Kansas arts organizations feel sting of funding cuts

Middle school kids in Bourbon County probably won't make the annual trip to Kansas City, Mo., to see a play this year.

more at the Wichita Eagle

Actress Katie Keane to speak at Emporia State University

Topeka native and Hollywood actress Katie Keane will talk about what it takes to be a working actor in an upcoming lecture at Emporia State University.

more at the Topeka Capital Journal

"Harry's Chase" short film by Kevin McKinney

Harry's Chase

Starlight "Xanadu" review by Teresa Sheffield

Throughout the ages, muses have inspired mankind to make some of its finest art. Starlight Theatre’s production of the musical “Xanadu” is replete with a muse who is sure to amuse.

more at the University News

"Film Clips" by Larry Levenson

• The A&E Network and the producers of Dirty Jobs and American Chopper were in Lawrence holding auditions for just about any kind of talent. For information, go to www.pilgrimfilms.tv/casting.
• The Food Network was in Manhattan, Kan., shooting an episode of The Great Food Truck Race.
• The Sky Screamer is a new ride at Six Flags St. Louis, and a new television commercial was shot showcasing it. Sight & Sound Production Services in St. Louis the production company.
• Paula Smith's project Caruso and the Sword is moving forward. Paula had a successful table read in K.C. For more information on this family comedy movie, e-mail info@carusoandthesword.com.
• Misti Boland, Lawrence filmmaker, has scheduled her short movie "Good Night Jane" to commence shooting in Lawrence in the fall. Additionally, it is already 100% funded. Contact Misti at www.mistiboland.com or mistidust@gmail.com.
• A three-day commercial shoot took place in St. Louis with Carla Hall, from Bravo's Top Chef, as talent for Nestle's Purina Fancy Feast cat food.
• Wright/Laird Casting wrapped up casting for several Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City commercials.
• Congratulations to Michael Loftus of K.C., who just optioned his feature-length screenplay with Los Angeles production company Painted Saint Entertainment. We hope they make the movie in this area.
• Bark Productions of K.C. worked with the Kansas Department of Transportation shooting a commercial spot.
• Doug Stremel, Gizmo Pictures, is working with the Kansas Department of Travel and Tourism casting couples in their 30's, 50's, and 60's for a series of videos featuring the Kansas Byways. Contact him at doug@gizmopictures.com.
• David Wilson, a co-founder of the True/False Film Fest in Columbia, is finishing a documentary on Branson.

Are you a filmmaker in the KC area and want to submit news about your production to KC Stage? E-mail Larry at llevenson@kcstage.com before the 10th.

Todd Bolender's history with the KC Ballet

When Todd Bolender took over the struggling Kansas City Ballet in 1980, he knew he had to rebuild the company from the ground up. Bolender was 66 and the company was 24 years old. But according to news reports quoting ballet officials, the troupe was surviving “hand to mouth” and would have to hustle to come up with a $275,000 budget for Bolender’s first year.

more at kansascity.com

Inside the KC Ballet Bolender Center

The transformation of a long-vacant, grime-encrusted, coal-fired power plant into the Kansas City Ballet’s new Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity is a marvel of recycling.

more at kansascity.com

KC Ballet Bolender Center preview by Patrick Neas

As the Kauffman Center has risen before our eyes, another spectacular architectural achievement has been taking shape in a brick building just west of Union Station. After almost two years and $32 million, Kansas City Ballet is ready to unveil the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity.

more at kansascity.com