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Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 26 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 27 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Thursday, September 28, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 28 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Friday, September 29, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 29 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Saturday, September 30, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 30 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Monday, October 2, 2023
Writing Workshop: Excavating Family History Through Poetry
Oct 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
online

For so many of us, our family story is what defines our lives—what we run from or toward in the decades after leaving home. In this course, we will dive into family narratives together. The events we hope to discuss can include those that seem to haunt family struggles: trauma, abuse, neglect. Yet those blessed with stable families have plenty of stories to tell, too—a glorious summer road trip that reveals the love between siblings, or a tender reckoning with a parent’s humanity. As guidance for methods of writing on experiences with family, we will read poetry of Ai, Aria Aber, Catullus, Victoria Chang, Lucille Clifton, Natalie Diaz, Tarfia Fiazullah, Joy Harjo, Robin Coste Lewis, Vi Khi Nao, Sylvia Plath, Carmen Giménez Smith, and others. In order to consider different approaches to the idea of “family histories,” the assigned work will roughly fall in one of the following topics: parents and guardians, siblings and those of our youth, ancestors, and continuing the cycle. These are delineated by the familial figures the authors address in their works, leading up to the writers’ own enactment of parenthood.

In each class, we will discuss the methods the authors have employed, and their methods of engagement with their creative production. In addition, we will consider the effects assigned texts have on you as a reader and, just as important, how you think the writer accomplishes these effects. You will create your own works with these methods in mind. Beyond merely creating new work, we will also revise with help from the discussions.

This four-part course will take place on Mondays, October 2, 9, 16, & 23 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM ET.

*

Diana Arterian is the author of the forthcoming poetry collection Agrippina the Younger (Northwestern University Press/Curbstone, 2025). Her first book, Playing Monster :: Seiche (1913 Press), received a starred review in Publishers Weekly and was a Poetry Foundation Staff Pick. A Poetry Editor at Noemi Press, Diana’s creative work has been recognized with fellowships from the Banff Centre, Caldera, Millay Arts, Vermont Studio Center, and Yaddo. Her poetry, nonfiction, criticism, co-translations, and conversations have been featured in BOMB, Brooklyn Rail, Denver Quarterly, Los Angeles Review of Books, NPR, The New York Times Book Review, and The Poetry Foundation website, among others. She curates and writes “The Annotated Nightstand” column at LitHub. Diana holds a PhD in Literature & Creative Writing from the University of Southern California, and she splits her time between Cambridge and Los Angeles.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Auditions Spartanburg Youth Theatre
Oct 31 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Chapman Cultural Center
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (play)
Director: Connor Vetter
Assistant Director: TBD

Audition Workshop: Sat, Aug 26, 9am-12pm

Auditions: Tues, Sept 5 & Wed, Sept 6, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Sept 9, 10am-2pm


DISNEY’S THE LION KING JR. (musical)
Director: Adam Sanders
Assistant Director: TBD

Choreographer: Lustra Miller
Music Director: Ben Chumley

Audition Workshop: Sat, Oct 21, 9am-1pm

Auditions: Tues, Oct 31 & Wed, Nov 1, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Nov 4, 10am-4pm


THE RAINBOW FISH (play)
Director: TBD
Assistant Director: TBD

Audition Workshop: Sat, Jan 6, 2024, 9am-12pm

Auditions: Tues, Jan 9 or Wed, Jan 10, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 10am-2pm

 

GENERAL AUDITION INFO

CASTING POLICIES:  Auditions are open to youth in the 3rd-12th grades, however the director for each show may look for a more specific age range that may not always include the younger ages. Specific age requirements and casting information for each show are posted in the Audition Notice for each production above.  No roles have been pre-cast unless otherwise specifically stated in the audition notice.  Youth of all ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.


ETIQUETTE:

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out any necessary information sheets. Actors will audition in the order that they arrive. They do not need to stay the entire 2 hours of auditions. They will be able to leave once they audition.

  • Make sure to wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move around in. SYT discourages actors from “dressing up” for the part they desire. Actors should wear clothes that they feel comfortable in and that show their own personality and style.


PREPARATION:

Plays:

  • Actors are required to prepare a 1 minute monologue for the audition. 

  • Actors should choose a monologue that shows off strong acting choices, clear diction and volume, and that is age-appropriate.

  • Memorization of your monologue is highly encouraged.

  • If you do not have a monologue, one will be provided for you at the audition. Monologues are available ahead of time, one month prior to auditions, at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre offices in the kiosk at the end of the hallway when you walk down the stairs to our area. You may use one of these monologues, or you may use one of your own choosing.

  • Bring your schedule to fill-in all of your potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form – conflicts may NOT be added after casting!

Musicals:

  • Actors are required to prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song for the audition. A song from a musical is recommended, however actors may sing any type of song.

  • Actors should choose a song that shows off vocal range, allows for strong acting choices, and that is age-appropriate.

  • Actors should bring their own sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Singing from a music track or singing acapella is highly discouraged.

  • Memorization of your song is highly encouraged.

  • Singing a song from the specific show you’re auditioning for is discouraged. We prefer to hear your own style and range in a song you’re comfortable with from any show other than the one you’re auditioning for. Callbacks are when we’ll be able to hear you sing songs from the show.

  • If you do not have a song, one will be provided for you at the audition. Songs are available ahead of time, one month prior to auditions, at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre offices in the kiosk at the end of the hallway when you walk down the stairs to our area. You may use one of these songs, or you may use one of your own choosing.

  • A great resource for purchasing sheet music is www.musicnotes.com.

  • For musicals, you will not dance at auditions. You will only dance at callbacks (if called back).

  • Bring your schedule to fill-in all of your potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form – conflicts may NOT be added after casting!

REGISTRATION: Save time and fill out your audition form ahead of time. An online audition form will be available the Friday before auditions on the Auditions page of our website (above). If you fill out your form ahead of time, head straight to the check-in table when you arrive and tell them you filled out your form online. It is not mandatory to fill out your form in advance. You may still fill out the form when you arrive.


WHERE:  All auditions are held at the Chapman Cultural Center at 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29306. Look for signs directing you where to go for registration.


WHEN:  Please note the above audition dates and times for the current Spartanburg Youth Theatre season. Auditions are typically Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm. Actors may arrive at any time during the 2 hour slot. Actors will audition in the order that they arrive. They do not need to stay the entire 2 hours of auditions. They will be able to leave once they audition.

Actors should only audition one of the two nights offered. If an actor cannot audition on the two offered dates, we MAY be able to accommodate a separate audition date, but we cannot guarantee it. Please contact us directly.

CALLBACKS: If necessary, the director may hold callbacks to see certain actors again before casting the show. If callbacks are necessary, they are typically held the Saturday following auditions, however callbacks are subject to change depending on actor and director availability. If an actor is unable to attend callbacks, we MAY be able to accommodate a separate callback date, but we cannot guarantee it. If called back, contact us and we will see what we can do.

If an actor must arrive late or leave early, we will do our best to accommodate the conflict, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to make sure the actor is seen before they have to leave early or after they’ve arrived late.

A callback list will be posted on the Auditions page of our website (above), usually the Thursday after auditions. At callbacks, actors will read scenes from the script. For musicals, in addition to reading scenes, actors will learn songs from the show and learn a short dance combination.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Auditions Spartanburg Youth Theatre
Nov 1 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Chapman Cultural Center
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (play)
Director: Connor Vetter
Assistant Director: TBD

Audition Workshop: Sat, Aug 26, 9am-12pm

Auditions: Tues, Sept 5 & Wed, Sept 6, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Sept 9, 10am-2pm


DISNEY’S THE LION KING JR. (musical)
Director: Adam Sanders
Assistant Director: TBD

Choreographer: Lustra Miller
Music Director: Ben Chumley

Audition Workshop: Sat, Oct 21, 9am-1pm

Auditions: Tues, Oct 31 & Wed, Nov 1, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Nov 4, 10am-4pm


THE RAINBOW FISH (play)
Director: TBD
Assistant Director: TBD

Audition Workshop: Sat, Jan 6, 2024, 9am-12pm

Auditions: Tues, Jan 9 or Wed, Jan 10, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 10am-2pm

 

GENERAL AUDITION INFO

CASTING POLICIES:  Auditions are open to youth in the 3rd-12th grades, however the director for each show may look for a more specific age range that may not always include the younger ages. Specific age requirements and casting information for each show are posted in the Audition Notice for each production above.  No roles have been pre-cast unless otherwise specifically stated in the audition notice.  Youth of all ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.


ETIQUETTE:

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out any necessary information sheets. Actors will audition in the order that they arrive. They do not need to stay the entire 2 hours of auditions. They will be able to leave once they audition.

  • Make sure to wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move around in. SYT discourages actors from “dressing up” for the part they desire. Actors should wear clothes that they feel comfortable in and that show their own personality and style.


PREPARATION:

Plays:

  • Actors are required to prepare a 1 minute monologue for the audition. 

  • Actors should choose a monologue that shows off strong acting choices, clear diction and volume, and that is age-appropriate.

  • Memorization of your monologue is highly encouraged.

  • If you do not have a monologue, one will be provided for you at the audition. Monologues are available ahead of time, one month prior to auditions, at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre offices in the kiosk at the end of the hallway when you walk down the stairs to our area. You may use one of these monologues, or you may use one of your own choosing.

  • Bring your schedule to fill-in all of your potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form – conflicts may NOT be added after casting!

Musicals:

  • Actors are required to prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song for the audition. A song from a musical is recommended, however actors may sing any type of song.

  • Actors should choose a song that shows off vocal range, allows for strong acting choices, and that is age-appropriate.

  • Actors should bring their own sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Singing from a music track or singing acapella is highly discouraged.

  • Memorization of your song is highly encouraged.

  • Singing a song from the specific show you’re auditioning for is discouraged. We prefer to hear your own style and range in a song you’re comfortable with from any show other than the one you’re auditioning for. Callbacks are when we’ll be able to hear you sing songs from the show.

  • If you do not have a song, one will be provided for you at the audition. Songs are available ahead of time, one month prior to auditions, at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre offices in the kiosk at the end of the hallway when you walk down the stairs to our area. You may use one of these songs, or you may use one of your own choosing.

  • A great resource for purchasing sheet music is www.musicnotes.com.

  • For musicals, you will not dance at auditions. You will only dance at callbacks (if called back).

  • Bring your schedule to fill-in all of your potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form – conflicts may NOT be added after casting!

REGISTRATION: Save time and fill out your audition form ahead of time. An online audition form will be available the Friday before auditions on the Auditions page of our website (above). If you fill out your form ahead of time, head straight to the check-in table when you arrive and tell them you filled out your form online. It is not mandatory to fill out your form in advance. You may still fill out the form when you arrive.


WHERE:  All auditions are held at the Chapman Cultural Center at 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29306. Look for signs directing you where to go for registration.


WHEN:  Please note the above audition dates and times for the current Spartanburg Youth Theatre season. Auditions are typically Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm. Actors may arrive at any time during the 2 hour slot. Actors will audition in the order that they arrive. They do not need to stay the entire 2 hours of auditions. They will be able to leave once they audition.

Actors should only audition one of the two nights offered. If an actor cannot audition on the two offered dates, we MAY be able to accommodate a separate audition date, but we cannot guarantee it. Please contact us directly.

CALLBACKS: If necessary, the director may hold callbacks to see certain actors again before casting the show. If callbacks are necessary, they are typically held the Saturday following auditions, however callbacks are subject to change depending on actor and director availability. If an actor is unable to attend callbacks, we MAY be able to accommodate a separate callback date, but we cannot guarantee it. If called back, contact us and we will see what we can do.

If an actor must arrive late or leave early, we will do our best to accommodate the conflict, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to make sure the actor is seen before they have to leave early or after they’ve arrived late.

A callback list will be posted on the Auditions page of our website (above), usually the Thursday after auditions. At callbacks, actors will read scenes from the script. For musicals, in addition to reading scenes, actors will learn songs from the show and learn a short dance combination.

Friday, November 3, 2023
Fountain Pen Day
Nov 3 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Truphae

Join us for a celebration of all things pen-related during the 12th Annual Fountain Pen Day. We will offer special deals and in-store promotions. Drop in to learn the joy of writing with a fountain pen!

Friday, November 17, 2023
Pens and Pages Writing Workshop
Nov 17 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Truphae

“Looking Back, Looking Forward” is perfect for the holiday time of year. This is the season when many of us consider the events of the past year and look forward to what a new year might bring. In this writing workshop, we will use this transitional time as a focus for creating a new piece of writing which will allow us to set 2023 aside and move forward toward 2024. For writers at all levels. The workshop is led by Rick Mulkey, author of six books and director of Creative Writing at Converse University. Hosted by Truphae and Converse Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing.

This event is FREE and open to the public – just bring pen and paper! Seating is limited to only 18. Please sign up on our website.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Pacolet Writers Critique Group
Dec 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Pacolet Library

Writing is a solitary task and many writers benefit from having peers to get feedback and support. Join us for the monthly meeting of our writers group and the chance to meet other writers.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Cowpens Writers
Dec 13 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cowpens Library

Writers of all genres, formats, and skill levels are welcome to attend the writing group. Those who attend may share and discuss their work with others, participate in writing exercises, and access helpful writing resources.

Virtual Writer’s Workshop Darren Todd
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online

Darren Todd, will lead a virtual writing workshop titled “What if you fly? Weaving speculative elements into fiction.

The term speculative fiction has grown in usage, but what does it mean? Simply, it’s fiction that speculates or forecasts what might happen. The “if” in that scenario is up to the writer. Spec-fic (as it’s often called) isn’t beholden to a single genre. Certainly, dystopian novels fall under this category, but so could alternate history, science fiction, horror, or even drama. Many ideas can greatly benefit from introducing speculative elements, which give readers a heightened sense of curiosity, wonder, and even engages them to be a part of how the writer’s “what if” develops. Humans are natural problem solvers, and few things kick off that need to find answers like a solid “what if.”
For this workshop, we’ll delve into the rise of spec-fic, how it crosses genre, as well as flexing our speculative muscles with breakout exercises to be reviewed during the workshop.

This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will use Microsoft Teams for the virtual connection. Sign up to attend the workshop here!

Darren is a freelance book editor for Evolved Publications, and his short fiction has appeared in fifty publications over the years, including Chilling Tales for Dark NightsCosmic Horror Monthly, and The Stoneslide Corrective. His short story collection, The Ugly Mug and Other Stories, launched on Amazon and Audible in 2023.

While some of his works fall under the literary umbrella, he often returns to speculative and horror fiction. His style and preferences tend toward the psychological, as he enjoys stories that linger in the imagination long after he’s closed the book on them.

He lives in Hendersonville, NC with his son and girlfriend. See what he’s up to at darrentodd.net.

Thursday, December 14, 2023
Riverside Writers
Dec 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Middle Tyger Library

Everyone is welcome to attend the Riverside Writers meetings. We will complete writing activities, writing sprints, work in pairs/groups to discuss each other’s writing, and share our work with the group as a whole.

Writers’ Round Table
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Simpsonville Library

Join us for an informal writing workshop.

Registration required. Call 864-963-9031.

Audience: Adults
Friday, December 15, 2023
Flash Fiction Writers Group
Dec 15 @ 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Boiling Springs Library

Would you like to be a writer but worry about the word count? Join us as we discuss and write short fiction. We’ll read short-short stories that will inspire our own short stories and we’ll follow prompts to feed our imaginations. Call to reserve your place.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Auditions Spartanburg Youth Theatre
Jan 9 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Chapman Cultural Center
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (play)
Director: Connor Vetter
Assistant Director: TBD

Audition Workshop: Sat, Aug 26, 9am-12pm

Auditions: Tues, Sept 5 & Wed, Sept 6, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Sept 9, 10am-2pm


DISNEY’S THE LION KING JR. (musical)
Director: Adam Sanders
Assistant Director: TBD

Choreographer: Lustra Miller
Music Director: Ben Chumley

Audition Workshop: Sat, Oct 21, 9am-1pm

Auditions: Tues, Oct 31 & Wed, Nov 1, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Nov 4, 10am-4pm


THE RAINBOW FISH (play)
Director: TBD
Assistant Director: TBD

Audition Workshop: Sat, Jan 6, 2024, 9am-12pm

Auditions: Tues, Jan 9 or Wed, Jan 10, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 10am-2pm

 

GENERAL AUDITION INFO

CASTING POLICIES:  Auditions are open to youth in the 3rd-12th grades, however the director for each show may look for a more specific age range that may not always include the younger ages. Specific age requirements and casting information for each show are posted in the Audition Notice for each production above.  No roles have been pre-cast unless otherwise specifically stated in the audition notice.  Youth of all ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.


ETIQUETTE:

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out any necessary information sheets. Actors will audition in the order that they arrive. They do not need to stay the entire 2 hours of auditions. They will be able to leave once they audition.

  • Make sure to wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move around in. SYT discourages actors from “dressing up” for the part they desire. Actors should wear clothes that they feel comfortable in and that show their own personality and style.


PREPARATION:

Plays:

  • Actors are required to prepare a 1 minute monologue for the audition. 

  • Actors should choose a monologue that shows off strong acting choices, clear diction and volume, and that is age-appropriate.

  • Memorization of your monologue is highly encouraged.

  • If you do not have a monologue, one will be provided for you at the audition. Monologues are available ahead of time, one month prior to auditions, at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre offices in the kiosk at the end of the hallway when you walk down the stairs to our area. You may use one of these monologues, or you may use one of your own choosing.

  • Bring your schedule to fill-in all of your potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form – conflicts may NOT be added after casting!

Musicals:

  • Actors are required to prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song for the audition. A song from a musical is recommended, however actors may sing any type of song.

  • Actors should choose a song that shows off vocal range, allows for strong acting choices, and that is age-appropriate.

  • Actors should bring their own sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Singing from a music track or singing acapella is highly discouraged.

  • Memorization of your song is highly encouraged.

  • Singing a song from the specific show you’re auditioning for is discouraged. We prefer to hear your own style and range in a song you’re comfortable with from any show other than the one you’re auditioning for. Callbacks are when we’ll be able to hear you sing songs from the show.

  • If you do not have a song, one will be provided for you at the audition. Songs are available ahead of time, one month prior to auditions, at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre offices in the kiosk at the end of the hallway when you walk down the stairs to our area. You may use one of these songs, or you may use one of your own choosing.

  • A great resource for purchasing sheet music is www.musicnotes.com.

  • For musicals, you will not dance at auditions. You will only dance at callbacks (if called back).

  • Bring your schedule to fill-in all of your potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form – conflicts may NOT be added after casting!

REGISTRATION: Save time and fill out your audition form ahead of time. An online audition form will be available the Friday before auditions on the Auditions page of our website (above). If you fill out your form ahead of time, head straight to the check-in table when you arrive and tell them you filled out your form online. It is not mandatory to fill out your form in advance. You may still fill out the form when you arrive.


WHERE:  All auditions are held at the Chapman Cultural Center at 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29306. Look for signs directing you where to go for registration.


WHEN:  Please note the above audition dates and times for the current Spartanburg Youth Theatre season. Auditions are typically Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm. Actors may arrive at any time during the 2 hour slot. Actors will audition in the order that they arrive. They do not need to stay the entire 2 hours of auditions. They will be able to leave once they audition.

Actors should only audition one of the two nights offered. If an actor cannot audition on the two offered dates, we MAY be able to accommodate a separate audition date, but we cannot guarantee it. Please contact us directly.

CALLBACKS: If necessary, the director may hold callbacks to see certain actors again before casting the show. If callbacks are necessary, they are typically held the Saturday following auditions, however callbacks are subject to change depending on actor and director availability. If an actor is unable to attend callbacks, we MAY be able to accommodate a separate callback date, but we cannot guarantee it. If called back, contact us and we will see what we can do.

If an actor must arrive late or leave early, we will do our best to accommodate the conflict, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to make sure the actor is seen before they have to leave early or after they’ve arrived late.

A callback list will be posted on the Auditions page of our website (above), usually the Thursday after auditions. At callbacks, actors will read scenes from the script. For musicals, in addition to reading scenes, actors will learn songs from the show and learn a short dance combination.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Auditions Spartanburg Youth Theatre
Jan 10 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Chapman Cultural Center
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (play)
Director: Connor Vetter
Assistant Director: TBD

Audition Workshop: Sat, Aug 26, 9am-12pm

Auditions: Tues, Sept 5 & Wed, Sept 6, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Sept 9, 10am-2pm


DISNEY’S THE LION KING JR. (musical)
Director: Adam Sanders
Assistant Director: TBD

Choreographer: Lustra Miller
Music Director: Ben Chumley

Audition Workshop: Sat, Oct 21, 9am-1pm

Auditions: Tues, Oct 31 & Wed, Nov 1, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Nov 4, 10am-4pm


THE RAINBOW FISH (play)
Director: TBD
Assistant Director: TBD

Audition Workshop: Sat, Jan 6, 2024, 9am-12pm

Auditions: Tues, Jan 9 or Wed, Jan 10, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm

Callbacks: Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 10am-2pm

 

GENERAL AUDITION INFO

CASTING POLICIES:  Auditions are open to youth in the 3rd-12th grades, however the director for each show may look for a more specific age range that may not always include the younger ages. Specific age requirements and casting information for each show are posted in the Audition Notice for each production above.  No roles have been pre-cast unless otherwise specifically stated in the audition notice.  Youth of all ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.


ETIQUETTE:

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out any necessary information sheets. Actors will audition in the order that they arrive. They do not need to stay the entire 2 hours of auditions. They will be able to leave once they audition.

  • Make sure to wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move around in. SYT discourages actors from “dressing up” for the part they desire. Actors should wear clothes that they feel comfortable in and that show their own personality and style.


PREPARATION:

Plays:

  • Actors are required to prepare a 1 minute monologue for the audition. 

  • Actors should choose a monologue that shows off strong acting choices, clear diction and volume, and that is age-appropriate.

  • Memorization of your monologue is highly encouraged.

  • If you do not have a monologue, one will be provided for you at the audition. Monologues are available ahead of time, one month prior to auditions, at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre offices in the kiosk at the end of the hallway when you walk down the stairs to our area. You may use one of these monologues, or you may use one of your own choosing.

  • Bring your schedule to fill-in all of your potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form – conflicts may NOT be added after casting!

Musicals:

  • Actors are required to prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song for the audition. A song from a musical is recommended, however actors may sing any type of song.

  • Actors should choose a song that shows off vocal range, allows for strong acting choices, and that is age-appropriate.

  • Actors should bring their own sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Singing from a music track or singing acapella is highly discouraged.

  • Memorization of your song is highly encouraged.

  • Singing a song from the specific show you’re auditioning for is discouraged. We prefer to hear your own style and range in a song you’re comfortable with from any show other than the one you’re auditioning for. Callbacks are when we’ll be able to hear you sing songs from the show.

  • If you do not have a song, one will be provided for you at the audition. Songs are available ahead of time, one month prior to auditions, at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre offices in the kiosk at the end of the hallway when you walk down the stairs to our area. You may use one of these songs, or you may use one of your own choosing.

  • A great resource for purchasing sheet music is www.musicnotes.com.

  • For musicals, you will not dance at auditions. You will only dance at callbacks (if called back).

  • Bring your schedule to fill-in all of your potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form – conflicts may NOT be added after casting!

REGISTRATION: Save time and fill out your audition form ahead of time. An online audition form will be available the Friday before auditions on the Auditions page of our website (above). If you fill out your form ahead of time, head straight to the check-in table when you arrive and tell them you filled out your form online. It is not mandatory to fill out your form in advance. You may still fill out the form when you arrive.


WHERE:  All auditions are held at the Chapman Cultural Center at 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29306. Look for signs directing you where to go for registration.


WHEN:  Please note the above audition dates and times for the current Spartanburg Youth Theatre season. Auditions are typically Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm. Actors may arrive at any time during the 2 hour slot. Actors will audition in the order that they arrive. They do not need to stay the entire 2 hours of auditions. They will be able to leave once they audition.

Actors should only audition one of the two nights offered. If an actor cannot audition on the two offered dates, we MAY be able to accommodate a separate audition date, but we cannot guarantee it. Please contact us directly.

CALLBACKS: If necessary, the director may hold callbacks to see certain actors again before casting the show. If callbacks are necessary, they are typically held the Saturday following auditions, however callbacks are subject to change depending on actor and director availability. If an actor is unable to attend callbacks, we MAY be able to accommodate a separate callback date, but we cannot guarantee it. If called back, contact us and we will see what we can do.

If an actor must arrive late or leave early, we will do our best to accommodate the conflict, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to make sure the actor is seen before they have to leave early or after they’ve arrived late.

A callback list will be posted on the Auditions page of our website (above), usually the Thursday after auditions. At callbacks, actors will read scenes from the script. For musicals, in addition to reading scenes, actors will learn songs from the show and learn a short dance combination.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Virtual Writers Workshops
Jan 23 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

2024 Virtual Writers Workshops

January 23 – Tony Robles
February 26 – Ruba Ahmed
March – Amber Rose Crowtree

2023 Workshop Writers : Angela Evans, Tom Tenbrunsel, Robert Edward Miss, Kenneth Chamblee, Yasmin Mays, Shannon Yong, Jennifer McGaha, Erica Reid, Raymond McNally, Jane Waldrop, Francis Pearce, Eric Nelson, Darren Todd.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Southern Author Expo
Jan 24 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Hughes Main Library

Each year, the Southern Author Expo offers the chance to meet and greet selected regional authors as well as listen to special featured speakers as they share information on their latest books, their writing process, and other literary themes.

Are you a local author interested in submitting your work for consideration for the next Southern Author Expo? See submission guidelines below and submit your application by August 25.