West Hudson Arts & Theater Company

WhatCo Volunteers: Kearny Tree Lighting
2024-12-05 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Volunteer with WhatCo! Join us at the Kearny Tree lighting. Volunteers are needed for caroling, tabling, and activity coordination!
Interested in performing with us in the community concert? Fill out the online form here and our director will be in touch. (rehearsals required)

Love and Communication
2024-12-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Arlington Players Club, 12 Washington Place, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater is excited to announce our first production of the 2024-25 Season! WHATCo’s River’s Edge Stage presents Love and Communication, a staged reading of the play by New Jersey playwright James Christy Jr., directed by Joseph Jones.
Summary: A young couple with conflicting points of view about how to treat their son’s autism use desperate means to do what they think is best for their child. This emotional staged reading will be followed by a “talk back” session with James Christy Jr., the cast, and other advocates about the impact of autism diagnosis on families.
Production Dates: December 6 & 7, 2024 @ 7:30 pm

Venue: Arlington Players Club, 12 Washington Place, Kearny 07032

Tickets: $20 Adults | $15 Seniors/Students

Buy Tickets

What is WHATCo’s River’s Edge Stage? Our River’s Edge Stage will present thought-provoking productions selected to engage and challenge audiences by tackling cutting-edge topics and issues. Each performance will be followed by a “Talk Back” session that will invite the audience, actors, and production staff to participate in an insightful discussion about each piece. These productions are for mature audiences.
Cast:

Auditions | Original Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
2025-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
Class of ’05, a Killer Reunion is an original murder mystery, written by NJACT Perry and Pioneer Drama award-winning playwright and author, Allyssa Hynes. This production is West Hudson Arts & Theater Company’s annual dinner theatre fundraising event.
This lighthearted murder mystery dinner show combines scripted scenes with moments of improv where actors will talk with guests in character.

Summary
In Class of ’05, a Killer Reunion, a murder occurs at their 20th reunion and two high school rivals compete to see who can solve the case first. Who will receive an “A” in sleuthing? Why did the killer strike?
At auditions, actors will read from sides and participate in improv exercises.

Audition Date & Times

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 7pm – 9pm
Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 7pm – 9pm

Location: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032
Production Dates: March 28 & 29, 2025
Rehearsals Begin: February 2025, exact schedule TBD
For questions, contact whatmm@whatconj.org

Actors over the age of 21 are invited to come to auditions where they can read from character sides and show off their improv skills.
Audition Sides (click title to download)

Side 1
Side 2
Side 3

Characters
Class of 2005 Characters
Actual age of actors does not matter, but they should be somewhat believable as mid 30-year-olds.

Dirk Rankley – the hated bully prankster in high school now trying to make amends.
Jenny B – Class President, Salutatorian. Very competitive. Rival to Jenny D. Set on solving the case.
Jenny D – Class Vice President. Valediction. Very competitive. Rival to Jenny B. Set on solving the case.
Mike Bright – Former football player. Stuck in thinking about his former glory days. Wears his Varisty jacket that doesn’t quite fit anymore. Married to Jenny B.
Claudia / Joshua – former melodramatic artist drama student, now teacher.
Kimberly – former cheerleader, now sells health supplements.
Amanda / Darren – former goth, now project manager.
Todd / Tara – former science nerd, now very wealthy.
Manny / Wendy – former mascot. Not really recognized.
Ryan / Rebecca – former AV kid, now web designer.

School Staff or Reunion Date Characters

Chris Charm – Jenny D’s date. A handsome and wealthy doctor.
Ron / Rhonda Hartfield – the school guidance counselor (both in 2005 and current). Trying to secure the scene keep peace until the police arrive.
Principal Spelling – the current principal of the school. Most likely younger than the Jennys.
Mr./Mrs. Whatsil – a teacher who has been at the school forever and sometimes gets confused.

West Hudson Arts & Theater Company values diversity and inclusion in casting, and in all other areas of the organization.

Class of '05 - A Killer Reunion | Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Fundraiser
2025-03-28 19:00 - 21:30 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
West Hudson Ars & Theater invites you save-the-date for another Murderous March and our annual murder mystery dinner theater fundraiser – “Class of ’05 – A Killer Reunion”, an original murder mystery written by NJACT Perry and Pioneer Drama award-winning playwright and author, Allyssa Hynes.

Date: March 28 & 29, 2025
Where: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032
Time: 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
About the Production:
In Class of ’05, a Killer Reunion, a murder occurs at their 20th reunion and two high school rivals compete to see who can solve the case first. Who will receive an “A” in sleuthing? Why did the killer strike?
This lighthearted murder mystery dinner show combines scripted scenes with moments of improv where actors will talk with guests in character.

Tickets: $50 per person (includes three-course meal, desserts, coffee, tea soda, interactive production)
Catering menu to be announced. Please note dietary restrictions on your reservation.

Buy Tickets

Written & Directed by: Allyssa Hynes
Stage Manager: Ash Nichols
Producers: Brandi-Leigh Miller & Nilanthi Sangarabalan
Costume Design: Roman Koster
Sound Design: Luis Andrade
Social Media: Michelle Almeida & Mike Raysor

CAST:
Jenny B. – Lauren Proda
Jenny D. – Emily Amadeo
Mike – John Jesse Jeffords
Claudia – Jessica Jones
Kimberly – Amanda Castro-Conroy
Amanda – Alexis Saarela
Rebecca – Karen Koronkiewicz
Wendy – Maggie Madere
Bittany – Iman Abdul
Dr. Chris Charm – Dylan Myers
Mr. Hartfield – Robert Strauch
Principal Spelling – Ed Shea
Mrs. Whatsil – Amanda Regan
Dirk – Jonathan Rueda

If you prefer to make your reservation by phone contact:
admin@whatconj.org or call/text (201) 540-WHAT (9428)
All calls will be returned within 24 hours
For questions, contact whatcomm@whatconj.org

Auditions: The Tempest | Shakespeare in the Park
2025-04-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Spanish Pavillion Restaurant, 31 Harrison Avenue, Harrison, 07029, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company is proud to announce open auditions for our Summer 2025 Shakespeare in the Park production! William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, will be directed by Matt Masiello.
The Tempest auditions will be held in-person as follows:
Date: Wednesday, April 16 & Thursday, April 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 pm
Location: Spanish Pavillion Restaurant, Event Room (downstairs), 31 Harrison Avenue, Harrison, NJ (parking available in the lot, additional street parking available)
Production Dates:
July 9, 16, 23 (at HACPAC)
Additional weekend dates in West Hudson parks to be announced.

** NOTE: Performances will be held outdoors in July at The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (102 State Street, Hackensack), with encore performances of The Tempest scheduled in outdoor venues in West Hudson (to be announced).
Questions? Please contact shakes@whatconj.org with questions or for additional information.

Actors ages 18-80+ are invited to read from the provided sides.
Please be prepared to list all conflicts between auditions and the production dates on your audition form.

Summary
The Tempest explores complex themes of power, freedom, empathy and forgiveness, and nature versus nurture, with Prospero’s journey of revenge and eventual release highlighting the destructive nature of control and the potential for reconciliation.

Cast of Characters:

Prospero: 50’s The play’s protagonist, and father of Miranda. Fifteen years before the events of the play, Prospero was the duke of Milan. His brother, Antonio, in concert with Alonso, king of Naples, usurped him, forcing him to flee in a boat with his daughter. The honest lady Gonzala aided Prospero in his escape. Prospero has spent his fifteen years on the island refining the magic that gives him the power he needs to punish and forgive his enemies.
Miranda: 20’s The daughter of Prospero, Miranda was brought to the island at an early age and has never seen any men other than her father and Caliban, though she dimly remembers being cared for by female servants as an infant. Because she has been sealed off from the world for so long, Miranda’s perceptions of other people tend to be naïve and non-judgmental. She is compassionate, generous, and loyal to her father. Will be required to learn dance choreography
Caliban: 30’s to 40’s, Another of Prospero’s servants. Caliban, the son of the now-deceased witch Sycorax, acquainted Prospero with the island when Prospero arrived. Caliban believes that the island rightfully belongs to him and has been stolen by Prospero. His speech and behavior is sometimes coarse and brutal, as in his drunken scenes with Stephano and Trinculo (II.ii, IV.i), and sometimes eloquent and sensitive, as in his rebukes of Prospero in Act I, scene ii, and in his description of the eerie beauty of the island in Act III, scene ii.
Ferdinand: 20’s, Son and heir of Alonso. Ferdinand seems in some ways to be as pure and naïve as Miranda. He falls in love with her upon first sight and happily submits to servitude in order to win her father’s approval. Will be required to learn dance choreography
Ariel: 20’s to 30’s Prospero’s spirit helper. Rescued by Prospero from a long imprisonment at the hands of the witch Sycorax, Ariel is Prospero’s servant until Prospero decides to release him. He is mischievous and ubiquitous, able to traverse the length of the island in an instant and to change shapes at will. He carries out virtually every task that Prospero needs accomplished in the play. Note, for this production the actor playing Ariel must be able to play a musical instrument. Will also be required to sing and learn dance choreography.
Alonso: 40’s to 50’s King of Naples and father of Ferdinand. Alonso aided Antonio in unseating Prospero as Duke of Milan fifteen years before. As he appears in the play, however, he is acutely aware of the consequences of all his actions. He blames his decision to marry his daughter to the Prince of Tunis on the apparent death of his son. In addition, after the magical banquet, he regrets his role in the usurping of Prospero.
Antonio: 50’s, Prospero’s brother. Antonio quickly demonstrates that he is power-hungry and foolish. In Act II, scene i, he persuades Sebastian to kill the sleeping Alonso. He then goes along with Sebastian’s absurd story about fending off lions when Gonzalo wakes up and catches Antonio and Sebastian with their swords drawn.
Sabrina: Late 30’s to 40’s, Alonso’s sister. Like Antonio, she is both aggressive and cowardly. she is easily persuaded to kill her brother in Act II, scene i, and she initiates the ridiculous story about lions when Gonzala catches her with her sword drawn.
Gonzala: Late 30’s to 40’s An, honest lady, Gonzala helped Prospero and Miranda to escape after Antonio usurped Prospero’s title. Gonzala’s speeches provide an important commentary on the events of the play, as she remarks on the beauty of the island when the stranded party first lands, then on the desperation of Alonso after the magic banquet, and on the miracle of the reconciliation in Act V, scene i. Note, this actor will also play Iris the fairy. Will be required to sing and learn dance choreography.
Stephanie: Late 30’s to 40’s, Stephanie, a drunken butler. Provides comedic relief for the play along with Trinculo. Hates her position in life. Uses Caliban and treats him as a servant throughout their scenes in the show. Actor playing Stephanie will also play the Master of the ship and Juno the Fairy. Must be able to sing and learn dance choreography.
Trinculo: Late 20’s to 30’s, A jester and bit a scaredy cat. When he see’s Caliban for the first time, he tries to think of a way to make money off of him. Actor Playing Trinculo will also play the boatswain and Ceres the fairy. Must be able to sing and learn dance choreography.

The Tempest Audition Materials
Side 1: Ariel, Prospero
Side 2: Ferdinand, Ariel, Prospero, Miranda
Side 3: Caliban
Side 4: Stephanie, Caliban, Trinculo
Side 5: Gonzalo, Alonso, Sabrina, Antonio, Prospero

West Hudson Arts & Theater Company values diversity and inclusion in casting, and in all other areas of the organization.
