It’s audition time again, everybody. This time, it’s for the final show of our 2013 season. A show directed by Renegade’s Artistic Director, Katy Helbacka. And it also happens to be one of the most original musicals written in…well, ever actually.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Book by Alex Timbers
Music and Lyrics by Michael Friedman

Directed by Katy Helbacka

Come hear the true story of America’s first political maverick, but leave the textbooks and bring some black eyeliner. A.J. kicked British butt, shafted the Indians and smacked down the Spaniards all in the name of these United States – who cares if he didn’t have permission? An exhilarating and white-knuckled look at one of our nation’s founding rock stars, this hysterical musical recreates and reinvents the life of “Old Hickory,” from his humble beginnings on the Tennessee frontier to his days as Commander-in-Chief. It also asks the question; Is wanting to have a beer with someone reason enough to elect him? What if he’s really, really hot?

SEEKING MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES FOR ALL ROLES

AUDITION INFORMATION

WHEN: Saturday, June 29, 11:00am-2:00pm
WHERE: Teatro Zuccone in Downtown Duluth
PREPARE: Please prepare a short, comic monologue and 32 bars of a contempoary pop/rock song. Pianist provided. Email Katy Helbacka to request a 5 minute audition slot.
CALLBACKS: Sunday, June 30th. Dance call at 1pm, music and scene work at 2pm
DOWNLOAD: Audition Packet

This Saturday, April 13th, at 8pm Renegade Improv’s new players make their debut performance with some assistance from some of your favorite current players! And before you see just how talented and funny these new cast members are, we thought we’d give you a chance to meet them here on our blog. We’ll be posting pics and bios of a few new cast members every day this week, and then you’ll get the chance to see them on stage this Saturday at 8pm! And don’t forget, following the 8pm Improv show, stick around for the EXCLUSIVE WORLD-PREMIERE of the new web series, “Nobodies” created by and starring former members of Renegade Improv and Dink Tank, the Renegade sketch comedy team. Tickets just $5 and gets you admission to the 8pm Improv show and the web series world-premiere!

Now, read on and meet the talented up-starts who’ve come gunning for our spots in your Improv hearts!

Maria “The Queen of Catan” DePesa 

 

Maria is an Austrian and American former professional bodybuilder, actor, producer, director, businessman, investor, and politician. DePesa served two terms as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011. Vote DePesa 2016.

 

Favorite Games: Maria loves next and beasties

Least Favorite Games: Maria hates 185

Do the points matter? Wait…we get points?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bailey “Made For Walkin’” Boots 
Student by day and evil mastermind by night, Bailey has been slowly conquering the world for the past ten years. (Once Lithuania falls, the world is hers). After she gets the keys to the planet, Bailey plans on settling down and starting to work on her Bucket list. Some of the top items being: Discover the secret for immortality, or die trying. Travel with The Doctor. Invent bottled water, in a can. Do a voice over for a Disney movie and then go to every showing possible. And many many more.
But seriously folks, Improv is her jam and she is so excited to share her quirky sense of humor with anyone who will listen.

Favorite Games: Next, Blind Line, Party Quirks

Least Favorite Games: World’s Worst

Do the points matter? If they didn’t I wouldn’t be here.

 
 
 
 
 

Bryan “Third Degree” Burns 

Ten things to know about Bryan.

1. As a child Bryan frequently stood much too close to the microwave while cooking Hot Pockets.

2. He IS the strongest man in the world.

3. He knows all 24 letters of the alphabet.

4. Cats are eerily attracted to him.

5. He has exactly 17.345 pounds of body hair at all times.

6. He can breathe underwater, but only one time, and only exhaling.

8. He is a champion roller skater, but won’t ever show you so don’t ask.

9. During a full moon he lactates.

10. He doesn’t believe in the number seven.

 

Favorite Games: Forward/Reverse, Next, Slide Show

Least favorite games: 185, Story, Doo Run Run

Do the points matter? Can I trade them for beer? If so then yes!

 
 

Matt “Destroyer of Worlds” Smith

“Under my watchful eye the world will burn…with laughter” Matt went to college, in four years of isolation he was slowly driven mad.  He eventually escaped, having become a twisted version of his former self. Instead of returning to his people and the Zenith City, he sought tutelage from dark wizards across the land. With his demented will focused on one task, he quickly became a dangerous and powerful warlock in his own right. Now he seeks to end all conflict in Comedy by bringing all of the audience members to their knees, regardless of their affiliation. Renegade Improv is the perfect tool to help him meet his ends – for now.

Favorite Games: Forward Reverse, Chainsaw Death, and Ballet

Least Favorite Games: Those invented by that sissy Gandalf 

Do the Points Matter? When i rule the stage the points will bow to me!

This Saturday, April 13th, at 8pm Renegade Improv’s new players make their debut performance with some assistance from some of your favorite current players! And before you see just how talented and funny these new cast members are, we thought we’d give you a chance to meet them here on our blog. We’ll be posting pics and bios of a few new cast members every day this week, and then you’ll get the chance to see them on stage this Saturday at 8pm! And don’t forget, following the 8pm Improv show, stick around for the EXCLUSIVE WORLD-PREMIERE of the new web series, “Nobodies” created by and starring former members of Renegade Improv and Dink Tank, the Renegade sketch comedy team. Tickets just $5 and gets you admission to the 8pm Improv show and the web series world-premiere!

Now, read on and meet the talented up-starts who’ve come gunning for our spots in your Improv hearts!

Stephanie “Franken” Stine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaio “Flyin’ Hawaiian” Kealoha

Kaio has been working undercover with Jack Bauer for the past twelve years. His work with, former CTU director, Jack Bauer came to an abrupt end when Bauer sacrificed himself so that Kaio’s cover would not be compromised. Unable to deal with the guilt of losing his greatest friend, Kaio swore he would never return to fieldwork again. Instead, he has chosen comedy. RIP Jack Bauer.

Favorite Games: Next, Slogans, Interrogation
Least Favorite Games: Back In My Day, Dating Game
Do the points matter? Only if they bring Jack Bauer back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amber ‘Feel The’ Burns

This Saturday, April 13th, at 8pm Renegade Improv’s new players make their debut performance with some assistance from some of your favorite current players! And before you see just how talented and funny these new cast members are, we thought we’d give you a chance to meet them here on our blog. We’ll be posting pics and bios of a few new cast members every day this week, and then you’ll get the chance to see them on stage this Saturday at 8pm! And don’t forget, following the 8pm Improv show, stick around for the EXCLUSIVE WORLD-PREMIERE of the new web series, “Nobodies” created by and starring former members of Renegade Improv and Dink Tank, the Renegade sketch comedy team. Tickets just $5 and gets you admission to the 8pm Improv show and the web series world-premiere!

Now, read on and meet the talented up-starts who’ve come gunning for our spots in your Improv hearts!

Dan “Dungeon Master” Marta

Favorite Game: Oscar Speech

Least Favorite Game: Press Conference

Do the Points Matter?: You bet your sweet bippy they do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kyle “It’s My Birthday Today, Aren’t I Fancy” Johannessen

Kyle Johannessen has played enough video games in his day to feel entirely confident in his ability to not only survive, but to repel a zombie invasion. Through the wonderful and imaginary worlds he has traveled, he has the sharp mind of a jedi knight, the acrobatic skills of an assassin, the weapons “know-how” that any Call of Duty Game instills, and the fabled will of a hero. Unfortunately, he fails to realize that these are all delusions. In his world he is supreme ruler, but denies this power in his hatred of the man.

Favorite Game: All of the games!

Least Favorite game: The games that I lose at. Hence, all of the games…

Do the Points matter?: Only on Tuesdays after nine.

This Saturday, April 13th, at 8pm Renegade Improv’s new players make their debut performance with some assistance from some of your favorite current players! And before you see just how talented and funny these new cast members are, we thought we’d give you a chance to meet them here on our blog. We’ll be posting pics and bios of a few new cast members every day this week, and then you’ll get the chance to see them on stage this Saturday at 8pm! And don’t forget, following the 8pm Improv show, stick around for the EXCLUSIVE WORLD-PREMIERE of the new web series, “Nobodies” created by and starring former members of Renegade Improv and Dink Tank, the Renegade sketch comedy team. Tickets just $5 and gets you admission to the 8pm Improv show and the web series world-premiere!

Now, read on and meet the talented up-starts who’ve come gunning for our spots in your Improv hearts!

MARY “MIGGLES” HIGGINS:

Mary grew up on a small plot of land in rural Kentucky in 1867. Or maybe she didn’t. She was the only child begotten by a Bigfoot couple cleverly disguised as farmers. Or maybe she wasn’t. She was part of the last shuttle launch program by The Democratic Republic of Congo, that ended in tears and comfort eating. Eh? In an alternate universe, Mary currently works in Theatre and for The Moroccan-American ACCC. She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance,  a BA in International Studies, and an MPhil in Theatrical Theory and Criticism. Her favorite ice cream is Ben and Jerry’s Phish food, and she enjoys spending time with her Mastador, Balou.

Favorite Games: Classified

Least Favorite Games: Classified

Do the points matter? Redacted.

ROBERT E. “DEAL WITH IT” LEE, JR.

Favorite Games: Forward/reverse, interrogation

Least Favorite Games: Number of words

Do the points matter? duh.

It’s been far, far too long. But we are so pleased to have another blog post for you lovely readers from our friends out in Los Angeles. What we’ve dubbed “Renegade West.” Jake Neuman and a host of other former Renegade family members have been busy out there in la-la-land. Read on to learn all about what they’ve been up to, and about a VERY SPECIAL EVENT coming your way very soon!

Okay. Wowie wow wow wow… It has now officially been, like, years since my last blog update from LA. So, first things first, I am not dead, and my arms weren’t chopped off leaving me unable to blog, I’ve just been a negligent fart-face. Secondly, I will try to catch you all up on my escapades in as concise a way as possible.

Last time I blogged, I spoke of getting a new kitty, well, now I have two cats, Kozy from before and now Peewee, a black cat to go with the white one.

Before, I joked about Erin and I getting engaged, the funny thing is, less than a month later we did get engaged, and have now been engaged (wedding date still TBD) over two years. No joke, for realsies. Man, I feel old.

Between then and now, I managed to get a commercial agent, get sent on no auditions, and then lose said agent when the agency dissolved and went out of business. The moral of the story here is that, just having an agent isn’t good enough. Finding an agent takes a lot of shopping around, and you need to find someone who is going to work for you, not the other way around.

By submitting to auditions online, I managed to get cast in several short films which was enough to put together a reel for myself, which of course is helpful in getting more auditions, and so the cycle continues..

But perhaps the most important development for me was a self-motivated change in trajectory, which led to what I consider my triumph, if you will, of my first two-and-a-half years in LA. When I first moved to LA, I was dead-set on laying the ground work to become a successful character actor in TV and Film, and, of course, acting still remains a passion of mine, but after a year of submitting to auditions, auditioning, then waiting to hear if I got the part, I started to feel like I was not in complete control of my own career. I could do my absolute best in auditions, during shoots, and networking, but my days would still be filled with a sense of waiting. Waiting for someone else to either choose me or not. Choose to work with me again or not. And it was in those moments of waiting that I realized my passion for creating character wasn’t limited to acting, and that I could be taking critical career steps by using those down times to write.

Now, I have always had a little bug in my ear (whatever that means) for creative writing. Regardless of whether or not things would finally end up on a page, I’ve always had an imagination that enjoyed playing out interactions and confrontations between people in my head-brain, be they comedic or dramatic, and trying to feel what people would feel if they were put up against one circumstance or another. Though I dabbled with writing in college, at that point in my life, I struggled with the vulnerability that came with letting your innermost thoughts be subject to round after round of critique, and I effectively closed that door on myself.

After about a year in LA that bug came back with a vengeance. It took that out-of-control feeling, some boredom, and some freshly formed balls to finally let myself get back to the notion that writing can, and should, play a part in the hatching of my career.

So, I set out to procure every screenwriting book I could get my hands on. The first step was to give myself a crash-course education on the nature of writing for TV and movies. I spent months with my face shoved in books, at home, at work, at the gym (the three or four times I’ve been there). Once I felt I had a decent understanding of the way things worked, I quickly threw together a pilot for a half-hour sitcom, and I quickly realized that I was already in over my head, so I set that project aside and decided to start smaller. I told myself that maybe something like a web series might be a little easier to get my feet wet with… Well, little did I know that my first web series project would grow to become such an involved, stressful, yet completely rewarding experience.

At the brainstorming stage, I wanted to come up with something that was personal, something that reflected my outlook, and my standing in the world as a post-graduate, who’s ready to be rich and comfortable, but has no real successes to propel themselves yet. Basically a person who is living beyond their means, and not taking huge strides to better their situation. I always had the intention of using my actual LA friends (LA being a misnomer because they’re all Midwest transplants) to help drive the conflict and fill out the world of pathetic-ness and selfishness, and so I brought my first drafts to those friends, and was so very lucky that they saw something in the project and jumped on board.

Originally the project was about writers and actors in LA, and was aptly titled Entourage Lessons from an Industry Nobody, but one of our first realizations as a group is that no one out there is going to give a flying-f@ck about a bunch of lazy actors, and from there the show began to evolve. We became Nobodies, and lost any and all mention of careers and aspirations, and began to focus on how this ensemble of people function as a group of selfish, greedy, lazy people traveling together down the path of least resistance.

This project then grew and flew on the wings of collaboration. We became a team of producers, writers and actors, each of us new to the job, but willing to learn and lean on the group dynamic to keep ourselves on a steady path to getting produced. Scripts went through draft after draft until we felt they were just right, and we began to lay out what became a nearly year long path to financing and producing our pilot episode.

Thanks to a number of very supportive parents, a successful Kickstarter campaign (with the help of our truly angelic donors), and some very generous and insightful industry professionals, we are on the other side of shooting our two-part pilot episode and ready to proudly show it off for all to see.

The pilot will premier in two fifteen minute parts on our website www.nobodies.tv on May 4th. BUT!!! The Renegade will be hosting a Sneak Preview of both episodes exclusively for the Duluth community on April 13th!!! There will be an improv show at 8:00 pm, followed by the screening at 9:00, and the whole event is just $5.00. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

I need to take a moment to get real sappy like here, because I think it’s fair to say that absolutely none of this would be possible without the Duluth theater community. First off, four of our six main characters are UMD Alumni, so the training that we received in our years there is monumental in giving us the skill to pursue and execute something like this. But for me specifically, I would be nowhere and nothing without my time at the Renegade Theater Company. Getting to be a part of so many unique, fresh and original pieces of theater taught me so much about tackling the world outside the box, and finding that the most creative solutions and choices out there ring true as being the most  real and human. And getting to do improv with you guys was not only the best way to spend my Friday and Saturday nights, but also, the best comedy lesson I could have ever learned. I suggest that everyone out there in Duluth adopt Andy Bennett and Katy Helbacka as your mentors, whether they think so or not, they have an unending fountain of wisdom oozing from them 24/7, sop it up.

Thank you to everyone who came out and auditioned for our production of Sarah Ruhl’s IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY. We were, as always, amazed at the depth and breadth of talent in this community. And we are thrilled to announce our wonderful cast:

It’s audition time again, everybody. This time, we’re looking for men and women of all ages to fill the casts of two wildly different, but equally incredible plays. Best part? Both of these shows are being directed by the very, VERY talented Anika Thompson. She’s got a busy summer and fall planned for herself, and she’d love to have you join her. Here’s the details:

THE SHOWS

In the Next Room, Or the Vibrator Play
By Sarah Ruhl / Directed by Anika Thompson

A comedy about marriage, intimacy, and electricity. In a seemingly perfect, well-to-do Victorian home, proper gentleman and scientist Dr. Givings has innocently invented an extraordinary new device for treating “hysteria” in women (and occasionally men): the vibrator. Adjacent to the doctor’s laboratory, his young and energetic wife tries to tend to their newborn daughter – and wonders exactly what is going on in the next room. When a new “hysterical” patient and her husband bring a wet nurse and their own complicated relationship into the doctor’s home, Dr. and Mrs. Givings must examine the nature of their own marriage, and what it truly means to love someone.

SEEKING MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES FOR:
Dr. Givings – The good doctor
Mrs. Catherine Givings – His wife
Mrs. Sabrina Daltry – A depressed customer
Mr. Daltry – A frustrated and confused husband
Annie – A Midwife
Elizabeth – A Wet Nurse
Leo Irving – An Englishman and an Artist

The Pillowman
By Martin McDonagh / Directed by Anika Thompson

Katurian is a writer of gruesome, unpublished short stories. So, when someone starts killing children in the same ways found in his stories, the police force in the unnamed totalitarian state where he lives have more than a few questions for him. What follows is a terrifying, electrifying and urgent work of theatrical brilliance and an unflinching examination of the very nature and purpose of art.

SEEKING MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES FOR:
Katurian – A writer
Tupolski – A detective, strong of mind
Ariel – A detective, strong of fist
Michal – Katurian’s brother, strong of nothing
Girl – 12+
Boy – 14+
Father
Mother

AUDITION INFORMATION

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 12:00-2:00
WHERE: Teatro Zuccone in Downtown Duluth
PREPARE: Please prepare a monologue, no longer than one minute. If you are auditioning for the role of Katurian in “The Pillowman,” please prepare one of these stories as your monologue.

• Katurian Story 1
• Katurian Story 2

Email katyhelbacka@gmail.com to request a time slot for your monologue.
CALLBACKS:

• NEXT ROOM CALLBACKS: Saturday, March 23 at 2:00
• PILLOWMAN CALLBACKS: Sunday, March 24 at 2:00

Thank you to everyone who came out and auditioned for our production of John Heimbuch’s WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LAND OF THE DEAD! We were, as always, amazed at the depth and breadth of talent in this community. And we are thrilled to announce our kick-ass cast:

Our production of Dennis Lehane’s CORONADO opens tonight at 8pm! And we’ve got so many surprises in store. Trust us, you’ve never seen a Renegade show like this before. Hell, we’d wager you’ve never seen a show like this before, period. And you’ve never seen the Teatro Zuccone like this before, either. That much we guarantee. Come for the jaw-droppingly cool design work, stay for the smart script and incredible performances.

But, if you need more enticement, here’s a few more things we’ve got up our sleeve this time:

THE “VOODOO” SIGNATURE DRINK

Take some vodka. Mix it with Mountain Dew. And then add blood orange liquer. End up with a sophisticated white trash adult beverage created in honor of the show from the brilliant bar staff at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe. And it’s only $5

THE “IRISH CAR BOMB” SIGNATURE CUPCAKE

We love supporting our local friends in business. And Ericka Olin, the baker/mastermind behind exploding local bakery The Buttercup Factory is someone we really want you all to get to know. She’s created a specialty cupcake in honor of the show, the Irish Car Bomb. That means chocolate Guinness stout cake with a Baileys Irish Cream ganache filling, topped with a Baileys buttercream. And it’s just $4.50. Here’s a picture:

Wipe the damn droll off your keyboard, and get down here tonight at 8pm to grab your drink, your snack and settle in for an amazing show that only 10 other cities in America have had the chance to see.

Can't afford the full ticket price? We've got you covered there too. Here's a few ways to see "Coronado" and save some cash in the process:

• 2-for-1 tickets through Charter Main Street. Go to www.chartermainstreet.com.
• If you're a student or active military, use your I.D. on Thursday nights to get $10 tickets.
• Contact Katy, our artistic director, at katy@renegadetheatercompany.org and sign up to usher and see the show for free!

There, now you don't have any excuses. We'll see you at the show.