Perseverance Theatre announces 2024/2025

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Perseverance Theatre, Alaska’s premiere regional theatre, will present three titles in Juneau and Anchorage for their 2024-2025 season. Led by Artistic Director Leslie Ishii, Perseverance Theatre’s upcoming Season will bring powerful stories by, for, and of Alaska to Juneau and Anchorage. This season will feature two world premieres,  a historic Broadway comedy, as well as Alaskan artists from all over the state. 

Kicking off the season is the world premiere of Cold Case, by Cathy Tagnak Rexford (Iñupiaq). Winner of the 2022 National Theatre Conference Barry and Bernice Stavis Playwright’s Award, Cold Case depicts the heartbreaking story of an Iñupiaq woman in rural Alaska as she fights to recover her aunt’s body from an Anchorage morgue. This world premiere production will be directed by DeLanna Studi, citizen of Cherokee Nation and current Artistic Director of Native Voices at the Autry in Los Angeles, California. Cold Case will perform in Yaa Andagan Yé (Douglas) from September 6th through September 22nd before transferring to Dgheyaytnu (Anchorage). 

Next up on Tlingít Aaní will be the world premiere of Ariel Estrada’s one-man show, Full Contact, which interrogates actor and writer Estrada’s experiences of heavy training in martial arts in a known New York dojo for 20 years. Estrada’s narrative interweaves the story of his late Filipino father’s immigration to the United States with Estrada’s own childhood in Sitka, Alaska and his coming-of-age as a gay man in NYC at the height of the AIDS crisis. This title will perform in Yaa Andagan Yé on the Perseverance Theatre Mainstage from December 1st through December 22nd, 2024. 

Closing out the season will be The Thanksgiving Play, the Broadway comedy by previous Perseverance Theatre collaborator and 2020 MacArthur Fellow playwright Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation). This wacky story of wokeness centers around a group of four well-meaning but culturally insensitive white theater artists who attempt to create a politically correct elementary school play about the first Thanksgiving while struggling with their own biases and the lack of Native representation. The Thanksgiving Play will perform in Yaa Andagan Yé February 28th through March 16th, and will transfer to Dgheyaytnu April 4th – April 13th. 

“As our Perseverance Team continues to deeply listen and learn in-community, we have curated this season in response to the relationships and issues that surfaced with these playwrights and their/our communities,” says Artistic Director Leslie Ishii. “This is truly a season of power and the return of dear friends and esteemed colleagues to Perseverance Theatre and Alaska. Watch for important programming where we invite you in to support awareness building as this 2024-2025 season’s plays are already creating national impact”, says Ishii, who is entering her fifth season as Artistic Director at Perseverance Theatre.

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Please Support Perseverance Theatre Before the End of the Fiscal Year!

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Our Fiscal Year Ends on June 30th Please help Perseverance go From Surviving to Thriving by Contributing Today!

There’s still time to help Perseverance reach the $100,000 goal and YOU CAN HELP
UNLOCK THE MATCH! 

Help Perseverance create professional theatre by and for Alaskans, and many thanks to those who have already donated to help Perseverance go …

FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING!

Perseverance thanks all our supporters who have helped us survive and thrive through the past few years of unique and unprecedented challenges.

Cold Case Casting Call

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CASTING CALL
Cold Case by Cathy Tagnak Rexford 
Directed by DeLanna Studi

Perseverance Theatre is officially accepting auditions for an upcoming world-premiere production of Cold Case by Cathy Tagnak Rexford, a recipient of the Stavis Playwright Award and producer for True Detective: Night Country. Those auditioning will receive sides from the play and will be asked to record and submit a self-taped video for consideration. 

Juneau Rehearsals: Jul 30 – Sept 5, 2024
Juneau Performances: Sept 6 – Sept 22, 2024
Anchorage Rehearsals: Oct 8 – Oct 10, 2024
Anchorage Performances: Oct 11 – Oct 20, 2024

Perseverance Theatre provides round-trip travel, housing, and local transportation when away from your home city.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Cold Case depicts the heartbreaking story of an Iñupiaq woman in rural Alaska as she fights to recover her aunt’s body from an Anchorage morgue. The play is focused on the subject of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), an issue that is painfully real and devastatingly present in the state of Alaska and throughout the rest of the country. The unusual structure and simplicity of writing and the play’s unique representation of life in an off-road Alaska Native village brings home the claustrophobia of being smothered, not just by a blizzard but by the bureaucracy and circumlocution of a government intent on dismantling village life. 

AUDITIONS

Looking for non-union actors to play the roles listed below. The priority deadline for submissions is June 28, 2024.

To request audition sides, please email casting@ptalaska.org with a headshot/photo and resume/experience.

OPEN CHARACTERS

JOANNA  – Late 20s – late 30s, Iñupiaq woman. Responsible. Humble. Fierce but fun. She’s the type that gets things done but often without any acknowledgment or recognition of her efforts. Her current situation is pushing all her buttons and possibly driving her to the edge.

Note about below characters: 
While some of the roles will be performed live, some will also be backstage camera work or voiceover.

ALASKA NATIVE FEMALE OFFSTAGE CHARACTERS – Alaska native, plays many roles. Must be able to differentiate characters vocally. Characters voiced: Voice on the Phone, Phone Recording, Paralegal, Airline Agent, Facetimer, & Magnolia (the deceased aunt).

ALASKA NATIVE MALE OFFSTAGE CHARACTERS – Alaska Native, plays many roles. Must be able to differentiate characters vocally. Characters voiced: Facebooker, Random Radio User, & Texter.

MALE OFFSTAGE CHARACTERS – Plays many roles. Must be able to differentiate characters vocally. Characters played: KBRW Radio Man, Voices on the phone, & Lawyer


We hope to see your audition! Please reach out to casting@ptalaska.org with any questions.

40th Alaska Travel Raffle Winners

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Grand Prize ~ Pure Gold ~ 1979: Amber Rounds

2nd Prize ~ They Don’t Talk Back ~ 2017: Suzanne Snider

3rd Prize ~ Devilfish ~ 2019: Jacqueline Tagaban

4th Prize ~ Lost in Kubla Khan ~ 2002: Mars Geddes

5th Prize ~  Out of the Blue: an Alaskan Adventure ~ 1995: Ken Post

6th Prize ~ Moby Dick ~ 2001: Kimberly Metcalfe Helmar

7th Prize ~ Wonderland ~ 1990: Suanne Sikkema

8th Prize ~ The Night of the Iguana ~ 1988: Phyllis Kiehl

9th Prize ~ The Blue Bear ~ 2010: Ron Schonenbach

10th Prize ~ On the Razzle ~ 2002: Christopher Coutu

11th Prize ~ Boom! ~ 2010: Ted Popely

12th Prize ~ Proof ~ 2001: Daniel Antea

2024-25 Season Apprenticeships

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PERSEVERANCE THEATRE, Alaska’s largest professional theatre, is seeking two qualified apprentices for our 2024-2025 season in the areas of production/stage management, and artistic. Perseverance is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community of staff and apprentices, and individuals from under-resourced groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Apprenticeships will run roughly mid-July 2024 through April 2025. Applications are due April 28, 2024. A $230 weekly stipend, housing, travel, and local transportation will be provided.

PRODUCTION / STAGE MANAGEMENT APPRENTICE

The Production/Stage Management Apprentice will work with the Associate Producer, Visiting Stage Managers, and other staff to assist in coordinating production. They will work as the Assistant Stage Manager on at least two productions. They will also assist with other administrative and technical elements of the season. Other professional development opportunities will be provided based on interest and strengths.

  • Training with Production Manager / Associate Producer on scheduling and communications between cast, creative teams, staff, and technicians
  • Preparing production paperwork, organizing processes, and conducting special research
  • Training with and working alongside tech departments to gain understanding of their operations
  • Working with professional stage managers and gaining the skills necessary to manage a professional production
  • Serving as assistant stage manager / backstage lead on at least 2 mainstage productions
  • Assisting with prep or execution on non-mainstage events throughout the year as requested
  • Around other duties, assisting company management with Airport pick-ups, housing upkeep, communications, or car maintenance.
  • Administering general office tasks. Participating in all-staff meetings / work calls (cleaning, events, production work, strike, etc.)

Directly reports to: Associate Producer
Also may report to: Visiting Stage Managers, other technical and production staff as assignments require

ARTISTIC APPRENTICE

The Artistic Apprentice will work with the Artistic Director, Associate Producer, and other staff to support the artistic producing of the 2024-25 season. They will work in an official role on up to two productions, to be determined based on need, and individual strength/interest. They will also assist with other administrative and technical elements of the season. Other professional development opportunities will be provided based on interest and strengths.

  • Training with Artistic Director and Associate Producer on casting and creative producing, including hiring, scheduling, and communications between cast, creative teams, staff, and technicians
  • Supporting artistic development and literary management, including the season planning process
  • Working with marketing and engagement department to create and coordinate lobby displays and community conversations appropriate to each mainstage show
  • Assisting with prep or execution on non-mainstage events throughout the year as requested
  • Around other duties, assisting company management with Airport pick-ups, housing upkeep, communications, or car maintenance.
  • Administering general office tasks. Participating in all-staff meetings / work calls (cleaning, events, production work, strike, etc.)

Directly reports to: Associate Producer
Also may report to: other administrative or artistic staff as assignments require

Perseverance prides itself on collaboration and on-the-job learning. The apprentices at Perseverance Theatre will work directly with staff members to train in their area of focus and of all operations in this professional regional theatre. All positions at Perseverance Theatre complete duties separate from their area of focus. This will include general office tasks, miscellaneous production tasks, company management errands, cleaning, strike, etc.

Perseverance is fostering an organizational culture led by our values of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Individuals from groups not well-represented in the theatre field are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions, please email joseph@ptalaska.org 

To apply, please submit a cover letter and a resume (including 3 references) to joseph@ptalaska.org with the subject line being the apprenticeship you are applying for. Applications are due by April 28, 2024.

More Raffle Prizes Added

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Perseverance Theatre’s
40th Annual Travel Raffle
Just Got Better
With Additional New Prizes!

The Travel Raffle is a wonderful way to support professional theatre by and for Alaskans and win amazing prizes ~ buy your tickets today!

The Travel Raffle is an essential source of funding annually for Perseverance Theatre, and we appreciate your support!

Click here to see the Travel Raffle Prize List!

Perseverance thanks all our supporters who have helped us survive and thrive through the past few years of unique and unprecedented challenges.

GET RAFFLE TICKETS

40th Annual Travel Raffle Prize Packages

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Grand Prize ~ Pure Gold ~ 1979
2 Alaska Airlines Ticket Vouchers and $2,000 Cash

2nd Prize ~ They Don’t Talk Back ~ 2017
A Royal Caribbean Cruise for 2 with Oceanview Stateroom
2 Round Trip Alaska Seaplanes Ticket Vouchers
Historic Skagway Inn 1-Night Stay for 2 + Alaska House $100 Gift Card
White Pass & Yukon Railway Summit Excursion for 2
Cake Studio Gift Basket
Spice Indian Cuisine Gift $25 Card

3rd Prize ~ Devilfish ~ 2019
Eaglecrest 2024-2025 10-visit pass
Allen Marine Whalewatch & Wildlife Quest for 2
Copper Whale Inn 1-Night Stay for 2 with Breakfast
2 Tickets to Anchorage Opera’s La Traviata
Juneau Waterfront Restaurants $100 Gift Card
Island Pub $100 Gift Card
Shoefly $100 Gift Certificate
2 Alaska Native Heritage Center Passes
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

4th Prize ~ Lost in Kubla Khan ~ 2002
Arctic Circle Fly-Drive Adventure for 2
Alaska Railroad Roundtrip Anchorage – Fairbanks Tickets for 2
Allen Marine Whalewatch & Wildlife Quest for 2
Westmark Fairbanks 1-Night Stay for 2
3 Bottles of Wine from the Triangle Club
2 Anchorage Museum Passes
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

5th Prize ~  Out of the Blue: an Alaskan Adventure ~ 1995
Coastal Helicopter’s Icefield Excursion for 2
Juneau Symphony Tickets for 2
2 Bottles of Wine from Specialty Imports
Nugget Alaska Outfitter Wine Bottle + $50 Gift Card
Seong’s $50 Gift Card
“All the Rain in Juneau” Print from Kindred Post
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

6th Prize ~ Moby Dick ~ 2001
Copper Whale Inn 1-Night Stay for 2 with Breakfast
Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Columbia Glacier Cruise for 2
2024 Wearable Art Sunday table for 4
Taku Smokeries $100 Gift Card
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

7th Prize ~ Wonderland ~ 1990
Baranof Hotel 1-Night Stay for 2 & a Bottle of Bubby
Major Marine Spring Wildlife Cruise for 2
Juneau Symphony Tickets for 2
Heritage Coffee Basket
2 Bottles of Wine from Specialty Imports
Nugget Alaska Outfitter Can Coolers + $50 Gift Card
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

8th Prize ~ The Night of the Iguana ~ 1988
Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast: 1-Night Stay for 2 with Breakfast
Forbidden Peak Brewing Company $25 Gift Card & Camping Hammock
Rookery $50 Gift Card & Mug
Spice Indian Cuisine $25 Gift Card
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

9th Prize ~ The Blue Bear ~ 2010
Goldbelt Tramway Premium Family Pass
Silverbow Inn 1-Night Stay for 2 with Breakfast
Island Pub $100 Gift Card
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

10th Prize ~ On the Razzle ~ 2002
Juneau Symphony Tickets for 2
A Night at the Movies for 2 at Glacier Cinema
Douglas Cafe $50 Gift Certificate
El Sombrero $40 Gift Card
Forbidden Peak Brewing Company $25 Gift Card
Louie’s Douglas Inn $25 Gift Card & T-Shirt
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

11th Prize ~ Boom! ~ 2010
TK Maguire’s $200 Gift Card
$30 Coppa Gift card & T-Shirt
Louie’s Douglas Inn $25 Gift Card &T-shirt
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

12th Prize ~ Proof ~ 2001
V’s Cellar Door $50 Gift Card
Alaska Robotics $20 Gift Card 
Juneau Subway $20 Gift Card

The 40th Annual Travel Raffle drawing will be held Wednesday the 17th of April 2024 in Douglas, Alaska.  One need not be present to win.  Chances of winning a prize are approximately 1:2500 per ticket purchased based on the sale of a maximum of 2500 tickets.

PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS

Pick.Click.Give & a Surviving to Thriving Update

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Dear Friend of Perseverance,

Thanks for supporting Perseverance Theatre in 2023!  It’s hard to believe, but here we are, already halfway through the first month of 2024.  That of course means it’s time to apply for your 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend.  When you apply for the 2024 Dividend, you can support professional theatre by and for Alaskans through the Pick.Click.Give Program!

Above and beyond the PFD, it is always possible for our supporters of professional theatre by and for Alaskans to help Perseverance adapt, innovate, and thrive as we create theatre for audiences to enjoy and learn from in a complex, evolving worldwith a direct donation.

With best wishes for peace, prosperity, safety, health, and happiness in 2024!

Yours gratefully,

Benjamin Brown
Development Director
Perseverance Theatre

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Before the Year Ends, Help Perseverance Theatre Go From Surviving to Thriving!

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You can help Perseverance go From Surviving to Thriving!  Please donate today and double the impact of your donation!

An Anonymous Donor has offered a $100,000 MATCHING GRANT.  Perseverance needs YOU to UNLOCK THE MATCH!  Donate today to help Perseverance create professional theatre by and for Alaskans.  Thanks to those who have already donated to help Perseverance go …

FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING!

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