NEWS/EVENTS
Linda Kelp to Step Down as
DAOR Artistic Committee Chair
After 5 ½ years on the Artistic Committee, much of that time as Committee Chair, Linda Kelp has decided to step down. We thank Linda for her dedication and her hours of work, which resulted in season after season of ever-improving DAOR performances.
DAOR President Tanc Agius is seeking candidates for this position:
The Artistic Committee Chair manages the work of the Artistic Committee. The Chair
recruits sub-committee chairs, facilitates committee meetings including preparing an agenda, monitors the work of the sub-committees and provides opportunities for constructive evaluation. Prepares Artistic Committee budget. The Committee Chair is appointed by the President with the approval of the Board.
If you are interested, please contact Tanc: t.e.alban.agius@gmail.com
DAOR Member Memoirs
in Rossmoor News and on Channel 28
DAOR Members who recently attended Bobbi Ausubel’s class “Acting Our Lives” will be having their pieces published in the Rossmoor News. They started with the June 10 issue. These same actors have also recorded their pieces for Channel 28 to be aired in July.
in Rossmoor News and on Channel 28
DAOR Members who recently attended Bobbi Ausubel’s class “Acting Our Lives” will be having their pieces published in the Rossmoor News. They started with the June 10 issue. These same actors have also recorded their pieces for Channel 28 to be aired in July.
DAOR Playwright Joanna Kraus Plays Published
These are New Theatre for Young Audience plays by Joanna H. Kraus just published by Leicester Bay Theatricals in electronic versions.
(www.leicesterbaytheatricals.com)
Me2: Two 8th graders suddenly discover that they are twins. But when one persuades the other to cheat on an admissions test, the question confronts them, “Could you live with a lie?”
Tamales and Roses: When a flower girl gets stage fright and can’t start the wedding procession, she’s convinced no one will forgive her. But her Latino family demonstrates their understanding and love. A bi-lingual, participation play based on her book.
The Dragon Hammer and The Tale of Oniroku (reprinted from New Plays): Two short plays based on Korean and Japanese folklore that are thematically connected.
Kimchi Kid (reprinted from New Plays): Does Hak Soo belong to Korea, where he’s despised because his father was American, or to his new home where children call him “Yellow Banana?” Angry and bewildered, a new friend and classmate points out that “O.K” is the same in both languages. At his adoption ceremony it’s Hak Soo who explains to his parents what that means. As the three become a family.
For the Glory: Dawn, wanna-be journalist, is tired of being an Indy 500 driver’s trophy girlfriend. Instead, she’ll cover the Kinetic Sculpture Race, the same Memorial Day weekend. Furious, Will ridicules the whole idea of human powered, all-terrain art vehicles. “3 days to go 38 miles!” For her story, Dawn volunteers to be co-pilot on Da Vinci’s Dream. The race is wacky and challenging, but Dawn discovers a more humane world, a sympathetic guy, and most important, she finds herself.
For more information on these plays, go to www.leicesterbaytheatricals.com or
Contact Joanna at (925) 939 3658 or e-mail: tjkraushouse@hotmail.com
Children's books: Blue Toboggan; Bravo, Benny; Oh, Little Ham of Buffalo, A Korean Adoption Memoir, and the latest, The Blue Jeans Rebellion at: www.joannakraus.com
These are New Theatre for Young Audience plays by Joanna H. Kraus just published by Leicester Bay Theatricals in electronic versions.
(www.leicesterbaytheatricals.com)
Me2: Two 8th graders suddenly discover that they are twins. But when one persuades the other to cheat on an admissions test, the question confronts them, “Could you live with a lie?”
Tamales and Roses: When a flower girl gets stage fright and can’t start the wedding procession, she’s convinced no one will forgive her. But her Latino family demonstrates their understanding and love. A bi-lingual, participation play based on her book.
The Dragon Hammer and The Tale of Oniroku (reprinted from New Plays): Two short plays based on Korean and Japanese folklore that are thematically connected.
Kimchi Kid (reprinted from New Plays): Does Hak Soo belong to Korea, where he’s despised because his father was American, or to his new home where children call him “Yellow Banana?” Angry and bewildered, a new friend and classmate points out that “O.K” is the same in both languages. At his adoption ceremony it’s Hak Soo who explains to his parents what that means. As the three become a family.
For the Glory: Dawn, wanna-be journalist, is tired of being an Indy 500 driver’s trophy girlfriend. Instead, she’ll cover the Kinetic Sculpture Race, the same Memorial Day weekend. Furious, Will ridicules the whole idea of human powered, all-terrain art vehicles. “3 days to go 38 miles!” For her story, Dawn volunteers to be co-pilot on Da Vinci’s Dream. The race is wacky and challenging, but Dawn discovers a more humane world, a sympathetic guy, and most important, she finds herself.
For more information on these plays, go to www.leicesterbaytheatricals.com or
Contact Joanna at (925) 939 3658 or e-mail: tjkraushouse@hotmail.com
Children's books: Blue Toboggan; Bravo, Benny; Oh, Little Ham of Buffalo, A Korean Adoption Memoir, and the latest, The Blue Jeans Rebellion at: www.joannakraus.com
Jean Georgakopoulos 2/13/36 - 6/5/20
We regret to announce that Jean Georgakopoulos, one of our most prominent and beloved members, died on Friday, June 5. Both her sons Alex and John, daughter-in-law Michelle, granddaughter Olivia and grandson Jared were with her.
Jean came to California in 1956 and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1958. For eight years she was a stay-at-home mother to her two sons. When they were old enough to be more independent, she took a position as a student teacher at San Leandro High School. After a year, she moved to De Anza High School where she taught English and Drama until 1980. Then she moved to John F. Kennedy High School in Richmond to continue her teaching career. After five years, she moved to Administration in the Richmond Unified District until retirement.
On moving to Rossmoor, her passion for the dramatic arts was rekindled much to our advantage. She was one of the early participants in DAOR, teaching all aspects of drama from Beginning to Advanced, Scene Study and Directing. Although a superb teacher, she never lost the desire to continue to learn. She was a student in DAOR’s Playwriting class every session for semester after semester. One of her most joyous experiences was directing “Three Women,” featuring her own beloved granddaughter Olivia.
Jean leaves behind a loving family of two sons, two daughters in law, five grandchildren, one step granddaughter and two great grandchildren.
DAOR will arrange a memorial service once we can be assured it is safe to gather again.
Jean and Friends
R.I.P. Bud Lembke 5/19/1922 – 6/19/2020
We are saddened to announce that Bud Lembke died June 18 at the nursing facility where he was a patient for the past several weeks. Bud was 98. He leaves behind his loyal and loving wife, Mary and a daughter Nancy Brenn of Berkeley by his first marriage. Bud was a founding member of DAOR and the originator of the very idea of a drama club in Rossmoor.
Born, raised and educated in Minnesota, Bud pursued his bliss of having a career as a newspaperman, both as a reporter and as an editor. Started in Minnesota then San Francisco and Sacramento. Working for the Los Angeles Times, Bud met his wife Mary who staffed the Times’s home office in L.A. Bud also had the distinction of being a World War II veteran, having flown 51 bombing missions over Nazi Germany as a young man of twenty.
As a life-long learner, he was the first member to sign up for Gary Graves’ playwriting class. He continued in the playwriting class year in and year out through Rod McFadden’s tenure as instructor. A number of Bud’s plays were produced by DAOR either as full productions or developmental readings. The last of Bud’s plays mounted by DAOR was “Arthritis Be Damned” about the tribulations, foibles, and antic behavior of some typical residents of a retirement community called Hartmoor.
We will miss his reporter’s insights into the troubles of our times, his self-effacing humor, and, yes, his corny puns.
Memorial services for Bud are on hold for now, but those wishing to make a donation in his name may do so to the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church (MDUUC), 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
Wanted: House Manager(s)
Help make theater happen in Rossmoor. Join the DAOR/Naked Stage Team.
Naked Stage is looking for one or more individuals to help overseee key House Management functions associated with DAOR’s Naked Stage productions. This may be your chance to contribute to Rossmoor’s theatrical efforts in a vital and essential role, without which our curtain would never go up.
After providing outstanding support for our first four seasons, it is with great sadness we have learned that our current House Manager, Sandra Hawkins, will be moving on to explore new adventures. We are looking for individuals who, as a team, and working with experienced DAOR members, will follow in Sandra’s footsteps.
The House Manager oversees those “front-of-the-house” volunteers and operations that are essential in putting on a Naked Stage production. These include ticket reservations and sales, ushering, and refreshments coordination. We need individuals like Sandra who are committed, well-organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy working with people.
Contacts:
Jon Rasmussen, akijon8@comcast.net
Kevin O'Byrne, kjobyrne@yahoo.com
Help make theater happen in Rossmoor. Join the DAOR/Naked Stage Team.
Naked Stage is looking for one or more individuals to help overseee key House Management functions associated with DAOR’s Naked Stage productions. This may be your chance to contribute to Rossmoor’s theatrical efforts in a vital and essential role, without which our curtain would never go up.
After providing outstanding support for our first four seasons, it is with great sadness we have learned that our current House Manager, Sandra Hawkins, will be moving on to explore new adventures. We are looking for individuals who, as a team, and working with experienced DAOR members, will follow in Sandra’s footsteps.
The House Manager oversees those “front-of-the-house” volunteers and operations that are essential in putting on a Naked Stage production. These include ticket reservations and sales, ushering, and refreshments coordination. We need individuals like Sandra who are committed, well-organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy working with people.
Contacts:
Jon Rasmussen, akijon8@comcast.net
Kevin O'Byrne, kjobyrne@yahoo.com
4th Annual Sing-a-Long
July
More information to come . . .
July
More information to come . . .
Seeking . . .
Play Suggestions & Directors
for Naked Stage Productions
Contact: Kevin O'Byrne
kjobyrne@yahoo.com
DAOR seeks suggestions for plays to be considered for future Naked Stage productions.
Parameters:
Also, if you have directing experience and would like to direct a Naked Stage show, please send description of your interest and background (resumes welcome). Mention plays you would like to direct, noting why they would be good candidates for the Naked Stage readers theater format and the Rossmoor community.
Play Suggestions & Directors
for Naked Stage Productions
Contact: Kevin O'Byrne
kjobyrne@yahoo.com
DAOR seeks suggestions for plays to be considered for future Naked Stage productions.
Parameters:
- 4 - 8 actors, seated on stools, with scripts; minimal props or costumes
- play must be suitable for Rossmoor audiences
Also, if you have directing experience and would like to direct a Naked Stage show, please send description of your interest and background (resumes welcome). Mention plays you would like to direct, noting why they would be good candidates for the Naked Stage readers theater format and the Rossmoor community.
DAOR Traveling Troupe
Ongoing
Enliven a meeting or program with a theatrical piece performed by our experienced actors. Funny or poignant, these scenes run about 10 minutes. There is no charge for this service, but requests must be made five weeks in advance of event.
Contact: Gail Wetherbee
gcwetherbee@comcast.net
or 925-934-6896
Ongoing
Enliven a meeting or program with a theatrical piece performed by our experienced actors. Funny or poignant, these scenes run about 10 minutes. There is no charge for this service, but requests must be made five weeks in advance of event.
Contact: Gail Wetherbee
gcwetherbee@comcast.net
or 925-934-6896
Play Reading Groups
Ongoing
Third Monday monthly, 2 PM
Waterford small dining room
Contact: Tanc Agius
t.e.alban.agius@gmail.com
Read plays with DAOR friends. Plays supplied. Contact Tanc for more information
(Note also: Plays and books about plays are available in Dollar Clubhouse, short wall to right as you enter library room. Take advantage of this wonderful resource.)
Ongoing
Third Monday monthly, 2 PM
Waterford small dining room
Contact: Tanc Agius
t.e.alban.agius@gmail.com
Read plays with DAOR friends. Plays supplied. Contact Tanc for more information
(Note also: Plays and books about plays are available in Dollar Clubhouse, short wall to right as you enter library room. Take advantage of this wonderful resource.)
DAOR Annual General Meeting
October each year
Election of officers and a preview of events ahead..
October each year
Election of officers and a preview of events ahead..
Jean Wilcox Scholarship Ceremony
October each year
The DAOR board of directors created the Scholarship for Theatre Arts in 2009 to honor Jean Wilcox, a founding member of DAOR and its first artistic director. She also served as its president from 2009 to 2011.
A native of England, where she received drama training at the London School of Drama, Wilcox immigrated to the Bay Area in 1962. She has received a Best Actress Shellie Award for her portrayal of the title character in Shirley Valentine. Under the auspices of the Walnut Creek Civic Arts program, she taught Shakespeare to incarcerated youth at Juvenile Hall in Martinez.
October each year
The DAOR board of directors created the Scholarship for Theatre Arts in 2009 to honor Jean Wilcox, a founding member of DAOR and its first artistic director. She also served as its president from 2009 to 2011.
A native of England, where she received drama training at the London School of Drama, Wilcox immigrated to the Bay Area in 1962. She has received a Best Actress Shellie Award for her portrayal of the title character in Shirley Valentine. Under the auspices of the Walnut Creek Civic Arts program, she taught Shakespeare to incarcerated youth at Juvenile Hall in Martinez.
Play Submissions
Annual, Deadline to be Announced
Annual, Deadline to be Announced
Rossmoor Follies
October each year
The Performing Arts Guild of Rossmoor presents an evening of fun with performances by members of PAGR, including DAOR.
October each year
The Performing Arts Guild of Rossmoor presents an evening of fun with performances by members of PAGR, including DAOR.
Holiday Party
December 3, 5 PM
Dollar Clubhouse
Gathering of the Company
January each year
"The Company": Everyone involved in putting on a show, including playwrights, actors, directors, tech, backstage crew, publicity, house and ticket workers. Join us for a review of the calendar for the new year, hear from class instructors, learn about new programs, play games, enjoy refreshments and visit with theater colleagues.
January each year
"The Company": Everyone involved in putting on a show, including playwrights, actors, directors, tech, backstage crew, publicity, house and ticket workers. Join us for a review of the calendar for the new year, hear from class instructors, learn about new programs, play games, enjoy refreshments and visit with theater colleagues.
All events take place at Hillside Performing Arts Studio
(Las Trampas), unless otherwise noted.
Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure seating.
(Las Trampas), unless otherwise noted.
Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure seating.