Raue Center, Author at McHenry County Arts

Classes Education

RAUE CENTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS LAUNCHES NEW SEMESTER OF CLASSES

[Crystal Lake, IL] – December 22, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts creates a welcoming place where students of all ages can let their creativity soar. RCSA is now offering a new semester of youth classes and adult classes, including new classes in acting for film and TV, Improv, and Stand-up Comedy! RCSA classes are taught by nationally working industry professionals and led by Erick Buckley, newly named Associate Director of Education, and Robin Irwin, Director of Education/Cultural Partnerships – both experienced Broadway theatre actors and teachers with NYU Tisch School for the Arts Accelerated Musical Theatre Program; The New York Film Academy; The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, and Montclair State University.

Improv Kids I for grades 5 – 8 runs February 1 – March 15 (Weds 5 to 6 pm) Students learn the same skills as the performers at Second City, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and SNL, while building confidence and team-building. The class culminates in a demo performance at Class Showcase Night the week after the final class where they will invite you into their heads!

Adults can get in on the action too with Adult Improv, January 31 – March 14 (Tues 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Ages 18+) Using theater games, long- and short-form improv exercises, and the magic of “Yes, and…”, students will explore their imaginations and discover they have no limits. The class will culminate in an evening of Improv demonstration.

Sit Down to Stand-Up (February 15 – April 5 Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) for Ages 18+ hones the skills that apply to being a better public speaker AND creating a stand-up comedy set. Learn how stories build to a genuine give and take between speaker and audience – whether you’re trying to impress in a presentation or to bring an audience to tears of laughter. The class culminates in an “Open Mic” presentation at Lucy’s Comedy! Taught by special guest teacher John DaCosse, who can be heard most mornings on the Steve Cochran Show on WLS. He has shared the stage with comics Brad Garret, Dave Chapel, George Lopez, Sabastian, Ron White, and Kevin James just to name a few.

Bring the joy of theater to the life of your youngster with Acting I (February 2 – March 16, 2023, Thursdays @ 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Grades 2 to 5) The basics of theater from every angle, opening them to experience the magic of being on stage. The final class culminates in a demo where the kids show their new knowledge.

Learn skills for acting and auditioning on-camera from actors who have appeared on TV shows and movies in Acting for TV and Film I (February 4 – February 25, 2023,* Saturdays @ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Grades 6 to 12) Our instructors teach you the unique skills to prepare your performance for the camera. The class culminates in your own video performance to begin creating your own reel. Instructors Michele Vazquez and James Knight have appeared on prime-time television shows like Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Person of Interest as well as national commercial spots.

Broadway Bootcamp (February 1 – March 15, 2023. Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Grades 5 to 8) combines all the different elements that make up Musical Theater: fully choreographed dance numbers, fully staged musical numbers with featured solos, improvised rehearsal techniques, and scene work. It is a sampling of how a full Broadway-style musical gets put together. The class culminates in a performance at the 2023 Spring Semester Showcase.

Risk. Explore. Create. Classes are enrolling now and the semester begins on January 31, 2023. Visit https://www.rauecenter.org/education/ for more information on enrollment and financial aid. For specific questions regarding enrollment, email rcsaeducation@rauecenter.org.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.

More information and tickets are available by visiting www.rauecenter.org or by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Uncategorized

Protected: Raue Center celebrates Todd Heintz, 2021 Raue Photography Fellow.

Classical Music

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH ELGIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR AT RAUE CENTER

<Crystal Lake>, IL –November 28, 2022 –Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome the Elgin Symphony Orchestra to the stage this December! Celebrate the holidays this year with ESO’s Holiday Spectacular Concert at 8 p.m. on December 9, 2022.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is unmatched for quality music and a fun, relaxing, cultural experience. From start to finish – the ESO brings world-class, big-city entertainment without the hassles of the big city.

“We are excited to be back live in concert at the Raue Center to celebrate the holidays,” said Marc Thayer, CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. “Our Holiday Spectacular concert, featuring the Elgin Master Chorale, will be a true celebration of holiday spirit. We look forward to sharing all your favorite carols and traditional music that will tempt you to sing along.”

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States. Since its founding in 1950, the organization has developed a reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to the social advocacy and economic development of the diverse communities that it serves.

Named “Orchestra of the Year” an unprecedented four times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, (1988, 1999, 2005, and 2016) and winner of a 2010 Elgin Image Award, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra is respected for exceptional performance, innovative education programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Now, ESO joins Raue Center for a very special Holiday Spectacular concert featuring conductor Timothy Semanik and the Elgin Master Chorale. Timothy Semanik currently serves as music director for the Bradley Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, and the Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra. He was previously music director for the Carleton College Orchestra, the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra, the Northern Illinois University Philharmonic and the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. He was assistant conductor for Welcome Yule! with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Timothy Semanik holds a Doctoral degree in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Michigan. He was a member of the conducting class at the Tanglewood Music Center and a recipient of the Bruno Walter Scholarship at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.

Andrew Lewis, music director of the Elgin Master Chorale, was recently described by John von Rhein in the Chicago Tribune as “the inspiring conductor, scholar, and educator” He is the Artistic Director of Bella Voce and the Bella Voce Sinfonia, Music Director of the Elgin Master Chorale, Choirmaster at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston, a member of the faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and assistant conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. He has been a guest conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and has appeared on several occasions as a guest conductor with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets start at $53 for the general public and $37.10 for RaueNOW Members and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

About Raue Center For The Arts

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Classes Education MUSICALS Theatre

Raue Center School For The Arts presents youth production of “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.”

Crystal Lake, IL | November 1, 2022

Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the cast of RCSA Presents’ upcoming production of “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” Adapted from book #44 of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure series, “Ghost Tale” follows Jack and Annie as they journey back in time to the foggy streets of London to meet Charles Dickens, world famous writer, who has a severe case of writer’s block. Through a series of fateful interactions and situations, Jack and Annie help Mr. Dickens face his inner demons and ultimately write one of the greatest holiday stories of all time!

At the helm of this production are Director of Education & Cultural Partnerships Robin Irwin as Director, Institutional Advancement Associate Billy Seger as Associate Director & Choreographer, and YMTE Instructor Alayna DeVar as Music Director. Recurring RCSA production members Jessica Urban, Savannah Thomas, and Patty Halajin return as Producer, Teaching Assistant, and Costume Designer respectively. Rounding out the production staff are RCSA newcomers Anna Walker (Production Stage Manager), Adam Milne (Assistant Stage Manager), Trevor Dotson (Scenic Designer & Scenic Artist), Emma Linnea (Lighting Designer), and Chris Tumblin (Technical Manager).

“The Magic Tree House series is very near and dear to my heart,“ said Director Robin Irwin. “I’ve read all the books to my daughter, so it’s an honor to bring book #44 to life on the Raue Center stage.”

“The talent in this cast is absolutely outstanding,” said Associate Director & Choreographer Billy Seger. “Our students really stepped it up at auditions, making this casting process one of the most difficult during my time with RCSA.”

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens” runs December 2, 2022 at 7pm, December 3, 2022 at 3pm & 7pm, and December 4, 2022 at 3pm. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

Details:

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” presented by RCSA Presents, December 2, 2022 @ 7pm, December 3, 2022 @ 3pm & 7pm, & December 4, 2022 @ 3pm

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” Cast:

Josh Annen – Mr. Dickens

Caleigh Banks – Restaurant Patron #1

Elizabeth Barton – School Girl #1

Serenity Bell – Orphan Soloist

Miranda Bokuniewicz – Henrietta

Liam Burke – Police Officer

Andriana Castle – School Girl #2

Benjamin Chase – Tiny Tim

Mia Clifford – Miss Twigby

Ellie Coughlin – Mary Dickens

Adelaide Daczewitz – Lady-in-Waiting

David Daskalov – Mr. Pinch

Ayla Dempsey – School Girl #4

Charlotte Genegels – Dishwasher

Elizabeth Hannen – Morgan Le Fay

Emma Hartwig – Mrs. Pinch

Bobby Hull – Newsies

Nico Jensen – Young Dickens

Bennett Jones – Bootblack

Izzabella Jorenby-Behling – Hawker

Nicholas Kasperek – Barber

Elin Kennedy Kaye – Baker

Hazel Kroster – Black Ghost

Maddox Lovick – Oliver Twist

Fiona Miceli – Olive

Maisie Miceli – Queen Victoria

Audrey Molter – Annie

Brad Molter – Merlin

Kara Molter – School Girl #3

Paige Montanye – Dressmaker

Brooklyn Morey – White Ghost

Adeline Morson – Emma

Averie O’Keeffe – Green Ghost

Maddie Olszewski – Carriage Driver

Kennedy Onopa – Collin

Easton Paulson – Harry

Nolan Paulson – Newsie

Faye Radeni – Caroler #1

Noah Rea – Pickwick

Marybeth Reckamp – Mrs. Tibbs

Margaret Reckamp – Restaurant Patron #2

Ava Richer – Restaurant Patron #3

Veda Rosch – Sara

Courtney Schaal – Butcher

Bobby Schaeffer – Jack

Knox Rose Schneider – Restaurant Patron #4

Anna Snow – Mrs. Dickens

Tyler Sullivan – Francois the Chef

Charlotte Thompson – Waitress

Frank Truscott – Newsie

Maggie Vallicelli – Roberta

Blakely Voight – Caroler #3

Derek Walker – Nickleby

Allie Wightman – Young Caroler

Aubrey Williams – Caroler #2

Caroline Zimmerman – Bookseller

Production & Design Team:

Director: Robin Irwin

Associate Director & Choreographer: Billy Seger

Musical Director: Alayna DeVar

Teaching Assistant: Savannah Thomas

Lighting Designer: Emma Linnea

Costume Designer: Patty Halajian

Scenic Designer: Trevor Dotson

Production Stage Manager: Anna Walker

Assistant Stage Manager: Adam Milne

Technical Manager: Chris Tumblin

Producer: Jessica Urban

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

Ticket Prices:

Standard Adult: $25

Standard Student: $10

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $17.50

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $7

Individual RaueNOW and RaueNOW Family Memberships start at just $60. Each membership tier comes with a unique set of benefits, but all members enjoy the following:

30% off two single tickets to most Raue Center events
Exclusive access to our member lounge, 26N
Early access to newly announced events
Behind-the-scenes access
The membership fee is tax-deductible
RaueNOW Family also includes 25% discount on RCSA classes

For more information, contact James Knight at 815.356.9010 x 14 or email jknight@rauecenter.org.

*Certain fees & exclusions may apply. Ticket prices may vary according to zone and membership status.

Location: Raue Center For The Arts

26 N. Williams Street

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

rauecenter.org

Box Office: 815.356.9212 | 2 pm to 4 pm, Tuesdays – Fridays | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday | Open 1 hour

prior to scheduled performances.

About Raue Center For The Arts

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

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This program is made possible through the generous support of

Community News

McHenry County Multi-Chamber Mixer brings community business leaders together.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

Tuesday, October 14, 2022, Raue Center welcomed over 100 local business owners and representatives to our theater for a Chamber of Commerce Mixer that involved businessmen and women from Barrington, Cary Grove, Huntley, McHenry, Crystal Lake, and Algonquin Lake In The Hills. The local chamber members came out in force to enjoy a bratwurst, sample beers from Crystal Lake brewing, and network with peers from around the county.

Those who attended were treated to a peak at Raue Center’s upcoming schedule including the first look at our George Michael tribute coming up next February. Prizes were won, contacts were made, and good times were had by all!

Photos courtesy of Todd Heintz Photography

Jazz Music

The JAZZ AMBASSADORS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND at Raue Center for Free Concert!

<Crystal Lake>, IL –October 24, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts proudly announces a free concert performed by the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band, on November 16, 2022, @ 7 pm.

The Jazz Ambassadors is the official touring big band of the United States Army. From the big band sounds of the 1940s to the contemporary hits of today, the members of the Jazz Ambassadors present a versatile musical program that has earned them international recognition and appeals to all ages.

One of the finest big bands in the world today, the Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, DC, tours thousands of miles each year to promote patriotism and goodwill for the U.S. Army through free public concerts. The Army’s official touring big band has appeared in a variety of high-profile contexts, including performances with the Columbus (OH) Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Syracuse Symphony. During a joint performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marvin Hamlisch declared, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country.” This unique collaboration with Maestro Hamlisch has included the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra, and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.

Other recent, notable performances include appearances at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Jazz Education Network Conference in Louisville, KY, the Kennedy Center Honors, and The Colbert Report.

A highly competitive audition process draws candidates from leading conservatories, universities, and the professional ranks. Many members of the Jazz Ambassadors have extensive civilian performance experience. Alumni have gone on to careers in university teaching, studio recording, and performance. In 1969, Army Field Band Commander Major Hal Gibson formed the Studio Band in response to an increased demand for jazz performances. The Studio Band became the Army’s premier touring jazz ensemble and was renamed the Jazz Ambassadors in 1979. The band has appeared in all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Whether at a world-renowned venue or playing in the grassroots of America, the Jazz Ambassadors impress audiences with their virtuosity. The ability to connect with their audience has attracted the attention of Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts, and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet, just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have shared the stage with America’s Big Band.

Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are programmed to entertain all types of audiences. Many of the ensemble’s members arrange and compose music highlighting the group’s creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, bebop, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, and patriotic selections. Wherever they travel, the Jazz Ambassadors proudly carry the message of patriotism and goodwill to audiences worldwide.

This is a free-ticketed event. To claim your tickets visit Raue Center Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 60014 or email boxoffice@rauecenter.org.

About Raue Center For The Arts

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Music Rock Tribute

ROTARY ROCKS THE RAUE WITH THE DEFINITIVE FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE BAND

<Crystal Lake>, IL –October 12, 2022 – Rotary Rocks Raue Center with “Fleetwood Max: The Definitive Fleetwood Mac Tribute.” This fundraising event will raise the roof with rockin’ music. Experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks with Fleetwood Max at 8 p.m. on November 5, 2022.

“Fleetwood Max truly brings the music of Fleetwood Mac to life,” says Raue Center Board President, Tim Paul. “From the haunting, melodic sounds of Stevie Nicks to the driving beats of Mick Fleetwood, it makes for a night audiences won’t soon forget.”

From the “Rumours” album in 1977 to current touring setlists, Fleetwood Max performs an authentic recreation of the music, magic, and incredible stage production of the legendary Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac at the height of their careers! The Fleetwood Max experience captures the mystical atmosphere, look and sound of these enigmatic Rock and Roll Hall of Famers with outstanding vocal and character performances by a cast of the most respected professional touring musicians on the East Coast.

Lead vocalist Sharon Epperson is a Stevie Nicks look-and-sound-alike who is nearly indistinguishable in her every move, look, and passionate vocals. The audience will be transported to an enchanted place that truly embodies Nicks, with breathtaking costuming and compelling performances of her hit songs, including “Sara,” “Gypsy,” “Rhiannon,” “Edge of Seventeen” and more.

Vocalist and guitarist David Epperson will hypnotize the audience when he takes the stage as Lindsey Buckingham, demonstrating inspired, accomplished guitar and vocal veracity during group numbers, including “Go Your Own Way” and acoustic flair with a rarely seen live, note-for-note performance of the crowd favorite, “Big Love.”

“The Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers is very excited to be able to support local organizations in need with the proceeds from our treasured partnership with the Raue Center in presenting “Rotary Rocks The Raue!” says Cliff Jackson, Rotary’s director of membership.

Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers was founded in 1989 and is part of Rotary International. The Rotary motto: Service Above Self has been demonstrated in the community and on an international level by the club.

Annual Western Auctions raised nearly 2 million dollars for charitable giving over 30 years. Dawnbreakers have supported scholarships, health services, senior care, police, fire, park district, homeless shelters, children’s art /theater, food pantries, and global efforts with Rotary International.

Beyond giving financial support, the club members contribute hours of service to Habitat for Humanity, Home of the Sparrow, Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Road Cleanup, mentoring high school students through Interact, serving those in need with Breakfast with Santa as well as other programs to help our community survive and thrive.

The Rotary Rocks the Raue fundraiser was developed to generate funds to give in 2021. Dawnbreakers are grateful for the community support of this year’s event, past fundraising efforts, and the opportunity to serve.

Rotary International was founded in 1905 in Chicago. Today there are over 33,000 clubs worldwide and over 1.3 million Rotarians.

Tickets start at $45 and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

UPDATED COVID POLICY: Raue Center protocols and event requirements are subject to change. Be sure to check your event page on our website to confirm the details of your specific event. This applies to all rentals as well.

For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Comedy Literary Storytelling

Author, humorist, and master of satire, David Sedaris returns to Raue Center

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 4, 2022 – Best-selling author David Sedaris returns to Raue Center on November 4th at 8 pm. David Sedaris is the bestselling author of the books Calypso, Theft By Finding, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays on Ice, Naked, and Barrel Fever. He is a regular contributor to The New Yorker and BBC Radio 4.

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

David Sedaris, the “champion storyteller,” (Los Angeles Times) returns with his first new collection of personal essays since the bestselling Calypso.

Back when restaurant menus were still printed on paper, and wearing a mask—or not—was a decision made mostly on Halloween, David Sedaris spent his time doing normal things. As Happy-Go-Lucky opens, he is learning to shoot guns with his sister, visiting muddy flea markets in Serbia, buying gummy worms to feed to ants, and telling his nonagenarian father wheelchair jokes.

But then the pandemic hits, and like so many others, he’s stuck in lockdown, unable to tour and read for audiences, the part of his work he loves most. To cope, he walks for miles through a nearly deserted city, smelling only his own breath. He vacuums his apartment twice a day, fails to hoard anything, and contemplates how sex workers and acupuncturists might be getting by during quarantine.

As the world gradually settles into a new reality, Sedaris too finds himself changed. His offer to fix a stranger’s teeth rebuffed, he straightens his own, and ventures into the world with new confidence. Newly orphaned, he considers what it means, in his seventh decade, no longer to be someone’s son. And back on the road, he discovers a battle-scarred America: people weary, storefronts empty or festooned with Help Wanted signs, walls painted with graffiti reflecting the contradictory messages of our time: Eat the Rich. Trump 2024. Black Lives Matter.

In Happy-Go-Lucky, David Sedaris once again captures what is most unexpected, hilarious, and poignant about these recent upheavals, personal and public, and expresses in precise language both the misanthropy and desire for connection that drive us all. If we must live in interesting times, there is no one better to chronicle them than the incomparable David Sedaris.

David Sedaris will deliver a 60-minute reading followed by 20-30 minutes of audience questions. There will be a book signing in the lobby area before & following the event no photography or videography of any kind will be permitted. Additionally, there will be no beverage service during this event.

Tickets start at $50 ($35 for RaueNOW Members) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

For more information visit rauecenter.org or contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Classes Education Theatre

RCSA’S NEW MASTERCLASS SERIES LAUNCHES WITH GREAT SUCCESS!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 25, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts is proud to announce its newest community engagement initiative: The Masterclass Series!

“Masterclasses offer our patrons and the entire community remarkable opportunities,” says Director of Education and Cultural Partnerships Robin Irwin. “We thrive and grow when we are exposed to the unique and varied approaches and ways of thinking expressed by artists at the top of their craft. Masterclasses like these in the city can run as much as $200 per session. So it’s a great value, too.”

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series will be taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectator. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

The new program successfully launched on Monday, October 3rd at Raue Center For The Arts – conveniently located in downtown Crystal Lake, IL – when Broadway veterans Joy Hermalyn and David Benoit, cast members of the highly lauded production of “Fiddler On The Roof” at The Lyric Opera of Chicago, hosted an audition workshop on the historic Raue Center stage. Participants in the masterclass were not only given feedback on their audition selections and technique, but also treated to an exclusive question and answer session with Hermalyn and Benoit. RCSA alum Estella McCarthy Schultz, understudy for both Shprintze and Bielke in the aforementioned Lyric Opera production of “Fiddler,” also made a special appearance during the Q&A session, much to the delight of student participants who have previously worked with Schultz in classes and productions produced by RCSA.

“I was so honored to have had the chance to sing for Joy, David, and Estella,” said participant Angie Kells. “They were so present and provided suggestions that made my piece feel relevant to me. I also appreciated how they helped me infuse dynamics into my selection not only vocally and physically, but mindfully as well.”

The next installment of the Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” is scheduled for Monday November 14, 2022 and welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard), known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.” All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop. If you are interested in participating in a one-on-one coaching demonstration during the workshop, please email rcsaeduation@rauecenter.org directly to reserve your spot.

Tickets for the Masterclass on November 14th are $10 per participant for current RCSA (or RaueNOW) families and $15 for the general public. You can register on Sawyer and pay in cash or card at the door! Doors will open at 6:00pm and the class will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

“It’s really about helping foster artist-citizens that are better prepared for real-world experiences when they learn from a variety of Master Teachers with the most current experiences at the highest levels,” says Irwin. “There is also a direct benefit to the area as it becomes known as being a community that welcomes artists and champions the arts in all of its forms – encouraging tourism which results in increased foot traffic in the downtown area. This encourages entertainment dollars being spent locally rather than consumers taking those funds to the Chicagoland area.”

For more information visit rauecenter.org/education. For questions, please contact our Box Office at at boxoffice@rauecenter.org or 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Music Pop Tribute

ABBA Tribute at Raue Center has Audience on their feet

@ RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

OCTOBER 15, 2022 @ 8P

From London’s West End to Las Vegas, MANIA the ABBA tribute (Formerly ABBA MANIA) remains the world’s No. 1 touring ABBA tribute show. Formed in 1999, this production has sold out theaters and concert halls across the globe, with over 3,000 live concerts in over 30 countries, bringing the music of the beloved Swedish supergroup to 3 million people.

In an exhilarating, two-hour recreation of one of ABBA’s most memorable concerts, MANIA brought to life the flamboyance of the ‘70s to Raue Center’s stage featuring uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs from the iconic Swedish band, with fantastic costumes, staging, lighting and effects.

Audience members who came dressed to impress could enter to win a raffle for fantastic prizes!

Photos courtesy of Todd Heintz Photography