Page 32 - the NOISE August 2015

sTory By ClAir AnnA rose
august perForMIng arts
LEFT: Kayley Monster gives a comical reading of Craigslist’s “Missed
Connections.” RIGHT: Tiny Punches improv team brings the laughs to
the Flagstaff Foundry. PHoTos By geAn sHAnKs
forging A neW Venue AT THe
flAgsTAff foundry
Flagstaff seems to constantly be growing as an arts community — the entertainment community being no exception. In the last year and a half there has been a boom in theater performances, a new theater group is in the works, circus shows are on the rise and aerial performances are in abundance, adding another layer of fun to already entertaining events and festivals.
newlyweds Joan (Grant) and Garrison Garcia moved to Flagstaff a little under two years ago, and since moving to town have been an integral part of the performance community — first with the opening of Flagstaff Aerial Arts and now with a new monthly variety show — The Flagstaff Foundry.
Debuting on May 29, the Flagstaff Foundry introduced the first installment of Mr. Garcia’s radio serial The Flagstone Four and the Circus Arts studio’s home Improv team Tiny Punches. Variety included Lyra (aerial hoop,) stand-up comedy, aerial silks, belly dance, live music and a combination act of balloon sculpture, unicycling and juggling — all done at the same time by one person.
June’s Foundry introduced aerial pole, trapeze and a dramatized performance of Craigslist’s “Missed Connections,” read by Kayley Monster. During the improv set a new game was brought into play — utilizing the internet wonder that is Chat Roulette. Tiny Punches members cycled through Chat Roulette trying to find a partner who would willingly act out a scene from the movie Titanic and at the same time kept a finger on the “next” button in case any X-rated content appeared on the screen.
The second Flagstaff Foundry had the audience in an uproar of laughter at times, and left this reporter anxious to attend the next show on August 1.
Inspired by a circus in Bellingham, washington called Vaudevillingham — a monthly variety show — the Garcias thought it was an excellent idea to start something similar in Flagstaff. “Flagstaff has many groups that one can perform with, but it tends to be an exclusive, committing thing — like, join this group and commit to regular rehearsals so we can put together a show,” Mr. Garcia says. “Joanie and I thought, what if we provided the structure and allowed the art to arise on it’s own? Thus, the Foundry was born. It was all about creating a space for anyone and everyone to show their talents, passions and skills in a creative, supportive, and fun environment.”
I ask Mr. Garcia how the organizational process has been going so far. “exciting,” he tells me. “each show is different, so with each performer who registers, the show gains a bit of personality. The performers have been incredibly professional and enjoyable to work with. They’ve also been thankful for a venue to display their talent. As with any show, it gets stressful in the days leading up to show time — I write a script, organize tech and show order, work with stage managers, and plan an improv set all in preparation. It’s a lot to bite off, but I’ve got very supportive and experienced
people around me (thanks Joanie!)”
Pleased with the first two shows that the Foundry has put
on, Mr. Garcia shares how he felt during those performances. “It’s been a variety show in every sense of the phrase,” he says. “when I was watching the radio show during the second Foundry, I had a moment of, ‘Is this really happening? Did our community really make this happen?’ It was a moment of
disbelief in how cool and unique the environment was.” what could make the Flagstaff Foundry even better than it already is? Mr. Garicia would like to see the Foundry sign up
sheet so full that there are too many acts to fit into one night. “Rightnow,thevarietysegmentisonlyathirdoftheshow,”he informs. “As the Foundry gains momentum, I think we’ll have more variety acts to show. we’re also playing with the idea of having theme nights, where each act would be inspired by a theme, perhaps corresponding with the time of year. I have fantasies of very eclectic acts throwing their hat in the ring — how cool would it be to have somebody showing a border collie doing dog agility, or a Celtic band playing some
traditional numbers?”
some regular installments of the Flagstaff Foundry are Mr.
Garcia’s Radio serial that he writes, directs and is performed by community members and performances by Improv team Tiny Punches. “The radio serial is new each month, following a ragtag bunch of super heroes who protect the (not so fictional?) City of Flagstone — It’s performed in a similar style as A Prairie Home Companion and other old timey radio shows,” he explains. “There’s no predicting what you might see in the variety segment, but you can rest assured it will be entertaining and likely hilarious. Tiny Punches, The Circus Arts studio house improv team, wraps up the night with comedy created on the spot based on audience suggestions. It comes together in a magnificent maelstrom of magical mayhem!”
Community members who are itching to perform, try out a new act, or bring back an old routine are encouraged to sign up to perform at the Flagstaff Foundry. “This is the best setting in Flagstaff to polish an act and try new things,” Mr. Garcia says. “The supportive environment makes it easy to get creative. The sky is the limit for imagining an act. If you’re on the fence about performing, come watch the next show to get a sense for what the Foundry has to offer, and sign up for the next one. Be seen, be heard, be found — at the Foundry.”
The next two Flagstaff Foundry performances are August 1 and August 29 at 8PM. Audience members are encouraged to show up early as there are a limited amount of seats. Performers can sign up at tinyurl.com/flagstafffoundry. Bacchus Arts Collective kindly provides the venue for the Flagstaff Foundry at the Circus Arts studio, 1311 e. Butler Ave. facebook.com/flagstafffoundry, garrison.lee.garcia@ gmail.com
AugusT WiTH THeATriKos
Auditions for Good People will be held August 2-4 at 7PM. The Full Monty The Musical written by Terence Mcnally with music by David yazbek, directed by Jan Rominger can be seen through August 9. On August 14 and 15 at 7PM and August
15 and 16 at 2PM the school edition of Les Miserables will be performed by Theatrikids and directed by Joseph Maniglia. Pianist Charly spining and vocalist Lynn Timmons edwards will be celebrating the 100th birthday of Frank sinatra with a musical revue Sounds like Sinatra on August 21 and 22 at 7:30PM and August 23 at 2PM. All these events will be held at the Doris Harper-white Community Playhouse, 11 w. Cherry Ave.
Kathleen McGeever, the chair of northern Arizona University’s Theater department is leading a workshop: The Director in Action: The Rehearsal Process on sunday, August 16 1PM to 5PM at the nAU studio Theater building 37. This workshop helps budding directors to hone and develop their skills in theater direction.
Theatrikos.com
Big sHoW By funToWn CirCus
since July 20 at the Coconino Center for the Arts, FunTown Circus Camp has been in session thanks to Flagstaff Aerial Arts in Partnership with Flagstaff Arts Council. Kids and teens have been learning to walk on stilts, clown around, perform aerial acts above ground, ride unicycles, learn acrobatics, as well as sharpen their set design skills. This year’s theme during camp has been environmental sustainability and stewardship. A change from last year is longer arts and crafts sessions as the young circus folk create their own giantpuppetsforthe“Bigshow.” The“Bigshow”atHeritage square will feature acts showcasing campers demonstrating all the skills they’ve learned in the last three weeks on Friday August 7 at 5PM. Flagarts.org
sTudenTs soiree
On August 22 at 7PM at the Circus Arts studio, 1311 e. Butler Ave, Flagstaff Aerial Arts is holding their summer “student soiree.” students of Flagstaff Aerial Arts will be performing on the trapeze, silks, Lyra, and maybe even showcasing their skills in aerial pole. The student showcase is a great time to check out the circus arts studio, see what goes on in class and watch new aerialists perform their art. Flagstaffaerial.org
iMProV in deMAnd
Local improv team Tiny Punches performs every Tuesday night at The Green Room at 9PM. Interacting with the audience this team of comedians creates comical scenes through the framework of improv games. To find out more about Tiny Punches or inquire about how you can get involved email garrison.lee.garcia@gmail.com.
| Clair Anna rose may soiree this summer as well. clair@thenoise.us
32 • august 2015 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us