Thank you to everyone who has donated to our 2024 Holiday Auction! Here you will find pictures of the auction items that will be available on Friday, November 22nd during our annual Holiday Auction. Remember, if you donate an auction item, you get 2 free tickets to attend the auction!
-The auction preview and cocktail hour will be gin at 6:30 p.m. on Peoples Bank Theatre’s Stage
-The auction will begin at 7:30 p.m.
-A reception with live music will be at 8:30 p.m.
-Food and drinks provided
The Peoples Bank Theatre (PBT) is excited to announce the launch of the High School Ambassador Program, a brand-new initiative designed to connect passionate high school juniors and seniors in Washington and Wood counties with the world of entertainment, events, and volunteerism.
If you’re interested in arts, events, or marketing—or just want to be part of something fun and meaningful—this program is for you! We’re looking for high-energy high school students ready to get involved in the inner workings of one of the area’s most iconic cultural hubs. From promoting shows to supporting fundraising events, you’ll play a key role in keeping the arts thriving in the Mid-Ohio Valley!
As a PBT High School Ambassador, you’ll get:
🎟 VIP Access: Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre and learn how the magic happens.
📣 Marketing Skills: Learn how to market and promote shows like a pro. (Bonus: It’s great for your resume!)
👕 Free Merch: Score exclusive PBT swag and wear it proudly!
🎉 Perks: Get invited to fun appreciation events where you could win show tickets and other exciting prizes.
💼 Community Service Hours: Knock out those service hour requirements by being involved in our events and campaigns.
🎧 Networking: Meet other students who share your passion for the arts and connect with theatre professionals.
As a PBT High School Ambassador, you’ll help us:
It’s simple:
Whether you’re passionate about the arts, looking to gain experience in event planning, or just want to have a blast while giving back to your community, we’d love to have you join the PBT High School Ambassador team!
For more information or to ask questions, contact:
Peoples Bank Theatre at marketing@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com.
Join us and help us continue our mission of being the Mid-Ohio Valley’s Premier Entertainment Destination!
Marietta College has announced its highly anticipated 2024-25 Esbenshade Series, featuring a diverse array of acclaimed artists and performers. This season promises to deliver a mix of musical genres, poetry, and dance, including a performance by Grammy winner Loudon Wainwright III.
The popular series is made possible through funding by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists, and programs of diverse nature to the campus and community at large. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade Sr., and Harry H. Esbenshade Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
Other acts this season include performances by Sunny War and Chris Pierce on September 19, the Narrative Quintet featuring Adam Larson on January 16, 2025, Marc Harshman, Poet Laureate of West Virginia (accompaniment by Bob Thompson) on February 6, 2025, and lastly, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company on April 9, 2025. All performances are free.
Kicking off the season is the performance by Contemporary Blues and Folk musicians Sunny War and Chris Pierce at 8:00 p.m. September 19 in Marietta College’s Gathering Place. The two distinct yet equally captivating artists bring their own unique styles to the music scene. War is known for her gritty folk and blues-infused sound. She combines powerful storytelling with raw, emotive vocals and skillful guitar work. Her music often reflects her personal experiences and offers social commentary. Pierce is celebrated for his soulful voice and smooth blend of R&B, soul, and Americana influences. His rich, heartfelt performances and lyrical depth resonate deeply with audiences. Both artists, through their individual talents, contribute significantly to the diverse tapestry of contemporary music. Tickets are free and first-come, first-served the evening of the event.
Loudon Wainwright III first gained public attention in 1972 with the Top 20 hit “Dead Skunk.” While studying acting at Carnegie Mellon University, he decided to take part in the Summer of Love in San Francisco and wrote his first song, “Edgar,” in 1968. Initially signed to Atlantic Records and later Columbia, Wainwright has released over 27 albums, including the Grammy-winning “High Wide & Handsome.” His songwriting has been praised by artists such as Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Cash. His 2022 album “Lifetime Achievement” demonstrates his evolving talent and blends diverse musical styles. In addition to his musical career, Wainwright has also excelled in theater, acting, and writing, contributing to projects such as “Surviving Twin” and films with Martin Scorsese and Tim Burton.
The talented and prolific singer, songwriter and musician is scheduled to perform on Wednesday, October 23, in the Peoples Bank Theatre in downtown Marietta. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the concert starting at 8:00 p.m. The free tickets can be reserved starting at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 14th at The Peoples Bank Theatre’s Box Office, online at www.peoplesbanktheatre.com, or by calling (740) 371-5152.
The Narrative Quintet featuring Adam Larson will perform in The Peoples Bank Theatre, with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. and the performance starting at 8:00 p.m. Free tickets will be available through Peoples Bank Theatre’s Box Office starting on Monday, January 6, at 10 a.m. online or by phone.
Larson, an American saxophonist, composer, educator and author, holds degrees in jazz performance from The Manhattan School of Music and was part of the vibrant New York City jazz scene for 11 years before relocating to Kansas City. Larson has held positions at UMKC Conservatory, University of Kansas and The Kansas City Art Institute. Larson currently teaches Entrepreneurship at KCAI.
Larson continues to perform in NYC with some of the greatest musicians in the genre.
As a guest artist, Larson has been invited to present masterclasses on music business, improvisation and composition at more than one hundred universities across the globe.
Adam has recorded eight albums as a leader and maintains an active touring and clinician schedule, playing and presenting his original music and educational materials.
Marc Harshman, the Poet Laureate of West Virginia since 2012, is a distinguished poet and children’s author. His acclaimed children’s books include Fallingwater: The Building of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece and The Storm, which was recognized by the Smithsonian. His poetry collections, such as Woman in Red Anorak and Believe What You Can, have garnered prestigious awards like the Blue Lynx Prize and the Weatherford Award. His latest works include Dark Hills of Home and Following the Silence. In September 2023, Harshman was named the Appalachian Heritage Writer for 2024 by Shepherd University. He holds degrees from Bethany College, Yale, and the University of Pittsburgh. Beyond reading brief selections from his earlier poetry collections, as well as more extensively from his newest volume, Following the Silence, Harshman will take time to reflect upon what it has meant to be the poet laureate of West Virginia for over a decade. Additionally, he’ll offer a few observations upon the distinction of being both a children’s author, as well as a poet. Time will be allowed for both formal and informal discussion following the reading. A portion of the evening will feature piano accompaniment by West Virginia Music Hall of Fame inductee Bob Thompson.
This event will be held in the Alma McDonough Auditorium in McDonough Hall on Marietta College’s campus. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are free and first-come, first-served the evening of the event.
Rounding out the season will be a performance by the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, which has toured throughout the U.S. and globally on stages in Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia and South Korea. The event will take place in Peoples Bank Theatre at 8:00 p.m. April 9, with doors open to the public starting at 7:00 p.m.
Founded in 1968 to create performance opportunities for dancers of color, DCDC is now the 10th largest modern contemporary dance company in the nation and remains rooted in the African American experience and committed to the development of diverse movement artists on the global stage. A co-recipient of one of the dance world’s highest honors, the 2016 Bessie Award for Outstanding Revival, DCDC has been presented by American Dance Festival, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and supported by National Endowment for the Arts and New England Foundation for the Arts among others. The culturally diverse company is dedicated to exceptional performance and quality community engagement.
Free tickets for this performance can be reserved starting at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 31st at The Peoples Bank Theatre’s Box Office, online at www.peoplesbanktheatre.com, or by calling (740) 371-5152.
Peoples Bank Theatre is thrilled to unveil the 2024 First Friday Outdoor Concert Series, set to energize downtown Marietta this spring, summer, and fall! With a lineup of incredible artists and a vibrant atmosphere, the series promises unforgettable evenings of live music and great times! The concerts will take place outside The Stage Door on Putnam Street, creating the perfect ambiance
for a Friday night out. Audiences are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy the music in a relaxed, open-air setting. Each show begins at 6:00 p.m., so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot and soak in the festive atmosphere!
Here’s a sneak peek at the exceptional lineup for this season:
● Friday, May 3rd: Angela Perley kicks off the series with her unique blend of cosmic alt-country, witchy-woman psychedelia, and Americana. Her captivating voice and soulful melodies will set
the tone for an incredible season.
● Friday, June 7th: Bad Decisions take the stage with their high-energy rock sound that seamlessly blends hits from the 70s, 80s and newest chart-toppers.. Prepare for a night of
dynamic performances and crowd-pleasing hits that will have you dancing along.
● Friday, July 5th: Lex Bauman brings his mix of classic cool and fun modern power pop to Marietta, delivering toe-tapping, catchy lyrics. Lex’s authentic sound and charming stage
presence are not to be missed!
● Friday, August 2nd: The Price Sisters will captivate the audience with their traditional bluegrass harmonies and fiddling expertise. Their performance will transport you to the heart of
Appalachian music. This event is sponsored by Hall Financial and Baker & Baker Jewelers.
● Friday, October 4th: Jake Dunn and the Blackbirds close out the series with their powerful rock and country sound. Expect a night of electrifying solos and sing-along favorites to end the
season on a high note!
This year’s First Friday Outdoor Concert Series is a celebration of local and regional talent, bringing together music lovers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, these performances offer something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this incredible series of concerts! Mark your calendars, pack your lawn chairs, and
get ready for a summer of spectacular live music at the Peoples Bank Theatre’s First Friday Outdoor Concert Series!
Southeast Ohio’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $24,677,808 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts and Buckeye Hills Regional Council, with support from the Ohio Arts Council and U.S. Economic Development Administration. That economic activity–$12,209,889 in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $12,467,919 in event-related spending by their audiences supported 452 jobs and generated $3,417,338 in local, state, and federal government revenue. This spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce for local merchants.
Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study demonstrates, locally as well as nationally, the value of arts and culture as economic drivers of vibrant communities.
Southeast Ohio communities have made considerable investments in recent years to renovate historic theatres and sustain their local museums and cultural institutions. The Arts & Economic Prosperity Study shows that these investments are providing a substantial annual return for these communities and contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the state’s Appalachian region.
Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.
Buckeye Hills Regional Council worked with 45 arts and culture organizations that serve audiences across Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington counties to gather data and audience surveys and economic data for the study.
Key findings from the Southeast Ohio AEP6 study include:
Southeast Ohio’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $12,467,919 in event-related spending by its audiences.
The typical attendee spends $35.64 per person per event, not including the cost of admission.
36.2% of arts and culture attendees were from outside the county in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $48.01, resulting in vital income for local merchants.
91.3% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they attended was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.”
88.6% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.”
AEP6 demonstrates the significant economic and social benefits that arts and culture bring to their communities, states, and the nation. To amplify the study results and raise awareness of these widespread benefits with public and private-sector leaders, seventeen national organizations partnered with Americans for the Arts on AEP6:
Actors’ Equity Association
African Diaspora Consortium
Arts & Planning Division (American Planning Association)
Black Legislative Leaders Network
Department for Professional Employees
AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations)
Destinations International
International City/County Management Association
Independent Sector
National Association of Counties
National Conference of State Legislatures
National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations
National Independent Venue Association
National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women
Race Forward
Recording Industry Association of America
The Conference Board
U.S. Conference of Mayors
Five talented and diverse performances are in store for the 2023-24 season as Marietta College resumes the Esbenshade Series in September.
“The Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund continues to bring an eclectic mix of high-quality programming to our region, and as always, the shows are free,” said Todd Burge, Director of the Esbenshade Series. “Experiencing live performances by a true master can be inspirational and often life-changing. You’ll always be in the room with an undeniable virtuoso when you attend an Esbenshade performance.”
As previously announced, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers kick off the season at 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 14, at Peoples Bank Theatre. Tickets can be reserved starting at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 28, at The Peoples Bank Theatre’s Box Office, online at www.peoplesbanktheatre.com, or by calling (740) 371-5152.
The Esbenshade Series urges patrons only to pick up tickets they are certain they will use. Please return unused tickets to the Peoples Bank Theatre’s Box Office so others can attend. All performances are free and will be conducted at Peoples Bank Theatre (unless otherwise noted).
Based out of Williamsburg, Virginia, Hornsby first rose to national prominence with “The Way It Is,” his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album with The Range. The title track became the most-played song on American radio in 1987, while Tupac Shakur’s timeless song “Changes” builds on “The Way It Is” and sets the stage for many subsequent versions of the track.
In 1991, Hornsby collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, playing on her iconic hit “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Additionally, Hornsby was a part-time member of the Grateful Dead from September 1990 to March 1992, performing over 100 concerts in America and Europe.
The 13-time Grammy nominee has also solidified his status as a highly sought-after collaborator. Hornsby’s own 23 albums have sold over 11 million copies worldwide. He has appeared on over 100 records, including releases with Bob Dylan, Don Henley, the Grateful Dead, Stevie Nicks, Ricky Skaggs, Bob Seger, Chaka Khan, Bon Iver, Brandon Flowers, Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Mavis Staples, Willie Nelson and more.
Hornsby’s most recent studio album, “’Flicted,” was released in May 2022.
On Wednesday, October 11, Sarah Vowell, the New York Times bestselling author of seven nonfiction books on American history and culture, will take the stage at 8:00 p.m. Ticket reservations begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 25.
By examining the connections between the American past and present, Vowell offers personal, often humorous accounts of American history as well as current events and politics. Her most recent book, Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, explores both the ideas and the battles of the American Revolution, especially the patriot founders’ alliance with France as personified by the teenage volunteer in George Washington’s army, the Marquis de Lafayette.
Vowell’s previous book, Unfamiliar Fishes, is the intriguing history of our 50th state, Hawaii, annexed in 1898. Replete with a cast of beguiling and often tragic characters, including an overthrown Hawaiian queen, whalers, missionaries, sugar barons, Teddy Roosevelt, and assorted con men, Unfamiliar Fishes is another history lesson in Americana as only Vowell can tell it — with brainy wit and droll humor.
Her book, Assassination Vacation, is a haunting and surprisingly hilarious road trip to tourist sites devoted to the murders of presidents Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley. Vowell examines what these acts of political violence reveal about our national character and our contemporary society.
Vowell was a contributing editor for the public radio show This American Life from 1996-2008, where she produced numerous commentaries and documentaries and toured the country in many of the program’s live shows.
Vowell has made numerous appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. She is the voice of teen superhero Violet Parr in Brad Bird’s Academy Award-winning The Incredibles, and its sequel, Incredibles 2, from Pixar Animation Studios.
Led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, BODYTRAFFIC has conquered the contemporary dance world with its stunning performers, technical mastery, and commitment to the most challenging repertoire. Bursting with cutting-edge “vivid theatricality,” BODYTRAFFIC takes the stage with compelling works that embody the company’s energy, sophistication, and sheer joy in dancing.
The company opens the second half of the Esbenshade season by performing at 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, at Peoples Bank Theatre. Tickets can be reserved starting at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 5.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “They’re the kind of people you could watch dance anything all night.”
“Music to Love” with pianist Barbara Nissman is scheduled for 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 14. Tickets for Nissman’s performance can be reserved starting at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 26. This will be an evening of great music and an informal chat as Nissman shares the music and stories of some of her favorite composers.
Hailed as “one of the last pianists in the grand Romantic tradition of Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Rubinstein,” Nissman continues the grand bravura tradition of romantic pianism.
Recognized as an authority on the music of Franz Liszt, her 2 DVD set, Franz Liszt: Portrait of the Man & his Masterwork- The Sonata in B minor with Michael York as the voice of Liszt and a stellar cast of his contemporaries has recently been released. Her recordings of Prokofiev, Bartók, and Ginastera are considered “definitive,” and she has garnered praise for her series of recordings of nineteenth-century composers: Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Brahms, and also Rachmaninoff. All these recordings are now available on Nissman’s new label, Three Oranges Recordings.
Nissman’s international career was personally launched by Eugene Ormandy, who had previously engaged her as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has performed with the leading orchestras of Europe and America. She has also worked with some of the major conductors of our time, including Ormandy, Riccardo Muti, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, and Leonard Slatkin.
Nissman was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame’s class of 2023.
After debuting her band at the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, going on tour with the 11-time Grammy® Award-winning vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, and amassing over 200,000 followers on social media, 21-year-old trumpetist Kellin Hanas is considered “one of the best up and coming jazz musicians on the globe” (ITG Journal).
Hanas is the final performer of the season at The Gathering Place on April 5. Her performance begins at 8:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public without tickets. Join Kellin and her quintet as they use original compositions, arrangements, and a little bit of laughter to show us the joy in jazz.
Original article by Tom Perry here.
The audition for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of BEAUTY LOU AND THE COUNTRY BEAST will be held on Monday, June 26, at 10:00 am inside the historic Peoples Bank Theatre at 222 Putnam Street in Marietta.
There are roles for those students entering first grade through twelfth grade. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show with the MCT Tour Actor/Director. Up to four students will be cast as Assistant Directors. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play.
Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15 minutes after the audition.
This is a group audition, so no advance preparation is necessary (but a smile never hurts!). Students should just be ready to come and have a good time!
The rehearsal schedule inside the Peoples Bank Theatre auditorium is as follows:
Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role and be available for all scheduled performances. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Cast members scheduled for the full 4 hours and 15 minutes will be asked to bring a sack lunch, dinner, or snack to be eaten during the 15-minute break between sessions.
The performance will be held on Friday, June 30, at 7:00 pm and will be presented at Peoples Bank Theatre.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors, and teachers! The residency in Marietta is made possible in part by Marietta Community Foundation.
For any questions, please contact Peoples Bank Theatre’s administrative office at 740-373-0894.
The Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre, operating as Peoples Bank Theatre, is excited to launch a substantial $5 million endowment campaign. This initiative aims to bolster facility maintenance, provide comprehensive program support, and ensure the nonprofit’s long-term sustainability.
“After navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19 and successfully establishing ourselves as a premier cultural hub, we are ready to press forward and secure the future of this historic venue,” stated Hunt Brawley, Executive Director of the Peoples Bank Theatre. “By building a healthy endowment, we can protect the theatre against unforeseen challenges and expand our endeavors to serve our community even better.”
The late Dan Stephan Sr., a founding member of the theatre and first Board President, took the organization’s first step toward sustainability in 2000 by setting up an endowment fund at Marietta Community Foundation. The theatre’s current Board now seeks to grow that fund to at least $5 million.
Heather Allender, President and CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, expressed strong support for nonprofit endowments, remarking, “For many nonprofits, an endowment fund equals stability. They’re a tool that offers steady income, protects organizations long-term, and provides the flexibility needed for growth. I’m confident that nonprofits building their endowment now will be the ones thriving in 20, 50, or even 100 years.”
Aside from addressing maintenance needs and gaining perpetual operational support, Peoples Bank Theatre plans to use this additional funding to expand programming. Particular areas of focus include educational/youth programs, Broadway/theatrical programs, and film.
“Many forget that we’re a nonprofit organization,” said Brawley. “Ticket sales only cover two-thirds of our annual operations. While we’re extremely thankful for the donors and sponsors who make up this difference, we hope this campaign will decrease our reliance on them to balance the budget and make positive investments in our future.”
Donations can be made online at https://peoplesbanktheatre.com/support/donate. Additionally, checks made payable to MCF can be mailed to Peoples Bank Theatre, C/O Marietta Community Foundation, 100 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750.
For major gifts or sponsorships, contact Executive Director Hunt Brawley at 740-373-0894 or hbrawley@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com.
June 13 marks the kickoff of Peoples Bank Theatre’s Sensory Friendly Film Series. The series, which is made possible through the generous support of the Marietta Welfare League and the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, features family films shown in an environment designed to accommodate neurodivergent children and their families.
The sound, lighting levels, and other aspects of traditional movie theaters can be overwhelming for those with autism and sensory processing issues. For Sensory Friendly Film Series events, Peoples Bank Theatre will make the following accommodations:
We hope these adjusted cinematic experiences will help foster improved inclusiveness both within our venue and the community at large.
There are three Sensory Friendly Film Series events scheduled at this time, which are:
Lilo & Stitch
Tuesday, June 13, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 85 minutes. Rated PG. Released June 2002.
Order Lilo & Stitch TicketsSonic the Hedgehog
Tuesday, July 11, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 99 minutes. Rated PG. Released January 2020.
Order Sonic the Hedgehog TicketsPuss in Boots: The Last Wish
Tuesday, August 8, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 102 minutes. Rated PG. Released December 2022.
Order Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Tickets
Each Sensory Friendly Film Series event is free to attend, with general admission seating available to allow audience members to sit where they are comfortable within the theatre auditorium. Tickets are required for entry and are available on the Peoples Bank Theatre website and by calling the Box Office at 740-371-5152.
Print-at-home tickets are available for these events to simplify obtaining tickets and attending the film showings. Attendees may also pick up their tickets at the Box Office inside the Stage Door at 224 Putnam Street in Marietta. The Box Office hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, as well as two hours before showtime. It is closed at lunch daily from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
Grammy winners, WV Music Hall of Fame Inductees, and regional heroes will join us this summer for this entertaining and informative new series made possible by Central Appalachia Living Traditions (CALT) and the Mid Atlantic Arts!
The artists will discuss how Appalachian traditional music and culture have influenced their contemporary works. All the artists will be performing and taking questions from attendees.
The series will take place inside The Stage Door at 224 Putnam Street in Marietta, in a close, intimate environment. The events will be free to the public, but you must have a ticket to attend. Tickets will be released online two days before each event.
Featured CALT Sessions guests include:
Grammy winner and WV Music Hall of Fame inductee Tim O’Brien and his partner Jan Fabricius kick off the CALT sessions! Tickets will become available on Monday, April 17, at 10:00 am. Read more details on the event page.»
WV Music Hall of Fame inductee Bob Thompson will join WV’s First Lady of Soul, Lady D. Tickets will become available on Monday, May 15, at 10:00 am. Read more details on the event page.»
Attend an informative session with award-winning Athens country banjo master Hilarie Burhans. Tickets will become available on Monday, July 10, at 10:00 am. Read more details on the event page.»
These local Americana heroes will draw a straight line from their Appalachian roots to their latest album. Tickets will become available on Monday, August 14, at 10:00 am. Read more details on the event page.»
This project is made possible through the Central Appalachia Living Traditions Folk & Traditional Arts Experiences program of Mid Atlantic Arts.
Peoples Bank Theatre is pleased to announce it has received a Central Appalachia Living Traditions (CALT): Folk and Traditional Arts Experiences Grant totaling $10,000. This inaugural grant provided by Mid Atlantic Arts is part of a multi-year project designed to promote the understanding and recognition of folk arts and culture in Central Appalachia. Its three program areas, Folk and Traditional Arts Experiences, Folk Arts and Culture Community Anchors Initiative, and Recognizing Folk Arts and Culture Champions, are intended to stabilize local venues, create greater connectivity among organization and community leaders, increase the visibility of folk arts and culture, and facilitate the transmission of artistic skills and cultural knowledge.
A total of 16 organizations and individual artists/practitioners in Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia were selected through a panel process to receive more than $136,000 in total funds. Traditions highlighted in the recipients’ funded projects include Appalachian blues, folk, and old-time music, basket making, instrument building, woodworking, quilting, weaving and spinning, gender-free square dancing, the expressive culture of Latinx communities in Southern Ohio, and diverse gardening and foodways traditions represented in the Appalachian region.
Peoples Bank Theatre will use its Central Appalachia Living Traditions (CALT): Folk and Traditional Arts Experiences Grant funds to cultivate programming to showcase Appalachian music, to be held at its Stage Door location at 224 Putnam Street in Marietta, with the assistance of Talent Buyer Todd Burge and other area musicians.
The Peoples Bank Theatre is a 944-seat historic theatre located in downtown Marietta, Ohio. It was built as the Hippodrome in 1919 and renamed the Colony Theatre in 1949. Closed in 1985, the Peoples Bank Theatre was fully restored in 2016 and now puts on over 100 events for more than 30,000 patrons a year.
About Mid Atlantic Arts
Mid Atlantic Arts nurtures and funds the creation and presentation of diverse artistic expression and connects people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is a private non-profit organization that is closely allied with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. It combines funding from state and federal resources with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to address needs in the arts from a regional, national, and international perspective. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts, its programs, and services, visit www.midatlanticarts.org.
Peoples Bank Theatre is pleased to announce that they are receiving a grant of $10,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support “First Friday Music Series.” This series will be free and held outdoors on Putnam Street every first Friday from May 2023 through October 2023. The theatre also plans to expand programming in the Stage Door Space as well by hosting a series of educational activities.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations across the country, including Peoples Bank Theatre. The arts help communities to thrive,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD., chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “Meaningful engagement with the arts can have many benefits, from contributing to collective healing and mutual understanding, to strengthening local economies.”
The grant will help implement a free outdoor music series on Putnam Street in front of the Peoples Bank Theatre as part of Marietta Main Street’s, “First Friday” events. Additionally, the number of activities in the Stage Door space will increase. As the headlining acts increase in financial scale and frequency, the theatre is finding it more difficult to fulfill the part of our mission to “develop cultural awareness through educational programs”. Peoples Bank Theatre would like to serve the community by providing educational or participatory programming and hope to use the “First Friday Series” and “Stage Door” space as a less formal and potentially more welcoming forum for both artists and audience members.
“The intent is to expand the access of artistic activities available to those communities of people who fall outside of the theatre’s typical demographic. We would like to make Putnam Street and our Stage Door space our ‘Front Porch’ to the theatre where less formal musical performances and educational outreach takes place,” said Hunt Brawley, JD, Executive Director of Peoples Bank Theatre.
The Peoples Bank Theatre is a 944 seat historic theatre located in downtown Marietta, Ohio. It was built as the Hippodrome in 1919 and renamed the Colony Theatre in 1949. Closed since 1985, the Peoples Bank Theatre was fully restored in 2016 and now puts on over 100 events to more than 30,000 patrons a year.
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.
A note from our Executive Director:
Because of ticket scammers, we are back to traditional tickets!
Unfortunately, ticket scamming is still alive and well in the entertainment industry. There is nothing that disturbs us more than hearing about a ticket buyer that has been duped by an online ticket seller. We often hear of someone paying three times our regular price, and if that person is lucky, they actually do have a seat. Unfortunately, many others experience outright fraud, in which a seat is sold twice and is already occupied by the time a duped buyer arrives. It is doubly painful to hear that it was someone’s first time buying a ticket to our theatre and that they traveled a considerable distance to get here. Upon arrival, they find out they have been taken for over $600, and their evening is ruined.
In an effort to combat this problem, we are going back to all traditional tickets as we announce new shows, starting with Best of the Eagles on November 4 and Blue Öyster Cult on November 18. From now on, when you purchase tickets for our events, you will need to come into the box office to pick up traditional printed tickets. We realize this is an inconvenience for many of our patrons. But, when comparing this to the loss of hundreds of dollars and an entire evening out with family or friends, we hope everyone can be patient with us.
Please encourage everyone you know to make sure they purchase tickets only from our website, www.peoplesbanktheatre.com. Resist going to other websites you find from Google search results. Red flags raised by fraudulent sellers include high processing fees, the lack of a seat number (many fraudsters simply list the row), and the absence of our logo on any webpage.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve ordered from our official website, or if something feels “off” about a ticket transaction, please alert our box office. Our staffers will be able to verify that your tickets are legitimate, or advise you if they are not. We want to ensure you have a fantastic evening at our venue without being disappointed by fraud.
Enjoy the show!
Hunt Brawley
Executive Director
The Peoples Bank Theatre in Marietta is planning a production of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate in June of this year. The rehearsals will start on May 30 and the performances would take place between June 24 and July 2. Until 2019, the Peoples Bank Theatre attended the Ohio Theatre Association’s January Audition Meeting to cast their summer productions but, again, this year it has been cancelled.
Although a concert version, the production will be fully staged, choreographed, and costumed. Auditions and callbacks will take place during the next two months, with a cast in place no later than April 1. The rehearsal period will be three weeks with two weekends of performances. There will be an expectation that all production personnel will be fully vaccinated by the beginning of the rehearsal. As the rehearsal period is short, there will be an anticipation that those cast as the four “lead” actors, eight dancers, and the three secondary actors will be available during the day and evening. For this, they will be compensated accordingly, plus accommodation if needed. The supporting cast members will receive gratuity commensurate with their time commitment.
Nearly every actor in the show plays two characters: a 1950s actor in a traveling theatre group and a Shakespearean character in a musical production of The Taming of the Shrew.
We are looking for actors, singers, dancers, singers who can dance, and dancers who can sing. This casting call is looking for the following four principal lead actors: Fred/Petruchio, Lilli/Kate, Lois Lane/Bianca, Bill Calhoun/Lucentio/lead dancer, eight dancers (four male and four female); the male dancers include the roles of Flynt/Gremio/lead dancer, Riley/Hortensio/lead dancer, Dance Captain/Gregory and Paul/lead (both primary dancers). The four secondary actors include 1st and 2nd Man (Gangsters who need to be character singers in one show-stopping song), Harry Trevor/Baptista, and Hatti (soloist for songs starting the first and second acts).
The following supporting actors/ensemble are required:
The style of this musical requires that Fred and Lilli have mature 1950s operatic/operetta singing voices and for the other roles to have strong musical theatre voices and a wide repertoire in dance. Bill Calhoun/Lucentio needs to be an exceptional dancer.
If you are interested in auditioning for this production, the directorial team would like you to send an email to Geoffrey Coward (gcoward@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com) with a YouTube, Google Drive, or other shareable online link to an audition video that features an accompanied song of your choosing demonstrating your ability in musical theatre and that identifies the role(s) for which you’d like to be considered. If you wish, you may also include a short monologue. Videos with reduced resolution are preferred. Initial audition videos can include any music, but period-appropriate songs would be appreciated. Music from Kiss Me, Kate is welcome.
If available, please attach your theatre resume and headshot to email; do not worry if you currently do not have these. Audition reviews open on February 18 and continue through March.
Callbacks will be remote, ongoing, and dealt with in the order in which are received. David Tadlock, the Musical Director, and Jill Ruff, the Choreographer, will send instructions, sheet music, and a recording that will likely be chosen from the show itself. Memorization is not necessary.
If you’d like to audition for a specific role, please feel free to express interest to the directors.
Ensemble rehearsals begin May 22. Lead and secondary actors will arrive, already knowing their parts, on May 30.
If you have further questions or concerns, please email gcoward@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com or call 917-640-3825.
Please note that the Esbenshade Series’ Tesla String Quartet concert will take place at 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 13, at the First Congregational Church at 318 Front Street in Marietta. This free event will not require tickets for admission. Masks are mandatory to attend.
Follow the Esbenshade Series at Marietta College’s Facebook page for more updates.
“We haven’t been totally dormant during our extended covid closure. During our downtime, we were able to install new safety rails in the lower balcony. We have added a brand new stage floor covering, and we have new cooling units in the upper balcony which should make it so much more comfortable up there! We are also expanding our beer and wine selection in the Stage Door space.”
Hunt Brawley
Executive Director – Peoples Bank Theatre
Memorial Service, Alice Ely Chapman and Leroy Chapman
A public memorial service for Alice Ely Chapman, founder and director of the Ely Chapman Education Center of Marietta, and her husband Leroy Chapman, will be held at the Peoples Bank Theater, 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 31, 2021.
Alice passed away on December 30, 2020, at Marietta Memorial Hospital from COVID-19, six weeks after losing Leroy to heart disease. She was born on June 9, 1944, in New Haven, CT, to John Ingraham Ely and Harriet Jackson Ely. Alice grew up in New Haven and spent her summers at the family home on Long Island, NY. As a child, she was privileged to travel with her family to England and France, once sailing on the Queen Mary.
Alice attended an all-girls boarding school at Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT, before it was merged with Choate School for Boys in 1971. Following graduation, she attended Bryn Mawr College, near Philadelphia, PA, and graduated in 1966 as a music major with a specialty as a flutist. She later earned a Master’s in Communication Studies from the University of Oklahoma.
In 1962 she attended the Fontainebleau Schools of Music and Fine Arts, near Paris, where she studied under renowned music educator Juliette Nadia Boulanger, whose students also include Aaron Copland, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach and hundreds of successful composers, conductors and musicians. She remained a devotee of classical music throughout her life.
It was in Fontainebleau that she met a young American soldier, Leroy Chapman, who was serving in the US Army Signal Corps. She attempted to impress him as a British girl with a passable English accent; Lee answered with a signature “Faith and b’glory, it’s a bloody limey” in his fake Irish accent, after which shins were kicked and true love was established. They married in Philadelphia on April 16, 1966.
While in Philadelphia, they raised their two sons, John and Ted, both active in the Boy Scouts. Alice settled in as a Den Mother and sponsored trips for local scouts to Cherokee, North Carolina and Disney World.
As her sons enrolled in the William Penn Charter School, Alice became a volunteer at the PTA store, where she managed school spirit merchandise while taking control of book and academic purchasing. As she was in line to become school Business Manager, she and Lee moved their family to Ohio in 1997.
Alice was an educator and traveler. She and Lee took their sons to all 50 states to underscore the breadth and diversity of the United States. Their travels also took them to Japan, Costa Rica, Canada, Alaska, France, Russia, Hong Kong, mainland China and the Great Wall.
Alice made a significant and sustainable contribution to the children of the Marietta area when she established the Ely Chapman Education Foundation in 1999. Upon moving to Marietta, she recognized a need for supplemental assistance, tutoring and mentorship of primary school students outside of normal school hours and during summer vacations. Working with various local and state agencies, school districts and philanthropic institutions, Alice crafted the structure for a working relationship with schools and local teachers, administrators and childcare providers that continues to this day. Originally working with the Marietta College McDonough Leadership Program, Alice organized annual free book giveaways that became a staple of the Ely Chapman experience.
Her commitment to education, especially to those with special needs, was underscored by her passion for giving children an encouraging environment for learning through after-class tutoring, book giveaways, arts programs and social experiences, including outings and field trips. She was an expert at giving hugs to children on tough days and high fives on good days.
Alice and Lee were local fixtures as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at Ely Chapman functions and throughout Marietta.
Although she did not seek recognition, she was known locally and throughout America as a selfless and generous advocate for the kind of child enrichment she enjoyed as a young girl. A true Renaissance woman and an example to children and adults alike, she was presented with the prestigious Richard Cornuelle Award for Social Entrepreneurship by the Manhattan Institute in 2014. She was named the Gabe Zide Citizen of the Year by the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce in 2010.
Alice was a member of the Marietta Rotary Club, where she remained active in literacy and scholarship programs, eventually establishing the annual Ted Chapman Scholarships in honor of her late son.
Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leroy R. Chapman, on November 19, 2020, son George Edward (Ted) Chapman, on September 15, 2014, and brother Richard Ely. She is survived by her son John Martin Chapman (Julia Kay) of Seattle, WA, granddaughters Kyra and Autumn Kay Chapman, sisters Harriet Griesinger, Nancy Kales, Marry Brennan, Jane Pearce, and her brother Robert Moulton-Ely.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ely Chapman Education Foundation fund at the Marietta Community Foundation, 100 Putnam Street, PO Box 77, Marietta, OH 45750, or to the Marietta Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1138, Marietta, OH 45740.