Arden Apprentice Showcase

Sun., June 15, 7 p.m.; Mon., June 16, 8 p.m.; Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St.,

by Mark Cofta

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Published: Jun 11, 2008

THEATER

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After a season of anonymous toil, the Arden Professional Apprentices celebrate with their annual showcase — a rite of passage and, judging from the several I've seen, a damn fun time. This year's graduating class, the 15th group to survive what managing director Amy Murphy conceived as a "theater boot camp," will perform four one-acts plus some improvisation in a free show Sunday and Monday nights slyly titled Trial By Fire ... In Old City.

"Each centers on the themes of what it means to be an artist and the idea of 'suffering for one's art,'" says apprentice Rachel Robbins of the plays. Two are Christopher Durang absurdities, "Mrs. Sorken" and "Business Lunch at the Russian Tea Room," plus comedies by Laura Cunningham ("Flop Cop") and Leanna Renee Hieber's "Favorite Lady," all directed by Theatre Horizon artistic director (and frequent Arden collaborator) Matthew Decker.

Expect the improvs to poke gentle fun at the Arden, which subjects its apprentices to 10 work hours a day, six days a week, rotating among all the company's departments while mounting a seven-play season in two theater spaces. Don't feel too sorry for them, though: Apprentices receive a hands-on, nationally recognized, first-rate theater education, launching careers — including many in Philadelphia (all of this year's group intend to stay) and several on the Arden staff.

"During our apprenticeship year, we have learned that to do theater is to be wholeheartedly committed and passionate," says Robbins. "Through all the grunt work and late nights, every step has made us even more committed." After all that, the apprentices deserve a little fun — and, fortunately, they share it with us.

Arden Apprentice Showcase

Sun., June 15, 7 p.m.; Mon., June 16, 8 p.m.; Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St., 215-922-1122, ardentheatre.org.

 

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