River Clyde Pageant returns
Details announced for performances, as well as free artist-led workshops
NEW GLASGOW – The River Clyde Pageant, New Glasgow’s beloved summer theatre production, returns this summer, and the first round of free, artist-led workshops has just been announced.
Artistic directors Megan Stewart and Ker Wells will be revisiting “Catch a River by the Tale”, the 2018 production, advancing the pageant’s exploration of land and water as a stage for imaginative spectacle and storytelling.
Audiences can expect to see a combination of new and familiar sights upon the River Clyde and in the fields of Little Victory Microfarms this summer. The 2019 pageant performance dates are July 27-28 and Aug. 2-4.
New and returning performers, musicians and volunteers who want to get involved in the 2019 production are encouraged to take part in the free workshops offered in June and July. “Pageant workshops provide an exciting, hands-on way to participate in the making of this community production,” says Stewart.
“It’s a really unique opportunity to learn new creative skills, collaborate with local and visiting artists, and experience the energy of the community that comes together to build this project each summer.”
Two new workshops are being offered by scenographer and puppeteer Ian McFarlane, who is leading a four-week workshop in scenic design for the outdoor stage for adults and teens, as well as a four-week woodcarving and marionette workshop for all ages. These workshops begin at the end of June and will delve into large design projects and small puppet builds using driftwood, found materials and various woodcarving techniques.
New Orleans-based artists Kathy Randels and Sean LaRocca are back June 11-23 to lead an expanded music workshop to develop music created in 2018 and lead singers and musicians through songwriting and improvisation processes inspired by the land and water. This workshop, open to musicians and vocalists of all ages and levels, takes place indoors and outdoors in New Glasgow.
Joanna Caplan will also be leading a twice-weekly, all-ages movement workshop, June 30July 18, to create outdoor group choreography on land and water, and Laura Astwood will be back in early June to teach stilt-walking basics, partner work and choreography to new stilt-walkers and alumni.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the making of The River Clyde Pageant, especially those who are excited about singing loudly, get their hands dirty, playing and moving outdoors. Workshop registration is now open, and additional workshops will be announced in the coming weeks. To learn more about the pageant, the workshops and other upcoming activities, visit www.riverclydepageant.com/get-involved.