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Download the latest newsletter: Autumn, 2011 (Posted December, 2011)

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2011:

2010:

Monson Coffee House Unplugged

Coffee House Unplugged was once again an evening of great entertainment with proceeds benefitting the library. Below are some photos from the November 10th event:

Brent Northup and Barbara Keffer presenting Brent's original play reading, "My Mother-in-Law, Mrs. Barbeau"	Steven Riel in a poetry reading, "Sighted During a Whale Watch"	Jim Nothe giving a short story, "Quechee Dreams"	Barbara Keffer presenting her part of an original play reading by Brent Northup, "My Mother-in-Law, Mrs. Barbeau"
Audience members in attendance	Bunyan Road Players presenting Dr. Suess' "Green Eggs and Ham"	Reed Coles introducing Katie Krol (MFL Librarian and MC of this event)

Monson Arts Council Scholarship Awarded

On Wednesday evening, June 8, a combined senior awards night and graduation ceremony was held in Monson, one week after a devastating tornado swept through Monson on the day the awards night was originally scheduled. In a ceremony made memorable and poignant by the devastation on all sides, and highlighted by the appearance of Governor Deval Patrick, seniors received both their awards and their diplomas. It was in this context that the Monson Arts Council has awarded its third annual arts scholarship.

The scholarship, an award of $1,000.00, went to Jessica DiCristoforo, a graduating senior at Monson High School. Jessica combined admirably the qualities the council looks for it its applicants: an outstanding academic record combined with an active interest in the arts in her four years of high school. She has been active in local theatre since she was 10 years old. She will be enrolling at Boston University in the fall in the field of communications.

The scholarship is awarded "to any high school senior who has lived in the town of Monson for at least two years. The candidate should have a demonstrated interest and involvement in the arts." Applicants were asked to submit a portfolio or video/audio tape as appropriate, and were required to write a 250 word essay explaining the importance of the arts to their life and their community. The award goes toward their college expenses, and is contingent upon being in good academic standing after their first semester.

In her essay, Jessica writes “It wasn’t until I discovered acting that my life suddenly had purpose…. Being onstage for me was like stepping into a new world, one where I could be anyone and conquer any fear.” When as a high school junior she found that theatre had been cut in middle school, she went to the principal and offered to run a program for 5th and 6th grade students, producing a series of one-act plays. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that I provided them with the opportunity to experience art at its finest—onstage."

The scholarship is funded by means of the Monson Arts Council talent show, Western Mass Performs, which will be presented for the fourth time next February.

Ten Minute Play Festival

Monson Arts Council will sponsor original 10 minute play shows and/or story dance later in 2011 or in 2012. MAC is still searching for additional writers/dancers to submit scripts for this event. Support for those who need help with directing will be provided by Brent Northup and Ray Surprenant. The writer must be a Monson Arts Council Member. To join the Arts Council, please click here. Single membership cost is $10.00. Plays may be performed as a play or a reading. The writer must recruit his/her own actors. It must be an original 10 minute play, never performed before. Download the 10 Minute Play Festival Application (PDF Format) by clcking here. Deadline for submitting this 10 minute, 1 act play will be announced. Submission of the script should be sent to Brent Northup, 206 Butler Rd., Monson, Ma 01057, or via email at bnorthup12345@aol.com

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