel discussions to cast dinners that let the public mingle with the stars, the Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild extends the community's pleasure in theatre beyond an evening's entertainment.

This spring includes a reading of "Sons, Mothers and Others," an original work by local playwright Ron Pantello; radio skits from the Golden Age of Radio; and a wealth of readings performed both at the theatre and throughout the area during season.

"Every one of this spring's Guild gatherings brings unmistakable delight to performers and onlookers alike," said David Lionel, Guild Publicity Chair. "We take live theatre off the professional stage and wrap it around the community."

Amid Sarasota's intoxicating cocktail of culture, the Asolo Guild is one place that gives members an opportunity to participate in performances. To inquire about membership, please contact Guild President Pat Anderson at (941) 504-4729.

Monday, March 9, 9:30 a.m.
(Second Monday of each Month)
Asolo Theatre
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34243

PLAY READERS AT THE COOK. Guild members gather in the main Asolo Theatre lobby at 9:30 a.m. for socializing and coffee. At 10 a.m., usually in the Cook Theatre, those in attendance volunteer to spot-read a script selected in advance by a committee. On March 9, Barbara Knode directs A. R. Gurney's "The Dining Room."

Tuesday, March 10, 4:45 p.m.
Asolo Theatre
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34243

CAST DINNER. Every Asolo Rep production requires one 14-hour day from its actors and crew for a tech run-through. To break up this grueling theatrical marathon, Guilders pot luck for them a sumptuous feast. When members hear tales of their adventures, these professional theatre people come closer.

Third-year Conservatory students, who always have parts in the mainstage shows, are especially delightful to query at this deciding period in their careers. On March 10, attendees dine with the cast and crew of "Our Betters." The cast dinner is open to the public for $5.

Wednesday, March 25, 10 a.m.
(Last Wednesday of Each Month)
Asolo Theatre
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34243

INSIDE ASOLO REP. Co-sponsored by The Observer, these morning panels share insights into how the director and performers shape the audience's experience in the theatre. Such background understanding adds immensely to the enjoyment and remembrance of the audience's night at the playhouse. These discussions highlight pieces of the Asolo's current five-year project of puzzling out the nature of the American character.

March 25's seminar features the director and other creative talent behind "Sotto Voce," the latest play by Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz.

Inside Asolo Rep follows the Guild's general meetings, which begin with coffee and conversation in the lobby at 10 a.m., catered by Hotel Indigo. The discussion starts at 11 a.m.

Monday, March 30, 1 p.m.
Gulf Gate Library, Sarasota
7112 Curtis Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34231

"SONS, MOTHERS AND OTHERS." Play Readers voice this original work by local playwright Ron Pantello. The script centers on an overly protective, first-generation Italian mother struggling to cope when her two very different grown sons find fitting girlfriends who capture their hearts.

These onsite readings consist of small troupes of Guild members performing for libraries, Road Scholars, community organizations, and condo associations, accepting in return donations of a minimum $100 for the Access to the Arts program, which subsidizes theatre tickets for middle and high school students. Play readings run 30 to 60 minutes.

Most presenters are former professional, semi-professional, and community theatre actors. Some are local "hams," many of them retirees, who like the chance to emote before strangers.

Wednesday, April 1, 11 a.m.
Selby Library, Sarasota
1331 First St., Sarasota, Florida 34236

THE GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO. Play readers present radio skits from the 1930s to the 1950s. The enduring popularity of radio sitcoms proves that skits need not be explicit or suggestive to be funny. Director Barb Alexander adds sound effects from a board she uses regularly at nostalgia radio conventions around the country.

Monday, April 13, 9:30 a.m.
(Second Monday of Each Month)
Asolo Theatre
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34243

PLAY READERS AT THE COOK. Members of the Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild gather in the main Asolo Theatre lobby at 9:30 a.m. for socializing and coffee. At 10 a.m., usually in the Cook Theatre, Guild members in attendance volunteer to spot-read a script selected in advance by a committee. With no rehearsal, performers deliver very effective renderings. April 13 features "Death By Chocolate" by Paul Freed, directed by Miriam Ring.

Thursday, April 23, 4:45 p.m.
Asolo Theatre
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34243

CAST DINNER. Every Asolo Rep production requires one 14-hour day from its actors and crew for a tech run-through. To break up this grueling theatrical marathon, Guilders pot luck for them a sumptuous feast. When members hear tales of their adventures, these professional theatre people come closer.

Third-year Conservatory students, who always have parts in the mainstage shows, are especially delightful to query at this deciding period in their careers. On April 23, attendees dine with the performers and backstage staff of "Luck Be a Lady." The cast dinner is open to the public for $5.

Monday, May 11, 9:30 a.m.
(Second Monday of Each Month)
Asolo Theatre
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34243

PLAY READERS AT THE COOK. Members of the Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild gather in the main Asolo Theatre lobby at 9:30 a.m. for socializing and coffee. At 10 a.m., Guild members perform in the Cook Theatre the annual "Potpourri" variety show of short acts.

ABOUT THE ASOLO REPERTORY GUILD

The Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild is one of the oldest auxiliary organizations serving a Sarasota arts institution, marking its 41st year in 2015. The Guild facilitates the Asolo Rep in fulfilling its missions.

The Asolo Guild is the founding sponsor of the Asolo's "Access to the Arts" program, which subsidizes tickets to live professional drama on the Mertz Mainstage for thousands of middle and high school pupils in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. Three times each theatre season for a week, Guilders sell raffle tickets in the Asolo lobby to help fulfill their pledge to donate annually to support "Putting a Kid in a Seat."

# # #