Quote of the Day:  Make them laugh, make them cry, and hack to laughter. What do people go to theatre for? An emotional exercise. I am a servant of the people. I have never forgotten that. Mary Pickford

The purpose of my blogs, particularly under this heading – Play off the Page, is to promote the arts, and most often that is performing arts, theatres both near and far, and of course, authors whom I’ve met or whose work inspires me. This summer, I have had the honor of being invited to many plays, book signings, and artist displays. Thank you, All! Also, this week, I am co-teaching a class called Kids and the Art of Writing for kids age 8-12. They are sweet, creative spirits, and I am even more inspired by what they create and how much they support each other.

Guy Kelm with Kids and the Art of Writing class, studying the artwork for inspiration.

Guy Kelm with Kids and the Art of Writing class, studying the artwork at the Q Gallery in Brainerd for inspiration.

Coming up on my calendar is a performance of My Antonia on Sunday at the Lab in St. Paul, MN by the Illusion theater. Come back for the review! I found the book by Willa Cather at a local used bookstore, and dove right into one of the great American novels by a female author. Mmm, it’s like lying on sweet smelling cut grass, gazing at the clouds, and sipping lemonade. Next week, I am excited to meet a blogger buddy, The Texas Playwright Chick, and we’ll both attend The Heiress at The Jungle Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Here’s a bit of their press release:

Acclaimed playwright-screenwriter Jeffrey Hatcher revisits his acting roots in the Jungle Theater’s production of THE HEIRESS, portraying Dr. Austin Sloper, a role he says he’s always wanted to play.  Artistic Director Bain Boehlke designs and directs the celebrated stage adaptation based on one of Henry James’ most memorable novels, Washington Square. The elegant costume drama, also stars Kate Guentzel in the title role of Catherine Sloper and her real-life husband John Catron as Morris Townsend, her suitor, supported by an all-star cast including Jennifer Blagen, Charity Jones, Wendy Lehr, Paris Hunter Paul and Anna Sundberg.

This Tony Award-winning play examines the conflict between painfully shy Catherine Sloper and her stern, inflexible father, Dr. Sloper.  When she falls in love with a handsome suitor, her father threatens to disinherit Catherine, convinced that the young man could only be interested in her fortune. This dramatic and suspenseful play features one of the most important female roles written for the stage. The play opens June 20 and runs through August 10 at the Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Av. S. in Minneapolis.

In addition to Boehlke, The Heiress creative team includes Bill Healey (lighting design), Amelia Cheever (costume design) and Sean Healey (sound design).

Performances of The Heiress are Tuesdays ($25), Wednesdays ($33) and Thursdays ($38) at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($43); Sundays at 2 p.m. ($38); and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. ($33). Senior, student and group discounts are also available, and rush tickets are available every night of the week 30 minutes prior to the performance for $10 off the regular price. Tickets are available at (612) 822-7063 or online to the Jungle Theater.

Go. Create. Inspire!

And, please, do your part to support your local arts and artists. Buy their books and artwork. Attend their plays, book signings and creative endeavors. “Like” their facebook pages, and click share to help them with promotions. Be the kind of person you would want to have supporting you.

Journaling Prompt:  What creative projects are you working on?