Nature Community Chorus

The Project

Does being outdoors invigorate you? Would you like to perform in an ensemble of professional actors? This September, the Page Series and TigerLion Arts will present the beloved walking play Nature ~ the outdoor telling of Emerson, Thoreau and their mutual love of the natural world. The play is written and created by Minneapolis-based actor Tyson Forbes (a direct descendant of Ralph Waldo Emerson) and director/producer Markell Kiefer. 

The Community Chorus

The Community Chorus plays an integral role in the play, performing choral music and movement in specific sections of the piece and helping to guide the audience from scene to scene. This is a truly transformative opportunity for local students and community members to be integrated into a unique production and to get an inside view of how this professional, community-building experience operates. No prior acting experience or formal voice training is required, although participants should be able to carry a tune. Previous singing experience is a plus. Children under age 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Participants should be prepared to be outside in varying weather for at least 2 hours at a time and be able to walk on uneven ground.

Time Commitment

Participants will rehearse with local choral director Lindsy O’Shea in the weeks leading up to the performance. Rehearsals will be held in the Figliulo Recital Hall, located inside the Performance Center at Saint Mary’s. There will also be extensive rehearsals over the 3 days prior to the opening of the show. 

We understand that work and life schedules may prevent you from participating in every rehearsal and performance. TigerLion has asked that choir members participate in at least 3 of the on-site rehearsals (Sept. 4-6, including the Friday dress rehearsal). Since there is limited time for rehearsal before the performances, preference will be given to those who can most fully participate in rehearsals and performances. You will have an opportunity to indicate your availability in the interest form. 

The schedule is as follows:

Rehearsals in the Figliulo Recital Hall
Thursday, August 22 from 6 to 8 pm
Thursday, August 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm: 45-minute sectional rehearsals
Tuesday, September 3 from 6 to 8 pm

On-site rehearsals with TigerLion Arts
Wednesday, September 4 from 5 to 8 pm
Thursday, September 5 from 2 to 4 pm (optional)
Thursday, September 5 from 5 to 8 pm
Friday, September 6 from 10 am to 12 pm (dress rehearsal with school audiences)

Public Performances
Friday, September 6 at 6 pm
Saturday, September 7 at 2 pm
Saturday, September 7 at 6 pm
Sunday, September 8 at 2 pm

The run-time of the show is 90 minutes. Call time is 1 hour prior to showtime.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.