The time has come for our last show. Xanadu’s first preview is tonight at 8pm. Wow what a great season it has been, from scary literary classic to boogie musicals, we are sad that this is the final show! But don’t think it is over yet, come see Xanadu running May 23-June 17. Want to get in on the action? Well there is onstage seating! For only $15 YOU can be part of the show!

Also coming in July is Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class! This funny one woman musical, from the creator of the entire Nunsense series, comes to our stage July 12-15 for 5 performances only. Tickets are $15 and you can purchase them today! Just call the box office at 248.377.3300 or visit ticketmaster.com. The same goes for Xanadu tickets! Don’t miss out on these great shows!

I want to see who is reading the blog…so here are a couple of trivia questions. What do you remember from the 80′s.

Which Bob who founded Band Aid received an honorary knighthood in 1986?

Which spin-off from The Cosby Show premiered in 1987?

Do you remember? Stay tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

Come see the show on Sunday May 13th and it is buy one, get one free! Check it out!

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

Been a while since I have talked to you! How is everyone doing? Well I hope. We are doing well here. Right now we are all getting down to the motown sound! This is the last week of From My Hometown! So get down here while you can. Soon we will be moving out of the Motown era and working our way to the disco fever!

Xanadu is going to be a really fun show! I have seen the set and it is going to be really cool! There will be onstage seating, so if you want to sit onstage the tickets are only $15! So call the box office today.

Stay tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

Well it is 1st Preview for Spreading it Around and the weather is going to be great! For those of you who don’t know the show takes place in Florida and today’s weather is going to be pretty similar! Thank you weather people for bringing us such great weather. If you didn’t get a chance to check out the cast and read their bios please visit mbtheatre.com. It is going to be a great show!

One of the most expensive gated communities in Florida.

Highest Current Price: $22.5 million

In addition to seven bedrooms, eight-and-a-half baths, an English pub room, a chef’s kitchen, entertainment center and elegant loggia, this waterfront Italianate villa also provides peace of mind. In addition to 24-hour gatefront security, homeowners enjoy round-the-clock roadside and ocean patrols. Listed with Carmen D’Angelo, Gerard Liguori and Joseph Liguori at Premier Estate Properties.

I am not really sure what I would do with a house that big. Maybe throw some big BBQ’s! It would be a lot to clean and let’s be honest, sometimes I just don’t feel like cleaning! What would you do with a house that big? Stay tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

So I would like to ask all of you what you would like to see a blog about? Is there something that you are curious about? Stay Tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

Well today we meet the final intern. His name is Jon Giberson.

What is your name? What department are you interning in?

Jonathon Giberson Jr. – Lighting Intern

Are you from the area? If not, where?

I am from Corcoran, MN

Tell us a little bit about yourself. (You don’t have to write a novel)

I grew up in a small town, I went to school at McNally Smith.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Michigan? What about it is your favorite?

Any Coney Island – We don’t have them back home.

What are some of your favorite things to do? When not being an intern.

I like to hang out and talk about being interns and play video games I guess.

How did you find out about this internship? What did you do to apply for the job?

Backstagejobs.com I sent in my resume and had a phone interview.

What was the interview like?

Kinda nerve wracking! I remember exactly where and what I was doing though.

What has been your favorite part about this season so far?

Nunsense.

What has been the coolest thing you have done since you started your internship?

Played up on the cloud (the space above the stage) and in the steel.

What are some things that you have learned so far? What else would you like to learn?

Too many things to count, everyone shares their knowledge, but juggling is the best thing so far!

What is your favorite part about being an intern?

Getting paid to learn at a place that is awesome!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you want to do when your internship is over?

Touring with a band or theatre agency either Front of House or Rigging.

Alright thanks Jon! Short and sweet right to the point. Oh yeah..I taught him how to juggle!  So, what would all you readers like to see blogs about? Let me know! Stay tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

Boy January 2012 is almost over. I can’t believe how fast this month has gone! It seems like yesterday we were ringing in the new year. Soon it will be February and Mary Stuart will open. By the way if you have not bought tickets yet for Mary Stuart you should! It is going to be a fantastic show! You should buy the tickets because I am in the show! (shameless plug?). Also if you have not yet bought tickets for Nunset Boulevard you need to, the show is closing this Sunday! Anyway onto what you all can here to read…We now meet Andrew Danner…

What is your name? What department are you interning in?
Andrew Danner, Acting/Administration

Are you from the area? If not, where?
My hometown is Rochester Hills.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. (You don’t have to write a novel)
I am a native Detroiter and grew up attending MBT performances.  I showed an early interest in acting, often reenacting Robin Williams’ scenes from Aladdin, so my parents encouraged me to get involved in local theatre.   In high school, I performed in theatre, but also was heavily involved in Spanish and social sciences.  Following that path, I initially enrolled at University of Michigan for pre-law.  However, I decided to follow my passions for performing to Point Park Conservatory in Pittsburgh.  While in Pittsburgh, I wet my feet in both theatre and film, as well as working with the opera and symphony.   I later transferred and graduated this spring from the BFA Musical Theatre program at Western Michigan University.  While at WMU, I gained experience in variety of musicals and even created a solo cabaret under the direction of the MT chair, Jay Berkow.  My recent pre-MBT credits include: “Drowsy Chaperone,” “The Music Man,” “My One and Only,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” and New World Stages in NYC.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Michigan? What about it is your favorite?
Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district.  Their ingredients are some of the freshest in the state and the experience is not to be missed.  There’s something so exciting about waiting in the line that wraps around the building and ordering a freshly made sandwich.  They also offer a market, which has an incredibly wide selection.

What are some of your favorite things to do? When not being an intern.
In my free time I enjoy working out, a good college football game (Go Blue!), checking out museums, and boating.   I also enjoy indie films,  I recently went down to the Main Art in Royal Oak to see Lars von Trier’s Melancholia.

How did you find out about this internship? What did you do to apply for the job?
I was visiting my friend Renee in Astoria over the summer of 2010 and she told me she was going to Michigan to work for Meadow Brook Theatre.  I touched base with her over the course of the year and decided to apply.   I sent in a pretty standard submission, headshot, resume, cover letter and was thrilled to hear back.

What was the interview like?
I auditioned with a song and monologue, as well as completing an interview.  It was great experience, because it allowed me to see what MBT was about and witness the great rapport between the artistic staff.

What has been your favorite part about his season so far?
Although, it feels like it has just begun, but I have definitely learned a lot about working in regional theatre.  “A Christmas Carol” was extra special for me, as it was surreal to be performing in a show that had inspired me as a kid.  I also really enjoy watching the veteran actors perform and seeing their process evolve.
What has been the coolest thing you have done since you started your internship?
I would say the coolest thing that I have done is diversify my skills and with each new show, a new adventure.   I’ve also enjoyed seeing the wide range of patrons and their experiences at the theatre.  It makes the work extra fulfilling.

What are some things that you have learned so far? What else would you like to learn?
The many facets of working in regional theatre.  I look forward to the many new lessons the remainder of the season brings.

What is your favorite part about being an intern?
I get to see the whole process.  As an actor, I rarely get that, and it has expanded my worldview.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you want to do when your internship is over?
“I never think of the future – it comes soon enough.” – Albert Einstein.    I like to take each day as it comes and taking progressive steps toward my goals.

Thanks Andrew! So there you have it. I am going to have to try Zingerman’s Deli! Well stay tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

Today we have another intern for you all to meet her name is Mary Gietzen. But before we meet her I wanted to put in the plug about Nunset Boulevard. This show is hilarious. I went and saw it on Friday last week and I couldn’t stop laughing. For those of you who don’t know this is the last installment of the Nunsense Series by Dan Goggin. The sister of Hoboken New Jersey travel to LA to play what they think is going to be the Hollywood Bowl, but when they arrive they find out they are playing at the Hollywood-Bowl-A-Rama. A Cabaret lounge and bowling alley! If you have not had a chance to see this show you must come and see it! Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com, or you can call the Box Office at 248.377.3300. So back to the task at hand, here is Mary Gietzen.

What is your name? What department are you interning in?

My name is Mary Gietzen and I am the Wardrobe intern.

Are you from the area? If not, where?

I am originally from Warren MI but currently live in Rochester Mi.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. (You don’t have to write a novel)

I recently graduated from Oakland University in Rochester, MI, where I was a Theatre Design and Technology Major. I worked in the theatre’s costume shop for five years, partaking in many of their productions whether in the capacity of design, construction or running shows. In the summer of 2009 I had the chance to work at the West Virginia Public Theatre where I was the Assistant Wardrobe Coordinator. I love working with people and clothing, which the costume area allows me to do both. I love designing, crewing and stitching and hopefully one day I can say that I have done them all professionally.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Michigan? What about it is your favorite?

My favorite place to eat at is Chipotle, simply because it is good food that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to fill you up.

What are some of your favorite things to do? When not being an intern.

When I am not at Meadowbrook doing my intern duties I enjoy being around my friends and family just hanging out, whether it’s doing karaoke, the movies or even the theatre, just having fun is what makes my time away from the theatre more special.

How did you find out about this internship? What did you do to apply for the job?

I found out about this internship while I attended Oakland University, I had heard about it not only from the friends I had that were interns themselves but from people at Meadow Brook. In order to apply for the job I had to send in my resume and a cover letter, once that was done I waited until I got an interview in which I showed my portfolio.  I knew they were adding the position of Wardrobe intern so I applied for both of the costume positions that were available.

What was the interview like?

The interview was at first a bit scary while I was waiting for my turn, but once I sat down to talk with Sarah Warren it wasn’t so bad. I showed her my portfolio and talked about the work I had done in my undergrad. She asked me a few questions and we talked about what the job was looking for and if I would be a good fit. It was an interesting process and in the end I am glad that I was able to do something that allowed me to receive a position.

What has been your favorite part about his season so far?

I love being able to spend time in my area and concentrating on being the best I can be has allowed me to learn more about it and expand. Being able to be efficient and helpful have always been important to me and learning how to do this on a new level is very satisfying. It is very rewarding to be able to help someone and make them feel like they are in good hands backstage. In addition I like knowing that an actor can concentrate on the show if they know that their costumes are taken care of. Theatre is truly a collaboration and the more you can work together the better each and every show will be, which is why I am truly glad that I have a great supervisor that I can learn from and eventually my experiences here will shape me into being a better supervisor in the future.

What has been the coolest thing you have done since you started your internship?

The coolest thing I have done so far in my internship was make new friends and be apart of memories that will last for a lifetime.

What are some things that you have learned so far? What else would you like to learn?

I have learned more about working with people and about tag teaming to make sure the job gets done. This goes for all areas of theatre because being part of a team makes the job ten times better than having to do it alone. I really want to learn as much as I can about the costume field, whether its about sewing or wardrobe, I just want to be the best I can be through out my costume career.

What is your favorite part about being an intern?

I don’t really have a favorite part simply because I am still learning and growing as a theatre artist and there are things that I haven’t experienced yet. I do enjoy getting to work in the different fields because in the end it will make me a stronger person.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you want to do when your internship is over?

In the next 5 years I see myself either in grad school or working on Broadway. When this internship is over I want to do something that will allow me to get closer to my goals, exactly what that is I am not sure yet.

Thanks Mary! I hope that you continue to follow your dreams! You will go far. Remember never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about! Stay tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

So how about his weather! Wow. It is January and it feels a little like spring. What is going on? Anyway, today we are going to meet another intern, this week it is Theresa McKenzie.

What is your name? What department are you interning in?

Theresa McKenzie, Prop intern

Are you from the area? If not, where?

I’m from Virginia

Tell us a little bit about yourself. (You don’t have to write a novel)

I grew up in Virginia where I also went to school, Lynchburg College. There I gained a degree in technical theatre with a minor in elementary ed. After graduation, I spent a year in Memphis, TN as the scenic charge intern for Playhouse on the Square where we did 21 in one season. When my contract ended, I came to Michigan to work for Meadow Brook Theatre to be the prop intern.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Michigan? What about it is your favorite?

Buddy’s pizza. It’s possibly some the best pizza I’ve ever had and the people are really nice and attentive.

What are some of your favorite things to do? When not being an intern.

I like to watch movies, knit different projects, and read.

How did you find out about this internship? What did you do to apply for the job?

I found out about the job through Backstagejobs.com and sent an email with my resume and digital portfolio to the company.

What was the interview like?

The interview was two parts, first with Sarah Warren and then with Kristen Gribbin. The asked my about my interest in the company, told me what I could expect if I was to be hired, and then asked me about me experience and history. I told them about the different tools and techniques I’d worked with. The rest is history.

What has been your favorite part about this season so far?

I’m going to have to say running Christmas Carol because it was nice to be able to see all the other interns every day. I work in a different building so I only see them for meetings and special projects.

What has been the coolest thing you have done since you started your internship?

Getting to make the new Christmas goose for a Christmas Carol. It was something I got to make by myself and it’s neat to know that it will be in the show for the next 10-15 years.

What are some things that you have learned so far? What else would you like to learn?

So far I’ve learned how to work a patch board during light focus, been exposed to different adhesives, and have learned how to gold leaf. I’m looking forward to this week because I’m getting the chance to work with a finish carpenter on making some fine furniture, which will be a new experience for me.

What is your favorite part about being an intern?

Getting to learn and be exposed to different skills.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you want to do when your internship is over?

In 5 years I would like to be established enough to start my own children’s theatre both financially and in my career. After my internship is over I want to go on tour with either a national or international touring company.

Thanks Theresa! Don’t forget to get tickets to see Nunset Boulevard by Dan Goggin! It is a great show! Stay tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger

Wow..can you believe it another year has gone by! Here we are in 2012. 2011 went by so fast, there were many good thing in 2011, but also some not so good. I know that I am looking forward to a whole new year! How about you? What are you looking forward to in 2012? Well to start off the new year I thought I would do something that is a little different from the other blogs I have done. There are certain individuals that work behind the scenes and on stage to help keep this theatre going. Those would be our wonderful interns! They work very hard and many people don’t know who they are. Well I am going introduce them to you one by one over the next few weeks. I will have an intern of the week for the next 8 weeks. Our first intern of the week is Meredith Gifford and I will let her tell you a little bit more about herself.

What is your name? What department are you interning in?

Meredith Gifford, acting/administrative intern

Are you from the area? If not, where?

Yes, I am from Rochester, MI. I went to school at Notre Dame Prep High School, just down the road from here.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. (You don’t have to write a novel)

I didn’t start singing or acting till I was 16 and played Ado Annie in Oklahoma at my high school. I went to Viterbo University in LaCrosse, WI and got my BFA in Music Theatre Performance. I have performed with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, Timber Lake Playhouse, Santa’s Village Theme Park, Michigan Star Clipper Dinner Train, and the Granbury Opera House. I have taught acting and dance at Gyeonggi English Village and at the New York Kid’s Club. I also have a teaching certification through Harvard University’s “Teaching for Understanding”. I just moved back to Michigan after 3 years at Gyeonggi English Village in South Korea. I worked as a Edutrainer creating and performing original musicals that taught Korean kids English. I was also the General Manager of the department for almost 2 years.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Michigan? What about it is your favorite?

Kruse and Muer at the Village shopping center. Their bread is to die for!!

What are some of your favorite things to do? When not being an intern.

I love to play with my shih tzu pup, Frankie. I take him on lots of walks. I love taking Zumba classes at the gym and going to different bars or restaurants with my friends.

When I lived abroad I traveled a lot. I have been to 8 counties in Southeast Asia!

How did you find out about this internship? What did you do to apply for the job?

I am good friends with Renee Turner, the acting intern last year. I came to see her in Dracula and talked to her about the internship. She was having such a great time that I decided to apply for it. Then I chickened out because I was busy with work and didn’t think it was a very good season for me. When I was visiting home in May, I happened to be home for the cattle call auditions. It was my 1st time auditioning for them. I am non-equity and had to wait around all day to get an audition slot. During those 6 hours I was talking to the interns and friends that had worked at MBT. When I walked into my audition, I asked Travis and Terry if they still had a slot open for an acting intern. They said yes, I sang and did my monologue, had an interview a few days later, and got a call 10 days later that I was hired!

What was the interview like?

Very relaxed. I was shocked. I had practiced for hours what I was going to say!! Sarah Warren took me to her office and she asked me what I had been doing since graduating from college. We talked about the internship (the good, the bad, and the cleaning). She was very honest. At the time, they were wanting 2 male acting interns because the season was very guy heavy. Guess they liked me enough to have 1 guy and 1 girl!

What has been your favorite part about this season so far?

Cleaning the bathrooms and hallways every 3 weeks is definitely my favorite. Hehehe

What has been the coolest thing you have done since you started your internship?

Being on an Equity stage for the 1st time in Something Wicked This Way Comes. It really hit me during our 1st preview performance. During the curtain call, I almost started tearing up. It was such an honor to be on this stage!

What are some things that you have learned so far? What else would you like to learn?

I have learned lots about lights. As an intern, we are all required to do the light hangs for each show. When I started directing a few years ago, I knew nothing about lights. It was very frustrating for me. I’m still pretty new but I know so much more now. I’d like to learn more about directing and creating a vision. I should probably start picking Travis Walter’s brain more while I am here.

What is your favorite part about being an intern?

I love working in a theatre community. Everyone is so supportive of one another. The interns and staff at MBT have become another family to me. Actually, I see them much more than my family that I live with!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you want to do when your internship is over?

I am an older intern. I graduated from college almost 6 years ago so my answers might be a little different. I am currently applying to grad schools for a masters in theatre education. My top choice is Emerson College in Boston. In 5 years, I would be done with my masters and be a liscensced teacher. I would like to have a full time teaching job at a high school with a growing performing arts department. I would teach theatre, acting, dance, and maybe a theatre lit class. I would also be the head director/choreographer doing 2-4 shows a year. I would still be performing when I could, I would be married or close to it, and live in a metropolitan city. Of course, my dog Frankie would come with and he would have a little pug sister.

What can I say, I am a planner

So there you have it..thanks Meredith! I hope that you got to know her a little bit more and don’t forget to come see her in some of the shows this season. Stay tuned…

Casey S. Hibbert© – Guest Blogger