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Charles Dickens' timeless story . . . now in its 13th year with WTD!

A Christmas Carol

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Charles Dickens' classic and beloved holiday story.
Directed by Ted Pugh 
Performed by David Anderson


Performances 
at Solaris, 360 Warren St., Hudson, NY


Friday, December 21 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 22 at 8 pm
Sunday, December 23 at 8 pm
Monday, December 24 at 3 pm

FREE ADMISSION
Funded through WTD's Free Culture Initiative. 
Donations gratefully received.
Appropriate for ages 10 and up.


Now a tradition for 13 years with WTD, the performance of this timeless story
continues its evolution.  Let Dickens' classic story inspire the spirit of the Holiday Season!


"Everything David Anderson touches has two crucial elements: clarity and humanity." 
- Marion Hunter, CCScoop.com

Info and reservations: 518.610.0909

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2018 Performance Tour Dates

December 15: Hancock Shaker Village, 5 pm Tickets
December 16: Hancock Shaker Village, 2 pm Tickets
December 18: Anthroposophy, NYC, 7 pm Info
December 19: Arts Center on the Hudson, Mechanicville, NY, 7:30 pm, Free, Info ​

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We would appreciate your support of our Free Culture Initiative, which enables us to make our events and programs available to all. To donate, please use the link below and choose Walking the dog Theater in the "Designation" field.
   Thank you for supporting the arts in our community!
Donate to Support WTD's Free Culture Initiative!
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William Shakespeare's Richard II

Directed by Melania Levitsky

​July 19-29, 2018


Preview:
July 18 at 7:30 pm

​Performances:
July 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 pm
July 22 at 2:00 pm
July 25, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 pm
July 29 at 2:00 pm

 at Hawthorne Valley School Hall
330 County Route 21C
Ghent, NY 12075
Requested donation: $30 - $10

Information and Reservations:

518.392.3399


 *Carla Lewis and TAMIR are Members of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States,
​appearing under a Special Appearance Contract.

​“Powerful performances...  Levitsky’s direction is superb...  costumes are sumptuous, plentiful, and colorful.”   - Barbara Waldinger, Berkshire On Stage

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Photo by Mattijs Vormer
“Under the sharp and precise direction of Melania Levitsky, Anderson and company are working wonders... a version that brings the story to vivid life... the Queen by Taipei actress Yuan-rong Liao Anderson... was among the most moving interpretations I have ever witnessed.  Carla Lewis... a sensitivity in her playing that is simply matchless.  TAMIR... her work is exemplary.  ...worth a trip out to  [Hawthorne Valley] on Route 21C.”
- Peter Bergman, Berkshire Bright Focus and Berkshire Edge



​Slideshow of Richard II Dress Rehearsal Photos 
All Photos by Mattjis Vormer

​Slideshow of Richard II Rehearsal Photos

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​An Evening with
​ 

​
Gotthard Killian, Stephen Katz, and Friends


Friday, July 13, 2018 at 7:30 pm

Gotthard Killian and Stephen Katz present a diverse program of classical and improvisational music for two celli, cello and flute, cello and bassoon, and solo performances. From Bartok to Boismortier to the spontaneous music of the imagination, this promises to be an unforgettable evening!

Also in the program: poetic notions with David Anderson (voice),  Stephen (cello) and Gotthard (flute). And a stand-up sketch about "The Shareholder Meeting of the Guilt Association Trust" (completely fictional, of course!). Plus a short performance piece by TAMIR, who plays the Duke of York in Richard II.

Join us for 90 minutes of musical and poetic inspiration!

Friday, July 13, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Hawthorne Valley School Hall 
330 County Route 21C
Ghent, NY 12075
Questions? Contact info@wtdtheater.org 
or call (518) 610-0909
 
Donations gratefully received.
This benefit performance is a fundraiser for WTD's Richard II.
In fact. . .
Every dollar of the first $3,000 donated will go TWICE as far! Your donations will help us meet the $3,000 matching grant offered by an anonymous donor! 

Gotthard Killian was born into a musical family in Switzerland. He studied cello with his father, Christoph Killian; flute with Raymond Meylan; composition with Christoph Peter and Cees van As; and choral conducting. He studied Eurythmy for 2 years at the Eurythmeum Zuccoli in Dornach. His special interest is in the development of musical consciousness through the cultural periods; his studies with Heiner Ruland have enriched this work. He has worked at the Goetheanum stage as a musician in all branches; performed with the Japanese acting group "The Blue Hill-Aoi Oka"; was part of the Portal Production theatre group based in London, travelling with the Mystery Drama The Souls' Awakening; and has toured widely with his concerts and workshops. His book Die Monochordschule des Pythagoras compiles and brings to renewed attention the rediscovery of Pythagoras' modal planetary scales in Kathleen Schlesinger's eminent work The Greek Aulos. From 2004 to 2012, Gotthard was based in Melbourne, where he worked in local Waldorf schools as a music teacher. Since 2012, he has been working with developing Waldorf communities in China and South East Asia.

Stephen Katz, a cellist and award-winning composer, has charted new territory for the rhythmic potential of the cello with the groundbreaking approach he calls Flying Pizzicato. The results are compositions and improvisations that juggle two or more voices at a time, making music that lays grooves, weaves tunes, and lifts spirits.
The New York Times wrote, "With a bow and fingers as light as feathers Stephen Katz makes a cello bring out meanings you might not have suspected were there." 
Read more about Stephen here and at stephenkatzmusic.com.
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Off Leash! Improv Ensemble

Reunion and Benefit Performance

Friday, July 6, 2018 from 7:15-9:00 pm

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Let's divine some plays together! The audience will be invited to provide some ideas, and the actors will create plays and sketches from the audience's suggestions. 
Rumor has it, there will also be some juggling!

Players include: Nancy Rothman, Melania Levitsky, Lora Lee Ecobelli, Paul Boothroyd, and David Anderson, with special drop-in appearances from WTD's after school improv troupe. 

Hawthorne Valley School Hall 
330 County Route 21C
Ghent, NY 12075

Donations at the door directly support this summer's Richard II production.
In fact. . .
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Questions? Email info@wtdtheater.org or call (518) 610-0909
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 Hannorford Helps Reusable Bag Program
Supports Walking the dog Theater in August 2018

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​During AUGUST 2018
at the Hannaford store located at:
32 State Route 82, Hudson NY,
the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program will be
focused on supporting Walking the Dog Theater!

Every time you purchase the green Community bag, ​a $1 donation
 will be made to WALKING THE DOG THEATER! You can find the green Community bag at the reusable bag rack at the store, and at the bag rack will be a sign stating that Walking the dog Theater is the beneficiery of the Community bag that month. Stock up on those eco-friendly bags and support live theater while you're at it! Thanks!
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​

William Shakespeare's Richard II
Directed by Melania Levitsky
July 19-29, 2018


Preview:
July 18 at 7:30 pm

​Performances:
July 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 pm
July 22 at 2:00 pm
July 25, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 pm
July 29 at 2:00 pm

 at Hawthorne Valley School Hall
330 County Route 21C
Ghent, NY 12075
Requested donation: $30 - $10

Information and Reservations:
518.392.3399


 *Carla Lewis and TAMIR are Members of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States,
​appearing under a Special Appearance Contract.

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Summer Internship Opportunity

William Shakespeare's Richard II

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Walking the dog theater Co., Inc., in partnership with Nikita Productions, is presenting William Shakespeare’s Richard II this summer as part of our 21st anniversary celebration. We are inviting interns from neighboring high schools and colleges to participate as actors, stage managers, and production assistants. A small stipend may be available for these positions.
June 18 to July 29, 2018 in Ghent, NY.
Please contact the director, Melania Levitsky, at: Melan27@gmail.com.
College credit may be available. Check with your college.

Photo: Walking the dog Theater’s production of The Winter’s Tale, 2015
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Auditions for our Summer Production of

William 
Shakespeare's Richard II 

Saturday, March 17 at 4:00 pm 
at Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School

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The crown jewel of WTD's 21st anniversary celebrations will be a summer production of Richard II, directed by Melania Levitsky. 

"For God's sake let us sit upon the ground 
and tell sad stories of the death of kings."

Rehearsals begin on June 18.
Performances: July 19-22 and 25-29.

Auditions on Saturday, March 17 at 4:00 pm at Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School.
​Go to the main doors. Please contact Melania Levitsky for further information at melan27@gmail.com.
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Walking the dog Theater's 2018 Schedule



​Dec 28 (2017)-Jan 1           Chengdu, Module 5 – rehearse King Lear
Jan 4-14                                Beijing, Module 6 – rehearse and perform Macbeth
Jan 17-23                              Guangzhou, Module 5 – rehearse The Tempest
Jan 25-31                              Hong Kong, Module 3
Feb 1-4                                  YR – Eurythmy workshop, DA – Tokyo training
Feb 6-11                                Taipei, Module 5 – Hamlet
Feb 20-March 3                   Cixin Players rehearse and perform King Lear
                                               Class 12 – rehearse Les Miserables
March 5-24                           Hawthorne Valley Class 10 rehearse and perform
March 28-April 3                  Xian, Module 4
April 5-14                              Shanghai, Module 6, rehearse and perform
                                                The Merchant of Venice
April 16-May 6                      Hudson, Immersion with The Michael Chekhov School
May 7-June 2                        Hawthorne Valley Class 12 rehearse and perform
May 20                                   Hillsdale, YR and DA wedding
June 18-July 29                    WTD’s 21st Anniversary celebration – rehearsal and                                                                production of Richard II, directed by Melania Levitsky
                                                Performing July 19-22 and 25-29
August 3                                Taichung, Talk on Drama and Inner Development
Aug 4-8                                  Taichung, Module 1
Aug 9                                      Taichung Advanced Workshop with
                                                 The Cicada Ensemble
Aug 11-15                              Taipei, Module 6 – rehearse Hamlet
Aug 18-23                              Tianjin, Module 3
Aug 25-26                              Tianjin, weekend workshop
Aug 29-Sept 3                        Chengdu, Module 6 – rehearse King Lear
Sept 6-16                                Guangzhou, Module 6 – rehearse and perform
                                                 The Tempest
Sept 18-22                             Guangzhou, Hairong School, team building
Sept 24-28                             Hong Kong, Module 4
Sept 30-Oct 6                        Fuzhou, Module 3
Oct 8-13                                 Tokyo, Fujino School
Oct 15-20                               Kyoto, Kyotanabe School
Oct 22-28                               Yokohama, Island Culture Project
Oct 31-Nov 6                         Xian, Module 5
Nov 9-14                                Dali, Module 1
Nov-Dec 2                              Cixin Waldorf School, class 11 production
Dec 4-20                                 US Tour A Christmas Carol
Dec 21-24                              Hudson, 13th Anniversary production of
                                                 A Christmas Carol

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Charles Dickens' timeless story . . . now in its 12th year with WTD!

A Christmas Carol

Picture
,Charles Dickens' classic and beloved holiday story.
Directed by Ted Pugh 
Performed by David Anderson


Performances 
at Solaris, 360 Warren St., Hudson, NY

Thurs
day, December 21 at 8 pm
Friday, December 22 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 23 at 8 pm

FREE ADMISSION
Donations gratefully received.
Appropriate for ages 10 and up.


Now a tradition for 12 years with WTD, the performance of this timeless story
continues its evolution.  Let Dickens' classic story inspire the spirit of the Holiday Season!


"Everything David Anderson touches has two crucial elements: clarity and humanity." 
- Marion Hunter, CCScoop.com

Info and reservations: 518.610.0909

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2017 Performance Tour Dates

Sunday, December 10: Kansas City, MO, info TBA
Saturday, Dec 16: North Congregational Church, Woodbury, CT, 2 pm, info
Saturday, Dec. 16: Anthroposophy, NYC, 7 pm, Suggested donation: $20, info
Sunday, Dec. 17: The Mount: Edith Wharton's Home, Lenox, MA, 4 pm, FREE
Advance reservations required at The Mount. Click here to reserve your seats.

Tuesday, Dec 19: Arts Center on the Hudson, Mechanicville, NY, 7:30 pm​, $10 adults/$5 children
Click here for Tickets for the Arts Center on the Hudson performance


Appropriate for ages 10 and up.
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Shakespeare's Verse and Text: Form and Freedom 
A 5-Day Workshop with Melania Levitsky
June 19-23, 2017 
at Mettabee Farm & Arts

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​Photo by Mattjis Vormer
The structure in Shakespeare's verse can set you free!
Using Spacial Dynamics® exercises and Shakespeare's verse, we will explore how rhythm, meter, and breath provide the foundation for freedom and authenticity.
Please come prepared with a Shakespeare sonnet or monologue.
The class is open to everyone!

Melania Levitsky is a director, actor, singer, teacher, and the author of one children's book. She is the Artistic Director of Nikita Productions and Associate Artistic Director of Walking the dog Theater. She is the director of the annual Shakespeare in the Village productions in Ghent, NY. Melania is certified in Level I of Spacial Dynamics and Bothmer Gymnastics. She teaches at the Michael Chekhov Acting Studio in NYC.


Five Sessions: June 19-23, 2017 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Course Fee: $200
Contact Melania if the fee level is a hardship for you.
To Register: please contact Melania Levitsky at melania@wtdtheater.org,
or phone 917-972-5055.

Course Location: Mettabee Farm & Arts, 551 Harlemville Rd., Hillsdale, NY.  
​Visit the Mettabee Farm website at mettabeefarm.com. 
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An Update about Shakespeare in the Village & Richard II

Dear Friends of Walking the dog Theater and Nikita Productions,

We are postponing this summer's production of Richard II. 
Our plan is to mount this wonderful play fully in the summer of 2018.
The postponement is due primarily to difficulties in scheduling.  
We regret that we will miss a summer of our annual Shakespeare in the Village, and we are so grateful for the enthusiasm and support you have shown for this new tradition; but the obstacles were such that we would not be able to achieve the standard we expect of ourselves.
In place of the stage production, Melania Levitsky is offering a workshop called Shakespeare's Verse and Text at METTABEE FARM (see above).

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WTD Events in 2016
​

 Charles Dickens' timeless story . . . now in its 11th year with WTD!

A Christmas Carol

Picture
Charles Dickens' classic and beloved holiday story.
Directed by Ted Pugh 
Performed by David Anderson


Performances 
at Solaris, 360 Warren St., Hudson, NY


Wednesday, December 21 at 8 pm
Thursday, December 22 at 8 pm
Friday, December 23 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 24 at 3 pm

FREE ADMISSION
Donations gratefully received.
Appropriate for ages 10 and up.


Now a tradition for 11 years with WTD, the performance of this timeless story
continues its evolution.  Let Dickens' classic story inspire the spirit of the Holiday Season!


"Everything David Anderson touches has two crucial elements: clarity and humanity." 
- Marion Hunter, CCScoop.com

Info and reservations: 518.610.0909

__________________________

Performance Tour Dates

Friday, December 2: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, East Troy, Wisconsin,  7pm
Saturday, December 3:  Beloit Memorial High School, Beloit, Wisconsin, 8pm
Tuesday, Dec 6: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, Newtown, CT, 7pm -- info
Wednesday, Dec 7: Old Town Hall, 5 Mountain Road, Woodbury, CT, 7pm, $20
Saturday, Dec 10: Threefold Main House, 285 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY 
Saturday, Dec 17: New York Branch of the Anthroposophical Society, NYC, 7pm
Monday, Dec 19: Camphill Ghent, Culture Hall, 7pm, $15
Tuesday, Dec 20: Arts Center on the Hudson, Mechanicville, NY, 7:30pm
​, $10 adults/$5 children
Click here for Tickets for the Arts Center on the Hudson performance


Appropriate for ages 10 and up.
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______________________________________________________________________________________Shop. Earn. Give! Support WTD when you shop online! It's FREE!
Use Giving Assistant to earn cash back at 1800+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage of that cash back to Walking the dog Theater—as much as 30% of your total purchase price. You’ll also enjoy deals like Kohl's Coupons and special offers at stores like Kmart and Lowes, all while supporting our mission with your donations. Click the graphic below to learn more! And sign up to support Walking the dog Theater as your charity! Thank you!
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Use Giving Assistant to save money and support Walking the Dog Theater

Join Giving Assistant now to shop, save, and support Walking the Dog Theater. Easily donate 3-30% of purchases from stores like Macy's, eBay, and Lowes.

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Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program Supports
​Walking the dog Theater in November 2016

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During NOVEMBER 2016
at the Hannaford store located at:
32 State Route 82, Hudson NY,
the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program will be
focused on supporting Walking the Dog Theater!

Every time you purchase the blue Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag,
​a $1 donation
 will be made to WALKING THE DOG THEATER! Stock up on those eco-friendly bags and support live theater while you're at it! Thanks!
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Past Productions
Summer Shakespeare July 14-17, 2016
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                                                                                                                                                                                 Poster by Ruby Barresi
​Performances:
July 14 at 7:30 pm
July 16 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

July 17 at 2:00 pm
at Hawthorne Valley School Hall
330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075

Suggested donation: $10 - $25 

Directed by Melania Levitsky
Adapted from the works of William Shakespeare
by Melania Levitsky & James Luse
 

Performers: James Luse, Laurie Portocarrero, Simon Frishkoff,
​Faith Compo, Wilhelmina Sharp, and children of the community.
Music by Merwin Lewis 



​Do you
 believe i​n ghosts and witches and faeries and things​?​
Theseus doesn't. 
And Mercutio believes only in dreams. 
But if you are ​a poet, a lover, or a madman, ​then surely you know 
there are more things in heaven and earth 
than are dreamt of in your philosophy. 

​Hamlet sees a ghost, Macbeth and Lady M meddle with witches,
Prospero learns to love from one of his enslaved spirits,
and Titania and Oberon rule over the faerie realm,
toying with humans ​for their amusement.  

Shakespeare's Supernaturals is a romp through the Bard's Faerie world.

​
Shakespeare's Supernaturals is a collaborative project of 
​Walking the dog Theater and Nikita Productions.
Visit Nikita Productions' Website
Visit Walking the dog Theater's Main Website
​
​Photos in slideshow below are from rehearsal & dress rehearsal. 

Dress rehearsal photos by Mattijs Vormer.
​Walking the dog Theater creates theater events that inspire, entertain, and build community. Vital aspects of this purpose include: engaging children, youth, and adults in their own creative potential, stimulating artistic life in underserved areas, supporting the work and growth of professional artists, and staging plays, with a special passion for the works of William Shakespeare.

We would appreciate your support of our Free Culture Initiative, which enables us to make our events and programs available to all. To donate, please use the link below and choose Walking the dog Theater in the "Designation" field.
                           Thank you for supporting the arts in our community!
Donate Now
Back to wtdtheater.org
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​Walking the dog Theater is an initiative of
Hawthorne Valley Association.​​



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