How to go
What: Zoot Theatre Company’s production of “Sleepy Hollow”
Where: Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center, 116 N. Jefferson St., Dayton
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24; 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
Tickets/more info: Call (937) 875-9668 or e-mail thezoottheatrecompany@gmail.com
FYI: “Sleepy Hollow” will also be performed at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30 at the Short North Stage in Columbus and at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center in Troy.
Zoot Theatre Company is preparing a reboot this season that returns the unique and inventive mask/puppet troupe to its touring and collaborative roots.
Following two seasons in partnership with the Dayton Art Institute, which notably included terrific productions of “The Hobbit,” “The Rocky Horror (Puppet) Show” and “Animal Farm,” Zoot, founded in 2006, plans to perform at various locations within and outside the Miami Valley in an attempt to broaden its brand.
Company organizers particularly attribute the change of pace to the departure of co-founder Michael Sticka, who relocated to Los Angeles, and the desire to be more collaborative with organizations willing to expand their theatrical horizons. The company has also moved its offices back to the Zoot Studios at 306/308 Washington St., Dayton, where all rehearsals and show construction take place.
“It was really confining for us to do a traditional subscription series,” said Zoot board president Tina McPhearson. “Organizations would call us, and we would have to tell them we didn’t have time to collaborate. The company itself has not changed. We appreciate the three years we performed in the Mathile Theatre thanks to the Victoria Theatre Association and the two years of building a whole new audience at the Dayton Art Institute, but now we’ve decided to take a look at some different venues and more touring possibilities. Our goal for the season is to reintroduce everybody to Zoot.”
The company opened “Sleepy Hollow,” the first show of its season, Oct. 3 in Sidney.
Organizers are eagerly anticipating the company’s fundraiser Friday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St. The casual event incorporates catered hors d’oeuvres and wine, a photo booth, a live auction, an online auction, and an excerpt from “Sleepy Hollow.” Tickets are $25 for singles and $40 for couples. Reservations can be made by calling (937) 875-9668 or sending an e-mail to thezoottheatrecompany@gmail.com.
“We’re kicking off our season, making room for new puppets and getting new homes for our retired puppets,” said McPhearson. “It’s going to be a really fun, laidback night. Zoot is truly rebooting. The opportunities are out there and we’re ready to grab them.”
Directed and adapted by Zoot board member Aaron Vega, “Sleepy Hollow” is a family-friendly, 45-minute presentation of Washington Irving’s familiar short story surrounding superstitious school teacher Ichabod Crane. As Ichabod vies for the affection of the lovely Katrina Van Tassel, the infamous Headless Horseman looms large. The cast consists of Eric Arntz, Zoot co-founder/artistic director/puppet and mask designer D. Tristan Cupp, Mathys Herbert and Natalie Houliston. The production, which features original music by Rick Good and live drawings by Cupp, will be held Oct. 24-26 at the intimate, 60-seat Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center, 116 N. Jefferson St.
“We are essentially presenting a radio play version of the story,” said Vega. “This style allows us to tour the show well. … In this production, at any time, there are three puppeteers working one puppet, so we’re able to get maximum expression out of that puppet. I think it will be very fun for the audience to watch so much life going into one puppet.”
Zoot’s season continues with “The Velveteen Rabbit” Dec. 6 at the Victoria Theatre along with a production yet to be determined, which will be presented in the spring.
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