Building Community Awareness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lewis ChapmanFeatured, News

From the desk of Leslie Ishii
Artistic Director, Perseverance Theatre

Many are concerned that our Pan Asian and Pacific Islander/Native/Indigenous and Middle Eastern, North African and Arab communities continue to be at risk due to anti-Asian sentiment that is becoming more wide-spread since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (PA/PI/N/I/MENAA=Pan Asian/Pacific Islander/Native/Indigenous/Middle Eastern, North African, Arab)

As top federal and local leadership continue to refer to COVID-19 utilizing anti-Asian rhetoric such as the “Chinese Virus” or “Wuhan Virus” or the “Kung-flu” or “Hong Kong Flu-y”, reports of racism in the form of verbal and physical attacks against PA/PI/N/I/MENA identified community members persists throughout Alaska, the US and globally. Understandably, members of the PA/PI/N/I/MENA Diaspora are reportedly fearful to go out to get even the most essential goods to take care of themselves throughout this Stay Home/Save Lives Mandate.

During this time of great uncertainty where our health and well-being is threatened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Perseverance is working to create awareness so that while we focus to target a fight against this pandemic, our communities do not fight and target each other by stereotyping marginalized groups. Perseverance sees this as an important opportunity to learn so we can live and work successfully together during these challenging times and well into our futures.

To get started and to create awareness, first read and share this article:
Asian Americans Report Nearly 650 Racist Acts Over Last Week, New Data Says

  • Did you know:
    • What is the difference between coronavirus and COVID-19?
  • Coronavirus is the infectious virus itself (the bug!).
    • COVID-19 is coronavirus the infectious disease (the sickness!)
  • What is a pandemic?
    • It is an epidemic of disease that has spread across a large area, ie, multiple continents or even worldwide.
  • Historic examples of pandemics:
    • The Black Plague of the 1300’s
    • The Influenza of 1918
    • Multiple coronavirus strains circulate regularly and generally cause common cold symptoms.
  • Previous international coronavirus outbreaks include:
    • SARS-Co-V virus in 2003
    • MERS-Co-V virus in 2014
    • Coronavirus/COVID-19 is the most recent strain identified to cause human disease
  • Richard Ebright, Ph.D., Rutgers University, “There’s absolutely nothing in the genome sequence of the virus that indicated that the virus was bioengineered.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize
that naming COVID–19 by its geographic location or linking it to a specific ethnicity perpetuates stigma, so in 2015, the WHO issued guidance calling on media outlets, scientists, and national authorities to avoid naming infectious diseases for locations to avoid stigmatizing groups of people• Yet, the use of anti-Asian terminology and rhetoric utilized by federal and local leadership related to COVID-19, such as the ‘‘Chinese Virus’’, ‘‘Wuhan Virus’’, “Hong Kong Flu-y”, and ‘‘Kung-flu’’ have perpetuated anti-Asian stigmas and has resulted in PA/PI/I/MENA Americans being
harassed, assaulted, and scapegoated for the COVID–19 pandemic.

  • 23,000,000 PA/PI/I/MENA Americans account for 7 percent of the nation’s population
  • Meanwhile, over 2,000,000 PA/PI/I/MENA Americans are working on the frontlines of this COVID–19 pandemic in health care, law enforcement, as first responders, in transportation, supermarkets, and other service industries
  • Since January 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of hate crimes and incidents against those of PA/PI/I/MENA descent and according to a recent study, there were over 650 reported cases related to COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination between March 29, 2020. o On February 27, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services stated ‘‘ethnicity is notwhat causes the novel coronavirus’’ and that it is inappropriate and inaccurate to call COVID-19 the ‘‘Chinese virus’’
    • Then on February 28, 2020, Dr. Mitch Wolfe, the Chief Medical Officer of the CDC said, ‘‘Stigma is the enemy of public health’’
    • The Secretary-General of the United Nations called for international solidarity and an end to any ill-founded discrimination of the outbreak’s victims
    • Public officials condemn all expressions of racism, xenophobia, discrimination, scapegoating, or intolerance, and denounce any and all anti-Asian sentiment in any form and recognize that the health and safety of all Americans, no matter their background, must be of utmost priority.

The increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric has also resulted in PA/PI/I/MENA American businesses being targeted for vandalism. There are approximately 2 million PA/PI/N/I/MENA American owned businesses that generate over $700 billion in annual revenue and employ nearly 4.5 million
workers. These communities are major contributors to the US and Global economies. Unaware prejudice and hate crimes to one marginalized group means that the racism will eventually target another marginalized group. Keep learning. Support each other by creating awareness especially when we notice prejudice happening in our communities. Share this information widely and be sure the context is to create understanding to dispel misinformation and stereotypes. Together we can keep each other safe and healthy!
If needed, report an incident: Stop AAPI Hate

To continue learning, go to:

  • www.ptalaska.org to support Perseverance Theatre and to receive local and state-wide programming updates!
  • www.caata.org to support national Pan Asian/Pacific Islander/Native/Indigenous/MENA artistic communities and to learn more about racial equity.
  • A presentation about the Coronavirus by Alvin J. Glasky, PhD:
  • Japanese American Citizens League, Alaska: www.jaclalaska.org/
  • View this website for more information on anti-Asian sentiment put forth by the National Japanese American Citizens League.

Getting help and support:·       

  • COVID-19 Resources – Asian American and Asian Studies – DeAnza College, CA: Addressing Anti-Asian Scapegoating has provided some resources for learning about these cases of anti-Asian hostility and discrimination, and addressing race-based scapegoating individually and collectively. There is a list of news sources, how to report a Hate Crime via Stop AAPI Hate and a link to the Santa Clara County health department for mental health resources.  Link here: https://www.deanza.edu/asam/COVID.html

To stay updated on health and safety mandates and recommendations:
CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, and WHO: www.who.int/

Travel Raffle

joshuaUncategorized

Perseverance Theatre’s 36th Annual Travel Raffle is still happening, and continues to offer a chance to win prizes donated by Alaska’s amazing business community and the drawing will still take place in compliance with relevant Alaska statutes and regulations as scheduled on Sunday, April 26th and will be livestreamed.  You can learn more about what is happening at Perseverance at ptalaska.org and, for raffle tickets, call 364 2421, extension 241, and we will get them safely and securely to you. 

For a list of winners visit – https://www.ptalaska.org/2020-travel-raffle-winners/

Prize List for the 36th Annual Travel Raffle

  1. GRAND PRIZE – Two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines, $2000 in cash.  Value: $4500
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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: $550
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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

This travel raffle is a fundraiser to benefit Perseverance Theatre, Inc.  The drawing will be held Sunday, April 26th 2020 at Perseverance Theatre in Douglas, Alaska.  You need not be present to win. The chances of winning a prize are approximately 1:160, based on the sale of 4000 tickets.

Fun Home Postponed

joshuaUncategorized

With deepest concern for the Alaska community, we are postponing all live performances of FUN HOME given the recommendations of the CDC and Alaska Department of Health & Social Services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are exploring options to bring this show to you remotely, and are hoping to have FUN HOME on our stage this fall. We will keep you abreast of updates as we have them.

We are so proud of our talented FUN HOME creative team, cast, and crew, and we remain committed to centering the important stories of these communities in the future. We are also proud of our successful 41st season.

This pandemic is not only a critical threat to our health, but to the livelihoods of everyone supported by Perseverance’s operations. About 50% of our revenue comes from ticket sales, which means suspending this show – which we believe is the only course of action – eliminates the income for our final, largest, and most expensive show, after we have already spent the cost of creating it. This situation seriously threatens the livelihoods of our talented staff, artists, and crew, and our existence as an organization.

How You Can Help

Donate: By donating at this critical time to Perseverance Theatre, you will support the salaries of the theatre staff and Fun Home artists, as well as ensure that Perseverance has a future.

Donate Now

Without the revenue from the Fun Home ticket sales, we are depending on the support of our loyal friends and patrons to ensure the survival of Perseverance Theatre through this crisis. We need your support more than ever, and indeed, it is crucial to our organization.

We acknowledge the serious impact the virus has on communities across the state, and Perseverance will do all it can to support Alaska’s recovery and well-being. We look forward to the moment that we can once again raise the curtain at Perseverance Theatre to celebrate our resilience and the power of theatre.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please email us at info@ptalaska.org, or visit our website at www.ptalaska.org. Please note that our administrative and box office staff will be working remotely during this time, and in advance, we thank you for your patience.

For additional information regarding COVID-19 and guidelines to help keep yourself and others healthy, we recommend you visit: https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus and https://www.who.int/

Stay safe and healthy, friends.

Anchorage Spring Break Camp

Lewis ChapmanUncategorized

Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13
Anchorage SPRING BREAK ONSTAGE (ages 10-18)
10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Friday 7:30 Performance) in Grant Hall Auditorium, Alaska Pacific University
Create your own original work of theatre completely from scratch! Students will be writing, casting, directing, designing, and presenting their very own brand-new short plays. We will dive headfirst into the art of theatre, experiencing it from different perspectives via a combination of pedagogical games, improvisation, lecture, workshops, production process, and rehearsal.
Students will gain knowledge and skills to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Tuition is $275. Scholarships are available. Led by teaching artist Katie Strock

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

About the Teaching Artist-

In addition to her work across the country, Katie Strock has performed with Perseverance Theatre, Cyrano’s Playhouse, and Anchorage Opera (where she also served as a music director for several children’s choruses and serves as the head of its Overture Council’s Education Committee). Other credits include originating the role of Eudora Horn in the National Premier of ‘Gold Rush Girls’ and directing both ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and ‘Alaska: The First 100 Years (1955-1965)’. We can’t wait to see what exciting work is ahead for Spring Break 2020!

Sharing the Story

Lewis ChapmanCurrent Projects, Education, News, Press Releases

Perseverance Theatre is excited to announce the launch of the Sharing the Story program, a new initiative designed to engage underserved populations throughout Alaska. Through this program, organizations, businesses, and individuals can purchase blocks of tickets for use by communities that can relate to the story and themes of a particular show but might otherwise be unable to attend. Sharing the Story benefactors will be acknowledged for their philanthropy in our playbill for the show and in the lobby when possible.

Sharing the Story is designed to break down barriers to artistic engagement and provide opportunities for populations throughout the state to experience theatre that is relevant to their lives and experiences.

For our production of With, the Foundation for End-of-Life Care provided the funding for a group of tickets to be used by those involved in palliative and hospice care in senior homes and medical facilities across the city, as well as families with individuals in these facilities. Their generosity ensured that the themes of care and mortality present in With could reach a cohort of individuals who are affected by those themes in their daily lives.

For more information, or to learn how your organization can participate as a recipient or a benefactor, visit the Sharing the Story web page or contact our Director of Marketing and Engagement, Erika Stone at erika@ptalaska.org, or (907) 364-2421 ext. 244.

A Community Conversation with Dr. Bob Urata

Lewis ChapmanNews, Productions

Join us after our show on Thursday, December 5, for a conversation with Dr. Bob Urata, physician at Valley Medical Center and Perseverance Theatre Board Member, about With and the complexities of end-of-life care. Joining Bob will be Jennifer Carson, Director of Hospice and Home Care at Catholic Community Service.

Dr. Bob Urata was born in Wrangell, AK. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Northwestern University and his medical degree from the University of Washington. He is board certified in Family Medicine with added qualification in Geriatrics and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He previously held positions at the Neighborhood Health Centers (Holly Park Medical Clinic) in Seattle from 1980-84 and with SEARHC Medical Clinic in Juneau from 1984-86. Bob is married with 3 children and 2 grandsons.

Jennifer is the agency wide Compliance Officer for CCS.  Jennifer has experience with healthcare and social service compliance including local, state, and federal rules and regulations, championing agency accreditation, conducting program evaluation and internal audits, and leading organizational performance and quality improvement efforts.  Jennifer has developed and implemented not only programmatic policies and procedures, but personnel, governance and administrative policies and procedures.  Jennifer is well-versed in risk management, privacy and confidentiality, and program management.  Additionally, Jennifer has over 15 years of experience providing direct services to adults with mental illness. 
​
Jennifer has a BA in psychology and social work from Miami University of Ohio (1994) and a Master’s in Public Administration from University of Alaska Southeast (2013).  Jennifer holds a certification in Healthcare Compliance and certificate in Supported and Community Employment for Individuals with Mental Illness. 

With will be at Perseverance Theatre through December 15.

Leslie Ishii Named Artistic Director

Lewis ChapmanNews, Press Releases

Visionary national leader brings her skills, passion to Alaska theatre

Juneau, AK (October 26, 2019): After an extensive search, Perseverance Theatre is pleased to announce the hiring of Leslie Ishii for the role of Artistic Director. Ishii has been serving as Interim Artistic Director since July, and has already energized the theatre with her initiative, ideas, and community-minded approach to leadership.

“Leslie Ishii has been outstanding to work with these past months,” said Perseverance Theatre Board President Joe Bedard. “Her vision as a creative leader and her passion for equity and justice will be an amazing voice in Alaska theatre and community.”

Ishii has an extensive artistic record, including stage director and actor with appearances on Broadway (Shogun), regional theatre (Manahatta, Hold These Truths,) film (Fame, Species) and television (Jane the Virgin, Lost, Days of Our Lives, Beverly Hills 90210). As a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Ishii has established herself across the nation as an artistic leader, including a 10-year relationship with Perseverance Theatre.

“I’m excited to continue working with the amazing team at Perseverance Theatre,” said Ishii. “We’ll be focused on listening and learning from the Alaska community, and striving toward art that is exceptional, equitable, and thoughtful.”

Her years of organizational experience include serving as co-chair, organizer, and board member for the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists’ fifth and sixth national ConFest, founder and co-director for the National Cultural Navigation Theatre Project for the sustainability of theatres and artists of color, co-facilitator of the launch of the Theatre Communication Group’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Institute, and core faculty for artEquity.

Ishii will join Managing Director Frank Delaney to lead the direction of the theatre as it enters its 41st season. She recently directed the theatre’s production of the world premiere smash hit Devilfish by Vera Starbard. 

DEVILFISH Anchorage Press Release

joshuaFeatured, News, Press Releases

For immediate release  
A Play for the Ages
Alaska Native play goes back 10,000 years to seek adventure, romance, and difficult lessons of growing into a leader

Anchorage, AK (October 9, 2019)  – Over 10 millennia ago, a giant sea creature – the Devilfish – destroys an entire village, and a young girl is the only survivor. She must make her way to a new village and figure out how to survive in a time when glaciers covered Alaska, mammoths wandered the land, and humans could still transform into animals at will.
In a vibrant, lyrical adventure, the new play Devilfish written by Tlingit/Dena’ina artist Vera Starbard and directed by Artistic Director Leslie Ishii, heads to Anchorage on October 25. Produced by Perseverance Theatre, Devilfish showcases new music by Tlingit musician Ed Littlefield, and choreography by Tlingit artists Lyle and Kolene James. Dozens of authentic Alaska Native art pieces were created for the play, and a creative team from around the country brought together to create this ethereal world.

“We truly have a creative dream team on this production,” said Starbard. “It’s a really ambitious play in that it’s almost a musical – the dance sequences are fully a third of the story. And on top of that we are needing to imagine an origin story for a very real people.”

The play is the culmination of over a decade of story work by Starbard, first completing a Devilfish novel through a Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Award in 2009. Starbard is now the Playwright in Residence at Perseverance Theatre through the Andrew W. Mellon National Playwright Residency Program, and the development of the play has reached from small communities in the state to across the country in Boston.

Devilfish’s reception in Juneau has garnered rave reviews and full audiences. Much of the effort around the production revolved around “indigenizing” as much of the process of the play as possible. The Tlingit culture has produced dynamic performing arts for thousands of years. Combining that theatricality into a Western theatre space was both a challenge and an opportunity.

The production features an all-Indigenous cast from across the state and country. Tlingit actor Erin Tripp plays Aanteinatu, the only survivor of the Devilfish’s destruction.

“Before we opened, I didn’t know how the community would respond,” said Tripp. “It’s been such a wonderful experience seeing how many people are showing up and having them vocalizing their reactions throughout the performance. We’re sharing this story together and it’s never the same night to night. I feel so proud of my people and the opportunity to lift up our stories and traditions every night.”

Also featured are Allison Hicks (Prairie Band Potawatomi/Choctaw), Emily Sera (Shoshone/Dine), Jennifer Bobiwash (Ojibway), Skyler Ray Benson-Davis (Tlingit), Rio Alberto (Chicanx), and Kenny Ramos (Barona Band of Mission Indians – Diegueño lipay/Kumeyaay.)

Devilfish runs in Anchorage from Oct. 25 through Nov. 3 in the Sydney Laurence Theatre at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Please visit ptalaska.org/devilfish for tickets and information.

***PDF of this Press Release –
https://www.ptalaska.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Devilfish-Anchorage-Press-Release.pdf

Avast, me hearties!

Julie CoppensUncategorized

STAR students to perform epic adventures
Bloody Blackbeard and Pericles,
July 19-21 at Perseverance Theatre;
composer Laurelyn Dossett bound for Juneau

Legendary heroes and villains conquer the seas and cross the galaxy in a pair of epic adventures performing July 19-21 at Perseverance Theatre, by the students of STAR: the swashbuckling new musical Bloody Blackbeard, written by Preston Lane with songs by Laurelyn Dossett, directed by Julie York Coppens; and an original space-age take on Shakespeare’s Pericles, adapted by Coppens and staged by Perseverance Theatre’s new managing director, Frank Delaney.

STAR (Summer Theatre Arts Rendezvous), Perseverance Theatre’s long-running summer youth acting program, combines production experience with professional instruction, giving young people of all backgrounds and abilities a chance to build skills, develop confidence, and have fun with their peers. The shows’ creative crews also include music director Rick Trostel, choreographer Hali Duran, assistant directors Lillian Odekirk and Rachel Iofolla, performance coach Brita Fagerstrom, costume designer Ruth Fulwiler, technical director/set designer Sarah Moretz, and stage managers Virginia Roldan and Sarah Everett. These Alaskan artists are guiding 30 students from all over Juneau, ages 9-16, on a three-week theatre marathon culminating in one weekend packed with performances—perfect summer entertainment for the whole family.

Singer/songwriter Laurelyn Dossett.

In addition, Bloody Blackbeard composer Laurelyn Dossett will be in Juneau July 15-21 to work with the STAR company, lead a free community songwriting workshop at the Douglas Library, and perform around town (details below). A prominent American Roots singer-songwriter from the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Dossett has created a half-dozen folklore-inspired musicals with Preston Lane, artistic director of Triad Stage in Greensboro; Bloody Blackbeard premiered there in 2008, in a different form, and Perseverance will be the first theatre to stage this new one-act version specially tailored for the young STAR cast. The Pericles script likewise has been re-imagined, and strategically shortened from Shakespeare’s original, for maximum fun and student learning.

A musical, mythical ghost story with a modern-day frame, Bloody Blackbeard chronicles the infamous seafaring career of Edward Teach, a.k.a. Blackbeard, who terrorized the American colonial coast in the early 1700s. A dashing figure, he also captured (and shattered) many female hearts. Juneau students Eva Miller and Miles Caldwell play the young and mature Blackbeard, respectively.    

“Blackbeard is always hungry for something more, be it a lover, a good fight, or the fear of a foe,” says Caldwell, a rising junior at Thunder Mountain High School. “It is fun to be able to indulge in a character that is powerful and unrestrained… but it takes effort to maintain nuance, and go beyond a presence to a personality, a character. The show is at its core the story of a damned man, both by his actions, and his obsession. The character is not sympathetic, yet the audience may still grow a connection, by seeing him develop.” 

Named for a hero of the Greek Golden Age, Pericles, meanwhile, is one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known works; the surviving text is rough, and scholars have long debated its authorship. Coppens’ one-act adaptation, titled Pericles 2216: The Intergalactic Adventures of the Prince of Tyre, “keeps all the good parts,” she says, while transporting Pericles’ unlikely triumphs, tragedies, and ultimate happy ending from the ancient Mediterranean to a futuristic outer space. The fantastical setting helps solve some of the play’s narrative and thematic problems for a young cast, Coppens adds; for instance, turning certain characters into aliens “preserves the story’s essentials but reduces the cringe factor” of a human trafficking episode involving Pericles’ long-lost teenage daughter, Marina.         

“These are two imaginative, fast-moving, far-ranging ensemble shows that could only happen here at Perseverance Theatre, with these exceptional teaching artists and our hard-working kids,” says Coppens. “I think Juneau audiences are going to be blown away by what these companies have accomplished in three short weeks—and for the students, to have the shows’ creators right there on board with them is empowering and inspiring.”      

Performance Details

Bloody Blackbeard

A swashbuckling musical by Preston Lane, with songs by Laurelyn Dossett; directed by Julie York Coppens

Performs 7 p.m. July 19 (Opening Night Showcase, Act 1); 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21.

Pericles 2216: The Intergalactic Adventures of the Prince of Tyre

Adapted by Julie York Coppens from the play by William Shakespeare; directed by Frank Delaney

Performs 7 p.m. July 19 (Opening Night Showcase, Act 2), 4 p.m. Saturday July 20, and 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday July 21.

Performances are on the Mainstage at Perseverance Theatre, 914 Third Street in Douglas. Tickets for Opening Night Showcase (both shows) are $25 for general admission, $15 for students; tickets for Saturday and Sunday single shows are $15 general admission, $10 for students. Tickets now on sale at www.ptalaska.org or call 907-463-TIXS.  

Additional STAR Events

Community Songwriting Workshop with Laurelyn Dossett

6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, Douglas Public Library Conference Room

The Bloody Blackbeard composer shares her songwriting secrets. All levels welcome; admission free.

Laurelyn Dossett: Songs for the Stage

7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18 in the Centennial Hall Ballroom Lobby

An evening of original show tunes set deep in the heart, direct from the back porch of the American musical theatre. Tickets $20, available at the JACC/Vendini or at the door.

Laurelyn Dossett: Carolina Roots

10 p.m.-midnight Saturday, July 20 at McGivney’s Sports Bar and Grill (Valley location), 9105 Mendenhall Mall Road

A down-home set of acoustic country, folk and gospel from the visiting composer of Bloody Blackbeard. No cover.

Still to Come: STAR Finale Week

Perseverance Theatre’s STAR program is offering one more week of half-day camps for ages 5 and up, July 22-26. Scholarships available for students in need; contact STAR director Julie Coppens for details at juliec@ptalaska.org, or call her directly at 907-796-9031.

PT Peewees: Creative drama for ages 5-7

9:30 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday, July 22-26

Instructors: Virginia Roldan, Rachel Iofolla

Tuition: $200

PT Next Level: Theatre games and more for ages 7-11

1-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, July 22-26

Instructors: Brita Fagerstrom, Sarah Everett

Tuition: $200

Just added! Tech Theatre Boot Camp for ages 12-18

1-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, July 22-26

Instructors: Sarah Moretz, assisted by Perseverance company members

Tuition: $100

Space is limited, so don’t delay! For more details and to register, please see our website, www.ptalaska.org/star-program, or call 907-463-TIXS.