NLOC plans for another busy summer

The Northern Light Opera Company (NLOC) is not hibernating during these days of snow, ice and cold. This is actually when computers and phones are almost constantly in use, planning and scheduling events and making lists of participants and locations, sometimes even in our sleep.

Summer production

NLOC’s summer production this year will be “Little Shop of Horrors.” If you aren’t familiar, it’s a horror comedy musical about Seymour, an orphan who lives on Skid Row and works in a run-down flower shop. His pretty co-worker, Audrey, has a boyfriend who is a sadistic dentist.

One day, Seymour buys a mysterious plant that he names Audrey in honor of his co-worker. You have now been introduced to the main characters.

The production will run from July 28-Aug. 5, so be sure to note the dates on your calendar!

March

Audition workshop

An audition workshop March 19 is a new offering this year that will share tips on how to prepare for a successful audition. Time will be 2 to 4 p.m. in Studio 1 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. More information will be posted on Facebook and website: www. northernlightopera.org.

NLOC auditions

Auditions for “Little Shop of Horrors” will be held the weekend of March 24-25 at the Armory. Auditions Friday, March 24 will be from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 25 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.

NLOC is fortunate to have directors who understand the level of each individual’s skills and know how to encourage and develop these skills to create a production beyond expectations. Every year, audiences express delight and surprise at the quality of the performances. So plan to audition. Learn a new skill,

March 2 Hotdish Mystery Mayhem at the Park Rapids Area Library

March 7 Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Andy Wells, CEO of Wells Technology

March 7 Finding Your Female Ancestors at the Park Rapids Area Library

March 7 Heartland Concert: The Patsy Cline Project

March 11 2nd Saturday STEM at the Park Rapids Area Library

March 13 Park Rapids Area High School choir concert

March 14 Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Polly Scotland, traveling in Nepal

March 15 Deadline for submission to the Jackpine Writers Bloc Talking Stick

March 15 Deadline for submission of 2nd Street Stage button designs

March 16 Craft supply swap at the Park Rapids Area Library

March 16 Open mic night at the Armory Arts & Events Center

March 19 Northern Light Opera Company audition workshop

March 20 Pick up day for adult Take & Make Kits at the Park Rapids Area Library make new friends and create a quality event for our community. Watch for specific audition times on Facebook and NLOC’s website.

WorkBench Workshops

The third annual New Playwriters Workshop, again led by New York City playwrights Melanie Goodreaux and Greg Paul, will be held June 10-17 at the Armory. Past participants, who ranged in age from 15 to 85-plus, were delightfully surprised that in a week’s time, they created a 10-minute play that was read/enacted by NLOC performers before an enthusiastic audience. Facebook and NLOC’s website will have more information soon.

This second year’s Filmmaker Intensive Workshop will be led by Greg Paul and Los Angeles filmmaker David Leidy. Last year’s aspiring filmmakers were challenged to create a story, then film, direct and edit their newly created work. The movies went from idea to reality to being viewed by an audience in just three days. Intense! Dates for this year are not confirmed. Check Facebook and the website for specifics.

NLOKids Drama Camp

This year’s four-week collaborative camp for 8-13-year-olds will again be held at both Pine Point and Park Rapids June 19-July 15. Guided by NLOC staff and guest artists, kids write a script, compose the music and create costumes, sets and props for an original musical, which they perform for family and friends at the Pine Point Community Center and Park Rapids Armory. A Pine Point school bus will pick up and deliver kids both in Park Rapids and Pine Point, and lunches will be provided This will be the eighth year for this collaboration, which has created many special