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Send us a textBefore the World Premiere of his very first play, Judson Jones streamed into the Playwright's Spotlight. We discussed his background in theatre, film, and television and his journey to writing his first play and any challenges he overcame. We dove into hitting the flow state, introducing new ideas, the appreciation of new works, storytelling through Post-It notes, working with deadlines, collaborating with designers and the benefits of simplicity and justification as well as eliminating and having an outside eye. We wrap with delving into devices vs dialogue, working with sensitive subject matter, writing out of order, and observing the loss of grace in society. It's a very heartwarming conversation. Enjoy! His play Canaan Unremembered opened March 24th at the Court Square Theater in Long Island City, New York and runs through April 19th, 2025. For tickets, visit -https://www.theatreeast.org/canaan-unrememberedJudson Jones is a playwright and award-winning producer and director who has had the privilege of collaborating on the premieres of Tim Blake Nelson's Eye Of God, Christopher Durang's The Vietnamizaton of New Jersey, David Crawford's Harvest, Bennett Windheim's Normalcy, Megan O'Brien's The Jungle Book, Daniel MacIvor's The Soldier Dreams, and Devil and the Deep with Air Supply‘s Graham Russell. He serves on the Board of Directors for Texas Dramatists, is a member of Actors' Equity and SAG/AFTRA, and an instructor at the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/IiK0f9MXhlELinks to resources mentioned in this episode -Powerhouse Theatre - https://www.vassar.edu/powerhouseWebsite and Socials for Judson Jones -IG - @judsonjonesFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/judson.jonesWebsites and socials for James Elden, PMP, and Playwright's Spotlight -Punk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show
Laughers, get ready to step onto the stage at Court Square Theater as we chat with Justin Ryder, the new managing director! With 40 years of extensive theater experience—ranging from Broadway touring musicals to executive roles in nonprofit and for-profit arts—Justin brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to Harrisonburg. Hear about his journey, global touring adventures, and how he plans to honor the theater's legacy while introducing fresh programming, like the Living Room series hosted by Steel Wheels' Trent Wagler. Plus, learn how the theater is expanding its reach with multicultural engagement, including outreach to the Hispanic and Nepalese communities. From theater camps to unique artistic collaborations, there's an exciting new chapter unfolding at Court Square Theater! Cheers! Court Square Theater: courtsquaretheater.org Address: 41-F Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Instagram: @courtquaretheater Facebook: Court Square Theater Phone: 540-433-9189 Email Justin: courtsquaretheater@gmail.com NEW Website! Arts Council of the Valley: valleyarts.org This podcast is brought to you by: FWAF [f-wahf] = The Funny Womacks & Friends We offer comedy shows, classes & this podcast! thefunnywomacks.com Facebook & Instagram: @thefunnywomacks YouTube: The Funny Womacks Affiliate Links You May Also Be Interested In: Love Podcasts? Love Audiobooks? Get a Free One on Us!
Laughers, get ready to be entertained as we journey into the world of live theater and creative camps, shining a spotlight on Court Square Theater's Act One education program. Join us as we uncover the magic of Act One, where individuals of all ages can unlock their artistic potential. Our exploration begins with a sneak peek into the upcoming auditions for Shrek Jr., offering aspiring young actors a chance to showcase their talents and grace the stage. We'll dive into the audition requirements, tips, and the significance of a well-prepared monologue, guided by insights from the director himself. However, Act One isn't solely about acting; it's a collaborative effort involving costume designers, set designers, choreographers, and performers. Embracing diversity and inclusion, Act One fosters a vibrant and supportive community in Harrisonburg for artistic expression. We'll sit down with JP Gulla, the passionate managing director of Court Square Theater, who shares his vision and dedication to Act One. Drawing from his professional acting experience and educational background, JP recognizes the challenges performers face and highlights Act One's commitment to helping everyone shine. But our journey doesn't end at the theater doors; we'll also explore Act One's ties with the Kennedy Center's school for arts education and the profound impact of art on young minds. Plus, Act One is expanding its offerings to encompass various art forms, broadening the horizons of creative exploration. Whether you're an aspiring actor, a comedy enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the transformative power of the arts, this episode is your ticket to entertainment, insight, and inspiration. Join us as we embark on an exhilarating adventure into Act One's captivating world of live theater and creative camps on this episode of Virginia Is For Laughers! Cheers! Court Square Theater - Join their mailing list! Website: https://courtsquaretheater.org/ Physical Location: 41-F Court Square, Harrisonburg,, VA 22801 Facebook: Court Square Theater Instagram: @courtsquaretheater Tik Tok: Court Square Theater Laughers, enjoy the award-winning delicious PrePOPsterous Gourmet Popcorn! Physical Location: 400 N Main St, Bridgewater, VA Website: https://www.prepopsterous.com/ Discount promo code: LAUGH15 To learn more about X2 Comedy & Buy Tickets visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: @x2comedy
Laughers, be sure to catch this humorous and authentic chat with Donna Lewis, a national touring comedian who opened for Marsha Warfield and Maria Bamford. Listen to stories about what she does for NASA by day and discover what prompted her to pursue comedy later in life. Find out about her favorite places to perform across the country. Listen to experiences of competing and receiving a standing ovation to a sold out audience at Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, VA pre pandemic that advanced her in the World Series of Comedy. Discover what prompted her to start the diverse POC Improv Troupe Lemon Pepper & Sazón and found the Push Diversity Scholarship program as an outreach to reach diverse performers and audiences. As a sketch comedy writer, hear about the kinds of sketches she writes. Discover if she has a preference doing standup, sketch comedy or improv. Plus, don't miss her fun descriptions about what she loves about each of them & more! Cheers! Comedian Donna Lewis Facebook: Comedian Donna Lewis Instagram: @hrlmgyrl Website: linktr.ee/comediandonna April 15th Spring Show in the 2023 X2 Comedy Series at Court Square Theater 41-F Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA USA Doors Open 7pm; Show Starts 7:30pm $20 Advanced | $25 at Door Chris Womack, Dawn Davis Womack, Jay Zehr, Donna Lewis & Melissa Douty https://courtsquaretheater.org/event/x2-comedy-series-2023/ Great group discounts available just contact the theater at 540-433-9189 X2 Comedy Series Season Tickets: https://checkout.square.site/buy/HUQVI44OQHQ3BXW6USNFI3K7 Laughers, enjoy delicious PrePOPsterous Gourmet Popcorn! Located in Bridgewater, VA ~ Use code LAUGH15 To purchase to visit: https://www.prepopsterous.com/ To learn more about X2 Comedy & Buy Tickets to a show: Visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: @x2comedy
Listen to a soulful and inspiring chat with laughs as Corrie Lynn Green shares stories of her rural Appalachian roots. Listen to her incredible story of finding meaning in life's hardships; beauty in being human; and a newfound bravery from her songwriting and music that tells it all. Hear how facing breast cancer impacted her view on life and music career. Discover the huge array of eclectic influences and fun musical experiences that have helped shape her. Hear her describe the difference between Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, Appalachian, Mountain Music and where her unique style falls. Discover how her songwriting process began and has evolved over time. Hear the amazing story of how she was discovered by music producer, Doug Fearn, who helped her produce, record her album, Blow Away, and flourish as a musician. Listen to a powerful and moving story about her parents' seeing her perform live for the first time in front of a sold out audience at Court Square Theater. Learn and hear her enlightening story about the process of songwriting competitions where she received national recognition. Discover what's next for her including an upcoming event at the Forbes Center in Harrisonburg, VA with 5 female singer songwriters. Plus, don't miss how sitting in your hardships can provide you with value, meaning and have a profound positive impact on your life and much more! Cheers! Website: https://corrielynngreenmusic.com/home Facebook: Corrie Lynn Green Music Instagram: @corriestringgeek TikTok: @corrielynngreen Nov 18, 2022 @ 7:00pm Forbes Theater – 147 Warsaw Ave, Harrisonburg. VA Buy Tickets! https://jmuforbescenter.com/events/2022/11/18-songstress-sojourn.shtml To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: @x2comedy
Listen to a heartwarming and uplifting chat with laughs to get a peak behind the scenes of the play Can't Feel at Home with members of the Creative Team. Hear the story of how this play by Dr. John T. Glick was beautifully written for healing in a way that is powerful and emotional with humor threaded throughout to honor these displaced families. Learn about the connection of the co-producers to the playwright that began in Harrisonburg High School's Class of 1970. Learn what theatrical producers do and what inspired the Director, Stan Swartz, to come out of retirement for this production. Discover how this play found its home at Court Square Theater for the World Premier and how the rehearsals are going. Hear about some of the characters you will meet ranging from ages 8-79. Discover what characters are some of the Creative Team's favorites and learn the meaning behind the name of the play. Learn about the special considerations and adaptations they have made to honor these families through the music, costumes, and set design. Listen to some of the biggest challenges they faced, the surprising delights along the way and much more! Plus, don't miss out on what each of them hope people will get out of seeing this play production that is meaningful and powerful. Cheers! December 1-4, 2022 Can't Feel at Home written by Dr John Glick & Directed by Stan Swartz Court Square Theater - Harrisonburg. VA Buy Tickets! https://courtsquaretheater.org/events/category/live-performances/theater/2022-12/ Recommendation of what to watch on YouTube: (2:53 min) The Carter Family – Can't Feel at Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE3kW9-tjO8 Children of the Shenandoah Facebook: Children of the Shenandoah Official & Children of the Shenandoah To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: @x2comedy
Listen to a heartwarming chat with touching moments and laughs with Lisa Custalow, a descendant of a family removed the mountain and Joe Appleton, co-producer of “Can't Feel at Home” an original play by Dr. John T. Glick based on these displaced families. Hear the story of Lisa's family and what inspired her to found the Children of the Shenandoah twenty-five years ago with her late husband, Curtis. Learn about the significance of the eight Chimney monuments in various counties that honor these families built by committees in the Blue Ridge Heritage Project. Find out where the 8th and final one is being built in the Shenandoah Valley. Hear the amazing story of how the relationship with the Children of the Shenandoah began years ago with avid hiker, Bill Henry, who now chairs as president for Blue Ridge Heritage Project, a non-profit. Listen to the feelings, sentiments and impact on the displaced families and their descendants. Hear Joe speak warmly about his dear friend, Dr. John T. Glick, who wrote this very powerful and fun story about healing that will be directed by Stan Swartz. Hear how this play was inspired from the time Dr. John Glick was caring for the displaced families in Elkton and Shenandoah. Listen to how authentic the play feels to Lisa that bring their stories to life. Discover more about the playwright Dr. Glick who traveled the globe as a professional clown with Patch Adams and who was part of the comedy duo Glick & Phillips that performed here in the Valley including Court Square Theater! Find out about the auditions for this play and how best to follow the unveiling of this project and much more! This one is rich with history, warmth and touching moments! Cheers! September 19-20 Auditions at 7pm each night Court Square Theater - Harrisonburg, VA Auditions: For ages 10 to 75 there are parts from very small to very large. Several roles require actors to play fiddle and/or banjo. Several roles require actors to sing. To get more information visit https://www.valleyarts.org/cst and click “Casting Calls” under “Court Square Theater” ‘s drop down menu! The play will be performed December 1-4, 2022 Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, VA Children of the Shenandoah Facebook: Children of the Shenandoah Official & Children of the Shenandoah October 29: Open to the Public, Everyone is welcome Homecoming Meeting of the Children of the Shenandoah Elkton Community Center at 1pm – there will be food! 20593 Blue and Gold Dr., Elkton, VA 22827 See the Rockingham Memorial Chimney outside the community center! Blue Ridge Heritage Project http://www.blueridgeheritageproject.com/ Facebook: Blue Ridge Heritage Project To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: @x2comedy
Listen to a super fun upbeat chat with laughs on all things Arts Council of the Valley with Executive Director, Jenny Burden! Listen to Jenny's story and find out when she first discovered her passion for the arts. Learn about the community initiatives available to local artists and art educators. Discover all you can see, explore and experience! Find out more about the art exhibitions in their three galleries and where they find the artists. Get information on where you can see public art dating back to the 1930s to the present throughout the greater Harrisonburg community. From films to music to live performances, hear some of Jenny's favorites and learn what's new at Court Square Theater. Find out about the Summer Camps now available for our youth community and what it's all about. Plus, don't miss out on finding more about all the ways you can support the arts and get involved with the Arts Council of the Valley & more! Cheers! Arts Council of the Valley Facebook: Arts Council of the Valley Instagram: @artscouncilofthevalley Art Council of the Valley Website: https://www.valleyarts.org/ To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: @x2comedy
Listen to a jovial chat loaded with laughs with comedian and actor, Clean Ryheem! From ripping the runway at New York Fashion Week to GEICO commercials, listen to his story that began by being raised by his grandparents. Discover why he quit his job as an Accountant to pursue a career in entertainment. Hear stories about how he got into modeling and what his experiences were like. Listen to his fun proposal story asking his wife Breonna to marry him while working the runway at New York Fashion Week. Having done print modeling work for companies like Calvin Klein, find out which gig was his favorite. A former competitor in Physique Competitions, find out what his life was like doing it and if he misses it all. Be entertained by his ordering from Chick-fil-A and the funny commercial work he did over the pandemic! Listen to how he was “harassed” into doing stand up comedy and what you can expect when you see him perform. Discover what his 2 year old thinks about his comedy; the strangest thing that has happened to him so far and what famous comedian he would pick to do a movie with and why. It might surprise you. This is a fun and entertaining episode that is sure to make you smile and laugh. Enjoy! Follow Clean Ryheem on Social! Instagram: @cleanryheem or Facebook: Ryheem Johnson Website: http://www.cleanryheem.com/ See Clean Ryheem perform live on April 9th for the X2 Comedy Series! Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, VA Line up: Chris Womack, Dawn Davis Womack, Mike Moran & headliner Clean Ryheem Tickets $20 Beer & Wine now available at concessions Buy Tickets Today!* https://www.valleyarts.org/performances/2022/1/29/x2-comedy-series *Group Discounts available w/ a minimum of 10 people it's $15 pp with a reserved block of seats! Call the Theater M-F 9a-5p at 540-433-9189 or email courtsquaretheater@gmail.com A comedy show makes for a great FUN night out with friends, teams, businesses, your staff, churches and organizations! To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: @x2comedy
Listen to this fun and inspiring chat with laughs sprinkled with wisdom nuggets on all things youth fine arts with JR Snow, Director of Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley and the Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator of Harrisonburg City Schools. Learn about the Court Square Café, a monthly evening showcase of performance and multi-media art created and shared by talented youth. Get a behind the scenes look at the approach designed to create spaces where students can flourish no matter their age or skill level. In addition to the classes, programs and events offered learn more about the Fine Arts Academy. Find out how students can apply to this unique interdisciplinary and collaborate community where young artists can thrive. Listen to wisdom and inspiring advice from professionals in the arts that JR and Dawn share. With over 21 years in arts and education, hear JR's perspective on changes he's seen in multi-media art that has surprised him the most. Plus, don't miss out the upcoming performances you can expect to see from Court Square Café including a song festival at Court Square Theater in downtown Harrisonburg! What a great way to support rising young talent and the price is a steal;-) Enjoy! Go see the Court Square Café! https://www.valleyarts.org/performances Fine Arts Academy – Apply through Feb 11: https://www.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/FineArts/Portal/hhs-fine-arts-academy HCPS Fine Arts https://www.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/finearts Facebook: Harrisonburg City Public Schools @HCPSArts Instagram: Harrisonburg Fine Arts @hcpsarts To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: X2 Comedy
Join us for a fun and informative episode with JP Gulla, the new Managing Director of Court Square Theater in downtown Harrisonburg. Hear JP's story about his performance and business background that lead to him to overseeing the 260 seat theater featuring films, film festivals, live performances, Valley Playhouse Community Theater productions, community events and more! Learn about the new safety measures, upgrades and find out upcoming events. Get JP's take on the universal language of communication and his roles in the upcoming Valley Playhouse production. Hear JP's vision and how you can perhaps be a part with your idea for the community. Learn about the connection with the Shenandoah Black Heritage Project and their Roots Run Deep Tour you can do. Plus, don't miss learning what pieces of the historic Kavanaugh Hotel are a part of the theater today and more! Enjoy! Get connected and explore! JP Gulla Court Square Theater Email: courtsquaretheater@gmail.com Office: Arts Council of The Valley, 311 South Main St, Harrisonburg, VA Website: valleyarts.org Facebook & Instagram: Court Square Theater Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project https://valleyblackheritage.org/index.html SAVE THE DATE: May 14, 2022 Event scheduled for September 18th postponed to May 14, 2022. Riverside Park in Elkton, Virginia Celebrate their 3rd annual event honoring Shenandoah Valley Sould Food History and Chefs. Day starts with an All Black Sports Reunion at 10am. Program honoring their Chefs will be at 1:00pm. Day ends with a Gospel program. To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: X2 Comedy
The number of new jobless claims in Virginia is down again for last week, but still way above average, as the state’s unemployment rate continues to climb… As Virginia begins to relax virus-related restrictions on businesses, public health experts at UVa warn the state risks a rise in infections… Even as Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg says it is closing down, the American Shakespeare Center has found new life online….
The number of new jobless claims in Virginia is down again for last week, but still way above average, as the state’s unemployment rate continues to climb… As Virginia begins to relax virus-related restrictions on businesses, public health experts at UVa warn the state risks a rise in infections… Even as Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg says it is closing down, the American Shakespeare Center has found new life online….
The Arts Council of the Valley announced this week that they will suspend operations at Court Square Theater for at least one year due to financial pressures, starting this summer. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn spoke with the Council’s executive director Jenny Burden about what the future holds.
The latest casualty from the pandemic and economic downturn is Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, shutting down for at least a year… Governor Northam says Medicaid expansion is helping low-income Virginians during the COVID crisis… Should local governments be involved in federal immigration enforcement?
The latest casualty from the pandemic and economic downturn is Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, shutting down for at least a year… Governor Northam says Medicaid expansion is helping low-income Virginians during the COVID crisis… Should local governments be involved in federal immigration enforcement?
This is the sermon from RISE worship on June 14th, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on June 14th, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
In another episode dedicated to the art and pursuit of stand-up comedy, I (Kenn Edwards [along with previous guests/fellow amateur comics Thomas Wagoner & Paige Campbell]) speak with Chris Alan & TJ Ferguson about their experience working in the world of professional comedy. Subjects include the business, the process, personal gripes and more! This episode also continues to document my not-yet-professional comedy career, ending with a recording of the first set I ever got paid to do (Court Square Theater, Harrisonburg VA, 2.28.15), but even better than that: you get to hear 5 golden minutes of Chris Alan killing before opening up for this episode's brief-but-special cameo, renowned comedian Kyle Kinane!
This is the sermon from RISE worship on June 7th, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
May 17th, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on May 17th, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
May 3rd, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on May 3rd, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
May 10th, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on May 10th, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
April 26, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on April 26, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
April 19, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on April 19, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
April 12, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on April 12, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
March 29, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on March 29, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
March 1, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on March 1, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
March 8, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on March 8, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
March 15, 2015This is the sermon from RISE worship on March 15, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on February 15, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on February 8, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on February 1, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on January 4, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on January 11, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on January 25, 2015.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on December 7, 2014.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.
This is the sermon from RISE worship on December 14, 2014.RISE worship meets every Sunday morning at exactly 10(ish) at Court Square Theater.