PHCC Patriot Players Gearing up for a Busy Spring Semester

The Patriot Players of Patrick Henry Community College are gearing up for a busy spring semester.

Auditions for Spring Tour and "Once Upon a Disney: Music Revue" will be held in the Walker Fine Arts Theatre at PHCC on Jan. 21 from 6-9 p.m. and Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The performance will be held March 13 at 7:30 p.m. No prior experience is necessary to audition for the show. Actors must bring 16 bars of a song from the Disney songbook and be 13 years old and up to participate.

This show is a fundraising event to help support upcoming productions. Patriot Players Director Jane Leizer said it will be an event for the entire family to enjoy. "This will be a very entertaining show that will feature our Spring Tour cast," Leizer said. "We'll also be visiting our local schools once again to bring them a taste of what we'll be performing this season."

The curtain goes up next month for "Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show." Performances run from Feb. 13-15 at 7 p.m. 2 p.m. on Feb. 16 and at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21. Tickets go on sale Jan. 24. They are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Feb 21 will be a snow date in case a show is cancelled for inclement weather.

Devin Pendleton, artistic director for Patriot Players, will also direct "Ain't Misbehavin.'" Deborah Burgess and Brandon Martin will serve as musical directors, Leizer will choreograph the show, and Dan Spaugh will serve as artistic advisor. Managing the stage will be Robbie Hendrix and Melanie Gilbert. Jackie Finney and Marti Phillips are in charge of lighting.

Following these performances are auditions for "Shrek: The Musical" on March 17 from 6-9 p.m. and March 19 from 6-9 p.m. Performances will be held May 30-31 at 7 p.m., June 1 at 2 p.m. and June 5-7 at 7 p.m. Actors should bring 16 bars of a song and a prepared monologue or children's story excerpt that's one minute long.

Pendleton said the Patriot Players are seeking eager students and members of the community to participate in the spring season. "At Patriot Players, we strive to educate and encourage the best in you," he said. "In 2014, why not try something new and do something different. Come learn and experience the power the stage and a show family can have in your life."

If anyone is interested in working on the show, the Patriot Players welcome help backstage and assistance with ushering, box office, set building and costumes. To assist on an upcoming show or schedule an audition time, email Pendleton at dpendleton@patrickhenry.edu. For students already enrolled at PHCC, Spring Tour will be offered as a three-credit course listed as CST-127. They can also enroll in Theatre Workshop, CST 136, for both "Shrek" and "Ain't Misbehavin.'"

Additionally, Leizer will teach dance production during the spring semester. Students must contact their advisors to enroll in Patriot Players classes.

Find out about these shows and more by visiting www.patrickhenry.edu/patriotplayers or calling (276) 638-8777 ext. 0460.