Colony Theatre receives $25,000

The Colony Theatre has received a $25,000 grant to continue its

tradition of bringing new plays to its Burbank stage.

This gift came from the Audrey Skirball-Kenis Theater Projects, a

nonprofit organization that supports new work for the American stage.

This is the first year of the group’s Los Angeles Initiative (LAI), a

funding program that provides season support to local companies that

have demonstrated a commitment to producing new work.

Only three theater companies received $25,000 each. Three other

companies received $7,500 each.

A gift of this magnitude is an inspiration to The Colony,

Producing Director Barbara Beckley said.

“We are seeking out new material with renewed energy,” she said.

Playwrights also benefit from the gift, Beckley added.

“It helps the playwrights grow in their careers, which is so

important because so many of our talented writers who 30 years ago

were writing for the theater are now writing screenplays and

teleplays,” she said. “And it’s so important for our survival that

good writers be encouraged to write for the theater,” she said.

“Arts Experience -- Exploring Our World,” will be offered this

summer for youngsters in kindergarten through eighth grade at the

Creative Arts Center.

Six sessions are planned from 9 .am. to 1 p.m. daily from Monday

to Aug. 15. The cost per session is $57.

The first week will explore the rich artistic cultures of Native

Americans, Aztecs, Mayans, Incas and the Aboriginal people of

Australia. Youngsters will learn about native dances, costumes and

ceramic art.

Subsequent weeks will delve into the African, Asian, Latino and

European cultures culminating with the traditions brought to the

United States that have become uniquely American.

For more information, call 238-5397

The Advisory Board of The Salvation Army Corps is planning an

evening of live musical theater to raise funds for the Salvation

Army’s many social services.

Supporters will see Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” at 8 p.m.

July 11 at Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St. in Glendale.

The doors open at 7 p.m.

A portion of the $30 ticket will benefit such programs as the

daily meals for the needy.

For more information, call Anita at The Salvation Army at 845-7214

or Elaine at 845-6851.

Last chance to get tickets for the Fourth of July Fireworks

Celebration at the Starlight Bowl. The musical program begins at 6:30

p.m. featuring the Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra, The Alley Cats and

the Jokesters.

Tickets are being sold from 6 to 9 p.m. today and Thursday at the

Media City Center Mall at the customer service counter on the first

floor. They are also available at Olive, Verdugo and McCambridge

recreation centers or at the City Hall Annex during business hours

today and Thursday.

Works by award-winning ceramicist Ricky Maldonado will be on

display throughout July at the Creative Arts Center Gallery.

An opening reception for The Ricky Maldonado Exhibit -- “Then &

Now” will be from 7 to 9 p.m. July 11.

Maldonaldo, a master coil builder and multiple-award winner, is

known for his geometrically detailed pottery. After building a piece,

he sands it smooth and then burnishes it with his hands using the

natural oils from his skin. It is then polished with soft plastic.

After sanding and burnishing, he marks the piece using a soft pencil

as he continues to rotate the piece. He then draws from dot to dot

until the design is finished. Black slip is applied where the design

has been drawn and the glaze is then applied, one dot at a time,

using a small sable brush. The piece is then fired once.

Maldonado’s work is included in many public and private

collections and has been shown in numerous publications, including

“Ceramics Monthly.” He is also this year’s recipient of the National

Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, Emerging Artists.

A Noise Within is offering a summer drama workshop covering the

texts of William Shakespeare.

The five week-program for 10- to 18-year-olds includes classes in

acting, improvisation, voice, speech, textual analysis, stage combat

and more, and will culminate in an informal presentation of scenes

from Shakespeare’s plays.

Faculty for Summer with Shakespeare is drawn from A Noise Within’s

company of resident artists, whose background includes training from

the prestigious programs at American Conservatory Theatre, Yale,

Juilliard and Cal Arts.

There are two sessions, one from 9 a.m. to noon and one from 1 to

4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Monday to Aug. 8.

Tuition is $575.

A Noise Within is at 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. To enroll, call

(323) 953-7787.

A Noise Within is known for presenting classic productions

Shakespeare, Moliere, Shaw, Chekhov and classic American playwrights,

among others.

The company also offers year-round Conservatory classes, a Student

Outreach program and a Professional Intern program. In addition to

producing a seven-play repertory season, A Noise Within annually

tours productions throughout California. Throughout the years, the

company has received more than 500 awards and commendations for its

productions.

* JOYCE RUDOLPH’s column appears Wednesdays. For events happening

this weekend, read her 48 Hours column Saturdays. Reach her at

637-3241.