In Love And Warcraft Announcement
| Perseverance Theatre Artistic Director, Leslie Ishii, and Associate Conservatory Director at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), Peter J. Kuo, announced on Wednesday, July 29, via live-stream that the first show of the Fall 2020 Season will be In Love and Warcraft by Madhuri Shekar. The show will be a co-production shared by the two theatres and will be live-streamed via Zoom. This is a limited engagement running September 4–12. Tickets will be available starting on August 14 at ptalaska.org. Peter J. Kuo will be directing the production. He has been teaching Live Video Theatre workshops with Perseverance since early June. Of the collaboration Peter says, “I’m honored and thrilled to be bringing this production of Madhuri Shekar’s In Love and Warcraft to Perseverance Theatre. It truly embraces this form I’ve been calling Live Video Theatre which takes the adrenaline of a live performance, the imagination of theatre, and merges it with the accessibility of streaming it from home.” Live Video Theatre is a new performance medium that has emerged in the wake of COVID-19, a pandemic which makes large gatherings in spaces like theatres unsafe. In this new medium, the audience can watch live productions from the comfort and safety of their homes. The actors are socially distanced as well, often not even performing in the same state or region. Through design, lighting, and camera angles, the actors appear to be interacting with each other in the same space. “Alaska has a long history of innovation in the face of obstacles. In these challenging times, I am excited at the prospect of being able to continue that history as we explore a new way of engaging with our communities,” says Frank Delaney, Managing Director of Perseverance Theatre. Since COVID-19 hit earlier this year, Perseverance has stayed active despite having to close their final show of the 2019/20 season, Fun Home, just before it opened. The theatre was able to record several scenes from the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical and subsequently released a series of behind-the-scenes videos. Perseverance has also been working with The City and Borough of Juneau, as well as Bartlett Regional Hospital to produce several health and safety PSAs in response to this global health crisis. Now they are looking forward to persevering and creating an unprecedented season. “I am so thrilled to be working with Peter J. Kuo, a true innovator in our theatre field. Peter is providing us the opportunity to reimagine our relationship to storytelling. Stories performed live and witnessed together help us to process life. Providing the opportunity to continue to connect to live storytelling is so needed during this pandemic.” says Perseverance Artistic Director, Leslie Ishii. As an alumnus of the American Conservatory Theatre, Ishii adds, “This co-production is wholly inspiring, and I am excited to bravely venture into this new realm together. I invite our audiences to join us on this virtual journey!” In Love and Warcraft tells the story of College senior Evie Malone, who prefers the online role-playing game World of Warcraft to real life. In the game, she’s a fearless warrior with a boyfriend. In real life, she ghostwrites love letters for people, even though she’s never been in love. When Evie becomes attracted to her client Raul, she must decide whether to let her powerful and sexy warrior character out in the real world. Playwright Madhuri Shekar (House of Joy, HBO’s upcoming The Nevers) conjures a cosplay-loving romantic comedy about intimacy and love in the digital age. Because so much of the play takes place in a virtual forum – an online video game, the format lends itself perfectly to a streamed production. Perseverance Theatre will be announcing the rest of their Fall 2020 Season in August. “Our exciting collaboration with Peter J. Kuo is supporting Perseverance Theatre to offer inspired and safely created offerings during these challenging times,” says Ishii. |
Live Video Theatre Workshop with Peter J. Kuo 5.0
July 27, 29, & 31 4p.m. -6p.m. AKST
It’s live. It’s theatre. It’s video.
Develop new skills to thrive in our new normal.
The first four rounds of Peter J. Kuo’s Live Video Theatre Workshop SOLD OUT, so Perseverance is offering a fifth round of this immersive class designed to help you thrive in our new world of Zoom, streamed performances, and digital content. Sign up soon, before this round sells out too! This is the last time we will be offering this class for a while, as we will shortly be offering a follow-up workshop led by Peter J. Kuo. This techniques and aesthetics workshop will be a deeper dive into the methods that can help you to craft beautiful and compelling streaming content, and will build on the skills developed in the fundamentals workshop.
Peter J. Kuo is already producing rich, compelling material that is both theatre and video. We may not be able to gather in large groups for the near future, but we can continue telling stories and producing theatre in a whole new format. Learn the tricks to make this new art form captivating, and continue to engage your audiences.
Peter J. Kuo is a bi-coastal LA native, currently serving as the Associate Conservatory Director at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), where he serves as the Chair of the Staff EDI Committee. He recently earned his MFA in Directing at The New School for Drama in New York City. He is a theatre director, producer, writer, and educator focusing on raising the visibility of marginalized communities. He was recently named one of TCG’s Rising Leaders of Color in the Round 3 cohort. He is a co-founder of Artists at Play, an Asian American theatre collective that produces Los Angeles premieres of works for Asian Americans.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the best!
Only 13 spots available for purchase. Registration is $200.
TWO FREE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE! Submit an application here.
Live Video Theatre Workshop with Peter J. Kuo 4.0
July 13, 15, & 17 4p.m. -6p.m. AKST
It’s live. It’s theatre. It’s video.
Develop new skills to thrive in our new normal.
The first three rounds of Peter J. Kuo’s Live Video Theatre Workshop SOLD OUT, so Perseverance is offering a fourth round of this immersive class designed to help you thrive in our new world of Zoom, streamed performances, and digital content. Sign up soon, before this round sells out too!
Peter J. Kuo is already producing rich, compelling material that is both theatre and video. We may not be able to gather in large groups for the near future, but we can continue telling stories and producing theatre in a whole new format. Learn the tricks to make this new art form captivating, and continue to engage your audiences.
Peter J. Kuo is a bi-coastal LA native, currently serving as the Associate Conservatory Director at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), where he serves as the Chair of the Staff EDI Committee. He recently earned his MFA in Directing at The New School for Drama in New York City. He is a theatre director, producer, writer, and educator focusing on raising the visibility of marginalized communities. He was recently named one of TCG’s Rising Leaders of Color in the Round 3 cohort. He is a co-founder of Artists at Play, an Asian American theatre collective that produces Los Angeles premieres of works for Asian Americans.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the best!
Only 13 spots available for purchase. Registration is $200.
TWO FREE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE! Submit an application here.
Live Video Theatre Workshop with Peter J. Kuo 3.0
July 6, 8, & 10 4p.m. -6p.m. AKST
It’s live. It’s theatre. It’s video.
Develop new skills to thrive in our new normal.
Join Peter J. Kuo for a third round of his live video theatre workshop!
Mark your calendars and be sure to register for this workshop designed to help you thrive in our new world of Zoom, streamed performances, and digital content! Peter J. Kuo is already producing rich, compelling material that is both theatre and video. We may not be able to gather in large groups for the near future, but we can continue telling stories and producing theatre in a whole new format. Learn the tricks to make this new art form captivating, and continue to engage your audiences.
Peter J. Kuo is a bi-coastal LA native, currently serving as the Associate Conservatory Director at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), where he serves as the Chair of the Staff EDI Committee. He recently earned his MFA in Directing at The New School for Drama in New York City. He is a theatre director, producer, writer, and educator focusing on raising the visibility of marginalized communities. He was recently named one of TCG’s Rising Leaders of Color in the Round 3 cohort. He is a co-founder of Artists at Play, an Asian American theatre collective that produces Los Angeles premieres of works for Asian Americans.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the best!
Only 13 spots available for purchase. Registration is $200.
TWO FREE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE! Submit an application here.
Perseverance Power Hour, You are Invited!
Click HERE to donate and register!
2020 Travel Raffle Winners
Grant Prize Winner – Marie Matsuno Nash
Two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines, $2000 in cash. Value: $4500
2nd Prize Winner – Stan Lujan
On Cloud Nine – Two tickets on Level One or Level Two Helicopter Tours from NorthStar Trekking (subject to availability), a pair of Perseverance Theatre 2020-2021 season tickets, a $50 gift card for Salt, a gift basket from the Canvas, and Growing Up Words print from Kindred Post. Value $1,390
3rd Prize Winner – Julia Nave
Find Me in Fairbanks- A ride for two from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the scenic Alaska Railroad, an Arctic Circle Fly-Drive Adventure for two from Northern Alaska Tour Company, and a one-night stay at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel. Value $1,360
4th Prize Winner – Lynne Ammu
Capital Sounds & Sweet Sake Staycation – A one-night stay and breakfast for two at Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast in Juneau, a pair of Juneau Symphony 2020-2021 season tickets, a $40 gift certificate to Seong’s Sushi Bar, a Heritage Coffee gift basket, and a $50 gift card for the Sandpiper Café. Value $915
5th Prize Winner – Mary Ellen Arvold
Valdez Vacation – A two-night stay for two at the Robe Lake Lodge and Cabins, and a Columbia Glacier Cruise for two with Stan Stephens’ Wildlife Cruises in Valdez. Value $700
6th Prize Winner – Eldon Mulder
All About Anchorage Art – A one-night stay for two at the Oscar Gill House, two passes to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, a $25 gift certificate to Yak and Yeti, and a season subscription for two to Perseverance Theatre’s 2020-2021 Anchorage season. Value $660
7th Prize Winner – Amy Dressel
Skagway Getaway– A railway trip for two on the scenic White Pass Summit Railway, a one-night stay for two at the Historic Skagway Inn, and a $100 gift certificate to Olivia’s Bistro at the Skagway Inn. Value: $55
8th Prize Winner – Janice Hurley
Playing Tourist– A ride for two on the sky-high Mount Roberts Tram, a Stikine River tour for two out of Wrangell, a $100 gift certificate for Taku Smokeries, Pelmeni for two, and a bottle of white wine from the Triangle Club. Value $505
9th Prize Winner – Dylan Proudfoot
A Salty Stay – A one-night stay for two, a bottle of wine, and breakfast at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau, a gift bag from the Nugget Alaskan Outfitter, and a $50 gift certificate to Salt. Value $385
10th Prize Winner – Ariane Dansie
Downtown Douglas Delights – A $50 gift certificate to Douglas Café, a $50 gift certificate to the Island Pub, a $50 gift certificate to Louie’s Douglas Inn, and a pair of “Pick 3” show tickets to Perseverance Theatre’s 2020-2021 season. Value $365
11th Prize Winner – Chris Conder
When In Rome – A one-night stay for two in the fabulous Silverbow Inn in Downtown Juneau, a pair of tickets to any Perseverance Theatre performance in the 2020-2021 season, a $25 gift certificate to In Boca Al Lupo, and a bottle of red wine from the Triangle Club. Value $335
12th Prize Winner – Amy Dressel
Lemon Tree Juneau Jaunt – A one-week bike rental from Cycle Alaska, two yoga class passes with Rainforest Yoga, a $25 gift certificate to Lemon Tree Café in Juneau, Pelmeni for two, and two Perseverance Theatre T-Shirts. Value: $325
13th Prize Winner – Sharon Clawson
Flicks & Fusion – A one-night stay at the Driftwood Lodge, two tickets to a regular feature film with popcorn and soda from Gross-Alaska Cinemas, and a $50 gift certificate to V’s Cellar Door. Value $300
14th Prize Winner – Laura McDermott
Photos, Fajitas & Yoga (Oh my!) – Headshots from Art Sutch, two yoga class passes with Rainforest Yoga, and a $25 gift certificate to El Sombrero. Value $275
Raffle Drawing Livestream
Perseverance Theatre will livestream the 36th ANNUAL TRAVEL RAFFLE TICKET DRAWING!
Who will win the grand prize of $2,000 and TWO TICKETS anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, and all the other fabulous prizes donated by amazing Alaskan businesses?
Let us entertain you tomorrow, Sunday, April 26th, starting at 2 pm, as we livestream performances (see links below). Artist and PT Board Member Allison Holtkamp will draw the winning tickets at 4 pm! Raffle tickets are available until 3:30 pm tomorrow! Call 907-364-2421, ext. 241 and leave a message and Development Director Ben Brown will get right back to you!
In a telethon-socially distanced-style livestream, Erika Stone, Director of Marketing & Engagement and Artistic Director Leslie Ishii will host, enjoying pizza from The Island Pub which is open for business and serving takeout! They are excited to feature headliners, Allison Mickelson, (Fun Home and PT Power Hour: Virtual Cabaret/Cocktail Concert–May 2nd!), Gary Busby, Musical Director (Fun Home and PT Power Hour: Virtual Cabaret/Cocktail Concert), Margeaux Ljungberg (Silent Sky, Next To Normal), Irene Martinko (Silent Sky, PT Staff), Taylor Vidic (Chicago, Nude and Rude Review, and Quarantine Corner Series), Stephen Qacung Blanchett (Pamyua, Juneau Arts and Humanities Council), with hopes of performances from Lewis Chapman (Artist, Improvisor, PT Staff), Allison Holtkamp and other possible surprise guests!
This will be two hours of fun and entertainment and of course, watch to see if you have won the grand prize!!!
Tune in to the live stream here:
Check out Perseverance Theatre’s Facebook Page!
Check out our Youtube Livestream
Our Voices Will Be Heard Streaming Now
Pictured from left to right: Leetta Kaxwaan Diane Gray, Rob Vestal, Erin Tripp, Erika Stone, Jane Lind and Dylan Carusona
Photo credit: David Bedard
In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are thrilled to offer a streaming, online version of Our Voices Will Be Heard, written by Tlingit/Dena’ina Playwright-in-Residence, Vera Starbard, and directed by Larissa FastHorse, who is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. This production was part of Perseverance Theatre’s 2015/16 season. The show is a powerful mother – daughter journey that reveals how generations face the choice of continuing to perpetuate—or disrupt—family violence. Through the lens of fiction and the palette of Alaska Native Storytelling, Vera tells the true story of her mother’s strength against impossible pressure. Our Voices Will Be Heard weaves together legend and truth in a fierce call for healing and forgiveness.
You can listen online here: https://www.nv1.org/our-voices-will-be-heard/, or stream the recording through the Native Voice One app. Here is the pathway to the NV1 app:
- Go to your App Store icon—tap it
- Search for NV1 (Native Voice 1)
- Tap on “Download”
- Once downloaded, scroll down to the category Specials.
- Scroll over to “Our Voices Will Be Heard” and ENJOY!
The recording is free and open for anyone to enjoy. If you are able to make a donation to support Perseverance Theatre during this health crisis, it would be immensely helpful to us. Like most arts organizations across the country, without our regular stream of revenue, we need your support now more than ever! It’s quick and easy online here: ptalaska.org.donate-now.
About the Playwright, Vera Starbard:
After graduating from East Anchorage High School in 2000 as the editor of the school newspaper, Vera began editing newspapers professionally. She was editor of the Anchorage Native News for six years at Southcentral Foundation, and was a contributor to the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Book of the Year, “Alaska Native Culture and Issues: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions.”
Vera completed a historical fiction book in 2010 with an Individual Artist Award from the Rasmuson Foundation, and has received numerous awards for writing and editing from the Public Relations Society of America, Alaska Professional Communicator’s Society, Alaska Press Club, and the Alaska Federation of Natives. She has also received the Juneau Mayor’s Individual Artist Award, and the Alaska Literary Award.
Following her passion for journalism and communications, Vera became Editor of First Alaskans Magazine in 2013, a position she continues to hold.
Our Voices Will Be Heard, Vera’s premiere play, was produced at Perseverance Theatre in 2016, playing in Juneau, Hoonah, and Anchorage, with a revival showing in Fairbanks. It was published the following year in the anthology textbook “Contemporary Plays by Women of Color.”
Vera was selected for the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation National Playwright Residency Program in 2016. She is the first Alaskan and first Alaska Native/American Indian resident in the history of the program. In 2019, her residency was renewed for an additional three years, so she will continue her employment and commission with Perseverance through July 2022.
Vera’s first play commissioned through the residency, Devilfish, premiered at Perseverance Theatre in Juneau on Sept. 20, 2019, and in Anchorage Oct. 25 to packed houses.
Vera is a writer for the PBS Kids animated children’s program “Molly of Denali.” The show premiered in July 2019, and Vera wrote several episodes, including New Nivagi, Turn On the Northern Lights, Canoe Journey, and Eagle Tale.
Workshop: Write With the Voice of Your Ancestors
What does an Indigenous ceremony have to do with a commercially successful stage play? What part does traditional Alaska subsistence practice play in creating a popular national cartoon? Why does knowing your genealogy help in producing a print magazine? Find out with this two-part online workshop on April 20 & 22! Each session will last one hour.
Vera Starbard, accomplished playwright, magazine editor, and MOLLY OF DENALI writer will go over deconstructing her process of creativity and inspiration, as well as applying your heritage to your artistic efforts.
Make a suggested donation of $50 at ptalaska.org/donate-now, (but more OR less is great!), select “Write With the Voice of Your Ancestors” in the “How would you like to direct your gift?” drop-down menu, and we will forward the Zoom information to you.
Take advantage of this time of social distancing, and hone your skills as a seasoned or burgeoning writer!
Please contact Erika Stone at erika@ptalaska.org with any questions.