Press Release

STAND TO ACHTUNG!

LOGAN, UT (31 August 2011)—Look out Cache Valley. There’s a new kid on the block and he’s grabbing center stage. Achtung! Theatre Company (ATC) is a grassroots company committed to bringing a full range of theatre to the community through workshops and productions. Their aim is to explore the full range of theatre genres, techniques, and styles, encouraging those involved to hone their talents, push their creative limits, and grow in new disciplines in a professional atmosphere.

ATC made its official debut on 11 August at a community Theatre Night held at the Logan Arthouse and Cinema on Main Street. The company will be holding such events on a bi-monthly basis, featuring scenes, monologues, music, one-acts, guest lecturers, and inevitable audience participation.

In September they will premiere their first full-length production with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Old School), described by company members as “classical with a twist”, referring to the seldom-seen all-male cast. The company hopes to give the community a taste of what they are all about and, according to director/producer Susan Ballif, this production should do just that. “We’re taking a modern approach,” says Ballif. Not via sets or costumes, or the popular methods of altered time and story, but by the very lack thereof. “In the end,” Ballif continues, “you don’t need elaborate sets and you don’t need props. People can imagine. But you have to have the actors. So, we have what is essential and we build around the essentials. That’s what our company does.”

In that case, the show should be a good representation of a company committed to a focus on acting. While they strive to provide a venue for the community to participate and explore the world of theatre, they avoid getting bogged down in the pomp and circumstance that so often accompanies traditional ‘community theatre’ productions. ATC is a grassroots theatre company, first and foremost. “We are a company that focuses on quality acting,” insists ATC producer Rufus ZaejoDaeus. “We are trying something new that will stretch people, not just stretch the community, but stretch our actors.” Grassroots theatre is an ideal vehicle for such an endeavor. It has an aesthetic of its own—a unique kind of beauty that cannot be easily compared to any other theatre type. As any theatre lover can attest, on stage, magic can happen between audience and actor that transcends ostentation. “That’s what we’re going for,” acknowledges ZaejoDaeus, “the magic.”

Nevertheless, community participation is encouraged and appreciated and there are plenty of ways to get involved. All auditions are open, so performers and production volunteers are always welcome. ATC is also on the lookout for interested sponsors, underwriters, or donors. “But most importantly,” says ZaejoDaeus, “just show up. If you’re curious, show up. If you want to help out, show up.” ATC hopes to give their audience a comprehensive awareness of the theatre world and that includes exposure behind the curtain on a production level. “No one should let a fear of the stage keep them from getting involved if they are passionate about theatre,” Ballif maintains. “And if we can help someone find a niche that makes them happy we will be satisfied.”

ATC is about engaging with their community. Among themselves they discovered people passionate about theatre and determined to make it a part of their lives, and now they are doggedly spreading that enthusiasm. They want to excite young theatre students by showing them where they can go and what they can do with their art beyond middle school and high school. They want to excite community members to open themselves to things they have never experienced and find the honesty of creative expression that could change their lives. In holding true to this endeavor, ATC will make high school students their special target, holding workshops for young actors and designers and doing outreach in the local schools. The opening performance of Romeo and Juliet (10 September) will feature special discount pricing for students with ID as well as a talk-back Q&A session after the show.

THE CREATIVE TEAM

The newly-formed Achtung! Theatre Company is led by an energetic group of emerging Logan-based theatre and performance artists who work collectively to create quality classic and original productions. ATC is helmed by producers Susan Ballif, Autumn ZaejoDaeus and Rufus ZaejoDaeus along with a rotating lineup of collaborators and creators. Other current ATC performers include Maren Comendant, Michael David, Adam Earl, and Shawn Hansen.

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For more information about Achtung! Theatre Company auditions, productions, or Theatre Nights, please visit achtungtheatre.blogspot.com.

To purchase tickets online visit www.loganarthouse.com.

For any other questions or concerns, please contact achtungtheatre@gmail.com.

~~~~  Maren Comendant