42nd Volunteer party - 34th Annual ACTie awards 31st Anniversary in Capitol Theatre Aberdeen Community Theatre celebrated a successful 2023 Season, and honored hundreds of volunteers at its annual Volunteer Party on January 20, 2024. ACT relies on volunteers to fill a wide variety of roles backstage, on stage, and off stage, in order to support our mission of providing quality entertainment and opportunities for people of all ages. Hundreds of volunteers sing, dance, act, build sets, make costumes, operate lights and sound, do hair and makeup, usher, assist with office or facility tasks, and much more - every year. Their generous gifts of time and talent are vital to our success: we simply could not do it without our volunteers. We are grateful to each and every one of you for "GETTING INTO THE ACT!!" Here's a look at this year's "ACTie" awards. Special note: any volunteers who were unable to attend the awards event may pick up their certificates at the ACT office, 417 S. Main Street, during normal business hours. ACTie award winners from left to right: Volunteer of the Year - Haley Salem Golden Quill Award & Betty Anderson A-Stitch-In-Time - Michelle Schaunaman Performer of the Year - Tony Kollman Business of the Year - McQuillen Creative Group, Eliot Lucas accepting award Techie of the Year - Jessa Zimmer Newcomer of the Year - Kylee Carlson Donald H. Hall Lifetime Achievement - Daniel Yurgaitis ACT's Artistic/Managing Director - James L. Walker Debut Performer of the Year - Chuck Gabriel Other ACTie award winners include: Techie of the Year - Renee Galbraith (please pick up your award) Betty Anderson A-Stitch-In-Time - Megan Hinkle (please pick up your award) Betty Anderson A-Stitch-In-Time - Brittany Merkel (please pick up your award) Debut Techie of the Year - Jaycee Nelson (please pick up your award) Orchestra Member of the Year - Tanner Shultis (please pick up your award) 2023 Season Debuts: "Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook" Madelynn Erdmann (please pick up your award) James Ferguson (please pick up your award) Olivia Hatzenbuhler (please pick up your award) Chloecherie Heagley (please pick up your award) Elijah Martin (please pick up your award) Macy Schnabel (please pick up your award) Miah Wipf (please pick up your award) "How To Eat Like A Child" Elliott Hanson (please pick up your award) Jamison Frericks (please pick up your award) McKenna Hamson (please pick up your award) Eiler Jensen (please pick up your award) Grace Mayer (please pick up your award) Lauryn Robinson (please pick up your award) "9 to 5 the Musical" Jennifer Appl (please pick up your award) Dylan Barkmeier Kylee Carlson Josh Davis (please pick up your award) Chuck Gabriel Lucas Galvin (please pick up your award) Shawn Hepola (please pick up your award) Cate Knapp (please pick up your award) Kaitlynn Loos (please pick up your award) Jaycee Nelson (please pick up your award) Ashton Ormand (please pick up your award) Masyn Schutter (please pick up your award) "For Better" Jessica Appl  (please pick up your award) "Murder at Cafe Noir" Tim Moffett "A Hallimark Christmas for Beth" Jacob Miller Leanna Miller Anneliese Miller Eli Miller Tracy Vogel Nepotism is Relative (A Wild Family Affair) Jessica & Jennifer Appl (please pick up your award) Jason, Jennifer, Dylan & Eden Barkmeier; Jackson & Ava Rott Josh, Jenna & Alainna Bowen John & Tierra Cassens (please pick up your award) Gary & Heather Darling (please pick up your award) Marilyn & Emily Davis (please pick up your award) Paul & Jean Dutt (please pick up your award) Aysia & Sakura Eggena (please pick up your award) Tracy & Madelynn Erdmann (please pick up your award) James & Jean Ferguson (please pick up your award) Kristen & Hannah Gasperich (please pick up your award) Journey & Sienna Gray (please pick up your award) Matt, Lori & Jill Harmel (please pick up your award) Steph & Chase Hawkinson Fred, Rachel, Charlie & Peter Hemke (please pick up your award) Jay & Missy Hill (please pick up your award) Josh, Becky & Eiler Jensen (please pick up your award) Mike & Catherine Knapp (please pick up your award) Tony & Liza Kollman Christine & Jill Lepkowski (please pick up your award) Eliot Lucas & Nicole Christiansen Greg, Barb, Katie & Emily Magera Joel & Sarah Mann (please pick up your award) Mark & Mary Marion (please pick up your award) Bethe Martian; Lily & Daisy Williams (please pick up your award) Amelia & Elijah Martin (please pick up your award) Cherise, Bradley & Grace Mayer (please pick up your award) Craig & Audrey McFarland (please pick up your award) Russ, Lisa, & Shaun McNeely Justin & Emily Meidinger Jacob, Leanna, Anneliese & Eli Miller Mike & Rita Moe Eryn, Jayden & Kai Nerdig (please pick up your award) Lucky, Joan & Thatcher Peterson (please pick up your award) Courtney, Jackson & Ava Rott (please pick up your award) Aaron & Haley Salem Elizabeth, Elsa & Haydler Schiferl Kraig Schlaht & Teresa Levsen Brian, Juli, Erica & Natalie Schultz Jeremy & Masyn Schutter (please pick up your award) George P. & Sandy Sullivan Alex & Paige Tiede John, Tracy, Alice, Coen, Penelope & Eva Vogel Bill & Mary Wieland (please pick up your award) Larry, Margaret & Elizabeth Wild Jessa & Raylee Zimmer Glutton for Punishment (10 out of 10 performances in "Murder at Café Noir") Nicole Christiansen Chuck Gabriel Liza Kollman Nancy Miller Juli Schultz Chesnee Wagner Brenda Weishaar Jessa Zimmer Season Specialist Renee Galbraith ((please pick up your award) Barb Imberi Liza Kollman Christine Lepkowski (please pick up your award) Elizabeth Schiferl Juli Schultz Ashley Westby Ashley Wysk (please pick up your award) Jessa Zimmer Schizophrenic Star Jason Honerman Eliot Lucas Diane Leitheiser (please pick up your award) Kylee Carlson Arlyn Rusche Haley Salem

Auditions for “The Friendly Hour” will be held at the Capitol Theatre, 415 S Main St., January 21st at 4:00pm & 22nd at 8:00pm. SYNOPSIS: In 1934, a group of women in rural South Dakota started gathering each month for “The Friendly Hour.” This poignant comedy tells their stories entirely through transcripts of the meeting minutes, spanning seven decades. A thoroughly American story of farm life and lifelong friendships, set in the South Dakota prairie. Age Range: Able to play 20s to 90s Cast Size: 5 Women Directed by: Brian T. Schultz Tentative Show Dates: February 28th - March 3rd If above form does not download properly, click here to download from Google Drive. Email your form to act@nvc.net or bring with you to auditions. Scripts for the audition can be borrowed for 48 hours from either the ACT’s office or the K.O. Lee Library starting January 2nd. Please note that script checkout is on a first come, first served basis.

Aberdeen Community Theatre is thrilled to announce its 44th season with SIX mainstage productions in 2024. Explore the best live theater experience with our three Subscriber packages designed to cater to your preferences. VIP Subscription $218: Enjoy the same reserved seat(s) for FIVE mainstage productions and priority seat selection for the dinner theater. Your tickets will be conveniently mailed to you, and your name will be featured in ACT’s programs. Flex Subscription $190: Embrace flexibility without compromising on quality. Enjoy SIX ticket credits, usable in any combination for FIVE mainstage productions, with a single credit applicable to the dinner theater. Individual Subscription only $138 (full price $188): Provides one ticket credit for each of the SIX captivating productions in 2024. Choose the subscription that suits you. Subscribe today and elevate your theater-going experience! Stay informed with exclusive news and announcements delivered conveniently via mail and email. Benefit from early access to the box office, securing your spot before the general public. If above form does not download properly, click here to download from Google Drive. Download, print and mail to: ACT, PO Box 813, Aberdeen, SD 57402-0813 OR stop in at ACT's Office, 417 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 OR call at (605) 225-2228 "The Friendly Hour" February 28-March 3* In 1934, a group of women in rural South Dakota started gathering each month for “The Friendly Hour.” This poignant comedy tells their stories entirely through transcripts of the meeting minutes, spanning seven decades. A thoroughly American story of farm life and lifelong friendships, set on the South Dakota prairie. "Noir Suspicions" April 10-21* ACT returns to “Café Noir” featuring familiar characters from “Murder at Café Noir,” including Rick Archer and Sheila Wonderly. Enjoy a meal onstage during this humorous, interactive murder mystery that’s an homage to “Casablanca.” Mr. Archer finds himself in a tough spot after the discovery of a dead body on the dock. Adding to the intrigue: a mysterious woman, a devious blackmailer, and a businessman who wants to take Ms. Wonderly – and the Café - for himself. "Bright Star" June 18-23* ACT’s summer musical! A sweeping tale of love and redemption set in the American South. A young woman meets a soldier returning from war and sets off on a journey to understand her past. A richly emotional, funny, and charming saga set to country and bluegrass music written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. "The Siegel" July 31-August 4* Ethan Siegel is in love, and ready to propose to Alice. There’s just one problem: they broke up two years ago! Ethan doesn’t see that as an obstacle, but Alice’s new boyfriend might feel differently! Sarcastic, witty, fast-paced and fresh, it’s a modern take on romance that asks the question: Is there really such a thing as a “soulmate?” "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" October 9-13* ACT’s Young People’s Theatre presents a classic children’s tale, brought to life on stage. Featuring the great lion, Aslan, the terrifying White Witch, and four siblings who enter a magical land through an enchanted wardrobe. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy must join forces with mythical creatures and talking animals to save Narnia from perpetual winter. "A Tune Christmas" November 20-24* Welcome back to Tuna, TX for the holidays! ACT’s 2024 Christmas show is a sequel to the well-known “Greater Tuna,” whose characters populate the third-smallest town in all of Texas. There’s a lawn decoration contest, a mysterious Christmas Phantom, and a local production of “A Christmas Carol” that keeps running into trouble. A wild and wacky comedy-satire that will have the audience laughing out loud. *Shows and Dates are subject to change

CAST ANNOUNCEMENT! ACT's Young People's Theatre presents "Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt!" See it onstage at the Capitol Theatre on February 9th, 10th, & 11th. Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning January 19th. ACT subscribers should note that "Judy Moody...." is a special feature project; tickets for this YPT production are NOT included as part of 2024 Season Subscriptions. CAST MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE ALL CAST MEMBERS are expected to attend a read-through on Friday, January 12. Please arrive on time to begin at 4:00pm on the mainstage in the Capitol Theatre. A note from Director Claire Vetter: "Thank you so much to everyone who auditioned. You made my job very difficult! If I was not able to cast you this time, I encourage you to audition for our next YPT show, 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,' scheduled for October performances. Auditions will be in September. Again, thank you for getting into the ACT!"

Auditions for “Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt” will be held at the Capitol Theatre, 415 S Main St., January 8th & 9th at 4pm. SYNOPSIS: When the Moody family takes a weekend trip to "Artichoke" Island, third-grader Judy and her little brother Stink don't know what to expect. But what they find is a pirate, and he sends them on a treasure hunt, racing against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl! Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? A funny, adventurous play for young audiences based on the Judy Moody books by Megan McDonald. Age Range: 7-17 years old Cast Size of 18 with: 3 to 14 Girls or 3 to 15 Boys Directed by: Claire Vetter Tentative Show Dates: February 9th & 10th at 7:30pm and February 11th at 2:30pm Director’s Note: No need to prepare anything for auditions – just come dressed to move and ready to have fun! If above form does not download properly, click here to download from Google Drive. Email your form to act@nvc.net or bring with you to auditions. Scripts for the audition can be borrowed for 48 hours from either the ACT’s office or the K.O. Lee Library starting January 2nd. Please note that script checkout is on a first come, first served basis.

RSVP Required by January 12th WHO: Any ACT volunteers, and those who plan to GET INTO THE ACT in 2024! WHAT: An evening of food, friends and fun! WHEN: Saturday, January 20th at 6:00pm | Dinner at 6:30pm, with activities to follow. WHERE: On the mainstage at the Capitol Theatre, 415 S. Main Street. WHY: To celebrate our volunteer community, and toast to the upcoming season! HOW: RSVP by clicking here or by calling 605-225-2228

Aberdeen Community Theatre is proud to call the Capitol Theatre its home. Maintaining and repairing a beautiful, historic building involves continuous effort – and expense. Originally built in 1926, the Capitol Theatre now houses a mix of the new and the old. Updated facilities include a state-of-the-art digital cinema and modern theatre lighting and sound systems. Our mainstage space is adorned with period-appropriate moldings and décor throughout the lobby and auditorium. Keeping a building with so much history beautiful, safe and functional is an ongoing challenge and can be expensive! Sometimes, an urgent situation arises unexpectedly, something that’s not forseen in annual budget plans, and presents a real and immediate challenge. We experienced such a situation recently when water damage after a severe rainstorm eroded the stability of an old brick chimney return, once connected to an older boiler system. Repairs were immediately needed, removing the structure brick by brick from 10 feet above the roof, all the way down to the sub-basement level. Structural repairs are complete, but there is finish work yet to be done to maintain the Capitol Theatre’s historic presence. The final bill will exceed $20,000, and we’re asking for your help. You can ensure ACT improves and protects our most valuable asset – the historic Capitol Theatre – by making a gift to the “Capitol Campaign.” Online donations are safe, simple and secure. You may also use the form below to send in a contribution to help ACT ensure a bright future for our historic Capitol Theatre facility. ACT works hard to provide high-quality entertainment and educational opportunities for everyone in the Aberdeen area. We cannot do it without you! Thank you for your continued support. Close-up of water damaged brick and plaster wall. Wall safety reinforcement before removal. Wall removed as well as 10 feet of brick chimney return on the roof; openings in the floor and ceiling repaired.

A HOLLIMARK CHRISTMAS FOR BETH by Michelle Schaunaman Show Dates: November 15-18 at 7:30pm, and 19th at 2:30pm Directed by: Brian T. Schultz Ticket Sales: ACT Subscribers start October 24th at 10am Early Bird tickets start October 28th at 10am - $16 Advance tickets start October 31th at 10am - $18 Door tickets - $22 Tickets can be purchased at Riddle's Jewelry (check store for hours), by calling 605-225-2228 or by clicking "Buy Tickets now" SYNOPSIS: A holiday movie parody everyone can enjoy! Beth, a big city news reporter, suddenly inherits the Evergreen Inn in Christmasville, Canada – it’s a bed and breakfast with a tree farm. Can Santa, St. Agnes, an elf, and a hunky, plaid-clad tree farmer help Beth pursue her true passion of baking - and regain her Christmas spirit along the way? Bet you can guess the answer! But can you catch all the fast-paced holiday movie tropes and references? You might be too busy laughing! Cast List: BETH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nicole Christiansen MARY ANNE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Meidinger CASSANDRA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Davis ELFSA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diane Leitheiser CHARLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kane Anderson CHRIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shaun McNeely NIKOLAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chuck Gabriel ABE DUNKER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Vogel DANICA DUNKER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tracy Vogel MR. SCHEUNEMANN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony Kollman MRS. SCHEUNEMANN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Haley Salem PHIL MURPHY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacob Miller LAUREN MURPHY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leanna Miller BONNIE MURPHY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eva Vogel BILLY MURPHY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thatcher Peterson SVETLANA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kylee Carlson RUDY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eliot Lucas NOELLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bethe Martian NEWS MAN 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jason Honerman NEWS MAN 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arlyn Rusche NEWS ANCHOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aysia Eggena ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/STAGE MANAGER. . . . . . . Trenia Jesz

Auditions: October 9th and 10th at 7pm at Capitol Theatre 415 S Main St. Synopsis: A holiday movie parody everyone can enjoy! Beth, a big city news reporter, suddenly inherits the Evergreen Inn in Christmasville, Canada – it’s a bed and breakfast with a tree farm. Can Santa, St. Agnes, an elf, and a hunky, plaid-clad tree farmer help Beth pursue her true passion of baking - and regain her Christmas spirit along the way? Bet you can guess the answer! But can you catch all the fast-paced holiday movie tropes and references? You might be too busy laughing! Fill out email to act@nvc.net with the subject "HOLLIMARK AUDITONS FORM" or fill out return at auditions. ACT IS LOOKING FOR: 8 to 11 Women, age range 20s to 60s 7 to 11 Men, age range 30s to 60s 1 Girl & 1 Boy, 6 to 10 years old Starting October 3rd, scripts available at ACT's office (417 S Main). Tentative dates are: Mid November

Aberdeen Community Theatre is pleased to present “Murder at Café Noir,” a 1940s-style murder mystery with audience participation. The Cafe is a secluded island hideaway, populated by colorful and suspicious characters - and when someone turns up dead, there are plenty of possible motives! Will private eye Rick Archer crack the case before anyone else meets an untimely demise? DATES & TIMES ARRIVE EARLY! Seating, mingling and drinks starting 30 minutes prior to each performance. Beer and wine will be available for purchase during social and throughout the performance. • Wednesday, September 27 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Thursday, September 28 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Friday, September 29 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Monday, October 2 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Tuesday, October 3 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Wednesday, October 4 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Thursday, October 5 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Friday, October 6 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Saturday, October 7 - 6:30pm social, 7:00pm performance. • Sunday, October 8 - 12:30pm social, 1:00pm performance. CAST Tim Moffett as Rick Archer Diane Leitheiser as Madam Toureau Haley Salem as Sheila Wonderly Arlyn Rusche as Anthony Cairo Kyla Bearheels as Marie Larue Tony Kollman as Simon Gutterman and Brian T. Schultz as Thursby, Vangilder & Rigfield SEATS & TICKETS $55 and include the play, the meal, and a Large ACT Souvenir Cup. Tickets can also be purchased in person at Riddle’s Jewelry Store (check store hours), or by phone at (605) 225-2228 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm). Audience members will be seated at tables and chairs on the stage (refer to seating chart below). There will be tables of 6, 8 and 10 people. The “action” will take place all around and in between the tables – there’s no “front row” or “back row” and no seat is a bad seat! The stage is accessible to people using wheelchairs or walkers. Wheelchair patrons: please call ACT at (605) 225-2228 so a staff member can assist you in selecting your seat location. FOOD & DRINKS Aberdeen Community Theatre is grateful to our caterer, Ken’s SuperFair Foods, for their support! The meal will include a green salad, main course (roast beef or chicken breast) with baby baked potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, and dessert. Pop and water will be included with the meal (free will donations for beverages are always appreciated). Every person who comes to the play will receive a complimentary Large ACT Souvenir Cup. Beer and wine will be available for purchase separately. Please be aware that food will be prepared off-site, and Aberdeen Community Theatre cannot guarantee the absence of common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, or seafood. Please contact the ACT office with questions or concerns. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? Please call (605) 225-2228 so that we may assist you.

Aberdeen Community Theatre recently posted a photo of an actor with a prop gun, to promote our upcoming murder mystery play. Someone reported the photo as a “violation” of Facebook rules, and now Facebook has blocked the ACT Facebook page, leaving us with no social media presence! So, we need your help. We are asking friends of ACT to spread the word as much as you can! Please, tell your friends about the show and share this blog post (share button on the bottom of this page) to your own social media accounts! “Murder at Café Noir” opens next week on the stage at the Capitol Theatre. September 27-29 & October 2-7 at 6:30pm and October 8 at 12:30pm. Buy tickets online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35688/production/1175842, in person at Riddle’s Jewelry, or by phone at (605) 225-2228. Tickets are $47 ($55 starting September 27th) and include the meal, the play, and a large ACT souvenir “sippy” cup. For more information on “Murder at Café Noir” click: https://www.aberdeencommunitytheatre.com/post/act-presents-murder-at-cafe-noir ⬇️SHARE BUTTONS

AUDITIONS: August 21st and 22nd at 7pm at Capitol Theatre 415 S Main St. SYNOPSIS: Enjoy food and drinks during ACT’s first dinner theatre production in decades! This 1940s detective story features Rick Archer, P.I., out to find a curvaceous runaway on the forgotten island of Mustique, a place stuck in a black-and-white era. The owner of the Cafe Noir has washed ashore, murdered, and Rick’s quarry was the last person seen with him. Rick employs his hard-boiled talents to find the killer. Was it the French madame and club manager, the voodoo priestess, the shyster British attorney, the black marketeer, or the femme fatale? The audience votes twice on what they want Rick to do next, and these decisions can affect the outcome of the play! ACT IS LOOKING FOR: Rick Archer – A private eye who’s always wanted to be Bogart or Mitchum in a 1940s noir movie. Madam Toureau – A lady who’s seen it all while managing Café Noir (where everything is for sale). Sheila Wonderly – Real name: Sheilda Schickelmeier. A spoiled rich girl, learning life lessons the hard way. Anthony Cairo – A dealer in the black market hiding at Café Noir to avoid the police. Marie Larue – The daughter of a Voodoo priestess and a politican. She sells spells and tells fortunes. Simon Gutterman – A British barrister in disgrace, after a scandal involving wealthy female clients. Thursby/Vangilder/Rigfield – One actor plays all three roles: a two-bit gun runner, a blackmailer, and a British cop. Fill out and email to act@nvc.net with the subject "FOR BETTER AUDITONS FORM" or fill out and return at auditions. A limited number of scripts available at ACT's office (417 S Main). Tentative dates are: Late September/Early October.