For Immediate Release: February 13, 2006
Media Contact: Karen Gross, Arden Theatre Company, 215.922.8900 x49

Arden Theatre Company announces its spring series of Salons. Created from a desire to deepen the connection between art and audience, Salons provide patrons an informal opportunity for up-close and personal dialogue with a carefully selected panel of artists and experts on a variety of topics.

Salons are hosted by Arden Associate Artistic Director Amy Dugas Brown. Due to their increasing popularity, the Arden has been able to broaden Salon topics from basic behind-the-scenes information to in-depth discussions. This spring features new subjects including Slapstick Comedy and Season Selection as well as a special Salon discussing the newly commissioned work by Opus playwright, Michael Hollinger and Baby Case composer Michael Ogborn.

Held on Mondays from 6pm to 7:30pm, Salons are $25 each, three for $70 or four for $80. In addition to the discussion, the price includes wine, coffee and hors d'oeuvres. Salons are held at Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd Street, Old City Philadelphia. Participants can register online at www.ardentheatre.org or by calling the Arden box office at 215.922.1122.

SALONS

• Ensemble Acting
  Monday, April 3
  Featured speakers: Grace Gonglewski, Jennifer Childs and Megan Bellwoar
  
  It's one thing to have a lead role and another to work as part of an ensemble. Great actors strive to create on-stage synergy no matter how big or small their role. Learn about the art of building a great ensemble from this impressive lineup of Philadelphia's leading ladies.
  
  
• Season Selection
  Monday, April 10
  Featured speakers: Terry Nolen and Amy Dugas Brown
  
  Meet the people who choose the plays performed at the Arden! What drives them to choose a piece of work? What practical decisions must be considered? What gets chosen first? Find out all this and more.
  
  
• Painting with Lights
  Monday, May 1
  Featured speaker: John Stephen Hoey
  
  Lighting design employs a fickle canvas: thin air. The quality of the air transforms a theatre space with color, angle, and intensity. Meet award-winning designer, John Stephen Hoey as he reveals the mysteries of his beautiful art.
  
  
• Slapstick Comedy
  Monday, May 8
  Featured speakers: Aaron Cromie, Dave Jadico and Rob McClure
  
  Nothing makes 'em laugh like slapstick! Join three actors from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum who are masters of the pratfall, the prank and the double take. Jadico can juggle anything he can hold; Cromie is an expert in Commedia dell'Arte; McClure does rope tricks.
  
  
• The Commission Mission
  Monday, May 22
  Featured speakers: Michael Hollinger and Michael Ogborn
  
  Hits like Hollinger's Opus and Red Herring and Ogborn's Baby Case and Café Puttanesca inspired the Arden to commission these creators to co-write a brand new musical. Come learn about the process of these two geniuses and get an update on their progress! Perhaps they'll even share a new song.
  
  
• Musical Comedy
  Monday, June 5
  Featured speakers: Tony Braithwaite and Tom McCarthy
  
  What could be funnier than Tony Braithwaite and Tom McCarthy in a room together talkin' comedy? The stars of Forum - and arguably the funniest actors in Philadelphia's history - share stories sure to have you rolling in the aisles.

All salons will be held at Arden Theatre Company, located at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City Philadelphia. Participants can register online at www.ardentheatre.org or by calling the Arden box office at 215.922.1122.

Information regarding the Arden's theatre classes for children is also available on the Arden website.

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