June 2001 Gossip

Artistic Enterprises in Indianapolis is looking for new talent who might be available to travel to Indy for auditions and jobs. "We have done work with several of your local production companies," says casting director Michelle Moore. The majority of their regular clients, however, are based out of Indianapolis. For more information, visit their website at http://www.artisticindy.com

Perception Strategies, a mystery shopping organization based out of Indianapolis, is also in search of actors and non-actors who can also write (as in, put sentences together in narrative form. You know, the stuff you learned to do in 6th grade. I'm not talking David Mamet writing here). You make your own hours, and the money is quite good, plus you get to stretch your acting/improvisational skills as well as your writing skills. It's not "gimme" money; you do work for it, you have to follow the deadlines, and you have to be able to put sentences together with punctuation and grammar and all that good stuff. For more information, fill out their online application and check out their website for more on what they do: http://www.perstrat.com/shoppers/empopp.asp

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Pulse Opera House building continues

The Pulse Opera House finally got word about the Build Indiana grant. "Sounds like we will receive $36,000," says director Cynthia Smyth-Wartzok. "This is down from what we were budgeted, but still lots more than we have received before. This will allow us to finish the lobby and a few other projects. We still won't have elevators, but are examining our options." The elevator would cost around $70,000 with a yearly investment of thousands.

The lobby is still progressing, she says, including restrooms -- a first for the Warren theatre. "I have the feeling that lots of good times are going to be had in that lobby," says the proud director. "Thanks to many people, but especially my dad who has spent lots of time on scaffolding painting the ceiling black."

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Locals get professional theatre jobs

Eric Sorg announces his internship at Dinoland USA in Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL. The internship will help him fulfill a Fashion Merchandising degree at Ball State. He will be a part of the Disney family from May 21 through January 6. "It's a long time," he says, "but it's well worth it."

Things are also looking up for Nick Hartman and Elizabeth Wagar, as well. Nick recently won his university's departmental award for undergraduate costume design. "I was not expecting this at all," he says, "but what a way to leave this school!"

However, he didn't have the opportunity to walk across the stage at graduation -- he and fiancée Elizabeth had job interviews in Rockford Illinois, at the New American Theatre. The interviews paid off; they were hired on the spot. Nick was given the job as assistant costumer and Elizabeth is production assistant. As Nick says, "She is the 'memo Girl' for the productions. I will be doing a lot, but she will be doing it ALL!"

The New American Theatre is an Equity house, with 9 productions next season. "We can not believe it," says Nick, "Done with school, and off we go to the theatre!"

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