HGWP Auditions this Spring...!
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HGWP presents an all-female cast production of How I Became a Pirate , a children's musical based on the popular picture book by Melinda Long and David Shannon, following the story of a youngster who gets swept up by a crew of comical pirates searching for the perfect spot to bury their treasure, ultimately learning that the greatest treasure is being home with family; filled with swashbuckling adventures, catchy songs, and playful pirates.
Audition materials to read and sing will be provided.
Auditions will be held at The Warehouse Theatre: 3 Central Ave. Wellsboro, PA 16901 Friday, March 14 - 6:30pm Saturday, March 15 - 10:30am Saturday, March 22 - 10:30am Performances: June 19, 20, 21,22 at The Warehouse Theatre |
Reflecting on the recent production...
WOMEN: A Collection of Original Work
In April 2024 the Hamilton-Gibson Women's Project completed a successful run of this collection of original pieces written for the theatre about women's experiences. It included a wide range of topics, and had a meaningful impact on audience and participants alike. It provided a unique opportunity for the women of our community to express themselves, sharing their personal stories and listening to other women. Produced by Kacy Hagan, there were 29 original pieces, 5 women directing, 28 actors, and stage crew, lighting and sound operators.
Enjoy the WOMEN spotify.com/playlist!
Reflections from the Producer & Creative Director of WOMEN:
One of the most amazing aspects of the Hamilton-Gibson Women’s Project is that any woman can submit a proposal for what HGWP should put on in the future season. An idea had been percolating in my head for a while, so I presented it at the June 2022 HGWP planning potluck and to my excitement, there was a lot of interest in the proposal from others. The concept was an expansive one – that we create a collection of original pieces to tell the story of women’s lives – the good, the bad, the ugly. We began by soliciting short written pieces, and an amazing 46 pieces were submitted by a total of 18 writers. We went through a process to review, select, and edit pieces. Four amazing women stepped up to direct to bring these women’s experiences to life.
The response from women who wanted to be a part of this production was so significant that we ended up casting a total of 28 people in the show. Eight women stepped up to do the lights, sound, set-building, artwork, and to serve on the stage crew.
The proposal for this show included the idea of not just using our voices to support women but to also put our words into action. The idea of the Tea Party was born, and an energetic group of eight women took on the coordination and planning of the event, which was held on April 6, 2024. 100% of the proceeds were donated to Haven of Tioga County and to support a local survivor of human trafficking.
Leading this project has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I have experienced such a complex set of emotions while helping these stories to take shape. Seeing so many women connect with these stories. Witnessing the camaraderie among the cast and production team from telling these stories about our shared experiences as women. The experience has been hugely cathartic for many of us, and has given us a shared sense of strength, perseverance, and hope. Members of the community have continued to reach out to share the impact of this production.
At its core, this show was about community. A community of women willing to be vulnerable enough tell their stories and support each other by writing, directing, acting, and helping backstage. A community of men willing to humbly help us tell our stories and support this project. A community invested in collaboration, communication, and creativity.
Thank you to everyone who shared this experience with us. I hope you got as much out of this as we have. These are our voices. Our stories. Our lives.
One of the most amazing aspects of the Hamilton-Gibson Women’s Project is that any woman can submit a proposal for what HGWP should put on in the future season. An idea had been percolating in my head for a while, so I presented it at the June 2022 HGWP planning potluck and to my excitement, there was a lot of interest in the proposal from others. The concept was an expansive one – that we create a collection of original pieces to tell the story of women’s lives – the good, the bad, the ugly. We began by soliciting short written pieces, and an amazing 46 pieces were submitted by a total of 18 writers. We went through a process to review, select, and edit pieces. Four amazing women stepped up to direct to bring these women’s experiences to life.
The response from women who wanted to be a part of this production was so significant that we ended up casting a total of 28 people in the show. Eight women stepped up to do the lights, sound, set-building, artwork, and to serve on the stage crew.
The proposal for this show included the idea of not just using our voices to support women but to also put our words into action. The idea of the Tea Party was born, and an energetic group of eight women took on the coordination and planning of the event, which was held on April 6, 2024. 100% of the proceeds were donated to Haven of Tioga County and to support a local survivor of human trafficking.
Leading this project has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I have experienced such a complex set of emotions while helping these stories to take shape. Seeing so many women connect with these stories. Witnessing the camaraderie among the cast and production team from telling these stories about our shared experiences as women. The experience has been hugely cathartic for many of us, and has given us a shared sense of strength, perseverance, and hope. Members of the community have continued to reach out to share the impact of this production.
At its core, this show was about community. A community of women willing to be vulnerable enough tell their stories and support each other by writing, directing, acting, and helping backstage. A community of men willing to humbly help us tell our stories and support this project. A community invested in collaboration, communication, and creativity.
Thank you to everyone who shared this experience with us. I hope you got as much out of this as we have. These are our voices. Our stories. Our lives.
Kacy Hagan
Producer & Creative Director of WOMEN
Producer & Creative Director of WOMEN
What's next...?
The set-up: In the spring of 2012, HG was performing the musical How I Became a Pirate at the Deane Center in Wellsboro with an all-male cast despite requests from females to play some of the roles as was done in a Broadway version. On opening night, a group of enthusiastic women dressed as pirates assembled in the parking lot across from the HG office carrying a Skull and Crossbones flag, and entered the Deane Center lobby proclaiming, “We’re the best pirates in the world 'cause we are pirate girls!!” A good time was had by all who participated, and this has lead to our upcoming project for 2025: An all-female cast of the very same,
How I Became a Pirate.
Stay tuned for audition information to be held in Spring of 2025.
Daaarrrr.
How I Became a Pirate.
Stay tuned for audition information to be held in Spring of 2025.
Daaarrrr.
Mission
The mission of the Hamilton-Gibson Women's Project is to provide opportunities for women* of all ages to enrich and empower their lives through community performing arts. We will create more and diverse roles for women in plays and offer workshops on the full range of theatre skills. As an incubator for female creativity, we will enrich Hamilton-Gibson Productions by funneling trained and talented women into positions onstage and backstage, in the green room and the boardroom.
*our mission includes anyone not identifying as male
*our mission includes anyone not identifying as male
About
The Hamilton-Gibson Women's Project began in 2016 as a result of the realization that more women than men audition for HG plays, and that there were often more roles for men than for women. Barbara Biddison, Linda Iseri, and Lilace Guignard volunteered to work together to provide leadership to address this clear need. In 2018 Jessie Thompson joined Barbara and Lilace at the helm, after Linda Iseri left the area. Today, the Women's Project is led by long-time HG members Lilace Guignard, Kacy Hagan and Yolie Canales,
and Barbara Biddison holds an honored Emeritus position.
HGWP helps women connect in a variety of ways in the context of theatre arts. Since its inception, women have had greater opportunities to act, but also to write, direct, design (sets and lights), run sound and light boards, and produce eclectic entertainment for Northcentral Pennsylvania. Some seasons there are opportunities for men to act, direct, help backstage, and take workshops. We are grateful for several grants over the years from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and for our loyal sponsors.
Take a look at what the HGWP has done over the years. Our history
Whether you like the spotlight or the backstage blue light—and even if you only have a day here and there—you can be part of HGWP!
and Barbara Biddison holds an honored Emeritus position.
HGWP helps women connect in a variety of ways in the context of theatre arts. Since its inception, women have had greater opportunities to act, but also to write, direct, design (sets and lights), run sound and light boards, and produce eclectic entertainment for Northcentral Pennsylvania. Some seasons there are opportunities for men to act, direct, help backstage, and take workshops. We are grateful for several grants over the years from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and for our loyal sponsors.
Take a look at what the HGWP has done over the years. Our history
Whether you like the spotlight or the backstage blue light—and even if you only have a day here and there—you can be part of HGWP!