838 North Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34236 • 941.365.2494 Fax: 941.954.0282
January 8, 2015
BACKSTAGE AT THE PLAYERS SETS THE SCENE WITH
“CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION”
Sarasota, FL – Backstage at The Players will present the local premiere of Annie Baker’s critically-acclaimed “Circle Mirror Transformation” from January 29- February 8, 2015.
This funny, warm and affective story brings a motley group of five people together in a small town creative drama class. Over the course of six weeks, they are led through a series of acting exercises into murky and sometimes precarious emotional waters. By the end of the class, these small steps of self-discovery lead to bigger changes and, maybe, happier lives.
“Circle Mirror Transformation” won the 2009 Obie Award for Best New American Play and garnered accolades Off Broadway and beyond. Critics hailed the play for its subtlety and unfailing naturalness as well as its humor and pathos. Baker has since won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play “The Flick.”
The play’s setting, described as “a windowless dance studio” is mirrored by the Backstage theater itself which doubles as a classroom for The Players Performing Arts Studio.
The cast includes Chuck Conlon, Joe Kerata, Andrea Kiddell, Brianna Larson and Linda MacCluggage. Kaylene McCaw is directing.
This is the second play of BATP’s 2014-15 season. The season closes with the scathingly dark comedy “The Lyons” in April. The black box theater’s mission is to present fresh, bold, contemporary work in a spirit of adventure for artist and audience alike. Single tickets are only $18.
*BONUS* As a special addition to this production, Backstage at The Players will offer a one hour workshop on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 4pm for those interested in experiencing some variations of the games and exercises that are part of the show. With fun as its primary goal, “Theater Games 101” is open and highly accessible to everyone. No theater experience is necessary, only willingness and enthusiasm. The workshop will be led by The Backstage’s artistic coordinators, Kaylene McCaw and Linda MacCluggage. MacCluggage plays the role of the acting teacher Marty in the play. Reservations are required as class size is limited. There is a suggested donation of $10. Please call 941.365.2494.
Photos available upon request.
Performance Dates:
Circle Mirror Transformation:
Preview: Jan. 29, 2015, 8pm
Opening: Jan. 30 , 8pm
Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 4-7, 8pm
Feb. 1 & 8, 2pm Matinee
Single Tickets are $18
*Theatre Games 101:
Saturday, Feb. 7, 4pm
Suggested Donation of $10
The Players Theatre
838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota FL 34236, 941-365-2494, Fax: 941-954-0282
www.theplayers.org. Box Office: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and one hour prior to curtain time.
The Players Box Office is located on Tamiami Trail between 10th Street and Blvd. of the Arts.
Jason R. White
Director of Marketing
The Players Theatre
838 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota FL 34236
941-365-2494 Fax 941-954-0282
