TICKETS: http://trash.brownpapertickets.com/
Puppet Improv Project Presents “TRASH,” A New Summer Musical
Austin, TX – 5/20/2013 – This summer, the Puppet Improv Project (PIP) brings an eco-friendly story about “TRASH” to Austin’s Dougherty Arts Theater. Over the July 4th weekend, a crowd of colorful puppet characters - created from “trash” and recycled materials - hit the stage to tell a musical tale about the growing problem of waste in our cities.
“TRASH” presents the story of a harmless compost pile fed off the city's thoughtless waste, which quickly morphs into a monster trash heap that threatens to consume everything. Only when the city learns to manage their monster-sized waste problems do they regain control and rescue their citizens. A feel-good musical with original songs that’s fun for both the young and young at heart.
The small cast and crew of “TRASH” includes both PIP company members and veteran actors charged with the task of bringing the characters to life through the use of puppets, props and set pieces. Fun Fact: 90% of this show was constructed with recycled or repurposed materials.
“Trash” is co-created with actor/writer Joel Ausanka, and composer Ammon Taylor. Joel is a lifelong actor and Austin improv veteran who grew up on Jim Henson's Muppets and has always been fascinated with puppeteering and musical theater. He has performed in both improvised and scripted shows at The Institution and Hideout Theaters. Additionally, he brings a wealth of experience working with children, in both therapeutic and educational settings, most recently in Concordia Language Villages as a Spanish camp counselor and teacher. “Trash” combines his love of the theater and the joy of educating and inspiring children and adults alike. Ammon is a classically trained pianist currently pursuing a degree in Music Composition at the University of Texas. In addition to being actively involved in Austin's improvised theatre community, he writes music and performs for the Paramount Theatre's Literacy to Life program, and was recently the pianist and composer for ZACH's production of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid".
The Puppet Improv Project (PIP) started as an experiment in 2009 when the founder, Sara Farr, spent the year exploring puppet improvisation, and produced a kids show, a long-form musical, an all-women’s short-form show, and a series of appearances at “No Shame Theater.” Since then, the PIP has continued to grow and pursue its mission - to foster an interest in puppetry and improvisation in Austin. In 2011 the PIP became a sponsored project under the Austin Creative Alliance. With a yearly calendar of shows and workshops, the PIP continues to introduce Austin audiences to puppetry, while expanding the company’s performance skills and puppet technologies.
Puppet Improv Project presents “Trash”
July 5th 6:00pm & 7:30pm
July 6th 1:30pm & 3:00pm
Dougherty Arts Theater (1110 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX)
Tickets: $5 -- http://trash.brownpapertickets.com/
