Bruce Chuvala Receives Recognition

If you’ve been involved at Parkway Playhouse in the past 30 years, you’ve likely had the opportunity to work with Bruce Chuvala, Parkway Playhouse’s long-time Technical Director. In December 2022, Bruce received recognition from The Playhouse for his decades of dedication and we’ve formally named our scene shop after him.

Bruce’s theatrical career began after he had already lived many lives. He received an economics degree from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, served as an aviation cadet in the Air Force, was later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, became a husband and then a father, a retiree, and a cake decorator at his wife’s bakery on East Main Street. He landed in the theater world in 1991 and he’s become such a pivotal figure in our community since.

“I always hope that the sets I design and build fit in with the action on the stage and help the audience leave the theater feeling better than when they came.”

In the past three decades, Bruce has worked on the technical aspects of hundreds of shows for Parkway Playhouse, Mountain Heritage High School, Mitchell High School, and The Burnsville Little Theatre; and served as the Technical Director at Parkway Playhouse for many years. “I always hope that the sets I design and build fit in with the action on the stage and help the audience leave the theater feeling better than when they came.”, says Bruce.

While there isn’t much at Parkway Playhouse Bruce hasn’t had a hand in, Bruce’s joy is found in the spotlight. Bruce has had the distinction of playing himself on stage, in our production of Spirited Recollections: A Personal History of Burnsville. He has also appeared in countless productions as English butlers, police officers, train conductors, and even as Ebeneezer Scrooge in many productions of A Christmas Carol. “I like taking the thoughts of a director and giving them three-dimensional form on stage,” Bruce says about his work on and off stage.

“I love that old theater. It is a warm and comfortable place. It welcomes you with open arms and makes you feel at home.” He says. Bruce has impacted everyone who has been a part of Parkway Playhouse over the past few decades. Bruce has meticulously and lovingly cared for every nook, cranny, floorboard, prop room shelf, and curtain in the theater. It is difficult to imagine the theater being a workable facility for all these years without Bruce’s efforts.

“Bruce is as much an institution at Parkway as the building itself. I grew up in the theater with him as a mentor, and a wealth of information, and I’m blessed to now call him a friend.”

Our Staff, Board, and Community are grateful for Bruce Chuvala and are thankful for his contributions over the years. “Bruce is as much an institution at Parkway as the building itself. I grew up in the theater with him as a mentor, and a wealth of information, and I’m blessed to now call him a friend.” Says Jenny Martin, Parkway’s Director of Education and Outreach who has known Bruce for almost as long as he’s been a part of the Parkway family.

Have you worked with Bruce over the years? We’d love for you to share your stories with us! Please email communications@parkwayplayhouse.com if you’re interested in sharing!

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Tips for Audition Season

Ahhhh Audition Season. A time of year that can be full of anxiety, but also optimism for actors, directors, and theatre companies alike as they plan for what the new year will have in store for them. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer interested in joining a theatre community this season, we’ve got the audition tips to make the auditioning process as stress-free as possible 

#1 DIRECTORS WANT TO CAST YOU. Directors need actors for their shows and they would be thrilled to have you on their team. Head into your audition remembering that directors are on your side! 

#2 ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF. Ask for what you need. If there’s a chair in the room and you’d like to use it, ask for it. If you need to hear your starting note, ask for it. 

#3 BREATHE. Take a minute to regroup before you begin and remember, if you mess up, it’s okay to ask to start over. Everyone in the room is rooting for you to succeed. 

#4 BE AWARE OF THE SPACE. Stand with confidence and project your voice to an appropriate level for the room. Don’t use the people behind the table as your focal point. Deliver your monologue or song just over the heads of the directors, not directly to them. And never deliver your monologue or song to an invisible person in an empty chair. 

#5 MAKE CHOICES. Especially when given sides to read. Don’t worry about making the “right” choices, just make a choice. When you’re hired, the director will guide you toward the right choices. In auditions, directors just want to see that you’re capable of making bold choices. 

#6 TAKE A NOTE. If you’re given feedback or are asked to try something different in auditions, take the note. The director is trying to see how well you incorporate changes and take direction and decide if you’re going to be the right fit for their rehearsal process. 

#7 REHEARSE. That’s right, you should rehearse your audition before you even step in the room. Often, sides are available prior to auditions to look over as well. Be sure to reach out to the theatre or the director and ask! 

#8 DON’T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS. Directors may cut you off early because they loved you and don’t need to see more, or they may ask you for more because they’re trying to figure out where to place you in their cast. Don’t assume the worst. 

#9 BRING A FRIEND. Theatres are always excited to see new faces, and it’s always fun to share the experience of being in the same season as a friend. Plus, having a friend at auditions can help ease your nerves. 

#10 CONGRATULATE YOURSELF. When the audition is over, leave it there. You accomplished so much by even showing up in the room! 

Parkway Playhouse’s 76th season auditions will take place at The Mountain Heritage Center (Across from Parkway Playhouse) on January 21-22, 2023! Time slots are available for experienced and less experienced auditioners. Find out more here: https://parkwayplayhouse.com/get-involved/audition/

Actor Spotlight: Jason Clark

In the Middle of Nowhere opens on August 27th! We reached out to actor Jason Clark to find out more about him and his experience working on this production. 

Do you feel that people deserve forgiveness? Why?

Without forgiveness, we’d crumple under the weight of guilt and regret.

How did you get into theatre?

I started doing theater my freshman year of high school, and have been involved ever since.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Burnsville? 

Go hiking with my wife and our three dogs.

What have you loved about working on this production?

Everyone has been so kind and supportive, right from the start.

What do you love about working with Parkway Playhouse? 

Everyone seems to be here just for their love of theater.

Biography

Jason is new to the Parkway Playhouse, but a veteran of the stage.  Not only as an actor, but he also worked professionally as a scenic carpenter for many years at the Little Theater of the Rockies, Vermont Theatre Company, Dallas Theater Center, and many more.

In the Middle of Nowhere is showing at Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, NC August 27-September 10. Grab your tickets here: https://parkwayplayhouse.com/tickets/get-tickets/

Teacher Spotlight: Rachel Cort

Registration is now open for our 2022/2023 Junior Classes! We reached out to Stars of Stagecraft teacher Rachel Cort to find out more about her and what students will learn in this class! 

What will students walk away from this class knowing?

A basic knowledge of how to make a stage lighting system work as well as common principles of lighting design.

What’s your favorite thing about working with Parkway Playhouse?

Parkway Playhouse is such a fun and interesting space to work in!

What should students expect to do in this class?  

How to hang, focus, and circuit different types of lighting instruments, what they are used for, how to do basic light board programming, how to use lights for different purposes, how to create a light plot and paperwork, and how to do basic wiring for stage practicals.

Tell us about yourself!

I have been working as an electrician and designer since the 1990s (yikes). I love being backstage, I love watching something come to life from nothing with every production. I also really enjoy working with teenagers, especially since I have two of my own!

If you have a student who is interested in backstage action, Stars of Stagecraft is the class for them! Students will learn the design and construction process for lighting, sound, costumes, and sets, and help create and build these technical elements for our Junior productions! Students will also serve as running crew for the performances, and will learn sound and light board operations! Find out more and register here: https://parkwayplayhouse.com/education/parkway-playhouse-junior/ 

Teacher Spotlight: Courtney Malone

Registration is now open for our 2022/2023 Junior Classes! We reached out to Rising Stars teacher Courtney Malone to find out more about her and what students will learn in this class! 

What will students walk away from this class knowing?

In Rising Stars, students will know basic stage directions and theater “lingo.”  They will work on becoming comfortable and confident with movement and sound and bring out all their inner creativity.

What’s your favorite thing about working with Parkway Playhouse?

I love the atmosphere of the Playhouse.  It is such a beautiful building filled with life and energy.  I love watching kids learn and grow and fall in love with theater. 

What’s so special about this class? 

Our little rising starts will get a chance to start their theater experience early and learn about all the aspects of theater life preparing them for classes and shows at Parkway.

What should students expect to do in this class?  

Students will explore the theater and play games to learn all the terminology used when in a production.  There will be a lot of movement and activities to keep them engaged and interested.  Students should wear comfortable clothing and bring water.  

Tell us about yourself!

I first stepped onto a stage for the first when I was 13 years old.  I was cast as Charlie Brown in the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”  I have a degree in Music performance and education and I have been teaching for 25 years.  In 2004, I took a break from teaching in the public school system and opened a private music school, teaching piano, voice, cello and violin.  In 2009, I built a studio and and outdoor stage and opened a children’s theater and summer camp.  I spent the next 10 years directing, producing and choreographing musical theater with children aged 4 to 18. In 2014, I closed down my theater in Florida and moved with my daughter to Burnsville, NC.  I am currently the middle school chorus teacher in Yancey County.  I was the musical director for “Oliver!” at Parkway a few years ago and recently, I was the musical director of “Addams Family, Jr.” 

My acting credits include, Guinevere in CAMELOT, Evie, Anya, Isle, and Ginnie, in STOP THE WORLD, a wicked step sister in CINDERELLA and ensemble in Annie and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Her directing credits include, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, How to Eat Like a Child, Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, Peter Pan, Grease, and Addams Family, Jr. I have tons of energy and I put all of it into my teaching.  I cannot think of anything better than spending my days singing and acting with children.

Our youngest group of actors will spend time learning the best way they know how–through play in our Rising Stars class! Students will work on basic stage terminology, confidence, teamwork, and creative movement through games and activities. Find out more and register here: https://parkwayplayhouse.com/education/parkway-playhouse-junior/ 

Teacher Spotlight: Carew Henry

Registration is now open for our 2022/2023 Junior Classes! We reached out to Stars of Stagecraft teacher Carew Henry to find out more about them and what students will learn in their class! 

What will students walk away from this class knowing?

A better understanding of how to transform the physical space of a stage to meet the emotional factors of a play!

What’s your favorite thing about working with Parkway Playhouse?

The joyousness of the theater!

What’s so special about this class? 

To show kids that the theater is a fascinating and fun place!

What should students expect to do in this class?  

Move pieces of scenery around the stage to see how different orientations impact the space. Stand in different locations and feel the impact of space and talk about why it makes you feel that way and how to use that in a theatrical way!

Tell us about yourself!

I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, went to school at University North Carolina school Of the art. I Graduated with a BFA and Scenic Design and am now happy to be working with parkway!

If you have a student who is interested in backstage action, Stars of Stagecraft is the class for them! Students will learn the design and construction process for lighting, sound, costumes, and sets, and help create and build these technical elements for our Junior productions! Students will also serve as running crew for the performances, and will learn sound and light board operations! Find out more and register here: https://parkwayplayhouse.com/education/parkway-playhouse-junior/ 

Actor Spotlight: Wesley Harmon

Packed with thrills, romance, laughter, and immortal characters like Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian, Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who take on the ruthless powers that be.

We reached out to Wesley Harmon, one of the incredible actors in this production to find out more about him and his experience working on this fun show!

How did you get into theatre?

As a kid, I was obsessed with the classic movie musicals of the 1950s and 60s; particularly “Hello Dolly,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” While I loved those musicals, it had never occurred to me that I could be a part of it all. On a whim, I auditioned for a children’s theatre production of “The Wizard of Oz” in eighth grade. I was cast as the cowardly lion, and I was hooked… probably for life. I kept myself busy with as many community theatre shows as I could back home in Virginia. Then in 2020, I enrolled at ETSU as a musical theatre student, and in 2021 I finally signed my first professional contract at Tweetsie Railroad. I’m proud to say I’m now a professional actor, with the iconic performances of Barbra Streisand and Julie Andrews to thank!

What’s your favorite thing to do in Burnsville?

As a current resident of Boone, NC, I sadly don’t get to spend as much time in Burnsville as I would like. But with what little time I get, I love exploring downtown! Fill-More, Plott Hound Books, and The Book Cellar are just some of my favorite stops! And of course, you can’t forget breakfast at App Java or lunch at Munch Box!

What have you loved about working on this production?

The challenge of it all! I came with just over a week to learn the show, and it’s exhilarating! Not only do I have to find the unique characterizations of each of my ensemble roles, but I have the fight training as well! While my current day job has given me loads of training in hand-to-hand combat and theatrical firearms, this is the first time in a long while I’ve wielded a sword… let alone one almost as tall as I am!

What do you love about working with Parkway Playhouse?

The uniqueness of it all! I love how unique the space is, with the old production shots lining the walls and the gorgeous old amphitheater sitting parallel to the Playhouse, it gives me a sense of the stories and performances (and possibly ghosts!) that have filled this space for almost 80 years!

What is your favorite part of this show and why?

The pacing! This show moves a mile a minute… which most certainly leads to exhausted actors… but almost definitely means no bored audience members!

Biography

Wesley is excited to join the cast of Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood as part of his whirlwind summer of performing! Before Sherwood, Wesley toured Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary singing with the international award-winning choral group ETSU Chorale and returned to Parkway Playhouse (and America) in just enough time to join the cast for their last few rehearsals! By day, Wesley is a performer at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, NC, and a rising senior at East Tennessee State University, where he majors in Musical Theatre. Past favorite roles include “Freddy and Others” in Parkway Playhouse’s recent production of Working: A Musical and “Matt” in the regional premiere of Straight White Men (ETSU), for which he was nominated for an Irene Ryan Performance Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. When Wesley isn’t performing, he proudly serves as the founder and creative director of The Wandflower Theatre, an untraditional theatre project in Galax, Virginia, now in its fifth year of performances.

Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood is showing at Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, NC. Grab your tickets here: https://parkwayplayhouse.com/tickets/get-tickets/