Signature celebrates the best in musical theater and drama at its Target Open House on Saturday, July 17 from noon – 10 p.m. Free and open to the public, this fun-filled special event sponsored by Target is 10 hours of exciting performances, master classes, demonstrations, exhibits, and kids’ activities offered in locations all over the Signature Theatre complex and on the Plaza. Events begin every 15 minutes.
As part of the Target Open House celebration, Signature will be offering special one-day only ticket discounts for select 2010-11 season performances.
<ro>Schedule
11:45 a.m. – On the Plaza Stage
DIZZY MISS LIZZY
The famous garage band that took the DC Fringe Festival by storm is back in concert with a preview of their new show The Saints.
12 p.m. – In the MAX
SIGNATURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT
Highlights from the new season featuring songs from "Chess," "Sunset Boulevard," "Wheatley’s Folly," and "Side by Side by Sondheim." Featuring Jeremy Kushnier, Euan Morton, Jill Paice, Eleasha Gamble, Florence Lacey, Tracy Lynn Olivera, and Will Gartshore.
12:15 p.m. – In the ARK
FAMILY CABARET
The perfect cabaret for everyone in the family! From Disney show tunes to Annie to Miley Cyrus, this cabaret is guaranteed to get your young ones hooked on show business!
12:30 p.m. – In the Lobby
MY AUDITION BOOK I
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing from their audition books — from the hit musicals "Wicked" to Rodgers & Hammerstein — get a snapshot of the great American musical!
12:45 p.m. – In the Shen, 4th Floor
PERFORMANCE MASTER CLASS: ERIC SCHAEFFER
Signature’s Artistic Director leads a master class for pre-selected students on acting a song for auditions. Watch and learn! A question and answer period follows.
1 p.m. – In the Library
SIGNATURE DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
This film offers an inside look at the development of Signature from the Garage to its current location in the Village of Shirlington. The Signature Documentary is directed and produced by Ben Crutchfield and Alexis Van Dyke, edited by Alexis Van Dyke.
1 p.m. – On the Plaza Stage
DIZZY MISS LIZZY
The famous garage band that took the DC Fringe Festival by storm is back in concert with a preview of their new show The Saints.
1:15 p.m. – In the MAX
SIGNATURE DIVAS
Three of Signature’s favorite ladies — Eleasha Gamble, Flo Lacey and Tracy Lynn Olivera — take to the stage in this concert of Broadway melodies and other favorites. No one can sing them like these divas!
1:30 p.m. — In the ARK
OVERTURES ONSTAGE
Students from Signature’s summer musical theatre institute perform their favorite songs. Be the first to see the stars of tomorrow!
1:45 p.m. – In the Lobby
MY AUDITION BOOK II
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing from their audition books — from the hit musicals "Wicked" to Rodgers & Hammerstein — get a snapshot of the great American musical!
2 p.m. - In the Shen, 4th Floor
MASTER CLASS: COMPOSER MATT CONNER
Composer Matt Conner talks about composing – what it takes, where his ideas come from and how he writes a score to a musical along with a preview of new works he has in development at Signature Theatre.
2:15 p.m. - On the Plaza Stage
FLOATING OPERA
Glenn Pearson on piano with his Floating Opera band play hits from Broadway as well as the Jazz Age.
2:30 p.m. – In the MAX
SIGNATURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT
Highlights from the new season featuring songs from "Chess," "Sunset Boulevard," "Wheatley’s Folly" and "Side by Side by Sondheim." Featuring Jeremy Kushnier, Euan Morton, Jill Paice, Eleasha Gamble, Florence Lacey, Tracy Lynn Olivera and Will Gartshore.
2:45pm – In the ARK
FAMILY CABARET
The perfect cabaret for everyone in the family! From Disney show tunes to "Annie" to Miley Cyrus, this cabaret is guaranteed to get your young ones hooked on show business!
3 p.m. – In the Lobby
MY AUDITION BOOK III
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing from their audition books — from the hit musicals "Wicked" to Rodgers & Hammerstein – get a snapshot of the great American musical!
3 p.m. – In the Library
SIGNATURE DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
This film offers an inside look at the development of Signature from the Garage to its current location in the Village of Shirlington. The Signature Documentary is directed and produced by Ben Crutchfield and Alexis Van Dyke, edited by Alexis Van Dyke.
3:15 p.m. - In the Shen, 4th Floor
PERFORMANCE MASTER CLASS: TRACY LYNN OLIVERA
Signature favorite Tracy Lynn Olivera leads a master class for pre-selected students on acting a song for auditions. Watch and learn! A question and answer period follows.
3:30 p.m. - On the Plaza Stage
THE PHILADELPHIA COLONELS
Enjoy the sounds of this bluegrass band as they give traditional bluegrass tunes their own special twist!
3:45 p.m. – In the MAX
SIGNATURE IDOL
The tension builds as eight finalists get narrowed down to THE one winner who will perform in the Broadway on the Plaza Concert. Judges include Washington Post theater critic Peter Marks; Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer; and special celebrity guest judge, Clinton Kelly, from TLC’s "What Not To Wear." Who will be the first Signature Idol?
4 p.m. – In the ARK
MUSICAL MAYHEM
Ever wonder what happens when actors go wild!? Check out the madness that is Musical Mayhem in the intimacy of the ARK and witness some of your favorite Signature performers as they cut loose in celebration of Signature's 21st season.
4:15 p.m. – In the Lobby
MY AUDITION BOOK IV
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing from their audition books – from the hit musicals Wicked to Rodgers & Hammerstein – get a snapshot of the great American musical!
4:30 p.m. - In the Shen, 4th Floor
PERFORMANCE MASTER CLASS: KARMA CAMP
Signature’s Artistic Associate Karma Camp leads a master class on tap dancing. Bring your taps or dance in your sneakers. Watch and learn! A question and answer period follows.
4:45 p.m. - On the Plaza Stage
THE BRAD LINDE ENSEMBLE
Enjoy this swing band as it plays the hits and swings with all that jazz!
5 p.m. – In the MAX
SIGNATURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT
Highlights from the new season featuring songs from Chess, Sunset Boulevard, Wheatley’s Folly and Side by Side by Sondheim. Featuring Jeremy Kushnier, Euan Morton, Jill Paice, Eleasha Gamble, Florence Lacey, Tracy Lynn Olivera and Will Gartshore.
5:15 p.m. – In the ARK
AMERICAN MUSICAL VOICES PROJECT
Signature sings songs from the composers that have been commissioned for the American Musical Voices Project – the largest commissioning program in the United States. A look at the future of musicals at Signature.
5:30 p.m. – In the Lobby
MY AUDITION BOOK V
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing from their audition books — from the hit musicals "Wicked" to Rodgers & Hammerstein — get a snapshot of the great American musical!
5:45 p.m. - In the Shen, 4th Floor
MASTER CLASS: KATHLEEN GELDARD AND DAN CONWAY
Learn about the behind-the-scene planning that goes into putting together a show when "Chess" costume designer Kathleen Geldard and scenic designer Dan Conway lead a discussion on design. A question and answer period follows.
6 p.m. - On the Plaza Stage
THE BRAD LINDE ENSEMBLE
Enjoy this swing band as it plays the hits and swings with all that jazz!
6:15 p.m. – In the MAX
MUSICAL MAYHEM
Ever wonder what happens when actors go wild!? Check out the madness that is "Musical Mayhem" in the MAX and witness some of your favorite Signature performers as they cut loose in celebration of Signature's 21st season.
6:30 p.m. – In the ARK
SIGNATURE DIVAS
Three of Signature’s favorite ladies — Eleasha Gamble, Flo Lacey and Tracy Lynn Olivera — take to the stage in this concert of Broadway melodies and other favorites. No one can sing them like these divas!
6:45 p.m. – In the Lobby
MY AUDITION BOOK VI
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing from their audition books — from the hit musicals "Wicked" to Rodgers & Hammerstein — get a snapshot of the great American musical!
7:15 p.m. – On the Plaza Stage
OVERTURES ONSTAGE
A special concert featuring the stars of tomorrow from Signature’s Overture Musical Theatre Institute singing the best of Broadway!
7:30 p.m. – In the MAX
TEAR ME DOWN
Helen Hayes Award winner Rick Hammerly is back to sing his favorite songs from the hit musical "Hedwig & the Angry Inch." A reunion concert like none other!
7:45 p.m. – In the ARK
AMERICAN MUSICAL VOICES PROJECT
Signature sings songs from the composers that have been commissioned for the American Musical Voices Project – the largest commissioning program in the United States. A look at the future of musicals at Signature.
8 p.m. – In the Lobby
MY AUDITION BOOK VII
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing from their audition books – from the hit musicals "Wicked" to Rodgers & Hammerstein – get a snapshot of the great American musical!
8:30 p.m. - On the Plaza Stage
BROADWAY ON THE PLAZA – Grand Finale
Clinton Kelly, host of TLC’s "What Not To Wear," is the master of ceremonies for this special concert that features Broadway and DC actors celebrating the music of Broadway and Signature Theatre!