SPARE Productions Announces 2015-2016 Season
SPARE Productions is thrilled to announce our 20152016 season, featuring three full productions and a host of other fundraisers and performance opportunities.
“We think this season is going to be our best yet,” said SPARE Productions President Brian Ives. “Challenging? Yes. But our best yet.”
For our fourth season, the company plans to produce three fullscale shows: John Cariani’s poignant play Almost, Maine, the classic John Kander and Fred Ebb musical Chicago, and an original play by SPARE member Marisa Valent entitled Letter Writing.
SPARE Productions was founded in August 2012 as a place for college students to perform while home on school breaks. Since then, the company has grown to include members of all ages – although we have maintained our young focus.
Marisa Valent, the playwright of Letter Writing and a member of SPARE Productions, says her show dovetails well with SPARE’s primarily young membership. “I think it’s important because it’s relatable,” said Valent, “and it takes experiences that you have had, or that a friend of yours, or a sister, or a parent has had, and it puts it in front of you in sort of a naked and a realistic kind of way.”
Ives says SPARE’s membership is what drives him and the company as a whole to develop highquality theatrical opportunities for people in the Binghamton area. “Part of what makes SPARE great,” said Ives, “is our commitment to serving those people whose lives are in transition. Our members love what they do, and we want to give them opportunities to grow in their craft.”
SPARE’s 2015-2016 season will represent major growth over previous years, said Ives. The company will increase the number of full productions we produce, as well as increasing the efficacy of our fundraising efforts and expanding the technical side of our operations.
“We’ve always had a focus on performing, but this year we’re excited to grow our knowledge base in technical theater,” said Ives.
The company plans to offer masterclasses in stage management and provide training sessions for members who want to get involved in technical crew. “This is one of the first steps in a longterm strategy to make sure we’re a wellrounded company that does more than just sing and act,” said Ives. “Our 20152016 season is designed to challenge us in new ways.”
Ives added that SPARE is looking for people to fill positions on the production teams for our major 20152016 shows. The company needs dedicated and motivated individuals to lead Almost, Maine, Chicago, and Letter Writing to successful performances. “We have a strong history of attracting great, creative people to lead our shows,” said Ives. “This year, we’re trying to raise the bar even higher to provide even better opportunities for our membership and the community.”
If you are interested in applying to join a production team this season, send an email to president@spareproductions.org and SPARE’s president will point you in the right direction. Even if you are not a member of SPARE, Ives says you are welcome to apply.
Valent, the playwright and SPARE member, joined Ives in his excitement for the upcoming season. “I am most excited to see the spin SPARE puts on it,” she said, referring to her play, before adding that this season overall is poised to be SPARE’s best yet. Said Ives: “We’re so ready to get underway for this amazing year.