News

We are looking for an illustration to promote our production of:The Secret Garden. Entries are due by Saturday January 6, 2024.

Requirements

• Drawn with black pen or very dark pencil
• Must be on 8.5 x11 (or smaller); white unlined paper
• Do NOT include the name of the show
• Include the artist's name
• Artists must be 18 years of age or younger

You may submit the artwork via our website. The winner will receive two free tickets for the show. Artwork will be used on the playbill, advertisements for the show, and on show T-shirts. It will also be displayed in the hallway of the theater.

We are very proud of young artist Geneva Willets for designing this year’s winning image, which will be used as the artwork for “The Little Mermaid” production! Thanks to all our artists for your submissions. They were quite impressive!

Come join us under the sea on November 10, 2023 (7:00pm) and November 11, 2023 (2:00pm).

Thanks so much to everyone who auditioned for Smiles and Frowns Playhouse's production of "The Little Mermaid." We are looking forward to working with all of these amazing young people. Please follow the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pSRFiEJLNR9XOhqwi6zh5Xlqf9lw4289bF9YsDm... to indicate that you/your child is accepting the role that has been offered to them. Also note that if this is first time that you have been involved with Smiles and Frowns Playhouse, there is a Zoom meeting for new parents or caregivers scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, September 14th. More information about the rehearsal schedule will be posted soon. We look forward to seeing everyone at the combined full cast call and parents meeting on September 18th at 6:30pmin the auditorium of the Ayden Arts and Recreation building. Welcome to our newest adventure "down deep in the sea!"

Use this link to signup for your audition time for The Little Mermaid. Slots are available in 20 minute increments between 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Tuesday September 5 and Wednesday September 6. Audition forms are attached: please bring each one completely filled out, with an up-to-date picture, to your audition.

Remember that this audition will include music; please plan to sing part of "My Country Tis of Thee" without accompaniment (either on the piano or electronic). The music director may ask young actors to sing a note played on the keyboard, or join her in a round of "Row Row Row your Boat." Readers will be asked to read from the script; non-readers will be asked to recite a poem.

Please Note:: any young people interested in crew and technical positions should not come to auditions or the first parent meeting; a separate tech orientation will be held on Saturday September 30 at 9am.

Important Dates:

• New Family Parent Orientation: Thursday September 14, 2023 | 6:30 PM (Zoom)
• Parent/Production Meeting: Monday September 18, 2023 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM (Ayden)
• Rehearsals: September 19 - October 27 (5:30 - 7:00 PM)
• Mandatory Runthroughs: October 30 - November 2 (5:30 - 7:00 PM) , November 6-9 (6:15 - 9:15 PM)
• Shows: November 10 (5:00 - 9:00 PM), November 11 (12:00 - 5:00 PM) Performance

Auditions for The Little Mermaid will be in two weeks, on Tuesday September 5 and September 6 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Interested actors will need to sign up for a time and bring forms (link and PDFs to be posted soon). Young children who can not read should prepare a poem; older actors will be asked to read selections from the script.

For the musical part of auditions, we ask that young actors prepare a short selection of "My Country Tis of Thee." Singing will be "a cappella," without musical accompaniment (see this link for one version of this song). Actors may be asked by the musical director to attempt holding a note or singing along with her.

The most important thing in any audition is to do your best and have fun, even if you make a mistake. We are cheering you on and look forward to meeting you soon.

We are looking for an illustration to promote our production of:The Little Mermaid.

Requirements

• Drawn with black pen or very dark pencil
• Must be on 8.5 x11 (or smaller); white unlined paper
• Do NOT include the name of the show
• Include the artist's name
• Artists must be 18 years of age or younger

You may submit the artwork via our website. See attached flyer for more information or sharing with your community.

The winner will receive two free tickets for the show. Artwork will be used on the playbill, advertisements for the show, and on show T-shirts. It will also be displayed in the hallway of the theater.

The fall 2023 production will be a reprise of "The Little Mermaid" musical from Pioneer Drama, directed by our Artistic Director Susan McCrea. Here are some important dates:

• Auditions: September 5 - 6 (5:00-8:00 pm)
• Rehearsals: September 18 - November 3, Monday through Friday (5:30-7:00pm)
• Dress Runs: November 6 - 9 (6:00 - 9:00pm)
• Shows: November 10 (7:00pm) and November 11 (2:00 pm)

More information will be posted later on our website and on Facebook. We look forward to seeing new and returning actors join us for this underwater adventure.

Due to popular demand Smiles and Frowns will host two workshops next Friday March 10 at the Ayden Recreation Building.

• Group 1: ages 5-9 from 5:30-6:30pm (signup link)
• Group 2: ages 10-17 from 5:30-7:00pm (signup link)

All cast and crew for "Treasure Island" may attend (covered by production fees). We are able to take on 12 additional students in each group ($5 each, collected on the day of the workshop).

Edited 2/8/23: mail completed applications and all materials to PO Box 1945 Greenville, NC 27835.

Edited 2/2/23: Application Form now available for download.

Purpose: Annual award to graduating senior student participant of Smiles and Frowns Playhouse who intends to pursue higher education. Deadline is February 28, 2023. Refer to criteria below for eligibility requirements and necessary supporting documents needed. Fill out application completely. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The award amount will be set by the board at the first meeting of the calendar year not to be less than $500. Recently the amount has been $1000. If no student qualifies for the scholarship, no award will be given that year. The scholarship will be awarded to only one graduating senior and must be used during the first year of higher education. The scholarship is open to any graduating senior who meet the requirements regardless of their intended major.

Award Criteria

• Applicant must be a high school senior and been involved in at least 3 Smiles and Frowns Playhouse productions as a member of the cast or crew.
• Letter of recommendation in an envelope with the signature of the writer of the letter written across the sealed closure of the envelope. Letters from family members, current members of the Smiles and Frowns Playhouse Board of Directors, the current artistic director, or Andrea Croskery are not acceptable as letters of recommendation.
• Copy of High School Transcript
• Essay (250 words minimum) focused on what your experience with Smiles and Frowns taught you and how those experiences will benefit you in the future.
• An interview with the selection committee may be scheduled.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us here on the website or on FaceBook.

We are looking for an illustration to promote our production of Treasure Island. The deadline is February 24. Submissions may be mailed to P.O. Box 1945 Greenville NC 27835, sent electronically (use the contact form to request a link), or delivered in person on a rehearsal day to the Ayden Arts and Recreation Building on Lee Street. Please note the following criteria:

• Drawn with black pen or very dark pencil on white unlined paper no larger in size than 8.5 x 11 inches.
• Do not include the name of the show.
• Do include the artist's name.
• All artists must be young people, aged 18 and younger.

The winning artist will receive two free tickets for the show. Artwork will be used on the playbill, all advertisements for the show, and on the show T-shirts, as well as displayed in the hallway outside the theater. Check out our past shows for examples of past winners. Break a leg!